Resident Playbook vs. Heavenly Ever After: Weekend Drama Battle Heats Up in Second Half
On May 11, episode 10 of tvN’s Resident Playbook recorded a 7.5% viewership rating according to Nielsen Korea, marking its highest rating yet. This is more than double its premiere rating of 3.7%, reflecting a steady upward trend. Despite some negative public sentiment before its airing due to a medical strike, Resident Playbook has delivered impressive results, breathing new life into tvN’s struggling Saturday-Sunday drama slot this year.
Recent episodes featured Oh Yi-young (played by Go Yoon Jung) and Koo Do-won (Jung Jun-won) finally starting a romance, with their heart-fluttering moments earning enthusiastic responses from viewers. The drama’s success despite pre-airing controversy over a medical strike reflects its strong storytelling and audience appeal.
Meanwhile, JTBC’s Saturday-Sunday drama Heavenly Ever After also hit its peak rating of 6.9% for episode 8 on May 11, according to Nielsen Korea. While some viewers criticized recent episodes for scattered pacing, causing mixed reactions, the ratings remained strong. Starting with a solid 5.8% for its premiere, the drama had fluctuated between 5–6% before nearing the 7% threshold.
Additionally, SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama The Haunted Palace has heightened the weekend drama competition with high ratings. From its premiere to its latest episode 8, Gwigoong has consistently maintained 8–9% ratings, continuing SBS’s streak of successful Friday-Saturday dramas in 2025.
With only two episodes left until Resident Playbook concludes and four episodes remaining for Heavenly Ever After, both dramas are racing toward their finales on a high note. All eyes are on whether these rising stars can end on a strong note.
