My All Time Favorite Pinoy BL Dramas/Movies- Part II

Pinoy BLs are an uncharted territory and lack the popularity that their Asian counterparts enjoy. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t some exceptional stories out there that need to be experienced and revered. Join us, as our authors talk about their personal favorites, the ones that have put this genre on an international platform!

“House of Stars” First Impressions (Ep.1 & 2)

In the spirit of “War of Y” comes another Thai BL series that takes a look at the fictional world of actors, actresses and the woman who runs their lives.

“Step by Step” First Impressions (Ep.1 to 3)

Boy meets boy, engineering faculty meets medical students, good boy meets bad boy- these are all tropes that Thai BL series have used countless times over the years. In 2023, the trend seems to be “Sexy boss meets an adorable Subordinate” as is the case in “A Boss and a Babe” and “Step by Step”. The difference between both lies in the main characters of the two shows. While “A Boss and a Babe” has Laem, a headstrong, over confident intern, “Step by Step” has Pat, a very shy and very timid subordinate. The two bosses seem different as well. While “A Boss and a Babe” has Gun, a headstrong, gay Boss, “Step by Step” has Jeng, a very domineering but headstrong manager who has to learn how to care about his employees.

“My Story The Series” First Impressions (Ep.1 & 2)

The 2020 Pinoy BL series “My Day” burst on the scene with diverse takes from fans and reviews on whether the series was worth watching. The show was funny with a touch of charm, as the blue collar Sky (Miko Gallardo) fell in love with Ace (Aki Torres) who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. 3 years later have the sequel “My Story” which gives us a glimpse into Sky’s life. Miss Becky, Kim, Jelai, and Jam bid a send off to most of the events that happened before in the prequel.

“Chains of Heart” Series Review (Ep.3 to 10)

Does true love conquer all? The ten episodic Thai drama series Chains of Heart concluded with a series finale that left social media in a state of disarray. Ken (Haii Sarunasathorn), a young man who spent two years dealing with the violent conclusion of his relationship with Din (Kut Tanawat). That conclusion came in the form of a bullet taking the pair over a mountain cliff’s edge. How Ken came back alive to mourn the loss of his lover and the fate of Din is the central plot of this epic saga.

“Love Syndrome 3” First Impressions (Ep.1 & 2)

“When you love something there is passion and hardship” seems to be the theme for 2023’s adaptation of the third novel in the “Love Syndrome” series. “Love Syndrome 3” tells the complicated story of Itt (Frank Thanatsaran) and Day (Lee Long Shi). Their relationship is one of dominance and submission before a tragic accident that almost costs Day his life. I don’t mean the BDSM version of dominance/submission. But one where Day controls Itt’s actions through reward and punishment. The reward being a whole piece of cake, the punishment being physical/emotional abuse. If any of this is triggering to you, stop now.

“Hit Bite Love” Series Review (Ep.3 to 6)

The first season of “Hit Bite Love The Series” seemed like a surprisingly fresh BL series. With the lack of the now aged format of Engineering and Medical students in favor of using High School teenagers, the show seemed to have an innovative edge. It was an interesting experience, to say the least. I myself found myself enraptured with the characters.

“Bed Friend The Series” First Impressions (Ep.1 & 2)

While delving into the Boys’ Love universe, many will understand that most dramas are inspired by Yaoi manga or light novels that exist online. The tall dark-haired man, the lily white skinned auburn-haired, feminine man who often submits to the whims of the dark haired man like a wife- troupe or classic style of storytelling. This is entirely the characteristics that most viewers experience from the onset of the series. I haven’t read the novel by “Littlebbear96”. So, I do not know if the vision was from Yaoi, but the live action version is definitely a living, breathing Yaoi and I adore the boldness of the vision with which Cheewin Thanamin directs this show. After last year’s “LoveStage”(not the same director), I was hugely wary of live action Yaoi’s. Mainly because in the past, actors didn’t seem like they wanted to commit to the roles they play; or the script changes the key aspects relative to the characters. It created a disconnect for me as a viewer and made me feel like I wasted my time.

“Chains of Heart” First Impressions (Ep.1 & 2)

When I first saw the trailer for Chains of Heart, I was instantly intrigued. Hot men, action, a masked crusader on the side of good or evil? But what struck me the most was watching the customary Thai funeral of a man I didn’t know, but I could feel that his death will have a profound effect on the main characters and the storyline. The fact it felt like a spiritual successor to “KinnPorsche” was undeniable. As a fan of the darker BLs and Yaoi, my gay heart did a backflip ending in a split at what I was seeing.

“Hit Bite Love” First Impressions (Ep. 1 & 2)

Thai BL’s have come a long way after years of using the “Medical Students and Engineers” archetypes to summarize both characters as encompassing a BL couple. From 2022, these attempts seem to be abandoned, in favor of more unique characters. Which is very much the case with Jinloe’s new BL, “Hit Bite Love – The Series”. Jinloe is a production company known for “What The Duck”, “What The Duck : Final Call”, and “War of High School”. “Hit Bite Love – The Series” has a large cast drawing attention to the troupes that we, as viewers, enjoy; while acknowledging that sex sells, a fact that can be both good and bad for the show. The first episode has as of today 1.2 million views, while the second episode has over four hundred thousand views within a day of airing. I don’t think the fact that the first episode having two illicit scenes, one of which is featured as the YouTube thumbnail, had nothing to do with the explosive numbers of views world wide. But is “Hit Bite Love – The Series” worth a glance? Find out below.