Martin Millete

I can’t name any other K-drama (or any drama for that matter, not even the two older Reply series) that can top Reply 1988’s raw slice-of-life appeal. This show has an unpretentious take on a variety of themes that hit close to home (class differences, coming-of-age struggles, dreams, matters of the heart, and other realities of life). The entire production’s laser-sharp attention to detail is especially remarkable - good enough to pique my curiosity on how life in Korea was like back in the late 80s (its entire musical catalogue is simply a treat, yay Lee Moon-sae!). Also, it features a delicate balance of humor and seriousness that would leave you wanting more, never mind the fact that it has a higher-than-average running time of one and a half hour per episode. Every episode moved me deeply in all the right places, so much that the last episode (on the first time I finished the entire series) reduced my half-drunken self to tears. Consider adding Reply 1988 to your lineup if you’re looking for a satisfying slow-burn treat.