MBC's once-popular dramas have found themselves stuck in the dreaded 0% viewership slump, increasingly fading from the public's attention. While it's true that with the rise of OTT platforms and the abundance of content available, viewership ratings aren’t everything anymore, it's still disheartening to see MBC's ambitious Friday-Saturday time slot for dramas unraveling.
Earlier this year, the dramas that aired failed to gain traction, both in terms of buzz and viewership, leading many to wonder if the upcoming drama 'Oh My Ghost Clients,' set to premiere on the 30th, can change the tide. Starring Jung Kyung Ho, this comedy-fantasy drama promises an engaging storyline where a labor lawyer with the ability to see ghosts navigates a series of labor-related problems.
Directed by Im Soon Rye, known for films like 'Forever the Moment' and 'The Point Men,' and written by Kim Bo Tong, who previously worked on the acclaimed OTT drama 'D.P.,' and Yoo Seung Hee, the screenwriter behind 'I Can Speak,' 'Oh My Ghost Clients' has already generated interest from both fans and industry insiders alike.
Of course, it's premature to judge a drama before it even airs, but MBC's timing remains questionable. While MBC's dramas have been consistently stuck in the 1-2% viewership range, SBS has seen significant growth. For instance, 'The Haunted Palace,' which began airing on April 18, achieved a promising 9.2% viewership on its first episode. The historical drama also has the advantage of attracting a broader demographic, including older generations, which could lead to further viewership growth. With six episodes already aired, MBC's 'Oh My Ghost Clients' will face tough competition when it premieres.
An industry insider commented, "Recently, the quality of content has become more important than just the viewership ratings for terrestrial TV dramas. Therefore, broadcasters are now paying more attention to platforms like Netflix, TVING, and Disney+ where shows are also being re-aired." This shift in focus urges caution in making quick judgments.
However, the competition remains fierce. While 'The Haunted Palace' is available on Netflix, 'Crushology 101,' which is currently airing, is streaming on TVING.
Another source reflected on the decline in MBC's drama viewership, saying, "The title MBC=Drama Kingdom has long disappeared. Although recent results haven’t been promising, MBC's legacy and efforts won't crumble overnight. Still, it's disappointing to see the network’s steady decline in dramas, especially since its news programming is still performing well."
As 'Oh My Ghost Clients' prepares for its premiere, all eyes will be on whether it can defy the odds and rejuvenate MBC's drama lineup.
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