“The Judge Returns” is dominating South Korean TV and online buzz in early 2026. This legal thriller has captured viewers with its intense story and strong performances. It is topping weekend ratings and leading viewer polls. The show has become one of the most talked-about dramas this February.
Recent nationwide ratings show a steady climb for the series. It averaged 13.2 percent for its latest episode. That is impressive for a Friday–Saturday drama. During key moments, it even peaked above 15 percent among all viewers. This success highlights how the show is resonating with audiences nationwide.
Viewership numbers jumped from early episodes with modest ratings to consistent double-digit figures. This indicates loyal audience engagement.
Audience polls also show “The Judge Returns” topping weekly popularity rankings. The show beat out several well-known OTT and cable titles in viewer preference surveys.
These polls asked fans about the most anticipated and most enjoyable shows of the week. The drama came out on top for multiple weeks running. That is notable given stiff competition from globally distributed dramas on major platforms.
Why Viewers Are Tuning In
One major reason the drama is so popular is its narrative depth and lead performance. Ji Sung stars as Judge Lee Han-young. In the story, Lee Han-young faces moral challenges in a corrupt legal system. His journey combines emotional stakes with suspenseful twists. This blend feels fresh compared with more predictable dramas.
Viewers praise the show’s pacing and its ability to build tension. Episodes often end with powerful cliffhangers. That keeps audiences coming back week after week. Many fans are discussing character choices and plot theories on social media. That type of engagement has boosted the drama’s profile beyond traditional TV viewership.
The supporting cast adds to the drama’s appeal. Park Hee-soon and other cast members offer compelling performances. Together, they raise the quality of the show’s confrontations and courtroom scenes. The chemistry among the cast feels natural on screen. This creates a richer viewing experience for fans.
Strong Ratings Against Tough Competition
“The Judge Returns” is performing strongly even when compared with major cable and streaming hits. In weekly popularity surveys, it outranked several current titles from other networks and platforms. This is notable because many of those shows are backed by large budgets and international marketing. Despite that, it leads in viewer polling among domestic Korean audiences.
Ratings figures also reflect this success. Nielsen Korea data show episode-by-episode growth. After debuting at lower ratings, the show broke into double digits within a few weeks. It held those numbers and increased. This is a sign that viewers are staying engaged rather than tuning out.
On a recent Saturday, the drama recorded one of its highest average ratings. It topped all other channels for that night. That includes shows on rival networks that were once considered major competition. This suggests the drama did not just find an audience. It took a strong lead in its time slot.
What This Means for MBC
For the network that airs the show, this success could be more than just a ratings win. MBC has struggled with consistent big hits on its Friday–Saturday schedule in recent years. It may mark a turning point. It is bringing renewed attention to the time slot and boosting the network’s profile.
Industry observers are noting how rare it is these days for a terrestrial drama to compete with global streaming hits. Many popular shows have shifted to digital platforms. Yet “The Judge Returns” is proving that traditional broadcast TV can still produce cultural moments and strong viewership. This is good news for the producers and for MBC.
Looking Ahead to the Finale
As the series heads into its final episodes, attention is growing. The drama has built momentum week after week. Ratings growth and poll results show that fans are invested in how the story ends. Many viewers are now making plans to watch live as each new episode airs.
With just a few episodes left, it will be interesting to see if the show can maintain or even increase its viewership. The final hours could solidify its status as one of the standout Korean dramas of 2026.
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