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If the dramatic flair, the intricate plots, stunning visuals, and the charged performances of the K-dramas were to collide with the plotlines of some of the American shows, the internet would implode. It would become even more intriguing to watch.
The visual storytelling alone would be a feat for the eyes. K-dramas can also elevate cinematic beauty and have meticulous attention to detail. The emotional impact of these K-dramas with the plots of American shows would definitely leave the viewers reeling. So, let’s dive right in.
Note: This article reflects the author's personal opinions
If these American shows were K-dramas, they’d break the internet
1)The Bear
Carmy Berzatto is an intense and incredibly talented chef. After the death of his brother, he decides to start afresh and renew his brother’s sandwich shop. Though Carmy’s skills are way better as he used to work at a Michelin-starred restaurant, this new sandwich shop starts to give him some trouble initially.
The plot of this series is intriguing. However, it would have gained even more fame and widespread acclaim if it were a K-drama. Though The Bear is intriguing and is perfectly capable of showcasing the storyline, a K-drama recreation would be so much more fun.
The high-stakes kitchen environment and the character developments would be a great setting for a K-drama. Though several K-dramas have a similar backdrop of developing a business from scratch, one example is Itaewon Class. Park Seo-jun’s character has explored the struggles of creating a booming business from scratch.
2) Grey’s Anatomy
Anything written by Shonda Rhimes never fails to capture the viewers' attention. Though Grey’s Anatomy is in itself an extremely successful medical drama, it can't be denied that South Korea has some of the most well-written and well-executed medical K-dramas of all time.
As we know, Grey’s Anatomy has been one of the longest-running medical dramas, which is still ongoing. However, K-dramas are usually 16 to 20 episodes. It would be great to see a K-drama that is this long-running.
As medical kdramas have the tendency to be extremely accurate and knowledgeable, along with well-developed characters which are very similar to the real world, a long-running medical Kdrama like Grey’s Anatomy would be a treat to K-drama lovers.
Dramas such as The Doctors have a very similar setting to Grey’s Anatomy, though it is not as long-running as Grey’s Anatomy, it remains one of the best medical K-dramas.
3) Succession
Succession is one of the most intense shows that revolves around the world of conglomerates. The more accurate term in the Korean context would be the world of the chaebols. There is no denying that K-dramas have some of the most intriguing plotlines revolving around the chaebols.
These K-dramas have some of the most exquisite backdrops showcasing the extravagance of the rich people. Though the problems these chaebols face are not very similar to common man, their problems are extravagant as their lifestyle.
Succession is a gritty drama. However, it would be great to see its Korean version as well. As mentioned earlier, there are numerous K-dramas with a similar trope, yet Sky Castle does capture the tense competition, intense schemes, and blackmailing that Succession has.
4)The Last of Us
The Last of Us, with its most recent series, has broken the internet, but could there be a possibility for more success if it were a K-drama? Though this is a hypothetical situation, it cannot be denied that K-dramas are definitely experts in depicting zombie storylines.
If we look at the sheer number of K-dramas that revolve around a post-apocalyptic world facing zombies, we would definitely be surprised. However, it is very difficult to compete with Pedro Pascal’s portrayal. He has depicted Joel’s emotions, struggles, and experiences in a nuanced manner.
The plotline of Sweet Home can be considered very close to the storyline of The Last of Us. It gives the viewers similar dangers with the creatures that have further developed their hunting skills, and the humans fighting tooth and nail to survive in the changed world.
5) Gossip Girl
To imagine the premise of Gossip Girl with the backdrop of a K-drama does sound intriguing. Gossip Girl was released in 2007 and continued till the year 2012. Hence, a newer rendition of this intense drama, which revolved around a group of privileged teenagers, would be the perfect plot for a K-drama now.
Dan struggles as the outsider, while Serena and Blaire’s competition to be the it girl could be depicted in a K-drama. Although usually in K-dramas we see the female lead coming from humble roots, it will be great to see a twist in this perspective.
Though a similar kind of tension and dramatic appeal can be found in the K-drama, The Heirs, getting a K-drama version of Gossip Girl sounds even more fun.
6) Friends
Friends has catered to a huge generation. Though the series still has the same appeal, it might not be relevant to the newer generations, especially some of the jokes and the plotlines.
Although it cannot be denied that recreating a similar show with this popularity is definitely a difficult task, a K-drama featuring a group of friends navigating through their lives in a K-drama setting does sound intriguing. Reply 1988 and My First First Love do have a similar tone and intrigue like Friends.
7) ER
ER is undoubtedly one of the best medical dramas of all time. It is one of the longest-running medical dramas as well. ER masterfully weaves the intense world of medical emergencies along with the personal struggles. Though many medical dramas fail to bring a realistic aspect, it is not the case for ER.
It does capture the realistic aspects of the healthcare system along with the intricacies of the characters. Hence, a K-drama with the storyline of the ER would definitely break the internet in no time. The main aspect of recreating this intriguing medical drama into a K-drama would be to amplify the inherent melodrama and intensity. A similar medical K-drama with the intensity of ER can be found in Doctor Stranger.
8) 30 Rock
30 Rock is one of the most hilarious yet intriguing shows. If we throw in the classic K-drama tropes in this show, it would definitely be a world-class K-drama. The clash of personalities and the hilarious jokes that the characters crack in 30 Rock are truly one of a kind.
The comedic chaos, along with the heartfelt moments, would be the perfect blend for a K-drama. Though there aren't many shows with a similar trope, Shooting Stars does have numerous similar chaotic elements to 30 Rock.
9) The Idol
Jocelyn and Tedros’ intriguing and complicated relationship in The Idol has received both positive and negative responses from viewers. However, one thing that cannot be denied is that The Idol had immense potential to become ‘the’ show.
It has all the right elements to create a masterpiece, from an ensemble cast to an intriguing storyline to amazing songs; it has it all. Although choices may vary from person to person, it cannot be denied that The Idol was truly an out-of-the-box series.
A K-drama with a similar plot would definitely break all the records. A K-drama with a similar trope can be found in Celebrity. It has the provocative exploration of fame, along with a woman’s fight to regain her self-worth.
10) Suits
The intriguing relationship between Harvey Specter and Mike Ross is truly one of a kind. On one hand, we have a top-tier lawyer who never loses a case. On the other hand, we have his associate with photographic memory. However, the storyline is not as simple as that. Mike’s secret can ruin everything they had created.
There is hardly any series with the same intensity and exciting plot narrative as Suits. Hence, a K-drama version of this series would be incomparable. K-drama adaptations would definitely delve deeper into the backstories and vulnerabilities of the characters, making the show binge-worthy just like Suits. A K-drama with a similar setting is Hyena.
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