The Little Nyonya

The Little Nyonya (Chinese: 小娘惹) is a 2008 drama serial on Singapore's free-to-air 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.

The Little Nyonya
Theatrical Poster
小娘惹
Genre	Period drama
Written by	Ang Eng Tee (洪荣狄)
Directed by	Chong Liung Man (张龙敏) Tay Peck Choo (郑碧珠) Chia Mien Yang (谢敏洋) Loo Yin Kam (卢燕金)
Starring	Jeanette Aw Qi Yuwu Pierre Png Joanne Peh
Opening theme	如燕 by Olivia Ong
Ending theme	保温 by Bevlyn Khoo 需要 by JS
Country of origin	Singapore
Original languages	Mandarin (with partial English, Malay, Japanese and Hokkien)
No. of episodes	34
Production
Producer	Chia Mien Yang (谢敏洋)
Running time	approx. 45 minutes
Original release
Network	MediaCorp TV Channel 8
Release	25 November 2008 (2008-11-25) – 5 January 2009 (2009-01-05)
Related
By My Side Reunion Dinner The Little Nyonya (2020) Emerald Hill (2025)

It debuted on 25 November 2008 and concluded its run on 5 January 2009. It was shown on weekdays at 9 pm. The series was partly sponsored by the Media Development Authority of Singapore.

Produced by MediaCorp in commemoration of the channel's 45th anniversary, the drama series is widely regarded as one of the greatest television series on MediaCorp Channel 8. It has been acclaimed by viewers and critics, and ranked the highest viewership in the country in 14 years. The success of this drama series has led to the show being broadcast internationally. In December 2016, the subscription-based streaming service Netflix acquired broadcasting rights for the series. The series spawned a Chinese remake of the same name broadcasting on CCTV, which aired for 45 episodes beginning 28 June 2020 and ended on 20 July. Singapore aired the remake from 5 January 2021 until 10 March 2021.

Plot

The story spans over 70 years, from the 1930s till present day.

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 Japanese photographer. Seeing his family's matriarch is also fond of Juxiang, Chen Sheng proposes to ask for Juxiang's hand in marriage but is ultimately turned down because of her disability. Juxiang is then forced to be Charlie's mistress by the Huang family in return for business gains. She resists the marriage by running away from home but gets kidnapped by human traffickers. Yousuke rescues her but gets knocked out by Charlie's lackeys after. Juxiang finds herself in Charlie's hotel room about to be raped but Yousuke saves her once again. Both of them flee back to Yousuke's studio in Singapore and elope to escape Charlie's clutches.

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 (middle-age), Christabelle Tan (younger) and Xiang Yun (older)) for 8 years with the support of Chen Sheng.

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 Japanese for the past few years, and has only managed to return by deserting his post. However, the family reunion is shortlived as Juxiang as Yousuke dies during the war, leaving behind Juxiang and their daughter Yueniang.

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.

Yueniang grows up looking exactly like her beautiful mother Juxiang. After the war, the Huang family members who sought refuge in England return home. Yueniang ends up leading an abusive life just like her mother, but she puts up with the mistreatment to protect her grandmother.

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 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.

After marrying Yidao, Yueniang decides she will not accept the life made by others for her and tries to end her life. Her strong personality impresses Yidao and they become sworn siblings being brothers and sisters instead of husband and wife.

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 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.

Shortly after, Yueniang passes away peacefully wearing a traditional white garment, signifying that she will be reunited with her husband Paul in the afterlife.

Cast

First Generation

• Yan Bingliang as Huang Yuan (黄元)
• Lin Meijiao as Lin Guihua (林桂花)
• Xiang Yun as Wang Tianlan (王天兰)
• Guan Xuemei 管雪梅 as Tua Kor (大姑)
• Jeanette Aw as Huang Juxiang (黄菊香)
• Darren Lim as Huang Jincheng (黄金成)
• Apple Hong as Huang Meiyu (黄美玉)
• Pan Lingling as Xiufeng (秀凤)
• Cynthia Koh as Xiujuan (秀娟)

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

• Edsel Lim as young Zhang Zuye (年轻张祖业)

Fourth generation

• Felicia Chin as Angel (安琦)

Chen family

• Li Yinzhu as Madame Chen (陈老太)
• Chen Xiang as Chen Gong (陈功)
• 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 Antagonist of the series)
• Henry Heng as Zhang Tianfu (张添福)
• Zen Chong as Robert Zhang (罗伯张) (Main Antagonist of the series)/ Old Zhang Zuye (老张祖业) (Cameo appearance)

Other characters

• Ng Hui as Ah Tao (阿桃)
  • Zhu Xiufeng as older Ah Tao (阿桃)
• Dai Xiangyu as Yamamoto Yousuke
• Yao Wenlong as Liu Yidao (劉一刀)
• Pamelyn Chee as Libby (丽贝儿)
• Nat Ho as Jonathan Li Xiuwen (李修文)
• Li Yuejie as Da Sha (大傻)
• Bobby Tonelli as Paul Robertson
• Jeszlene Zhou as Jinhua (金花)
• Peer Metze as Smith
• Chua Cheng Pou as Hei Gou (黑狗)

Development and production

Sites of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion were used in the drama

The Little Nyonya took a year of research and four months to film. More than 150 staff members were involved in production of the series and the cast was required to travel frequently from Singapore to Penang, Malacca and Ipoh during filming. The Little Nyonya was notable for having the highest production budget in the history of MediaCorp due to the elaborate period costumes. A pair of beaded shoes traversed over a cost of SGD$1200, while a dining table acquired for the set cost $15000.

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.

It was also rumoured that Zoe Tay had expressed interest in portraying a role in the series, although there were no suitable roles for her. Elvin Ng was originally considered to be portraying Yamamoto Yousuke, but unfortunately, he was injured before filming began, which resulted Dai Xiangyu replacing him. Andrew Seow was first choice to play Robert Zhang but he declined due to him leaving MediaCorp and not renewing his contract, which resulted the role being replaced and portrayed by Zen Chong.

The series initially received a 30-episode order, although over-runs in filming led the series to be extended to 34 episodes instead. Possibly as a result, two episodes were aired on Mondays from 15 December 2008 till the conclusion of the series.

Promotion

Promotion for The Little Nyonya lasted throughout the initial broadcast of the series as well after the series ended. Twelve members of the cast participated in "The Little Nyonya Public Event" 小娘惹户外影迷会 at Compass Point on 27 December 2008, which included an autograph session. An estimated 5000 people were present during the event. 100 posters were given out to members of the audience. The unprecedented number of appearances resulted in damage of the flooring at Compass Point. Certain tiles on the floor cracked under the pressure exerted by the crowd.

Due to the overwhelming response of the initial public event, a "Thank You Roadshow" was held at Suntec City on 31 January, 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, 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 part of the official launch for Media Fiesta at Marina Square on 5 March. On 26 April, 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" (Chinese: 小娘惹大团圆), which was aired on day one of the Lunar New Year (26 January 2009) at 7 pm. It was hosted by Dasmond Koh and featured Yan Bingliang, Lin Meijiao, Pan Lingling, Darren Lim, Li Yinzhu, Cynthia Koh, Eelyn Kok, Andie Chen, Joanne Peh, Zen Chong, Dai Xiangyu, Jeanette Aw, Xiang Yun, Pierre Png, Qi Yuwu, Ng Hui and Yao Wenlong. The cast talked about the filming experiences and about the unexplained fates of characters that were not mentioned in the finale. Unaired blooper clips and behind-the-scenes shots were also shown. The special also had a special re-run on 8 February 2009 (day 14 of the New Year) at 9 pm.

Home media release

The series was released by MediaCorp a 2-volume DVD boxset. The first volume, which contained the first 12 episodes of The Little Nyonya was released to stores on 6 January 2009. The remaining episodes were compiled in the second volume and released two weeks later. The boxset contains no special features, although it is accompanied by a booklet which provides descriptions of the major characters in the show, as well as a family tree.

Commercial performance

The Little Nyonya achieved extremely high ratings during its initial run, with an average of 993 000 viewers per episode and peaking at 1.67 million viewers on the final episode. In addition, the series achieved the highest viewership rating in Singapore in 14 years.

Viewership for The Little Nyonya steadily increased throughout its run. Its first episode garnered an estimated 1.098 million viewers, which equates to 20.3% of the country's population. On Episode 11, the show rating increased to 23.6%. The 15th and 16th episodes, both broadcast back-to-back, was watched by 24.1% of the country's population. The rating increased by 2.2% a week later, and further increased to 27.8% by the 27th and 28th episodes. The viewership peaked at 33.8% on the final two episodes, also broadcast back-to-back.

Critical response

The Little Nyonya has been critically acclaimed. However, despite being lauded as a drama that provides an insight into the unique Peranakan culture, the show has received criticism in local media over portrayals and promotion. Issues that were raised early included the castings of Pan Lingling and Cynthia Koh to portray teenage girls albeit being already in their thirties. This issue was counter-argued by being tantamount to ageism, as well as the fact that it was raised only three episodes after the show began airing. The character development of Xiufeng has come under fire due to the character's exhibitions of violence.

Criticism was also leveled at MediaCorp's bias towards Jeanette Aw. Many viewers saw The Little Nyonya as a television series conceived as a launching vehicle for Aw's career in television and to secure an award at the next Star Awards. Several viewers also believe that the producers intentionally wrote Aw's first role as a mute in attempt to conceal her imperfect delivery of Mandarin. In response, producers have lauded Aw's work, saying that she performed in a professional manner. Despite this, Aw's portrayal of Juxiang and Yueniang has been praised by members of the audience.

Mass publicity for The Little Nyonya began two months before the show premiered – it had also received criticism from the public. Within MediaCorp, there are also some misgivings in regards to the over-promotion this show has received. The cast of the long-running drama Love Blossoms have privately lamented that the show, which used to receive tremendous amounts of advertising support from MediaCorp, is being neglected in favour of The Little Nyonya.

As many of the Peranakan characters in the series (such as most of the Huang family, as well as Charlie Zhang and son Robert) are antagonists (Jincheng, Xiufeng and Huangyuan are part-time antagonists), many viewers think that the series will negatively stereotype Peranakans as being ruthless. In response, the show's writer, Ang Eng Tee, said that ruthlessness and petty politicking, which are basic human interactions, appears within any culture, and is not an exclusive trait of the Peranakans.

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 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 Rongdi 洪荣狄), plotted five endings for the series, four of which would involve Yueniang and Chen Xi reuniting and living happily ever after.

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. In response to the criticisms, MediaCorp decided to make an alternate ending, which was aired on 11 January 2009 at 9:55 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, and filming was completed on the following day.

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. 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.

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 (which got nine) until it was topped by the first season of The Dream Makers in 2014, which have 21. The series became the biggest winner for the ceremony, taking home nine awards including the Drama Serial and the Top Viewership Drama Serial of 2008 (tying with the first season of The Dream Makers later in 2014); it was at the time the series won the most awards in a Star Awards ceremony until in the 2016 ceremony, the record was superseded by the second season of The Dream Makers, which received 26 nominations, and won 12.

The spin-off series, The Little Nyonya Reunion Special, and the promotional ad for the encore telecast for the series, were respectively nominated for Star Awards 2010 and Star Awards 2011, with the latter clinching the award.

In total, the entire Little Nyonya franchise won a combined 11 awards from four award ceremonies.

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref
2009	Star Awards (Backstage Achievement)	Young Talent Award	Christabelle Tan 陈荢萱	Nominated
		Best Director 最佳导演	Chia Mien Yang	Won
			Chong Liung Man	Won
		Best Screenplay 最佳剧本	Ang Eng Tee	Won
		Best Set Design 最佳戏剧布景设计	Ho Hock Choon	Won
		Best Theme Song	《如燕》 by Olivia Ong	Won
	Star Awards (Main Show)	Best Actor	Qi Yuwu	Nominated
			Pierre Png	Nominated
		Best Actress	Jeanette Aw	Nominated
			Joanne Peh	Won
		Best Supporting Actor	Dai Xiangyu	Nominated
			Darren Lim	Nominated
			Yao Wenlong	Nominated
			Zen Chong	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actress	Eelyn Kok	Nominated
			Li Yinzhu	Nominated
			Lin Meijiao	Nominated
			Ng Hui	Won
			Xiang Yun	Won
		Best Drama Serial	—	Won
		Top 10 Highest Viewership Local Dramas in 2008 Award 十大最高收视率	—	Won
	Asian Television Awards	Best Actor	Qi Yuwu	Nominated
			Pierre Png	Nominated
		Best Actress	Joanne Peh	Nominated
		Best Drama Series	The Little Nyonya	Won (Joint winner)
2010	Star Awards 2010 (Show 2)	Best Variety Special	The Little Nyonya Reunion Special 小娘惹大团圆	Nominated
2011	Star Awards 2011 (Show 1)	Best Promotional Video 最佳宣传短片	Danny Loh Boon Kiat 罗文杰	Won

Legacy

This drama series has had notable cultural impact in Singaporean media. It was notably parodied in the variety show, Black Rose. In the episode when the encore started its debut, Chen Hanwei portrayes Liu Yidao (刘一刀) and Dennis Chew portrayed Yamamoto Yueniang (山本月娘). It was also used in the skit segment of Star Search 2010 Grand Finals in which contestants played Liu Yidao, Huang Yuzhu, Ah Tao and Robert Zhang.

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. 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 drama in 2010 known as Unriddle is having a sequel known as Unriddle 2, which was released 2 years later in 2012. Same likewise for another police drama known as C.L.I.F. in 2011, which also had 4 sequels C.L.I.F. 2 (2013), C.L.I.F. 3 (2014), C.L.I.F. 4 (2016) and C.L.I.F. 5 (2019) respectively.

The Peranakan Ball

On 16 May 2009, Jeanette Aw and Dai Xiangyu starred in a musical called The Peranakan Ball (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 this drama series, even though the concept was clearly derived from this drama series.

Pretty Maid

While not promoted as such, and the program was produced by a different television station, many Singaporeans who watched the series Pretty Maid believe it copies the main plot of this drama series. Pretty Maid was produced by Yu Zheng and broadcast by Hunan Broadcasting System in China. On 6 May 2010, Pretty Maid's writer Li Yaling (李亚玲) claimed that Yu Zheng indeed plagiarized from this drama series either. She claimed that Yu Zheng once told her that as long as plagiarism does not exceed 20% then the courts would have no case. Another writer Zou Yue (邹越) also claimed to have heard the "20% rule" from Yu Zheng.

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 Chinese remake of the show was in the works and would be aired on Chinese online video platform, iQiyi initially slated for 2019, but now in 2020. It is a joint production between iQiyi, Changxin Pictures and Singapore-based G.H.Y Culture & Media and will star Xiao Yan, Kou Chia-Jui, Yue Lina, He Yuhong, 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. A mixture of Malaysian, Singaporean, and Chinese actors from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and even Canada were cast as the other major and minor characters in the remake.

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; Yu Zhu's mental condition improved and she reunited with the Huang family after her recovery; the adopted son of Robert Zhang and Yu Zhu was named Huang Cien (黄慈恩) instead of Zuye (祖业), following his mother's surname while subsequently allowing his own descendants to adopt the surname Chen (Chen Xi's surname); and that both Libby and Paul are engaged to different people. Another hidden ending (albeit speculated) is that both Chen Xi and Yueniang have one daughter together, and the daughter was subsequently married to Cien and have children with one another.

Other changes were made to the fates of some characters: Huang Tianbao; instead of being sentenced to death, was shot and killed by police 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 from being shot by Tianbao, and Robert Zhang; who was not killed by Tianbao but fell to his death while trying to escape from Tianbao. Unlike the original series, the whole remake series was narrated by Yueniang's granddaughter instead of Yueniang herself to her granddaughter, as her granddaughter did not appear in the remake.

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. In January 2024, it was announced that the sequel to the series will be named "Emerald Hill" (小娘惹之翡翠山) with Jeanette Aw making a special appearance to the series, reprising her role as Yamamoto Yueniang. Other casts that will join in are Tasha Low, Chen Liping, Jesseca Liu, Chantalle Ng, Ferlyn Wong, Kiki Lim, Sheila Sim, Elvin Ng, Zoe Tay, Shaun Chen, Romeo Tan, Tyler Ten, Zhang Zetong, Dawn Yeoh, Desmond Ng, Herman Keh, Zhai Siming and Zhu Zeliang. This series is slated to air in the first half of 2025.

International release history

The drama serial was broadcast overseas, mostly in the Asian region.

Country of Broadcast	Broadcasting Network	Release Date
Malaysia	Astro Shuang Xing, Astro AEC	2 February 2009
Malaysia	NTV7	26 October 2009
Cambodia	PPCTV Drama 9	29 March 2009
France	MIPTV	31 March 2009
Philippines	Associated Broadcasting Company(TV5)	24 August 2009
Myanmar	MRTV	5 September 2009
United States	Tai Seng Entertainment Channel (broadcast on DirecTV)	1 December 2009
Vietnam	Vietnam Television	12 August 2010
China (Shanghai)	TBA	2009
China (run across China via satellite)	TBA	16 January 2010
Thailand	Thai Public Broadcasting Service	20 January 2010
Hong Kong	TVB PayVision	26 April 2010
Malaysia	Astro AEC	16 December 2019

In Indonesia, aired on B Channel starts July 2011. 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 Mainland China.

On 1 December 2009, Tai Seng Entertainment Channel, an ethnic Chinese entertainment channel on DirecTV, became the first non-Asian station to air The Little Nyonya. It is also the first station to air the series with Cantonese dubbing.

Hong Kong broadcaster TVB purchased the rights to telecast the series in April 2009, 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. Qi Yuwu and Jeannette Aw were also in Cannes to promote the series at MIPTV.

See also

• List of MediaCorp Channel 8 Chinese Drama Series (2000s)

External links

• Official website
• The Little Nyonya on IMDb

Preceded by Metamorphosis 2007

Star Awards for Best Drama Serial The Little Nyonya 2008-09

Succeeded by Together 2009-10