The first quarter of 2023 was filled with scripts that were romantic, fun-filled and also inspiring. Walking down the memory lane, we are actually delighted that the BL industry is slowly evolving in terms of storytelling and we have narratives that are truly making a difference. In today’s feature, join our authors as they share their favorites- the ones that will leave you yearning for more!

Krishna Naidu’s Favorites

A Boss and A Babe

Marketed as a romantic comedy between a strict boss and his extra rebellious, petulant intern, I held hopes that A Boss and A Babe would be a better affair than Enchanté (yes; we are going to talk about it until the end of the world). I don’t know what I was expecting from Force Jiratchapong and Book Kasidet- better chemistry or flawless acting? I also kept wondering why they have not one but two BLs together this year (after the disaster that was Enchanté). Simply put, they proved me wrong, and they did it ruthlessly. A Boss and A Babe isn’t anything deep or profound; it is a light hearted love story about a lonely boss, Gun (Force) who finally finds a soulmate in his rather foulmouthed and talkative intern, Cher (Book). I loved the characterization. Book and Force’s acting skills have evolved and they truly complement each other. The chemistry was topnotch and I couldn’t help but cheer for Gun-Cher. They took something ordinary and turned into an extraordinary adventure. The secondary lead couple, Thi (Fluke Pusit) and Zo (Ohm Thipakorn) were equally adorable and I’m looking forward to their future projects together.

The End of the World With You

Apocalyptic romances seem to be gaining significance these days. Whilst The End of the World With You might seem like an indulgent choice (as compared to Till the World Ends and Love at the End of the World), it is anything but simple. You will appreciate the intelligent storytelling if you have read the manga it is based on. The casting supports the storyline and I’m not just talking about the lead pair, Seto Toshiki (Masumi) and Nakata Keisuke (Ritsu); the supporting actress Idegami Baku, who does a phenomenal job portraying a transgender character. While the show for most parts focuses on the subtle reconciliation between Masumi & Ritsu as they find their way back to each other (after a bad breakup years ago), the drama also centers its lens on the identity crisis and humiliation faced by transgenders. It is a worth a watch; that is, if you like slow burn romances!

Our Dining Table

Everyone has a comfort food, which gives them solace whenever they are distressed; but have you ever heard about a “Comfort Show”. Our Dining Table has the distinction of being one; a healing romance focusing on a simple salaryman, Yutaka (Inukai Atsuhiro), who is rather introverted and lives an innocuous, quiet lifestyle. Eating around other people is a struggle for him, until he meets the brothers, Minoru (Iijima Hiroki) and Tane (Maeyama Kuuga). Caught unaware by the adorable whirlwind that is Tane, Yutaka slowly grows closer to their family. The best part about this show is the slow evolution of Yutaka’s relationship with both Minoru and Tane. With Tane, he takes a parental role, something that draws him out of his shell. Both Minoru and Tane help him to fight his childhood fears and insecurities. Watching them become an inseparable part of each other’s lives is truly beautiful.

Our Dating Sim

I’m not exactly a huge fan of Korean BLs (as against their straight romances, which are an elaborate affair). As such, Korean BLs aren’t exactly my cup of tea, unless they are scripted by Hwang Da Seul (yes, I’m choosy like that). So, imagine my surprise when a lesser known studio came out with a reconciliation romance that took my breath away. It was unexpected, refreshing, and absolutely delectable. Despite being based on an overused trope like “Friends to Lovers”, Our Dating Sim bought an ingenuity to the script that I hadn’t witnessed in a long time. Its success can be attributed to the lead actors, Lee Seung Gyu (Shin Ki Tae) and Lee Jong Hyuk (Lee Wan) who embraced the subtle nuances of their characters. The show was as angsty as it could get and yet I enjoyed the ghosting followed by the chasing. It was immensely satisfying. Our Dating Sim is for those lazy winter nights when you are in a laid back mood and want to watch something delectable!

Jack o’ Frost

MBS’s “Tunku Drama Lineup” isn’t exactly my favorite; yet I fell in love with this show as soon as it was launched. I wasn’t expecting an inspiring storyline from a romance that involves an amnesiac patient. I questioned the intricacies of this script quite a few times before I started watching it. I was hoping they wouldn’t use the age old flashback formulaic and turn this drama into a painful reminiscence. I’m glad they didn’t; the script was far too better than MBS’s previous adaptations (I was pleasantly surprised). The show focuses on Ritsu’s (Honda Kyoya) recuperation as he suffers from amnesia following a dreadful road accident. While he loses three years’ worth of memories, his boyfriend Fumiya (Suzuki Kosuke) is left with no option but to act as his roommate. Hiding the fact that he broke up with Ritsu, Fumiya decides to start from scratch and reestablish their relationship. As Ritsu and Fumiya began living together; Ritsu is left confused by the subtle attraction that he feels for his roommate. As he slowly recollects his old memories, their relationship takes a new, unexpected turn. Honda and Suzuki have a hauntingly beautiful chemistry that will definitely leave a deep impression on your mind. Go watch it now!

The Day I Loved You

This is one of those romances that will leave you feeling bittersweet and yet you will love everything about it. Starring Singaporean actor Raynold Tan (Eli) alongside Filipino actors Tommy Alejandrino (Nikko) and Rabin Josh (Justine), The Day I Loved You is a teenage love story that is equal parts angsty and endearing. The show is centered around Nikko, a bright, spirited teenager who suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (a disease that could turn him immobile). Despite the dire situation, Nikko maintains an optimistic attitude; the very thing that draws the rebellious newcomer Eli’s attention. As they grow closer while rehearsing for their soiree, Eli seeks comfort and solace from Nikko. I just loved the character development, especially at Eli’s party. From being a bratty teenager suffering from loneliness, he goes on to become Nikko’s pillar of support. Raynold & Tommy really complement each other and with the promise of a second season on the horizon, I’m really looking forward to their reconciliation in the sequel.

Sarinpai’s Favorites

A Boss and A Babe

I stand by my statement that A Boss and A Babe is one of the most underappreciated shows GMMTV has put out. It is not a masterpiece, but I don’t think that was ever the intention. What it is, is 12 episodes of some of the fluffiest moments between two characters who are well-written and charming, played by two actors who share some of the best chemistry I’ve seen on- and off-screen, owing to their almost two-decade long friendship. I am glad I decided to watch it over the course of a few days after it finished, because it is an extremely bingeable series that lifted my mood during each episode. It’s one of the very few shows I’ve seen where I felt that nothing major needed to be changed to make it better, it is a gem to watch as it is.

The Day I Loved You

Short and slightly bittersweet, The Day I Loved You is perfect to binge if you are in the mood to get in the feels. Accompanied by cute graphics is the story of Nikko and Eli, two highschoolers who fall in love while preparing for their upcoming prom. A little bit of a spoiler but this is the second Filipino show I’ve seen in recent times that has a subplot involving disabilities, with both treating the subject matter sensitively and with respect, which I don’t know if it is a coincidence, but kudos to them for branching into telling different stories. I hope they serve as an inspiration for more diversity in queer storytelling.

SlimFastZombie’s Favorites

Chains of Heart

The series was a fictional make believe, where the plot was told via nonlinear storytelling; the idea was both clever and perplexing as you follow Ken through a variety of locations across two countries. The reason why I loved it is that the visuals were stunning and the acting fantastic. Everything else, not so much. As a viewer, I understood in three episodes that this is a “take or leave it” kind of show. And I loved it, hated the lazy writing; the novel this show is based on makes way more sense.

Hit Bite Love The Series

This series became one of my absolute favorites for the first five episodes. A romantic sex comedy touching on age-gap and BDSM stereotypes felt original to me. I enjoyed the way it portrayed the characters and their views on homosexuality while never being overtly preachy. The characters were wonderful and flawed. Unfortunately, the production house made some “interesting choices” with regard to how they got their views and they have practically ransomed a potential Season Two, based on likes and views.

We will be back with an exciting new feature next weekend. Till then, keep watching this space as we bring you updates from the BL world!