The Next Prince

Finally a Thai BL drama worth going mainstream

What happens when you suddenly wake up one day and discover you’re a prince? It’s a trope as old as time. But from the “Game of Thrones”-like opening sequence, you immediately know this is a big-budget Thai BL series. I credit Domundi for breaking new ground by producing BL shows with higher budgets and more adult-oriented storytelling, moving away from the cheesy, teeny-bopper style often associated with the genre.

With two top-tier leads, Zee and Nunew, expectations are high—and the production delivers. Filming on location in England, paired with gorgeous costume design and stunning sets, gives the drama a refined, high-end feel. The sweeping musical score perfectly matches the emotions on screen, adding depth to every scene.

The cinematography is a standout. From beautifully lit performances to breathtaking shots across the UK, the world-building feels convincing, drawing you into this imagined kingdom. Even though it’s difficult to accept an Asian cast as European royalty, the direction, visuals, and fencing sequences elevate the concept and make it surprisingly believable. The fencing competition, though predictable, was executed with elegance and added to the regal atmosphere.

Another refreshing detail—the absence of product placement. Unlike many Thai BLs that are often weighed down by sponsors’ items, this series feels free to focus entirely on story and artistry.

Zee and Nunew shine in their more mature roles, delivering romance that is both passionate and beautifully orchestrated. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Ohm bring remarkable depth in their supporting roles, with chemistry so strong it nearly steals the spotlight. Their final episode scene was especially moving—it brought tears to my eyes. I only wish their background story had been explored further.

The pacing can feel slow at times, largely because of the many characters that require development. While this risks feeling tedious, I’d still prefer it to a rushed narrative crammed into fewer episodes. In fact, the show benefits from weaving in broader themes—social, geopolitical, and environmental—alongside the central romance, giving the story more weight and relevance.

In conclusion, if this is the future direction of Thai BL, then we’re entering an era where the genre can truly go mainstream

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Okay, I finished watching it now and this drama has officially become my fav bl (so far). I've been waiting for it like crazy for a long time and I was even more excited for it to finally come out, the actors didn't disappoint, the cast was insane and the whole series was perfect. It was really beautiful, touching and the last dava vibe is like a dream that you just don't want to wake up from, it's just so beautiful, sns. At times I thought that we don't really know much about the supporting characters and that I'm sorry how little screen time they have, but thank God it got better towards the end, there was also a plot twist, the surprise must not be missed and I was really surprised because I was expecting absolutely everyone, except for the ending, so I applaud you, it was really a beautiful ending and I really liked the series and of course I have to highlight their perfect English, which I was a little afraid of, but everyone really surprised me, I love it yeah and I probably don't even need to mention that I cried, because that wouldn't be me, right :)

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Could have been great

Let me start off by saying that this is a beautiful show, the budget was certainly there, and I appreciate them going all out. But my praise stops soon after that. The plot is fully nonsensical, the show seems to be having an identity crisis not knowing what it wants to be. The characters were paperthin, Charan especially, he was just so bland. NuNew and Zee have plenty of chemistry but nothing to do with it. The side couple has such an interesting dynamic but they have too little screen time to explore it. It is hard to explain how a show that has so much happening is still so boring.

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The Princess Diaries but make it gay and with fencing

At first I was impressed by the budget that was spent on the locations and clothing. Although, I will say watching Zee struggle to bow his head in that starched collar was an experience. I do however, love love love Net in blue - and I hope they continue to dress him in blue in future projects as well.

It was a nice look at JJ and Net's dynamic, although I wish they had had more screen time. I know they were the third couple, but I wanted to know more about Jay and Calvin. Their chemistry was nice and I could really feel the emotions between the pair as their plot developed.

I wish we'd seen more of Ava and Mira - but that is my lesbian self projecting. Ava was a wonderful character and I couldn't help but feel she was underutilized.

Jimmy and Ohm as Paytai and Ramil were really the ones that caught my attention the most. They were dynamic, but were unfortunately let down by the script. The relationship presented was complex and layered but the script didn't allow the actors to show the entire depth, which was a shame.

Zee and Nunew's perforamnce was good and they continue to grow together. I really enjoyed seeing them in an almost reversed role, with Nunew playing the more confident Khanin and Zee playing the more reserved and uncertain Charan. I think they played the dynamic well and honestly, think I prefer this to the dynamic they tend to play.

The plot could have done with some revisions and maybe with some extra help in the script writing it would have really made this drama even more successful. I wish we had got to see more of the country and the dynamics between the region.

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Interesting Start Turned Trashy, then Grew A LOT Better.

I almost gave up on it lots of times, it started strong, but once it went to living as royalty, dynamics changed for the worse, and the aesthetics just felt trashy, especially combined with the theme tune, the awful bad-taste old-fashioned instrumentals and the level of advertisements. It all felt OTT and too camp for a while, and the politics were just boring.

From around episode 8 things changed, and the show just got better and better. Pre-ep 8 seemed to be like the getting to know you stage, that was hit or miss, and it just dragged. I stayed so long purely because I'm a ZeeNunew fan. The later on in the show it was, the more natural and realistic the characters were and the better the music and story was, and by the last ep, ALL relationships, scenes and music was great. Episode 14 was VERY good, and felt like watching Cutie Pie, but more elevated and with even more connection.

Overall, it should probably get an 8, with the best and worst of the show, but given how good the best parts are (strongly rivaling the best of BL), I rate it an 8.5 instead.

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All in

The Next Prince has quickly become one of those shows you just can’t stop thinking about. It’s got everything—royal drama, juicy power plays, and a slow-burn romance that really hits the feels.

What I love most is how real the characters feel. Charan and Khanin’s relationship isn’t just some typical love story. Khanin comes across as a bit childish at times, sure—but there’s so much more beneath the surface. He isn`t perfect, but thats a good thing. He’s been ripped out of everything he knew, feeling lost and vulnerable, and Charan is the one person who actually gives him the stability he craves. It’s not just taking either—Khanin’s learning to give back, but he desperately needs that emotional connection.

And Charan? He’s carrying his own baggage, with a past that’s clearly left scars. Watching him try to be there for Khanin while dealing with his own demons makes their bond feel real and raw.

And then there’s the political chess game—secret meetings, shifting alliances, and power struggles between princes keep the stakes high. Plus, Ramil and Patay’s relationship adds another juicy layer. Their toxic, complicated love—mixed with royal pressure and control—brings tension and drama that’s hard to look away from. You see them fighting to hold on to each other, even if it means hurting themselves or those around them. It’s messy, intense, and strangely compelling.

On the lighter side, we have Jay and Calvin, who bring a refreshing chill vibe to the story. Calvin is a prince from a neighboring kingdom, studying semi-undercover at the art academy where Charan teaches, and Jay is a fellow student who also helps Charan out. Their cute, low-key relationship contrasts nicely with all the royal chaos around them. It’s sweet, subtle, and shows that not every royal romance has to be high drama (jet?).

The supporting cast is all in all amazing, adding layers and flavor that really round out the world. Plus, the acting across the board is just superb. The emotions come through so naturally, you can’t help but get hooked. The music ist beautiful and dreamy...

If you’re into royal dramas with heart, complexity, and some serious chemistry, The Next Prince is a must-watch. It keeps evolving, and honestly, I’m here for every moment.

PS: For those who were unsure after the first few episodes—trust me, The Next Prince just keeps getting better.
The beginning might feel a bit “staged,” but that’s only because they put so much effort into building a whole new world instead of settling for something flat or basic. And it pays off. Each episode gets stronger, and the character development is clearly taking shape. So give them a little time—it’s worth it.

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