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Meteor Garden

Meteor Garden (: 流星花園; : Liúxīng Huāyuán) is a Taiwanese idol drama television series that originally aired in 2001, adapted from the Boys Over Flowers (Hana yori dango) by Yoko Kamio. Produced by Angie Chai for Comic Ritz International Production and broadcast on (CTS) from April 12 to August 16, 2001, the series consists of 19 episodes and follows Dong Shan Cai (played by ), a plucky working-class girl who enrolls at the elite Ying De University and defies the domineering F4 group of wealthy heirs led by Dao Ming Si (). The F4—portrayed by , as Hua Ze Lei, as Xi Men, and as Mei Zuo—quickly became icons, forming the F4 whose music and style propelled the actors to stardom across . Blending romance, comedy, and class-conflict drama in a modern narrative set amid affluent settings, Meteor Garden targeted a young audience aged 10–35 and emphasized the charisma of its stars over polished acting, redefining portrayals of male attractiveness in East Asian . The series achieved massive transregional success, sparking a "F4 fever" that influenced trends, boosted Mandarin , and reshaped television programming by popularizing the idol genre throughout East and , including , , , and beyond. Its cultural phenomenon status led to spin-offs like the prequel mini-series (2001), a sequel season in 2002, and international remakes in multiple countries, cementing its role in fostering a shared East Asian pop culture identity. In July 2025, the original members reunited for a live performance of "Meteor Rain" at a in , highlighting the series' lasting popularity.

Background

Source Material

Meteor Garden is based on the Japanese series Hana yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers), written and illustrated by Yoko Kamio. The series was serialized in Shueisha's bi-weekly magazine from October 1992 to September 2003, spanning 37 volumes. The story centers on Tsukushi Makino, a working-class high school student from a middle-class family who enrolls at the elite Eitoku Academy, an institution dominated by wealthy heirs. There, she confronts the , a of four influential young men led by the arrogant Tsukasa Domyoji, who wield power through intimidation and social hierarchy. The narrative explores themes of class disparity, romantic tension, , and the protagonist's journey toward self-empowerment and growth. Central to the plot is the F4's "red slip" system, a mechanism where they issue red paper slips to designate as targets for collective by the school's body, enforcing their dominance. developments arise from Tsukushi's defiance, sparking a tumultuous relationship with Tsukasa and a gentler attraction from F4 member Rui Hanazawa, complicating alliances and personal conflicts. The was compiled into collected editions by during its run. Viz Media licensed the series for English-language release in , beginning publication in July 2003 and completing all 37 volumes by 2009 under the title . Hana yori Dango earned the 41st in the shōjo category in 1996, recognizing its impact in the genre. Kamio, known for other works like Cat Street (2004–2007), created a landmark shōjo series that has sold over 61 million copies worldwide, establishing it as one of the best-selling manga of all time. This foundational work directly inspired international adaptations, including the Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden.

Franchise Overview

The franchise originated from the Japanese Hana yori Dango (), written and illustrated by Yoko Kamio and serialized from 1992 to 2003, which inspired numerous live-action adaptations across Asia beginning in the late 1990s. The title Meteor Garden specifically refers to two key adaptations: the 2001 Taiwanese television series, marking the first major international version of the , and a 2018 Chinese remake produced for streaming platforms. These differ from other prominent adaptations, including Japan's Hana Yori Dango (2005), South Korea's (2009), and 's F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers (2021). The 2001 Taiwanese Meteor Garden achieved widespread popularity, igniting "Meteor Garden fever" across Asia and introducing the boy band to global audiences through dubbing and syndication in multiple countries. Its 2018 Chinese counterpart, produced by and premiered on , updated the narrative for contemporary streaming viewers while capitalizing on the original's legacy. These milestones contributed to the franchise's expansion, with over six official live-action television versions to date, primarily in East Asian formats. In 2025, the franchise received renewed attention following the death of lead actress on February 2 and a surprise reunion by the original at Mayday's concert on July 12, with plans for a 25th anniversary concert in 2026. All adaptations maintain core thematic elements from the original —a Cinderella-like romance between a working-class heroine and an elite male lead, set in a prestigious school dominated by the affluent group—while incorporating local cultural nuances such as and social hierarchies influenced by Confucian traditions.

2001 Taiwanese Series

Plot Summary

Dong Shancai, an 18-year-old girl from a working-class family, enrolls at the elite Ying De University on a . There, she encounters the , a of four wealthy and influential students: the hot-tempered leader Dao Mingsi, the gentle Hua Ze Lei, the flirtatious Xi Men, and the cheerful Feng Mei Zuo. Shancai's outspoken nature leads to a confrontation with Mingsi, resulting in the F4 issuing her a red paper—a warning symbol that incites from other students. Despite the , Shancai refuses to back down, sparking a rivalry with Mingsi that gradually turns into romance, complicated by Lei's quiet affection for her. Over the course of 19 episodes, Shancai faces escalating challenges, including interference from Mingsi's overbearing mother, who disapproves of her due to class differences and schemes to separate them through business manipulations and forced engagements. The story explores themes of perseverance and love amid family pressures, with subplots involving the F4's friendships and personal struggles. A key arc involves Mingsi protecting Shancai from dangers, including a near-drowning incident and a confrontation leading to his temporary disappearance after an accident. The narrative resolves with Shancai and Mingsi overcoming obstacles to affirm their relationship, highlighting her transformation from a defiant outsider to a confident individual.)

Cast and Characters

The 2001 Taiwanese series Meteor Garden stars a cast of rising idols, with the members forming the real-life that became a cornerstone of its success. The ensemble emphasized youthful charisma and chemistry, appealing to audience through relatable portrayals of elite youth dynamics.) portrays Shancai, a resilient and straightforward girl from a modest background who challenges the status quo at Ying De University, embodying determination and moral integrity. plays Dao Mingsi, the impulsive heir to a vast business empire, whose initial bullying masks deep vulnerabilities from a strict upbringing and family expectations. depicts Hua Ze Lei, the sensitive and artistic member with a tragic family history, who develops unspoken feelings for Shancai while offering her quiet support. embodies Xi Men, the charming playboy whose lighthearted pursuits hide emotional guardedness from past heartbreaks. stars as Feng Mei Zuo, the affable and loyal optimist of the group, providing comic relief and steadfast friendship. Supporting roles include Ming Xue as Dao Mingfeng, Mingsi's domineering mother whose classist ambitions fuel much of the conflict; as Jiang Xiaoyou, Shancai's quirky roommate and friend; and Edward Ou as Qing Bang, a kind senior who aids Shancai. The characters draw from the source, with adaptations emphasizing cultural nuances in Taiwanese .

Production Details

Produced by Angie Chai for Comic Ritz International Production, the 2001 Meteor Garden was adapted from Yoko Kamio's Hana yori dango to target Taiwanese youth, blending romance and drama with idol elements. Directed by Tsai Yueh-hsun, the series consisted of 19 episodes, each around , with a focus on accessible storytelling over high budgets.) Principal photography occurred primarily in Taipei, Taiwan, utilizing locations like National Taiwan University and studio sets to depict the affluent Ying De Academy. Filming began in early 2001 and wrapped before the April premiere, allowing for a swift production cycle typical of idol dramas. The cast, including the F4 actors who were relatively new to acting, underwent training to build group chemistry, contributing to the series' authentic ensemble feel. Script adaptations toned down some manga violence to suit broadcast standards, while incorporating local Taiwanese cultural references for relatability. The production's success in launching F4 as a band was an intentional strategy to extend the franchise's appeal beyond television.

Soundtrack

The Meteor Garden original soundtrack, released on August 14, 2001, by EMI Music Taiwan, features 13 tracks blending ballads and covers to capture the series' romantic and youthful essence. It became a commercial hit, propelled by 's debut as a band.) The opening theme, "Qing Fei De Yi" () by , a remake of the classic, sets a melancholic tone for the central romance. The ending theme, "Ni Yao De Ai" (The Love You Want) by , provides an uplifting close with its heartfelt lyrics. contributed key tracks like "Liu Xing Yu" (), an upbeat anthem symbolizing fleeting youth, and "Jue Bu Neng Shi Qu Ni" (Can't Lose You), emphasizing loyalty. Other highlights include Queen's "Love of My Life" and Don McLean's "And I Love You So" as instrumental cues, alongside original compositions like "For You" by . The sold over a million copies in , topping charts and earning platinum status, with tracks integrated into episodes to heighten emotional scenes, such as confessions and farewells. Its nostalgic appeal has sustained streams into the .

Release and Broadcast

Meteor Garden premiered on (CTS) in on April 12, 2001, airing Thursdays at 8:00 PM until its finale on August 16, 2001, for a total of 19 episodes. It initially aired in a late slot before moving to due to rising popularity. The series quickly gained international traction, broadcasting in on CCTV-8 starting December 2001, where it achieved peak ratings of 10.9% in some regions. In the , aired it from 2003 in a prime-time , it in and making it the network's highest-rated import at the time. Other markets included (WOWOW, 2003), (SBS, 2002), (Channel 8, 2004 re-air), and (RCTI, 2001). Home media releases on VCD followed in during broadcast, with DVD versions later in 2002. The global rollout fostered "F4 fever" across East and .

Reception and Legacy

Upon premiere on CTS in Taiwan on April 12, 2001, Meteor Garden set viewership records, averaging 6.99% ratings and peaking at over 8%, captivating a 10–35 demographic with its Cinderella romance and class themes.) It received praise for the F4's charisma and fresh idol format, though critiqued for melodramatic tropes. In China, ratings hit 10.9% in Chongqing, igniting regional mania. The series sparked "Meteor Garden mania" across , especially in the where its 2003 ABS-CBN run became the top-rated program, shifting local tastes toward Asian dramas and prompting fan events like Barbie Hsu's 2004 concert. It popularized F4-inspired fashion, such as red bandanas and layered hairstyles, and boosted . The phenomenon spread to , , and beyond, creating shared pop culture. Credited with inventing the idol drama genre in , it prioritized star appeal and influenced programming, leading to remakes worldwide. F4's albums sold millions, though they rebranded as JVKV in 2007 due to disputes. At the 36th (2001), Tsai Yueh-hsun won Best Directing; was nominated for . Studies highlight its role in gender portrayals and narratives. Following 's death from complications on February 2, 2025, at age 48 during a family trip in , tributes emphasized her iconic Shan Cai role in shaping East Asian .

2018 Chinese Series

Plot Summary

Dong Shancai, an 18-year-old girl from a modest family, gains admission to the elite Mingde University, where she clashes with the , a powerful of four wealthy : the arrogant leader Dao Mingsi, the gentle Huaze Lei, the playboy Ximen, and the carefree Feng Meizuo. Defying their , Shancai stands her ground, particularly against Mingsi, who issues her a —a of F4's authority to harass any student they target—after she rejects their entitlement. This defiance sparks a heated rivalry that evolves into an obsessive pursuit by Mingsi, complicated by a with the kinder Lei, who develops feelings for her while supporting her through the ordeals. As the story unfolds across 50 episodes in its original broadcast (49 in international versions), Shancai navigates intense family interference from Mingsi's domineering mother, who views her as unworthy due to her background, leading to corporate intrigue involving the Dao family's business empire and attempts to sabotage Shancai's life. Modern elements like bullying amplify her isolation at school, where viral videos and online campaigns from jealous peers and F4's influence turn her into a target. Meanwhile, Shancai's resilience shines through her participation in a high-stakes cooking competition and her entrepreneurial efforts, such as working at a and later launching ventures, emphasizing themes of female empowerment and . A pivotal crisis occurs when Mingsi is stabbed during a confrontation tied to rivalries, resulting in an arc where he temporarily forgets his feelings for Shancai, forcing her to confront her own emotions and nurse him back to awareness. This event deepens their bond amid ongoing obstacles, including Shancai's family financial struggles and F4's internal dynamics. As a of the 2001 Taiwanese series, the 2018 condenses and updates the original manga's arcs with contemporary twists like technology-driven conflicts and extended character development over its longer runtime. The narrative culminates in resolution, with Shancai and Mingsi overcoming all barriers to marry, affirming her growth from underdog to empowered partner.

Cast and Characters

The 2018 Chinese television series Meteor Garden features a youthful primarily composed of emerging idols and models, selected to appeal to a streaming audience on with an emphasis on visual charisma and Gen-Z relatability. This remake shifts from the Taiwanese version's more established actors to fresh faces, including those with international backgrounds such as Taiwanese-Australian performer , highlighting a diverse, modern take on the iconic roles. The principal cast was unveiled on November 10, , during a high-profile press conference in , where the actors, all in their late teens or early twenties, were introduced as the new and female lead. Shen Yue stars as Dong Shan Cai, a resilient and outspoken young woman from a working-class who enrolls at the elite Mingde University on and fearlessly confronts social hierarchies, embodying the determined central to the story. Dylan Wang portrays Dao Ming Si, the impulsive and brooding heir to a powerful , whose initial arrogance and bullying tendencies stem from a traumatic upbringing marked by his father's early death and his domineering mother's expectations, adding layers of psychological depth to the character in this adaptation. Darren Chen plays Hua Ze Lei, the sensitive and artistic member of the , a talented violinist with a gentle demeanor who harbors unrequited feelings for a friend while navigating his own . Caesar Wu embodies Xi Men Yan, the charming and flirtatious playboy of the group, known for his carefree romantic pursuits and sharp wit that mask a more vulnerable side. Connor Leong (also known as Leon Leong) depicts Feng Mei Zuo, the loyal and affable friend within the , whose easygoing nature and unwavering support for his companions provide balance to the group's dynamics. In supporting roles, Wang Lin delivers a commanding performance as Dao Ming Feng, the scheming and influential matriarch of the Dao family, whose ruthless ambition and opposition to her son's choices drive much of the conflict. (Nicky Li) plays Jiang Xiao You, Shan Cai's university classmate who begins as a competitive rival but evolves into a close confidante, offering and emotional support throughout the narrative. The series enhances the original characters' backstories for contemporary resonance, such as delving deeper into Dao Ming Si's family-induced emotional scars, while maintaining core traits like the F4's elite status and Shan Cai's defiance.

Production Details

The production of the of Meteor Garden was announced in April 2017 by Angie Chai, the producer of the original 2001 Taiwanese series, in collaboration with Mango Entertainment, a subsidiary of . The project carried a substantial budget of approximately S$33 million (NT$720 million), equivalent to about US$25 million at the time, marking it as one of the more ambitious remakes in the idol drama genre and allowing for high production values across 50 episodes (49 in versions), each approximately 45 minutes in . Initially, Xu Fuxiang was set to direct, but in February 2018, he was replaced by Lin Helong due to creative differences, ensuring the series aligned with the producers' vision for a contemporary . Lin, known for his work on Taiwanese idol dramas like , brought experience in youth-oriented storytelling to the project. Principal began in late 2017 and primarily took place in , , where university sets were constructed at locations such as Jiaotong-Liverpool University to represent the elite Ming De University; additional scenes were filmed in , , , and for varied backdrops. Luxury sequences, including international settings for the characters' affluent lifestyles, were shot on location in , , adding a global dimension to the production. Filming wrapped on March 22, 2018, ahead of the series' summer premiere. As a high-profile of a beloved , the production faced intense expectations from fans anticipating fidelity to the source material while demanding fresh appeal for a . Script revisions were necessary to comply with China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) regulations, which toned down elements of and present in earlier adaptations to suit contemporary broadcast standards. The integration of product placements from brands in and sectors was also prominent, supporting the but occasionally influencing flow. Creatively, the series emphasized modernized visuals through enhanced cinematography and occasional CGI for opulent environments and effects, distinguishing it from prior versions with a polished, digitally savvy aesthetic. It placed a strong focus on youth subcultures, exploring themes of social media influence, fashion trends, and elite peer dynamics to resonate with millennial and Gen Z audiences in a digital era.

Soundtrack

The Meteor Garden (2018) original soundtrack, released by Sony Music Entertainment on July 27, 2018, comprises 16 tracks predominantly in the Mandopop style, featuring a mix of original compositions and remakes inspired by the 2001 Taiwanese series. The album serves as the official audio companion to the series, emphasizing themes of youthful romance and emotional turmoil through its melodic ballads and upbeat anthems. It includes contributions from the lead actors and established artists, blending contemporary production with nostalgic elements to appeal to both new viewers and longtime fans of the franchise. Key highlights include the opening theme "For You," performed by the new F4 members— (Dao Ming Si), (Hua Ze Lei), (Xi Men), and (Feng Mei Zuo)—which debuted on July 9, 2018, coinciding with the . This energetic track, produced by award-winning Xue Zhong Ming, encapsulates the group's charismatic bond and the story's central romance with its catchy chorus and modern pop arrangement. The ending theme, "Ai, Cun Zai" (Love Exists) by Kiki Wei, provides a reflective close, its soft vocals and piano-driven melody evoking the series' themes of enduring affection and personal growth. Other standout tracks feature remakes such as Harlem Yu's "Qing Fei De Yi" (), a refreshed version of the 2001 hit that retains its wistful guitar riffs while updating the lyrics for the reboot's narrative, and Penny Tai's "Ni Yao De Ai" (The Love You Want) in a nocturnal edition, adding atmospheric depth to scenes of longing. Additional songs like "Chuang Zao Hui Yi" (Creating Memories) by and "Xiang Dou Bu Yong Xiang" (Don't Even Have to Think) by further highlight individual character arcs, with their lyrics mirroring pivotal moments of confession and resolve. The soundtrack was launched digitally first on platforms including , where it rapidly achieved platinum certification () from , reflecting strong initial sales of over 260,000 digital units as of August 31, 2018. Collectively, the tracks have surpassed 100 million streams across major services, driven by viral promotion tied to the series' premiere and fan engagement on . A limited-edition physical double-CD version followed, packaged with a of cast photos and collectible photocards, catering to collectors and boosting merchandise appeal. This dual-release strategy aligned with the series' online streaming focus, prioritizing accessibility for global audiences via apps like and . In the series, the soundtrack's integration enhances dramatic tension, with ballads like "Ai, Cun Zai" underscoring love confessions and reconciliations during emotional climaxes, such as Shancai's pivotal decisions. Upbeat numbers like "For You" accompany high-energy scenes, reinforcing camaraderie and romance, while remakes nod to the 2001 original's influence by evoking shared without overshadowing the reboot's fresh sound. This careful amplifies the viewing experience, making the music an integral narrative tool rather than mere background.

Release and Broadcast

The 2018 Chinese remake of Meteor Garden premiered on on July 9, 2018, airing two episodes back-to-back from Monday to Wednesday (later extended to Thursday in some schedules) at 10:00 PM until its finale on August 29, 2018, spanning 50 episodes in the original broadcast (49 in international versions). The production wrapped earlier that year, enabling this summer broadcast schedule designed to sustain viewer interest through frequent episodes that encouraged habits. Simultaneous streaming was available on platforms like , providing on-demand access alongside the linear TV broadcast to broaden domestic reach. Internationally, launched the series globally on July 13, 2018, starting with the first six episodes in regions including the , , and , before rolling out the full 49-episode season; it was subsequently removed from the service in December 2024. In the , aired a Tagalog-dubbed version from August 20, 2018, to January 4, 2019, with planned 2020 reruns interrupted by the network's shutdown. The series was distributed in subtitled formats across multiple languages on streaming services, facilitating accessibility for global audiences, and later appeared on platforms such as Viki and for continued availability. This hybrid TV-streaming strategy emphasized rapid digital dissemination to capitalize on the franchise's established fanbase and foster international momentum.

Reception

Upon its release, Meteor Garden (2018) achieved significant viewership on Chinese streaming platforms, surpassing 700 million views on within its first four days of airing. The series, consisting of 50 episodes in its original television broadcast on TV, was adapted to 49 episodes for international distribution on . It quickly became a hit among young audiences, particularly teenagers and young adults, who appreciated its romantic drama elements and modern take on the classic story. Critics offered mixed assessments, praising the series' stunning visuals, , and the palpable chemistry between leads Yue and , which helped refresh the narrative for a new generation. However, it faced criticism for slow pacing, excessive length that led to dragging scenes, and adherence to outdated tropes like the rich-poor romance and dynamics, despite attempts to incorporate more contemporary themes such as female . Some reviewers highlighted regressive portrayals, including normalized in relationships, rating it as low as 2 out of 5 for promoting problematic messages to young viewers. User reception was more positive, with an average rating of 7.8 out of 10 on based on over 6,000 reviews and 7.9 out of 10 on MyDramaList from more than 54,000 users. The series sparked controversies over its depiction of toxic dynamics, such as physical confrontations and emotional manipulation in the central romance, which some argued glamorized without adequate resolution. While no major actor scandals directly impacted the initial , later years saw individual cast members, including , face unrelated public scrutiny for issues like alleged cultural appropriation in public appearances. Meteor Garden earned recognition at the 2018 China Television Drama Production Industry Association Awards, winning for Outstanding Television Series. , in his breakout role, received the Rising Star of the Year award at the Tencent Video Starlight Awards. By 2025, the series' streaming legacy endures as a benchmark for youth-oriented remakes compared to the 2001 original, though its accessibility has diminished; it was removed from in December 2024 and is no longer widely available on major global platforms like , but as of November 2025 remains streamable on WeTV in select regions and available for purchase on digital platforms such as , positioning it as archived content for fans.

Cultural Impact

Global Popularity

The Meteor Garden franchise has achieved significant regional booms, particularly in , where the 2001 Taiwanese version ignited widespread enthusiasm. In the , its 2003 broadcast on sparked "Meteor Garden Fever," making it one of the highest-rated programs and introducing audiences to Asian dramas, shifting preferences away from Latin American telenovelas. This led to the formation of dedicated fan clubs and massive public events, such as a 2003 concert by lead actress that drew overwhelming crowds, requiring security measures like decoys to manage fan frenzy. The 2018 Chinese remake further expanded its reach through global streaming, premiering on in over 190 countries (excluding select Asian markets like the , , and ), fostering renewed interest in non-Asian regions including and via accessible dubbed and subtitled episodes. Fan culture surrounding the franchise emphasizes vibrant, transnational communities, especially in , where social media has sustained engagement across generations. Platforms like , , and host hundreds of fan-generated accounts and videos, including photoshopped illustrations, , and memorabilia sharing, creating inter-generational networks that preserve collective memories of the series' romance and friendship themes. Enthusiasts often participate in of the F4 group at pop culture events, while trends like fan covers of the theme song "Qing Fei De Yi" demonstrate linguistic barriers overcome by passion, as seen in Filipino fans singing Mandarin lyrics despite limited proficiency. Conventions and exhibits featuring costumes and photos have drawn international attendees, reinforcing the series' enduring appeal. The passing of lead actress on February 2, 2025, has further amplified this, prompting re-broadcasts in the and heightened fan tributes worldwide. Economically, the franchise has driven merchandise and tourism, with the F4 boy band selling over 3.5 million album copies across , capitalizing on the series' stardom to launch music careers and related products. Filming sites in , including (portraying Ying De University) and Tamsui Old Street, continue to attract tourists on nostalgic guided tours, boosting local economies through fan pilgrimages that relive key scenes like rooftop confessions and festival sequences. Visits to these sites increased following the mourning of in 2025, drawing crowds to university campuses. In , sites from the 2018 version have similarly seen increased visits in recent years. Cross-culturally, the franchise's themes of disparity and have resonated beyond , sparking discussions on inequality in diverse markets. In the , the narrative of a working-class challenging mirrored local socioeconomic tensions, influencing films like the series and broadening acceptance of East Asian stories amid shared histories of colonialism. This universal appeal, combined with romance and resilience motifs, contributed to its global iterations and fan adaptations, though it faced backlash in for highlighting divisive class issues.

Related Media

The 2001 Taiwanese adaptation of Meteor Garden spawned several direct extensions, including the prequel mini-series , which aired from December 2001 to January 2002 as a four-episode production focusing on the backstories of the members—Hua Ze Lei, Xi Men, and Mei Zuo—prior to their encounters at Ying De Academy. This series, broadcast on (CTS), explored their personal lives and relationships, serving as a supplementary to the main storyline. The sequel, Meteor Garden II, premiered in November 2002 with 31 episodes, diverging from the original to present an original storyline centered on the characters' post-high school lives. After graduation, Dao Ming Si and Dong Shan Cai travel to , , for a holiday, where Si suffers a car resulting in ; he subsequently encounters Ye Sha, a runaway princess from , leading to romantic entanglements and conflicts involving Si's efforts to rebuild his life amid family business pressures from Dao Ming Feng. Shan Cai works to restore Si's memories and their relationship, while the F4 group navigates new challenges in and back in . The series aired on CTS and was later re-released digitally; as of 2025, it became available on streaming platforms like and , with a notable re-broadcast on Philippine television from May 13 to July 25, 2025, via A2Z and , prompted by renewed interest following the death of . The 2018 Chinese remake, produced by , did not produce direct sequels but featured promotional tie-in content, including short webisodes and behind-the-scenes videos released on platforms like and to build hype ahead of its July 2018 premiere. These included extended promos highlighting key scenes between Dao Ming Si, Dong Shan Cai, and Hua Ze Lei, as well as cast interviews and event footage from mid-2018 launches. Beyond television extensions, the Meteor Garden franchise inspired various other media. The F4 boy band, formed by the 2001 series' lead actors—Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu—released three studio albums between 2001 and 2003: Meteor Rain (2001), Fantasy 4ever (2002), and Waiting for You (2003), with the title track "Meteor Rain" becoming a signature hit tied to the show's theme. The group conducted tours from 2001 to 2009, including the Meteor Garden F4 Music Party in 2002 across and , and the Fantasy Live Concert World Tour spanning and beyond; they reunited for a performance of "Meteor Rain" at Mayday's 25th-anniversary concert in on July 12, 2025, marking their first joint stage appearance in over a . Novelizations of the 2001 series and its sequel were published in Traditional by Yi Li Ren Min Chu Ban She in 2001 and 2002, adapting the scripts into full-length books titled Meteor Garden I and , which expanded on character dialogues and subplots for print audiences. A Japanese Nintendo game, Hana Yori Dango: , released in 2008, incorporated elements inspired by the Meteor Garden adaptations alongside the , allowing players to engage in school-life simulations with F4-like characters. The franchise's influence extended indirectly through subsequent adaptations of the source manga Hana Yori Dango, with the 2021 Thai series serving as a modern successor in the extended universe, featuring a new group and echoing the elite-school romance dynamics popularized by Meteor Garden.

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