From quirky Thai romances to heartbreaking Japanese love stories, these seven BL dramas deserve a place on your watchlist. If you’ve already watched the biggest hits and are searching for something different, these underrated gems offer memorable couples, fresh storylines, and emotions worth experiencing.
1. I Will Knock You
Thailand · 2022 · School romance/Comedy
Distinctive, quirky, and easy to pitch as a hidden gem
A college tutor crosses paths with Noey, a high-school gang leader who unexpectedly develops feelings for him. Its retro atmosphere, quirky humour, and unusual lead pairing make it a fun alternative to conventional campus BLs.
Best for: Readers who enjoy unusual characters and funny, slow-burn romance.
2. The Time of Fever
South Korea · 2024 · First love/Melodrama
Strong emotional hook and an existing series connection
This companion story to Unintentional Love Story explores the complicated feelings between childhood friends Ho-tae and Dong-hee. Their emotional history and tender, painful transition from friendship to love give the drama plenty of heart.
Best for: Fans of childhood friends, emotional tension, and angsty romance.
3. Our Dining Table
Japan · 2023 · Slice of life / Comfort romance
A heartwarming slice-of-life romance that beautifully blends food, found family, and healing
Yutaka, a talented but lonely office worker, struggles to eat around other people until he meets a young man named Minoru and his little brother. Sharing homemade meals gradually brings warmth, connection, and love into Yutaka’s life.
Best for: Fans of wholesome romances, found-family stories, slow-burn love, and cozy slice-of-life BLs that warm your heart.
4. To Be Continued
Thailand · 2024 · Second chances/Reunion
Second-chance romance with an adult relationship dynamic
Two former best friends reconnect as adults after their relationship was left unresolved. One has become a famous actor, while the other is a doctor. Their shared past and lingering feelings create a romance built around regret and the possibility of a second chance.
Best for: Readers who love pining, reunions, and unfinished love stories.
5. The On1y One
Taiwan · 2024 · Youth/Slow burn
A compelling slow-burn story
Two students who initially clash find their lives intertwined when their parents marry. As they navigate their new family situation, hostility gives way to a deeper connection. The restrained romance and emotional coming-of-age storytelling make it especially memorable.
Best for: Fans of slow-burn romance, academic rivals, and emotional storytelling.
6. See Your Love
Taiwan · 2024 · Romance / Workplace
A different perspective on romantic communication
A wealthy heir’s life changes when he encounters a man who is deaf. Their developing relationship offers a different kind of romantic story, with communication, accessibility, and emotional understanding at its heart.
Best for: Readers seeking a tender romance with a less conventional premise.
7. Sugar Dog Life
Japan · 2024 · Slice of life/Comfort romance
A lighter, comforting option to balance the list
An unlikely friendship develops between a young university student who enjoys cooking and an older police officer. Food, everyday encounters, and small gestures gradually create a sweet, comforting relationship.
Best for: Readers who prefer gentle romances, domestic moments, and feel-good storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the most memorable BL stories are the ones that don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. From the quirky charm of I Will Knock You to the heartwarming comfort of Our Dining Table and the slow-burn romance of The On1y One, these seven dramas remind us that there is so much more to explore beyond the biggest hits.
Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romance, a story filled with emotional depth, a comforting tale of love and found family, or a second-chance love story, these underrated gems deserve a place on your watchlist. Each one offers something special, proving that BL is about more than just romance—it’s also about connection, personal growth, and the little moments that make a story unforgettable.
Now it’s your turn! Have you watched any of these dramas, or is there an underrated BL series you think deserves more love? Let us know your favourites in the comments. Your next recommendation might just become someone else’s new obsession!
