THE PERANAKAN
A new MediaCorp English drama blends intrigue and comedy with Peranakan panache.
Vernetta Lopez, Rebecca Lim, Pierre Png, and John Lee star in Aunty Lee’s Deadly Delights, which will air over MediaCorp’s Channel 5 from 19 January 2026. Here’s a tantalizing synopsis:
Rosie “Aunty” Lee, owner of Singapore’s beloved Peranakan café in Bukit Tinggi, is a sharp amateur detective who solves everything from murders to quirky local mysteries. Assisted by her loyal maid Nina, no-nonsense manager Cherril, and Gen Z waitress Yanna, they often outpace the local police Inspector Salim and Staff Sergeant Naren, despite causing them frustration.
Beyond the cases, the team navigates personal dramas, particularly one from Aunty Lee’s past, involving Aunty Lee’s rival, Andre Poon. Once upon a time, Andre was Aunty Lee’s admirer, a schoolmate who could have been her boyfriend—if not for the interference of ML, the man she eventually married. Decades later, Andre is now the owner of a rival Peranakan restaurant, and the old wounds have never healed. When Aunty Lee launches her new restaurant, Andre offers to collaborate, only to be rejected yet again. Rejected at 20. Rejected at 50. That’s the last straw. This time, Andre isn’t just walking away—he’s out for revenge. And he won’t stop until Aunty Lee’s Delights is nothing but a memory.
Blending mystery, humour, and rich Singaporean culture, Aunty Lee’s Deadly Delights delivers thrilling yet light-hearted stories, proving that in Bukit Tinggi, no secret stays hidden for long.
Produced by Weiyu Films, Aunty Lee’s Deadly Delights is based on the acclaimed book series by one of Singapore’s best-known authors, Ovidia Yu.
Key highlights:
- Thrilling mystery meets rich Peranakan culture in this 90-episode series, blending suspense with humour and Singaporean flavour.
- Star-studded multilingual cast led by Vernetta Lopez as Aunty Lee and Rebecca Lim as Cherril Lim, with Pierre Png as NMP Noel Peters, John Lee as Aunty Lee’s rival Andre Poon, and Tan Kheng Hua as Cherril’s mother Ling Ling. A perfect mix of laughs, suspense and heart, showcasing tight-knit communities and social issues.
Aunty Lee’s Deadly Delights premieres on MediaCorp Channel 5 on Monday 19th January. Four episodes will air each week from Monday to Thursday at 8:30pm. The series will also be available for free on meWatch.
