Autumn’s Concerto: Why Taiwan’s 2nd Highest Rated Drama is worth watching
Meteor Garden was the first Taiwanese idol drama that captured the hearts of many people all over the world. F4 and Barbie Hsu became famous because of this show, they even went here for a visit and their concert was jam packed with fans. I also became a fan of this show and watched the whole series including Meteor Garden 2 (which was very draggy). Jerry Yan was the favorite among the fans maybe because he was the male lead so it naturally follows that more people will notice and like him. I can say that Van Ness was the least popular among the group because of his mediocre acting and difficulty with the Chinese language.
You see, Van Ness was born in the US so his native tongue is English, which makes Mandarin his second language. That’s why when I accidentally found a Youtube clip of Autumn’s Concerto, I became curious. I saw a totally different Van Ness Wu with short hair and it was the first time that I saw the female lead Ady An. From that short video clip, I saw the sizzling and strong chemistry between the leads and for me, this is quite rare especially in these Taiwan idol dramas. The last time I saw this kind of chemistry was between Joe Chen and Ethan Ruan in Fated To Love You. Their chemistry was so strong that it shows even if they’re only standing together.
That got me curious enough about the show that I decided to download and watch all the episodes that were already aired (luckily, English subs were available). I got hooked and finished watching them in 2 days. Since the show is still airing, I started to watch it live every Sunday night (even if I couldn’t understand their dialogues, haha). So what exactly got me hooked to this show? Everything! The story was well executed by the great director and crew, and the cast did a superb job playing their characters. The chemistry between the leads was very strong and with the addition of Xiao Xiao Bin in the story, they have formed the perfect family chemistry!
Let me tell you that Autumn’s Concerto (also known as Next Stop, Happiness) is not your typical Taiwanese idol drama. The show’s plot is very serious and there are many heart wrenching moments that you can’t help but sympathize with the characters. There’s also a myriad of misunderstandings between the lead characters that sometimes you just want to bang your head on the wall out of sheer frustration. Other dramas usually have lighter plots and lots of comedic elements in it, the actors tend to over react and that doesn’t impress me at all. The last drama that I watched and liked is Fated To Love You which is a romantic comedy and it’s also the highest rated drama in history. Right now, Autumn’s Concerto has gained the number 2 spot in terms of ratings.
The show is about the love story of Ren Guang Xi (Van Ness Wu) and Liang Mu Cheng (Ady An). Ren Guang Xi is a cocky lawyer student who doesn’t trust women and hates his mother because he believed that she caused his father’s death. That made him ruthless to all women and he considers them as playthings. He bets that he can get any woman that he wants and have them kiss him within 24 hours. Liang Mu Cheng is a good pianist since she was a child and was orphaned at an early age. She grew up with her stepmother who later on hooked up with a guy that she considers as her stepfather. Her family is handling the student canteen business and she works there as a bento seller.
Guang Xi and Mu Cheng eventually meet but things were not looking good at first. Guang Xi entered into another bet and this time, Mu Cheng is his target. Guang Xi eventually sees that Mu Cheng is a good girl worthy of loving and respecting. They fall in love but then, Guang Xi found out that he has a brain tumor. Mu Cheng found out and she supported him throughout the whole ordeal. However, Mu Cheng was forced to leave Guang Xi before the operation. She leaves with Tuo Ye without knowing that she’s already carrying his child.
Six years have passed, Guang Xi is now engaged to Yi Qian and has become a successful lawyer. Meanwhile, Mu Cheng is living quietly with her son Xiao Le in the countryside. Guang Xi lost his memory after the operation so he doesn’t remember Mu Cheng, although there are flashbacks of a woman’s silhouette in his mind. Fate brought Guang Xi to where Mu Cheng is currently living and they meet again. Guang Xi eventually regains his memory and found out that Xiao Le is his son. He then forced Mu Cheng into marrying him as part of his revenge.
I don’t want to give out the whole story but I can assure you that there will be a happy ending. Although the plot of the drama isn’t exactly new, the director, cast and crew were able to deliver a fresh approach to it. The show finished airing last month and a lot of fans are having withdrawals because of missing the show especially the Ren family. I wished they included a lot of happy family scenes at the end, that would make the ending perfect.
I fully recommend this drama and I do wish that Van Ness and Ady will collaborate again in the future. If you’ve watched, watching or will watch the show, I would love to hear your opinions, just leave your comments below.
A couple of Autumn’s Concerto collectibles that you might be interested in 
Autumn’s Concerto Photobook
The Making of Autumn’s Concerto
This is really a great TWDrama. I already finished watching it last March, I’m happy but a little sad because ep. 21 is the last. I want it to have a second season. I really miss the Ren family!!!! Especially XIAO LE!
i TOTALLY AGREED.I SAW A “TOTALLY”DIFFERENT OF VAN NESS WU.VERY MUCH DIFFERENT OF METOUR GARDEN.CONGRATULATION TO HIM. EVERY BIT OF SCENE, DIALOG TOUCH MY HEART.WHOA, VA NESS WU,ADY AN AND XIAO XIAO BIN….WHAT A FAMILY.IT IS AVERY GOOD DRAMA I EVER WATCH (TAIWAN DRAMA) AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I REALLY “CHASE” AND WATCH THE WHOLE STORY IN VERY SHORT TIME.GOOD WORK.KEEP IT UP VAN NESS WU. CONGRATULATION.WELL DONE.
this taiwanese drama got me hooked! Actually, im more into korean dramas because i believe that in the drama koreans are the best in setting up a plot that will make the viewers cry, laugh and be touched at the same time.. I was not interested in taiwanese dramas. I watched some of it and generally, im not interested at all and im in doubt that i will never be interested watching autumn’s concerto. but as i watched the first stop, i really got hooked and ended up staying late at night just watching this series. This series brought out the emotions to the viewers and vaness and ady have chemistry. there are twists and makes the viewers unable to know what will happen next. There are fresh lines and it shows the reality of love and lies…. to the staff of autumns concerto you guys have done a great job! Keep making those kind of series. -grace philippines-
you’re right, vanness is my least favorite f4 member during the popularity of meteor garden. it just so happened that i have a friend who loves him so much and she recommended that i see this series. one day, i just decided to start watching autumn concerto for lacking of something to watch… whoa! vanness is such a revelation. i fell in love with him. he can act! though i have already seen that he has potential in acting given the right material when i saw him in wish to see you again. i’m really a big fan of vic zhou. by watching this series i have to control myself not to replace vic with vanness in my heart.
thanks for a great recap. ive come across the series accidentally, but got intrigued. intrigued enough to patiently wait five months before being able to secure a DVD copy. it wasn’t very clear and there were tons of subtitles on the screen, but Autumn’s Concerto is a hands down feel good drama. Yes, the plot was heavy at certain points but never have I seen such a lovable family. Separate, Guang Xi, Mu Cheng and Xiao Le are all interesting characters, but together, they simply lit up my small screen. Their scenes at every episode ending makes me think of idyllic summer days gone by. Sigh. What can I say? AC simply transported me to a much happier and brighter world. Im praying for a miracle here and hope that they make a sequel.
I’m hoping for a sequel too or even a different drama with Van Ness, Ady and Xiao Xiao Bin, wishful thinking but who knows?
A lot of people fell in love with him in this drama, he really did a great job even if he had difficulty memorizing his lines. Hopefully, he gets a good role in his next drama if he’s doing another again in the future
Autumn’s Concerto is definitely a *highly* recommended to-watch-drama!
i love this darama i cry always when im watching really amazing..i love ady & vaness they have perfect chemistry.they touch my heart,,good luck to both of you
This drama got me hooked! At first i dont found it really interesting, but as i watch it, i eventually like it. The story is really beautiful, and it made me cry a lot. It was really touching. Ive known vaness since meteor garden. Vaness Wu and Ady has a super perfect chemistry. I hope they could make a movie or a series again. They were the best! I love them!!!
I really like this show of Vanness, this is the character that I want him to play and he did it! I am so proud of him. He really did a good job. He really transformed from the baggy pants to suits. You just got to love a man in a suit! I hope that he would do more mature roles. For sure that they would be a hit again just like this drama. Love Vanness so much and I have been a fan since F4! <3<3<3
I really fell in love with this drama. This is the best drama I’ve seen.. I’ve watched Fated To Love You but for me, Autumn’s Concerto is way much better than FTLY. The plot and the story is so nice and the actors and the actresses were brilliant. Bought the DVD and it is worth buying and keeping it. So far, I’ve re-watched the drama for 4 times already and loving all the episodes in it. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve cried watching the drama…. Vanness Wu and Ady An are both great in the drama. Ady sure was great in sheading tears… and Vanness sure did a wonderful acting as a lawyer who’s cold outside but indeed was very warm inside…Thank goodness the directer chose them both as the lead actor and actress. Xiao Xioa Bin is the icing of the story…hehehe….he’s so good and cute.
good & touching drama i ever seen,,,,,the unconditional love by Ren mother & Mu Cheng was great
its make me cry n cry n cry over it because of it move my heart…….Van Ness, Ady & Xiao xiao Bin make a “happy family”, my Indian friends love it too,,,,,,highly recommended drama! The Hua Tien Villagers are great too 
the Hokkien they speaks is fun 
jia yu Next Stop, Happiness
this series is definitely on top of my list among many series that i’ve watched. honestly, i wasn’t so into taiwanese series before. i always thought that they were exaggerating and slapstick, but AC was different. it really got me hooked on the first episode and made me become so obsessed as the series went on. till now, i haven’t recovered from my obsession yet. everything about this series, the setting, plot, characters, acting, cinematography, script, soundtrack, and feeling really attract me. this series is definitely well-done and deserves a high recognition. now, i can’t wait to see Vanness and Ady to act together again. they will always be my Guang Xi and Mu Cheng in my heart. sigh…it’s going to take a long time for me to recover from this obsession…
Autumn’s Concerto is definitely a MUST SEE DRAMA! It really captivated the viewer’s heart. Van Ness and Ady really has a very good chemistry, of course plus Xioa Xiao Bing. I really love this family. I keep on watching it over and over again. Van Ness has really transformed into a very good looking guy than in his Meteor Garden days. He should keep his hair short, it suit him very well. And I really hope that Van Ness, Ady and Xiao Bing will have another drama together….
Van Ness is the most talented and prolific actor in f4 group, then Vic Zhou, Jerry yan and ken respectively.
look how he transformed himself in every project he’s in, with different hair style, clothes…comparing to Jerry who has the same hair and same on-screen persona in all his movies or series. Van Ness just simply brilliant here, someone has mentioned on this blog about mandarin is his 2nd language, in acting and bring RQX out! He’s also a strong, devout Christian.
Go Van Ness, God bless you, but will you do another drama like AC? please for us fans?
Love this! Thanks for making my day.
I totally fell in love with Autumn’s Concerto. I’m a RomCom (Romantic Comedy) addict. So, I usually look for those types of genres. I really don’t know what led me to watch AC but after watching the first episode, I instantly got hooked. It was just as you say, it has a familiar plot but how the actors and the producers worked on the drama made it refreshing. I just finished watching it a few days ago and now I’m having withdrawal symptoms leading me to read your blog. LOL
This will start showing on a local channel, ABS-CBN Kapamilya Network on this Monday (tomorrow). I’m curious about the dubbing and the soundtrack.
hi! could you please tell me where i can download this drama with english subtitles? thank you!
@angela: you can download it on sublimes. here’s the link http://www.sublimesfansubs.com/2009/10/autumns-concerto.html
ah!!! i just love this drama… u know all of u might be saying that he was ur least fave in meteor garden but i personally loved him the best. idk why but the little things he said and did in meteor garden made me laugh and have fun.i watched this cause he’s my fave and i wanted to see him be the lead, y’know. i dont regret being tired in school just cause i watched this. ahaha… i love their family chemistry too! *sigh* just hope they’ll make another good drama as this.. my expectations are high now!
) i <3 AC!
oh and u can watch this on youtube wid eng subs.
watched this drama 3 times and yet it never fails to make me to cry. I so love this drama and hope that there would be another season. I so love the Ren family so much! I am so empress with Van Ness acting…
this drama makes my heart cry, laugh, and shocked because this one is one of a kind! at first i taught it is something like the other drama but i m wrong. but i hate the part when ren guang xi did not believe mu cheng anymore! =( but the ending is great and i want it to have a 2nd season. everyone shoulg watch it! you love it!
I often get addicted in Taiwanese TV series. But this one is worth watching. I like the flow of the story.
Must watch!
I’m now obsessed with this drama!!! It’s being aired here in Philippines every weekdays at 5pm and I already bought a dvd copy bcuz I’m so excited to know how the story will turn out. And hopefully I’ll be able to watch the whole episodes by next week. I’m really happy that Vaness finally had an exposure like this. I love his team up with Ady, they make a cute couple! Love love love this!!!!
my fave taiwanese drama next to meteor garden 1!!!! really can’t get over after completing the series last sat that i watched it again from episode 1.Lol…super love van ness’ superb acting and the chemistry with ady an is insanely “kilig” haha..wish they really added more happy family scenes.. <3 <3 <3
my fave taiwanese drama next to meteor garden 1!!!!-Oh i would like to correct this… This is the top taiwanese drama on my list…I really love Autumn’s Concerto
i love watching i love you so. i want to know their OST can you pleas tell me?
i am a filipina. i love watching it. even when my mom often scolded me from too much watching. hehe.. i cant help it. i was attracted to a short hair Va ness.. please? can you do it for me? i will really appreciate it. tnx so much. you know my email add already. tnx…… oh.. may i know what va ness and ady ann real name please?
This drama is really a must-watch as I’ve watched it twice in a year’s gap and it still managed to make me cry like nobody’s business. Am having slight withdrawal syndromes. Need to buy the dvd for collection.. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the top drama on my list. Fated to love you don’t even come close although it was nice too.. Sigh!
i love this series. great job for the whole crew and actors….i hope Van ness and Ady would do another series sooooooonnnnnn!!!! haha!!
I really love this drama this is the first asianovela in which I can’t help my tears fall down..
I do want to see the whole episode.
What is the website having the full episode of this(the one that has english subtitle)?
Please..I’m an addict of this show..
I can’t wait with the abs-cbn episodes.:-(
This drama is so heartwarming and soooo addicting.ady an and vanness wu’s chemistry is very good.they look so good together.their baby boy in the drama is soooo cute!…can’t help but watch it over again..i’m looking forward to autumn’s concerto part 2…good job guys!..^_^
6-6
i really luv this drama….10 out 10 lol…….i ‘m fan of korean drama cuz i think taiwan drama to bling….bling n not realistic n to childish n not focus but AC andd mteor garden realLy2 good,… maybe vannes there la…..
I rili love this asianovela!!!
This is a very good tv drama. I wonder why ABS CBN decided to change it’s airing time. I love it so much.
i hope that va ness and ady an can make a new drama series and they have good chemistry ,
worth watching…
Well, I am late to the party pero okay lang. A year after, this series is still good and still capturing fans all over.
yah! the story is very nice.. i can’t stop watching it over and over again.. for me its the best Asian drama that i have seen.. the story line is well made and all the characters were portrayed well by the actors and actresses.. hopefully there will be a part 2, focusing more on the married life of the Ren Family..