We put out the most scrumptious, the juiciest dramas of 2024 on our polling list last week, awaiting unexpected results. We weren’t surprised when the turnout involved some of the “Best Scripted Shows” in 2024. Our readers are certainly choosy, and they have ostentatiously selected BLs that had innovative storytelling & brilliant casting.

10) Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart

We are literally beginning our list with the show that bought the most popular couple in the BL industry back in limelight. Starring Yin Anan as a debt collector & War Wanarat as a conniving yet kindhearted thief, the show was thoroughly entertaining. YinWar’s insane chemistry pulled the weight in places where the storytelling was oddly paced. The show hinges on their diffident romance as they steer clear through the differences in their professions and opinions. War especially excels in the emotional scenes where he had to portray Joker’s loneliness. A treat indeed!

9) The On1y One

It was obvious this show would be on this list; what can we say about its brilliance? The show stars Liu Dong Qin & Benjamin Tsang in a stepbrother romance (yes, we are talking about Addicted Heroin and Stay with Me) with a somber storytelling and a sound casting. The intricacies of the budding relationship that develops between the two estranged stepbrothers was handled delicately and yet the longing was precisely depicted. The actor’s gave a phenomenal performance embodying the finer nuances of their characters and their individual struggles. A mature romance with solid script!

8) Every You, Every Me

Starring Top Piyawat & Mick Monthon in lead roles, “Every You, Every Me” is a compilation of stories acted by the main characters, Pun & Roi- Inn. The initial episodes might make it seem like it is a reincarnation saga and they have been reborn again. The storytelling manages to maintain this distinctive impression until the latter half where we are introduced to the main leads actual identities. They are a popular pairing who have been secretly dating each other, the only issue being they are at the verge of a breakup and their internal strife is affecting their work. Top & Mick have an excellent chemistry which shines through in their romantic scenes. A beautiful romance worth exploring!

7) Unknown Series

It didn’t strike me as odd that another stepbrother romance had made it to the list. Starring Chris Chiu & Kurt Huang in lead roles, the story focuses on Wei Zhi Yuan’s unbridled fascination with his adoptive brother, Wei Qian. The storyline circles around the morality of their relationship because even though they aren’t blood related, Wei Qian finds it unacceptable. He simply can’t align with his own feelings for Wei Zhi Yuan. The show skirts around their disagreements while developing a budding romance that is intriguing and incomparable. Watch it for the lead pairing, they are handsome together!

6) Love for Love’s Sake

Inarguably one of my favorite romance this year, this live-action adaptation stars Lee Tae Vin & Cha Joo Wan in lead roles. The story follows Tae Myung Ha, a 29-year-old, is transported into a virtual game as a 19-year-old character. Tasked with bringing happiness to Cha Yeo Woon, a talented track and field star admired for his looks and athleticism, Tae navigates a complex virtual world. Tae Myung Ha has a difficult time trying to befriend the grumpy & lonely Yeo Woon. But as they spend time together, love blossoms and even after being kicked out of the game; Tae Myung Ha fights to return to the virtual universe. Tae Vin & Cha Joo Wan had refreshing chemistry. Literally, the icing on the cake!

5) Love in the Big City

The kind of mayhem the promotions for this show caused were unheard-of before. Maybe that was the kind of aggressive marketing this show required, because it became an instant hit. Starring Nam Yoon Su as the lead character Ko Yeong, the story charts Yeong’s tumultuous lifetime as he repeatedly falls in & out of love. Coupled with his crazy roommate, he decisively embarks on a journey to explore his sexuality and experiences relationships that help him mature. Jin Ho Eun portrays his love interest, Sim Gyu Ho, a final destination of sorts. Nam Yoon Su’s portrayal is realistic, empathetic and inspiring. His chemistry with Jin Ho Eun and the other supporting cast was explosive. Makes for a very interesting watch!

4) Eternal Butler

Despite being one of my favorite watch this year, I wasn’t expecting to see this show on the 2024 list. Simply because, I didn’t enjoy the prequel at all. Starring Kevin Chang & Eden Chen in lead roles, the show serves as a sequel to the 2023 romance “Anti-Reset”. Set in a universe, where AI technology is advancing and robots serves as real-time assistants, “Eternal Butler” follows Ever 4, the leader of Ever Series Robots. Banished for his act of defiance, Ever 4 becomes the personal butler to Luo Bu Shi, a spoiled yet lonely young heir. Luo Bu Shi is rebellious while Ever 4 is strict and disciplined. As their personalities clash, they settle into a somber routine where Ever 4 slowly grows empathetic of Bu Shi’s situation. Their budding friendship soon develops into romance. The lead actor’s have s fine chemistry and their camaraderie is excellent!

3) My Stand-In

A melodrama that hard launched the new pairing of Up Poompat & Poom Phuripan, the show was in news simply because the audiences were addicted to hating the main protagonist, Ming. Week after week, the show spurned angry tirades from fans who couldn’t stop talking about Ming’s worst traits. Never before did a show get popular because of the hatred incited by a lead character. Up lived upto the reputation that his portrayal bought forth, while Poom’s rendition was heartwrenching. They made a peculiar pairing and fans went crazy watching the ups-downs in their relationship.

2) ThamePo Heart That Skips a Beat

My current obsession, I would have been mad if this show didn’t make it to the list. Starring William Jakrapatr & Est Supha in lead roles, the show follows Po, a photographer who is hired by Unis Entertainment to document their boy group Mars’s final concert before their disbandment. Inadvertently, he becomes the closest confidant of leader Thame who is hellbent on reuniting his bandmates and relaunching their band. For those who are unaware, the show stars popular Thai pop band, LYNK. As in reel life, William is the leader alongside his bandmates, Lego Rapeepong, Hong Pichetpong, Nut Thanat & Tui Chayatorn who portray the characters, Dylan, Jun, Nano and Pepper. As Thame tries to clear all misunderstandings and reunite with his bandmates, he slowly develops feelings for Po. William & Est have an exceptional chemistry, which leaves you mesmerized. You will regret not watching this show!

1) Spare Me Your Mercy

Definitely a masterpiece worth exploring, “Spare Me Your Mercy” deserves the accolade of being the “Shining Star”. Starring JJ Krissanapoom & Tor Thanapob in lead roles, this live-action adaptation hinges around the legal and moral issues surrounding the usage of “Euthanasia”. While it does end the suffering of terminally ill patients, it is deemed illegal in most Asian countries. Tor as Dr. Kant was brilliant in his performance as he portrays the subtleties of his character administering Euthanasia to patients who want to escape their pain & suffering. JJ plays his antithesis, Police Major Wasan who firmly believes that rules are meant to be followed and law is above all. As Kant tries to seduce Wasan for nefarious motives, he inevitably ends up falling in love with the gruff policeman who never stops suspecting him. Tor & JJ have an indescribable chemistry, it’s magnetic and electrifying. A powerful performance indeed!

Keep watching this space for the next announcement !