“Stay by My Side” is a very adorable show and the actors’ chemistry really shines through, making this fluffy series worthwhile. The show is a bubblegum show, doesn’t really give you much, but it is fun and sweet, as such it’s important to review it for what it is. “Stay by My Side” focuses on Bu Xia (Hong Wei Zhe) and Jiang Chi (Yang I Hsuan); since there aren’t any secondary couples, it allows the show to focus on these two leads and their relationship. Although the show has supernatural elements, which are used to cement Bu Xia and Jiang Chi’s relationship (because the ghosts that torment Bu Xia are only silenced when Jiang Chi is close to him), the supernatural world isn’t really tackled with but only used as a vehicle to establish the two’s relationship and then to bring the two closer.

The ghosts aren’t particularly sinister, and I could argue that Bu Xia could have at least tried to help them, which the show does not focus on. Surely it wouldn’t hurt to help those poor souls cross to the other side. The open-ended finale brings hope for not only Season 2, but maybe for the ghosts to actually get help from Jiang Chi, who wouldn’t be afraid of them, knowing what they are.

The actors’ chemistry really does shine through, and the characters are affectionate even before they establish themselves as a couple. To be honest, there isn’t much substance other than fluffiness and the good chemistry between the leads, the relationship between Bu Xia and his sister, as well as his supportive friends. It is heartwarming to see Bu Xia grow from not only needing Jiang Chi because he protects him from the voices in his head, but also realizing that he enjoys having him around and that the two of them have a connection that goes beyond being roommates. Despite Bu Xia not being honest to Jiang Chi about why he thinks Jiang Chi is special, which leads Jiang Chi’s feelings for Bu Xia to develop causing a slight misunderstanding between the two, it seems inevitable from the moment they met that there was a chemistry between them. Although the writers do try to make an enemy to lovers trope, there isn’t actually any real animosity between the two and I’m glad they quickly invested in the cute moments between the two instead of stretching the “enemies” part, because the chemistry of the leads is what cements this show into a watchable show.

The plot of the show is kind of all over the place, with the couple’s relationship being made a spectacle by their fellow students, while Bu Xia is also dealing with heavy supernatural problems and Jiang Chi has his own family drama after being cut off by his parents. The overall theme of the show is quite lighthearted, so it makes sense why they wouldn’t delve too much into the heavy parts of the show. Even Bu Xia and Jiang Chi’s conflicts are resolved very quickly, and they are back to showing affection to each other in no time. You definitely will not be watching the show for the plot, but rather for the leads’ chemistry and how slice of life-y the show is. If you’re in the mood for a Taiwanese BL, that’s easy to watch, this is the show for you. Hope to see the actors in more shows with more substance in order to see their range.

Rating- 3 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala