The MBC drama The Judge Returns has proven to be a major hit on online streaming, steadily climbing in viewership and wrapping up its finale with strong numbers.
According to Wavve, the series saw both total viewing time and user numbers increase consistently throughout its run.
In particular, the weekend release of episodes 9–10 (January 31 – February 1, 2026) marked the drama’s highest point. During this period, viewership jumped to 2.16 times the levels of the first two episodes, setting a new record for the platform.
The surge in viewership was driven by thrilling story developments that kept fans engaged. Episodes 9–10 highlighted the main character, Lee Han Young, as he faced powerful figures with the experience and authority he gained in his previous life.
This “refreshing” storyline excited viewers and helped build a loyal core fan base that stayed engaged until the finale.
As engagement grew, Wavve also noticed that viewers were increasingly watching episodes immediately after release.
While early episodes (1–6) saw higher viewership on Sundays, from episodes 7–8 onward, Saturday viewership overtook Sunday, showing that fans were eager to watch as soon as the episodes became available.
To continue this momentum, Wavve is set to release new dramas that appeal to the same audience. The follow-up series In Your Radiant Season is scheduled for release today (February 20), and other popular titles, including Perfect Crown, will also be available on the platform.
The Judge Returns has shown that strong storytelling and exciting plot developments can drive major streaming success, proving that viewers are ready to tune in week after week.
Source: [1]
