2026 K-drama viewership ratings: The Judge Returns leads the New Year charge
Explore the 2026 K-drama viewership ratings trends for the first week of Jan. See how The Judge Returns and To My Beloved Thief are performing against existing hits.
The 2026 K-drama race has officially begun. While some 2025 hits bowed out this week, fresh contenders are already shaking up the charts with impressive premieres from December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
2026 K-drama viewership ratings: New Beginnings
According to data from Dramabeans, Nice to Not Meet You took its final bow just in time to welcome the new year. As one chapter closed, two major premieres, The Judge Returns and To My Beloved Thief, arrived with significant momentum, capturing the interest of audiences looking for fresh stories in 2026.
However, it wasn't a winning week for everyone. Love Me experienced a slight dip in ratings as viewers explored the newer options. Meanwhile, mainstay titles like Taxi Driver, I Dol I, and Our Golden continued to hold their ground with steady viewership throughout the holiday period.
The Competitive Landscape in Early 2026
The shift in ratings suggests a highly competitive season ahead. Broadcasters are leveraging the 'New Year effect' to launch high-budget series, capitalizing on the temporary void left by the completion of popular 2025 dramas.
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