This review may contain spoilers
An erotic bl without any NC needed
God, this is truly a masterpiece. It's not just a bl, it's so much more than that. It is good queer representation, shown through Jira's fashion sense, slang, and mannerisms. It is art and critique on generative ai, and truly touches on what art really means. No character in this is perfect, they're all messed up in their own way. And that's what makes this bl so powerful; its realism. It's raw, it's real, it's erotic with no NC scenes needed. It's sweet at times. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing, all one huge red flag disguised as a normal love triangle. It's truly everything.All the actors did such a great job. The chemistry is through the ROOF.
Jira looks innocent, but secretly seems to know what he's doing. He has strong morals and is confident in who he is. His art really reflects that. I wish I had one of his pieces in my own home! He's complex, but sincere. He's definitely made his fair share of mistakes, but still I'm rooting for his happy end, no matter who that may be with.
Koh seems cold and calculated, but deep within, he's more soft than he'd like to admit. He seems to really like Jira, but sadly, he likes his work more. Morality and consistency definitely aren't his strongest suits, which causes many problems between him and Jira. There's definitely some character development needed for those two to actually work out. Please, Jira, knock some sense into the guy 🥹
Pheem seems like a good guy; a green flag, even. But he's really not. He's a f*ckboy, if you will. He's manipulative and calculating, pretending to be someone he's not just to get with Jira, which really shows how he's definitely not used to being rejected. He's not used to feeling the way he does at all. He's a sore loser, and can get quite aggressive at times. He's definitely not scared of confrontation, and he's actually quite an honest person.
Dew is such a great actor. I really feel his emotions through the screen. His chemistry with Gun is wonderful, and I still find myself genuinely rooting for them. The love triangle is confusing in a perfect way, Jira is stuck between the option that seems right, and the option that *feels* right, even though it'll probably go wrong sooner or later.
The cinematography in this is gorgeous. Almost every scene has me looking in awe. It's such a gorgeous series.
The music choices are also amazing. Every song perfectly fits the scene and the overall vibe of this series. It never disappoints.
I really wish gmmtv would do more bls like this. The genuine care and attention that seems to have gone into the writing and filming is immaculate. I need a second season already, Off, Gun, and Dew are just that amazing. Keep up the great work <3
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It had a huge potential but the end was rushed
Honestly I really liked the series's diversity. P'Nuchy is one of the very few directors who make original projects and don't copy what's already been here just with different cast and characters. I loved that the series brought awareness about AI and it's bad impact on the global environment and also how artist can hardly survive on selling their paintings no matter how talented they are because less and less people are willing to spend more money on such paintings and with AI it's killing this business completely. The acting was phenomenal here. I had no problem with that. The story was going well too but I was still disappointed at the end. I know gmmtv series hardly do sad/open endings at the end but since the story was rushed between Koh and Jira and such serious conflict wasn't properly resolved between them, it'd be far better if they just left it open. That time skip is kinda useless when we don't see how the characters put up with it and if they changed something about themselves during that time. They usually use time skips to make sense of the characters getting together at the end after break-up like in Last Twilight or ATOTS for example but it feels like something's missing there.I also hoped that Jira wouldn't be spineless when it came to his art. He kept defending it the whole time and it mattered more to him than his own body so seeing him selling his art to Koh at the end after Koh betrayed him by giving it to AI made me lose the remaining respect I had for him. I get he sold his AI which was actually developed by the employees whom he fired but he was still cocky about it even after he saw how much it hurt Jira as an artist... if Jira stood by his harsh words and didn't go back on it after some time passed, I'd have more respect for him.
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Dense, textured, and at times suffocatingly real in its emotional weight
The new Thai drama Burnout Syndrome is far from the radiant love story many might expect from the genre. Under the meticulous direction of P’Nuchy, the series unfolds like a slow-drying oil painting: dense, textured, and at times suffocatingly real in its emotional weight. The story immerses us in an ocean of chronic fatigue, where burnout is not an explosive event but a gray haze that slowly consumes the characters’ identities and dictates the rhythm of their relationships.At the center of this triangle of “red flags” are Jira, an artist whose ethical principles seem as volatile as his colors; Koh, a cold capitalist who views humanity as a resource; and Pheem, the man who cleans up other people’s wreckage in exchange for validation that never truly comes. What makes the series compelling is not a search for redemption, but the brutal honesty with which it portrays broken people. These are characters who do not apologize for their toxicity and move through an emotional chessboard where desire and power outweigh conventional affection.
Off and Gun reach a new level of maturity in their performances. Off sheds vanity to embody Koh’s physical thinness and emotional coldness, while Gun delivers a Jira who walks the fine line between vulnerability and manipulation. Their chemistry does not explode in fireworks; it burns quietly through shared silences and restrained gestures. Dew Jirawat surprises as Pheem, perhaps the character with the most visible arc, balancing charm and resentment with growing nuance. The supporting cast, especially Ing and Mawin, serves as a moral anchor in a sea of inflated egos. Emi, as Ing, becomes a true moral compass, almost a possible home amid the protagonists’ psychological chaos.
Visually, the series is a feast for the senses. The cinematography is superb, using the contrast between Jira’s warm, floral bedroom and Koh’s sterile, clinical apartment to tell a story that words alone cannot capture. The soundtrack and production design elevate the work to something nearly artisanal, turning each episode into an aesthetic experience that justifies the time invested, even when the script chooses to tread thorny paths.
However, Burnout Syndrome hesitates at crucial moments. The narrative flirts with deeper critiques of automation, artificial intelligence, and the dehumanization of modern labor, but seems to pull back before delivering a decisive blow. These themes, though symbolically rich, remain at the margins and function more as a backdrop for personal drama than as a fully developed sociological debate. It is a show that aspires to be subversive but sometimes prefers the safety of metaphor over the bluntness of confrontation.
The ending is, without question, the most divisive point and, interestingly, the most realistic. By avoiding a magical cure for deep trauma, the series offers an ambivalent resolution. Jira and Koh’s reunion is not a celebration of romantic love, but an acknowledgment of mutual dependence, a symbiosis between an artist who needs a patron, even an oppressive one, and a narcissist who needs to feel through someone else’s art. It is a “happy for now,” burdened with emotional baggage neither of them seems willing to let go of.
Although its slow pace may alienate viewers seeking dramatic twists, there is a melancholic beauty in watching these individuals crumble and slowly rebuild themselves. The series reminds us that, in the marketplace of emotions, art and capital often share the same bed, and that inspiration can emerge from the most unhealthy places. It lingers, provoking discomfort and reflection long after the final credits roll.
In the end, Burnout Syndrome is an artistic chaos that deserves contemplation. It may not be the drama we wanted, the kind where everyone learns valuable lessons and becomes a better person, but it is certainly the drama that mirrors the complexity and selfishness of contemporary relationships. It invites us to stare into the abyss and perhaps find a trace of poetry in the darkness.
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Wasted cast, wasted potential story...
This is what happens when you take 1 cup of great cast, 5 cups of good ideas, 3 cups of stories but forget to mix it all together to a smooth and consistent story before burning it in the oven.I have been struggling to rate this drama, there are some pretty decent shots, and interesting dynamics between the leads. The story does bring something new, and the fact that non of the characters is perfect or truly lovable has its charm. However they missed some key moments in the process and build of Pheems character. I do not really understand his obsession. While I can clearly see Kos progression and reasoning between his choices. While I can appreciate the show of beeing drown to the bad for you in Jira they failed to convey the glue between the on and off again. There was to much missing for me to truly understand him making him seem fickle. There was so much that could have been done here that was left out leaving me unattached and with a feeling of meeh.
That said, there are some pretty decent (hot) shots, the art is interesting , not sure about the AI side plot though...
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This review may contain spoilers
Could've been one of the best series ever
*minor spoilers*It is definitely one of the best OffGun series in my opinion, but some aspects of it, as well as the ending, made it worse for me.
Where to watch: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLszepnkojZI5PgAzQZcE8fQdOVzJZgicx
Things I Liked:
1. They did a good job portraying a real-life problem with the AI.
2. Great acting from everyone. I really want to see Dew more in similar roles in the future as well as Off. They did an amazing job.
3. I love the chemistry between all of the main characters. Watching them feels like I'm in a whole chemistry lab.
4. Koh is a freaking megamind. He is always two steps ahead of everybody. I loved his character for the most part.
5. ("I can't live without you." "Well, I can.") Jira finally standing up for himself—that has to be the best thing he's done.
6. I fell in love with the style of this series. Everything was so beautiful!
Things I disliked:
1. They moved from absolute hate to "move in with me" in less than 2 episodes. A bit too quick in my opinion, 1-2 more episodes would be perfect.
2. No matter how much I disliked Pheem for several reasons, I still would accept the Pheem and Jira ending 10 times out of 10 rather than the Koh and Jira.
3. While watching 10th episode, I was hoping so hard for an ending where Jira end's up with either Pheem or, even better, alone because after everything, I really didn't want to see Koh ever again
4. A classic "timeskip fixes everything." They didn't show us a single thing to prove that Koh truly changed for the best or at least did something to get closer to that. There is no way these characters would be able to stay together in any type of healthy or sane relationship without doing anything to become better.
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A good mess and a good trio
It’s clearly one of the most well-crafted BLs in GMMTV’s lineup. The story focuses on three characters Jira, Koh, and Pheem who really stand out, with strong personalities that are well written and genuinely enjoyable to watch.What I particularly love about the series is the way the characters interact with one another. None of them are idealized or flawless, which is a refreshing change from the usual portrayals, especially in GMMTV productions. They all have imperfections, making them feel more human and believable.
I also appreciated how the series approaches the topic of artificial intelligence. The critique remains somewhat surface-level, but it’s still engaging, especially in how technology and art are discussed, with an underlying commentary on capitalist society.
Another highlight for me is the styling. The way the characters are dressed really adds to the show’s identity and gives it an almost timeless feel. It’s a subtle detail, but it strongly contributes to the overall atmosphere.
The supporting characters are also very memorable, which is quite unusual for a GMMTV series. Ing and Mawin play an essential role in grounding Jira and Pheem and keeping them in check.
And special mention to Dew and Gun honestly, they deserve their own series. I absolutely loved their chemistry.
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This show does not get better
I've decided to drop this show after 8 episodes. I know I'm almost there to the finish line but I can't keep watching this slop, which is so crazy cause I've never said that about an OffGun show before.The writing for the show is really where the issues stem from. The acting and even direction have been fine as always. But firstly let's talk about the characters. Koh is such a bad character, not only because he has a bad personality, but his thoughts and actions make no sense and his backstory doesn't justify the way he acts. And Jira is also frustrating because he genuinely doesn't want better for himself and feels tied down to any situation he's in, like being poor and having to work for Koh. He acts like he doesn't have a choice in his OWN LIFE. His character also doesn't know how to set and enforce boundaries and it's just so pathetic. I've seen people say Pheem is toxic but he's really not, his only "toxic" thing is believing Jira will fully accept him only after he's had s*x with him, which shows to be true from Jira's actions. Also he's just as obsessed with Jira but he at least doesn't act entitled to him, his time, and body like Koh.
The romance in the show is bad for the obviously leading couple. The only "romance" between Koh and Jira is Koh being needy (which is so unattractive because he acts like a kid/brat and is so entitled after being such an 🍑 to Jira) and Jira obviously not wanting to like him but liking him. But that's not romance, that's just the situation at hand. There is nothing showing me that yeah they really should be together and is the better pair. This show does not make my heart flutter, it only did that at first with Pheem and Jira cause they have the better chemistry and story. until Jira messed everything up. I think Pheem genuinely deserves better. This show would have been so much better if Dew and Off switched characters and it was about breaking free from their oppressor together/tearing him down and finding love with freedom.
And the plot started off as good but has fallen so badly. I liked the idea of him being poor and Koh hiring him and falling in love but the execution is so bad. Also all of the business scenese are done so badly. Nothing irl would happen like that and I don't understand why they show so much of the stuff he says to the business people if it's not important to the story. They should have just montaged those scenes. It was also giving revenge story at first and then just fell off so hard smh.
And last petty little things is that Mawin's dialogues are bad and always tries to be so profound over the littlest situations and Ing has a lot of weird aura farming moments that are so badly placed and last really long. Honestly there's been a lot of those scenes where they want to show the attractiveness of the cast but the scenes always come off as awkward and long lol
But yeah I would not recommend this. The people who say this show is so good are blinded by their OffGun love. I'm very disappointed and will now rewatch the entirety of Not Me and Bad Buddy to make me feel better.
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Bad ML
I watched it cause Dew Jirawat was being casted. Is Jira blind or something because Koh is being such a red flag. The reason why Jira like Koh is because he is using him as his inspiration to his art and Koh is using him to have a better sleep. Especially the last part when Koh used Jira's art to program his AI even though Jira hates AI art the most. Then he forgave him one year later and banged on the table. Ing is being a good friend but her appearance in the show is very awkward timings, she just appears out of nowhere to give support. Marwin is there for comedy relief i dont understand. Pheem is clearly blind, he keeps pursuing Jira even tho Jira is toxically interested in Koh. To be honest i dont even know why Jira started to date Koh, there is no actual reason why they started dating they didnt even ask each other out. What kind of storyline is this. Pheem actually got to know Jira and there was character development, Jira even denied sleeping with Pheem because it was too early in their relationship. BOOM the next thing u know it Koh forced himself on Jira AND JIRA LET HIM. Pheem expressed his anger in the rage room and all Jira had to do was say he want to paint him and Pheem became interested in Jira again. SORRY BUT WHEN KOH CRIED WITH HIS SUNGLASSES ON, I FELT NOTHING. ITS SO BAD HE HAS NO REASON TO CRY. NO REASON AT ALL JUST BECAUSE HE HAS A SAD BACKSTORY DOESNT JUSTIFY HIM TO EXPLIOT PEOPLE. Ts is not cute at all.....KINDA WASTED MY TIME IF NOT FOR DEW JIRAWAT.Was this review helpful to you?
This Series is A Work of Art
P’Nuchy (Anucha Boonyawatana) has masterfully transformed the clinical exhaustion of our modern age into a breathtaking visual symphony with the Burnout Syndrome series (2025). The storyline is a visceral exploration of the soul’s limits, weaving a complex narrative of ambition and intimacy that demands your full attention. The acting is nothing short of transcendent, with the cast delivering raw, consistently outstanding performances that capture the quiet desperation and flickering hope of those on the brink. This is elevated by a musical score seamlessly woven into the show’s fabric, hauntingly amplifying every emotional beat without ever overwhelming the scene.Beyond just a television show, this series is a true work of art—a cinematic mirror held up to a generation battling emotional and physical fatigue. P'Nuchy uses the camera like a paintbrush, treating every frame as a masterpiece that explores the "negative space" of human struggle. The rewatch value is immense; each viewing reveals hidden layers of symbolism and subtle nuances in the character arcs that you might miss the first time around. In an era of disposable content, this series serves as a vital reminder that work can be labor, but storytelling of this caliber is a timeless art form that heals as much as it haunts.
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Visuals and Vibe Deliver
This series was honestly pretty fun to watch. It kicked off really strong — the first few episodes had me hooked with the vibe, the colors, and just the overall uniqueness of the presentation. But I have to say, the last two episodes felt a bit rushed and didn’t quite match the energy of the earlier ones. It’s like they were trying to wrap things up quickly, and it lost some of the rhythm that made the beginning so good. That said, I appreciate that the show was clearly aiming to give fans something different. The aesthetic alone — the way they played with visuals and atmosphere — really set it apart from the usual BL series we’ve been seeing lately. And the cast? They carried it. Gun was, as always, consistently brilliant, and Dew really stood out too. The directing deserves credit as well; it kept things simple plot‑wise but leaned into character development, which worked for the most part, even if a few areas felt a little bland or underdeveloped. Overall, I’d call this series a refreshing change of pace. It might not have been perfect, but it was definitely enjoyable and worth the watch, a 4.5 out of 5 stars.Was this review helpful to you?
Selfish Desires
This is EXACTLY the kind of show I needed from OffGun. Dramatic, sexy, thrilling, and MESSY! Throughout the entire show I was upset with both of their characters, as well as Dew's, and that's what made this show so fun. Truly, this is a story of three people motivated almost entirely by their own selfish desires, and the conflicts that they end up in because of it.Jira (Gun) is a struggling artist, currently unemployed and unwilling to take jobs that involve AI because of his moral aversion to generated art. Even art isn't motivating him anymore, so his friend suggests he head to Burn Out Bar to meet other people in similar situations. There he meets Pheem (Dew) and the two hit it off - Jira listens to Pheem's stories of his overbearing boss, and Pheem is happy to have someone to listen and flirt with. Soon, Jira is offered a job working for Koh (Off), but the details are a bit murky. Eventually, Jira learns that Koh is one of the biggest names in tech right now, with an AI model in development that will blow the others away - but since Koh hates dealing with people, he hires Jira as his stand-in for in person events. As much as Jira hates AI, he loves the rush of inspiration he gets around Koh, and finally his love of painting is back and sexier than ever. Jira is torn between his feelings for Pheem and Koh, and the two men both struggle for Jira's attention, but it's unclear whether they're fighting for him because they love him, or because they want something from him.
I loved the way that this love triangle played out. Yes, one of the downsides of watching a GMM love triangle is that you always know who they plan on having together at the end, but the way the relationships developed over the course of the show as so fun. Koh is motivated by his desire to use Jira for his own gain; Pheem by his need to win Jira's attention; and Jira by his sexual fantasies of Koh and entertainment from Pheem. All of these characters seem to disregard the other characters' feelings for their own gain, and boy does that make this fun to watch!! And even as an OffGun fan, I absolutely cannot deny the chemistry between Dew and Gun - frankly, the show is worth watching just for that! Not to mention, the directing/cinematography of this show is GORGEOUS! I'm not gonna lie, I feel like it's rare that I say that about GMM shows nowadays, but WOW this show blew me away with how beautiful it was. My biggest complaints about the show are just that it could have used a little more time on the final conflict, since the ending felt a bit rushed, and I wish they committed more to the messaging around the harm of AI since it was a central theme of the show. Still, this show was VERY good and definitely worth watching if you're into messy and dramatic plots with very flawed characters.
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BETTER than Not Me or Theory of Love, but still flawed
Theory of Love has lots of realism to it, but it has a big Off’s character redemption arc that it not believable for multiple reasons, so this makes the series way less realistic that it could have been for the sake of fairy tale happy ending typical of the BL genre.Not Me (2021) is unique and outstanding conceptually for many reasons, but the details of what and how it happens are not believable, they demand lots of “suspend disbelief”.
This series, being also faulty, is not even a BL:
1. No multiple couples
2. No stupid sound effects
3. A love triangle.
And it is way more real than nearly everything out there.
In regards to the question of the “AI”, which is actually just neural networks (JNN), versus art.
I call it all JNN because they can not reason, derive causality, understand anything. There are attempts to combine them with algorithmic logic to imitate thinking, but this is a rigid thing that comes from the 1980s and it is nothing alike to what an actual person can do.
In the future alive human artists will still have a niche as performers who can draw quick sketches or even bigger works in real time in clubs and galleries. Of, at the very least, have their works in expositions with certified multi-angle video shoots of the whole painting process. Maybe even some analogue or provably simplistic digital cameras will be certified and offered for rent to artists to prove the authenticity of their work as being done by their own hands.
The “AI”, as described above, can not think, it is just an aping of parroting tool that can rehash what it was trained on. It can produce works that can be perceived as made by a human, but it is not different from e.g. stones in nature randomly situated in a way that can be read as meaningful.
So if we define art is an act of an artist that includes thoughtful consideration, the neural networks can not do it. But if we define art is some object itself, then it does not matter if a human or nature or a neural network has made it.
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Details and drawbacks are noted in a comment with spoilers below.
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