IT has topped the list of the Top 10 dramas in the last 15 years, attracting more than one million viewers each night.

But when The Little Nyonya ends tonight, the two-hour finale is expected to surpass the rating record of any Chinese TV drama, declared Mr Paul Chan, vice-president for branding and promotions for Channel 8.

And there may be reason for that level of confidence.

In a random poll of 60 people conducted by The New Paper, all have watched at least 10 episodes of 34-episode drama, centred around the life of a long-suffering Nyonya.

Fifty two of them have followed the trials and tribulations of both mother Ju Xiang and daughter Yue Niang (both roles starring Jeanette Aw) since day one.

It's not surprising then, that The Little Nyonya has propelled the actress so high up in Caldecott that some viewers are calling Jeanette the new 'Ah Jie' (Big Sister).

Many benefit

But Jeanette's not the only one reaping the fruits of success, claimed Mr Chan.

'The Little Nyonya has turned almost everyone into overnight big stars,' he said.

Such as newcomer Dai Yang Tian, who only appeared in the first eight episodes as Ju Xiang's love interest.

He became so hot that he even beat co-star Qi Yuwu (who plays the main male lead) to win two of the Top 8 Most Likeable Male Lead awards.

Results of the online poll were released at Wednesday's Channel 8 New Year countdown show.

Other supporting artistes such as Lin Meijiao, Eelyn Kok, Cynthia Koh and Darren Lim have also made an impression in their villainous roles, said Mr Chan.

The fans screaming themselves hoarse at the first and only outdoor show held last month and at the countdown show were further indication of the support.

So what's the attraction that The Little Nyonya have that its predecessors lack?

Especially since critics have panned the plot as 'basic', 'boring' and at times even, 'illogical'.

Housewife Madam Jenny Goh, 44, said: 'I found it absurd that (maid) Tao-jie's leg was still bandaged and bleeding, supposedly after a lapse of eight years.'

But the secret of its success may be as simple as one of the many popular Peranakan dishes, the Chap Chye (mixed vegetables) - a little mix of everything.

In both Jeanette's roles, there are shades of the heroine in Oshin, an immensely successful Japanese drama in the '80s about a girl who becomes the symbolic figure for perserverance.

There's also some of the dedicated Jang Geum in Jewel In The Palace, a kitchen epic about the rise of a lowly palace maid, who became a cook, and eventually, the first female imperial physician in Korea's history.

Then there's the Peranakan spice.

Of all those polled, 56 said they watched The Little Nyonya because it was the first time that the Peranakan culture has been given the centrestage in a television drama serial.

And it is this that appears to have struck a chord with the viewers.

Expatriate lecturer Larry Hendricks, 50, said: 'I thought it was a novel approach to learn more about a culture that is very much alive in Singapore.'

Student Benjamin Ho, 22, agreed: 'Our whole family really enjoy the show. My grandma started cooking the Peranakan dishes again.'

The family even made a trip to Malacca - where The Little Nyonya is set - recently.

'We went there to rediscover our heritage,' he said.

Families like Mr Ho's are supposedly also giving some day-tour operators and organisers a jump in business.

Freelance tour agent Wong Teck Hock, 55, claimed he received a 25 per cent increase in requests for trips to Malacca during the December school holidays.

Mr Wong, who usually organises one-day tours to Malaysia for various residents' committees, added: 'What's even more interesting, I've got more young couples and even teenagers coming along for the trips.

'When I ask them, they tell me it's because of the show.'

Some Peranakan restaurants too, claimed an increase in business because of the show.

Ivins' owner, Dale Wang, claimed customers even requested for certain dishes introduced on the show.

Sales has gone up by 15 per cent, he said, and the two most requested dishes are the Ayam Buah Keluak and the Babi Pongteh.

Focus on the female

Mr Hendricks and his interior designer wife, a Taiwanese, also found themselves drawn into the drama's focus on female characters and their motivations.

Mrs Hendricks, 49, said: 'Whether it is about the Asian woman's individuality, her role in society or at home, such women-intent focus resonate with the viewers.'

As such, it was no surprise that Yue Niang has attracted more support - despite some critics' views that Jeanette's acting is mediocre - than other characters, said undergraduate Veronica Quah.

The 23-year-old, who became Jeanette's fan after watching the drama, said: 'Honestly, I've not really thought much of her acting until The Little Nyonya.

'I think it's largely Yue Niang's stubbornness in refusing herself to be manipulated that connected me with Jeanette's resolve not to be beaten by critics.'

Determined to prove critics wrong and win over others, Jeanette even went to the extent of attending classes to 're-train and re-condition her vocal chords to improve on her not-so-ideal nasal, high-pitched voice', revealed MediaCorp's Mr Chan.

Reader Ms Alison Ong, 37, a marketing communications director, felt that the media hype also contributed to the drama's success.

She said: 'Whether it was about which actress landing the coveted role, or about the Star Awards being pushed back because of Jeanette Aw, all these reports whetted our appetite.'

Mr Chan acknowledged her view. He said: 'We started the promoting The Little Nyonya right from the casting stage... right through the production and telecast periods.'

But not all viewers are convinced.

Cab driver Kelvin Wan, 48, said some of the Peranakan scenes were unrealistic.

Said the Peranakan: 'While MediaCorp may have tried its best, there are some scenes that still make me cringe.

'Like the one where Pierre Png was singing the pantun (Malay poem). He was so stiff and sounded like he was reading some lines from a book!'

With additional reporting by Charlene Chua

This article was first published in The New Paper on Jan 5, 2009.