The Producers (2015)
A charming Korean comedy-drama that pulls back the curtain on the chaotic, ratings-driven world of network television.
The Producers - Series Information
- Original Title: 프로듀사
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Created by: Park Ji-eun, Seo Min-soo et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (80 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Spanish, Korean
- First Air Date: May 15, 2015 (United States - NR), May 15, 2015 (United Kingdom - PG), May 15, 2015 (Mexico - B-15), May 15, 2015 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: KBS2
- Alternative Titles: 製作人們 (TW), Peurodyusa (KR), Producer (US)
- Production Companies: Chorokbaem Media
- Production Countries: South Korea, Mexico
The Producers - Plot
A rookie producer joins the Korean Broadcasting System to be near his secret crush and enters the madcap world of network TV, where ratings rule.
The Producers - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get your first look at the world behind the cameras:
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The Producers - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Park Ji-eun
- Seo Min-soo
- Hong Yoon-sung
Main Cast
- Cha Tae-hyun
- Gong Hyo-jin
- Kim Soo-hyun
- IU
- Im Ye-jin
- Kim Hee-chan
- Kim Jong-soo
- Kim Hye-ok
- Park Hee-von
- Park Jong-hwan
Writers
- Park Ji-eun
- Yoon Seong-ho
The Producers - FAQs
What is The Producers about?
The Producers follows an eager rookie who lands a job at the Korean Broadcasting System hoping to get closer to his longtime crush. Once inside, he discovers the frenetic, ratings-obsessed reality of network TV — complete with demanding celebrities, office politics, and unexpected romantic entanglements.
Why did IU play a pop star in The Producers?
IU's casting as Cindy, a top-tier but lonely celebrity, was a clever piece of meta-storytelling — she was already one of South Korea's biggest pop stars in real life. The role let her play a heightened version of celebrity life, adding a layer of self-aware humor that resonated strongly with Korean audiences.
Where can you stream The Producers?
The Producers is available to stream on Rakuten Viki (with subscription or ad-supported), OnDemandKorea, and Kocowa — including through the Kocowa Amazon Channel. Availability may vary by region, so check your local options for the most current access.
Is The Producers based on a true story?
Not directly, but the show draws heavily from the real inner workings of KBS, South Korea's national broadcaster. Writer Park Ji-eun researched the production environment extensively, lending the series an authentic behind-the-scenes feel even as the storylines remain fictional and comedic in nature.
Who are the lead actors in The Producers?
The series stars Cha Tae-hyun as the lovable rookie Ra Joon-mo, Gong Hyo-jin as the sharp senior producer Tak Ye-ji, Kim Soo-hyun as the ambitious newcomer Baek Seung-chan, and IU as Cindy, a famous but isolated pop idol caught in an unexpected love triangle.
How was The Producers received by critics and audiences?
The series earned warm praise for its witty writing, charming ensemble cast, and fresh mockumentary-influenced style. Audiences particularly loved the chemistry between the four leads and the show's affectionate, insider look at Korean broadcast culture. It performed solidly in ratings throughout its run on KBS2.
What makes The Producers different from other K-dramas?
The Producers blends workplace comedy with romantic drama using a semi-mockumentary format rarely seen in Korean television at the time. Its self-referential humor — set inside an actual broadcasting network — and the casting of real celebrities playing exaggerated versions of showbiz life gave it a distinctly fresh, playful identity.
What are similar shows to The Producers?
If you enjoyed The Producers, you might love Crash Landing on You for its romantic charm, Be Melodramatic for its witty industry insider humor, or Reply 1997 for Park Ji-eun's signature warmth and nostalgia. Dream High and You Are Beautiful also share the K-drama entertainment world setting.
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