I write this article on Saturdays, and the most anticipated series of the year so far dropped its first episode today. I must say, it lived up to my expectations. If you can, watch it in real time. I think we are going on quite a journey, and interacting with everyone else who’s also watching is part of the experience of a BL fan. It can be scary to write into the void and respond to strangers, but I discovered that the BL community is most welcoming.

The Next Prince is the classic story of the boy who is in hiding and unaware of his heritage. One day, he is told he is of royal lineage and next in line to the throne. The rest, well, we’ll just have to wait and see.

It stars Zee Pruk and NuNew Chawarin. You may know them both from Cutie Pie. Both actors do a great job in the first episode.

Catch it on Saturdays on IQIYI. The first two episodes will also be on YouTube.

The Next Prince (Thai BL on iQIYI and YouTube)

PREMIERE

First thoughts –

1) We are in for a visual treat. The location shots and sets are beautiful.

2) The soundtrack is giving fairytale vibes.

3) Zee and NuNew are back!

4) The fight scene was 🔥.

5) Love all the attention to detail.

6) Why did they have to end it that way? 😭

7) It’s only episode 1, and I’m already teary-eyed. I wouldn’t have thought of breaking down sobbing after getting such news as Khanin did when he was told he was a prince. It was a cool, unique choice. Bravo. 👏

Sunday, April 27

Last Meal Universe (Thai BL on OneD)

FINALE

Final thoughts –

1) I wish that it had, like, 2 more episodes!

2) The world is saved by… coffee! 🤣🤣 This is only fair because coffee gives us life.

3) This series is ridiculous and fun. It’s good for a weekend when you need a break from life.

4) It’s ready to binge

My Stubborn Episode 2 (Thai BL on iQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) The decision for this series was, “Let’s take this one direction and do it really well.” 🙈

2) Tai and Champ, the boss and his secretary, are giving established couple vibes, even though I’m pretty sure they’re not.

3) Is Tai the older brother/head of household? Where are their parents?

Boys in Love Episode 2 (Thai BL on iQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) I don’t know how many times I said, “Aww, how cute.” 🥰

2) Shane and Kit’s tutoring sessions in academics and fun are adorable. I can’t believe they kissed already!

3) Mon and Kim’s literature exchange was so sweet.

4) Tan and Nat give off fantastic grumpy/sunshine vibes.

Monday, April 28

The sad lack of BLs is real. But, I just put a new BL on my calendar for Mondays later this month. Fingers crossed it gets an international platform with subtitles.

Tuesday, April 29

There are still no BLs on Tuesdays. This will change next week.

Still, you can come join me for a chat at 6 PM PST on the BL Xpress YouTube channel. Last week, we talked about Heesu in Class 2 and why it is a BL (In my opinion). This week, we will be discussing The Next Prince. There is no other choice. It must be this.

Wednesday, April 30

Lost in the Woods (Thai BL on Gagaoolala)

FINALE

Final thoughts –

1) Beautifully crafted.

2) I’m glad the team was always mindful of the age gap between Fifa and Hem.

3) The tasteful ending hinted that, after Fifa’s dream, he would return.

4) Could we have a season 2 with that return?

Note: This series has been added to my #BLWatchlist. I recommend it.

My Golden Blood Episode 8 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

Thoughts –

1)Thong must smell out-of-this-world delicious. 😏

2) Mark’s fear and subsequent, light-filled acceptance were beautiful.

3) Me: “Tonkla, NNNOOOOO!!!” 😭😭😭 I have to admit the scene where Nakan got him was hard to watch.

Something’s Not Right Episode 5 (Korean BL on Viki)

Thoughts –

1) I now know it’s possible to take a miscommunication plot too far.

2) Jihoon is a clueless fool.

3) BaWoo is a clueless fool.

4) Okay, I can’t anymore. Let’s see how this plays out tomorrow. Please, let the torture be over. 🙏

Thursday, May 1

Shows I’m Not Watching –

Never Fair Premiere (Korean BL on Sukfilm YouTube channel) There are 4 episodes total.

The Agreement of Cherry Blossom Premiere (Chinese short-length series) – It looks like it’s hard to find.

Top Form Episode 8 (Thai BL on Tencent)

Thoughts –

1) Akin calling Jin “Jun” makes me melt every time.

2) I’m glad they showed how fanatics can make artists feel. Akin showed that girl so much grace.

3) Boom continues proving time and again his strong acting skills and great choices in each scene.

Business as Usual Episode 5 (Korean BL on Viki)

Thoughts –

1) I thought there were 8 episodes, but now that I know there are only 7, I feel like the story arc might leave me unsatisfied.

2) They did a great job of communicating and unraveling their childhood traumas. Bravo.

3) Great chemistry.

Something’s not Right Episode 6 (Korean BL on Viki)

Thoughts –

1) I’ve decided it might be safer for my TV if I save this episode for next week. 😅 I’ll comment on it with episode 7.

Friday, May 2

Pit Babe 2 (Thai BL on iQIYI)

PREMIERE

First thoughts –

1) I’m glad to see Supanut back, even if it is with a weird, creepy character. He’s almost zombie-like.

2) I wonder if someone has some sort of masking power over Way’s mind, so it can’t be read.

3) I feel bad for Jeff because he didn’t want to have the future-seeing power, and I can tell he doesn’t want it back.

4) I will keep watching. 👀🎞

Fight for You Episode 7 (Taiwanese BL on iQIYI, Gagaoolala, Viki)

Thoughts –

1) I wonder how Da Hei is going to feel when he learns the truth. 🤔😔

2) They’ve reached the boyfriend era well before the climax, which means the climax will probably make me cry. There are 12 episodes in this series….

3) I was surprised to learn that Xiao Bai was also a pawn.

Sweet Tooth Good Dentist Episode 6 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) Clearly, I continue to watch this series even though I’m not exactly the right audience.

2) I think the reason is that I just enjoy watching Jimmy play such an interesting, nerdy character this time.

3) The jealousy fight seemed a little less clown-like.

4) The episode had more heart.

Saturday, May 3

Shows I’m Not Watching:

Secret Ghost (Thai BL on VIU Thailand) – no international release and no subtitles.

Sashes and Hearts (Pinoy BL on Oxin Films YouTube Channel)

The Bangkok Boy Episode 2 (Thai BL on Gagaoolala)

Thoughts –

1) The central plot is now clearer.

2) I’m curious about the larger motive the dad spoke of.

3) I couldn’t believe the number of trigger warnings that this episode needed.

4) The prison scenes with the non-con were uncomfortable. The father-son and the relationship and child abuse was also uncomfortable.

5) This series has raw, gritty vibes. Watcher beware.

Next week, on Tuesday, May 6, “Mission to the Moon” will begin airing on Kongthup YouTube channel. This Thai BL will have three episodes a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The teaser is giving a comedy vibe about a spirit who has come to find his long-lost love. However, I can’t imagine that story having a happy ending.

On Thursday, May 8, on Strongberry’s YouTube channel, we will be getting the premiere of a new Korean BL titled “Sweetheart Service”. The trailer has an adult office romcom vibe with a fake boyfriend trope, which is always fun. I’ve enjoyed Strongberry’s series in the past, so I’m looking forward to what they deliver this time.

May is amping up!