The best Channel 8 dramas that you, your parents, grandparents and neighbours all watched

Ah, the 2000s.

A simpler time when family dinners revolved around Mediacorp’s Channel 8 dramas that were affectionately known as the “7pm show” or “9pm show”.

Back then, these locally-produced Chinese dramas were the talk of the town — every household, regardless of age or ethnic background, watched these shows growing up and we knew all the theme songs by heart.

I remember I was still in Primary school during those glorious days. I would rush home from school just in time for dinner while watching the “7pm show”.

Homework? That could wait until the lull (8pm to 9pm) between shows. I recall that they mainly aired variety shows/talk shows during that period that kids like me were not interested in.

One hour later (with a puffy face from lots of crying no thanks to homework), I would make my grand return to the sofa for the “9pm show”.

The next day, I would dissect plot twists with my parents, grandparents, and even my Malay and Indian friends — these OG dramas united all of us more than celebrating National Day.

Also, theme songs back then were created specially for each drama, according to the plot and characters. How amazing was that? It was also the time where characters smoking cigarettes were allowed on screen.

For me, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Channel 8 dramas included Portrait of Home, Little Nyonya, Holland Village and Double Happiness. What’s yours?

The best Mediacorp Channel 8 dramas of all time

1. Little Nyonya (2008)

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Remember “The Little Nyonya”, the captivating Channel 8 drama from 2008 that transported us to the heart of Peranakan culture?

The story, told through the biographical lens of a Malaccan Peranakan family, unfolds in the 1930s and spans over 70 years, encompassing three families. And boy, it was a whole lot of drama.

I mean, who could ever forget how Yue Niang (played by Jeanette Aw) was mercilessly caned by the villainous Lin Gui Hua (played by Lin Mei Jiao)? And poor, poor Huang Yu Zhu (played by Joanne Peh) getting raped by Robert Zhang (played by Zen Chong, formerly known as Zzen Chong)?

This was one of the best dramas ever produced in Mediacorp’s history, and it was lauded by critics and viewers — so much so it became the highest-rated Singaporean drama in 14 years, with the two-hour finale smashing ratings records with a viewership of 33.8 per cent. That’s about 1.67 million viewers.

2. Portrait of Home (2005)

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“I’m not an idiot — I just have a low IQ,” Dayang, played by Pierre Png, always said in the drama. And his constant wails for “Mermaid”, whom he endearingly calls Baobei, a fishball seller played by Felicia Chin, is something that I’ll forever remember.

Yet another long-form Channel 8 drama, “Portrait of Home” spans over 100 episodes that dives into the lives of the family behind Tong Xin Yuan, a successful fishball factory.

Starring Adrian Pang, Xiang Yun, Louise Lee, Richard Low, Jesseca Liu, Cavin Soh, Chen Shucheng, among many other stars, is a must-watch for every Singaporean.

3. Holland V (2003)

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Na na na, na na na, na na na na na na!

Everyone has watched “Holland V”, a heart-warming drama that follows the lives of the Mo family and their small nasi lemak restaurant in Holland Village (hence the name of the drama).

This 2003 classic stars Chen Liping, Xie Shaoguang, Patricia Mok, Cynthia Koh, Jeanette Aw, Vivian Lai, Pierre Png, Xiang Yun and Mark Lee.

Leading the pack is the unforgettable “Big Sister” Mo Wanwan, played by the iconic Chen Liping. More than just a talented cook, Wanwan is known for her larger-than-life personality, incredible strength, and hearty appetite.

This long-running series clocks in at over 100 episodes, and the theme song is literally *chef’s kiss*.

4. Double Happiness (2004)

Did you know that this 2004 show ran for a whopping 141 episodes, or 2 seasons? Neither did I. Back then, long-form dramas didn’t feel like a drag at all.

Starring OG veteran stars like Aileen Tan, Edmund Chen, Hong Hui Fang, Ivy Lee, Vivian Lai, Xiang Yun and Xie Shao Guang, this drama about a family selling fish and chips will forever be etched in my heart.

I mean, for some reason, I will always remember that Vivian Lai had a limp in that show. And Xiang Yun’s nerdy daughter, Lin Wen Wen, was played by ex-child actress Lee Xianmin (who was only 12 back then!).

5. Just in Singapore (2008)

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A truly comedic drama about neighbours in a lower-income HDB estate fighting over a Chinese traditional ceramic tub once they realised its value.

This show was Paige Chua’s acting debut, as well as Fiona Xie’s last Chinese drama serial before she left Mediacorp in December 2009.

6. A Child’s Hope (2003)

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I don’t know about you, but this medical drama about doctors trying to find cure for critically ill children struck a chord in 7-year-old me.

I’ve also always thought that whoever named the title of the drama in Chinese was really smart — “Hai you ming tian” in English means “there’s still tomorrow”, but they changed the Chinese characters from “hai” (“still” in English) to “hai” (“child” in English).

Starring Tay Ping Hui, Phyllis Quek and Huang Biren, this drama delves deeper than just medical cases — it compels viewers to consider the true needs of children and their families, exploring the challenges they face.

The show also shines a light on the immense pressure healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers. They grapple with a difficult balance: providing the best care for their patients while navigating the complexities of what’s considered “socially correct.”

7. A New Life (2005)

“A New Life” is about how an ordinary man and blue-collar worker called You Fu (played by Christopher Lee) manages to overcome obstacles by himself and face many challenges and difficulties in his daily life.

This character is too real, and especially relatable for the older generation: You Fu stopped schooling at Secondary 2 at the age of 14 years old to join the workforce by doing odd jobs and helping his father in his curry chicken business.

With not much education, You Fu is slow-witted and clumsy — this led to a lack of satisfaction in his work performance by many of his employers.

However, You Fu’s life takes a dramatic turn when his father passes away. Suddenly, the weight of supporting his entire family — his mother (played by Jin Yinji), elder sister Zhang Zhenzhu (played by Carole Lin), and elder brother Zhang Hongyun (played by Andrew Seow) — falls on his shoulders.

8. The Golden Path (2008)

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Unfolding across 30 captivating episodes, “The Golden Path” embarks on a remarkable journey that stretches from 1982 to the early 2000s.

This epic saga, produced by Mediacorp to celebrate their 25th anniversary of local Chinese dramas, incorporated scenes from past dramas such as “The Seletar Robbery”, “The Flying Fish”, “Pretty Faces”, “Stepping Out”, “The Golden Pillow” and “Holland V”.

Again, veteran stars Chen Liping and Li Nanxing, who played a criminal who participated in one of the biggest jewellery store heists in Singapore history, made this drama one heck of a show.

However, the most evil villain award goes to Huang Kaijie (played by Tay Pinghui) .

During his childhood, he indirectly caused the death of his step father (played by Li Nanxing) by reporting him to the police. When he grew up, he went on to get his step sister (played by Joey Feng) pregnant and unalived her by pushing her into the ocean while on a cruise. Cruel.

9. The Champion (2004)

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The classic Orchard Road bikini running scene was from this show. Fiona Xie, Jeanette Aw, and Felicia Chin starred in it. I forgot the rest of the plot. 10/10.

10. Zero To Hero (2005)

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Who knew the afterlife involved so much paperwork? Thanks to this drama, my childhood vision of the fiery pits of Chinese hell was replaced with endless forms and bureaucratic nightmares.

The show revolves around Xie Jizu (played by Edmund Chen), a timid and middle-aged policeman who, let’s face it, isn’t exactly a hero. He shirks responsibilities, gambles heavily, prioritises naps over work, and relies heavily on his wife to handle everything.

However, a fatal car accident lands him in the afterlife. There, he’s given a chance to redeem himself by earning merits and good deeds.