This review may contain spoilers
Period dramas with that sense of era are truly the most romantic
To be honest, the first 3 ep was quite boring—I actually dropped the drama at one point. But you just have to stick with it. After the first three episodes, it turns into a really interesting series.As a Hongkonger, I especially appreciated how a production with an entirely mainland Chinese crew and cast put genuine effort into recreating the old Kowloon Walled City. The setting, the language, and the Cantonese music all felt carefully handled.
In the first half, I kept guessing who was the 1 and who was the 0. It stayed unpredictable the whole time and completely flipped the usual “hero saves the beauty” trope—here, it’s the beauty who saves the hero. The series also has a good number of cute, lighthearted moments.
I’m glad I picked it up again.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Must-Watch for all Chinese BL Fans!!!
I can't get over this one!!!See, I knew right after watching the first episode that I had to let it marinate before watching! And five episodes out, I went back to it and wish I had been patient enough to wait for all nine episodes.
It is a good watch!
Don't even hesitate, get into it! And please don't skip after the first two episodes because let me tell you something, episode three is where it starts to hook you in!
I have so much to say about this show but I'll save it! You should watch it and see for yourself.
I'll just say one thing though - THE DETECTIVE AND THE INVESTIGATOR???!!! EXCUSE MEEE!!! Side romance that we didn't know we needed.
I haven't read the story, so I'm new to the whole thing but will definitely be reading it later.
Why are you still reading? Start the show already!!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Cantonese BL RARE GEM i didn't know i needed??...
OMG I just found out about this series out of nowhere! 😭 Before this, I hadn’t seen ANY ads or trailers, and suddenly,boom,episode 1 drops. I was like… okay, let’s see. Press play… and now I’m HOOKED.Episode 1 already got me obsessed, and I just know episode 2 and onwards are gonna be super intense and so addictive. The story is fun, pacing is perfect, zero cringe, and the acting? On point. Seriously, they nailed their characters.
Liu Yi tho… I can’t 😂 So funny, so handsome, totally stealing the show. Chu San is perfect too, but poor guy keeps getting smacked by Liu Yi… I can’t even 😭🤣 Their interactions are hilarious.
Honestly, the vibe reminds me a bit of KinnPorsche, which I loved, so you know I’m already dying for the next episode. Can we PLEASE get all episodes at once? Waiting every week is pure torture.
Highly recommend this series to everyone!! Cantonese BL like this is so rare, and it’s already giving me major vibes. If it keeps this up, it’s DEFINITELY going to be my favorite series of the year. 😍
Was this review helpful to you?
ive finished this in one go
man i need more of this, this is one of the best ones ive seen so far, I've been dropping bls lately, they are long and boring, and most of the time not intersting at allbut this one was different, while i dont like the gangsters theme, i was really digging this bl show
oh, i dont have anything else to add but i need to fill in the characters to post this... so
..................................................................................................................................
Was this review helpful to you?
MY TOP 1 BL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's like sorcery.. Chusan Luiyi pull you into the story so deep, you can't find your way back. Banger story, perfect actors, the OST is chefs kiss, screenplay was awesome overall I'm obbses with SCD. And there's the actors XiXi ZhaoZhao..what to say about them, Those cutie pies put a spell on me...they're like teenagers always bickering, being goofy, silly,funny, finding comfort and love and having the best time of their lives. I am seeing them get close to eachother naturally and gradually and they are becoming more bold these days *IM LOVING IT* my only wish is they stay together forever.XiZhao 999 💛🧡Was this review helpful to you?
A Masterpiece with a Side Couple that Steals the Spotlight
Set against the gritty, atmospheric backdrop of 1980s Hong Kong and the lawless Kowloon Walled City, Sammy's Children's Day (2026) is a breathtakingly intense and magnificent crime-thriller BL. The series masterfully chronicles the dangerous alliance and deep bond between a clever university student, He Chusan, and a fierce triad enforcer, Xia Liuyi. While the main story is nothing short of a masterpiece, earning a definitive 10/10 for its stellar acting, beautiful cinematography, and gripping plot, it also manages to introduce a secondary dynamic that leaves viewers completely obsessed and begging for moreWhile He Changxi and He Yanzhao carry the main storyline brilliantly, the absolute scene-stealers of the supporting cast are Matthew Han (playing Detective Xie Jiahua / Jay) and Zhang Mingbo (playing Lu Guangming). The dynamic between these officers within a corrupt police force is utterly captivating. From the very moment they appeared on screen, I fell completely in love with them. Their chemistry is pure perfection, packed with unsaid tension, deep loyalty, and a subtle emotional weight that instantly sets them apart. They bring a completely different flavor of intensity to the series, making it impossible not to root for them with your whole heartThe biggest and most heartbreaking flaw of Sammy’s Children’s Day is just how criminally underutilized this second couple is. With only 9 episodes in the season, their scenes feel incredibly limited, leaving fans desperately wishing for more depth and exploration of their relationship. Every time they left the screen, it felt like an injustice. Their storyline holds so much narrative potential, and it is a massive letdown that we only got a small glimpse of what Matthew Han and Zhang Mingbo can do together when given the spotlight.Ultimately, Sammy’s Children’s Day is a flawless 10/10 that stands as one of the best BL releases of the year. However, the craving for the side couple is real. The finale leaves the door wide open, and with production team hints circulating on social media, there is immense hope for a Season 2 that will finally give this police duo the extensive screen time they deserve. Whether it is a second season or an entirely independent spin-off series dedicated solely to Matthew and Mingbo's characters, these two actors have proven they have the star power and chemistry to carry their own show.Was this review helpful to you?
A Brilliant Noir Mutilated by a "Cliffhanger in a Train Station"
Overall Rating: 9.5 / 10Story: 8.5/10 (Great concept, but heavily rushed/chopped due to production constraints)
Acting/Cast: 10/10 (Masterful, expressive, and carrying the show)
Music: 9/10
Rewatch Value: 9.5/10
Sammy's Children's Day is a massive surprise in the Chinese BL landscape. While it visibly suffers from a runtime that is way too short (only 9 episodes) and production constraints that clearly forced the team to chop away at the complex layers of the original web novel, the series remains an absolute must-watch. It captivates the viewer with its impeccable noir atmosphere and a director who deeply respects the audience's intelligence.
The Directing: Stylized Action and Blink-and-You-Miss-It Visual Clues
The biggest merit of this show is how it handles its grit. The brutal world of the triads inside the Kowloon Walled City is beautifully portrayed through stylized execution rather than cheap, graphic violence. The show does feature active action and fight scenes, and blood is certainly visible on screen—but it avoids the long, over-the-top brutality seen in mainstream crime thrillers. Instead, the violence is fast-paced, and the most macabre details—like the ritualistic murders featuring iron chains, tarot cards, and "Y-shaped" facial cuts—are shown in incredibly brief, fleeting flashes of just 2 to 3 seconds max. This restraint makes the thriller element psychological and elegant, trusting the viewer to spot the clues and connect the dots.
Character Chemistry: "Fire" from Second One
The chemistry between the two leads is electric right from the very first frame. The casting choice for He Chu San is pure genius. This actor delivers a masterful, expressive performance, switching flawlessly between an innocent angel face and a mature man fighting with the only weapon he has: a brilliant mind. The way he completely fools the gangster Xia Liu Yi with his innocent gazes and words, while secretly being a hunter out on the prowl, is absolutely delicious and sexy. Furthermore, his body language and acting subtleties give away the couple's true dynamic (who is the top and who is the bottom in this relationship) with absolute crystal clarity, bypassing the strict censorship.
Pacing Fractures & Character Transitions
What makes the show highly dynamic and full of energy is how quickly Xia Liu Yi turns into a completely devoted, clingy puppy around the student right from the start. It gives the plot a great, high-energy momentum. However, what breaks the logical flow is the jarring transition afterward. Going from raw, animalistic possessiveness (the high-voltage kiss in Episode 3) to acting like a deeply bashful, terrified virgin in the subsequent episodes creates an illogical contradiction that slightly drags out their romantic development.
The same rushed script causes a major emotional disconnect in the police sub-plot during the final stretch. While the identity of the corrupt "Uncle" playing both sides is revealed in Episode 8, Lu Guang Ming’s painful confession comes abruptly in Episode 9. Xie Jia Hua’s sudden shift in feelings—going from sheer suspicion to a face full of clarity, goodwill, and hope at Lu Guang Ming's door within just a few frames—makes zero emotional sense on screen unless you actually know the novel's context.
Conclusion: An Ending that Leaves You Stranded at the Station
The finale of the series, unfortunately, ends like you've been abruptly left behind at a train station. Xia Liu Yi’s arrest right after finally accepting his feelings leaves a bitter taste and an acute sense of incompleteness. The production team could have completely saved the viewer's experience by just adding a 10-minute time-lapse at the end to show us the characters' fates after these tragic events.
Nevertheless, this is an excellent series featuring highly talented, incredibly expressive actors. It is a crying shame they were born in the heart of a system that actively censors their art, forcing international fans to wait for Season 2 just to get the closure they deserve.
Was this review helpful to you?
Too early for a review but maybe helpful for those who came to check whether to watch or not!!
Simple answer yess you can watch it for sure! From the 2 episodes i have seen the story is quite fast moving wihtout any unnecessary scenes. Every scene you see relates to somewhere. To be honest chinese bls are leading the bl industry right one. May be one at a time but surely very effective ones..coming to sammy's childrens day may be the first ever introvert but not innocent chinese bl top and a crazy power bottom..there are hints of cute moments in the first two eps itself...TRY IT YOU WON'T REGRET!Was this review helpful to you?
Overall, Sammy’s Children’s Day is a standout CBL!
First off, the plot is unique. It doesn’t follow the usual predictable formula you’d expect from most BLs. Instead, it takes bold storytelling choices that keep you curious and emotionally invested.The storylines are beautifully written. It’s not just about romance, it explores growth, connection, and the complexities of relationships in a way that feels genuine and meaningful.
Now let’s talk about the acting, because this cast absolutely delivered. What makes it even more impressive is how different the actors are from their real-life personalities. Seeing them fully embody their roles just proves how talented they are. You forget you’re watching actors - they become the characters.
And of course… the chemistry between the leads? INSANE. Top-tier doesn’t even begin to describe it. Every glance, every interaction feels natural. They don’t just act like they’re in love, you believe it. It's deserves all the attention it’s getting
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
More seasons or we riot!!!
Biggest selling point - bratty older shou X soft younger gong (even though they switch in the novel) Definition of grumpy x sunshine.New C-bls have officially redeemed themselves. More of this please.
Technical wise, it is good- cinematography, lighting, set design, colour grading & everything looks nice. The time period is supposed to be the 80's & the styling is spot on. The making is very stylized & light and dreamy, it adds spectacularly to the romantic interaction scenes of the leads. Mostly follows the novel & that works in favour. The ending was okay as a season finale but if there is no more seasons, it was abrupt and unsatisfying. The is a lot of plot holes left that can only be completed by the rest of the story.
The ML is the definition of tall, dark & handsome. I like that the makeup department kept it like that. Also the injuries look mostly authentic & not like smeared red paint. The MC is an absolute green flag. I love them both as characters& the actor's chemistry is off the charts. They are both down badism final bosses & we only got to see a glimpse of that. I really hope there is more because them as a couple was an absolute joy to read.
And my favourite; Lu GuangMing- the professional rage baiter. The second couple also have great dynamics.
The screenplay could use some work, the first episode was a little boring, but it picks up the pace after. The acting is good. The dubbing is off, which makes it look weird. Nevertheless this show is a must watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
First came a kick and then came love
I haven’t felt this good watching a show in a while, I get a dopamine surge every time I tune in. Like it doesn’t feel like work to watch it, the time just flies by.Lol why are people complaining about dubbing? Hello this is a HK/CHN series, which CHN BL hasn’t had any dubbing? I love my self a good enemies to lovers and this is giving that and more. There is a decent plot too, give this show a chance, I am 2 episodes in and I thoroughly enjoy it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Disappointed
Why the show completed before they captured the main culprit killer. Will there be season 2. Even the main lead went to custody, where is the mastermind. It should be completed only after they captured the mastermind. Its feel like the movie had stopped production halfway.Its makes me regret watching the movie that has not even completed. Mastermind is wondering around and the main lead take all the blame without realising what has he done. All the 2 dead cases has not even be closed yet.i don't care happy ending or sad ending. Just find the mastermind .
Was this review helpful to you?
