Uhh I ended up liking this more than I expected
This series is the Thai version of Princess Diaries (kinda) but with a BL storyline and some serious family drama.When royal bodyguard Charan Phithakdheva is assigned to protect the family’s new heir, their relationship starts off with immediate fireworks and sexual tension. While navigating royal life and politics, they tiptoe around their feelings for each other and their interactions become increasingly layered with subtext.
While some other BLs may have used love scenes to grab attention and keep viewers hooked, the NC scenes in The Next Prince didn’t feel like a cheap gimmick. It seemed more like a natural progression of Khanin and Charan’s relationship and a sincere expression of their intimacy.
Also, this story is so much more than just about a college student assimilating into his life as a prince. This competition between the heirs is set against a backdrop of assassination attempts, political infighting and rebellion, and a looming political crisis involving an environmental problem.
Unfortunately, the resolution was not entirely satisfying and way more could have been done to show off Khanin’s leadership potential and how he would seriously tackle issues affecting the population.
But on the whole, I thought the whole royal kingdom universe was going to be cringey and over the top, but ended up liking this more than I expected.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Royal Concept with Missed Opportunities
It’s been a few weeks since I finished the series and I wanted to share my thoughts. First, I want to talk about the plot. For me, the concept is interesting because it revolves around a monarchy, which isn’t something you usually see in a BL. But the execution, or how they delivered the story, felt a bit meh. They really should have added more depth to Ramil’s story, because honestly, his arc was more interesting than the main couple’s. Early on, I actually thought Prince Rachata was the villain. And I get it, it is a good twist if the true villain is someone who has no heir. But they should have explored Ramil more. Instead of focusing only on Prince Rachata wanting to bring power back to his kingdom, it would have been better if they showed him pushing Ramil harder in training to redeem his loss in the previous royal competition, since it is a tradition. And we already know he lost that competition because Khanin’s grandfather became king. That angle could have made his final conversation with Ramil so much more powerful.For the cinematography, some of the shots were genuinely impressive and you can tell they had the budget for certain scenes. But other moments didn’t match that quality at all. For example, the scenes where they travel to different kingdoms and the parts where Khanin is shown exploring the area feel very tight and confined. You can clearly sense that it was filmed in a studio, and it makes the world feel small instead of grand. The atmosphere doesn’t give the illusion of a large kingdom with bustling people. Instead, it looks like there are only a few extras walking around, which makes the setting feel empty and less immersive. If they had expanded those scenes or filmed in wider outdoor locations, it would have helped the story feel more alive and the world more believable.
As for the main couple, they ended up being the least interesting part of the series. There is no deeper story behind them and their relationship moves too fast. Charan is supposed to be a royal bodyguard, but his fight scenes are so underwhelming. I have watched a lot of action movies and series, so I know what good choreography looks like, and honestly, his scenes made me question whether he is really meant to be a royal guard. And their NC scene was also disappointing. A lot of people online were hyping it up, but it felt bland to me. Maybe it is because they are in love, I am not sure. I actually liked Ramil and Paytai’s NC scene more. The main couple was basically just kissing while naked and there was nothing special about it.
My favorite part of the series is the ballroom dance scene. It was so magical and the song made it even better. I have actually had that song on repeat for the past few weeks.
Overall, The Next Prince had a lot of potential, especially with its unique monarchy concept and a few standout moments like the ballroom dance scene. But the series struggled with pacing and character depth, especially when it came to the main couple. Some characters deserved more development, and some scenes felt rushed or underwhelming. Even so, there were parts I genuinely enjoyed, and I still think the story could have been something great with stronger execution.
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Rewatched it 2 times, this is and stays one of my comfort shows
Holy sh1t, where do I begin... first time I watched this, it was extremely confusing, I had no idea what was going on and I just didn't understand the lore. But the thing is, that doesn't matter, this show is about Khanin, who is new to the nation of Emmaly, just like us lol. Even though he grew up hearing about it, it is also his first time coming there. Everything is and will be exlained, aside from that, I was personally really confused with which region was which and who ruled which. But based on the colours of their suits, you can tell them apart.Now for my second rewatch, I really enjoyed it more than the first time, even though nothing was new, I felt like I understood the series so much better. It was just clearer and still as comforting as the first time. The main reason I love this series is because of the SUPER well written side characters, the story follows a pretty realistic timeline and Khanin and Charan's relationship was soooo adorable. Also I love ZeeNunew and they definitely did a good job once again! :3
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Why The Next Prince Deserves Your Love
(Unpopular Opinion Alert) I know, I know. Scroll through the comments and you’ll see a sea of negativity, but I’m here to tell you that The Next Prince is, for me, a top-tier BL drama. And no, I’m not writing this because I’m a dedicated fan of the main couple; I’m writing this because this BL drama has genuinely secured a spot in my all-time Top 5 favorites.😍• A Royal Romance That Captivated Me
From the moment I started watching, I was hooked. The Next Prince does something that many other series often miss: it crafts a world that feels both regal and grounded. The premise, revolving around a royal successor and his unexpected entanglement, is classic, but the execution here is what truly shines.
The pacing felt just right, allowing the relationship between the two leads to develop organically. It wasn't a sudden, jarring leap; it was a slow, deliberate build of genuine affection and understanding. The quiet moments, the stolen glances, and the subtle shifts in their dynamic spoke volumes, often more eloquently than lengthy dialogue.
• The Performances and Chemistry :
Let's address the elephant in the room: the chemistry. I found the connection between the main actors to be incredibly compelling. Their performances were nuanced, portraying the internal struggle of their characters—one bound by duty and the other by circumstance—with genuine emotion. They managed to convey a tender, protective love that felt earned by the end of the series.
The side characters, too, were more than just filler. They added depth and complexity to the political and familial struggles of the main plot, making the world of the drama feel richer and more lived-in.
• Why It Stands Out in My BL Collection
Yes, The Next Prince may have its flaws—what drama doesn't?—but its strengths, particularly its romantic heart and well-structured plot, elevate it above the rest for me. It’s a series I’ve rewatched multiple times, and each viewing only solidifies its place on my list. It’s a beautiful, emotionally resonant story about love transcending duty and expectation, wrapped in a gorgeously produced package.
If you dismissed this drama based on negative comments, I urge you to give it a fair chance. You might just find, like I did, that this overlooked gem is a truly magnificent watch.✨👍
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Overhated
honestly.. this series is too overhated. I‘ve been reading many comments since episode 1 aired and and most people here are just haters.I really liked the series. It was very good. It was more simple. It‘s just about an ordinary guy who suddenly found out that he is royal and got taken back to the kingdom because he was in danger and to win the royal competition. Nothing more, nothing less. Y‘all already knew that since the trailer so i‘m sorry but idk what y‘all expected lmao.
I think CharanKhanin‘s story was lovely. They are one of the very few green flag couples. People see a healthy couple and call them „boring“. And it’s just so hilarious how people try to find anything to talk about the characters 😭😭
I think it was a very cute lovestory. Charan was a guy who had only one thing in his mind: his duty. He was a royal guard his entire life. He had to see his mother passing away and leaving him completely alone. He only had the king who adopted him and „took care“ of him. Some were annoyed that Charan was too much into his duty not caring for Khanin. Uhm- it‘s his job? He lived like this forever and can‘t change in a few days ?? I mean if you‘re working and your partner comes and wants your attention would you just leave your work for them? 😭😭 like come on just think a little bit lmao. And people are mad that he didn’t say anything about Khanin‘s father. Like i kinda understand but we knew that he was kinda in danger and Khanin would‘ve risk a lot and go see his father. But after some time Khanin starts to understand Charan and his duties and that he couldn’t say or do a lot. And that‘s wonderful imo. If Khanin didn’t get mad, why did you? 😭
The only thing i agree is RamilPaytai and CalvinJay‘s story. I agree it was poorly written especially RamilPaytai. CalvinJay was okay and ended well. Well i wish we would‘ve gotten a lot more. Tbh i didn’t gaf about RamilPaytai. I just don‘t like this kind of couple and they were too toxic for me and i hated Ramil with all my heart. But i really started to like JimmyOhm more and wow Ohm is just gorgeous.
Ava and Mira disappointed me the most 🥲they shouldn’t even have mentioned them being a couple bc they obviously weren’t.
But honestly many people are overdoing it. I mean, it‘s okay to feel disappointed with a series. It‘s okay if you didn‘t like it. But why is it such a crime if there are some people who actually enjoyed it? If someone liked the series it‘s just „fangirls who love everything they favs do“ and calling them tasteless people and idk what else. Like- you‘re cancelling fans for disagreeing with haters(!!) but you are literally calling fans names bc they enjoyed a series you couldn‘t? I‘m sorry but that‘s immature.
I also feel like most haters don‘t even have any idea of characters and facial expressions and idk what else. They call Charan a rock. He is a royal guard? Idk what royal guard you saw but that‘s how they look 😭 he had this look for years and was only comfortable when he was off duty.
And the most hilarious thing i saw was that ZeeNunew doesn’t have any chemistry… (that was during their first NC). Guys… idk if you‘ve noticed this but- that‘s a CharanKhanin series. Not ZeeNunew. Charan is an inexperienced man who is very cautious. He literally treated Khanin like porcelain 😭He needed time to be more and more comfortable with him and he finally did. Peopke also saying that this series is only NC. That‘s 3 NCs in a 14EP series? Tbh i loved it and it‘s more realistic. They were also doing really great and improved so so much in acting.
What‘s more funny is that the first people who comment here are disappointed people who „force themselves“ to watch this because „they never want to drop a series in the middle“. Bro i‘m sorry but if you don‘t like a series just drop it 😭 if you don‘t want to bc you „don‘t like dropping series“ then that‘s your problem 😭 I‘m sorry but why spending your time on series you don‘t like?? The thing is.. when i don‘t like a series but still want to see if it gets better i actually watch the episode after 2-3 days. But they watch snd comment immediately like they‘ve been waiting all week just to hate and complain 😭😭
Not every series needs the biggest drama, toxicity, jealousy, ex partner drama, ep 11(or in that case ep13) curse and idk what else. Those things don‘t make a series „good“. Everyone has their own opinion and it you don‘t like it it‘s fine. But finding all excuses to hate on the story or characters or idk what else is just lame 😭 especially hating on the actors like bro.
It‘s okay if you don‘t like a storyline. It‘s okay if you don‘t like a character. It‘s okay if you got disappointed. It‘s okay if you expected something else. But that doesn’t mean that a series is bad.
Also people complain that it was high budget, yet a „disappointment“. Y‘all should realize that this was a royalty series. Royalty is expensive it you didn’t know yet. If they didn’t have a high budget people would‘ve complained that it looked too cheap lmao. I love that they spent all that bc the cinematography was 💋 and the OSTs were wonderful. I had goosebumps everywhere.
They could’ve made it better. Ofc. There is no perfect series. I wished they followed the novel a bit more bc it was really really good but well. Every series can be better. Still doesn’t make it bad.
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A total disaster
This BL was highly anticipated, which led people to have very high expectations. The main issue with this series is the plot, first and foremost, followed by the mediocre acting from most of the cast. A series with long episodes (something many Thai productions insist on doing), sometimes over an hour long, requires strong story development — which doesn’t happen here. The story drags, lacks development, and fails to move the audience. The truth is, people watched mostly because of the main couple, rather than anything else. The production and budget were probably among the biggest ever seen in BLs, but it still wasn’t enough to make a decent series. In the end, all that’s left is disappointment — and the hope that in the future, the focus will be, above all, on ACTING and SCRIPT.Was this review helpful to you?
had so much potential
Not one for posting reviews I usually like to watch and see the drama. But im a fan of the main leads so when they announced this and seeing the trailer I was excited for it.First of all I gotta say the acting was good, I didn't see anything wrong on how they acted they did good to what they could from the story.
The story was pretty poor, the first couple episodes draws you in and you think 'yea this is going to be good' but when he becomes the prince it changes and the story really just drops and it gets pretty boring after that. I don't like using the word boring on dramas as I am a big BL fan but thats what it was. I was disappointed especially with the ending. this drama did have so much potential and could have been made better but it really was a let down. but like I said the actors did what they could and their acting was good and it's the only drama of the main leads I was disappointed in, I have liked them in their other dramas they have done together, this one was just a nope from me.
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The cast delivers phenomenal performances — each actor brings authenticity and power to their role, especially the lead, whose character development is both moving and inspiring. The direction is meticulous, with stunning visuals that elevate the experience and a soundtrack that perfectly matches every moment.
The Next Prince is not just entertainment — it’s a reflection on power, identity, responsibility, and the weight of choice. It’s a story that stays with you, that makes you think and feel.
If you’re looking for a series that will leave you breathless, with episodes you’ll want to binge all at once, this is it. An absolute 10/10, a must-watch for anyone who loves masterful storytelling.
Bravo. 👑✨
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at least i tried
i tried really hard for this one, i rarely watch a show that i get so far into (like ep 9) then i drop, i usually just decide to continue as its nearer the end but i'am stuck on ep 10 (even tho it was on hold for a period of time) , i guess its just not really working..first i want to mention that visually its good, like the places,costumes etc its beautiful, the acting is also ok, but what happened to the plot? there is a high budget so how come the script is this bad?
ngl, i loved the first 2 eps i was hooked and excited, but from ep 3 and the rest it kept getting worse, the plot is so slow and its just focusing on the wrong things, if you have seen the comments you would see many frustrated people , the main reason is that this series did really have potential to be great but it didnt
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Burning chemistry, royal tension – and scenes that go all the way.
Starring Zee Pruk Panich & NuNew Chawarin Perdpiriyawong🎭 Story & Characters
The Next Prince presents a forbidden love story between a tough, loyal bodyguard and a charismatic, uncompromising prince.
The series builds a slow yet charged dynamic between two characters whose class differences are clear – but their emotional pull breaks through all boundaries.
✅ What works great:
Spot-on casting:
Zee brings to the screen a quiet, introverted, tough character – full of self-control, but overflowing with emotion that speaks through his eyes.
NuNew – finally – blooms in a role that fits him perfectly: stubborn, goal-driven, with natural charm right where it needs to be.
The playful edge and light sass he brings to the character gives it spark – and makes the emotional moments hit even harder.
The chemistry between the leads:
It’s present in every frame. No need for excess dialogue – just glances, silence, and rising tension.
And yes – it’s obvious there’s real love in the air off screen too. 😉
Backstory twists:
A childhood trauma revealed in episode 6 adds depth to the bodyguard’s character.
Even though it arrives abruptly, with no buildup – it’s still a powerful moment.
🔥 Let’s talk about Episode 7 & 10:
Of course, we can’t ignore the scenes at the end of episodes 7 and 10 –
some of the boldest, most daring scenes in recent BL.
Huge respect to Zee and NuNew for their courage, and to the writers and director for not holding back.
These scenes break open all the tension and emotion that’s been simmering throughout the series – and finally give us the release we were waiting for.
They’re intense, intimate, and beautifully executed .
⚖️ Pacing, Conflict & Plot:
One of the weaker points is the pacing –
Entire episodes stretch with filler scenes that don’t always move the story or characters forward.
This affects the emotional weight – especially for the main and secondary couples.
The promise of action shown in the trailers mostly exists in the opening episode –
but like we often see, the creators open strong and then pull back.
If you start at full speed, you have to keep up the momentum.
Now, finally, the feeling of drama and high stakes is beginning to pay off.
The secondary couple got a surprising – even shocking – twist.
But it still lacks context: how did they meet? What really connects them?
One scene hints at family violence – and that’s where it stops.
By episode 10 we still don’t fully understand their story – and it feels incomplete.
🧭 Final thoughts:
The Next Prince brings strong romantic chemistry, a fresh and intriguing world, and classic class-based tension.
The locations are absolutely beautiful – every scene feels polished and rich.
The costumes? Not a single weak spot. Every outfit is detailed, deliberate, and fitting.
Even NuNew’s book prop shows how much thought was given to the smallest visual details.
And now – we’re finally starting to feel the drama we were promised from the start
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I Tried, but Just Wasnt for Me
I gave it a try and ended up dropping the show after 5 episodes. From the start, I felt that not enough time was spent on Kanin's relationship with his father. So, when the show needed a catalyst, his dad is used as a way to gain quick and easy empathy for the main character and to offer a reason to get him to abandon his home to travel to Emmaly (his origins). As a result, I just didnt feel the emotional weight of what is supposed to be a devastating turning point in Kanin's life. His dad is reduced to serve as a plot device to move along the story.When it was revealed his father isn't his biological dad, it made me wonder why Khanin didn't press further for more answers. His dad must've fabricated a false backstory on why he was a single father raising him by himself. What did he say about who gave birth to him? We don't know what he told Khanin as a child. I feel like that's quite a big deal to just overlook.
When we do leave the home, it turns into a chase scene and fight sequences which we know isn't a threat because the show needs them to survive to get to Emmaly. And the chase scene is marked by the "welcome to Thailand" banner where the entirety of episode 2 functions as a tour of Thailand as our main characters hold hands running through the streets, to the train, and to the plane trying to evade capture. You too could also book a stay at Movenpick resorts in Bangkok.
For a story built around a fictional kingdom, it seems like maybe it would make sense to spend time traversing it's lands to get there. Maybe learn about its culture and it's people during their travels. But, we don't have time for that when Thailand is nearby to shift between tourist locations that the global audience can visit. Plus, you can get Emmaly information dumps from storybooks, holographic projectors, ipads, and royal attendants to fill in the gaps to Emmaly culture and society.
Im not saying this to criticize promoting one's country. Thailand should absolutely be proud and put their country on display. It's just ...why even have this fictional kingdom in the first place when it feels like the world building is an afterthought that they dont really know what to do with.
In general, I feel like the story is buried under all its obligations. With it's high budget and the exposure it has, it feels like the production was forced to devise ways to fit in scenes to cater to those who invested in it's success. From guest appearances (influncers, musical guests, international extras) to abrupt product placements for Tao Kai Noi and Pocky and to promoting tourism. There are many who want a piece of its success.
I understand this is just the way it is. The project has to get funded somehow. But I feel like too many sacrifices were made at the expense of storytelling. Aesthetics were prioritized over content.
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