5 Thai BL Shows To Watch Based On Your Favorite Romance Clichés
The BL genre knows its clichés, especially Thai BLs. Falling in love with your mortal enemy? Love between a boss and a subordinate? Destined lovers from another time? They do it all. But make no mistake. While clichés are common in the BL genre, and really any genre for that matter, trust that there’s always more beyond the cliché. Thai BLs are pros at taking these tried-and-true scenarios and making them original with surprising twists.
Here are six series recommendations based on the niche cliché storylines you know and love.
Warning: episode 1 spoilers for each show ahead!
1. “A Boss and A Babe”: Romance between a boss and intern
Cher (Book Kasidet Plookphol) is a goofy, filter-less gamer who’s interning at his friend’s gaming company. On his first day, he has a funny run-in with his overly serious, slick-suit-wearing boss, Gun (Force Jiratchapong Srisang). When Cher’s called to his office, he finds out something surprising: his boss knows about Cher’s secret online identity as an AMSR artist, and he’s actually a loyal fan.
Cher thinks this means they could become friends, but the boss man makes it clear this doesn’t mean they will be anything more than coworkers. But their goodnight calls, sleepovers, and office chemistry… those beg to differ.
Why it’s worth watching:
Romance in the office, let alone between a boss and a subordinate employee? That’s definitely some sort of HR violation, but it hasn’t stopped BLs from wringing this cliché dry. Around 2022, workplace romances, in particular, had a chokehold on the BL genre, and “A Boss and a Babe” does this cliché so well. Cher’s fun friend group and his out-of-pocket, silly character are other major selling points. And his comedic timing is seriously perfect.
Start watching “A Boss and A Babe” now:
2. “Bad Buddy”: Falling in love with your rival
In “Bad Buddy,” Pran (Nanon Korapat Kirdpan) and Pat (Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee) have been next-door neighbors since birth; even their windows are right across from each other. That sounds romantic, except for the fact that they’re sworn enemies with a rivalry that they were pretty much born into.
Fast forward to college, their two friend groups get in a fight, and Pran and Pat unexpectedly reunite in non-ideal circumstances. As BL fate would have it, Pran and Prat are in opposing departments at their university, so the two are once again forced into the roles of enemies.
All signs point to Pran and Pat never being friends. But never say never in the world of drama. Behind closed doors, Pran and Pat are fine giving up their rivalry. There might even be something more beyond friendship between them.
Why it’s worth watching:
Falling in love with your sworn enemy means immaculate tension; as longtime enemies, all they’ve ever known was tension. It also means there’s going to be a stark contrast between the leads’ before and after relationship. Once they do decide to throw out their past disputes, it’s so funny to watch them desperately try to keep up the ruse that they’re rivals with their friends and family. Actually, “Bad Buddy” is a Thai BL many BL watchers recommend for those who want to see what the Thai BL genre is all about because its such a quintessential Thai BL. It’s got the nostalgia of classics with all the best qualities.
Start watching “Bad Buddy” now:
3. “Wandee Goodday”: Friends with benefits… but with love
Dr. Wandee (Inn Sarin Ronnakiat) is a hopeless romantic who has finally decided to confess to his in-office crush, Dr. Ter (Pod Suphakorn Sriphothong), who has looked out for him since he was in college. At the same time, he performs a check-up on a cocky Muay Thai fighter named Yoryak Phadetseuk (Great Sapol Assawamunkong).
These two seemingly unrelated events connect when Dr. Wandee receives a rejection because he is, quote, “too vanilla.” Ouch. To turn things around, he makes the logical decision to prove to the world he isn’t boring by going to a club and hooking up with someone, or that was the plan.
Through a mildly perilous night of getting wasted and no one wanting to take him home (mostly due to his unhinged twerking), he coincidently runs into Yoryak on the street and gets him to take him back to his condo, where Dr. Wandee gets what he wants, wink, wink.
It’s supposed to be just a one-night stand, but their fiery chemistry leads them to see each other again. Thus starts their friends-with-benefits vow, but that sort of thing is never not complicated, especially when the real feelings start to come out.
Why it’s worth watching:
Some might compare “Wandee Goodday” to “Bed Friend” because they share a similar beginning premise of friends-with-benefits, but they go in pretty different directions. Besides the steamy scenes, which are just as much of a pro, the humor in this is surprisingly refreshing and hilarious, and it’ll often catch you off guard in a good way. Down to the intro and music choices, this series doesn’t take itself too seriously most of the time.
Start watching “Wandee Goodday” now:
4. “Never Let Me Go”: Falling in love with my bodyguard
“Never Let Me Go” starts with Nuengdiao (Phuwin Tangsakyuen) witnessing his father’s murder right in front of his eyes. It is quite literally the Thai BL rendition of Bruce Wayne’s origin story, but jokes aside. Because the killer is still on the loose, Nuengdiao’s mother assigns a secret bodyguard of the same school grade to watch over him at home and at school. Palm (Pond Naravit Lertratkosum) is hired as the bodyguard because he’s the son of a trusted family employee.
Bullied at school and unable to trust others as the heir of a big business, Nuengdiao is at first annoyed to have Palm follow him. But as the two get to know each other, he’s taken aback by Palm’s gentle, caring nature, something he isn’t used to outside of his family. While the romantic feelings between Nuengdiao and Palm grow, the threat to Nuengdiao’s company and danger to his family’s life increases.
If you’re curious, the Korean BL equivalent to this would probably “Where Your Eyes Linger,” which is equally worth the watch.
Why it’s worth watching:
Due to his father’s line of work, Nuengdiao hasn’t had much luck making friends and deep connections with others. Meanwhile, Palm, still just a kid, is forced to leave his old life behind and take on a role where he has to actively feel and be lesser. When Palm enters Nuengdiao’s life, Palm cares for him in a sincere way that Nuengdiao just isn’t used to. Nuengdiao also isn’t big on the hierarchy he experiences as an heir, so the expectations of Palm’s position really only matter to Palm. Beyond the cliché, the bare bones of this is about two boys, who need and deserve love, falling in love. Cliché or no cliché, that’s as good as stories come.
Start watching “Never Let Me Go” now:
5. “Cutie Pie”: Arranged marriage turns into real love
Lian Kilen Wang (Zee Pruk Panich) and Kuea Keerati (NuNew Chawarin Perdpiriyawong) are in a planned arranged marriage due to a promise Lian made years ago. You may hear “arranged marriage” and think it’s a forced situation where no one is happy, but Kuea is actually eager to start what he imagines will be a happy, cozy relationship and life with Lian. However, Lian’s dismissiveness of their relationship and their opposite personalities make it difficult for Kuea’s marriage fantasy to become real.
While Kuea is idealistic, assuming they’ll love each other because they’re getting married, Lian considers their arrangement as fulfilling a duty. Personality-wise, Lian is a club owner and strict businessman, while Kuea is a carefree motorcycle-riding college student. Kuea also hides a semi-secret identity: he’s a popular vocalist and drummer known by his fans as Kirin.
Kuea really just wants a story-book romance in between juggling friendship, his studies, and his music, but it’s going to take a lot of work and honesty to make that come true. When Lian starts to notice Kuea always sneaking away, his secret is also at risk of being found out.
Why it’s worth watching:
“Cutie Pie” is much spicier than its adorable name suggests! The dynamic between a mature, business-owning man and a rebellious college student, who just wants to live out his dreams but also desires the affection of said business-owning man, is perfect. The whole secret identity, “I’m actually a pop star” concept might seem a bit left field, but it’s so fun to watch. Kirin has some good songs too.
Start watching “Cutie Pie” now:
What are your favorite BL tropes and clichés? Did you enjoy watching any of the dramas on this list already? Let us know in the comments below!
Asya’s a BL-biased Soompi writer with a love of K-pop and all types of Asian dramas. Some of her favorite shows are “Psychopath Diary,” “Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!,” “Light On Me,” “The Untamed,” “Go Go Squid!,” and “Cherry Magic!”
Currently watching: “Eccentric Romance” and “Your Sky Series”
Looking forward to: “Knock Out The Series” and “I’m the Most Beautiful Count”
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