Sammy's Children's Day

Best BL of 2026 so far

Thank you to that one manhwa artist fangirling over He Yanzhao for finally convincing me to check out this series. Holy hell, he's stunning.

Not gonna lie, if Xia Liu Yi had been played by a different actor, I probably wouldn't have been interested in watching it at all, especially with a weird title like that.

The chemistry between the leads was off the charts. The OST was amazing and perfectly suited the series' 1980s Hong Kong setting. The cinematography was beautifully shot, with so many scenes that felt like they belonged in a movie.

Unpopular opinion: I had no issue with the dubbing. Then again, I understand Cantonese, so that probably helped a lot.

Definitely one of my favorite BLs, that's for sure.

Now all that's left is to patiently (or not so patiently) wait for Season 2. Hopefully it won't take too long. (guess i'll read the novel in the meantime....)

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unique plot and fantastic chemistry

Overall: this is a slow burn done right. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/6325/sammys-childrens-day-2026 (not available in Macau, Japan or Korea) ; Viki viki.com/tv/41463c-sammys-childrens-day (U.S, New Zealand possibly other countries) YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvGcdVlZnkJ5Y4OWETVZTXmJMKswptul5&si=arkxVwP7ybUjxOgt (everywhere except Japan and Korea, episode 2 onwards requires a membership)

Content Warnings: murders, blood, torture, violence, kidnapping/held against will, coercion, mental health struggles, suicide, past child abuse, attempted sex trafficking, self harm, manipulation, non con kiss, grief

Watch Suggestions (take out most content warnings)
- episode 1 watch beginning to 16min, 20:30-end
- episode 2 watch beginning to 1:50, 6-15:30, 23:40-30:15, 36-38
- episode 3 watch 5min-14:45 and 31-46
- episode 4 watch 23min-end
- watch episodes 5, 6 & 7
- watch episode 8 (skip 18min-22:30)
- episode 9 watch beginning-5:30 and 28-end

What I Liked
- the setting/plot
- unique dynamic (the person who did the kabedon in a later episode is not who a viewer would expect)
- chemistry
- production value

Room For Improvement
- the main character appeared deadly and stone cold and then in the second half of episode 1 became goofy, it did balance out okay later
- finale had a quirky part, they show what happened after the credits at 35 minutes
- the cliffhanger ending with open plot threads and needed more with the side couple
- not a fan of dubbing but I didn't take off points as I know it's extremely common in China

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WHERE IS THE CLARITY????

I have never in my life hated and loved a show like this. It's like equilibrium for me because everything about it is so perfect but oh, how I hate unresolved endings. I know that this means there will be another season after this but I just feel ragebaited because there is no certainty with second seasons and there is no telling when or even IF they will be released.

However, and this is a big one - I still think it is worth a watch and this is coming from someone who HATES cliffhangers - seriously, I am an avid Thai BL watcher so I know every ending and every scene that's coming my way. I literally even have the pacing memorised in my head but I decided to try something new this time round and wow did this do the trick!

I had been on a short break from watching BL or any shows for that matter because I was going through a really dark time in my life, so the show I started watching or should I say actually finished watching just so happened to be this and I am glad I picked this to get back into my watching era. Sammy's Children's Day will forever hold a special place in my heart strictly because of how sweet it is. The humour and light tones of the story never take away from the seriousness of the main plot and that is something to appreciate.

The music, the actors, the producers all did a phenomenal job with this. If you have an eye for detail or just an appreciation for good art, this will definitely take your breath away as it did mine. This is not a major spoiler but there is a scene in the show where it transitions from night into day during sunrise time and it is just so beautiful. The change happens at exactly the perfect time and it does not feel to forced. The actors were so natural and the chemistry was off the charts. I do not mean to be superficial when I say this but that's exactly what I am being - an added bonus too is that all the main actors are so HAWT. I actually had to let out a big laugh typing that statement at my big age but it had to be said. The music was perfect and I loved it. Safe to say, I will definitely be adding the songs to my OST playlist.

I know it sounds like I am glorifying this show but there were a few concerns that I had about it such as the adlibs or the dubbing? I am not too sure but it was clear, especially in the first few episodes that the voices were not matching with the way that the actor's lips were moving and that might be an ick for some people watching or not even an ick but rather a minor annoyance. It was noticeable at first but as I started getting engrossed in the plot, I stopped paying attention to it but it's just a disclaimer for future potential watchers.

Another issue I had is not really an issue and more just a personal problem I had. It is that the times or the era in this show is a little confusing to me. I think from the occasional retro feel that it has to it, you can tell that the show is not set in the modern era - it is set in the 1900s? 1800s? I have absolutely no idea because they never explicitly specify it but I think that also has an upside to it because it leaves it up to the viewer's imagination. It was just a bit confusing to me because at times it would feel modern to me like when they were filming a movie in the show and the presence of high tech filming equipment was never explained but at the same time they're still using block phones. I could be wrong though because I am no history expert. Once more, this is literally just a me problem and I just need to be spoon-fed certain information at times.

I did not think I would ramble this much about a show like literally ever but I hope you enjoyed this brutally honest and oddly specific review of one of my now cherished series - Sammy's Children's Day.

Little fun fact - it's called that because He Chu San's English name is Sam, often nicknamed as Sammy and 'Children's Day' is a representative marker of Xia Liu Yi (forgive me if I spelt that wrong) and his identity.

Thank you for reading my review! Please feel free to reply to it in the comments - I would love to chat with other lovers about this show xx

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It Will Hook You....But

Unquestionably this story grabs you from the beginning. Hooks you in with its intrigue. Begins to drift in the middle in a meandering tropey and cliché fashion and then by the end, pretty much loses you. Regrettably, the ending is a disappointment and is a set-up for another season. That is all well and good, if there is one. I would have liked a bit more meat on the bone for this series, however. Nonetheless, it is entertaining because of the strong presence of the main protagonists. Even though they are tropey, they kicked their acting up a notch to make their characters so enticing to watch. To be sure, this is an entertaining series throughout. I dislike the use of humor in graphic or violent series as I think it diminishes the message and cheapens the presentation. Some things just do not lend themselves to humor. On occasion perhaps but this series relied too heavy on it, which reduces the seriousness of its message. Ugly messages need to be presented – ugly. Do not try to minimize that reality with cheap humor.

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Sometimes it feels like I watched a different show...

You ever feel that way? You see all the hype and love for a show and then when you watch it, and you feel like you watched a completely different series. Here's my take on it.

I was in it for the vibes of 80's gangster craziness, especially when they brought out those brick cell phones and suit jackets with shoulder pads, that completely disappeared by episode 5. But by episode 5 I'm was in it for the long haul. Which to me, impacted my liking of the main couple and show overall. As a montage 80's style gangster movie, it wasn't so ridiculous to think the ML could be a secretly kindhearted individual, but going into drama mode with a more serious tone made the love story clash with the plot(s) because there's no freaking way a leader of a Triad would be that way in a more drama focused story telling.

I don't understand the hype this couple has based on all the comments also. The slow burn romance is a bit too slow burn and nothing really happens until closer to the end of episode 8, but that's also because the ML's really don't interact alone together through most of the show. The ML's really needed more one on one time to build a deeper relationship to make it feel more reasonable why episode 9 happened the way it did. That's not to say they didn't have good chemistry, their interactions felt fluid and natural, not forced or uncomfortable at all. But I wouldn't say it was butterflies in my stomach or sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation of them being on screen together levels. If you want some good anticipation and amazing chemistry between two characters, go watch To My Shore, it won't disappoint but it is dark as hell.

I actually liked what everyone else seems to dislike, the introduction of the police as the next plot point. I felt like this was better for the overall story then the continued gang conflict that really wasn't working any more for the change in tone. Story progress picked up at episode 8, which is what made the ending of episode 9 so jarring. The twist, in my opinion, really wasn't much of a twist.

Overall if you enjoy watching absolute craziness that tapers off into a slow burn romance drama, this is probably a great show for you. But if you are looking for that craziness all the way through, sorry but this show will disappoint. I don't think this was a terrible show and I enjoyed every second of it for it's intention and ambition, but I definitely don't agree with the majority of reviews this show has gotten.

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Reimagine a time and space in the past

I am a Cantonese speaker growing up in the 90s, so I watched this series largely because it's dubbed in Cantonese, and set in the 80s/90s. Maybe if I am old enough to remember it first time, then I am too old to see it coming around the second time.
Overall the leads are good looking, and the Cantopop style theme songs are well written. But the spacious back streets and interior clearly set it away from "the young and dangerous" world in Hong Kong.
I was a bit bothered by the dubbing like the others at the start, but after I saw a documentary about the walled city, and how its residents did actually have various accents as they had come from mainland and other Asian countries, I can see that using someone who clearly isn't a Cantonese speaker to dub, is more authentic in a way. I guess this is a wrong place to look for authenticity, as this is not the "blossoms shanghai" kind of production led by a cult director with his unlimited budget.

What i see as a shame, is that the original novel, which i have read, is a well paced story and has a few important revelation scenes, plot twists, that had been cut in the series and swapped with some vacant longing looks between the leads that feels like a stretched out perfume advert. I don't really understand the logic behind this because censorship is clearly not a concern as the series is not intended for release in mainland China.
But to be fair, I don't even know who directed this series, as behind the scenes footage, for some reason, obscured the identity of the director. Maybe censorship has been internalised.
I wouldn't get my hope up for a second season if it did actually end in ep9. Because if even KinnPosche couldn't make it to the second round, then as a pessimist, i think what's untold may just remain untold.
The theme songs stay with me though:-)

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China and uncensored bls is a blessing

Came across Sammy's Children's Day by total accident. Went into this completely blind. Did not expect to be left mouth hanging by the end of the first episode. The series is everything I'd wish for. Handsome characters, amazing plot and an equally mesmerizing ost. The story is set in the 1980s, which is quite rare for most bls these days. The triads and the the entire gang setting allows for a suspenseful atmosphere. The show does have its moments of shortcomings like the dubbing, which can be ignored for the most part. The show definitely deserves more attention and praise. Definitely would recommend.

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There better be a second season (and third?)

What just happened? Not one issue resolution in the entire finale!? This is killing me! I hope we get season 2, because otherwise I'm going to pine for closure for the rest of my days.

This show has me hooked. The leads are adorable. They have amazing chemistry and comedic timing. Liuyi's facial expressions are everything. The character is great. The actor, He Yan Zhao, is fire. He should change his headshot to the caramel-colored deliciousness that we see in this series. He looks divine. I don't know if the asian entertainment industry generally has figured this out yet, but many of us prefer a little melanin.

He Chusan is great too. Sweet on the outside and a fierce protector on the inside. And since were talking about beauty, actor He Chang Xi is also truly handsome.

I dont know how to feel about the second couple. But we can sort that out during season 2.

I love the supporting actors. The dad is great. The main lackey is great. The number 2 is great. I want more of them all.

So go ahead. Start production on season 2. I'll wait. And don't feel like you have to resolve everything there. I'll watch season 3, too. I'm just saying...

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one of the best cbls

cbls have a history with rape to romance, i had my fingers crossed that this would be different, and it was. it was absolutely beautiful. every time i felt like it was going to be toxic, it never was, and any miscommunication, mistake, small or big, was addressed. i think its a wonderful bl, and i have to commend the actors, everything felt so natural, there was never a moment where they let it feel like they were acting, this applies to all the actors. i really do wish for season 2 since this has been a beautiful journey but with an open end, a cliffhanger, so i do hope a season 2 will be out. its a slowburn done right, when they kiss, it feels like the right time, not too late not too early. the dubbing was bad, however not as noticeable to me as people claim, the child actors hired for the flashbacks threw me off a little, but i was calmed when i found out the age gaps were 10-13-19 between xia liu yi, his sister, and his brother in law. they hired child actors too young and kept the same present brother in law in the past too, so it was confusing. other than that, there are no complaints regarding this bl. i think if you’re a slow burn fan, this is a beautiful bl to watch.

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A raw masterpiece

This drama is not as polished as a lot of drama's out there, but that rawness is what makes this drama so great!
I watched every episode of this drama as soon as it aired and was so looking foreward to every episode every week! And now before watching the last one i rewatched them all in one go. I love this series so much and i really hope that there will be a second season. The story ended too unresolved and i need to see more of them actually in a relationship.

I loved the story and even though it was a rough setting with gangs and hardship, they did a good job including some funny moments to make it a little "lighter".
The subtle romantic moments and glances were perfect!
The visuals and music were great too.

The acting was amazing and the mains had such good dynamics and so much chemistry with great kisses!

My only complaint is, that it was too short!

This is a must watch and i will definatly watch it more in the future.

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