tvN Dominates Korean Weekend TV with Earth Arcade 3 and Resident Playbook
In a powerful showcase of its content prowess, South Korean cable channel tvN has secured top spots in both ratings and online buzz, thanks to the success of two major releases: the variety show Earth Arcade Season 3 and the drama Resident Playbook.
Earth Arcade Season 3, which premiered on April 25, opened with a comedic bang. Directed by Na Young-seok and Park Hyun-yong, the show features the chemistry-rich cast of Lee Eun-ji, MIMI, Lee Young-ji, and Ahn Yu-jin. The premiere episode scored a viewership rating of 3.2% (with a peak at 3.7%), claiming the No.1 spot among cable and general programming networks in its timeslot. Among tvN’s key demographic of 20–49-year-old viewers, it topped charts with a 2.0% average rating, outperforming even national broadcasters.
The popularity of Season 3 has skyrocketed, earning the show the second spot in the TV non-drama category in the Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex report for the 4th week of April. Its YouTube and social media videos have garnered nearly 20 million views, intensifying anticipation for the main storyline set in Abu Dhabi.
Resident Playbook, a spin-off of the beloved Hospital Playlist series and set in the Yulje Medical Center universe, also achieved new milestones. With creators Shin Won-ho and Lee Woo-jung at the helm, and under the direction of Lee Min-soo and writing by Kim Song-hee, the medical drama is steadily climbing. By episode 5, it recorded an average viewership of 6.1% (peak of 7.2%) and topped the TV–OTT buzz rankings for two consecutive weeks.
Actors Go Youn-jung and Jeong Joon-won, portraying the resident couple Oh Yi-young and Koo Do-won, respectively, ranked No.1 and No.2 in individual buzz as well. Collectively, Resident Playbook web and social videos have surpassed 350 million views, marking a record in FUNdex’s video view metrics.
Both shows benefit from their integrated intellectual property universes. Earth Arcade Season 3 continues its whimsical chase of the character Torong, shapeshifting its concept and cast dynamics each season. Meanwhile, Resident Playbook deepens the Yulje universe, featuring ties to flagship characters from Hospital Playlist via surprise cameos, much to fan delight.
Adding to the weekend line-up, tvN’s Unnie’s Produce Market 2 also captured viewers aged 20–49, securing the top spot among cable and general programming channels. Star guests like Lee Jung-jae and Im Ji-yeon are expected to deliver wholesome seasonal stories filled with laughter and heartwarming moments.
With compelling stories, strategic IP expansion, and unparalleled viewer engagement, tvN continues to redefine weekend television in Korea, setting a benchmark for future releases.
