Weekend Drama Showdown: JTBC, MBC, and SBS Compete for Viewers' Attention

The weekend primetime battle is heating up as JTBC, MBC, and SBS each launch new dramas, vying for viewers' attention. With stars Lee Jin-wook, Lee Bo-young, and Yoon Kye-sang leading the charge, the question remains: who will emerge victorious?

JTBC's weekend drama 'Esquire' is set to premiere on the 2nd of next month. The series, which delves into the lives of lawyers, is expected to continue the stable ratings of its predecessor, 'Good Boy.' Lee Jin-wook's sharp image and urban charisma as a lawyer are anticipated to enhance the show's courtroom drama appeal.

Lee Bo-young returns to network television after eight years with MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Mary Kills People,' airing on the 1st of next month. The drama explores the story of a doctor assisting terminally ill patients with assisted death and a detective tracking them down. Lee Bo-young takes on the role of Woo So-jung, a veteran emergency medicine doctor, showcasing her acting prowess.

SBS is betting on Yoon Kye-sang in the drama 'Try,' where he plays the eccentric coach Joo Ga-ram, leading a high school rugby team to a national championship. Despite the previous show's lackluster performance, 'Try' has shown promising ratings, recording 4.4% in its second episode.

All three dramas face challenges in terms of 'freshness of material.' Legal dramas are already represented by tvN's 'Seocho-dong,' while medical dramas have been a staple with series like 'Dr. Romantic,' 'Doctor Cha,' and 'Hospital Playlist.' As a result, 'Mary Kills People' must rely on character-driven narratives and strong performances. 'Try' offers a fresh take with its rugby theme, but the unfamiliar sport may pose challenges in terms of popularity and accessibility.

Cultural critic Ha Jae-geun told TenAsia, "There's no special formula for weekend dramas. The key is how well they deliver a solid story within familiar themes. Medical dramas are a proven genre, and if they capture the urgency of the setting, they can succeed. Legal dramas, while familiar, can also resonate if they present a compelling human story."

Ha added, "It's uncertain how a niche sport like rugby will resonate with the middle-aged audience that typically watches weekend dramas. This programming choice is a gamble."

Ultimately, it's the quality of the narrative that will capture viewers' hearts. As Lee Jin-wook, Lee Bo-young, and Yoon Kye-sang engage in a fierce acting showdown, the true winner remains to be seen.

By Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr