Have you noticed the trend? Over the past two years, Taiwanese dramas on Netflix have increased significantly. Through generous funding and talent training programs, Netflix is actively working to connect Taiwanese content with international markets.
TAIPEI (Business Today/TVBS News) — Regular viewers may have noticed that Taiwanese dramas have been growing in number on Netflix, the leading streaming platform with over 83 percent market share in Taiwan. Three years ago, the platform released only about four Taiwanese dramas per year. At its content presentation earlier this year, the company announced five new Taiwanese dramas set to premiere and signaled its continued focus on producing more local content.
Netflix's willingness to increase investment is directly tied to the strong performance of Taiwanese dramas. Last year, "The Resurrected" (回魂計) ranked in the top ten on charts across Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Meanwhile, the series "Born for the Spotlight" (影后) was selected for the Busan International Film Festival, successfully attracting audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Behind these positive changes, Netflix's Director of Chinese-Language Content Maya Huang (黃怡玫) has played an indispensable role. Business Today (今周刊) conducted an exclusive interview with the key driving force to explore the reasons and strategies behind these developments.
Capital Infusion Unleashes Creative Freedom
"When we established the content office in Taipei three years ago, we hoped to not only acquire content but also work more closely with Taiwan's creative ecosystem," Huang said. She recounted that in 2023, Netflix recognized Taiwan's advantage of being "the most creatively free" in the Chinese-language market and decided to increase investment.
The company reasoned that for Taiwan, Netflix's backing could propel Taiwanese content onto the international stage. For the platform, quality Chinese-language content could help strengthen its presence in the Chinese-language market. The arrangement represents a win-win for both sides.
Netflix's increased investment is most visibly reflected in financial support. "In the past, when Taiwan wanted to film large-scale scenes like cop-and-robber car chases or fantasy special effects, budget constraints made it difficult, leaving screenwriters with their hands tied during the creative process," Huang said. A former screenwriter who wrote "Little Big Women" (孤味), Huang understands the industry's challenges better than anyone.
Now, with ample production budgets, screenwriters dare to write more ambitiously and producers dare to hire bigger names. Taiwanese creative teams have begun to boldly tackle genres they rarely attempted in the past.
Kuan Wei-chieh (管偉傑), director of the fantasy series "Agent from Above" (乩身) adapted from the novel of the same name, said, "Before, we were afraid that certain scenes couldn't be filmed, but now we have greater ambition to deliver our work to audiences." When the drama began filming, reports indicated the six episodes were expected to cost NT$180 million (US$5.7 million), said to be the highest production budget in Taiwanese drama history.
Wu Meng-chien (吳孟謙), producer of "Million-Follower Detective" (百萬人推理), also said, "After international platforms came on board, our vision for production and casting became more expansive. Before, we never would have imagined we could get Ekin Cheng to star!" The series marks Hong Kong star Ekin Cheng's (鄭伊健) first appearance in a Taiwanese drama.
But Huang also understands that throwing money at productions does not guarantee quality results. To consistently produce quality Taiwanese dramas and even compete with content from Japan and South Korea, the industry must cultivate its foundation: talent.
Starting in 2025, Netflix partnered with YIYI Pictures (壹壹影業) and the Producers Association of Taiwan (台灣影視製片協會) to launch the Future Ready Skills Program (未來人才培訓計畫). The initiative includes the Series Script Development Workshop and the Film and TV Production Trainee Program. The programs recruit talent in screenwriting, producing, art direction, hair and makeup, and props, allowing them to participate in large-scale productions and gain real-world experience on set.
Nurturing Talent, Building Tomorrow's Stars
"Both 'Agent from Above' and 'Exorcism' (驅魔) have brought in program participants, and this kind of high-intensity production will directly level up Taiwan's existing staff," Huang said. She admitted that talent cannot be developed quickly and usually takes ten years to work independently. However, through successive large-scale productions, the development process can be accelerated.
Beyond behind-the-scenes work, Netflix also excels at creating on-screen stars. "Have you heard of the Netflix Effect?" Huang asked with a smile. She cited Millie Bobby Brown from "Stranger Things" (怪奇物語) as an example, explaining that Netflix's global reach across 190 countries and regions is powerful enough to turn previously unknown performers into overnight sensations.
The same dynamic applies in Taiwan. New generation actors such as Suri Lin (林廷憶) from last year's "Born for the Spotlight" and Chan Tzu-hsuan (詹子萱) from "Let's Talk About Chu" (愛愛內含光) have already started making their mark. Huang shared that singer Jun-Shuo Lou (婁峻碩) will appear in both "Million-Follower Detective" and "Black and White Sweepers" (黑白清道夫) this year. With veteran stars Ekin Cheng and Christopher Lee (李銘順) guiding him in a "veterans mentoring newcomers" approach, Lou is poised to become the next rising star.
With clear investment in funding and talent paying off, Netflix has helped Taiwan produce an increasing number of quality dramas over the past two to three years. Notable productions include "Wave Makers" (人選之人——造浪者) and "I Am Married...But!" (童話故事下集), carving out a viable export route for Taiwanese dramas to reach international audiences.
Although concerns persist that Netflix's dominance could squeeze out independent film and television productions not tied to streaming platforms, Greener Grass Production (瀚草影視) Chairman Phil Tang (湯昇榮) remains optimistic about the transformative impact Netflix has had on Taiwan's overall film and television industry. "The market has always needed different types," he said.
Tang observed that Netflix will prompt Taiwan's film and television industry to stratify into different tiers. Traditional television stations like Formosa Television (FTV, 民視) and Sanlih E-Television (SET, 三立) continue producing 8 p.m. prime-time dramas, while short-form videos are currently the hottest trend. Netflix focuses on genres with international appeal. The trend toward audience segmentation will become increasingly pronounced.
Throughout the interview, Huang repeatedly emphasized the goal of bringing Taiwanese content to international audiences and making Netflix "the go-to platform for Chinese-language content." This means Netflix is targeting not just Taiwan's small market, but the vast Chinese-speaking audience across Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong, as well as Chinese Americans in the United States. Whether Taiwanese dramas can hitch a ride on Netflix's wave to reclaim their former glory remains an exciting prospect. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.58)
>>> For More Reading:
This article is excerpted from the No. 1523 issue of Business Today (今周刊). Click here for the Chinese-language version of this story: 鄭伊健主演《百萬人推理》掀話題！為什麼Netflix上的台劇變多了？「網飛效應」揭秘
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Netflix's willingness to increase investment is directly tied to the strong performance of Taiwanese dramas. Last year, "The Resurrected" (回魂計) ranked in the top ten on charts across Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Meanwhile, the series "Born for the Spotlight" (影后) was selected for the Busan International Film Festival, successfully attracting audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Behind these positive changes, Netflix's Director of Chinese-Language Content Maya Huang (黃怡玫) has played an indispensable role. Business Today (今周刊) conducted an exclusive interview with the key driving force to explore the reasons and strategies behind these developments.
Capital Infusion Unleashes Creative Freedom
"When we established the content office in Taipei three years ago, we hoped to not only acquire content but also work more closely with Taiwan's creative ecosystem," Huang said. She recounted that in 2023, Netflix recognized Taiwan's advantage of being "the most creatively free" in the Chinese-language market and decided to increase investment.
The company reasoned that for Taiwan, Netflix's backing could propel Taiwanese content onto the international stage. For the platform, quality Chinese-language content could help strengthen its presence in the Chinese-language market. The arrangement represents a win-win for both sides.
Netflix's increased investment is most visibly reflected in financial support. "In the past, when Taiwan wanted to film large-scale scenes like cop-and-robber car chases or fantasy special effects, budget constraints made it difficult, leaving screenwriters with their hands tied during the creative process," Huang said. A former screenwriter who wrote "Little Big Women" (孤味), Huang understands the industry's challenges better than anyone.
Now, with ample production budgets, screenwriters dare to write more ambitiously and producers dare to hire bigger names. Taiwanese creative teams have begun to boldly tackle genres they rarely attempted in the past.
Kuan Wei-chieh (管偉傑), director of the fantasy series "Agent from Above" (乩身) adapted from the novel of the same name, said, "Before, we were afraid that certain scenes couldn't be filmed, but now we have greater ambition to deliver our work to audiences." When the drama began filming, reports indicated the six episodes were expected to cost NT$180 million (US$5.7 million), said to be the highest production budget in Taiwanese drama history.
Wu Meng-chien (吳孟謙), producer of "Million-Follower Detective" (百萬人推理), also said, "After international platforms came on board, our vision for production and casting became more expansive. Before, we never would have imagined we could get Ekin Cheng to star!" The series marks Hong Kong star Ekin Cheng's (鄭伊健) first appearance in a Taiwanese drama.
But Huang also understands that throwing money at productions does not guarantee quality results. To consistently produce quality Taiwanese dramas and even compete with content from Japan and South Korea, the industry must cultivate its foundation: talent.
Starting in 2025, Netflix partnered with YIYI Pictures (壹壹影業) and the Producers Association of Taiwan (台灣影視製片協會) to launch the Future Ready Skills Program (未來人才培訓計畫). The initiative includes the Series Script Development Workshop and the Film and TV Production Trainee Program. The programs recruit talent in screenwriting, producing, art direction, hair and makeup, and props, allowing them to participate in large-scale productions and gain real-world experience on set.
Nurturing Talent, Building Tomorrow's Stars
"Both 'Agent from Above' and 'Exorcism' (驅魔) have brought in program participants, and this kind of high-intensity production will directly level up Taiwan's existing staff," Huang said. She admitted that talent cannot be developed quickly and usually takes ten years to work independently. However, through successive large-scale productions, the development process can be accelerated.
Beyond behind-the-scenes work, Netflix also excels at creating on-screen stars. "Have you heard of the Netflix Effect?" Huang asked with a smile. She cited Millie Bobby Brown from "Stranger Things" (怪奇物語) as an example, explaining that Netflix's global reach across 190 countries and regions is powerful enough to turn previously unknown performers into overnight sensations.
The same dynamic applies in Taiwan. New generation actors such as Suri Lin (林廷憶) from last year's "Born for the Spotlight" and Chan Tzu-hsuan (詹子萱) from "Let's Talk About Chu" (愛愛內含光) have already started making their mark. Huang shared that singer Jun-Shuo Lou (婁峻碩) will appear in both "Million-Follower Detective" and "Black and White Sweepers" (黑白清道夫) this year. With veteran stars Ekin Cheng and Christopher Lee (李銘順) guiding him in a "veterans mentoring newcomers" approach, Lou is poised to become the next rising star.
With clear investment in funding and talent paying off, Netflix has helped Taiwan produce an increasing number of quality dramas over the past two to three years. Notable productions include "Wave Makers" (人選之人——造浪者) and "I Am Married...But!" (童話故事下集), carving out a viable export route for Taiwanese dramas to reach international audiences.
Although concerns persist that Netflix's dominance could squeeze out independent film and television productions not tied to streaming platforms, Greener Grass Production (瀚草影視) Chairman Phil Tang (湯昇榮) remains optimistic about the transformative impact Netflix has had on Taiwan's overall film and television industry. "The market has always needed different types," he said.
Tang observed that Netflix will prompt Taiwan's film and television industry to stratify into different tiers. Traditional television stations like Formosa Television (FTV, 民視) and Sanlih E-Television (SET, 三立) continue producing 8 p.m. prime-time dramas, while short-form videos are currently the hottest trend. Netflix focuses on genres with international appeal. The trend toward audience segmentation will become increasingly pronounced.
Throughout the interview, Huang repeatedly emphasized the goal of bringing Taiwanese content to international audiences and making Netflix "the go-to platform for Chinese-language content." This means Netflix is targeting not just Taiwan's small market, but the vast Chinese-speaking audience across Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong, as well as Chinese Americans in the United States. Whether Taiwanese dramas can hitch a ride on Netflix's wave to reclaim their former glory remains an exciting prospect. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.58)
>>> For More Reading:
This article is excerpted from the No. 1523 issue of Business Today (今周刊). Click here for the Chinese-language version of this story: 鄭伊健主演《百萬人推理》掀話題！為什麼Netflix上的台劇變多了？「網飛效應」揭秘
>>> More Coverage:
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