- both dramas focus on the developing relationships between a group of people
- both dramas have the overarching theme of the importance of friends and family
- both main characters (Je Hyuk from Prison Playbook & Taek from Reply 1988) are quiet, observant, and excel at one thing

- both main characters lose their memories and struggle to remember them
- both dramas are dark and focus on uncovering the crimes of powerful people

- both dramas focus on people working together as a team to solve problems
- both have some revenge elements

- both have strong female leads, except one is a lawyer (IHYV) while the other is a prosecutor (Witch's Court)
- both dramas are somewhat centered around a single 'main' case