Challenged by @maybe-boys-do-love to create an essentials list with a bit of a predictive twist:
*So it seems like around the end of 2023, a lot of big people in the fandom made lists about BL essentials, thus solidifying a kind of QL canon that people still reference. But with the proliferation of QL soon after, that project became harder to maintain. It became less likely that most of the fandom was watching the same series, and the steady stream of shows coming out one after another meant there was less time and space to reminisce about them, lessening their memorialization in the fandom space.
So letās commemorate now. What are the top ten QL series from 2024, 2025, and 2026 you think ought to be treated as classics now and in the future?*
I love thinking about this, because we have had such a rush of series over the last couple of years, and I could see this having a lot more variation for people than earlier years. But it also is so interesting to see what people consider an essential.
*I'm using year as when a series started airing only. There are still some supposedly amazing series I haven't gotten to yet, so this is just out of what I've seen, I'm putting the top 10 that I think future viewers should be checking out.
This is going to be very long, lol, so putting in a cut.
2024 Essentials
Perfect Propose
I still feel a bit emotional thinking about this show, because of how deeply it hit on my own personal experience with mental health and burnout in the workplace. I'm still recovering from the after effects of being in a toxic work environment for a decade, and still trying to convince myself that I'm not a failure for being unable to conform any longer to what society considers respectable in a career. This series made me feel so seen.
Our Youth (Miseinen: Mijukuna Oretachi wa Bukiyo ni Shinkochu)
There are a lot of really well done school age QLs out there, especially from Japan, but there is something about this story of two broken boys making each other whole that was perfection from start to finish. It didn't shy away from their trauma, but it also didn't hold back on showing their love and devotion.
Unknown
Is it truly Taiwan if we don't get some brother-lovin'? But seriously, this show was incredible, insert Lady Gaga meme here. I can't even really put it all into words, because so much of this experience was how it made me feel. I literally had to stop watching week to week because I was feeling everything so intensely it was causing me damage. This is peak acting, peak emotion, peak why we watch dramas in the first place.
See Your Love
There's a reason I have such a Taiwan bias, though the overall number of shows we get is so much smaller. Because when Taiwan hits, they hit. See Your Love is a must-see, not just for the incredible love story between a gentle giant and a spoiled brat, but also the amazing disability representation.
Love for Love's Sake
I didn't manage to watch this one live as it aired, but you can be sure I noticed how much of my dash was going utterly wild for it. In our current time of QL bounty, I depend on my mutuals, many of whom I know have impeccable taste. And this very quickly pinged as a must-watch.
We Are
For people coming just in now, they would likely be surprised to know how divisive this series was. There was a lot of negativity about it. But I fall on the side of seeing it as a gem. I wrote a post back then about how the series was taking traditional university BL tropes and playing with/subverting/altering them for a more authentic queer experience. But what I mostly love about it is that it is so unabashedly a love letter to queer friendship. The romance is there, yes, but the core is queer community and what we bring to one another.
Caged Again
I feel like this one didn't get nearly enough attention at the time, but there's a reason any time you see someone refer to it, there's a note of delight. There's a reason Ben and Jay are still called our panther & penguin duo, no matter what else they appear in. This is the perfect example of how you can sell the silliest of premises, as long as you add sincerity and heart.
4 Minutes
We're starting to see QLs take bigger risks in terms of creative storytelling and 4 Minutes is a fantastic example of what it looks like when risk pays off. We're given a very complicated story, complex protagonists, and some mind-bendy concepts, but it all coheres into a deeply compelling experience.
Spare Me Your Mercy
Part of what I deeply love about QLs is that they are not Western, and I get to immerse myself in other cultures and perspectives. I live in a U.S. state where assisted death is legal now, but I remember the controversies that sprung up when I was a teenager and it was a national debate here. I'm not picking Spare Me Your Mercy just because it's a serious BL, but because it's a serious BL that handles its core subject with such incredible love and sensitivity.
Petrichor
I fully admit I haven't watched nearly enough GLs, but Petrichor is high on the list of all thriller QLs for me. It was such a standout because it's 1) a really good and compelling thriller, 2) has some absolutely outstanding performances, and 3) has such strong criticism of both the police and patriarchal bullshit in general.
2025 Essentials
Clairebell
The all time best GL I've seen so far, hands down. The director used to do music videos, and did a stunning job translating his work into a full series with incredible visuals, along with stellar acting and a powerful story.
The Bangkok Boy
Severely underwatched. It's a really, really good crime thriller, probably the best I've seen come out of the BL world so far.
Ballboy Tactics
Beyond the delightful ability of the romantic lead to happily accept his newfound bisexuality, this is a gem for the interplay of the characters, and the way their relationship opens up new possibilities for both of them.
Burnout Syndrome
P'Nuchy is one of the most interesting QL directors for me - Not Me still reigns supreme as my favorite. Burnout Syndrome isn't nearly as high on the list for me, but, like Not Me, it's doing something we almost never get to see in other QLs. She's not afraid of complicated protagonists or acknowledging that there are issues too big for love to solve.
Desire
This is an apt example of China roaring back in full form, riveting us to our screens, and giving us characters who are going to be in the community consciousness for a long time.
Khemjira
I really enjoy DMD actors, but I have struggled with a lot of DMD series in the past. I frequently ran into feelings of style over substance with them. Khemjira proved they were major players on the QL stage, and could create and produce something that would standout among the vast number of offerings on the Thai landscape. And they've since repeated their success, showing that there is a commitment there to put in the work.
The Promise of the Soul
Taiwan didn't have a lot happening in 2025, but we did manage to get this little treasure. I know a lot of people stayed away because of the premise of this one, but I maintain that keeping an open mind will bring you unexpected gifts.
Rearrange
Words cannot express how much I loved this series. Very few people, at least in the interfan community, seemed to check it out, but it's one of the best time travel/go back and fix what was broken stories I've seen.
The Proper Way to Write Love
There were plenty of good offerings from Japan in 2025, but not a ton of standouts for me. And this one started out in a similar vein. It was an intriguing story, but an unexpectedly subdued one, and I wasn't sure where we were going. But the final episode showed how a series can be beautifully brought together by a final verse. (Final-ish since it's now getting a season 2).
2026 Essentials (with the caveat there will be additions and may be a few changes depending on what airs in the later half of the year)
Fake Fact Lips
It feels like Japan is branching out a touch more these days, and it's quite lovely to see. There was a gorgeous maturity and depth to this story of two competitive and immature men figuring out how to love one another openly.
Life in Smokey Blue
A gorgeous slice-of-life with mature characters and a very realistic lens about making our way through the world at an age where we are expected to have all the answers, but never do.
Love You Teacher
Another one where people stayed away due to the premise, and missed out on an incredibly powerful and touching story about the way love is an every day choice, and none of us can do it alone.
Ticket to Heaven
I was always aware that this series was not made for me, as an agnostic, but that's also what I appreciated about it. This was an invitation to look at the world from the perspective of someone who has a much different experience with faith than I do, and it was a very welcoming and loving one. It also led to so much beautiful meta from a wide range of perspectives, all of which had something valuable to say.
There's plenty more I've enjoyed this year, but I still need to let things gel a bit before deciding if they feel truly essential to me.
Series I expect to make this list if they don't biff their endings - The Prosecutor's Proposal, Payback, The Edge of Horizon.
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I forgot who's tagged me at this point, but a handful of you have and I'm glad I was thought of! Took me a while to decide what to put (and have the energy and braincells) š
Idk. I was gonna do recommendations of actual shows, but I think there's enough of those. Have these to consider instead:
- Top/bottom discourse is so recycled. Argue with Pavel Phoom and die, or understand that sexual positioning and preferences in a dynamic have no inherent traits connected to them. None whatsoever.
- Respect the creators. The directors, the actors, the writers, and others involved. They are people and you don't personally know them. Learn what you enjoy as fantasy for yourself in terms of shipping vs fanservice, respect boundaries, etc.
- Being in the ql fandom means you're in a queer space. Whether you are queer or not, we ask that all identities are respected. And most of all: uplifted. We're here because ql brings us queer joy and we hope to continue experiencing that. We wanna see bits of ourselves reflected in the narratives provided, or perhaps we want to see new perspectives we can't relate to but are curious about. Anyone who intends to add to that joy is welcome.
- You don't have to contribute art or analysis or writing or whatever. BUT. Doing those things (and sharing/commenting on them) is what makes us a community. Your contribution is more interesting than you think. This goes more broadly in fandom, but it's no lesser in ql. We have tons of gif artists who always deserve more love than they get, fic writers, fan artists, people who post updates about specific productions and/or actors, color theory analysis, wardrobe tracking, fanvids, shitposters, statistics about who kisses the most people, even the tag games count!
- Have some consideration for the languages and cultures and whatever differences you may have with them. Subtitles aren't perfect (but boy am I glad they exist) and I am always grateful for those with better understanding than me for providing better context and insight. Also please listen to fans who are from the countries and cultures where ql shows are largely made, especially when they are calling out bad behavior or speaking on subjects that they have a better understanding of than you.
- If you keep comparing (South)East Asian ql to Western media, me and my friends will put you in your place.
- It's okay to be a freak. Be a freak. While the world at large wants to clutch pearls at whatever the internet wants to censor on any given day, BE A FREAK.
- Every production company (notably in Thailand) has its drawbacks, its trademarks, its champions, some have massive skeletons in the closet, or are in the process of dying (*cough* idolfactory *cough*). There are a lot of occurrences that can spur discourse and drama coming from these companies, and fandoms can get splintered as a result. Harassing people over these things just makes you an asshole.
- Make a fandom buddy. Or more! Lots of cool things come from it š
- We are enjoying a genre of art. Treat it as such. There's a lot of ways to interpret that phrase, I realize, but that's kind of the point.
- There. Are. So. Many. Choices.
- No seriously. There's something either already made or in production right now that is tailored to your interests. Even from China ā especially from China. Do you know how fucking cool that is?
- I do actually think at least acknowledging Playboyy as one of the more complex qls is really important. It doesn't have to be even NEAR your thing, but so much that was done to even get the show aired as it was, and the story has a million and one messages aimed at you at gunpoint. You don't have to like it or get everything, but be so grateful we have it. That show paved the way for a lot of things we have now. Okay?
- I'm aware this probably reads like a PSA. I'm sorry š I just love being in this particular corner of the internet, and over the past few years that I've been here, I've seen so much growth. There's probably more I could say but this covers a lot. Again, I love being here and I hope to be here with y'all for a long time š
Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genreāemphasis on āpersonally.ā These are your feels, so no need to pick series you donāt like just because they seem āimportant.ā Feel free to explain your choices or not
Tagged by @outofthemouthsof (List) and @boozles (list)
I'm not tagging anyone so if you want to do it join in, I think I've tagged enough people today!
Love in the Air
- Thai BL - I'm Biased!!
Semantic Error
- KBL - always the first KBL I think of
We Best Love (Season 1 and 2)
- Taiwanese BL - I think this was my first Taiwanese BL so always remains in my heart
Two Husbands One Wife
- JQL - they pulled off a successful story about a throuple!
The Untamed / Word of Honor
- CBL we wish - yes cheating but they came in such quick succession and dominated, it was certainly a time. I just think they are so connected for me. Pick one of these.
Kinnporsche
- Thai BL - you may not like it and it may be too racey for some but it was an absolute juggernaut of a series and I do think it opened doors
I'm so late for this tag game, but here is it at last. I was tagged by @hughungrybear (here), @mikuni14 (here), @dramalove247 (here) and @befuddledcinnamonroll (here). Thank you all for always tagging me into your game. I love doing them.
Rules: Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genreāemphasis on āpersonally.ā These are your feels, so no need to pick series you donāt like just because they seem "important". Feel free to explain your choices or not. Then tag 6 friends for their 6.
This is a very complicated game, especially as you have to choose only 6 Qls! I'm late to this game because I've made countless lists: one that would be only about Thai Qls depends on the production company, one about what I would feel is the best QLs from each country (but there are more than 6 countries so it didn't work), one with tropes and one with very big explanations.
In the end, none of them seemed good enough to me. I always felt restricted with the number. In the end, I decided to go with the 6 QLs shows I would show to someone who will start their QLs journey, if I wanted them to see what made me like them so much. In fact, it's probably the 6 QLs series that I would have loved to watch first (and most of them I did) .
1- Not Me
I've talked plenty about this series. I still considered it one of the best and I still remember how I felt watching it. I think it's en essential because there is a certain vibe and cinematography that you can't find everywhere and there are a testimony of Nuchy's work. I really like the colors in Not Me. It's also a series with a social commentary. I would say anything that focus their story around LGBTQA+ will lead to a form of social commentary. So, if you watch QL series you kind of expect a little bit of that with the call for social justice, fight against violence and social inequality. Not Me is really putting some light on it. The characters are interesting and diverse. This is one of the best portrayals of twins by the same actors. It made me very interested in Off and Gun's work, but all the rest of the cast. I think it hasn't aged and you can rewatch it a lot without getting bored.
2- Semantic Error
I think I'm cheating when writing this one because it's the first one I recommend to some of my acquaintances who wantĀ to see a QLs. I remember that one of them asked me to show them one series, but I know they can't watch violence or anything NC in their series, so I thought Semantic Error was a nice first watch for someone like them. Turns out, I was right. I was a bit afraid that I forgot how annoying Jang Jae Yeong could be towards Chu Sang U, at the beginning of the series. Fortunately, it wasn't a deal breaker, even if he surely was not so nice to Chu Sang U. Overall, it's a quick series to watch with good acting from its cast, a great chemistry, a clean cinematography and the pacing is quite okay too. The story is wrapped well with a happy ending for the main characters. It's a great start into QLs shows because you get to see the usual tropes: university setting and a seemingly enemy-to-lovers. It works every time. I rewatch on the New Year because I ended up showing it to my friend and they really like it even though they don't watch series. It was a win.
3- SOTUS
I admit I only started watching it recently and I have to thank again @dropthedemiurge. I know that if I hadn't read their posts, I wouldn't have taken the chance to watch this series and I believe I would have missed something. I can't say how it was for people who watched it when it was airing, but I can say how I felt when I did. When I started to watch a lot of QL series, I firstly went online to look for recommendations. Many people warmed new watchers to not watch Sotus. They said it was problematic for a lot of reasons. I'm glad I could read something different about it and I decided to give it a try. I'm really happy I did it. The story isn't perfect, but which story is? That's the little imperfections that make you really marvel at the good parts. In the end, I remember only them. Whenever I hear "Somewhere" by Jay Price, I get goosebumps. It brings me back to the story and its characters. I think it's an essential because it has all the tropes and it was a stepping stone for Thai BLs/QLs. There are so many more things to say about this series, but I don't want this post to be too long. I admit I rewatched it and the feeling is still there. I understand why so many people loved it, at that time.
4- Dead Friend Forever
I know it may look like a strange choice, but I was in love with this series. I talked about it to so many people and I know I could show this one to them as a first watch into what QLs series has to offer. It's so amazing that nowadays we have a variety of genre in QLs series that goes beyond the coming-of-age stories. One of my favorite examples is Dead Friend Forever. I think it's an easy opening into the Thai QLs genre because it's blended into horror and drama. Also, I believe horror is a popular genre and Thai Horror also has its international recognition. So mixing QLs and horror in a Thai series seems like a great way to show a newcomers what story you can get in QL series. There are other series who does the same thing, but I think Dead Friend Forever is clearly one of the first one to watch. It has a great cast that support the series even when the pacing starts to feel confusing. The ending is open to any interpretation and that's what I like in horror stories.
5- To Sir, With Love
This series has everything to get you hooked: lot of family drama, a main couple with amazing chemistry, a supportive sibling who also get their romance, a woman who is not stereotypical and magical glitter! It's a QL story in a lakorn. You have to know that I started watching Thai content because of Horror movie, then I discovered Lakorn and you must know how much I love them. It doesn't have a big budget, but it does a fantastic job at building the plot with all its characters. Some of them are a bit stereotypical, but it has never been a problem for me. Its part of the charm you expect from a Lakorn. It's an essential to me because it shows how great you can mix a QLs series with the classical tropes of a Lakorn. I would also say that the OST is really good.
6- I Will Knock You
If you know me, you know my love for this series! It's the series that truly made me fall in love with QL series. It's also the one where I first wrote a post on Tumblr about QL series! Obviously, I know it's not for everyone, but I still think it's a must-watch and that's why I consider it an essential. You will laugh a lot, sometimes cry and you will definitely fall in love with the characters. The premise may look weird and a little unbelievable, but very quickly you can eagerly follow the story. I especially have such a great love for Noey as a character because of his demeanor and how it feels like he just escaped a Lakorn. Even Thiw that I had trouble to understand at first, I really liked him by the end of the series. The other characters are also a great addition. The series is vibrant, full of colors and has great music. I believe that anyone who liked Me and Thee should watch this one because they share a similar vibe. Again, I would like to thank @lutawolf who made me fall in love with this series and who made excellent posts about the power play aspect of the series.
Honorable Mentions:
Since we could only choose 6 QLs, I made a list of others series that I consider essentials and that I would want to show to someone who would want to get into QL series:
Khemjira: Brilliant fantasy story that blends horror, Thai myths and spiritualism with a great cast and a compelling story.
Clairebell: An excellent story about women in prison and how men can destroy women's lives without even realizing it.
Be My Favorite: A great take on how you can make things better when you finally open your eyes and how you can understand better who you are.
Marahuyo Project: An interesting story of acceptance, resilience, courage and love.
The Bangkok Boy: Action, mafia and impossible romance set in the underground world of Bangkok.
Reverse 4 You: Unknown little gem of a time-traveler romance story set in classical university setting.
As you may have noticed my love usually goes to Thai QL series. I don't deny that there are great stories in other countries and if I could make a list of 100 essentials QL series, I would have added them. Alas, I already wrote a lot in this post and I'm not even sure anyone will read it.
It seems like everyone has already made this game, so I won't tag my usual mutuals/players because they did their own version. If you haven't yet done this game and you want a try, do it and don't forget to tag me. I struggle to comment properly (always doubting my English unfortunately, even it gets easier the more I write), but I love reading! ā”
Thank you again gif creators for your amazing creations! ā”
Rule: Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genreāemphasis on āpersonally.ā These are your feels, so no need to pick series you donāt like just because they seem āimportant.ā Feel free to explain your choices or not. Then tag 6 friends for their 6.
Ok this one was really hard for me, because I could pick 6 Thai BLs that I think are essential viewing, but I think a lot of us probably agree on what those are. So instead Iām doing one per country, which brought me a total of 5 instead of 6 š please donāt cancel me š
Thailand: I Told Sunset About You
What can I say about this show that hasnāt already been said? Itās beautiful, poetic, sensitive, angsty, sensual, tender. The cinematography is splendid, the acting is phenomenal, the tension is palpable. To paraphrase eloquent king Harry Styles, āItās a seriesā¦ that feelsā¦ like a movie.ā
Taiwan: Unknown
To me, this is Taiwanese BL at itās best. Youāve got coming of age, found family, angst. Itās got good writing, great acting, and a randomly great soundtrack as well. Plus, this absolutely unforgettable exchange: āArenāt we moving too fast?ā āIāve been waiting all my life. This isnāt fast at all. You donāt even know what I dream of at night.ā (GAAAGGEDDD)
Japan: Utsukushii Kare (My Beautiful Man)
This is everything I want out of a Japanese BL: obsessive characters, a mildly toxic yet loving relationship, and a beautiful setting (Hira and Kiyoiās house is basically my dream house). Plus, finger sucking.
Korea: You Make Me Dance
This was (as far as I know) one of the first KBLs, it seems to have been made with $2 and a dream, and yet itās got a decent enough story, good acting, a good soundtrack, and, shockingly for 2021, good kissing! (And even an nc scene, wild)
China: Revenged Love
Admittedly, I havenāt watched enough Chinese BLs to really pick a favourite/essential one, but nonetheless I think Revenged Love is required viewing. Itās absolutely nuts, but it knows it and revels in it, which makes it a delightful watch. Itās got snakes! Itās got frenemies! Itās got erotic cigarette sharing! What more could you want?
Once again I have no idea who has and hasnāt done this game, but tagging @kawaii-killshot @luisaloveshoney @peach-thee @nabi-unveiled @vegaseatsass @thejamaicanace and anyone else whoād like to play š
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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Tagged by @hughungrybear @dramalove247 @befuddledcinnamonroll @thisonelikesaliens @ginnymoonbeam and @mewsthumbring š
And I'm saying that @abstractelysium and @somethingsomething-else tagged me through gif summoning š. Sannin Fufu lovers unite!
Prompt: Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genreāemphasis on āpersonally.ā These are your feels, so no need to pick series you donāt like just because they seem āimportant.ā Feel free to explain your choices or not.
I've seen SOOO many amazing lists for this one over the past several weeks. All of the classics and genre staples. Lists by country. Lists by historical significance. Lists by subgenre. List by favorites. It feels like no matter what I say, I'll be repeating somebody. So...just going with what comes to mind.
Essential #1: Horny with Power Dynamics
I know that everyone is shocked that I listed My Personal Weatherman as essential. That's heavy sarcasm if you are new to this blog. No denying - horny and power dynamics are two prominent aspects in a lot of QL, and this show has it in spades. To borrow a phrase from Kat @dramalove247, it's all my favorite flavors of dopamine sprinkles wrapped up in one show.
Essential #2: Intentional Visuals and Music
I could easily use a lot of different shows for this essential, but this is the one I'm going with today. The Eighth Sense is art to me. I do enjoy the writing/characters. But it also adds in so much through visual storytelling and supports that with music as well. Many QLs express a ton through visuals and soundtracks. We regularly talk about the clothes, the color coding and blinding lights for a reason.
Essential #3: Growing Into Our Identities
Figuring life out is hard. Whether it's figuring out the intricacies of social dynamics, our own sexual desires, or just...who we want to be, QL has us covered. There's something for us all here, and probably at least one character that struggled with it. I typically identify myself as Ida from Keita Hatsukoi, but both Ida and Aoki's journey are good for this one. Both figuring out their identitites and desires. Plus, this covers the "school setting" and friend groups that's pretty essential for QL too.
Essential #4: Longing, Angst and Hurt
I'm an angst monster. QL series do a fabulous job of hurting my beloveds so that I get cathartic release. I've said it before, I don't cry a lot in real life. But shows? I love a good cry induced by fiction. Please let me cry my stress away. I also love my chaos gremlins like Ai Di. I don't care that much about the show itself, but Ai Di is essential to know.
Essential #5: Comfort and Chosen Family
QL may hurt our beloveds, but it's pretty great at using all the tropes to cover the healing aspect too. Reminding us to take care of ourselves and others. Recognizing that blood ties are not the only type of family. I debated a lot on this one. There are soooo many great options, and which one is the ultimate comfort crack will differ by person. Coming off of a month where I began to fray at the edges and suffered some work burnout, a Perfect Propose rewatch is likely in the works. I always feel like it helps me recalibrate and reflect on my priorities. This covers a bit of our "workplace setting" as well.
Essential #6: Representation
Ok, if I was picking strictly for poly, then I would choose Sannin Fufu. But we're down to our last slot, and we haven't covered sooo many aspects of QL. 3 Will Be Free has some rep level for poly, trans, poverty, and gritty storytelling wrapped up in one. It's also Thai which is not represented yet on my list š«£. Bonus, it can serve as your introduction into QL controversies and discourse š. That's pretty essential too.
And that's six. It still leaves out some key types of rep and a whole lot of shows I consider essential š, but it's the best I have at the moment.
Not tagging anyone since I'm very late to the game on this one, but if you want to play (or have played) then feel free to tag me. I love seeing what people pick!
Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genreāemphasis on āpersonally.ā These are your feels, so no need to pick series you donāt like just because they seem āimportant.ā Feel free to explain your choices or not.
Then tag 6 friends for their 6
I'm going to try to be objective and pick series that represent a certain subset or genre I consider essential viewing rather than picking my random favorites that only 10 people have watched.
Secrets Happened on the Litchi Island
A $5 budget is no obstacle to greatness
To My Shore
Toxic yaoi and redemption done right
Kill to Love
There's nothing like having your heart ripped out with a BE
Old Fashion Cupcake
Old man yaoi classic
Only Boo!
Simple and absolutely adorable
My Enemy Has A Crush On Me
Reels can be good too
Tagging @watchthisqqq @troubled-mind @benkaben @bellarkeandclintashaandsuch @delesaria-blog @tm-trx if you want to play.
tagged by @bengiyo @my-rose-tinted-glasses and @thisautistic
Post 6 (and only 6) gifs/pics of the QLs you personally consider essential viewing for fans of the genreāemphasis on āpersonally.ā These are your feels, so no need to pick series you donāt like just because they seem "important". Feel free to explain your choices or not. Then tag 6 friends for their 6.
Since I didn't want my list to be a copy and paste of @bengiyo I changed some choices up but the impact for me is all the same.
Gameboys
Probably one of THE most relatable series I've ever seen. Because of COVID, we were all together on lockdown across the globe, dealing with things we wished we could change while also struggling to connect with people without physically being able to see each other. This series delves into a bunch of different relationships, regret, romance, mental health, physical health, and loneliness.
But also the series was beautifully shot from a fucking iphone, and the graphics were amazing, and all the acting was top notch, and Kokoy and Elijah's first IRL meeting was when their characters met for the first time too. And the series is so perfect.
Lovely Writer
It's the perfect mix of meta and comedy and drama. I think this series tackles BL meta the best and across multiple levels. Lovely Writer took shots at the industry, actors, fans/fanbases, shipping culture, toxic stans, BL authors, BL scripts, BL series, and more. It's such a treat to watch.
But it's also like so tropey, especially since one of the mains is very much a stalker and manipulator. It's got the right amount of heat. The drama is so meaty with layers like a lasagna. There's mystery (read that as lying). Visually the series is bright and colorful and aesthetically pleasing. It gets deep but not hard to watch. A bunch of shit happens but none of it feels unnecessary or out of place. Like interactive is the best way I can describe the viewing experience.
Cherry Magic
The most perfectly romantic and warm and soft series I've ever seen. But so structurally sound and the characters have depth and experience actual growth. Cherry Magic is a feel-good drama set in such a slice-of-life vibe. I especially love that everyone is settled in their adulthood even if it's boring or unexciting, it feels lived in. Y'know? Also there's virginal magic! Who doesn't love random supernaturalness in their office drama? The characters a great the vibes are top notch and I never get sick of this series.
Utsukushii Kare
This series is on the other side of the spectrum with an air of a toxic romance until you realize these main characters are two sides of the same coin. I find this series essential because of the focus on their relationship dynamics. I appreciate that this series is told from both characters perspectives so we get to see the full picture of how their relationship seesaws between expectations and desires.
To My Star
This is another series I find essential more for the characters' dynamics than anything else. The way our mains learn about each other is so interesting to watch. One silently stores information and makes small changes without a word. And the other can basically fill in the gaps where manifestation is difficult and he becomes more mindful. They learn so much so quickly and it makes them want to protect each other the best way they can.
The New Employee
This series shows that people continuously change pathways in life and that "being too old" for something is more of a mindset. Change is necessary for people to grow and a person really never stops growing or wanting to change trajectories in life. And also we are gifted such a bright and sweet character who is finally choosing himself and he's paired up with another character who is thoughtful and solid in everything he does. They have a refreshing romance that is mature.
I'll tag @itsallaboutbl @hughungrybear @byemambo @benkaben @mikuni14 and @befuddledcinnamonroll
