Official Trailer
Rating: 0/10 | Genre: Comedy, Drama | Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 1 | Status: Returning Series
Starring: Shenina Cinnamon, Nadya Syarifa, Emir Mahira, Gabrielle Novangeline, Baek Seo-ra
I went into “Night Shift for Cuties” with zero expectations, which I guess is good because this show somehow still managed to disappoint me. Look, I love a good comedy about obsessed fans. I love K-pop drama. I love shows set in mundane places like minimarts. But this show doesn’t really figure out what it wants to be, and after watching the single episode that’s available, I’m not sure it ever will.
The premise is fun. Two coworkers at a minimart are obsessed with the same K-pop group. Their fandom bonds them, but then it becomes competitive. They start scheming to meet their idols. On paper, this should work. There’s built-in conflict. There’s humor in the desperation. There’s heart in the friendship stuff. But the execution is just… flat.
Season 1
So technically there’s only one episode available right now, even though the page says there are three episodes. I’m guessing the other two haven’t dropped yet or there’s some backend issue. Anyway, the one episode we have introduces us to Muti and Jenar, our two leads played by Shenina Cinnamon and Nadya Syarifa. They work together at a minimart and bond over their shared love for the Cuties, a K-pop group.
The episode sets up their dynamic pretty quickly. Muti seems like the more cautious one, dealing with financial stress at home. Jenar is bolder, more willing to take risks. There’s potential chemistry between them, but the script doesn’t give them enough material to really shine. The jokes land maybe half the time. The dramatic moments feel rushed.
The supporting cast includes Emir Mahira, Gabrielle Novangeline, and Baek Seo-ra, but honestly, they don’t make much of an impression in this first episode. It’s mostly about Muti and Jenar, which makes sense, but the show needed tighter writing to make that work.
Here’s the thing that bothers me most. The show gets a 0/10 on TMDB, which seems harsh at first. But after watching it, I kind of understand where that’s coming from. It’s not offensively bad. It’s just… nothing. It doesn’t make you laugh out loud. It doesn’t make you care about whether these characters achieve their dream. It just exists on your screen for a bit and then it’s over.
The minimart setting is underused. You’d think there would be more comedy from the actual job, from difficult customers, from the weirdness of working retail. Instead, it’s just a backdrop. The K-pop obsession angle has promise, but the show doesn’t do much with it in the premiere beyond having them talk about their favorite group a couple of times.
I’m willing to give it another shot if the other episodes ever drop. Maybe they figure out the tone. Maybe the competition between Muti and Jenar gets more intense and interesting. But right now, this feels like a show that needed a lot more development before it was ready for release.
Have you watched “Night Shift for Cuties” yet? What did you think of the first episode? Does it get better from there?
Episode Guide
Season 1 (1 Episodes)
Episode 1: Episode 1
Stars align when minimart coworkers Muti and Jenar bond over their obsession with Purple Tea — right before an announcement too good to b-b-believe.
Episode 2: Episode 2
Bogged down by the mounting costs of home life, Muti joins Jenar's tricky plan to save money to see Purple Tea. Jenar catches a hunky delivery guy's eye.
Episode 3: Episode 3
As Muti basks in the glow of good news from the Cutie-verse, Jenar grows anxious about the looming ticket war. Indra finally makes his feelings known.
Episode 4: Episode 4
An encounter with someone from Indra's past sends Jenar on an online spiral, while suspicions at the minimart threaten the Cuties' Korea trip fund.
Episode 5: Episode 5
As the dust settles from a family bombshell, Muti distracts herself with social media sleuthing on Boki's private life. Jenar receives a pivotal request.
Episode 6: Episode 6
Indra and Jenar's news sends shockwaves through socials, prompting Muti's suspicions and a drastic move. Boki breaks the mold to stay true to herself.
Episode 7: Episode 7
With the concert approaching, Muti's Boki obsession waxes as Jenar's wanes. But when unexpected challenges arise, will Purple Tea's future remain bright?
Episode 8: Episode 8
The Cuties face the fallout from their viral sasaeng shenanigans. Meanwhile, their devotion to Purple Tea — and each other — is put to the ultimate test.
Where to Watch
Streaming availability varies by region. Check your favorite streaming platform to see if this title is available in your country.