This review may contain spoilers
Exceeded all my expectations
I watched this in 2025, 4 years after it came out and was hyped to heck and back. Let the dust settle for a bit before I decided to jump into it.Wow, it really blew away all my expectations. It truly is a love letter to the BL genre, playing into some of the classic BL traits straight (enemies-to-lovers, engineering/architecture students, subtly bisexual protagonists, keeping the relationship a secret) while breaking a lot of BL conventions (Pat and Pran having honest conversations, never breaking up the main couple after they got together, no real love rival [Ink was actually part of a different love story], not pairing the other male best friend characters).
There were even some twists that don't often occur in the genre that I was surprised with (the GL love story, a happy but bittersweet ending since their families still don't get along and having to hide their relationship).
All of the actors were outstanding! Shoutout to Nanon, Ohm, Love, and Milk especially for bringing the characters to life and making them so likable! I have not yet read the novel so I don't know how the story and characters fare compared to their written counterparts. But the story at its core is about love, family, and friendship and how those avenues intersect, often not swimmingly!
My favorite part of the series was that after they grew feelings for one another, Pat and Pran never slipped from being on each other's side. No misunderstandings based on miscommunication or lack of communication. After a lifetime of competing, they had no fight in them; completely dedicated to being on the same team. Having tough conversations, putting your partner's needs before their own, doing what was right for the relationship even though it was hard. It's hard to find couples like this in BL, other dramas, or even real life! I can't wait to rewatch and explore the rest of the universe. Thank you for P'Aof and the authors of the novel for crafting this wonderful world full of love!
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Just a perfect BL
This show has everything I expect from a BL: chemistry between the main leads and a plot that is not too absurd. ;)The plot is actually quite believable - a family feud is a thing that happens in real world. Thankfully, we are spared the annoying tropes and cliches that plague BLs - some of them are even called out directly as such. The supporting characters are often silly and/or irritating, but this is also believable - we meet people like that every day. The plot twists aren't super dramatic, but engaging enough.
There are many series, where the chemistry between the main leads is more steamy, I know, but in here, the focus is on emotions. Ohm and Nanon show more feelings in one kiss than most other ships manage to express during a whole episode full of fluff. Their acting is really good - I don't mean it like a "soap opera good acting" but generally good acting. They don't even need to say how they feel, their expressions convey the message. The relationship between the characters is generally very satisfactory to watch - there is no toxicity between them, there are lots of small and big gestures that can make the viewers squeal, and the communication between them is just as good, as you would expect from best frenemies and later boyfriends.
What I also really liked is the music. Bad Buddy theme song won at the 27th Asian Television Awards, and rightly so - it is so catchy! And the lyrics are well-written (of course judging by the translation). I really like Nanon's voice too.
I will definitely re-watch this series - it is a perfect mood-booster.
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Good, light-hearted fun.
From the synopsis, I thought this series would be heavier than it was but I found myself laughing along with their banter and antics and thoroughly enjoyed the series from start to finish. The plot is nothing groundbreaking, by any means, but I enjoyed watching this cast interacting with each other which was the main thing that stood out to me. Most sub-plot issues were resolved fairly quickly while there was still the underlying main issue of the families not getting along to help drive the story forward.The chemistry between the main leads held my attention, no matter what they were doing (fighting, scheming, being cutesy, etc) and even the chemistry between the friends was a lot of fun to watch as well.
Overall, the show was on the lighter side of the drama spectrum. I'd definitely watch it again whenever I'm looking for something fluffy without being juvenile.
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This review may contain spoilers
Such a refreshing watch
So, I’ve spent the last few weeks binging BLs and out of all the shows I’ve watched, Bad Buddy might be one of the best ever made.The story itself seems so cliché, but it works so much better than any other enemies-to-lovers that I’ve seen, if I’m honest. The characters aren’t two dimensional and actually develop on screen right in front of you, and it doesn’t feel rushed at all. You can actually see them start to fall for one-another, rather than just “oh there guys like each other,”; it was built up and developed in a way that felt more realistic compared to other shows similar.
It wasn’t just the lead cast that you watch change and mature, either; I HATED Wai for so long in this show, especially when the outed Pat and Pran in such a cruel way. I honestly didn’t see any way for him to be redeemed in my eyes, but the writing was so well done that you can actually see him grow through his anger and pain. I’m genuinely surprised he and Korn didn’t end up together because most other shows would have thrown them together; however, it worked so much better to have them become the best of friends and business partners. I loved it.
Something else that I feel makes this series special is it’s not overly romantic. There’s affection, of course, but it really is two boys who like to be around each other in both a romantic sense and a friendly way. It’s not all dramatic and horny kisses, but lots of silly stolen cheek kisses, lots of play fighting and boyishness, but without it feeling like a bromance, if that makes sense? The show isn’t all about WHEN IS THE SEX HAPPENING which is refreshing. (Don’t get me wrong, I love the spice of other shows, but this just felt a little more gentle and it was perfect.)
I’m sad that Pat’s dad didn’t apologise to Pran’s mother, but at the same time, that would be too easy and too simple; the writers kept it realistic to the characters personalities.
I won’t lie, I had a slight panic when I started the last episode that it wouldn’t be a happy ending. My poor brother had to deal with a barrage of texts from me screaming that I couldn’t handle another sad ending. However, when it was revealed they’d never actually broke up and were still so happy in love, I almost died from happiness. I’m not going to lie, I was sad they couldn’t be completely out, but they worked it around what they felt comfortable with, and I felt like that was good enough.
I would love to see these actors work together again, and I would really recommend this to everyone.
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Timeless and amazing
One of the only BLs that has two mature adults who are just navigating through life together. No unoriginal plot like an ex reappearing, misunderstandings or some shit. Actors had GREAT chemistry, the writing is impressive and I like how they try to avoid the annoying tropes like defining top/bottom and the whole “calling the bottom a wife “ thing. It is by far one of the best BLs out there and I recommend it to anyone who likes emotionally mature relationship with communication and understanding from both parties.Their first kiss was PHENOMENAL because of the acting and how authentic and real it felt, I was glued to my chair and cried like a baby (I’m an adult, says a lot). The story is decently developed and the characters do develop as people and they evolve as a couple but also INDIVIDUALLY which I felt was very very important
RECOMMEND IT WATCH IT
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I honestly hate it when couples listen to the outside world and fight with each other.
It’s us against the the world ❤️. They almost gave me a heart attack at the beginning of the last episode 😂. I’m glad it ended well. I’d have to watch the 2 episode special in Our Sky 2. I really hope there’s no drama. I highly recommend this series
PS. If you’re looking for a BL with lots of NC scenes this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a romantic story you’d love this
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Hate to say it but ima say it anyway
This series was alright, but not as good as everyone makes it out to seem. The parents were awful to force their kids away from each other. I dont understand what it was about Pran that Pat liked and viceversa. It felt more like a case of ‘you want what you can’t have’ with them. I couldn’t stand Pran half the time. Nanon’s dimples are cute, but I don’t like anything else about him including his acting. Idk I just don’t see the obsession.One of the only things I liked was the whole thing where Pat loved the way Pran smelled. I thought that was a cute touch.
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I am obsessed with the ost , Nanon's voice is just soo soothing😭, Ohm's visuals are no joke🤤
The chemistry between the leads is undeniable 🥺
I hope the story wont disappoint us in any way, I've never been so impatient for fridays to arrive😭😭😭 this series is definitely teaching me to have patience 🤞
The overall visual of this series is just 'wow'.
The humor is on point and oh my god drakeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!
He looks tooo hot in man bun and boy he be having fun playing the bad guy😂😂
Edit: So 5 episodes are out ,and now I can't stop thinking about this series😭😭
I am counting hours, like not even days. I've never been so obsessed about a series ever in my life, I usually avoid watching ongoing dramas since the tension i need to handle is more. But I just started this outof nowhere and now I'm trapped in this loop of either missing patpran or ohmnanon😭😭😭😭😭
They are too precious .
So back to reviewing, I can understand why this director is famous ,like for godsake the series is top-notch. The way the characters are displayed,the transitions, the setup everything is just chef's kiss.
The acting is gonna spoil us😂
Like I know for sure that now I'm never gonna watch or even try watching something that is played by mediocre actors,the cast and the director is really setting my standards very high.
Even while waiting for the 6th episode all i can do is rewatch the previous episode ,search for their clips, and listen to Nanon's song for the 1000th time , someone please save me😭😭
I have no idea how I'm gonna survive till jan14 when the last episode airs, till then I'm just standing on ice🤧
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Bad Buddy is a MUST WATCH!!
This series is a must watch!!! So far everything about the series is so good and the chemistry between Ohm and Nanon is excellent. After watching episode 5, It's safe to say that is definitely my favorite BL of the year, it's might even become my favorite Thai BL of all time. I'm a big fan of Ohm and Nanon so I thought I might be a bit biased towards the show, but after seeing everyone's positives reactions, I know I'm not overreacting by saying this show is very good. If the series continues to be as good as it has been especially after the seeing the mind- blowing episode 5, I will be so happy. If you're reading this I definitely think you should give this series a chance and watch it.Was this review helpful to you?
Masterpiece bl for me
I don't know why but this series is so special for me. I've watched many BLs but this just feels different. The acting is so good that actors convey emotions through their eyes. I've never watched ongoing series but this series is only exception. But the waiting for new episode is killing me. This bl is already getting and gonna get so much recognition, mark my words. Cliche plots can be done without any cringe this series proved it. Kudos! to amazing cast, director and team. It made me feel all kind if emotions from humour to heartbreak. Its filled with many cute scenes.Was this review helpful to you?
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I LOVE IT!
I have been waiting for this series for so long ever since the first trailer was dropped last year. Ohm and Nanon are leads, the story is interesting and it made me very intrigued, and on top of that, P'Aof is the director. It's impossible for me not to like it. I tend to be very picky on the shows I watch and I have actually lost interest in Thai BL dramas when a surge of mediocre dramas started to take over the past years. One day, when I was scrolling on YouTube, GMMTV2021 livestream was on my recommended videos, and I was curious of what kind of series they have to offer. Coincidentally, when I opened the stream, Bad Buddy was next to be shown. The first trailer was playing on the screen and I really didn't think much of it. I thought it was another series about school, mystery, detective of some sort, like Blacklist and The Gifted, which is the forte of Nanon and well, he was definitely the main character. The cast was also kind of familiar, there were Nanon, Ohm, Drake, Love, and all of those other gmmtv actors whom I have seen in other dramas before. BUT, as the trailer gets to the middle I was like... "Is this actually a BL?!?" I was shocked, it never crossed my mind that the trailer playing in front of me was actually a BL series. The trailer comes to an end and the main cast walked on the stage and I was zoning out, haha. I was not expecting Nanon to act in a BL series this year, but I am not complaining, I like it already. I've known Nanon for a while and it's a given that he is a GREAT Actor. Everybody knows that, especially if they have watched most of his shows. I can even say that he belongs in the top 3 best actors in gmmtv. For Ohm, I have only seen two of his works, which is He is Coming to Me, which is also directed by P'Aof (It's amazing, really) and Blacklist. I can say that he can act, as well. The pairing of the both of them made everyone shookt, no one saw it coming. I just know that they are very good friends for years, as they are part of gmmtv's 2000 line with Chimon. While both Ohm and Nanon can act, they never overshadowed the other. They have AMAZING chemistry and the director thought that there was no need to built it further because it is already natural for the two. Ohm as Pat and Nanon as Pran... them playing these roles are perfect! Even P'Aof thinks that they are the only people who can be Pat and Pran ever since the beginning. It is still on its 5th episode but it's going really great. The people who are watching can't wait another week for the next episode. The plot and build up is exciting and captivating that you are being pulled to the story of Pat and Pran as every episode is released. The OST plays a huge part in the series and it is sung by Nanon. Just Friend? (the title) is a great song and it's been on repeat ever since it was released. When one talks about this series, you must not skip the details. It's the DETAILS that gives you all the feels. The amazing acting and the details, you can't help but say... wow. I have waited for so long for this series to air and the wait was worth it. The cast, director, staff, everyone behind this amazing series, kudos to you all. It's been so long since I felt so giddy over a Thai series but THIS IS IT. It's definitely in the top of my favorite series of all time, even if it's still on its 5th episode. I may have rated its rewatch value as 9 stars but it's only because I can't stand Pat's friends at times and also those fight scenes that I tend to skip when rewatching. However, it is still great overall. In conclusion, I love Bad Buddy so much.Was this review helpful to you?
