Once Upon a Small Town
Once Upon a Small Town
Now Showing

Once Upon a Small Town

7.5
Yr 2022
Rt 36m
Status Ended
Drama Comedy
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

Against his wishes a veterinarian from the big city relocates to the countryside, where he meets a policewoman, a town insider with a friendly secret.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 78 /100

Once Upon a Small Town received a generally warm and favorable reception from critics, who appreciated the K-drama as a sweet, lighthearted palette cleanser. Reviewers frequently highlighted its lush pastoral setting, nostalgic charm, and adorable romance between the leads, noting that the show excels at delivering a cozy, simple comfort-watch.

While critics acknowledged that the storyline is fairly predictable and doesn't reinvent the genre, most felt it embraced its low-stakes nature effectively. Some writers noted that the narrative felt a bit drawn out with unnecessary side elements, but the show's cute animals, quirky countryside villagers, and believable central chemistry made it a heartwarming viewing experience.

“blends together the best of romantic comedy and small-town nostalgia to deliver a warm, fun and enjoyable time”

“delivers a story that, at its core, is fairly strong, but stumbles under the weight of many unnecessary elements”

“keeps things simple and sweet”

“a decent change of pace from the current slate of K-dramas”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

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UK • US • CA
Why fans love it

Once Upon a Small Town trades urban intensity for the steady rhythms of village life. By positioning a reluctant veterinarian at the center of a tight-knit community, the 2022 series prioritizes character dynamics over high-stakes drama. The narrative relies on the deliberate contrast between city skepticism and rural warmth to frame its central romance.

The show draws its momentum from the interplay between a newcomer facing an unwanted transition and a local policewoman guarding small-town mysteries. JOY anchors the production by navigating the friction of this forced relocation. Adapted from a novel, the writing maintains a focus on gentle humor and the unlikely connections formed in a landscape where everyone knows the business of their neighbors. It succeeds as a character-driven comedy that favors quiet interactions over spectacle.

Production Board

Crew

Director
Kwon Seok-jang
Creator
백은경
Writer
백은경
Keyword Cloud

Keywords

based on novel or book romance
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 05, 2022
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
36 minutes
Origin
KR
TMDB Votes
160