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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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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best bl out here
This was one of the most anticipated bl dramas coming out in 2025, and it delivered, 10/10 and more.NuNew and Zee do an incredible acting job as their characters and as always, have crazy chemistry together.I loved watching them fall in love, once again, in each episode. The NC scenes were honestly out of this world!!
I waited each episode with excitement. The plot is done very well, the cinematography is stunning and the outfits gorgeus!! I cannot wait to see what's next from these two!!!!!
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The biggest Mame flop
Everything was perfect except the story itself. The costumes were perfect, good looking actors, good and decent acting performances, the best setting, a good budget and a solid fanbase for the lead actors. But what was the story about?Why Kanin NEVER asked about his mom? Why did he have to learn about his country’s flag when he’s in his 20s? Like what was his father doing when teaching him about his country? Why could anyone get close to and harm the second in line of throne? Why Charan’s phone was not tapped? The old king was a control freak but did nothing to those who attempted to kill his grandson?
Nothing makes sense!
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Sorry ZeeNew
Cutie Pie the series is the first BL I ever saw them as the couple. But, watching The Next Prince, I could only see a little improvements on their acting, especially NuNew.Kinda feel like his character in CP or TNP is the same.
Story is somewhat good, acting could be improve from the main couple but the aesthetics is sooooo beautiful. The palace, the clothes, the settings.
No wonder they splurged budget on this series.
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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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No need this much hate
This series was good. I honestly kind of enjoyed it, and I think almost all of the actors did their very best in their roles. You can really feel the effort they put into the characters, and that made the drama more enjoyable for me. and i love chakri 😁 his actions when prince n charan together is soo cute.What made it even more interesting was the jungle competition and the scene where they got attacked. That part was really cool and exciting, but for me, it ended too suddenly. I feel like if the series had added more confusion, suspense, and thrilling moments like that, it could have been even better. In fact, if it had focused more on those thrilling elements, I would easily give it a full 10 out of 10.
One thing I often notice in Thai dramas, especially BL dramas, is that they usually have a good story idea in their hands, but sometimes they do not deliver it in the most effective way. The plot is there, the potential is there, but the execution can miss the chance to make it more powerful. I have seen this in a lot of BL dramas. Thai BL dramas, for me, are usually stronger in romance, but not always in storyline. They are very good at giving romantic feelings, but when it comes to adding thriller, suspense, or deeper plot twists, they often miss that chance too.
A lot of people gave this drama bad ratings and negative reviews, but honestly, I do not think it deserves that much hate. For a Thai BL, I feel like it is actually kind of good, especially because Thai BL dramas usually do not include many strong thrilling elements. This series at least tried to bring something more than just simple romance, and I appreciate that.
Still, this series is not bad at all. It is actually pretty good. Another thing was the villain. I could not fully hate him or feel angry at him, because in a way, he was right. Deep down, he felt more like a good person who changed because of what happened to someone important to him. That reason made his character more understandable and more human.
And honestly, one of the funniest thoughts about this drama is the whole clan system and the competition to choose a king. They are all supposed to continue their clan lines, but at the same time, almost everyone seems interested in the same gender. So in the future, it feels like none of these clans are going to have any heirs at all. That makes the whole serious clan tradition a little funny when you think about it.
In the end, I definitely recommend this drama. It may not fully use all of its thrilling potential, but it is still a pretty good watch and worth recommending.
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Cute little BL story
This cute little BL story centres around Prince Khanin played by Nunew Charawin and Charan, his body guard, played by Zee Pruk Panich. If you’ve watched anything else with them in you’ll already know that their chemistry is fabulous. In fact some of the kissing towards the end of the drama looks more spontaneous than staged.They meet in what should have been a simple ‘escort the young man home to meet the family he didn’t know he had’ situation but which turns into an all out rescue and scramble.
The younger actors are all beautiful and over time we are introduced to two other love interest pairings and a strong female, all of which face their own challenges - this drama has several sub plots from these people that add emotion and depth as they address issues created by parents or society. There are twists and turns (but I’m afraid I guessed the baddie quite quickly) where some of the characters take control of their lives, others own up to the misdemeanours they’ve created and a couple are beyond redemption. Unfortunately there are a few missed or downplayed issues that never really get addressed.
The fight scenes, especially at the beginning are terrible (sorry!) as you can clearly see that although punches are thrown, they don’t even get close to their targets yet still they fall. They did get better as the show went on, thankfully.
Prince Khanin’s butler Chakri, played by Ballchin Tanawat is utterly brilliant and manages to be in the wrong place at the wrong time on several occasions much to the two main characters’ frustrations (if you get what I mean) and throughout the drama he didn’t fail to put a smile on my face. I will be watching out for him…
Production values were excellent, even though the palace sets and costumes gave me Princess Diaries vibes, and apart from the fight scenes this is a great mini series.
What’s not to like about a country that is governed by the A-see-wot-e-wot-in family? Sorry, this name made me chuckle every time I heard it!
Would I watch it again? Just for the male lead chemistry and the fabulous A-see-wot-e-wot-ins I may come back but not any time soon.
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