ranked BLs

10's across the board.

highlights - realistic, intimate

likes:

• beautiful soundtrack
• beautiful cinematography
• tackles complex emotions in a subtle, interpretive way
• Oh Aew is sooo cute and deserves the world

dislikes:

• Teh's crying scenes (sorry)

rewatch value: 6/10  |  angst level: 10/10   |  chemistry level: 8.5/10

spice level: 4/10  |  spice quality: 9/10

finished april 2024.

okay this show actually changed my life.

highlights - censored BL/bromance, mystery, brilliant

likes:

• beautiful MLs
• the most engaging storyline(s) I have EVER seen
• stunning OST and visuals
• the acting! the ACTING! not a single flop in the whole show
• an incredible rewatch, so many details that are missed the first time around

dislikes:

• not particularly a dislike, but the depiction of the US in this series is so funny and extra. they really said fuck the usa at every given opportunity lmfao

rewatch value: 9.5/10  |  angst level: 8/10   |  chemistry level: 9.5/10

spice level: -1/10  |  spice quality: 10/10

likes:

• both MLs are incredible actors
• unique, perfectly fitting soundtrack
• the romantic build up! is so good!!! 10/10

dislikes:

• literally nothing

rewatch value: 9/10  |  angst level: 6/10   |  chemistry level: 9.25/10

spice level: 5/10  |  spice quality: 9.5/10

likes:

• the number of episodes I ended in awe... so good
• THE MUSIC!! the variety is amazing, each song feels thoughtfully chosen
• Gun's acting is incredible (esp. his eyes)
• first kiss & first night together are simply perfect. the chemistryyy

dislikes:

• nitpicky, but the quick double/triple replays of the same moment aren't my favorite
• not the show's fault at all but the separation of episodes into four parts sucks

rewatch value: 9/10  |  angst level: 6/10   |  chemistry level: 9.5/10

spice level: 6/10  |  spice quality: 8/10

likes:

• intelligently-crafted censored BL
• fantastic chemistry despite lack of skinship
• the attention to detail is just, mwah

dislikes:

• random use of green screen (iykyk)
• significant amount of voice-over dialogue (helps that I'm busy reading subtitles tho)

rewatch value: 10/10  |  angst level: 3/10   |  chemistry level: 9.25/10

spice level: 1/10  |  spice quality: ?/10

not perfect by any means, but I really really enjoyed watching this one

likes:

• immediately hooked from ep. 1
• unbeatable chemistry between MileApo
• atypical, mature storyline w/ dark components + comedic relief
• ep. 6 <3

dislikes:

• storyline overall felt sloppy
• (((the drama associated with this show)))*

rewatch value: *6/10  |  angst level: 3/10   |  chemistry level: 9.75/10

spice level: 10/10  |  spice quality: 9.5/10

repeat of everything I said on ITSAY. just perfect.

finished april 2024. 

TAIWAN HAS DONE IT AGAIN. this show is genius and has reframed what I look for and expect from BLs

likes:

• fill in soon

dislikes:

• fill in soon

rewatch value: 4/10  |  angst level: 8.5/10   |  chemistry level: 9.5/10

spice level: 5/10  |  spice quality: 7/10

9/12 eps watched

not at all what i was expecting, but hooked me immediately

likes:

• the cinematography!!
• music and the lack thereof at times
• not afraid of dark themes
• paced well

dislikes:

• nothing comes to mind immediately

rewatch value: 7/10  |  angst level: 9/10   |  chemistry level: 8.75/10

loved this. it has an interesting premise that requires some willful ignorance, but it's worth

likes:

• both MLs are sooo cute
• felt like a complete drama despite its short runtime
• the style/fashion of the characters (lee wan <3)

dislikes:

• TOO SHORT
• the one kiss where they were standing far apart for some reason?? 

rewatch value: 9/10  |  angst level: 2/10   |  chemistry level: 8.75/10

spice level: 3/10  |  spice quality: 8/10

excellent, excellent, excellent

~ fill in soon ~

first BL I ever watched, and also my favorite to rewatch

likes:

• amazing chemistry
• amazing production
• great soundtrack

dislikes:

• none?

rewatch value: 10/10  |  angst level: 4/10   |  chemistry level: 9.5/10

spice level: 4/10  |  spice quality: 9/10

likes:

• extremely, extremely well-made
• natural/realistic relationship dynamics
• felt like reading a really good book

dislikes:

• a bit confusing at times

rewatch value: 6/10  |  angst level: 8/10   |  chemistry level: 8.5/10

9.25/10

you know what. this is not a perfect series. it was perhaps too ambitious in plot and it's actually one of the few times I'd say a series needed to be longer. but I'm setting that aside for the score because otherwise I really, really liked this

highlights - cute, fluffy., cuteeee

likes:

• soooo so many cute actors
• fast paced
• the most realistic first kiss I've ever seen (specifically main couple, not side couple)
• xu qi zhang's mama <3

dislikes:

• parental abuse is never fun to watch
• incomplete plot points

rewatch value: 9/10  |  angst level: 5/10   |  chemistry level: 9/10

spice level: 3.5/10  |  spice quality: 7/10

10/12 eps watched

omg why did I wait so long to watch this

highlights - casual intimacy

likes:

• the cinematography is so good & subtle. not too many flashy shots, but it does so much justice to otherwise average scenes
• the flirting is so good - both know how to flirt in their own way
• two of my fave kiss scenes of all-time
• I may have a crush on Palm

dislikes:

• the side couple didn't interest me much, but love the actors
• plot holes on top of plot holes. but if you can ignore them, it's worth it

rewatch value: 9/10  |  angst level: 8/10   |  chemistry level: 9.5/10

spice level: 5/10  |  spice quality: 9/10

highlights - realistic

likes:

• artistically, this is 10/10
• Li Ming & Heart carrieddd, loved every single scene with them
• ending wraps up nicely

dislikes:

• too slow... got bored halfway through, took some effort to finish the show

rewatch value: 5/10  |  angst level: 7/10   |  chemistry level: 8/10

spice level: 6.5/10  |  spice quality: 8/10

my first jbl and it did not disappoint

likes:

• beautiful MLs
• the most comfortable I've ever seen two actors together during NC scenes
• focused on the main couple, not a lot of filler or side plots
• concise, enjoyable episodes

dislikes:

• there are discussions to be had about stockholm syndrome, etc. but I'm choosing to just enjoy the drama for what it is 

rewatch value: 9/10  |  angst level: 4/10   |  chemistry level: 10/10

spice level: 9/10  |  spice quality: 10/10

as much as the og LITA wasn't for me, I enjoyed this special ep.

spice level: 10/10  |  spice quality: 10/10

8.75/10, but closer to 9.0

another Taiwanese hidden gem.

likes:

there were two dynamics in the show that I LOVED

1. zu yhen and shi lei being gradually more and more aware of each other's presence and of the gradual shift into more than friends territory. it's cute, it's realistic, the tension is there, ugh obsessed

2. the way shi lei interacts with pretty much anyone. idk if it's the actor's style of acting that I love or his portrayal of the character or what

• other than that, good production, music, acting, etc. everything was pretty solid!
• shi lei's mom, omg girl I love you

dislikes:

• the last episode felt sloppy (and maybe rushed) to me but still wrapped up nicely
• a lot of focus on and too much screentime for the ex 
• the social media girlies didn't do it for me. could've done without.

rewatch value: 10/10  |  angst level: 4/10   |  chemistry level: 9/10

spice level: 6/10  |  spice quality: 8/10

8.75/10

hidden gem. really didn't expect to like this as much as I did.

likes:

• the flirting is too good, makes half the show for me
• side couple has unexpectedly good chemistry

dislikes:

• last couple of episodes are unnecessary drama

rewatch value: 8/10  |  angst level: ?/10   |  chemistry level: 8.75/10

spice level: 5/10  |  spice quality: 7/10

8.75/10

likes:

• the main relationship progressed in a natural, cute way & you can really feel how much they like each other
• the way the gf situation is handled
• NC scenes are really, really good

dislikes:

• honestly, the secondary couple
• episode 10, although Wayne Song absolutely killed it acting-wise

rewatch value: 8/10*  |  angst level: 8/10   |  chemistry level: 9.25/10

spice level: 8/10  |  spice quality: 10/10

  *score does NOT include a certain episode

~ fill in soon ~

~ fill in soon ~

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overall solid. that first kiss scene tho is 10/10

this was my first thai bl, so I'd like to rewatch/rescore eventually

did not watch the last episode and a half due to reviews saying they were a waste of time.

highlights - childhood friends to lovers

likes:

• the love
• the chemistry
• the nostalgia
• believable romantic tension between the MLs. it's subtle enough, no one is ignorantly oblivious, and feels realistic for childhood friends to lovers.
• Santa is so SO good in this, in every possible way

dislikes:

• a little annoyed by Earth's character but got used it

rewatch value: 7/10  |  angst level: 5/10   |  chemistry level: 8.75/10

spice level: 3/10  |  spice quality: 8/10

if only China didn't cancel this halfway thru :'(

likes:

• johnny huang !!!
• way ahead of its time
• natural chemistry between the leads

dislikes:

• aggressive with non-con sprinkled in
• unfinished/no closure

rewatch value: 7/10  |  angst level: 7/10   |  chemistry level: 9/10

spice level: 7/10  |  spice quality: 8/10

the production of the show makes it so enjoyable

likes:

• the outfits/color coordination/visuals are extremely well done (10/10)
• Sea is fantastic in this, he hooked me in almost immediately
• OST

dislikes:

• WAYYY too much product placement. please stop :(
• side characters were ehh for me
• chemistry takes a while to develop
• too cheesy at times

rewatch value: 8/10  |  angst level: 4/10   |  chemistry level: 7/10

spice level: 4/10  |  spice quality: 6.5/10

I think this would easily be a 10/10 for many people. it's just not my style of show.

highlights - plot-heavy

likes:

• great mystery storyline. truly had me on the edge of my seat
• the romance was secondary to the plot, but still really well-done

dislikes:

• Max's acting was slightly underwhelming

rewatch value: 6/10  |  angst level: 5/10   |  chemistry level: 9/10

spice level: 7/10  |  spice quality: 8.5/10

7.75/10

this show needed some work. started out as a 6/10 for me. however, it had some overwhelming redeeming qualities (daou) that made it worth the watch.

highlights - light-hearted, funny, minor plot holes

likes:

• DaouOffroad. they have a special chemistry that I adore and it made the show significantly better
• Daou (Yang) does a wonderful job of realistically playing someone who has a huge crush. did he carry the show? maybe.
• while the show is not necessarily spicy, that NC scene....... no words. genuinely. it's in my top three forever.

dislikes:

• the humor didn't do it for me. it feels way too in your face
• ^ this also makes all the side characters one-dimensional which gets old really fast
• Phumjai is wayyyy too oblivious. c'mon bro read the room

rewatch value: 9/10  |  angst level: 5/10   |  chemistry level: 9.5/10

spice level: 6.5/10  |  spice quality: 10/10

7/10 eps watched

currently 8/10

7.75/10

think I'm in love with Up.

7.75/10

likes:

• the tensionnnnn. so good

dislikes:

• the last episode just didn't work for me. felt rushed and emotions didn't match what happened in the ending scene... iykwim

rewatch value: 6/10  |  angst level: 6/10   |  chemistry level: 9/10

spice level: 0/10  |  spice quality: ?/10

highlights - omegaverse lol

likes:

• they really went for the omegaverse tropes, gotta respect it
• Pavel is SUCH a good actor. he amazed me in every single scene
• love the non-stereotypical dynamic between Charlie & Babe
• NC scenes are up there as some of the best

dislikes:

• completely personal preference but Pooh/Charlie's voice. it was really distracting for me, hard to look past
• that one fake knife lmao
• teasing certain pairings and never giving them to us... sad

rewatch value: 7/10  |  angst level: 5/10   |  chemistry level: 7.5/10

spice level: 9.5/10  |  spice quality: 9.5/10

to be honest this is a 7/10, but I enjoyed it as an 8/10 so.... 7.5/10 it is.

likes: 

• so many attractive actors & cameos
• Ai Di and Chen Yi, need I say more?
• really good NC scenes
• love that both couples got similar amounts of screentime and development

dislikes: 

• trope-heavy
• the reasoning behind the first few episodes is paper thin lmao
• felt like a comedy at the most random times, not sure if it was leaning into being camp or if it was unintentional
• far too many unexplained convenient plot points
  
  

rewatch value: 8/10  |  angst level: 6/10   |  chemistry level: 9.25/10

spice level: 8/10  |  spice quality: 9/10

so many thoughts.

iconic scene on the bridge.

ON REWATCH LIST & still need to watch second season

tutor/saint's bedroom eyes... yup. that's all.

not bad. good chemistry. would love to see the  MLs in another drama!

this one is objectively in 6.5-7.0 territory but I enjoyed it still. mostly choi jun honestly, his scenes were the most entertaining, and not just because he's nice to look at... plus the show was short enough to "suffer" through.

likes:

• the flirting
• the chemistry
• solid production

dislikes:

• story was lacking substance
• lee jun is too clueless
• love triangle but worse?
• unnecessarily confusing

rewatch value: 8/10  |  angst level: 1/10   |  chemistry level: 9/10

spice level: 6/10  |  spice quality: 8/10

7.25/10

likes:

• (mostly) decent acting
• decent production
• obviously, some of the best NC scenes in the game

dislikes:

• feels too much like a fanfiction come to life
• not enough substance to the plot (for my tastes)
• the hubby/wifey stuff... pls no more

rewatch value: 7/10  |  angst level: 3/10   |  chemistry level: 9.25/10

spice level: 10/10  |  spice quality: 10/10

likes:

• the NC scenes (I'll be honest, probably the only reason I finished this series)
• super cute MLs (esp. Nueaaa)

dislikes:

• the foundation of the plot revolved around avoiding one simple conversation. so it's basically miscommunication porn
• in general not the best script, acting, production, etc. pretty average

rewatch value: 7/10  |  angst level: 5/10   |  chemistry level: 9/10

spice level: 9/10  |  spice quality: 9.5/10

soooo many caveats here. first and foremost, my real score is 6/10. this show is honestly a mess. if I had watched it without being warned, I wouldn't have made it past the first 15 minutes of the first episode, and at that point it would've been a 2/10. HOWEVER, with a combination of embracing the cringe/camp of it all, the Viki comments, and some genuinely redeeming moments in the show, I was able to really start enjoying this show, espescially from around episode six on.

likes:

• decent acting, say what you will about Toh but his actor did a fantastic job
• chemistry between BillySeng
• Viki comments add so much to the watching experience
• solid production
• the friendships! best portrayal of genuine friendship I've ever seen
• surprisingly good NC scenes
• Nuea's character as a whole <3 

dislikes:

• the level of cringe is beyond unbearable, especially for the first 3-4 episodes... 
• I've heard many times that the cringe is on purpose, but it was still hard to get through
• there was apparently zero budget for a soundtrack lmaooo
• felt like a fever dream
• typical female antagonist
• another school-based drama where no one attends classes, has homework, etc.

rewatch value: really depends/10  |  angst level: 2/10   |  chemistry level: 9/10

spice level: 7.5/10  |  spice quality: 9/10

 I'd absolutely watch the MLs in another drama with a better script & story.

likes:

• acting was good overall
• decent chemistry

dislikes:

• too many cringey/convenient moments
• for a show about dancing, I wish the MC either had more dancing practice or better choreography. I wasn't convinced that he was a good dancer
• the storyline needs more fleshing out to be effective, which is hard with the short runtime
• super picky, but the timing of the music never felt right. it kinda gave away what was about to happen

rewatch value: 4/10  |  angst level: 2/10   |  chemistry level: 8.75/10

likes:

• War <3
• end of ep. 3 <333

dislikes:

• lots of "convenient" plot points & generic tropes
• couldn't follow when feelings started to change for Vee

rewatch value: 4/10  |  angst level: 7/10   |  chemistry level: 9/10

spice level: 8/10  |  spice quality: 8/10

cute,  nothing spectacular

dropped after ep. 4, skimmed through the rest. 

thought I'd like this based on the recommendations for it, but it made me kinda uncomfyyy /:

I REALLY tried to like this one. dropped it on the first watch, but came back to rewatch the whole thing to see it through. not sure what I'm missing but I don't get the hype...

likes:

• fun, non-university based premise
• has one of my fave makeout scenes from any BL

dislikes:

• shao fei is too immature
• couldn't understand why the MLs actually liked each other
• first few episodes were especially cringey

rewatch value: 3/10  |  angst level: ?/10   |  chemistry level: 7.5/10

spice level: 7/10  |  spice quality: 9/10

honestly just not my favorite. strong start though.

dropped after ep. 5, really liked this one at first!! such a solid start, then slowly fell off. just couldn't finish

dropped after episode 6, genuinely did not feel the chemistry. I think it's because the MLs were a bit too immature in my opinion (esp. Krom) so their romance felt somewhat childish. idk.

dropped after ep. 8, the chemistry wasn't there

dropped after ep. 7 bc nothing stood out to keep my interest

unrealistic acting, pacing was weird, etc.

dropped after ep. 5, not a big fan of one ML obsessing over & mildly stalking the other. acting wasn't great.

just no. I can usually handle darker, questionable storylines, but I guess only when they are done well and when there's an underlying assumption that there is consent, no matter how fucked up. this show gave us all the toxicity with NO redemption. 

step-sibling relationships are of course taboo, but imo that can be overlooked IF and only IF they were not introduced to each other when one or both were underage. it's genuinely gross. I don't care that they aren't blood related, they still grew up together as siblings.

likes:

• Li Cheng / Mu Ren, the only semi-redeeming part of this show (the 4 stars are only for them)

dislikes:

• everything else

while this sequel is extremely well made, I had to drop after ep. 3. I didn't like the direction the story was going & there was more angst than I could handle

dropped after ep. 7,  too cringey for me

dropped after ep. 2, couldn't get into it. Dunk's acting isn't there.

(I did watch the NC scenes though lmao. those are good, the chemistry is there. the actors are clearly comfortable with each other)

dropped after ep. 3 or so. one of my least favorite tropes is overly traumatic past, so this show is not for me

dropped after ep. 3, amazingly dull despite the perfectly pretty visuals. couldn't buy into the chemistry between the leads. felt like wasted potential.

dropped after ep. 5.  sped thru later episodes to see if there was improvement, but to no avail. love a swapped twins story, but the execution did not hit for me. acting could have been better. heavily reliant on miscommunication.

dropped after ep. 1, or honestly halfway through ep. 1. why oh why... I love TutorYim and really wanted to hope for the best, but this show is a MESS. felt like watching a show aimed at children except there are NC scenes sooooo...?

dropped after ep. 2, not for everyone. worst but most plentiful NC scenes I have ever seen in a drama. shockingly bad - perhaps on purpose? not sure, but not worth sticking around to find out.