Cover Façade of Singaporean shophouses reminiscent of the affluent neighbourhood of Emerald Hill (Photo: Pexels / Calvin Seng)
Façade of Singaporean shophouses reminiscent of the affluent neighbourhood of Emerald Hill (Photo: Pexels / Calvin Seng)
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Roam around the pastel-coloured neighbourhood of ‘Emerald Hill’, be drawn into the intricate drama of the Crawley family and their servants, and more in these popular television series about the spirited life of high society on various streaming platforms
One of the things that makes shows an incredible binge-watching experience is the amount of meticulousness poured into their details. We see this in grand television programmes like Emerald Hill, which recently made waves across Southeast Asia and even beyond as it brings back to our consciousness our deep appreciation of heritage, fashion and culture of the upper class.
There is also a wealth of riveting shows available on streaming platforms today that offer us great insights into this affluent lifestyle. Either purely fictitious or based on documented heritage, these shows are also enjoyable for their compelling storytelling and commendable performances.
From the colourful neighbourhood of Emerald Hill to the insanely intriguing school of Las Encinas, check out these binge-worthy shows that feature larger-than-life lives.
Read more: Inside Emerald Hill, the neighbourhood at the heart of ‘The Little Nyonya’
The universe of Julian Fellowes
Above A montage of the first and final scenes of the television series ‘Downton Abbey’. This was followed by two more films and scheduled to have a third on September 12, 2025 as its grand finale
Julian Fellowes is a British screenwriter, director, novelist, and actor best known for creating and writing popular period drama series. His most famous work is Downton Abbey, which aired from 2010 to 2015. The series is set in early 20th century England and follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants at the Downton Abbey estate. The show explores the social changes, historical events and class divisions of the time. Fellowes also created The Gilded Age, an American period drama that premiered in 2022. Set in 1880s New York City during the titular era of rapid economic growth and social change, the series focuses on the conflict between old-money families and wealthy newcomers. Like Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age blends historical detail with personal drama and intricate character relationships. Both series are acclaimed for their lavish production values, strong ensemble casts, and insightful depiction of class, tradition and change in their respective historical periods.
Meanwhile, Fellowes is also known for creating Belgravia, a historical drama series based on his own novel of the same name, first published in 2016. The TV adaptation premiered in 2020. Set in 19th-century London, the story begins at the time of the Duchess of Richmond’s ball on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and moves forward to the 1840s, revealing the lives of the newly rich Trenchard family as they navigate the established aristocracy of Belgravia, an upscale district of London. Belgravia is known for its rich period detail, social intrigue and exploration of class distinctions, family secrets and ambition. The plot unfolds as past scandals and hidden relationships resurface, threatening the reputation and fortunes of those involved. The series is celebrated for its elegant settings, lavish costumes, and ensemble cast.
The Gilded Age is available on HBO Max, while Downton Abbey is available on Netflix, but in select regions only
Read more: The 1880s: Looking Back at the Most Decadent Era of New York Society
‘Bridgerton’
Above Official trailer of ‘Bridgerton’
Bridgerton is a popular period drama television series created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shondaland, the production company founded by Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, and Private Practice). The show premiered on Netflix in December 2020 and is based on a series of historical romance novels written by Julia Quinn. Set in early 19th-century Regency-era London, Bridgerton focuses on the wealthy Bridgerton family navigating high society intrigues, romantic relationships and scandals. Each season is centred on the romantic exploits of a different Bridgerton sibling. The series is known for its colourful costumes, diverse casting, modern music reinterpreted in a classical style and a mysterious narrator, Lady Whistledown, voiced by Julie Andrews. Bridgerton received critical acclaim for its production design, performances and fresh, inclusive take on the period romance genre. It has become one of Netflix's most-watched series and has been renewed for multiple seasons and a spin-off focusing on Queen Charlotte. The show explores themes of romance, desire, family, feminism, and societal expectations, making it a cultural phenomenon with a broad fan base worldwide.
Bridgerton and its spinoffs are available on Netflix
Read more: 6 things to know about Yerin Ha, Bridgerton’s shiny new diamond
‘Dynasty’ (the original and the reboot)
Above The iconic opening theme of the original version of ‘Dynasty’
The original Dynasty aired from 1981 to 1989, while the reboot premiered in 2017. The original is set in the 1980s and reflects the era’s culture, fashion and social norms with a melodramatic, soap-opera style. The reboot is contemporary, with modern settings, issues and a more self-aware tone. The reboot deliberately updates family backgrounds for a more diverse cast, like turning the Colbys into an African-American family, and the character of Sammy Jo as a gay Latino man. It addresses modern themes such as LGBTQIA+ relationships and multicultural dynamics, which were largely absent from the original.
While many characters share the same names (Blake Carrington, Fallon, etc), their personalities, motivations and relationships are often reimagined or updated. Some characters are gender-swapped or have different sexual orientations in the reboot. The original series is slower in pace with longer story arcs, while the reboot is faster and often more campy, reflecting modern TV storytelling trends.
The original aired weekly on ABC, while the reboot airs on The CW and is also available on streaming platforms, impacting how it is consumed and its episode structure.
The reboot of Dynasty is available on Netflix
Read more: A brief history of Istana Woodneuk, the former palace that inspired ‘Crazy Rich Asians’
‘Succession’ and ‘Billions’
Above Season 6 trailer of ‘Billions’
Both Succession and Billions are acclaimed television dramas centred around wealth, power and the cutthroat world of the super-rich, but they approach their themes with distinct styles, tones, and narrative focuses.
Succession (HBO) follows the power struggles within the Roy family, owners of a global media conglomerate, as they vie for control of the company in the shadow of their formidable patriarch, Logan Roy. Meanwhile, Billions (Showtime) is set in the world of high finance, focusing on the rivalry between hedge fund titan Bobby Axelrod and US Attorney Chuck Rhoades, blending law, finance and politics into a complex power game.
Succession employs sharp, dark humour and satirical undertones, dissecting familial dysfunction, generational conflict and the corrosive effects of immense power and privilege. On the other hand, Billions is slicker and glossier, balancing legal drama, financial manoeuvring and psychological warfare with witty dialogue and fast-paced plotting.
Above Season 1 trailer of ‘Succession’
Succession’s characters are largely members of the Roy family or their close associates, as the show focuses on deep flaws, insecurity and shifting allegiances among the characters. Billions centres instead on two competing leads and their circles (lawyers, traders, operatives), featuring frequent reversals, betrayals and ambitious plotting on all sides. In hindsight, Succession is more inward-looking, examining legacy, family loyalty, personal inadequacy and the moral decay that comes with unaccountable power. Meanwhile, Billions is outward-facing, focusing on ambition, ethical compromise and the blurred lines between right and wrong in the pursuit of money and influence.
Succession is available on HBO Max, Billions is available on Netflix
Read more: Golden Globes 2024: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Succession’, take a look at this year’s winners
‘Gossip Girl’ or ‘Elite’ for the young-at-heart
Above Trailer of the new version of ‘Gossip Girl’
Both Gossip Girl and Elite are popular teen drama series, but they differ in setting, tone and themes. Gossip Girl is set in New York City, focusing on the privileged students of the Upper East Side’s private schools, while Elite is set in Spain and centres on students at Las Encinas, an exclusive private high school. The former follows the lives of wealthy teenagers as their secrets are exposed by an anonymous blogger, “Gossip Girl”, while the latter revolves around three working-class teens given scholarships to an elite school, clashing with wealthy classmates, with murder mysteries at the core of several seasons.
Above Trailer of the first season of ‘Elite’
Gossip Girl focuses on romance, scandal, friendship, betrayal and social status, but Elite incorporates elements of crime, including murder, with themes of class conflict, sexuality and identity, and tends to be more mature and darker in its storytelling. While both series feature fashion and drama, Gossip Girl has a glossy, soap-opera feel and Elite has a thriller vibe with nonlinear narratives and frequent flashbacks.
While both shows centre on the drama of elite high school students, Gossip Girl is more about high society scandals and relationships, whereas Elite combines romance with crime and social commentary.
The original Gossip Girl is available on Netflix and HBO Max, the rebooted version is available on HBO Max, Elite and its short films are available on Netflix
‘Big Little Lies’
Above Season 1 trailer of ‘Big Little Lies’
Big Little Lies is an American drama television series based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty. It premiered on HBO in February 2017 and consists of two seasons. The series was created by David E Kelley, with episodes directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (season 1) and Andrea Arnold (season 2).
The story is set in the affluent community of Monterey, California, and centres on a group of women whose seemingly perfect lives unravel as secrets, domestic abuse, betrayal and a mysterious death come to light. The main characters—Madeline (Reese Witherspoon), Celeste (Nicole Kidman), Jane (Shailene Woodley), Renata (Laura Dern) and Bonnie (Zoë Kravitz)—are brought together by their children’s school but become entwined by much darker connections. The show was critically acclaimed for its writing, direction and especially its performances. Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern both won Emmy Awards for their roles, and the show received accolades for how it tackled issues such as domestic violence and trauma. Meryl Streep joined the cast in the second season as Mary Louise Wright. Although there has been talk of a third season, as of 2024, no official announcements have been made regarding future episodes.
Big Little Lies is available on HBO Max
Read more: Uncovering the unique man caves of Manila, from Hayden Kho to Richmond Yu
‘The Heirs’
Above Official trailer of ‘The Heirs’
The Korean drama The Heirs is a popular romantic drama that aired in 2013. It was directed by Kang Shin-hyo and written by Kim Eun-sook. The series aired on SBS and consists of 20 episodes. It revolves around a group of wealthy high school students who are destined to take over their families’ business empires. The main storyline follows Kim Tan (played by Lee Min-ho), an heir to a large conglomerate, and Cha Eun-sang (played by Park Shin-hye), a hardworking girl from a poor background. Their lives become intertwined at an elite high school attended by the children of Korea's richest families. The series explores themes of love, friendship, loyalty and class differences.
The Heirs was a hit in Korea and internationally, contributing to the Hallyu wave. It was praised for its cast but also received some criticism for its clichéd plot. Despite this, it remains a favourite among fans of romantic dramas.
The Heirs is available on HBO Max
‘Sky Castle’
Above Official trailer of ‘Sky Castle’
Sky Castle is a popular South Korean television drama series that aired on JTBC from November 2018 to February 2019. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, achieving some of the highest viewership ratings in Korean cable TV history. The series is set in a luxurious residential community called Sky Castle, where wealthy and ambitious families reside. The story revolves around four women determined to help their husbands achieve career success and their children gain admission to prestigious universities, particularly Seoul National University. The show satirically explores the extreme academic pressure and competition in South Korean society, tackling issues such as parental obsession, education, social class and moral compromise.
The series was lauded for its sharp writing, strong performances and bold social commentary. Its realistic depiction of the cutthroat education system resonated with viewers and spurred public discussions on these societal pressures. It also features memorable plot twists and a suspenseful narrative that keeps audiences hooked until the very end. If you are interested in Korean dramas with social commentary and dark humour, Sky Castle is highly recommended.
Sky Castle is available on Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video
Read more: Fact meets fiction: 10 K-dramas inspired by true events
The Asian phenomenon of ‘Hana Yori Dango’, also known as ‘Meteor Garden’ and ‘Boys Over Flowers’
Above Official trailer of ‘Meteor Garden’ (2018) set in Shanghai and London
Hana Yori Dango is a highly influential Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Yoko Kamio. First serialised in Margaret magazine from 1992 to 2008, it became a massive cultural phenomenon across Asia and beyond, inspiring numerous adaptations in various media.
The story centres on Tsukushi Makino, a strong-willed girl from a humble background, who attends Eitoku Academy, an elite high school dominated by four wealthy and attractive boys known as the “F4”. The narrative tackles themes of class differences, bullying, resilience, friendship and romance, primarily through Tsukushi’s confrontations and evolving relationship with F4 leader Tsukasa Domyoji.
The series inspired two popular anime series, several Japanese live-action dramas and films, most notably the 2005 to 2008 TV dramas and the 2008 movie. Its fashion, catchphrases and character archetypes became iconic in Japan.
The series’ success spawned several international adaptations, including Taiwan’s Meteor Garden (2001), South Korea’s Boys Over Flowers (2009), China’s Meteor Garden (2018) and Thailand’s F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers (2021), each bringing new waves of popularity in their respective countries. These adaptations helped establish the regional popularity of live-action romantic dramas and sparked fandoms worldwide.
Hana Yori Dango is often lauded for breaking ground in depicting a strong female lead and for its pointed examination of class dynamics in contemporary society. Its impact on Asian pop culture, fashion and youth trends remains significant, and the success of its adaptations contributed to the broader spread of Japanese and Asian drama internationally.
The original anime of Boys Over Flowers and its Korean adaptation are available on Netflix
Read more: Barbie Hsu’s best: 7 memorable Shan Cai moments from ‘Meteor Garden’
‘Maging Sino Ka Man’ for the telenovela junkies
Above The first episode of ‘Maging Sino Ka Man’
Maging Sino Ka Man is a popular Philippine television drama series that aired on ABS-CBN from October 2006 to May 2007. The series stars Bea Alonzo as Jackie Madrigal, alongside an ensemble cast that includes John Lloyd Cruz, Sam Milby and Anne Curtis.
The story centres on the intertwined lives of four young adults from affluent families—Celine, Eli, JB and Jackie—each facing personal struggles, complicated relationships and secrets surrounding family and identity. Bea Alonzo gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of Jackie, a strong-willed and intelligent woman caught between love, betrayal and the pursuit of her own happiness. The show’s success led to a sequel, Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik, which aired later in 2007. The show is remembered for its compelling storytelling, strong character development and the chemistry between its lead actors. It is considered one of the most iconic teleseryes in Philippine TV history and has been lauded for the performances of its cast.
Maging Sino Ka Man is available on YouTube
Read more: Bea Alonzo reflects on her career, life, love, and learning to move on
‘The Little Nyonya’ and its sequel spinoff, ‘Emerald Hill’
Above Trailer of ‘Emerald Hill: The Little Nyonya Story’
The Little Nyonya is a popular Singaporean Chinese drama series that originally aired on MediaCorp Channel 8 from 2008 to 2009. Produced by MediaCorp, it is renowned for its rich portrayal of Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture, customs and traditions. The story spans multiple generations, centring on the life of a Nyonya—Yue Niang (played by Jeanette Aw)—who faces numerous hardships but demonstrates resilience and strength in overcoming them. The narrative begins in the 1930s and follows the main character through the tumultuous changes in society, family secrets, betrayal, love and the pursuit of happiness against all odds. The series explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the shifting roles of women in Nyonya society. The Little Nyonya was critically acclaimed for its storytelling, production values, and authentic depiction of the Peranakan way of life. It gained immense popularity across Singapore, Malaysia, China, and Southeast Asia, winning numerous awards. The success of the series also led to remakes and an increased interest in Peranakan culture.
This year, Netflix released a spinoff series serving as a standalone sequel to the aforementioned iconic show. Emerald Hill: The Little Nyonya Story is set during the 1950s to 1970s, following the lives of three Peranakan Chinese women from the wealthy Zhang family residing in Emerald Hill.
As their destinies intertwine, the three women navigate the complexities of family ties, love, and their individual struggles for resilience and self-determination against the backdrop of Peranakan culture and societal expectations. The series explores themes of overcoming adversity and reshaping their future.
Emerald Hill is available on Netflix, while the original series The Little Nyonya has been made available on YouTube in marathon format
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
