Resident Playbook’s Ratings Rise, But Critics Say It’s Coasting on Nostalgia and Unrealistic Drama
tvN’s Resident Playbook is seeing rising ratings, but not without controversy. While viewership has climbed from 3.7% at its premiere to 5.1% by the latest episode, many argue the show lacks medical realism and leans too heavily on the success of its predecessor, Hospital Playlist.
The series, a spin-off focused on young OB-GYN residents, has been criticized for scenes that some medical professionals and viewers call “pure fantasy.” Many viewers have pointed out that the show’s scenarios are wildly unrealistic. In Episode 3, for instance, first-year resident Oh Yi-young (played by Go Youn-jung) is shown postponing a surgery to comfort a patient and their guardian. Viewers criticized the scene as “pure fantasy, completely detached from reality.”
Another moment, where a doctor prepares items for an admitted patient, helps them put on socks, and leaves handwritten notes, also drew backlash. Comments included, “What hospital behaves like this?” and “I’ve never met a doctor like that in my life.”
Director Shin Won-ho responded, saying the show is meant to portray “what people hope for” and is dramatized accordingly. However, the mixed reception hasn’t stopped the ratings from climbing, largely credited to the guest appearances of Hospital Playlist alumni like Jung Kyung-ho and Ahn Eun-jin.
This strategy has helped attract fans of the original, many of whom admit they are watching “out of loyalty to Hospital Playlist.” Still, concerns are growing that the new cast of Resident Playbook is being overshadowed. While nostalgia-driven appearances have generated buzz, critics warn that relying too much on Hospital Playlist fame may prevent the spin-off from developing its own identity.
With more cameos expected in upcoming episodes, all eyes are on whether Resident Playbook can balance fan service with fresh storytelling, or if it will remain in the shadow of its iconic predecessor.
