A good romantic comedy or family drama is hard to come by these days. Sometimes, I feel we really need more light-hearted stories on screen. Something to make us laugh and unwind. What I watch often influences my mood. I’m sure I’m not the only one. If it’s a tense or serious film or YouTube video, I tend to become irritable or withdrawn. But when I watch a well-made romcom, I feel lighter, more cheerful, and life suddenly seems brighter. So why don’t we see more of this feel-good content anymore? In that sense, Family By Choice stands out. It’s exactly the kind of uplifting drama we need right now.

What’s It About?

Family By Choice tells the story of three individuals, a girl and two boys, brought together by unexpected circumstances to live under one roof. The girl’s father takes the boys in and raises them as his own. Over time, they develop a strong bond that transcends blood. It’s a touching reminder that love isn’t always defined by family ties. Sometimes, those closest to you feel distant, while strangers become your true support. This is the heart of Family By Choice.

Thoughts

Family By Choice is everything I look for in a feel-good series. It’s not perfect, but it struck a chord with me. The bond between the three main characters is simply adorable. What stood out most was how each of them retained their core personality traits even as they grew up. One boy remains the quiet, poker-faced introvert. The other continues to mask his pain behind a cheerful smile. The girl stays fiery, hyper, and full of energy. That kind of character consistency is rare in dramas and movies. Usually, we see drastic changes as the characters grow up, which is understandable, since life tends to shape our personalities. However, here, it was refreshing to see their core traits remain unchanged.

All three characters are incredibly funny and share great on-screen chemistry. I especially liked how the female lead is written. She’s strong yet not over-the-top, modern yet grounded, a layered character you rarely encounter on-screen. Jung Chae-yeon is absolutely adorable. This was my first time watching her in a drama, and I was genuinely impressed by her performance. Hwang In-Youp and Bae Hyun-Sung are brilliant too. They bring charm and depth to their roles. Special mention to the child actors. They were brilliant.

Though we often talk about a parent’s unconditional love, the series explores the painful reality that not every parent needs to be the same. Some can be emotionally toxic and too consumed by their own needs to truly see their children. In such cases, it raises an important question. Should a child continue the relationship for the sake of duty, or is creating distance necessary for mental well-being? The series handles this theme with great sensitivity.

Family By Choice is streaming on Viki. The series has 16 episodes, with each episode lasting roughly an hour.