Watch Back to 1989

2016
1 Season
8.2 (130)

Back to 1989 was a Taiwanese television drama series that aired on SET Metro in 2016. The show was directed by Wang Shi-Ting and starred Li-Ang Chang, Yu-Wei Shao, and Mini Tsai in lead roles. The series follows the life of Chen Che, a modern-day college student who travels back in time to 1989 after a car accident. He discovers he has inadvertently taken the place of his own father, who was a high school student at the time. In an attempt to change the past and prevent his mother from abandoning him as a child, he decides to stay in 1989. The show explores the themes of family, love, and the nature of reality. Chen Che's interactions with his parents, who are unaware of his true identity, are at the core of the series. He also falls in love with his father's classmate, Ye Zhen Zhen, and has to navigate the complex emotions of experiencing his parents' relationship in their youth. Back to 1989 is a heartwarming drama that also has its fair share of suspense and mystery. Chen Che's attempts to change the past have unintended consequences, and he must unravel the truth behind a long-held family secret. The series also deals with issues of identity and belonging, as Chen Che struggles to reconcile his life in the present with the reality of living in the past. One of the standout performances in the series is Li-Ang Chang's portrayal of Chen Che. His earnest and sympathetic characterization of the time traveler keeps the audience invested in the story. Yu-Wei Shao gives a nuanced performance as Chen Che's father, who is struggling to reconcile his own dreams with the expectations of his family. Mini Tsai's performance as Ye Zhen Zhen is also noteworthy for its authenticity and emotional depth. The show's production values are excellent, with meticulous attention paid to recreating the '80s setting. The costumes, music, and props all contribute to the immersive experience of traveling back in time. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with creative camera angles and lighting that enhance the show's emotional impact. Back to 1989 was a critical and commercial success in Taiwan, winning several awards and garnering high ratings throughout its run. It was particularly popular with younger audiences who were drawn to its nostalgic depiction of life in the late '80s. The series also had a significant presence on social media, with fans enthusiastically sharing their reactions and theories online. Overall, Back to 1989 is a poignant and engaging drama that explores universal themes of love, family, and personal identity. Its unique blend of time travel and romance makes it a standout in the Taiwanese television landscape.

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Seasons

21. Episode 21

June 24, 2016

Ya-juan and her mother grow further apart. Xiao-long plans a lavish Christmas party. Zhen-zhen overhears Che and Guo-zhang talking about time travel.

20. Episode 20

June 17, 2016

Che wonders if changing Ya-juan's future will alter his own. Guo-zhang encourages Ya-juan. An angry Wan-ling arrives at the club at the wrong moment.

19. Episode 19

June 10, 2016

Xiao-long becomes the firm's top seller. Zhen-zhen and Che hide their feelings from her parents. A worried Guo-zhang pressures Che about the future.

18. Episode 18

June 3, 2016

Xiao-long's drunken call to Zhen-zhen leads to a confrontation. Guo-zhang worries about his own butterfly effect. Che warns Zhen-zhen about Sheng-tai.

17. Episode 17

May 27, 2016

Guo-zhang explains the butterfly effect to Che, who realises even small changes now can affect the future. Wan-ling and Ya-juan have a huge quarrel.

16. Episode 16

May 20, 2016

Xiao-long tries to tell Zhen-zhen about his suspicions. A shady new client gives Xiao-long some advice. Mr. Ye is still confused about Che's suit.

15. Episode 15

May 13, 2016

When an infection sends Zhen-zhen to the hospital, Xiao-long and Che vie for her attention. Che reveals who he is to the only person who can help him.

14. Episode 14

May 6, 2016

Mr. Jian takes the office on a weekend retreat in the country, where some hidden feelings are revealed and others take a path to a new direction.

13. Episode 13

April 29, 2016

Jin-qin tells Ya-juan his future plans. Che accidentally runs into his grandfather, a physicist who has a theory about time, space and wormholes.

12. Episode 12

April 22, 2016

Che fills in onstage for Jin-qin at Zhong-en's cafe. Xiao-long is getting more suspicious of Che. Ya-juan's mother arranges a blind date for her.

11. Episode 11

April 15, 2016

A month after arriving in 1989, Che worries about his identity. Zhen-zhen tries magic to see her future husband. Xiao-long discovers something odd.

10. Episode 10

April 8, 2016

Che saves the day for Ya-juan when a delinquent account holder puts her job at risk. Meanwhile, Zhong-en and Jin-qin are both pining for Ya-juan.

9. Episode 9

April 1, 2016

Che and Zhen-zhen get closer during a thunderstorm. Zhen-zhen and Ya-juan nurse Che through a bad cold that stirs up his childhood memories.

8. Episode 8

March 25, 2016

Xiao-long has a photo shoot that leaves him second best to Che. Ya-juan's mother has an ulterior motive for inviting her friends over for a party.

7. Episode 7

March 18, 2016

After Che happily bonds with Jin-qin, he begins to suspext that someone else is his dad. Ya-juan's mother disapproves of Jin-qin. Che misses a call.

6. Episode 6

March 11, 2016

Che is touches when Zhen-zhen's family learns about her debt. Mr. Wang settles the score in the bowling alley. Che shoots hoops with Jin-qin.

5. Episode 5

March 4, 2016

Li-jing accuses Zhen-zhen of making a huge mistake. Che thinks about his youth and wonders what changed Ya-juan. A club brawls leads to a revelation.

4. Episode 4

February 26, 2016

Jian gives Zhen-zhen another chance, but Che's new position in the company causes problems for her. Ya-juan finds Che's behaviour a little strange.

3. Episode 3

February 19, 2016

Zhen-zhen insists Che rents a room in her parents' house. Che has to deal with seeing his mother as a happy young woman. Jian get a new job pitch.

2. Episode 2

January 29, 2016

Che begins to adapt to his new situation. After being rejected for a job at the firm where Zhen-zhen works, he makes an impossible bet with a client.

1. Episode 1

December 31, 2016

Securities analyst Chen Che has an accident after arguing with his mother over this father's identity and wakes up in 1989, a year before his birth.

Description

The show explores the themes of family, love, and the nature of reality. Chen Che's interactions with his parents, who are unaware of his true identity, are at the core of the series. He also falls in love with his father's classmate, Ye Zhen Zhen, and has to navigate the complex emotions of experiencing his parents' relationship in their youth.

Back to 1989 is a heartwarming drama that also has its fair share of suspense and mystery. Chen Che's attempts to change the past have unintended consequences, and he must unravel the truth behind a long-held family secret. The series also deals with issues of identity and belonging, as Chen Che struggles to reconcile his life in the present with the reality of living in the past.

One of the standout performances in the series is Li-Ang Chang's portrayal of Chen Che. His earnest and sympathetic characterization of the time traveler keeps the audience invested in the story. Yu-Wei Shao gives a nuanced performance as Chen Che's father, who is struggling to reconcile his own dreams with the expectations of his family. Mini Tsai's performance as Ye Zhen Zhen is also noteworthy for its authenticity and emotional depth.

The show's production values are excellent, with meticulous attention paid to recreating the '80s setting. The costumes, music, and props all contribute to the immersive experience of traveling back in time. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with creative camera angles and lighting that enhance the show's emotional impact.

Back to 1989 was a critical and commercial success in Taiwan, winning several awards and garnering high ratings throughout its run. It was particularly popular with younger audiences who were drawn to its nostalgic depiction of life in the late '80s. The series also had a significant presence on social media, with fans enthusiastically sharing their reactions and theories online.

Overall, Back to 1989 is a poignant and engaging drama that explores universal themes of love, family, and personal identity. Its unique blend of time travel and romance makes it a standout in the Taiwanese television landscape.

Back to 1989 is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (21 episodes). The series first aired on December 31, 2016.

Where to Watch Back to 1989

Back to 1989 is available for streaming on the SET Metro website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Back to 1989 on demand at and Viki.