Boys’ Love as a genre is expanding and undertaking several tropes. But there are still very few storylines each year, that lucidly explore the themes of maturity. Today’s feature includes such far-fetched shows that made a mark with their thought-provoking stories!

At 25:00 in Akasaka S2

This season explores the rather mature relationship between our main protagonists, Shirasaki Yuki (Niihara Taisuke) and Hayama Asami (Komagine Kiita). But their budding romance comes at a cost. First, they are caught by Asami’s manager which causes a friction in their relationship. As they bridge the distance and move in together, both Asami & Shirasaki end up fighting for the lead role in a stage play. They transverse through their daily lives while testing their boundaries as professional rivals. In the end, Asami gives up on this role unwillingly and Shirasaki wins this chance. However, Shirasaki fails at adapting to his character’s emotions while Asami is unable to concentrate at his new project. The scriptwriting is tight, the storyline focuses on the struggles faced by a celebrity couple, something that has never been portrayed in a BL drama before!

Therapy Game

Fears & insecurities can be a major hindrance in a budding romance, especially if the person involved is scared of falling in love. Minato (Kida Naoya), a gay man with an extreme bro-complex, meets a drunk man named Shizuma (Tomita Yuki) at a bar. He is drawn to Shizuma’s pampering touch, and they spend the night together at a hotel, but when Shizuma wakes up, he remembers nothing. Enraged, Minato declares that he will win Shizuma’s heart and makes a bet with the bar staff. As they spend time together, Minato is drawn to Shizuma’s kindness and honesty; however at the same time, he is unable to give up on his illusions about relationships. Their pull & push relationship is rather interesting, because he aches for Shizuma but also keeps him at a distance. Kida has a rather charming personality, to the point of distraction. He easily embodies Minato’s finer nuances, it is impossible to imagine anyone else in his place.

Love in the Moonlight

This story is based in the 1960s, but the issues discussed are still faced by many in most Asian countries; only a select have the liberty of same-sex marriage equality or decriminalization of homosexuality. In 1963, following political change between Chansaeng and Nanta, Prince Saenkaew (Peak Peemapol) of Chansaeng is sent to Bangkok to marry Pinanong (Perth Veerinsara). Saenkaew’s father is very homophobic and knows his orientation well. So, though the marriage seems necessary, he just wants to use this opportunity to force Saenkaew into an inescapable marital life. Things gets complicated when Pin’s cousin Sasin (Pearl Satjakorn) becomes suspicious of this betrothal and starts digging into this business arrangement. While investigating him, Sasin ends up falling in love with Saenkaew. Their relationship is first opposed by Saenkaew’s father & later, by Pin herself who forces Saenkaew to marry her. Peak portrays Saenkaew’s fears with a honesty that is commendable. These insecurities are faced by most people belonging to the LGBTQ community!

Mandate

It was my first time watching a political BL; also the first time, this genre has tipped its toes into this uncharted territory. Dr. Nong (Boy Pakorn), the son of the village headman, is highly respected by the people as he’s always helping them, earning their love and trust. For this reason, Dr. Nong is often approached by political parties to join them, but he always refuses them. Wi (Ben Bunyapol) the youngest son of the leader of a major political party leader is another person who wants Dr. Nong to join his party, hoping to prove to his abilities to his own father. He continues to pursue Dr. Nong until something unexpected happens to Dr. Nong’s younger sister, causing him to decide to submit an application. Wi takes him to Bangkok and step by step, mentors him on winning the elections. The story is hugely centered around Dr. Nong, his journey from a doctor to becoming the Member of Parliament and later, the Health Minister. It also depicts his shameful past as a drug addict and his fall from grace. Dr. Nont is a grey character, he has his positives and negatives. Similarly, Wi is smart and intelligent, quite dependable, but he is tied down by his deep affection for Dr. Nont. Both actors do a phenomenal job of portraying the struggles faced by their characters.

My Magic Prophecy

Many might categorize this as a fantasy, because one of the main leads is clairvoyant. But that doesn’t take away the beauty of this script. Dr. Thapfah (Jimmy Jitaraphol) is an ICU doctor who doesn’t believe in horoscopes or destiny. When his younger sister’s best friend Inthu (Sea Tawinan)—a clairvoyant and tarot reader—warns him of an approaching streak of misfortune that may cost him his life, Thapfah doesn’t buy it. In the end, following a series of unfortunate events, Thapfah is forced to leave the city with Inthu. With assassins on his tail, Thapfah seeks refuge at Inthu’s hometown. Both of them have their own personal demons to conquer. The ensuing tension between them becomes the breeding ground for survival. Thapfah pulls Inthu out of his self-isolated life while Inthu protects Thapfah with his life. Jimmy & Sea are best at portraying such complex and mature characters!

Shine

This was by far one of the best shows in 2025, a stunning cinematography coupled with a phenomenal casting elevated the entire experience. Trin (Apo Nattawin), a principled economist returns home abroad while the country is in the midst of turmoil. His Uncle, Krailert (Son Yuke Songpaisan) is an accomplished military spokesperson, and he is tasked with handling the student’s protest. When Trin meets Thanwa (Mile Phakphum), a free-spirited hippie, his life takes an unpredictable turn. The show depicts the political intrigue in the back gone era while tackling two vastly different romances. Trin’s budding love story with Thanwa is mesmerizing yet riveting. Krailert’s affair with journalist, Naran (Euro Yotsawat) is addictive yet complicated. The actors lend their voices to strong characters that have a charm & story of their own!

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