Actors Im Yoona and Lee Chae-min have captivated global audiences with their romantic comedy.

According to Netflix's official site Tudum (Sept. 8–14), tvN's The Tyrant's Chef ranked No. 1 in the Global Top 10 Non-English TV shows.

Global Popularity

The series climbed to the top in just four weeks, recording 6.8 million views (hours watched divided by runtime) — nearly double the second-place show They Died. It entered the Top 10 in 65 countries, including Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Qatar, and Malaysia, topping the charts in nine regions.

Domestic ratings are also surging. The drama premiered with 4.9% (Nielsen Korea), rose to 11.1% by episode 4, and reached 15.4% with episode 8.

Recipe for Success

Critics point to a winning mix: a fantasy time-slip plot, the romance between a tyrant and a chef, the cast's strong performances, and creative dishes blending Korean ingredients with global cuisine.

International outlets echoed the praise. TIME magazine noted, "By turning a historical backdrop into a fantasy stage for romance, the drama makes a smart entertainment choice." U.S. site Decider under the New York Post brand added, "It enriches a familiar storyline with inventive twists, drawing global attention."

Storyline

The Tyrant's Chef is a food-themed fantasy rom-com about a modern-day chef who time-travels to the past and meets a tyrant king with an absolute sense of taste. Their unlikely bond mixes culinary passion with heartfelt romance, resonating with viewers worldwide.