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| num_episodes = 34
| related = {{Plainlist|
*
* ''Precious'' (2011)
* '' The New Little Nyonya '' (2020)
* ''{{Interlanguage link|The Little Nyonya II: Emerald Hill
}}
}}
'''''The Little Nyonya''''' ({{lang-zh|c={{linktext|小|娘惹}}}}) is a 2008 [[Soap opera|drama serial]] on [[Singapore|Singapore's]] free-to-air [[Channel 8 (Singaporean TV channel)|MediaCorp TV Channel 8]]. It stars [[Jeanette Aw]], [[Qi Yuwu]], [[Pierre Png]] and [[Joanne Peh]] as the main casts of the series. The storyline, which circles around the biographical flashback of an extended [[Peranakan Chinese]] [[family]] in [[Malacca]], [[Malaysia]], is set in the 1930s and spans to over 70 years and several generations of three families.
It debuted on 25 November 2008 and concluded its run on 5 January 2009. It was shown on weekdays at 9{{nbsp}}pm. The series was partly sponsored by the [[Media Development Authority]] of Singapore.
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During a flashback to the past, Huang Juxiang ([[Jeanette Aw]]) is born into a large [[Peranakan Chinese]] [[family]] in [[Malacca]], [[Malaysia]] where her mother is a mistress. Not only is Juxiang kind and beautiful, she is also remarkable at all skills a Nyonya is expected to have. However, Juxiang is a deaf-mute due to a serious illness when she was young. Although she is the daughter of the respectable Huang family, Juxiang and her mother Tian Lan are treated as servants due to their illegitimate status, having no say in anything.
During a feast hosted by the Huang family, Juxiang catches the eyes of many men - Chen Sheng ([[Pierre Png]]), the second son of the respectable Chen family, Charlie Zhang ([[Desmond Sim]]), a powerful and cunning businessman, and Yamamoto Yousuke ([[Dai Xiangyu]]), a [[
After 2 years of blissful life, Juxiang is pregnant. Yousuke goes back to [[Japan]] to visit his ill father but does not return as promised. Juxiang painstakingly raises hers and Yousuke's daughter Yamamoto Yueniang ([[Jeanette Aw]] (
Just as [[World War II]] breaks out in [[Singapore]], Yosuke returns. It is revealed that shortly after returning to [[Japan]], he was forced into [[military]] by the [[
The orphaned Yueniang eventually arrives at the Huang family's house on her own. Her grandmother Tian Lan and faithful servant Ah Tao rejoice at her return. Yue Niang learns to cook Peranakan dishes and sew, being as remarkable as Ju Xiang was.
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Yueniang catches the eye of Chen Xi ([[Qi Yuwu]]), who is the nephew of Chen Sheng. Chen Xi pretends to be a [[chauffeur]] so that Yueniang will befriend him. Yueniang's kindness, purity and persistence move Chen Xi and he falls in love with her. This incurs the wrath of the Huang family as they intend to marry off either of Yueniang's cousins - Huang Zhenzhu ([[Eelyn Kok]]), the mean elder sister and Huang Yuzhu ([[Joanne Peh]]), the kind younger sister.
Despite Chen Xi's determination, he is arranged to marry Yuzhu after many sabotages and obstacles. At the same time, Yueniang is forced to marry a lowly [[butcher]] turned [[crime boss|gangster boss]], Liu Yidao ([[Yao Wenlong]]). Chen Sheng reminds Chen Xi to not give up on Yueniang just like how he did with Ju Xiang, so Chen Xi works with Yuzhu, who supports Chen Xinand Yueniang's relationship, to help them elope.
On the night when Yuzhu helps Yueniang escape, Yuzhu is raped by Robert Zhang ([[Zen Chong]]), the son of Charlie Zhang, who had mistaken Yuzhu for Yueniang. Zhenzhu takes Yuzhu's place in marrying Chen Xi, who had no say in the marriage as he was gravely ill and in a coma after the unsuccessful elopement. In shock and guilt for Yuzhu's plight, Yueniang marries Yidao without resistance. Yuzhu is then married off to Robert, who mistreats her and turns her insane.
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Yueniang begins learning to trade and becomes a successful businesswoman. She makes peace with the Huang family by inviting them back to live in the ancestral house which she has bought from the bank. Chen Xi, who is still in love with Yueniang, tries to ask for her hand in marriage again, but she turns him down to avoid a divorce scandal for the respectable Chen family.
Yueniang ends up marry a charming and righteous [[United Kingdom|British]] [[lawyer]], Paul Robertson ([[Bobby Tonelli]]). Zhenzhu leaves her loveless marriage andn got a divorce with Chen Xi and the latter starts a relationship with his good friend Libby ([[Pamelyn Chee]]). Yueniang adopts Yuzhu and Robert's son and names him Zhang Zuye. Zuye has two sons and a daughter.
Back in the present time, the elderly Yueniang's granddaughter, Angela, realises Yuzhu is her biological grandmother and grieves for Yuzhu's bitter life. Yueniang finishes telling Angela their family history and tells Angela to never forget their family roots.
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===Second generation===
* [[Jeanette Aw]] as Yamamoto Yueniang (山本月娘) (Main [[Protagonist]] of the series)
** Younger version portrayed by Christabelle Tan
** Older version portrayed by [[Xiang Yun]]
* [[Andie Chen]] as Huang Tianbao (黄天宝)
* [[Eelyn Kok]] as Huang Zhenzhu (黄珍珠)
* [[Joanne Peh]] as Huang Yuzhu (黄玉珠) (2nd Main [[Protagonist]] of the series)
===Third generation===
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* Yang Yanqing as Xiulian (秀莲)
* [[Pierre Png]] as Chen Sheng (陈盛)
* [[Qi Yuwu]] as Chen Xi (陈锡) (Main [[Protagonist]] of the series)
===Zhang family===
* [[Desmond Sim]] as Charlie Zhang (查里张) (Main
* Henry Heng as Zhang Tianfu (张添福)
* [[Zen Chong]] as Robert Zhang (罗伯张) (Main
===Other characters===
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==Development and production==
[[File:Pinang Peranakan Mansion.JPG|thumb|Sites of the [[Pinang Peranakan Mansion]] were used in the drama]]
Rumours indicate that the role of Xiufeng was initially offered to [[May Phua]], who turned the offer down due to her pregnancy at the time of filming, which resulted [[Pan Lingling]] taking over the role. [[Huang Biren]] was said to be a prime candidate for the role of Tian Lan, although the actress' decision not to renew her contract with MediaCorp ultimately resulted in [[Xiang Yun]] obtaining the part.
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==Promotion==
Promotion for
{{cite web
|url = http://www.simplyjeanette.com/2008/12/27/thousands-turn-up-at-little-nyonya-roadshow/
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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | access-date=26 June 2015 | url=https://www.facebook.com/22268538302/photos/ms.c.eJxVkssNBDEIQzta8Qsh~;Te2mcPAm5tlGcc4hHnsCnexX5gvlaoXi~_4a~;rzYjxo0rb8~_q3F5jaeqjyag2fB06GVw9VuBdx~;s43N8~_PaxykS2hP6TGbOKvbKQoT3X9HA1jS2t93X4PHxNno1s3ZUt9HPzs3~;ugk7YjyBn~_1i6TGb94NYb~_fn3O0sfZX7eAPvnnTz8H6nVdvo~-.bps.a.42323353302/42325103302/ | title=The Little Nyonya Roadshow ~ 27 Dec 2008 | publisher=The Little Nyonya's Facebook Page | date=29 December 2008 | author=The Little Nyonya}}</ref>
Due to the overwhelming response of the initial public event, a "Thank You Roadshow" was held at Suntec City on 31 January 2009, where fans were allowed to take photographs with the cast and then shake hands. It featured several cast members from the first event as well as [[Olivia Ong]], who recorded the theme song of the series.
Minor roadshows were held at various locations between January and April 2009. On 17 January 2009, [[Jeanette Aw]] and [[Xiang Yun]] promoted bird nest at Tiong Bahru Plaza, while [[Qi Yuwu]] and [[Joanne Peh]] appeared at Courts Megastore along Tampines Road. Qi and Peh later appeared in character as Chen Xi and Huang Yuzhu respectively as part of the official launch for Media Fiesta at Marina Square on 5 March 2009. On 26 April 2009, [[Jeanette Aw]] and [[Pierre Png]] made an appearance at the first anniversary of the Singapore Peranakan Museum shortly before leaving to attend the Star Awards.
===Chinese New Year Special===
In response the tremendous support to the show, the producers filmed a one-hour special, showcasing the stars enjoying a special Nyonya's [[reunion dinner]], "The Little Nyonya's Big Reunion" ({{zh|c=小娘惹大团圆}}), which was aired on 1st day
===Home media release===
The drama series was released by MediaCorp a 2-volume DVD boxset. The first volume, which contained the first 12 episodes of
==Commercial performance==
Viewership for
==Critical response==
Criticism was also leveled at MediaCorp's bias towards [[Jeanette Aw]]. Many viewers saw
Due to the usage of [[dramatic license]], the drama series also contains a significant number of historical inaccuracies, particularly in the first few episodes involving Juxiang's life and Yueniang's childhood. Notable examples include the outbreak of the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]] in 1932 (as opposed to 1937) and the [[Bombing of Singapore (8 December 1941)|first air raid on Singapore]] (8 December 1941) occurring in broad daylight (which took place at night in reality).▼
▲Due to the usage of [[dramatic license]], the series also contains a significant number of historical inaccuracies, particularly in the first few episodes involving Juxiang's life and Yueniang's childhood. Notable examples include the outbreak of the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]] in 1932 (as opposed to 1937) and the [[Bombing of Singapore (8 December 1941)|first air raid on Singapore]] (8 December 1941) occurring in broad daylight (which took place at night in reality).
===The Little Nyonya: The Final Chapter===
The scriptwriter of the series, Ang Eng Tee (also known as Hong
The ending used in the series was criticised by fans to be too sad and abrupt. The response also prompted Ang to say that had he know that viewers would react as such, he would have Yueniang and Chen Xi reunite, for TV dramas are, in his words, made for viewers.<ref name="sadending">{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_322946.html |title=Where's the happy ending? |last=Lee |first=Jocelyn |author2=Jasmine Teo |date=7 January 2009 |publisher=The Straits Times |access-date=12 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121162643/http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_322946.html |archive-date=21 January 2009 }}</ref> In response to the criticisms, MediaCorp decided to make an alternate ending, which was aired on 11 January 2009 at 9:55{{nbsp}}pm. The ending, titled "The Little Nyonya: The Final Chapter" (小娘惹之月娘与陈锡重逢篇, literally: "The Little Nyonya: The Chapter of Yueniang and Chen Xi Reuniting), lasted for three minutes. According to producers, the script for the alternate ending was finalised on 8 January 2009, and filming was completed on the following day.<ref name="altending">{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/401544/1/.html|title="The Little Nyonya: The Final Chapter" to air on Channel 8 this Sunday|last=Lim|first=Cheryl|date=10 January 2009|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=10 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112034154/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/401544/1/.html|archive-date=12 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
Although it was rumoured that the ending would reunite Yueniang and Chen Xi, and have them living happily ever after, the new ending merely had Yueniang and Chen Xi tell each other why they could not be together. Yueniang and Chen Xi ended up separated, just as it was in the original ending. This drew heavy criticism from viewers, who told local newspapers that they felt they were being cheated.<ref name="ending2">{{cite web | url=http://www.omy.sg/Showbiz/E-News/Story/OMYStory200901121515-34705.html | script-title=zh:《小娘惹》重逢版被轰是垃圾 | publisher=Lianhe Wanbao | date=12 January 2009 | access-date=12 January 2009 | last=Zhong | first=Yanling | language=zh | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119094047/http://www.omy.sg/Showbiz/E-News/Story/OMYStory200901121515-34705.html | archive-date=19 January 2009 | url-status=live }}</ref> In response, MediaCorp said that this was not an "alternate ending", as some have suggested. Rather, it is a special presentation to show the station's appreciation to the fans of the series.<ref name="ending2"/>
==Accolades==
This drama was seen as an extremely strong contender in the ''[[Star Awards 2009]]'', held on 26 April 2009, minting a new record of having 16 nominations in the acting category, surpassing former record holder's ''[[Holland V (TV
The
In total, the entire
{| class="wikitable"
|-
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|[[Star Awards 2010]] (Show 2)
|[[Star Awards for Best Variety Special|Best Variety Special]]
|''The Little Nyonya Big Reunion
|
|-
|2011
|[[Star Awards 2011]] (Show 1)
|Danny Loh Boon Kiat 罗文杰|| {{won}}
|
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== Legacy ==
In an interview with ''[[Lianhe Wanbao]]'', the series' scriptwriter, Ang Eng Tee, said that if the demand exists, he will write a special presentation, or even a sequel to the series. Ideas for a possible sequel or special presentation have already been drafted by Ang, one of which would have Angela receiving a secret wooden box from Ah Tao, before Angela returns to Singapore. The box was owned by Yueniang, and Ah Tao defied her orders to burn the contents before Yueniang died. The box contained details on Yueniang and Chen Xi's relationship, in addition to a letter from Libby, telling Yueniang that Chen Xi and Libby did not get married after all.<ref name="ending2"/> However, it was noted that production sequels have been much frowned upon by producers, and owing to the high production costs, a sequel seems to be very unlikely, but another [[Police procedural|police drama]] in 2010 known as ''[[Unriddle]]'' is having a [[sequel]]
===''The Peranakan Ball''===
On 16 May 2009, [[Jeanette Aw]] and [[Dai Xiangyu]] starred in a musical called ''The Peranakan Ball'' ([[Chinese language|Chinese]]: 娘惹之恋). The musical is based on the story of [[Cinderella]] and it stars [[Jeanette Aw]] as Bee Tin, a Nyonya servant in a wealthy [[Peranakan Chinese]] household, and unrelated to
===''Pretty Maid''===
While not promoted as such, and the program was produced by a different television station, many Singaporeans who watched the series ''{{Interlanguage link|Pretty Maid|lt=|zh|大丫鬟|WD=}}'' believe it copies the main plot of
===''Precious'' (''The Little Nyonya remake'')===
This is a remake of this show. Set during the 1930s to 2000s, "Qian Jin" spans three generations and is about a young girl named Ling Qian Jin (also portrayed by [[Jeanette Aw]]) who was orphaned as a toddler. A decade later as a young lady, she rediscovers her family and her identity. Qian Jin goes through hell as her step-grandmother bullies her while also being caught in a love triangle. Will Qian Jin resign to fate or rewrite it?
===''The New Little Nyonya 2020 remake''===
In October 2018, it was announced that a [[:zh:小娘惹 (2020年电视剧)|Chinese remake of the show]] was in the works and would be aired on Chinese online video platform, [[iQiyi]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iq.com/album/19rrhl3w5d|title=The Little Nyonya|website=iQIYI|date=5 June 2020 }}</ref> initially slated for 2019,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sg.style.yahoo.com/xiang-yun-dai-xiang-yu-jeffrey-xu-star-remake-little-nyonya-115043688.html|title=Xiang Yun, Dai Xiang Yu and Jeffrey Xu star in remake of 'The Little Nyonya'|website=sg.style.yahoo.com|language=en-SG|access-date=16 January 2020}}</ref> but now in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghyculturemedia.com/zh-hans/%E7%81%B5%E9%AD%82%E6%91%86%E6%B8%A1%C2%B7%E9%BB%84%E6%B3%89-2-2-2-2/|title=长信传媒年度大剧《小娘惹》 有望2020年初盛大播映|date=2 December 2019|website=长信传媒|access-date=16 January 2020}}</ref> It is a joint production between iQiyi, Changxin Pictures and Singapore-based G.H.Y Culture & Media and will star [[Xiao Yan (actress)|Xiao Yan]], [[:zh:寇家瑞|Kou Chia-Jui]], Yue Lina, He Yuhong, [[:zh:邱凱偉|Darren Chiu]], [[Dai Xiangyu]], [[Xiang Yun]], [[Jeffrey Xu]] and Fang Cheng Cheng as the main leads. Additionally, Dai, who played Yamamoto Yousuke in the original series, is reprising as the same role in the remake series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.8days.sg/sceneandheard/entertainment/ex-ch-8-actor-dai-xiangyu-is-starring-in-the-little-nyonya-10817110|title=Former Ch 8 Actor Dai Xiangyu Is Starring In The Little Nyonya Remake|publisher=8 Days|date=11 October 2018|access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{in lang|zh}}{{cite web|url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/zentertainment/movies-and-tv/story20181011-898274|title=10年后重拍 新《小娘惹》主角换中台演员|publisher=[[Lianhe Zaobao]]|date=11 October 2018|access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> A mixture of
The remake's plot was generally reminiscent of the original's, though there are a few changes made to the plot, with some filling the plot holes of the original. The significant changes are that in the ending, both Yueniang and Chen Xi are reunited six years after Yueniang's presumed death, and happily married;
Other changes were made to the fates of some characters: Huang Tianbao; instead of being sentenced to death, was shot and killed by [[Police officer|police officers]] after attempting to kill Chen Gong and Chen Xi, whom he took hostage for ransom, Huang Zhenzhu; who lost all her money to her Caucasian lover whom she eloped with, and feeling too ashamed to see her family, she became a prostitute who entertain British customers and subsequently died in a car accident, Charlie Zhang; who died protecting his son Robert Zhang from being shot by Tianbao, and Robert
Singapore would eventually air the remake which premiered on 5 January 2021 at 11pm. The series finale aired on 10 March 2021.
===''Season 2'' (''The Little Nyonya II: Emerald Hill'')===
In October 2023, it was announced that a sequel to the series would start production in 2024. Auditions are currently undergoing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/entertainment/story20231029-1446499|title=《小娘惹2》明年开拍 小阿哥阿姐试镜抢角|website=Lianhe Zaobao|language=chinese|date=29 October 2023|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> In January 2024, it was announced that the sequel to the series will be named
==International release history==
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The series was originally scheduled to air in [[Malaysia]] in mid-January, but was later delayed to February. The series was also aired by TV stations in [[Cambodia]], [[Vietnam]], and [[People's Republic of China|Mainland China]].<ref name="channelnewsasia Release">{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/401882/1/.html|title=Over 5,000 sets of "The Little Nyonya" DVDs sold|date=13 March 2009|publisher=Channel New Asia|access-date=13 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302232425/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/401882/1/.html|archive-date=2 March 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 1 December 2009, Tai Seng Entertainment Channel, an ethnic Chinese entertainment channel on [[DirecTV]], became the first non-Asian station to air
Hong Kong broadcaster [[Television Broadcasts Limited|TVB]] purchased the rights to telecast the series in April 2009,<ref name="hong kong Release">{{cite web | url=http://community.mediacorp.com.sg/TV/CS/blogs/baguatv/archive/2009/02/22/the-little-nyonya-goes-hong-kong.aspx | title=The Little Nyonya' Goes Hong Kong! 『小娘惹』漂洋過海到香港！ | publisher=Media Crop | date=13 March 2009 | access-date=13 March 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311075022/http://community.mediacorp.com.sg/TV/CS/blogs/baguatv/archive/2009/02/22/the-little-nyonya-goes-hong-kong.aspx | archive-date=11 March 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and aired the series a year later, in late April 2010. Like the US, the series has also been Cantonese-dubbed.
The series was promoted at the [[MIPTV]] Television Trade Show in [[Cannes]], [[France]], near the end of March 2009.
==References==
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