Chief Detective 1958 Ep 2 ratings see big drop – victim of Queen of Tears effect?

Photo courtesy MBN

In the realm of “I have no idea what the hell is happening” (well, read on further, because I do) you can add the latest news for the new MBC drama Chief Detective 1958, which experienced a big drop in its ratings last night for Episode 2.

The latest figures from Nielsen Korea show Chief Detective 1958, Episode 2 earning 7.8 percent of the audience share — which is a major drop from Friday nights’ record-breaking rating of 10.1 percent for Episode 1.

The superb Korean crime drama also experienced a not-quite-as-big a fall from audiences in Seoul, with the show earning 8.1 percent last night compared to Friday night’s 10.3 percent.

Last night’s numbers also dropped the Lee Je Hoon-led drama from its #1 spot as the most-watched show on Friday to Saturday night’s #2.

Queen of Tears damaging Chief Detective 1958‘s rating?

The main reason for the Chief Detective, 1958, Episode 2 ratings drop on Saturday night likely occurred because the first half of its episode aired during the latter half of the smash-hit drama Queen of Tears, which yet again grabbed a record rating last night.

If that’s the case, this crazily good MBC crime drama will likely see another lower rating for its Saturday episode next week during the Queen of Tears finale weekend.

Fingers crossed, after that, Chief Detective 1958‘s Saturday night rating should then improve.

It should because, as Korean dramas currently airing go, it is one of the best.

Chief Detective 1958 airs every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 (KST) through May 18th, with Disney+ currently streaming it in a very small number of regions.

About Michelle Topham

Brit-American journalist based in Austria, former radio DJ at 97X WOXY, and Founder/CEO of Leo Sigh. I've covered anime, manga, K-drama and music news for over a decade.