Need More C-Dramas? Here Are the Must-Subscribe Streaming Platforms
Although South Korean dramas are enjoying their moment in the sun, viewers are also flocking to limited series and movies coming out of China.
So if you're looking for a good C-Drama, where do you go? Here's our list of the four most recommended platforms. We'll break down the choices below.
- Best Overall Choice: Rakuten Viki
- Best for Wuxia Drama: iQIYI
- Best for Short Dramas: Tencent
- Best Price: YouTube
Best Overall Choice: Rakuten Viki
Commonly known as 'Viki', this streamer is the popular choice for most Asian content – and for good reason. The platform hosts thousands of dramas from a number of countries, meaning that a subscription will give you access to a ton of C-Dramas as well as popular K- and J-Drama options.
Viki is also extremely user friendly, and having an in-house team of translators means that the subtitling is generally of a high caliber. Recently, they added the ability to host a 'Watch Party', meaning that you can watch shows with friends and loved ones while chatting via the Live Chat function.
What Does It Cost? CAD$7.99 - $12.99 per month
Where is it Available? You can access Viki from most countries.
Best for Wuxia Drama: iQIYI
The subtitling isn't as good as Viki's and the platform is less popular, but if you're looking for Wuxia drama then iQIYI is your best bet. (Wuxia is a genre centered on the adventures of martial artists in ancient China, and there are a number of great titles on iGIYI that are difficult to find elsewhere.)
One thing that makes iQIYI stand out is the fact that, like Netflix, it has started investing in the production of original content. That includes dramas, variety shows, reality television, and other projects that are exclusively available for subscribers. And although the interface is less friendly than Viki's, you can still search for shows and make a watchlist for yourself.
What Does It Cost? There is currently a 'new member special' that will allow you to subscribe for only CAD$1.99 per month!
Where is it Available? You can access iQIYI from most countries.
Best for Short Dramas: Tencent Video / WeTV
Tencent is working hard to catch up with its bigger cousins, dropping new content constantly. Although the library is smaller than Viki, this is the place to go if you're looking for mini-dramas. Tencent also carries a TON of costume dramas that you can't find anywhere else.
One minor issue here is that you can create a watchlist online, but that list isn't accessible when using the TV app. However, it seems likely that this problem will be fixed in the near future.
What Does It Cost? $5.99 per month
Where is it Available? Depending on where you are in the world, you may need to subscribe to either the WeTV app or Tencent Video, and availability is patchy. Check it out in your app store to see if your country is covered.
Best Price: YouTube
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You might be surprised to learn that a lot of C-dramas are available on good old-fashioned YouTube. And we mean a LOT. It's not a case of piracy, either – a lot of production companies post their dramas on YouTube and collect ad revenue from viewers happy for the free platform.
Of course, YouTube Premium will give you the ad-free experience, if that's what you're looking for. Although YouTube is less predictable than the other streamers in terms of what you can find (and how good the subtitles are – woof), in terms of accessibility it's a great option.
What Does It Cost? Nothing!
Where is it Available? Everywhere!