The TV Chosun drama Don’t Call Me Ma’am concluded its first season in December 2025, leaving a loyal audience of viewers around the world with a pressing question: will the story continue? The show, which follows three friends navigating their forties, has not yet received an official renewal for a second season. The network’s decision depends on several key factors, from its strong viewership ratings to global streaming performance and the availability of its star cast and creative team.
Official Renewal Status and Decision Timeline
As of mid-December 2025, TV Chosun has not made any formal announcement about a second season of Don’t Call Me Ma’am. This period of silence is common in the Korean drama industry. Networks typically analyze a complete set of data from a show’s entire broadcast run before committing to more episodes. Decisions are not made on premiere ratings alone.
A renewal notice, if it comes, is generally expected within three to six months after a season’s finale. For Don’t Call Me Ma’am, which finished airing on December 16, 2025, this means fans could potentially hear news between March and June 2026. The show’s performance during this waiting period, especially on global streaming platforms, will be critical for its future.
Strong First Season Performance and Viewership Growth
The first season of Don’t Call Me Ma’am showed impressive and steady growth in its domestic television ratings, which is a very positive sign for its renewal chances.
According to data from Nielsen Korea, the drama premiered on November 10, 2025, with a nationwide rating of 1.940%. Its audience expanded consistently over its 12-episode run. The series more than doubled its initial viewership, achieving its highest rating with the season finale on December 16, which earned 3.501%. This upward trajectory demonstrates the show successfully built a dedicated audience and sustained interest throughout its broadcast.
The show aired on TV Chosun, which is a cable channel. In South Korea, cable channels typically have a smaller potential audience compared to major national broadcasters like KBS, SBS, or MBC. Achieving ratings over 3% on cable is considered a solid success, making the show’s performance noteworthy.
The Crucial Role of Global Streaming on Netflix
A major component of the renewal equation is the drama’s performance on international streaming services. Don’t Call Me Ma’am was available globally on Netflix and KOCOWA shortly after its Korean broadcast.
Netflix does not publicly release detailed viewership figures, so the show’s exact global performance is not known. However, international popularity and buzz can significantly influence a Korean network’s decision to produce more seasons. Strong streaming numbers from regions outside South Korea can make a show more financially viable and increase its cultural impact. The production companies—TME Group, First Man Studio, and Megaphone—will be looking closely at this data to assess the show’s profitability and potential for future investment.
The Stories and Characters Fans Connected With
Don’t Call Me Ma’am, whose Korean title translates to “Because There Is No Next Life,” resonated by portraying the lives of three 41-year-old best friends with honesty and humor.
- Jo Na-jeong (Kim Hee-sun): A former star TV shopping host who gave up her career to become a full-time mother and housewife. The first season followed her difficult attempt to re-enter the workforce, facing ageism and a changed industry while balancing family duties.
- Koo Ju-young (Han Hye-jin): A planning manager at an art center who appears to have a perfect life with a successful career and stable marriage. The story revealed her private struggles with infertility and a distant husband, exploring the intense pressure to maintain a flawless image.
- Lee Il-ri (Jin Seo-yeon): A deputy editor-in-chief at a fashion magazine who is accomplished in her career but single. Her journey involved navigating societal expectations about marriage and questioning what she truly wants from love and life.
The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of female friendship, where the women supported each other without judgment. It tackled themes like workplace challenges for returning mothers, the pressures of marriage, and the ongoing process of self-discovery in midlife. Fans on platforms like MyDramaList responded positively to these relatable, un-sugarcoated stories.
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Key Factors That Will Decide Season 2
Several practical elements will ultimately determine if Don’t Call Me Ma’am returns.
Cast and Crew Availability is a primary hurdle. The series is directed by Kim Jeong-min and written by Shin Yi-won, both of whom are established figures in the industry with busy schedules. Securing their return, along with the three lead actresses Kim Hee-sun, Han Hye-jin, and Jin Seo-yeon, is essential for continuity. Korean actors often book projects years in advance, so aligning their calendars is a complex task.
Business and Financial Considerations from the production companies and the network are the final deciding factor. They will conduct a complete analysis of the first season’s costs versus its revenue from advertising, licensing to streaming services, and merchandise. The strong and growing domestic ratings provide a good foundation. A formal renewal will only be greenlit if the business case for a second season is strong enough for all involved parties.
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