Pachinko is a sweeping historical drama series created by Soo Hugh. Based on a 2017 novel of the same name by author Min Jin Lee, the Apple TV+ series follows four generations of a Korean family, beginning with Sunja as she leaves her family in Korea under Japanese rule to move to Koreatown, Osaka to start a new life but struggles with discrimination in Japanese society. Pachinko stars Youn Yuh-jung, Soji Arai, Kim Min-ha, Yu-na, Jin Ha, Han Jun-woo, Jeong In-ji, Jung Eun-chae, Lee Min-ho, Kaho Minami, Steve Sang-Hyun Noh, Anna Sawai, Jimmi Simpson, and Kim Sung-kyu. So, if you loved the historical drama, epic romantic stories, and complex characters in Pachinko, here are some similar shows you should check out next.
Little America (Apple TV+)
Little America is an anthology drama series developed by Lee Eisenberg, Emily V. Gordon, and Kumail Nanjiani. Based on true stories of immigrants in America of the same name by Epic Magazine, the Apple TV+ series observes different stories of immigrants in America. Little America stars Shaun Toub, Conphidance, Angela Lin, Zachary Quinto, Haaz Sleiman, Mélanie Laurent, Chinaza Uche, and Jearnest Corchado.
Mr. Sunshine (Netflix)
Mr. Sunshine is a South Korean historical romantic drama series created by Lee Myung-han. The Netflix series is set in Hanseong in the early 1900s and it follows the story of Eugene Choi, a Marine Corps officer who grew up in America as he returns to his homeland and falls in love with Ae-sin, an aristocrat’s daughter and also discovers a dark scheme to colonize his birth country. Mr. Sunshine stars Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri in the lead roles with Kim Kang-hoon, Jeon Jin-seo, Heo Jung-eun, Yoo Yeon-seok, Choi Min-young, Kim Min-jung, and Byun Yo-han.
Roots (Prime Video & Tubi)
Roots is a historical drama miniseries written by Lawrence Konner, Mark Rosenthal, Alison McDonald, and Charles Murray. Based on a 1976 novel titled Roots: The Saga of an American Family by author Alex Haley, the History Channel series is a remake of the 1977 miniseries of the same name and it follows the story of Kunta Kinte, a Mandinka warrior from Western Africa as the rival Koros sells him to white slave traders. Soon he finds himself with John Waller, the owner of the tobacco estate in Virginia Colony. Roots stars Malachi Kirby, Nokuthula Ledwaba, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Forest Whitaker, Babs Olusanmokun, Anika Noni Rose, and Anika Noni Rose.
Youth of May (Kocowa, Viki & Prime Video Add-On)
Youth of May is a South Korean historical romantic drama series created by Moon Jun-ha. The KBS2 series is set in the 1980s and it follows the story of an idealistic medical student who gets married to a nurse after meeting her because of a blind date. They soon become entangled in the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. Youth of May stars Lee Do-hyun and Go Min-si in the lead roles with Choi Won-young, Lee Sang-yi, Keum Sae-rok, Oh Man-seok, Shim Yi-young, Choi Seung-hoon, Kim Won-hae, Hwang Young-hee, and Jo Yi-hyun.
Different Dreams (Kocowa, Viki & Prime Video Add-On)
Different Dreams is a South Korean historical drama series developed by Kim Seung-mo. The MBC TV series is set in Gyeongseong (Korea) and Shanghai (Japan) during the Japanese colonial rule of Korea and it follows the story of Lee Young-jin, a Korean surgeon who was raised by a Japanese family as he works as a spy for the Korean government. Different Dreams stars Lee Yo-won in the lead role with Yoo Ji-tae, Lim Ju-hwan, Nam Gyu-ri, Lee Hae-young, Lee Young-sook, Kim Tae-woo, and Yoon Ji-hye starring in supporting roles.
The Plot Against America (Max & Prime Video Add-On)
The Plot Against America is an alternate history drama series created by David Simon and Ed Burns. Based on the 2004 novel of the same name by author Philip Roth, the HBO series is set in an alternate America and it follows the story of a middle-class Jewish family in Newark, New Jersey as they see the political rise of Charles Lindbergh, who wins the hearts and minds of the American people, but after becoming the President he turns the nation towards fascism. The Plot Against America stars Winona Ryder, Anthony Boyle, Zoe Kazan, Morgan Spector, Michael Kostroff, David Krumholtz, Azhy Robertson, Caleb Malis, Jacob Laval, and John Turturro.
My Country: The New Age (Netflix)
My Country: The New Age is a South Korean historical drama series written by Chae Seung-dae. The JTBC series is set during the end of the Goryeo dynasty and the beginning of the Joseon dynasty and it follows a complex friendship between two men who become enemies because of a misunderstanding. My Country: The New Age stars Yang Se-jong, Woo Do-hwan, Moon Woo-jin, Kim Kang-hoon, Kim Seol-hyun, Jang Hyuk, Ji Eun-sung, Kim Yeong-cheol, and Ahn Nae-sang.