#PONDPHUWIN LEAD SERIES

[kissablelips-desireslure-vol1]

WE ARE (2024)

THANAWIN PHOLCHAROENRAT (as...)

&

KITTIPHOP SEREEVICHAYASAWAT (as...)

[chicademartinica]

Watching We are was really like going to get myself a delicious treat every Wednesday afternoon in summertime.

[unpopularopinionbydemand]

Top 10 BL Series of 2024 !

Another list nobody asked for, but I'm bored, so here we are.

Overall, I saw 39 series this year (lower than it ever has been before, but I was not on my zoom for the first 6 months of 2024), and what I've noticed is that it has steadily gone down ever since I've been watching since 2020.

Previous years:

2020 - 60 series

2021 - 44 series (not sure what happened here??)

2022 - 68 series

2023 - 46 series

Even still, with 2021 and 2023 also being pretty low, I still can't believe that I only managed to watch 39 series within a year.

Ratings of 2024:

10 stars - 3 series

9 stars - 8 series

8 stars - 10 series

7 stars - 10 series

6 stars - 4 series

5 stars - 3 series

4 stars - 1 series

1-3 stars - 0 series (if i think it's that bad, then what's the point of watching...?)

I think with this year, I scored a lot differently than I did in the past, and I let the overall flaws or critics of a series overpower my overall enjoyment of it, which kinda stinks, but that's okay.

My Goal for 2025:

I can't really predict what I see and if I'll like it or not, but I'd like to at least rate 6 series with 10 stars.

I wanna pay more attention to the music and OSTs in series! I basically rate music between 5-7 because I never care to pay that much attention to it, and really only rate it a 7 if it was something I can remember. This time, I'll try to not skip through the intro and be able to remember the OST/Music.

And Lastly, my biggest goal that I have zero effing idea if I'll be able to do or just completely fall straight on my ass: watch at least 60 series this year. We'll see...

Anyways, getting into the actual point of this post, my top 2024 BLs! This list is as predictable as any other list seeing as I only watched what was popular or most talked about instead of going off of my usual list. I still haven't even watched a couple of the standout BLs of 2024 like My Stand-In, The Curse of Taekwondo, 4Minutes, Love in The Big City, or Monster Next Door (I will be on it this year 🫡).

From Most Favorite to Least Most Favorite: I will link my review for each series through the title (Potential Spoliers!!)!

1. Anti-Reset (9-stars)

I know, it shocks me too, but the reason it's my overall number one series of 2024 is because it was able to get me out of my very occasional BL slump. I desperately needed something new, something that wasn't a bunch of uniforms or office jargon, and this series was just perfect. It's the first in the BL genre (to my knowledge) that takes on the robot/human trope and I ate every single second of this series up.

Now the story isn't perfect, but it provided me with everything I usually love in a series, and all of it was wrapped in a pretty bow and left on my depressing door step.

2. I Became the Lead in a BL Drama (10-stars)

With only 3 episodes, each about 45 minutes long, IBTLIABLD hits hard in all aspects, specifically making me laugh my ass off, but also hitting you in the heart where it hurts. 

The leads' dynamic was so heartwarming to me. The perfect height difference, the perfect balance of cheeky and cute, portraying moments that made me pause so I could laugh, or moments when I had to pause so that I could regain my composure and not cry. A truly lovely pairing, played by some really fantastic actors.

3. Takara's Treasure (10-stars)

How can one be so perfectly handsome and incredibly endearing simultaneously? I'll tell you who, Eito, the mastermind behind the character Taishin who's an all-around cutey that I wanted to put in my back pocket. But besides how adorable he was, I thoroughly enjoyed this JBL. It balanced out the actual story plus romance very well, and I watched this without being bored or skipping through or wanting to scream at my laptop.

Taishin and Takara's relationship is my cup of tea. The stoic seme and the bubbly uke, urgh, they were perfect. And again, what added just the perfect cherry on top was Eito, who's the prettiest, cutest, most handsomest man I've seen in BL in a while, and he can also act!

4. Century of Love (9-stars)

I'm amazed at the amount of focus I had while watching this BL. I was able to watch it thoroughly and throughout without getting bored, or skipping past, or fast-forwarding. The entirely of the plot flowed perfectly, it never strayed into unwanted or unnecessary side arcs, it all was told in favor of the main couple, and I loved it. 

San as the man that waits 100 years to be back with his love, and Wee, the uncanny Ms.Wad reborn. This had my name written all over it. It reminded me a lot of the Korean series "First Love Again" which I adored for the longest time, and this trope has made it's way up the ranking of things I hope to see more of.

5. Two Worlds (9-stars)

I'm so happy that I decided against my better judgment and decided to watch this series because, in the end, I actually really liked it. Some parts give you a run for your money, and others I'm not so sure about, but overall, this series has more ups than downs, and tells a story interesting enough to keep me engaged.

Some of the best NC scenes in BL, and I don't say that because they were naked and we saw everything (and I mean everything), but because there was so much love poured into the way it was acted out, and you can tell it was genuine and organic. Great job to Max and Nat.

6. My Love Mix-Up! (7-Stars)

Had I been discussing the first 8 episodes of this series, I would've told you it was an amazing, jaw-dropping, brilliant series. Except, they went on for 4 more episodes and it completely plummeted on its face after that. What could've been a really neat and tidy 8 episode series was stretched to fill that usual GMMTV 12-ep series, but in reality, it should've just stayed 8 episodes.

Then you ask, "why is it in your top 10 of 2024?", because I loved Half and Mudmee more than I can explain in words... literally. There was one point I was specifically watching for purely only them, and even skipped through some of the boring stuff between Kong and Atom. Even though by the end of the series, Half and Mudmee are done terribly wrong, it doesn't matter cause that's just how much I stinking loved them.

7. This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans (9-Stars)

They executed this series so well, and it's seriously why I love this production company so much. They don't do the unnecessary long stares or dragged-out conversations or irrelevant side plots. They stick to the story, going from point A to point B, and everything that we see in the series happens for a reason. The conversations are all what they need to be, and the story flows with little to no unnecessary bumps.

They took their NC scenes to a completely different level, one that I don't feel like I see often. it's obviously well acted out, and the actors were comfortable enough with one another to execute such amazing scenes. But even with the jaw-dropping sex scenes, my utmost favorite part of the series is Oab holding Wan accountable for his actions and them having an open and honest conversation before getting back together. Lots of time the plot can be lost for a quick resolution between two characters, but the writers ensure to the audience that it's going to take much more than that, and that made me happy. 

8. We Are (7-Stars)

I actually really enjoyed this a lot, initially. The set up of the characters, their dynamics, the start of their relationships, I really really enjoyed it. However, once you get past the 11th episode, with some little hidden gems in the latter, this series falls completely on its face.

Tan and Fang. They were everything to me. The stoic uke and bubbly seme, literally my favorite trope ever, I absolutely loved it down to pieces. Aou, hands down, played the best out of all the characters. His personality doesn't waver, he continues being supportive and protective and clingy, and I loved him. There the reason this series makes it into my top 10.

9. Cherry Magic Thailand (8-stars)

The few first episodes were the best out of the entire series. The building of the characters and the setup of the overall plot was golden. I was sitting on the edge of my seat throughout it all, feeling so intrigued with Achi listening to Karan's thoughts, the connection between Achi and Jinta, the office relationship, and the overall pleasantness of the series. I'm glad they kept the iconic elevator scene and they executed it perfectly.

Junior (Jinta) was by far my favorite actor/character. He took this quirky role and made it work perfectly in this remake. His conversations with Achi, his reactions to MIn, his way of analyzing and thinking and reacting, all of it was legit perfect. It was also so nice to see Mark (min) again since Sky in Your Heart. He did an incredible job in this -- showing how versatile his acting is compared to his character in SIYH. Their setup was nearly perfect, and their continued build-up was so good that I was rooting for them more than I was for Achi and Karan at one point (even though their story was a bit upsetting).

10. Sahara Sensei to Toki-kun (8-Stars)

In the first couple of episodes, I was immediately hooked on the story. Toki, a delinquent falls for his PE teacher who is everything opposite, and it starts the tale of a wild, hilarious, and rather touching romance story.

There are some parts that hit the nail on the comedy, and while this series is heavily overexaggerated, that is probably my favorite part. Rinataro as Toki plays up the dramatics so perfectly in this, it's insane. From his facial expressions to the way he talks, to his body language, I loved all of it. 

very VERY excited to see what the new year brings us. A few of my most anticipated series of this year (in order) that I'll most likely do episode reviews on:

Happy Ending

The Next Prince

Boys In Love

Burnout Syndrome

I'm the Most Beautiful Count

Thanks for reading all of this :)

[bl-bam-beyond]

TIKTOK VIDEO SHARE

PONDPHUWIN CONFRONTATIONS

1. Fish Upon the Sky: After much push back and drama Mork and Pi are in a relationship. However presumably out to help them, Mork's friend Bam releases photos of Pi before his make over embarrassing him at Mork's birthday party. Mission Accomplished. Pi ends things with Mork. But it's not over. Mork sets out to reunite with Pi.

2. Never Let Me Go: Palm has just watched his mother murdered by the men sent to kill Nuengdiao. Palm snaps for a moment pushing Nuengdiao. Nuengdiao becomes angry and an argument ensues with Nuengdiao ending things with Palm lying that he doesn't love him. Nuengdiao pushes Palm away insisting he is returning to Bangkok. Palm begs him to not leave him.

3. We Are: The Series: Phum has ignored Peem's calls because of Phum's argument with his father. Phum sets out to make things right with Peem. Peem is not angry exactly he's more hurt but listens to Phum. Peem confesses his love for Phum and the two make up.

@pose4photoml @just-another-boyslove-blog

[madeinjapan-thailand-blbambeyond]

MADE IN THAILAND

KITTIPHOP SEREEVICHAYASAWAT

[Nickname: SATANG]

THANAWIN PHOLCHAROENRAT

[Nickname: WINNY]

[stormyoceans]

we are expecting gmmtv 2024 in october. what's your list of manifestations? share with us, dear!

GMMTV 2024 HAPPENING IN OCTOBER CAUGHT ME COMPLETELY UNPREPARED TBH LIKE LAST YEAR I HAD A WHOLE LIST OF PREDICTIONS AND THINGS I WANTED TO SEE AND RN IM MOSTLY LIKE ???????? JIMMYSEA AND THEN ???????????????????

i also don’t know how to feel about the line up being announced before last twilight and 23.5 even got the chance to air (unless we’re getting last twilight replacing hidden agenda which means it would start on october 1st, but i do not dare to hope), however i thought about it a little and here’s a very rough list of my hopes and dreams that im gonna actualize with the power of manifestation and delusion:

JIMMYSEA NEW SERIES DIRECTED BY P’JOJO. LISTEN I DON’T CARE IF IT’S UNLIKELY FOR THEM TO GET A SHOW 3 YEARS IN A ROW MY CLOWN WIG IS ON MY SHOES ARE SQUEAKING MY MAKE UP IS IN PLACE. the amount of p’jojo+jimmysea online interactions we’ve got since p’jojo visited them on the last twilight set is just TOO SUSPICIOUS to be meaning nothing I WANT TO BELIEVE. that being said, i feel like it will probably be an ensamble cast kind of series, so im praying for the medical drama QL of my dreams with jimmysea + earthmix OR the heist QL of my dreams with jimmysea + forcebook. im not picky though I REALLY JUST WANT A NEW PROJECT FOR JIMMYSEA AS A PAIRING but also..

SOME SOLO PROJECT FOR BOTH JIMMY AND SEA. they’re both great actors and sea in particular is able to portray an insane range of emotions so it’s time for GMMTV to start giving him more roles.

regardless of whatever happens with jimmysea, i do want earthmix and forcebook to have a new series next year.

PAPANG AS THE MAIN LEAD IN A BL. do i believe this is gonna happen? sadly, no. will i still be manifesting this every single day from here to october? DAMN RIGHT I WILL MY MAN DESERVES IT. actually i said this before but i think GMMTV should just give me papang+guy+pond+pepper in a BL. MY MEN DESERVE IT.

AT LEAST 2 GLs BUT PREFERABLY MORE. freenbecky got me gagged with their upcoming sci-fi movie and period drama series, so i think GMMTV should step up their game and give us ALL THE GIRLS. im frankly starving for more GLs so i don’t really have any specific plot i want to see, i just want the genre to thrive and be allowed to explore different stuff like BL has started to do. if i really had to pick tho, i would love to have a sizzy series (maybe with janaye and ciizejane) and to have prigkhing and piploy in a GL. and namtan. and jamie.

QL exploring other sexualities and gender identities. just give me ace main characters, trans main characters, non-binary main characters, ALL THE DIFFERENT QUEER MAIN CHARACTERS!!!!!!!

i want to say enigma season 2 because it was actually a great show but with bright leaving GMMTV i don’t think i should get my hopes up ;;;;;;; unless they recast his character since he appeared for 5 seconds at the end of the series.

these are the main things that come to my mind for now, but im sure that by the time october comes im gonna have some more!!!!

[chicademartinica]

I’m going to say something super cliché but fam they give “in a committed monogamous I don’t eve SEE other people” relationship so easily for actors so young.

NEVER LET ME GO (2022-2023) WE ARE (2024)

[little-one-eyed-monsters]

I like your takes on thai bl fanservice practices and industry takes. Recently I've noticed a pattern in older/established CPs in GMMTV. When entering a new CP they go pretty heavy on fanservice (You know the standard posts made by their close friends, lovestagrams, flirting on social media, dates etc.,) they grow a good fanbase. After that they're slowly cooling down their fanservice leading to divorce rumours. Either the company makes a statement or the actors clarify they're not breaking up.

After the rumours have died down the CPs becoming lowkey without the need of excessive public displays they used to do their newbie days. I've seen this pattern in PondPhuwin (4-5 yrs together), JoongDunk (3-4 yrs together) and many others in different forms. I've seen posts of how Off said he wouldn't do a bl (But came back to do BLs and Non BLs) and how TayNew are a comeback couple. Do you have any idea about these patterns in longer established pairs? Is it done by everyone to establish healthier boundaries with their fans? I like to hear your thoughts on longer established CPs and their managing expectations of fans regarding fanservice (GMMTV and Non GMMTV alike). I just find it very interesting how these young actors are growing up together and finding their footing in the industry. (Feel free to ignore this if you feel uncomfortable answering or if it's not the right time for you)

Hello friend! And wow, really spot-on observations on the fanservice practices of new-gen GMMTV couples 😊 Thank you actually, I learned so much from this ask. I've been mostly out of the loop of the new-gen industry-wise (I just don't follow their media presence as much as I did for the older pairs). I've seen some of their shows, though I confess not all because there's really so much of it now, and I can only pick and choose which ones I can fit in the schedule. The rest sit comfortably on the good ol' watchlist that I'm slowly chipping away at.

Anyway, as for the the older GMM pairs (the pillars OffGun, TayNew, KristSingto and BrightWin too even tho this one has fallen), and even the non-GMM pairs that arose around the time of the pillars (mostly the WabiSabi and Mandee pairs, and the independents), the same pattern you mentioned doesn't arise at all.

In the earlier forms of fanservice, excessive fs was actually FROWNED UPON (shocker!) especially during the time of the three GMM pillars, where media and audiences alike viewed BL as chaste, pure, and altruistic coming-of-age journeys. BL then was DISTINCTLY SEPARATE from the then raunchy, tragic, and sinfully-portrayed Thai queer media that followed the traditions of Japanese, Chinese and Western storytelling.

KristSingto expert @thebroccolination actually did a very comprehensive discussion of Thai LGBTQ+ restrictions during this period here. During this time, the pillars especially KS were actually receiving backlash for exhibiting any form of closeness beyond their show's press run (which I know is unimaginable in today's standards).

It wasn't until the groundbreaking press tour of the het/bl show What The Duck, with Mew Suppasit and his show partner Art Pakpoom, did fanservice become associated with actors showing romantic rapport and closeness even after the series airs, and beyond the show itself. The het/bl project Together With Me, with its main couple Max Nattapol and Tul Pakorn, was actually doing this tradition of fanservice already, but not at the level of MewArt's consistency.

MaxTul and MewArt however, were considered outliers because their shows featured very mature themes, and would often be grouped together with the mores of traditional queer media than early BL media itself. It wasn't until the smash success of Love By Chance, and PerthSaint, that fanservice as we know now bled into the more chaste couples.

I find it quite funny that newer audiences are labelling Perth's fs with Santa or Chimon as shy or awkward, when HE was one of the people who pioneered actual fanservice as we know it-- whether by his own design, or of the people who managed him. Because they started out in BL so young, he, Ohm Pawat, and Earth Pirapat are as old to the BL genre as the genre itself.

Anyway, as to the pattern: there was no fs pattern, because after fanservice became an occurrence, then an EXPECTATION, media and audiences alike exhibited no boundaries for the branded pairs. And with careers in queer media so volatile, with BL actors so young and often under independent management, everyone involved really didn't know what healthy boundaries even looked like. After PerthSaint pioneered sweet, romantic, and often coy fanservice, all the GMMTV pillars followed suit. And there was no period of heavy fanservice, to dwindling fanservice, etc., oh no. They were expected to do heavy fs ALL THE TIME: trips on their off days, being together 24/7 and posting about it, actually KISSING on stage during fanmeets and concerts, answering the most uncomfortable and invasive questions about their love lives (at one point, there was this trend of interviewers asking BL couples about sex positions. ON NATIONAL TV. KristSingto was asked by the interviewers to do a pocky game and actually KISS. That's how far it went). And it didn't stop. And yeah I know it's par for the course now for ALL BL couples, but for these couples in 2025, they have the benefit of hindsight-- they know what to do and what NOT to do, and how far they're willing to go to do it. The older couples, they WERE the pattern, and the limit was non-existent.

Anyway, here's a fun video of KristSingto doing some old school fs. You'll see a glimpse here of the kind of questions and activities they were expected to do then. I know this fs looks nothing new NOW, but back then, it was new. It was revolutionary. IT ACTUALLY SAVED GMMTV FROM BANKRUPTCY:

Quick history lesson: If you want a full overview of it, here's the Wiki of GMMTV. But in summary, In 2015, GMM Grammy (the parent company) was suffering heavy share losses on its tv network GMMTV, as larger Thai channel competitors were beating out its offerings. GMM sold part of its shares to The One31 corporation to fund its last four series (three hets, 1 bl), which would hopefully help pay for the losses in previous shows. The agreement was that after GMM pays all its debt, GMMTV would be fully acquired by One31. Three het shows also went bust, but SOTUS...

SOTUS was PHENOMENAL. It earned so much money AND gained international attention that it didn't just pay for GMMTV's debt, it also allowed them to buy back their shares, and GMM and One31 entered into joint ownership instead of a full buyout. In turn, GMMTV made sure to make KristSingto, and BL, household mainstays.

Anyway, the unforgiving BL fs machine took a HEAVY toll on its actors, especially for the pillars. New Thitipoom went independent after he and Tay's Dark Blue Kiss series aired, after fans threw heavy vitriol when it came about that he had a (rumoured) girlfriend. Singto initially left GMMTV too, citing the desire to free himself from the branded pair and explore new genres. Only Off and Gun stuck to the branding continuously, but Off previously mentioned that after Theory of Love, he wouldn't do any more BLs (which of course he's retracted since). Perth Nakhun (Ram in My Engineer) touched about these difficilties in his vlog post, and also mentioned how different the industry was back then and now:

This gives us insight as to why, despite being part of insanely successful pairs and guaranteed longevity, the GMMTV pillars would still push away from the branded pair concept and the fs machine. However, with the BL genre being THE prime way to gain fame in Thai media now, the pillars are back to their branding, and stronger than ever. Did their fs patterns change? Not really, actually. They're just more careful now, more self-aware, less pandering. But the ghosts of fs past still lingers.

So as to the new gen, well, I'm sure they learned from their pillar mentors already. This is why despite the push for heavier fs, many of them are either playful about it, or outright against it. Good for them (the breakup rumors have always been there, since the older pillars' era. It just became easier to dispel now because all actors are required to be active on social media, and well, GMMTV learned to hire proper marketing teams 😅).

Again so sorry this took so long! 🥹 Hope I answered your ask at least partly.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Taiwan has one show, but that's all they need

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

April 2024 Wk 1

Ongoing Series - Thai

Two Worlds (Thurs IQIYI) ep 4 of 10 - I don’t say this often but I LOVE this love triangle. The longing gazes = chef's kiss. I like that we are finally getting flashbacks to Tai’s side of the love affaire. This show remains highly engaging. So pleased for MaxNat.  

Deep Night (Thurs iQiyi) ep 5 of 8 - More lesbians! Yay! Meanwhile, when our leads make up they make out! (Yes I’m proud of myself.) I think this might be BLs first rooftop sex scene. We’ve reached new heights, BLabies. (Yes I’m proud of that too.) Anygay, basically a soap opera at this point, I'm not thrilled but I don’t mind.

"Do you apologize for being straight?"

City of Stars (Fri iQIYI) ep 10 of 12 - It was lovely. Very well done celebrity leaving the closet ep. Nice ensemble work too. Next week is doom! As expected. 

Only Boo! (Sun YouTube) ep 1 of 12 - New main couple for GMMTV in an idol romance about a boy who dances good and a food stand vendor. It’s fine but overly very pulp feeling for something from GMMTV. I'm a little concerned.

1000 Years Old (Thurs iQIYI) ep 8 of 12 - meh.

To Be Continued (Sat C3 Thailand grey) ep 7 of 8 - Never turned up on my usual sites. So will have to wait until next week. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Unknown (Taiwan Tues YouTube & Viki) ep 7 of 11 - Qian was, indeed, the one who couldn’t let go. This show is fucking fantastic. It's the best thing I'm watching right now by a mile.

Jazz for Two (Korea Gaga/grey) eps 3-8fin - The bully and the blue-haired drummer side pairing were great. I hated the father. Hated him so much. Our main tsundere seme was a bit too tsundere for me. I was v annoyed by the time he finally softened. I'm amused by all the ways they finagled boys kissin-but-not-kissing in the first half of this show. 2024's "pan around the back of the head" has now become a "dipping of the brolly." We did, however, eventually get an okay kiss.

Honestly?

This was basically what I wanted from Given and didn’t get. So I’m pleased. The music still wasn't great, but you can skip those bits. A solid enemies to lovers BL, where the sins of brothers' past haunts the present. Great optics, decent chemistry, and a tidy script even if tsundere characterization went a bit extreme in some cases. 8/10 RECOMMENDED trigger for suicide

Love is Better the Second Time Around AKA Koi wo Suru nara Nidome ga Joto (Japan Weds Gaga) ep 5 of 6 - We got the past betrayal in detail and it was decently bad. Bitterness understood. Too soon to live together! The BL U-Haul strikes again. I do like their weird curry passive aggressive argument. This is an interesting show. Do I LOVE it? No. But I think I like it.

On a not-really-related note: adoption, including adult adoption, is actually pretty common in Japan (comparatively). It's often tied to business scionism.

My Strawberry Film (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 8fin - It all turned out to be a tragic GL in the end. Not BL = not my problem. No rating. I will forget its existence right about… now. 

Love is like a Cat (Korea Mon Viki) eps 1-2 of 12 - Okay, weirdly kinky with the head scratching. Not much has happened and I’m not wild about what has. 

It's done, ready to binge, but I suck

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps

It's airing but...

We Are (Weds GMMTV iQIYI) ep 1 of 16 - University ensemble BL featuring PondPhuwin, WinnySatang, AouBoom, MarcPawinPoon - basically the good kind of messy gay friendship group (so more My Engineer and less Only Friends). Looks a bit like the Kiss series but everyone is queer. I'm IN but I need my other computer and I'm traveling as usual. So I'll get caught up next week and probably won't regularly be able to watch this one.

Graduation Countdown (Taiwan YouTube) - It's too much for me to keep up with 2 minute verticals, I don't have that kind of TikTok endurance training.

A Secretly Love (Thai Sat WeTV grey) 10 eps - Completed. Worth watching?

Lady Boy Friends (Thai WeTV grey) 16 eps - reminds me a bit too much of Diary of Tootsies only high school. Not my thing. DNF unless it turns a corner and is truly amazing.

Kiseki Chapter 2 (Sun iQIYI) 6 eps - It’s so boring DNFed at 2.

Close Friend Season 3: Soju Bomb! (Weds iQIYI) 6 - The problem with situational comedy BL is it must be situational, comedic and a BL. This show gets 1 of 3 claims correct. 33% is not a passing grade. Dropped at 3.

In the news

Takumi-kun Series 6: Nagai Nagai Monogatari is getting the undeserved honor of Furritsubs. Follow them for details. Tip 'em if you like 'em. (Will I watch it? Oh, probably. Damn it.)

Then Next Prince turned out to be a trailer only. Word on the webs is we will be lucky if we get it this year. It’s BL Princess Diaries. Jimmy has a new pairing (that boy from Night Dream) which is... interesting. All in all, this show does not look good. Pretty but not good.

Next Week Looks Like This:

4/11 Gray Shelter AKA Gray Currents (Korea ????) 4 eps - SooHyuk is only just surviving and reunites with YoonDae, an old friend. They end up living together. One of the leads is played by Choco of Choco Milk Shake.

4/12 Living With Him AKA Kare no Iru Seikatsu (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - Kindly Ryota goes off to uni only to find his new roommate is his childhood bestie, Kazuhito. Kazuhito doesn’t have a girlfriend and Ryota tries to help him figure out why, they fall in love along the way. Same director as Old Fashion Cupcake.

Still to Come in April

4/18 At 25:00, in Alaska AKA 25 Ji, Akasaka de (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - Yuki lands his first starring role in a BL drama alongside superstar Asami (previously his senior at uni). Said superstar suggests they form a sham relationship until filming concludes. As they actually begin to fall in love, the spotlight begins to burn. I think I've seen this before (joke) and also the trailer doesn't inspire confidence.

4/26 My Stand-In (Thai iQIYI) 12 eps - adaptation of Chinese novel "Professional Body Double" by Shui Qiang Cheng. Stars Up (Lovely Writer) and Poom (Bake Me Please) directed by the same team as KP (not a recommendation IMHO - my biggest criticism of that show was the clashing directing styles). This one looks well complicated, lemme try: Joe is a stuntman for famous actor Tong. Joe falls in love with Ming but Ming sees Joe as nothing more than a Tong-replacement. After learning this horrible truth, Joe dies. Joe then wakes up in the body of another man also named Joe. He manages to rebuild the same life as before—with the same people eventually re-meeting Ming. Ming wants Joe back but Joe doesn't understand why. But Ming seems to know what's going on and wants to give him some kind of explanation.

I'm exhausted just trying to describe the plot.

Knock-Knock Boys (Thai WeTV) - 4 college friends conspire to help their friend lose his virginity. Familiar faces like Seng (yes, Billy's previous partner) and Best, news here.

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

NOTE: It looks like one of my personal favorites of last year Unintentional Love Story is getting a spin off!

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

See City of Stars & Unknown.

(Last week)

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are too much work.

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire

If ya wanna be tagged each week leave a comment and I will add you to the template. Easy peesy.

[calciumcryptid]

Now that PROJECT JASP.ER is a thing, we deserve an ensemble (AouBoom, JoongDunk, PerthSanta, and PondPhuwin) dance themed Boys Love so here is my general plot proposal for it (obligatory when I refer to the actors names it is simply a placeholder for proper character names):

General Characters

Pond is the son of wealthy and strict parents who joins the resident dance team. He initially does it to rebel against his parents but genuinely falls in love with dance and wants to pursue it as a full career.

Phuwin is an off-the-walls flirty rebellious free-spirit who explores abandoned buildings and does graffiti who practices his art on the side of the dance studio building (and he is dressed genuinely punk).

Boom is Pond's older brother who obeys their parents, and tries to convince Pond to quit. The culmination of his arc is telling their parents to fuck off and let them pursue what they want. Maybe he is a stifled creative in his own right.

Aou is the captain of the dance team who is trying to restore it to its former greatness, so he is an enthusiastic mentor to Pond. He should be both compassionate and serious.

Joong is a "mysterious brooding loner" street dancer who is actually a huge dork which is gradually revealed throughout the show.

Dunk is a DJ and music student who the team recruits to find the best music to dance to, but Dunk has an assignment where he has to create a song people can dance to (he needs to be really intense about music to the point people think he is a snob).

Santa is already a member of the dance team, but his passion has kind of fizzled out.

Perth is the manager of the rival team, who is trying to get Santa to defect to his team.

For shits and giggles, the rival team should be played by LYKN. No other reason than shits and giggles (maybe even throw in Est as the manager of the main dance team), and the two dance team names should be very bad parodies of their real life group names (like, I'm just spitballing, Plan Tige.reye and OBPM).

General Romance Plot Ideas:

Pond catches Phuwin practicing his graffiti on the side of the dance studio and tries to get him to stop, until Aou catches them mid-scuffle and tells Pond Phuwin is allowed to practice there. Phuwin says Pond isn't fun, and if he ever wants to be fun he should call him. Seeing Phuwin as a way to piss his parents off more, Pond takes up the offer and Phuwin is very flirty as they go on a lot of vaguely illegal dates. At the big end of the series competition, Phuwin could be the one who makes their costumes.

Boom tracks down Pond and tells him to stop but Pond refuses, so Boom turns to their captain Aou and threatens him to let Pond go. Aou decides Boom believes that because he never experienced dance himself, and is determined to prove otherwise. Aou gives Boom the confidence to stand up to his parents, and leaves to support Pond and Aou at the big ending dance competition. (I don't know if there is enough crossover to understand this, but if you are familiar with School of Rock and the dynamic between Dewey Finn and Rosalie Mullins that is the sort of vibe I am going for.)

For an assignment, Dunk has to create a song people can dance to, so with Joong having nothing to do he recruits Joong to help him out. They try to play it cool to each other before they both reveal their dorky side, which leads to a very fun and goofy dance number. Dunk gets an A on his assignment. I imagine they would be the first couple to truly get together.

Santa's passion is fizzled out and Perth thinks his talent is being wasted so he tries to recruit him to his own dance team, except they fall in love and have a big falling out when Santa learns the reason Perth approached him in the first place (where it is revealed Santa had a crush on Perth for years and thought Perth was genuinely interest back) and Perth is all teary eyed because he loves Santa.

No Clothes Scene Proposals:

PondPhuwin in an abandoned building (bonus points if they do it against very artistic graffiti).

JoongDunk in a recording studio.

PerthSanta in a dance studio (mirrors and all).

AouBoom in Boom's parents' office.

Regardless, lots of dances where one party is seducing the other. It would be sexy.

Bonus: A lot of cameos from other GMMTV artists where they play other dance teams or creatives.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this little ramble. I'm open to any suggestions, alternatives, or expansions to the ideas presented. I tried to give them all something different than what they usually play because I believe in letting actors showcase full ranges.

[thunder-point]

Long ramble ahead

I've talked a bit about some things I liked, and mostly qotey, but I mentioned already that I adore phumpeem also, and this episode just spurred my love for their dynamic even more BECAUSE

THIS REACTION???????

THIS ONE AS WELL???

HOLD UP SOMEONE HOLD ME SOMEONE HOLD PHUM'S UNSTABLE ASS

For the love of everything on this planet I LOVED LIVED BREATHED FOR IT.

Not only because I adored how positive it was on both ends, but because of the differences and the genuine quality it gave me. The kiss was absolutely delightful, once again pondphuwin just delivered on that aspect, as they did throughout the entirely of Never Let Me Go.

BUT LISTEN Y'ALL

I just????? Fucking love???? HOW DIFFERENT PHUM AND PEEM EXPRESS THEIR LIKE TOWARDS EAC H OTHER

First of all I don't know how others feel about phum's character. Personally, I enjoy it very much. He has very visible flaws, emotional constipation in some aspects, but those in some way give way for other moments that just express how free he is with his feelings.

Because he likes Peem, and this episode he expressed it so openly that it gave me LIFE.

We don't know much about Phum yet, but he seems to have a complicated relationship with his parents. It gives the feelings that he lacked the affection he needed in the past. That, of course, leads to the attitude of seeking it so selfishly like he does with Peem.

And it's enjoyable to watch. He's a needy asshole, he's arrogant and he's attractive and he's attracted to Peem and he doesn't let ANY chance slip to get that attention that he wants. And even if it started in a rough way in the beginning, I genuinely think it's mostly because, for the most part, some people who never really had the attention they needed resort to getting it in very obnoxious manners later on. Phum is doing exactly that.

There are many things to talk about when it comes to Phum, and I hope that as the series goes on we get more from him, and good things while we are at it, but I just love how his crush developed. I loved that as soon as he realized he truly fucked up, he apologized THREE times, I love how remorseful he's looking in episode 6 when Peem's ruined painting is mentioned.

And I absolutely love how blunt he is with his feelings for Peem. He doesn't waste any time in episode 6. Not even caring if his friends catch on, if Peem's friends catch on. My man Phum is on a mission and he is RELENTLESS.

I think it gives me so much joy because they could have totally made a character like Phum, who is prideful and stubborn, hide his feelings behind teasing and this 'you are my slave' act that he puts forward. But instead, we got the softest smiles from him after the kiss. We got him coming into the art gallery TO TAKE PICTURES, TO START A CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED.

We got him calling Peem adorable and pleading Peem to draw on a cup with him. He just wants LOVE. He wants it and as soon as he saw Peem reciprocated in some way it's like it exploded from him. And there's so much to say about it. God.

But Peem? Listen, I love it even more on Peem's side.

Not only did this man INITIATE THE FIRST KISS, the way he's processing these emotions are so funny AND SO REAL.

I loved it from the very beginning that we see that Peem is attracted by Phum as much as he's incensed with him. He admitted it - Phum is handsome, but he's an asshole. And that's real. As someone who fell for a person who I bickered with a lot at first, I had such joy watching Peem's way through his bond with Phum and how it developed.

Because Phum has his bad sides, and he seems to bring them up around Peem for that attentions and reactions it gets him, but when Phum goes soft? That's when his attractiveness and his personality clash in a way that seems to make Peem WEAK.

"You're so demanding, Peem," said softly had Peem BY THE THROAT. And I felt that.

Phum apologizing so softly, Phum eating Peem's atrocious cooking. Peem? Absolutely GONE for it. And that's certainly such a rushing feeling to have. Peem is clearly not experienced with relationships, and that just makes the fact that he initiated the kiss SO MUCH BETTER.

Because we know that he's not scared of showing his emotions. Even if he's a people pleaser, he's not a pushover. He kicked Phum's balls back into his goddamn body as soon as he had the chance. HE THREW A CHANCLA AT HIM.

Him going for the kiss when he felt the need to MAKES SENSE. it's wonderful.

And don't get me started on how often my man seemed to fantasize back to those soft moments with Phum. Don't get me started ON HIS CONVERSATION WITH Q this episode about affection and relationships and FUCK. Don't get me started on his gay panicked ass.

that's a ramble for another post. I feel like this is already too long and too incoherent. I jumped from so many topics but I have so many feelings for these two. As many as I have for Qtoey.

[kissablelips-desireslure-vol1]

WE ARE (2024)

NARAVIT LERTRATKOSUM (as...)

&

PHUWIN TANGSAKYUEN (as...)

@pose4photoml

[justme-1723]

So according to Kapook, GMMTV 2025 is scheduled for November. Here are just a few of my guesses for the lineup. (part 1)

PapangPodd- mature workplace BL (main leads)

WinnySatang- university romcom BL

MilkLove- darker GL

FirstKhaotung- solo projects (no cp series)

JimmySea & NamtanFilm- ensemble BL/GL

OffGun, TayNew, and KristSingto- ensemble series (non-BL)

Ciize GL lead role

Lego BL support role

AouBoom- Ensemble cast BL

PondPhuwin, ForceBook, and GeminiFourth- no BL series (part 1)

Book(Love?)- office/university romance

Our Skyy 3

Chimon comeback

Mond BL role

View GL lead role

Pahn lead actress with new male partner

[madeinjapan-thailand-blbambeyond]

MADE IN THAILAND

Series: We Are

PHUWIN TANGSAKYUEN

NARAVIT LERTRATKOSUM

[Nickname: POND]

[talkingbl]

For BL Newbies: What to Expect from GMMTV BL Pairs

"NC" as used in this post is equivalent to US Rated R or TV MA for sexually explicit content.

OffGun

Gun - L, Off - R

The average OffGun series is slice of life with Off playing a more stoic/unfeeling character and Gun playing a very receptive and sensitive character. Set pieces tend to be apartments and university classrooms. Expect very little by way of physical intimacy, but lots of knowing glances, yearning, and playful dialogue. Gun' s character will almost always be implied to take a more passive role in the physical intimacy while Off's character will be very avoidant at first but ultimately the aggressor. Their series tend to lean toward heartfelt with many supporting characters (who have interesting stories of their own), western-style mise-en-scene, and good-to-strong acting. Expect virtually no NC scenes with these two and few strong themes outside of the romance itself (with exceptions, of course).

Notable Series: Theory of Love (2019), Not Me (2021), The Trainee (2024 - most recent)

Upcoming Series: Burnout Syndrome (expected 2025)

TayNew

New - L, Tay - R

The average TayNew series is a slice of life romcom with Tay playing the the pursuer and New being pursued. New almost always plays a reluctant bottom with some kind of social issue (be it social awkwardness, being an outcast, etc.). Tay's characters tend to read as extremely self-assured in most aspects of life yet always facing some insecurity in love. Support characters feel more like co-leads and lots of care and attention is given to the development of all characters in a TayNew series. The comedy aspect leans more toward the Thai-style of comedy, but not heavily so (likely because one of their main series is an adaptation of a Japanese property). Expect virtually no physical intimacy but very strong chemistry and an almost caregiver-cared for type of relationship. TayNew series are perfect for those who want an adult romance with no possibility of a true NC scene.

Notable Series: Dark Blue Kiss (2019), Cherry Magic TH (2023 - most recent)

Upcoming Series: A Dog and a Plane (expected 2025)

PondPhuwin

Phuwin - L, Pond - R

The average PondPhuwin series is a slice of life university-set romcom with Pond playing a soft-hearted but obsessive character pursuing Phuwin's tsundere character. Pond almost always out-romances Phuwin, though neither actor outacts the other. Expect Pond's characters to always be making heart eyes at Phuwin's characters and Phuwin's characters to resist even the lightest of pecks on the lips. PondPhuwin series are always about Pond and Phuwin's characters first and foremost. The second leads feel like second leads in a way that OffGun and TayNew second leads don't. Also, the color grading will almost always be gorgeous and Pond will always be styled in such a way that he is a feast for the eyes.

Notable Series: Fish Upon the Sky (2021), Never Let Me Go (2022), We Are (2024 - most recent)

Upcoming Series: Me and Thee (expected 2025)

FirstKhao

First - L, Khao - R

The average FirstKhao series is a drama exploring darker themes. First plays a reluctant top while Khao plays a horny bottom. Khao is almost always an antagonistic character who is a bad boy who does crimes, while First is a law-abiding citizen just taking life one day at a time. Expect lots of sexual innuendos, aggressive physical intimacy, and portrayal or discussion of taboo sex topics. The lighting in a FirstKhao series will be notably blue or have a slight yellowy haze. The tone of a FirstKhao series is the uncanny line between serious and silly that Thai BLs are known for. Acting-wise you will either be blown away or feel that there's a bit of overacting going on... Their stories tend to have ensemble casts but still feel focused firmly on First and Khao's characters.

Notable Series: The Eclipse (2021), Only Friends (2023), The Heart Killers (2024 - currently airing)

Upcoming Series: Cat for Cash (expected 2025)

[scrumptiousstuffs]

Thank you @firstkanaphans for tagging me in this. Also, thank you for the lovely template by @rythyme (link)

GMMTV 2025 was a lot and I’m still reeling from the series we are being bombarded. I’m not expecting we will be getting all of them released in 2025 because we still have so many leftover from 2024 that has yet to air (all the hetero? 4-5 if I’m not mistaken)

But without further ado, my very bias list of what I am most looking forward:

S tier

Cat for Cash - People who visit my blog will know I am a FK girlie through and through. Add that combination with gazillion of fluffy cats set in the prettiest, coziest looking cat cafe ever existed, I am seated. The plot is secondary. I am ready to cuddle my own cat while watching this comfort series and sip hot chocolate every week. If I have to suffer through food cat ads as sponsors for the show, so be it (but they better make my boys the ambassadors for them as well).

Dare You to Death - JoongDunk in a mystery/crime detective series? I am intrigue. This series also seems to allow Joong to be the more playful of the duo while Dunk plays the more serious detective. Either way, there is murder, mayhem and the excellent chemistry between these two. So, bring it on!

Girl Rules - This will be messy and I am sure I will be watching this with my heart thumping while I try to work out the connections between our 6 main characters. I like NamtanFilm and I have always thought View is such as under-rated actress. I am less certain about MilkLove (is this a good time to confess I drop 23:5 halfway cause I got bored by their acting?). Nevertheless, this has Jojo directing and MilkLove seems to have top it up a notch with this messy, toxic lesbian show.

A tier

Only Friends Dream On - I mentioned in a previous ask, the only way I thought OF Season 2 can work is if we have a different cast altogether in a different settings (or GL ensemble! - and I got that with Girl Rules hehe). So, this is like a dream come true x2. It also has Mix (who Jojo has mentioned will be like Boston in terms of personality?) - so yeah, I am very ready to see Mix in his slut era. Plus, Ninew is directing and he is one of the best acting coach in Thailand (and also co-directed with Jojo for OF season 1). I am less certain about OhmLeng because I think Leng is a little green but eh, we have 6 beautiful men sleeping with each other (and did I just see EarthMix humping on the theatre stage?), so I'll be happy to tune in all the horny mess.

Melody of Secrets - I have no idea what's going on and I admit I got confuse when I watch the trailer. However, it has ForceBook finally graduating from university uniforms (for good, hopefully) and we have the excellent Jan and Ploy as well. From the snippet we have of ForceBook during their cameo in Peaceful Property and as TopMew in OF, I know they can act. So, I will give this a chance.

B tier

Wu - Again, I have no idea what's happening when I watched the trailer. But the trailer showed something about fate and I see the red string of connection? I am sucker for any stories that have fate intertwined.

That Summer - It has Jojo directing. It has Satang/Winny as a lead and I have Mond kissing boys again. What more can I ask?

Me and Thee - This seems campy mafia story to me. It also has the beautiful PondPhuwin starring in this show. I can see myself tuning in without needing to concentrate on the storyline too much.

A Dog and A Plane - Again, it has Jojo directing. Plus, it has TayNew who is of the OG lineup from GMMTV. Of course, I will be tuning in!

C tier

Ticket To Heaven - Not my cup of tea. I know GemFourth are good actors and it has P'Aof directing. However, I will be watching this from the distance (via my moots who will be tuning in and flooding my dashboard with beautiful gifs)

Memoir of Rati - Also, not my cup of tea. I struggle to watch lakorn. Maybe I will give it a try if people tell me this is exceptional.

My Romance Scammer - Is it safe to say I do not connect with the 2 main couples at all?

Whale Store XOXO - I prefer MilkLove in Girl Rules (I admit I tune out when this trailer came out)

My Magic Prophecy - I have already forgotten what this is about....

Love You Teacher - They lost me when Santa regressed to 7 years old.

Burnout Syndrome - it has OffGun and P'Nuchy of Not Me fame. However, I am not feeling the vibe at all. This may change once the official trailer come out.

D tier - pretty much anything with school/university settings (I'm sorry, I am over school/university storylines, for now. The only thing I will watch on repeat that is set in a school setting are The Eclipse and MSP).

Head 2 Head - school setting (see above)

I "Love a Lot" of You - Nanon in his token straight storyline about split personalities. I'll pass.

Mu-Te-Luv - I got so confused with so many characters. Is it like an anthology? Or is it a long series of interwoven/connected storylines?

Boys in Love - Even the side couple of PoddPapang can't save it for me. I may watch their parts only?

Anyone who wants to join, please feel free to do so.