Queen Mantis Ep 1 grabs HIGH ratings – international viewers overwhelmingly positive
Michelle Topham 
SBS drama Queen Mantis, Episode 1 aired last night to extremely high ratings for its premiere.
According to Nielsen Korea, Queen Mantis, Episode 1 earned 7.1 percent of the audience share, which is a full 3.0 percent higher than the first episode of its predecessor, The Winning Try, garnered.
Considering that drama went on to end its run on a solid 6.4 percent of the audience share, things look very good indeed for Queen Mantis so far.
Queen Mantis also earned an even higher 7.3 percent of the Seoul viewership.
Both ratings made the latest SBS drama the 3rd-most-watched show of Friday, and the #1 most-watched mini-series of the day on any TV channel.
International response to Queen Mantis after its premiere
To no surprise to anyone who visits the Asian drama-focused website My Drama List (MDL) often, the trolls over there are currently rating Queen Mantis a low 7.8 out of 10 after its first episode.
Don’t worry, that rating will rise as the people who are actually watching the drama, and not just randomly downrating it, add their reviews.
Meanwhile, most of the comments on MDL are raving about the drama, and especially about the main actor’s performances, starting with:
Saw the trailer a few days ago and couldn’t wait for the release!
First episode started great. The acting is amazing, especially Go Hyun Jung and Jang Dong Yoon. I love all the little details, I love her attitude, the way she moves, the way her eyes change depending on her reactions, the tension between them. Definitely seated for ep 2!
to
I’m shook by Go Hyun Jung as Jung I-sin. Her stare alone is enough to send chills it’s cold, controlled, and sometimes even a little twisted in a morbidly satisfying way. The slight, manipulative smile, the slow movements, the natural tired look without makeup it all makes her feel so dangerously real.
Big props to the actress and the whole production team, because wow, she’s insanely convincing.
and to people praising the excellent script:
Queen Mantis kicks off amazingly! The first ep really breaks away from the typical thriller, focusing more on the psychological tension and the dynamic between the mother and son.
The mystery behind the copycat murders is super engaging, and every scene feels layered with meaning. I’m totally hooked and can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Meanwhile, as of yet, IMDB does not have a listing for Queen Mantis, so we will have to wait to see what their users are saying when a few more episodes have dropped.
Over on Viki, which is streaming the K-drama in select regions, only 8 people have rated Queen Mantis so far as well, so its current 10 out of 10 rating isn’t believable either.
Queen Mantis stars Go Hyun Jung and Jang Dong Yoon, and airs every Friday and Saturday.
Let’s see how its ratings hit tonight then, eh?
About the Author
Rachel M. Reeves 
