We are halfway through 2025 and the stunning display of sensual yet high quality narratives has left most audiences satisfied. It could be attributed to the definitive pacing & better script writing skills which coupled with good acting talents have elevated the entire experience. The sudden downpour of shows is indeed questionable. Are they worth your time? Are we finally stepping out of the repetitive patterns? Is BL offering more than subpar content? Let’s figure out the answers to these questions with a quick glance at some of my favorites from this year!

My Stubborn

M Flow Entertainment isn’t exactly known for producing quality dramas. Their shows are mostly high on sexual explicit content & low on quality time. So, imagine my surprise when “My Stubborn” dropped out of the blue & heralded a whole new era of wholesome entertainment. Don’t get me wrong, the show still banks on the sensuality that is so characteristic of MFlow Entertainment’s shows. The main characters Sorn (Boat Yongyut) & Jun (Oat Pasakorn) have a highly sensitized relationship. There isn’t a single episode where they aren’t making out or kissing each other. Must say, the actors really came out well prepared from the workshop, because there is zero hesitation or discomfort in their kissing scenes; it shows how much they are comfortable with each other and embody the finer nuances of their characters. Especially Sorn who is horny 24×7 and equates everything with sex. The storytelling was comparatively better which sort of enhanced the watching experience. Because most MFlow shows make zero sense, you only watch them for the actors or the sensual content. Adaptations are difficult, but “My Stubborn” proved that with the right set of cast & crew, wonders never cease to exist!

The Next Prince

Have you ever sat down to watch a Disney movie with queer characters? While that not be entirely possible in the real world, Domundi TV has bought us closer to the implausible. Starring NuNew Chawarin in the titular role as Prince Khanin, “The Next Prince” is his journey from being an unknown commoner to becoming the Prince of a wealthy nation. Joining him on this crusade is real life partner, Zee Pruk who dresses up as his royal bodyguard, Charan. Obviously, there is not an ounce of discomfort when these two start kissing; it comes easily to them. Both Zee & NuNew are playing quite variant characters and their caricatures stand out. NuNew has to shoulder the weight of playing a naive Prince who is suddenly thrust into royalty, and yet he questions everything. He doesn’t follow customs blindly & is quite vocal about his opinions. Khanin is bold, defiant & rebellious but also kindhearted. Charan on the other hand is reserved and cautious. He brackets himself within boundaries, but Khanin is a force of nature. When he wants something, he gets it by hook or crook. They make a curiously unique couple and their charm is unbelievable. The budget for this show is at another level although I do question Khanin’s costumes at times (they are going for some medieval level European flair which seems so outdated in the current era). Watch this show for ZeeNunew, you will be left surprised!

Revenged Love

The current global sensation, “Revenged Love” has achieved something it’s predecessors could not- freedom from veritable Chinese censorship. Since it was produced and broadcast by an offshore company, the show retains the flavors from the original. Chinese BL novels are high on sex and sensuality, something that doesn’t bode well with the censor board. In the last few years, quite a few shows were adapted from BL novels; some never saw the daylight and still remain imprisoned. In recent years, production houses have been turning to foreign streaming portals to release Chinese BL dramas. “Revenged Love” is a success story written by the stars. Adapted from the web novel “Counter Attack” (逆袭) by Chai Ji Dan (柴鸡蛋), the show focuses on a big time loser, Wu Suo Wei (Zi Yu). After being dumped by his girlfriend, he reinvents himself and start his own business, only to constantly cross paths with Chi Cheng (Tian Xu Ning), the spoiled heir to his own family’s business. When Suo Wei finds out that his ex is dating Chi Cheng, he decides to get his revenge – by seducing Chi Cheng himself. The charade is easier said than done, when your heart is on the line. What starts as a game of seduction turns into more when Suo Wei starts falling for Chi Cheng. Tian Xu Ning & Zi Yu have an amazing chemistry. Their camaraderie onscreen & offscreen is off-the-charts and you are instantly captivated. Watch this, if Chinese BL is your fantasy!

The Ex-Morning

The veterans are back, and they are teaching everyone how romance is done! The “SingtoKrist” pairing returns to high ferver, and their dynamics is ever better than more. Tauted as their comeback vehicle, “The Ex-Morning” streamlines their chemistry naturally and beautifully. When broadcaster Padtaphi (Krist Perawat) gets demoted following a public shaming, his ex Tamtawan (Singto Prachaya) is given the job of helping him rebuild his reputation. The show has two distinct timelines- one circumnavigates their past where they were college students, supposedly in love, exploring their budding relationship. Secondly, we dive into the current scenario where they are ex-lover trying to come to terms with their nonchalant, ugly breakup. The script swiftly shifts between the past and present, given us a fervent look into their past and present relationship. Even though, Phi acts grumpy, his affections for Tawan are obvious from Day One. The show focuses on how they move past their disagreements, settle into an amicable romance that is both endearing & sweet. Singto & Krist’s chemistry has improved; the comfort is crystal clear in their kissing scenes which spans across each episode. Watch it to believe it!

Memoir of Rati

After “To Sir, With Love” and “I Feel You Linger in the Air”, I was anticipating something along the lines. And “Memoir of Rati” doesn’t disappoint. Set in the Thai Buddhist year 2458 (1915 CE), the story focuses on Rati (Inn Sarin Ronnakiat), a common orpham adopted by the French ambassador. He returns to Siam with the French delegation; and unexpectedly meets Thee (Great Sapol), a marquis in the Ministry of Education. Love blossoms as they bridge societal differences. Even though adopted, Rati faces prejudices from his adoptive Uncle and is shunned by him. There are rumors surrounding Thee that is uninterested in women. Thee does prove them right because his first meeting with Rati is magical. Great & Inn Sarin have a superb chemistry, it grips your attention and you can’t focus on anything else. There is a lot of detailing pertaining to their costumes and locales. Since it is a historical romance, the settings reflect the Republican era and the class divide. “Memoir of Rati” is an experience you need to savor & cherish!

We will back with a new feature, next weekend!