JTBC’s drama series “Doctor Cha” has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, rapidly climbing in popularity and securing a spot on Netflix’s official weekly top 10 charts for non-English series. The show, which debuted with a 4.9% viewership rating on April 15, has consistently gained traction, with its latest episode reaching an impressive 16.2% rating on Sunday. This achievement made it the highest-rated program across all cable channels in its time slot.
Available on Netflix, “Doctor Cha” has made its way onto the top 10 daily streaming chart in 17 countries, including Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia, as reported by streaming service analytic platform FlixPatrol. The series even claimed the top spot in four countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
Produced by STUDIO&NEW, “Doctor Cha” centers on the life of Cha Jeong-Suk (played by Uhm Jung-Hwa), a dedicated housewife who sacrificed her medical career 20 years ago to care for her family. After a near-death experience, she resolves to leave her domestic life behind and reignite her career, embarking on a journey as a first-year resident at the hospital where her husband, Seo In-Ho (Kim Byung-Chul), serves as a chief surgeon.
As Cha Jeong-Suk navigates the demanding world of medical training, she confronts various obstacles on her path to self-discovery, including her husband’s affair with a fellow doctor and his first love, Choi Seung-Hee (Myung Se-bin). The series’ production company attributes the show’s relatability to its portrayal of the protagonist’s journey within a patriarchal culture that is prevalent in many Asian regions.
“Doctor Cha” showcases the talent of emerging scriptwriter Jung Yeo-Rang and director Kim Dae-Jin, known for his work on Tving’s “The King of Pigs” (2022). The series exemplifies STUDIO&NEW’s dedication to nurturing creative talent and prioritizing potential. The production company boasts a successful track record, having produced hit series such as “Descendants of the Sun” (2016), “The Beauty Inside” (2015), and “The Devil Judge” (2021).
“Doctor Cha” is available for streaming on Netflix and Tving.
