'Taxi Driver 3' roared onto Netflix's global non-English chart at No. 9. It is the only Top 10 title among non–worldwide releases.
SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Taxi Driver 3' (written by Oh Sang-ho / directed by Kang Bo-seung / produced by Studio S, Group 8, B.A. Entertainment) is enjoying an unrivaled box-office run, demonstrating the power of a well-made serialized drama.
In episodes 3 and 4, Kim Do-gi (Lee Je-hoon) and the Rainbow Heroes delivered a thrilling catharsis by rounding up Cha Byung-jin (played by Yoon Si-yoon), the 'used car villain' who viciously destroyed ordinary citizens' lives, and his gang. In particular, Do-gi's trusted and watch-worthy alter ego play, who transformed into the gullible 'Hogu Do-gi' to approach Cha Byung-jin, and the 'scolding lesson' that repaid the malice of used car villains who deceived buyers by selling flooded wrecks, electrified viewers. Along with that, everything became a hot topic, including the special appearance of actor Yoon Si-yoon, who reinvented himself as a new 'villain'.
The response was proven by the numbers. Episode 4 of 'Taxi Driver 3' recorded a peak rating of 15.4%, with 12.6% and 11.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area, ranking first in its time slot and first among mini-series aired that week. Notably, by nationwide ratings this is the fourth highest among all mini-series broadcast so far this year. Moreover, the 20-49 ratings, a metric used to gauge buzz and channel competitiveness, were also overwhelming. The 20-49 ratings for episode 4 peaked at 4.9% and averaged 4.2%, topping all channels combined for November. In just two weeks on air, 'Taxi Driver 3' has firmly conquered living room theaters, and expectations are rising for how far its momentum will continue. (Based on Nielsen Korea)
It is also generating intense heat on OTT. 'Taxi Driver 3' proudly held the No. 1 spot on Netflix's "Top 10 series in Korea today" (as of Dec. 2) and drew attention by ranking No. 9 on the global chart (non-English territories, Nov. 24–Nov. 30). Above all, it is an unusual level of popularity because 'Taxi Driver 3' is the only work that reached the Top 10 among titles that were not released worldwide.
Also, in the TV-OTT buzz ranking for the fourth week of November (Nov. 24–Nov. 30), released by Good Data Corporation FUNdex, 'Taxi Driver 3' ranked No. 1 in the drama category, and on the world's largest content rating site IMDb, episode ratings for episodes 1–4 surpassed an average of 9.5 (as of Dec. 2), winning over overseas viewers as well as those in Korea.
The secret to 'Taxi Driver 3's hot reaction lies in faithfully inheriting the series' unique universe while upgrading the caper genre's appeal with more exhilarating and stylish action direction. Also, after three seasons, the tightened team chemistry and character play of Lee Je-hoon, Kim Eui-sung (as Chairman Jang), Pyo Ye-jin (as Ahn Go-eun), Jang Hyuk-jin (as Chief Choi), and Bae Yoo-ram (as Section Chief Park) have become must-watch draws. Furthermore, standout actors such as Kasamatsu Sho and Yoon Si-yoon appearing as episode villains, boosting presence and immersion, are also beloved fresh viewing points unique to season 3.
Meanwhile, from the upcoming episode 5 broadcast, the episode titled "Jin Gwang University volleyball team: the murder without a body," which becomes the origin of Rainbow Transport's start of offering revenge-for-hire services, will unfold. Attention is focused on the future trajectory of 'Taxi Driver 3,' which has begun an unrivaled box-office run.
SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Taxi Driver 3' is a private revenge-for-hire drama in which the taxi company Rainbow Transport, shrouded in mystery, and taxi driver Kim Do-gi complete revenge on behalf of wronged victims. Episode 5 is scheduled to air Friday, Dec. 5, at 9:50 p.m.
[Photo] SBS 'Taxi Driver 3'
[OSEN]