Historical dramas with sad (SE) or bittersweet (BE) endings

BEWARE: My comments have spoilers 

I define a "sad ending" as the death of one of the main characters' partners. Death is a final point of no return, marking the end of the final season. Sometimes, a character may seem to have died, but Season 2 might reveal that it was just a trick. This does not fit my definition of a sad ending, so such dramas will not be listed here. Sad endings are final, with no next season, as the story concludes there.

Bittersweet endings are often associated with separation. In time travel dramas, it is common for the main character to return to their present time, leaving both characters heartbroken. Sometimes, the season 1 finale may seem bittersweet, but it is often just a marketing tactic to keep viewers hooked for season 2. However, in this list, I will only include dramas with bittersweet endings that have no hope for improvement in the finale episode. I will not include those that have season 2 with a happy ending.

BEWARE: My comments have spoilers

Period_addict mrt 1, 2024
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  • Princess Agents

    1. Princess Agents

    Chinese Drama - 2017, 67 episodes

    9.5

    Season 2 was never aired and the series ended on a sad note. However, the web novel has a happy ending. Season 1 ends with an SE. He supposedly died.

    In my mind, it is one of the best dramas.

  • Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    2. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes

    9.5

    Time travel. She returned to modern era, both characters heartbroken

  • Chong Zi

    3. Chong Zi

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes

    8.0

    Both died. Change into swords spirit

  • Attack On! Princess

    4. Attack On! Princess

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes

    FL died, prince is old, FL seems to reborn... possible S2

  • Good Bye, My Princess

    5. Good Bye, My Princess

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 52 episodes

    FL died at the end. Prince aged and never forgot her.

  • Wu Geng Ji

    6. Wu Geng Ji

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes

    FL dies  but at the last minute of the finale, it is assumed she is back. So no happy ending but an open door, literally and visually.

  • Lost You Forever

    7. Lost You Forever

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 39 episodes

    End Season 1, FL dies. But S2 is announced so definitely resurrection. Season 2 aired in 20[4

  • A Frozen Flower

    8. A Frozen Flower

    Korean Movie - 2008

    9.0

    Both ML die. FL remain alive with an unknown future.

  • Chinese Paladin 4

    9. Chinese Paladin 4

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 36 episodes

    ML dies. Everyone loose memories

  • Love Your Bones Forever 2

    10. Love Your Bones Forever 2

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes

    Both ML (executed )and FL (suicide) die. The crown prince aka king dies out of despair soon after her. Very sad ending.

  • The Song of Glory

    11. The Song of Glory

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 53 episodes

    FL is most likely dead or in a coma, and the chances of another season seem very slim. Although I initially enjoyed the drama, the last episode left such a bad taste in my mouth.

  • Hard to Find

    12. Hard to Find

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 28 episodes

    8.0

    It was confirmed by author Sad ending

    Both ML and FL died

  • The Wolf

    13. The Wolf

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 49 episodes

    Death

  • Go Princess Go

    14. Go Princess Go

    Chinese Drama - 2015, 35 episodes

    3.5

    Like 99% time travel, the endings is either sad or bittersweet. Here both heroes died. The ending is weird. The guy who turned a woman fell in love with a guy who humiliated her but finally fell hard for her. When “she” died, she went back to present where he is in hospital. He died or is in coma and go back as a man in the past where he see “them” in love and happy. Ghosts or afterlife or hallucinations. It ends when the 3 dance and play. Then last image the couple hug, the man is standing alone.

    The screenwriter took too much wine I think. Reviews are good though. I HATE TIME TRAVEL!

  • Royal Nirvana

    15. Royal Nirvana

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 60 episodes

    Both ML and FL die, not together. Heavy intense sad drama. 

  • Ru Yue

    16. Ru Yue

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 24 episodes

    9.0

    ML died. Weird ending.

  • Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace

    17. Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 87 episodes

    Bittersweet ending.

    She decided to divorce if divorce is the right word. After years of being an asshole, he finally realized she truly loved him… but it was too late. She grew out of love.

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