Wow! I just realized when I put the dates on this article that it’s been a hot second since I’ve written to all of you! I look forward to chatting with everyone on Tuesday about all the happenings in the world of BL.

Needless to say, New York was a wild, ten-day adventure full of ups and downs. Of course, I had to get sick toward the end of the trip, and I’ve been spending this time watching series and recovering.

So many things have ended over the last couple of weeks, but there are two series I’d like to highlight: “The Bangkok Boy” and “The Ex-Morning”. Both are excellent and worth adding to the #BLWatchlist. What’s interesting is that both are very different series.

“The Bangkok Boy” is dark and gritty, a quality that is highlighted by the dialogue, storyline, and even the lighting. The Ex-Morning is a light-hearted romcom, and everything about it is playful and fun.

The Bangkok Boy (Thai BL on Gagaoolala and Tencent/WeTV)

⚠️Watcher Beware

Stats:

Length: 12 Episodes

Duration: 50-60 minutes

My Rating: 10/10

1) Trigger warnings: Non-con, child abuse and domestic violence, human trafficking, attempted suicide

2) This was a powerful, emotional ride that literally had me yelling at the TV screen upon occasion.

3) The acting is top-notch. Each character is brought to life with immersive details.

4) The story is complex and unique, with multiple storylines woven together masterfully.

5) The fighting scenes are well-executed.

6) The cinematography is gritty and dark. The vibe and music perfectly complement the storyline.

7) I would recommend watching with a friend so you don’t have to be tortured alone.

The Ex-Morning (Thai BL on YouTube)

🍭Wonderfully Sweet

Stats:

Number of Episodes: 10

Duration: 45-50 minutes per episode

My Rating: 10/10

1) This series has serious heart and so many complex human emotions.

2) Is it impossible to get back with your ex?

3) The storyline and editing are excellent. Some people criticized the flashbacks, but I felt they contributed to my understanding of the plot.

4) Krist and Singto are amazing actors, and they had a solid supporting cast.

5) Watch it on the days when you aren’t feeling well and let Tam and Phi help you feel better.

Now, on to the rest of my week. Some of my reviews are on different days than when they aired this week due to catching up. Enjoy.

Sunday, July 20

Doctor’s Mine Episode 1 (Thai BL on Gagaoolala uncut and YouTube cut)

✨PREMIERE

1) Is it great? No. Was I entertained? Yes. 🤣

2) Per struts around like he owns the world. He’s the classic playboy. Kan is the perfect solid counterpoint. They caught my attention.

3) It’s got some very classic BL moments, and a lot of extended eye contact.🤣 I’ll try another episode.

The Next Prince Episode 12 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

😷 Dust Kills

1) Dang! I can really appreciate how they wove this story of protest over mining practices into the fabric of this story in both peaceful and non-peaceful ways. This episode brought it all together beautifully.

2) It’s interesting how the main villain in this series is greed.

3) I have sided with the rebellion instead of the king.

4) Why did they have to kill off my second favorite character? 🥺

Shows I’m Not Watching

We are Brothers Part 1 Episode 4 NEWLY DISCOVERED (Myanmar BL on YouTube)

Monday, July 21

Reset Episode 8 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

⛈️ The Calm Before the Storm

1) I am very glad that they didn’t reuse the “reset” plot device when Armin was shot.

2) Every time Thiwthit comes on the stage, I’m reminded of the song “Human Fly” by The Cramps.

3) The actor playing Wenai has great comedic timing. The scene where they’re in the office and getting ready for something steamy, and then he walks in was a chef’s kiss!

Show I’m Watching with comments in my Discord server:

Revenged Love Episode 13 (Chinese BL on Gagaoolala, Viki, YouTube)

Tuesday, July 22

Secret Lover Episodes 1 and 2 (Taiwanese BL on IQIYI, YouTube, and Gagaoolala)

✨PREMIERE

1) I think this’ll have a fun spin because it’s about 3 childhood friends and 2 of them getting together. It’s bound to be a bit messy.

2) I like the cute flashbacks to their childhood. I think it gives us a solid foundation for their friendship.

3) Why do they always use some kind of version of Romeo and Juliet? Let’s pick a different Shakespeare play for once. 🤣

Solid start. I will keep watching.

Depth of Field (Japanese BL on Gagaoolala)

💌Repressed Love

Stats:

Length: 6 Episodes

Duration: 20-30 minutes per episode

My Rating: 7/10

1) The series did feel a bit rushed. Then again, it wasn’t long enough to fully simmer.

2) It wasn’t entirely a light watch. There were moments when Hayakawa’s internalized battle came out in unusual/extreme ways.

3) The cinematography was very pretty (especially the rooftop). It made me wish that I had gone to a school overlooking the sea.

4) I thought the acting was solid.

5) Grab a glass of your favorite beverage and binge-watch it in an evening.

The Bangkok Boy Episode 12 (Thai BL on Gagaoolala and WeTV/Tencent)

🤯 Mind Blown

1) This episode blew my brain! So much happened and unraveled.

2) I can’t believe Aim was still alive! Like, damn, what a plot twist.

3) Jihoon played a powerful game, still the “lobbyists” knew, and Sun becoming one of them was crazy.

4) There are still some questions, but that final plot twist was crazy and hinted at a 2nd season or a special episode.

Show I’m Watching with comments in my Discord server:

1) Revenged Love Episode 14 (Chinese BL on Gagaoolala, Viki, YouTube)

Shows I’m Not Watching:

Delivered Episode 5 (Korean BL on YouTube)

Suntiny Episode 7 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

The Light of Love Episode 2 (Thai BL Lakhorn on YouTube)

Wednesday, July 23

Stay By My Side After the Rain Episode 5 (Japanese BL on Gagaoolala)

🦁Bravery

1) Mitsoku’s mom is a weird combination of clingy and inattentive. The two disparate personality traits are almost too much.

2) Kanade’s overthinking almost ruined it for him… Thank goodness he got brave! 🔥

3) I’m glad they started overcoming the weird, awkward vibe they have at the end.

Show I’m Not Watching:

Dirty Rainbows Episode 6 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Thursday, July 24

The Ex-Morning Episode 10 (Thai BL on YouTube)

💍Wedding Vibes

1) I may be slightly biased, but I still think this is one of the best series I’ve seen in a bit, and the ending was absolutely perfect.

2) I can’t believe they chose a turtle and lion costume as a surprise for when Tam came back from Australia.

3) Tam and Phi’s wedding as the end game made my day! It was fun to see a traditional Thai wedding brought to life. Also, watch through the end credits for an adorable marriage certificate signing.

Sweetheart Service Episode 12 Part 1 (Korean BL on YouTube)

I am saving this series to watch for when part 2 comes out, so I can finish it all at once.

Show I’m Not Watching:

I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama S2 Episode 6 FINALE (Japanese BL on Gagaoolala)

A Sketchy Job Episode 5 FINALE (Chinese BL on YouTube) – I enjoyed the first two episodes of this show and will likely finish it.

Boys Vibe Project Episode 8 (Thai Gay reality dating show on YouTube)

Friday, July 25

Memoir of Rati Episode 6 (Thai BL on YouTube)

💖Steadfast Heart

1) Thee is stubborn and sometimes forgets he’s in public, which always makes me nervous considering the period this series is set in.

2) Dech and Mek make an interesting pair. They may be from different social statuses, but they have similar personalities. Their social status is what creates the contrast, which is refreshing.

3) The promise Thee and Rati made at the end while floating the Krathong was beautiful, though I don’t think it can be fully kept. 🥺

10 Things to do Before I Turn 40 Episode 4 (Japanese BL on Gagaoolala)

🧸Cuteness Overload

1) Tojo is just about the same age as me, but why does he seem so much older?

2) Keiji is so sweet and patient. 🫠

3) I’m enjoying everything about this plot. The forward motion is gentle and sweet.

4) Can it be next week yet?

My Sweetheart Jom Episode 11 (Thai BL on YouTube)

❤️‍Trauma is Hard

1) We find out who Tee is. I have a difficult time seeing him as anything but an evil guy since The Sign. In this series, he’s not quite a bad guy, just a love rival. Still…

2) I can see why Yo is worried. Jom doesn’t kiss him back with as much interest or passion as he’s being given. I would be insecure in that position, too.

3) Every time they kiss, Jom seems so awkward. I wonder if it’s due to his past traumas. 🤔

The Promise of the Soul Episode 6 (Taiwanese BL on IQIYI and Gagaoolala)

⭕The Red String of Fate

1) The red string of fate is revealed, though I mostly already knew that was the case.

2) It’s interesting. For some reason, the 60-year age gap doesn’t seem to be bothering me.

3) Cha is a cute old man. I think the actor is doing a great job of keeping some mannerisms.

Shows I plan on finishing later:

Pitbabe S2 Episode 13 FINALE (Thai BL on IQIYI)

Knockout Episode 12 + Special FINALE (Thai BL on Tencent/WeTV)

Love at First Spike Episode 6 (Filipino BL on iWantTFC app)

Show I’m Not Watching:

Love the Star Episode 9 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Saturday, July 26

The Next Prince Episode 13 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

⚡Heart’s Peril

1) I’m glad it was a false alarm about Chakri and that he is okay. That would have been hard to swallow.

2) Paytai finally stood up for himself! Yay! 🥰🔥 I can’t even imagine how he must have felt with the love of his life standing on his face instead of protecting him. 😭

3) The story of Charan’s mother was also heartbreaking. I can’t believe Charan stowed away in the car without being caught.

ABO Desire Episodes 1-5 (Chinese BL on Gagaoolala, IQIYI, Viki, Youku, and YouTube)

🙈Never Thought I’d Be Talking About This…

1) A second watch through has made this series a lot clearer. I’m glad they explained the origin of the universe in the first ten minutes.

2) The most interesting character for me by far is Secretary Gao. Everything about it is so nuanced and in-depth. The actor has also done a pretty good job of bringing him to life. Hopefully, their romance will be focused on more in future episodes.

3) If it weren’t for the omegaverse part, it would be a pretty standard Chinese office romance.

4) I will keep watching because I am fascinated.

Hermoso Episode 5 (Pinoy BL on YouTube)

🏋️They’re Sexy and They Know It

1) Kyle and Andres are treading on dangerous ground. Episode 5 finally brought it all to a head, and their relationship took a turn toward being more than friends, though they were always treading a fine line.

2) I think they’re doing a great job with Pedra. She is full of sass and spice. Also, her insecurities are well-played.

3) I think a fishing boat is the perfect setting for the level of soap opera and drama that Oxin typically uses.

Show I’m Not Watching:

My Top Bodyguard Episode 4 (Cambodian BL on Sastra Film App)

We are Brothers Part 2 Episode 1 (Myanmar BL on YouTube)

This next week is an exciting week with three new series beginning.

First, we have “My Magic Prophecy” starting July 27 on GMMTV’s YouTube channel. It is the new supernatural series with Jimmy and Sea that everyone is talking about. The general premise is that a Taro Card reader meets and tries to save a doctor. Needless to say, they clash.

Also, on July 27, a cute series titled “Dog Bro” will begin airing on YouTube. The premise seems to be about a boy who has a dog and his mom’s best friend’s son staying in the house with him.

Then, on Friday, August 1, “I Am The Most Beautiful Count” begins on IQIYI. I have to admit that I’m super excited for this series. The main lead is a queen who gets sent back in time. It looks totally campy and fun.

On Saturday, August 2, “Shine” begins on WeTV. This is the anticipated series from Mile and Apo, who starred in “Kinn Porsche”. They are calling it a Gay series rather than a BL, but I’m sure it will be excellent. It is set in the political turmoil of the 1960s. Mile plays a rock star, and Apo plays a straight-laced teacher. It should be interesting.