It’s episode 2 time for SBS Fri-Sat night drama The King: Eternal Monarch, and there are ever only three ways a second episode could go: up, same, or down. I thought The King would increase in ratings but it stayed basically the same with second episode ratings of 8.4% and 11.6% in half episode increments. I found the world building messy and not properly explained in the first episode, this was a story that needed more exposition and normally I eschew that because I can extrapolate well enough. But the drama does both travel between universes and time travel which are different fantasy conceits and doesn’t explain either one properly other than through a historical artifact of a cut in half flute. It’s also annoying that the baddie ran into the alternate universe versions of his extended family and then killed them all within minutes, that’s just lazy writing. But still, I love me a wild expansive drama and this one promises it, I just have to put my analytical brain away and enjoy the pretty I guess.
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Everything with this show is meh. Cast has zero screen presence, no catchy ost to hype the scenes, bland excuetion, no chemistry, and weak direction. The first epi itself got mixed reviews second epi was equally boring.
Its a very different kind of drama and i believe as each episode goes by the suspense will be really exciting ...8.4% to 11 6% was even better than Goblin that managed a 6% in the first few episodes to start with n later it picked up fast n please remember this is the same writer who wrote Goblin . So a drama hit is not far off . I have full confidence it will turn out to be sonething out of this world ..like Goblin was
Biggest hit of 2019 fiery priest did same number for episode 2.
Heirs stayed in lowers tens for sometime and hit 20% later and became a blockbuster. King is doing amazing debuting double digit for the weeknd.
Double digit debut is good lol
And peaked at 14.7% at one point. Good thing is second half increased very well
It was top at advertising slot.
It will picl up the heat by 3 or 4 weeks when story paces up n plot is set. Dont bother about haters
@wanderers keep hating. It will do amazing
increased very well from 11.4% to 11.6% lol.
True.....Hahhaha...One of the crappiest intro in k drama i hve ever watched..No matter how much Lee Min Ho want to improve his acting...,Kim Eun Suk always give a boring drama to him and make him looks like a stick actor..#Flop
Rofl double digit is amazing start on public channels. It already made profit , peaked at nearly 15% and topped advertising slot. it will only rise!
That is great numbers for the second episode. It's a good start nonetheless. This is just the first 2 episode which was expected and usually they rise slowly
The numbers are decent for the first 2 episodes
It's actully impressive start despite clearly being on Netflix
it's a delusion to imply tbat being on netflix affects the domestic viewership rating of TKEM. When the Camellia blooms, CLOY and IC were also on Netflix.
ic started with lower than 5% and cloy with 6%. they all are in same ball range. so u think those were less successful ? lmao double digit debut is amazing but expected from u maria aka joane
you can't seriously compare 6% on tvn with 8.4% for the first part on sbs, please stop embarrassing yourself.
And you have to take whole episode not just one part. Then i can take peak rating of 14.7% for proposal scene as well if we r gonna use parts. Average is double digit for both episodes. Topped advertising slot. so yes its very good debut. Double digit average debut is never considered bad expect for haters like u. but ur fave had single digit average for debut weeknd. That is bad
how do you know who my fave is? just curious. did you read my mind?
Yes. Indeed. Quite respectable numbers to begin with. That is a relief. As I am already enjoying this drama
It is on par with fiery priest which was biggest hit of 2019. It was top 2 in korean netfkix. Top of many asian countries., top 3 in african, top 10 in mexico and india where k dramas r niche. It is already a blockbuster
The king has satisfying numbers for the local market despite clearly being on every single platform worldwide and who watches TV nowadays. All the youths have netflix around the world and the same with SK. It drops the same time for them. I reckon they will rather catch it on Netflix SK library
I was thinking the same who even watches TV nowadays. Most youths have Netflix as it's available Instant espeically in SK
Funny because IC, CLOY, etc. were also on Netflix but had much better local TV ratings despite being cable dramas lol
Agree CLOY's achievements are phenomenal both locally and in Netflix. CLOY ranked 4th among tv series across all streams even after having aired two months ago. That list has the likes of Money Heist, Elite,Ozark , Stranger Things etc. Also read an article in THE WASHINGTON POST two days ago which suggested tv series to watch during this pandemic. And for the rom-com section they recommended CLOY. It was the only kdrama in the entire list. The list didn't consist of only recent shows cause for other genres, even decade old shows were recommended. Major papers across the Globe were posting positive articles about it . Just like Parasite became CLOY has become immensely popular with the western audience.
I wanted to watch The King too,but now I m having second thoughts. Still LMH is famous and a bankable actor so I will give it a try.
What r u even talking about? King averaged double digit and peaked at 14.7%. Topped advertising slot. Ic n cloy did well but they werent double digits in first week.
Second it is number 2 in netflix korea as well as numbee ine throughout asia. Even top 10 in mexico and top 3 in nigeria. It is huge already
IC,CLOY were cable dramas ,so even if they were in single digits,it was still considered a good performance. Regarding the King, yeah it premiered at double digit and it is a good thing being aired in a public channel at prime time. If it maintains its momentum and manages to increase the ratings linearly with each episode just like CLOY or IC then for sure the ratings can easily surpass the 20 pc mark. Cable dramas should be multiplied by a factor of 2 before comparing with a public channel. The top 10 rankings in Netflix was started in mid Feb,just after CLOY ended but still it is going good after months and competing against famous english US tv shows across all platforms.And sure LMH is a Hallyu star and it is already given that his drama will trend in Asia and Korea while airing. If the story is gripping enough then it can surely fit into CLOY'S shoes by competing with other international shows.
I know cable dramas multiplied by 2. So king is on par with ic and cloy they r in same ball park.
I m just finding it funny people using it to discredit king.king second half had 11.6% already anf its peak was 14.7%. So it doing well already.
Internationally it is already huge fron ther very start. Cloy took time but king started already dominating overseas
I am relieved that the numbers are good locally but it's quality is above any imaginative numbers. It's geninuely a great series that is enjoyable.
I recall watching You 2 season couple of months ago and after Delilah died I had some rough withdrawals as she was my favourite character on the show. How can I ever get over that sexiness on the screen. But hopefully The King can slowly bring me back to tv in generally. Haven't watched anything since You 2.
As the movie industry is basically down currently and we are in lockdown it's nice to have someone like LMH come along in this period of time.
forgive me for my irrelevant off-topic rant I truly loved the The King: Eternal Monarch as it has some interesting elements and premise that is screaming explore my universe I am full of mysteries
Episode 2 was even much better than episode 1. It was a pleasant watch and high production value. I enjoyed all the characters and the premise
My exact sentiments. I share mostly the same opinion. It got even better even tho the first episode begin very strong but the second episode it just got even better.
I wanna find how they will connect the timelines and the multiverse which is a quite intriguing aspect of the drama aside from it's lavished cinematography and scale. It was a pleasant surprise overall that it had all the elements come together nicely in order to meet it's high expectations which it more than enough did. I am usually picky and hard to satisfy but this really did it's intended surprise on me. This makes me also wanna check out other works of KES and see if this is a one of thing of her work or not.
LMH is quite a subtle actor himself and did the handsome prince justice and the same goes to the cop female lead as things stand we get intersting clashes of personalities..
Its a pleasant combination of several things that makes it overall charming and intriguing at the same time. Can't wait for the next weeks episode as there is many questions that need answers
Okay. I won't lie I am loving the time-travel narrative in this one and there seems to also be some superpowers involved as well. Next week can't come faster for the the king's 3rd episode
Pretty much this. I loved the show entirely while having low expectations going into it. I was thinking okay entertain me. I was testing the waters sort of but than it happened. It started with a bang in the first episode and it grew on me further as the episodes continued in the second episode.
Another character I found great was the male cop partner of KGE. He was a great cast addition in my opinion. The dialogues seems to be interesting with less histornics. They kept the dialogues short and meaningful and trying to be more real life as possible with the dialogues. I love the fact that it's doing it's own thing of experiment in this drama.
What I wanna see is more screen time for our couple hence I love there inter-actions. I loved the hug it begin with bang all of sudden.
As of right now I need to explore this universe more. I loved the fantasy universe that exists. Can't wait for next weeks episode
LMH was as awesome as ever. I loved him in this drama last time I saw him was faith but I gotta say I love this drama. Its so far so good
Yes ep 1 is super messy! Thats why I prefer ep 2. Ep 2 is easier and more enjoyable. But there's many problem with this drama. LMH acting is so limit, He has no charisma just visual. I have problem with KGE acting too, but she still better than LMH. WDH and JEC are so weak. They dont fit their role. And no chemistry between main leads, the bromance felt so awkward and force. The PD is not good too, he ruined ep 1 for me.
But still Im curious with the parallel words, so I will stay watch this.
My sentiments exactly.
Something was missing both in ep 1 and 2. I dunno what but it's not like KES' work. But yeah, ep 2 is slightly better but zero chemistry and no charisma from both leads.
Kes and her team should cast some 'fresh' actors instead of the same old names. She hasnt casted Kim Soo Hyun... it would be great to see him in her drama and i bet, it would get more powerful impact since they havent worked together before.
But leeminho is really handsome lmao. Despite of having no charisma whatsoever, he has the royal presence. But he needs more than just visual.
KES change her PD. She working with PD Lee eungbok since dots, maybe this is the reason. I'm not really impressed with the current PD.
The actors is pretty weak lol, I already know it when I saw the teaser. LMH is handsome but I prefer charismatic actor than just the visual. But it will so much better if KES cast a pretty actress like KJW or KTR, so at least they will match visually.
Lmh is king of charisma but i expected from u. U will never like him. Anyways
I'm not the only one who said that, duh.
Yeah bunch of same people lmao who says the same thing. Why am i not surprised?
The same people? Did you check other place too? Lol
You really satisfied in his acting in there? Just watched gongyoo in goblin, thats what I called charisma and great acting.
Hahahahahaha...Kiss of charisma your butt
@tiani the same people saying it over n over@ l a h u wish! he is deal with i
@tinai nah i never liked it not him. Only place i like him in was train to busan. he bores me
I do agree with mostly the sentiment echo'ed here. Loved the drama to bits. As for the rating it's great for a content that is on netflix. Everyone has netflix around the globe on there tv's, laptops and even phones especially a place like SK. These with smart-tv would rather opt for netflix as the graphic is much better than station channel
it has topped netflix in many hallyu market even made top 10 of mexico
Just finished watching epi 2. It comes of like a fresh concept altogether. As said previously the content is obviously big budget. You can tell the effort put is amazing. I love the way they set up even the small details. I had great time watching. Waiting for more I wanna see how they will resolve the story-line and how it will develope further. Getting familiar with the cast is great. 9/10 from me
I agree second episode was rather disappointing.
I think the ratings are decent. I'm a huge fan of Lee MinHo but I'm not going wallpaper the ratings and call it a huge hit. The explanations of it being on Netflix and youths can view it on different platforms doesn't excuse it because how would you explain domestic rating hits like cloy, ic, and hotel del luna? It is a fact that the show is a hit but not a huge one at the moment. The next several weeks will be the de facto determination of it being a huge hit.
I look forward to next week despite the flimsy writing and lack of chemistry between the main leads.
@laura
well explained. i like it. it's an objective comment.
Thank you. If I want others to do the same, then I must do it myself haha
Yes. Next week is crucial. Most of the past KES' drama peak by episode 4. As to CLOY, yeah, I agree that it was also criticized for low ratings and one of the excuses is the Netflix's ratings. Nevertheless, it started to peak at double digit by Episode 8. So, TKEM has still a great chance to prove that it is a huge hit in the making.
@ thylane
Your intel is correct. If we are to follow kes drama history, monarch will gradually become a mammoth super hit haha
Crossing my fingers for the writing to tighten and better interactions between the main leads in the next several episodes. It has a story but it’s still ultimately a romance driven drama, so I desperately need more oomph from the main couple, if not possible just alter the ships or focus more on the story and decrease the awkward love scenes.
@Laura
I wish all nothing but the best to TKEM team. I know there is something in this drama that KES prepared. So, I will just enjoy the drama together with my other favorite, TWOM and stop the nonsense hating, if applicable.
@ thylane
I think you’re right, I think there will be a handful of interesting and terrific surprises kes will throw at us along the journey haha
Yes keep doing you, some people on this website go beyond the limits because of ulterior motives. I like your spirit in sparring against those who are out of line :)
I agree. But CLOY was also criticized for low ratings and Netflix was also blames for such. Nevertheless, it still made to become a huge hit. As such, I still have trust to TKEM to be a huge hit. It's too early to judge it based on first 2 episodes.
@ mr. lim
Yes it’s too early to say, KES dramas tends to take time to catapult to higher ratings.
The writer behind Cloy doesn’t have strong consistency, so it’s not surprising it started average ratings-wise. Also the teasers and promo posters were horrid. Star power can only carry so far. Word- by mouth is a crucial factor to the success of a project.
CLOY started with 6 pc which is a pretty decent start for a cable drama and its ratings were consistently increasing with each passing episode until the hiatus that ruined the rating momentum few times. Also the drama before CLOY, which was Melting Me Softly ended with around 2-3 pc ,so it required some time for tvn to draw audience in that time slot.
There were other good dramas such as VIP, Stove League ,RDK2 etc were also airing.
However it is still too early to talk about TKEM ratings as it is only two episode old. However,agree with Koala that it is constant and should have increased.
@ Liz
You’re right, I forgot cloy was on a cable network. So its premiere number is pretty strong. You’re right Melting Me Softly probably cause audience to lose some goodwill for that time slot.
Why bother much with the rating...?
Because it wiĺl give the team a daesang. With high rating, their portfolios will look decent. Their salary will get higher than before. They'll get more cfs. And of course, more money and fame. Plus, it will be written in tv history.
I bet the drama team wants to be remembered as the drama with high rating instead of low rating.
Even tho, some people said that rating isnt everything but who doesnt want to get daesang? Money? Fame? Status in kdrama history?
Ratings are imperative not just because of bragging rights alone but for the investors, they need good ratings so they can get paid more money from advertisers and to recoup their investments.
And it topped advertising slot and making bank there!
@ady
I was explaining to tiani why ratings are important to dramas but it’s great that monarch is satisfying advertisers.
I mean the rating just drop a little and people acted like its already flop. We just in ep 2, the drama is not bad, its good. There's many interisting parts. I'm sure it will up in next ep or maybe in the middle, like how KES drama always did.
Its ratings r on par with fiery priest which was biggest drama of 2019. Heirs stayed in lower tens for long time before it became massive. It was in top 2 of netflix kor3a but started with double digit. Second half ratings are nearly 12%. And peaked at 14.7%. Topped advertising slot. What mor3 u can expect.? Double digit in todays age n time espeically for debut week is amazing. Ic started with less than 5% and cloy with 6%. So it is on par with those 2 dramas
There is nothing to sugarcoat. Its average is in double digit and that is good debut for any drama
CLOY started with 6 pc which is considered quite good for a cable drama premier specially at that time during December .Cable dramas were going through a downfall back then. And the ratings could increase only due to its story and acting. Before CLOY, Melting Me was airing which was a disaster .So I believe it also had some effect in the premier ratings. And those were very bad times for tvn with its multiple dramas underperforming. IC also picked up its pace due to its acting and unconventional script.Hi Bye Mama's premier ratings were also higher than ICs but it failed to improve its performance unlike IC.It was Kim Tae Hee's comeback plus got some push from CLOY as well,thus initial rating was good.
I think people are complaining about the King's rating because they expected explosive ratings due to the various shining factors. What it got in the first two episodes was indeed very good but only with respect to a regular drama. People expected more as so many things were attached with this highly anticipated project. Plus due to COVID issue many recent shows were enjoying higher ratings ,so it was assumed, it will be cakewalk for the King. However it is too early to comment on the ratings. I think it has fair chances to improve.
@liz i have to disagree fully. when u have hyun bin and son ye jin promoting you, 2 megastars in korea, ratings was good. so was ic which is based on famous toon. King debuted with double digit so they all are in same ball range. So excuses for one and to throw other one under the bus is just double standards here
King ratins are amazing and it second half increased by 3%. Its peak rating was 14.7% at one point Already topping netflix many countries
If some fans were expecting it to to debut with 20% they are just dumb. Heirs took time to hit 20% and went on to become huge success.
Double digit is good start and with plot being setup in coming week, ratings will start increasing with time
covid isnt helping other dramas at all. so if people wanna watch they will. if not, they wont simple
Laura btw it is massive on netflix asia already even making top 3 in nigeria top 10 in mexico. It is already a success
You can disagree with me but I was just defending CLOY's stance by replying to some comments which said CLOY'S initial ratings were poor. Where did the double standards come from?Read my comment carefully.I didn't make excuses for CLOY while downplaying The King. There was no comparison. DID I SAY THE KING'S RATINGS WERE BAD? NOPE,right?
i guess i misread but ur comment came out like that to me.
@ ady
I agree monarch is a hit internationally but not currently a hit on the levels of kes recent past dramas but it can be in time. It really depends on the writing and if the chemistry improves. Kes has mostly a good cast esp with lee min ho as the lead, so it needs to focus on utilizing the cast talents more.
check netflix ranking. it debuted amazing worldwide so how it is not big internationally ofcourse it has 7 weeks to go to see full success. Heirs has same trajectory laura. And heirs become hit overseas midway. King already has started topping netflix rankings in asia, even making top 10 in mexico
I guess we have to disagree
As in recent I was referring more to descendent of the sun and kes dramas after that. Netflix wasn’t too big during heirs era. But yes internationally, monarch is doing pretty good.
But yes, monarch ratings can improve immensely. Although ratings is important, I care more of the quality of the story, I hope writer kes do her job well. She made a huge mistake casting female lead.
What with the comments here? Being available on netflix is such a excuse for low rating. Haven't anyone read reviews about first two epi. The drama is receiving mixed reviews from knetz . Cast and the development of the plot is been critized. Its getting better respond from inetz but nowhere at the level of goblin or dots.
The ratings are not low, it's a decent start
However, I agree on the exaggeration of some of the posters here by blaming Netflix and other streaming services. Because then you will have to look at other recent hits and they are also in Netflix. I don't like people stretching the truth.
The writing isn't the greatest esp on ep 2, but I'm all here for my bae lee min ho ?
Laura u need to understand double digit rating is no bad at all. It is on par with fiery priest which was massive show. It is ur expectations which are unreliastic. A drama.making double digit average in debut week is amazing and its peak was 14.7% and increased in second half. It is doing great. It was in korean netflix top 2 and still did double digit. So amazing
@ ady
When did I say the ratings were bad or low? I said it was decent and that it is a good start.
They're LMH fans, that's why. Itaewon Class (and several other hits from last year) was also Netflix but it didn't affect the local viewership ratings. IC had an impressive rise in ratings in early episodes and ended with double digit average despite being a cable drama and not being backed by KES.
Ic is based on famous toon and debuted with less than 5% and took time to hit double digit. so have no point here?
King increased second half by 2 % and peaked at 14.7 at one scene. Only idiots like u can call double digit debut bad when ur fave is incapable of it
Who is making excuses? It debuted with double digit rating and averaging double digit. On par with fiery priest the biggeat hit of 2019? So ur point here?
Heirs also were in tens for long before it become mega smash. So there is no exvuse bcoz double digit rating is amazing debut.it is u guys who r making narrative and international hit matters . It is already top of many countries
LMH never had a drama outside of the main three channels so it wasn't as hard for him to reach a double digit rating. The ratings would have been a total disappointment if it wasn't for sbs.
@its okay
It’s difficult to get good ratings in public channels for the past few years, so monarch is doing pretty great.
if and what doesnt counts. Its ratings woulld be on par with ic n cloy if it was on cable. so all r in same ball park
And ratings are not disappointment at all. It was ur fave drama which did single digit average on sbs whereas king did double digit rating. Double digit rating average is considered great debut for any public channel expect for haters who have no logic
cant wait when show will grow bigger week after week and u haters will burn more