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did not live up to my expectations
when i first heard of lovely writer on twitter, i saw a lot of people talking about how it tackled the bl industry issues and so i was interested. the first episode started off really good and so did the second.. but then from then on i felt it was starting to drag off. The pacing is extremely slow and characters don't have much dialogue, its mostly them just doing things that really don't matter. i really liked how in the first few episodes they tackled issues such as unfair casting and how non consensual scenes are romanticized but later on it just felt like nothing was happening. Gene and Nubsib's relationships seems very stereotypical, with a flirty person doing things to make the "smaller" one more nervous. There's no plot to go off and it ends up being very boring to watch.For a series that attempts to tackle popular tropes, it fails to notice the tropes its following.
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A Hidden Gem - Must Watch
Lovely Writer is a hidden gem that exceeded my expectations. Despite initial reservations, I dove in after seeing the trailer and boy, am I glad I did! As a fan of Up, I knew I had to watch this series, and I'm so glad I did. Usually, I'm drawn to BL series with mafia or action themes, but 'Lovely Writer' pleasantly surprised me with its engaging storyline and lovable characters.What really sets this series apart is how it dives into the dark side of the BL industry, especially the toxic behavior of some fans. It’s incredibly relatable and eye-opening. I love that the show sends a clear message: actors are real people, too. They deserve the freedom to love who they want and live life on their own terms, without having to meet unrealistic fan expectations. That theme made Lovely Writer feel more grounded and unique than most BLs.
From the first episode, I was hooked. Gene, played by Up, stole my heart with his grumpy yet charming demeanor. The way he softens up is adorable, and his chemistry with the other lead is superb. The series has a way of making you laugh, cry, and root for the characters.
One thing that slightly bothered me was Aoey's character – at times, he felt a bit too fragile and tearful for my taste. Nonetheless, the series' strengths far outweigh this minor quibble. If you're looking for a well-crafted story with great characters and chemistry, 'Lovely Writer' is a must-watch. Don't overlook this underrated gem – it's definitely worth your time!
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I could rewatch 100 times over
I am so happy I took a chance to watch this masterpiece. I really enjoyed the depth of the series. The stress of the BL industry and Ship-culture puts on these men to uphold a fake relationship is disturbing. I understand it’s a responsibility but people have to be realistic. They are actors, this is their job but they have a personal life that should stay personal. Co-Stars date all the time, it’s nothing new but it should happen naturally.Anywho, rant over! Chemistry ✔️Budget ✔️ Acting ✔️
Gene and Nubsib were such a treat to watch! Nubsib loved that man to pieces from a young age but I can see that Gene’s love morphed from brotherly to romantically over time. I see the age gap being mentioned but no lines were crossed, it was wonderfully written!
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a great portrayal of the BL business
I remember watching this every week and had to be tortured by the wait, but honestly, it was all worth it. a really great way to show the audience on how social media could effect someone's mental health. everyone has a really great acting tbh, and I love the chemistry between all of the couples. at the end of the series, I loved how they portrayed aoey being all alone because of his greed (HAHA DESERVED). I also loved the support roles, esp Tiffy because she's giving the "girlcrush" aura with that bold makeup look! she's the best girl in this series hahaha. I hope I would see them again in another series.Was this review helpful to you?
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Mediocre
I was hooked on episode 1. I was hoping for the story to be more serious relating to BL studios, but it got brushed off and focus mostly on the relationship. Gene was awkwardly funny and Nubsib is hot.I find it weird how Nubsib liked Gene when they were little kids though because they haven't even hit puberty to understand what loving means. That didn't make sense to me.
What also doesn't make sense to me was towards the end when they were "forced" to break up when all they had to do was not be seen together physically. Just text each other or facetime. Meet up once in a while. It just seems like everyone made a big deal over an issue that can solve easily.
The biggest villain, Aoey, was just evil. He was just so manipulative and annoying and I think the producers wanted to make it seem like he was a victim.
Tum and Tiffy's relationship was okay at first, but then Tiffy's character was irritating when Tum confessed to her. Her reason why she didn't want to be in a relationship with him was because she thought he was gay even though he had the courage to confess so ??? Were we supposed to laugh at that joke? And then he starts rapping and now she's all like "lol okay you're cute." ??? Were we supposed to laugh at that too??? Their relationship just went downhill.
I don't really care about the music. It was just there.
There's a lot of confusion in this series. The producers shows the scene and expect us to feel what we're supposed to feel, but we end up feeling something else. Gene and Nubsib's love story, Aoey's evil intentions, Tum and Tiffy's relationship, and even the plot.
The series was entertaining. It kind of got boring in a few episodes towards the end. The ending was meh. I guess it was supposed to be cute and cheesy, which it was, but it was wrapped up so quickly like the bare minimum. Again with the confusion with what the producers wants us to feel vs how we actually feel.
It was an okayyyy series. It wasn't too bad, but I feel like I wanted more out of it.
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THIS is how a main lead should act
I think I like the dramas that show the backside of filming or writing BLs because as audience members we don't see that whole filming process, all we see is the final product and we don't understand that some actors just don't have natural chemistry with each other like in this series, Aoey and Sib don't have that connection like Sib does with Gene so everything is uncomfortable and that's how it is in reality, It may look like they have perfect chemistry but truth is, not everyone has that connection nor do they fell comfortable with everyone. Yes its a job and a career that they love but we have to remember that these are people, and I think this series shows us that not everything is black and white like we see on the screen.Nubsib - He is the best character, not only in the BL universe but also in the world. Sib is so gentle with Gene, ever since he saw him at the auditions, he always had the sweetest eyes toward Gene. Sib's touches toward him are so soft and gentle like he doesn't want to hurt him, his voice is soft and slow so it doesn't seem like he's yelling at him. Sib also jokes around with Gene but does it in a way that isn't inappropriate or in any mean way. He also understands that Gene is confused and he doesn't try to force his feelings onto him or make Gene do or say anything at makes him uncomfortable. The drunk scene in episode 4 was the best-drunk scene out of any BL I have ever seen. Sib never forces himself onto Gene and most drunk scenes end up being spicy or lead to a makeout session but all Sib wants to do is take care of Gene and make sure he doesn't do anything he would regret in the morning/sober.
Gene - Up is the love of my life so naturally so is Gene, I love him. he's just a confused BL writer who doesn't understand why BL is so popular and why it needs so many NC scenes. He also likes Sib from the beginning, you can tell by his eyes but is confused and doesn't know what these feelings he is feeling mean. He also doesn't know what to do because Sib is so gentle with him that it's making him fall for him.
Aoey - I couldn't stand him, he knew that Gene and Sib had feelings for each other, and instead of backing off, he tries to manipulate them and make Gene uncomfortable. I wanted to be like, can't you find your own man?
Episode 5 - I think this episode was uncomfortable -for me at least - because I love Gene/Up and to see him being uncomfortable and upset because Sib had just confessed he liked Gene in the previous episode and then we get slammed by Aoey telling Gene to back off, made me so sad because Gene was finally realizing that he has feelings for Sib. Also, the whole scene they were shooting was uncomfortable because it was giving Ae and Pete from Love By Chance and that's all I was thinking of.
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Lovely Writer: A Refreshing Take on the Boys’ Love Genre with Depth and Heart
I watched this series during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it accompanied my days in every episode. I’m grateful I found this series. "Lovely Writer" is my all-time favorite BL series and will always remain in my memory. Maybe "Lovely Writer" isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but the real-life representation in its story truly made me see the reality of the BL industry."Lovely Writer" is a breath of fresh air in the world of Thai Boys’ Love (BL) series, offering more than just the usual romance. This series cleverly deconstructs the BL industry itself while weaving a heartfelt love story between its protagonists, Nubsib (Kao Noppakao) and Gene (Up Poompat). With a perfect blend of satire, tenderness, and genuine chemistry, Lovely Writer stands out for its self-awareness and depth.
The story follows Gene, a young novelist reluctantly writing BL novels due to their popularity. His life takes a turn when Nubsib, a charming and persistent actor, auditions for the lead role in the adaptation of one of his books. While the premise may seem predictable, the series quickly subverts expectations by addressing the problematic tropes and commercialism within the BL industry. It raises questions about fan service, consent, and the authenticity of representation—topics rarely explored in mainstream BL series.
Kao Noppakao’s portrayal of Nubsib is both captivating and nuanced, balancing between being a smooth talker and a vulnerable lover. Up Poompat as Gene delivers a relatable performance, capturing the inner conflicts of a writer torn between passion and societal expectations. Their chemistry is undeniable, managing to convey both the sweetness of new love and the complexity of dealing with public scrutiny.
One of the series' strongest points is its ability to critique its own genre without coming off as hypocritical. Through sharp dialogues and meta-commentary, it exposes the unrealistic expectations set by fans and the pressures on actors to blur the line between fiction and reality. Yet, it never loses sight of its romance, making every moment between Nubsib and Gene feel both real and heartwarming.
The supporting characters, especially Hin and Tum, bring additional layers to the story, highlighting different aspects of the BL industry and the struggles of being true to oneself. The series also deserves praise for its production quality, with well-thought-out cinematography and a soundtrack that complements the emotional beats perfectly.
At its core, Lovely Writer is an adorable and feel-good series, capturing the sweetness of blossoming love between Nubsib and Gene. Their interactions are often filled with playful banter, shy smiles, and tender moments that can easily melt your heart. The chemistry between them feels natural and genuine, making their love story not only cute but also deeply moving.
However, what makes this series truly stand out is its ability to balance this fluffiness with more serious themes. It doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of relationships—showing how trust, honesty, and confronting insecurities are essential for love to thrive. The portrayal of family drama adds another layer of depth, highlighting the struggles of seeking acceptance and the burden of living up to societal and familial expectations.
Friendship also plays a significant role, illustrating how genuine friends support each other through thick and thin, even when dealing with the chaos of the entertainment industry. The series goes further by offering a sharp critique of the BL industry itself, exposing the pressures on actors to maintain fan service, the exploitation behind the scenes, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.
In conclusion, Lovely Writer is not just a love story but a bold commentary on the industry it belongs to. It’s a must-watch for BL fans seeking something more profound and meaningful. By blending romance with a thought-provoking narrative, it leaves an impact that lingers long after the final episode 💖🎬
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Wasn't sure what I was going to say...
Don't watch this with headphones. All the money must have gone to the sound effects guy. Just awful with the swallowing sounds, gulps and all those stupid 3 year old noises we get with too many of these shows. They should have two versions of these series. One for free - with all those sound effects for the tweeny girls watching and then one for the adults with no sound effects for any price - I would pay it.I read a very positive review before writing this because, I wasn't sure how to approach this series. We do get a sense of timeline based on the length of stay Nubsib is going to be a roommate. But, I still had to wonder why they had to make Gene's character so continuously abrasive. If more people would have reminded him to back off a little or, to apologize when mean - it would have been easier to connect with him earlier in the series.
This series is pretty well written. Because it is mentioned so much - without looking to the credits - I have been trying to guess if this was written by a woman or, a man or, a collaboration. I can usually tell it is a woman when they have the gay character make it sound like they are gay just for one person and are deciding at that very moment. There are so few BLs out there that show that those feelings and whom you are drawn to start at a very early age - whether in the closet or, not. Anywho.
Overall - well done. Love the detail. Love the uncomfortableness some episodes create. Love the reality. Love that many types of LGBT personalities are represented. This is one series where you will watch several of the episodes repeatedly. I would have scored it higher if they would have given the director's and Gene's manager less screen time - both of them are so irritating. LOL
What you will notice in this series is a lack of character development. Instead of spending more time to get to know everyone - we have to sit through meaningless boring, time consuming scenes that almost mean nothing. Great - they go to a temple before the series shooting begins - that could have been covered in a flashback conversation. And, the day to day scenes weren't strong enough to hold up on their own. In other series - those hanging out together moments show true friendship and bonding doing normal things. Here - it can clearly be seen as time filler - even though the episodes are so short. It's okay - that is what the fast forward button is for.
Let's look at the characters:
Nubsib - the kind of guy both women and men would love to have. Caring, patient and honest.
Gene - in the closet only because he has kept himself isolated most of his life - not daring to even see where his feelings lie.
Tum - an appreciated character - assumed gay because of the world/career he is in but, feet firmly planted where he knows who he is. Refreshing that he never gets as angry as Gene does when people "assume".
Aoey - my least favorite character for all the reasons we see. Even though Nubsib goes out of his way to avoid him - he still feels he has a chance at a relationship with him (sad but, with that character's personality - I can understand it). We needed this character to represent that large segment of the LGBT population. Happy he was part of the series.
Loved Korn's character - always left you wondering.
The director and Gene's manager hold the place for typical over the top annoying characters. There were several times when the director was speaking that I yelled at the TV for him to stop talking. Gene's manager is pretty awful. If I were Gene - when it came time for contract renewal I would ask for her replacement or, move to a better company.
Tiffy - pretty cool character - loved her transformation.
Hin and Mhok were cool - would have loved more time with them.
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No tension and weird pacing
The premise was pretty interesting so i thought this would be good. On top of that it's BL meta, so i felt like it'd be hard to mess up.I was wrong on both accounts.
I just don't want to sacrifice my time watching a series that doesn't adequately hook me by episode 3. Not to say nothing progresses but there's just nothing that leaves me wanting.
I don't want to hear "it gets good by episode 6" or something because that means suffering through 2 more to get there. It's not worth it when there's shows I've already found that are painless.
Either because of writing, acting, editing or cinematography, but the feelings of the main characters just don't come across onscreen. Because i don't know what they're feeling at any given movement, as a result i don't feel anything. The music felt out of place too.
I watch romance to feel something and this show just didn't do it for me.
You can't tell "character a likes character b" because of their feelings, only because of stereotypical actions which come across with no emotion.
There's also a small flashback they waited too long to reveal. The timing should have been way sooner.
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Personal opinion
I was looking forward to watching this series since it had such a hype. However, it's starting to rub me the wrong way since I started following it.For instance, it may seemed like the series is exposing what's happening in the entertainment industry but it only seemed they held themselves at a higher standard than the rest yet they are infact doing exactly the same thing as the rest. Shading while at the same time trying to make a profit from what they're shading? Distasteful. Also, its never a smart move by putting others down just to make yourself seem better.
Additonally, they also implied that BL shouldnt just focus on steamy scenes yet they're using their own steamy scene as the main edit in their promotional videos. How contradictory is that? Their actions doesn't match up to their words.
What I genuinely wanted to say is, it's okay for this series to want to seem like they had it better. But actions speak louder than words and they aren clearly not practising what they preached.
Needless to say I'm disappointed. Maybe thats how they can get people talking about the series and create cloud. But I won't be recommending this series on my review blog.
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It was so cute series!♡
This series was rly cute and funny but I did't hype so much for this. I think it's more people who are lil bit new in bl drama fans! But I would rewatch it still heh♡! THE STORY IN MY BRAINS: Professional writer named Gene tried writing different and new genre wich was BL. His writingwas so successful, so it gets adapted into BL drama. Gene was invited to see the actors so he could say wich was the best actor for the main role. All of them were bad until Nubsib came (Called "Sib" too). Sib get the main role but he doesn't have place to stay, so he is going to stay with Gene in Gene's house.Was this review helpful to you?
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Enjoyable
I'm on the 3rd episode. The storyline is interesting, light, smooth, and fun. This is basically romcom with a little bit of problems related to BL industry. Both of the main characters have grey characters (honestly, they're kinda cunning but they aren't villains). I think you need to take a look at this series if you like something light and A LOT of fan service lol.However, you will know that there will be conflicts with fans if you watch the trailers. They would be something serius in real life, but I think this series wouldn't go that far with this kind of story. I don't mind something realistic (read: big problems caused by fans) but I think this series will keep the story as fun as possible. Enjoy!
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