2026 BL List

Excellent 

A massive upgrade for both PoohPavel after the train wreck x dumpster fire of Pit Babe 2. While the ending is slightly lackluster, it doesn't rob from an overall compelling occult mystery and a comforting romance between two lonely souls seeking solace in one another's embrace. This is one small step for procedural BLs, one giant leap for BL. Aside, Pooh brought a tear to my eyes in the finale. 

Great

I needed a little more. The show left me feeling like it wasn't over. But not in a way that was fulfilling. That being said, the score, cinematography, directing, and actors did a good job adapting the original manga, and adding a depth and weight to it that the manga was missing. The show peaked during the 4th episode, which was truly ~cinema~!

Excellent

Major props to the screen writers for mostly adapting the danmei beat-for-beat (but are my standards too high if I'm disappointed they didn't fully adapt the final emergency?) . The story really didn't tone down much in terms of how black-hearted and manipulative Fan Xiao's action were or how complex their feelings for each other remained after suffering years of an unrelenting, unforgiving game of cat and mouse. I applaud both actors, especially rookie Yunqi, for bringing these  deeply scarred characters to life. With an extra episode, this could've been a masterpiece.

“I’m not fooling around. I mean it. I love you. You say it’s nonsense. Well, then let me keep up with this nonsense
I want to see you every day. When I do, I don’t want to part. When I don’t, I feel uneasy. I’ve cooked up all kinds of dumb excuses to see you.
Bohai never had that much work that required me to be present. I don’t even like wetland parks. My sense of direction is bad, but not so bad I can’t use navigation. Every time I got lost, it was just to make you come get me. My right hand healed a long time ago. Hell, my left hand is even better.
Every lousy excuse was just to stay by your side. It was all to be with you.
I don’t know if that’s love. You’ve seen much more of this world. Why don’t you tell me?
I love you.
When I picture the future, it’s you I see.”

“…don’t blame me for not holding back.”

“Then kiss me.”

- Fan Xiao & You Shu Lang, Ep. 5

“I’ve always kept life, work, and love in control.
I never do anything I’m unsure of. You’re the exception. Fan Xiao, you’re hard to comprehend. I don’t even have you figured out yet and I’ve already started to let my feelings off the leash. I’m already starting to love you. You’re a big gamble for me. Can I win?”

- Fan Xiao & You Shu Lang Ep. 6

Bad

This was a painful watch. I'm not asking for The Wire and I'm willing to suspend a lot of procedural cop disbelief from decades of practice, but this is just ridiculous. 

How can an officer be so unconcerned and flirt every other scene when his brother's life is literally at risk? While GBYFD had its flaws, this took all the same flaws and then put them on steroids. 

The romance between the leads is also offensively fast paced and nonsensical, so I feel utterly undistracted by the shoddy police work. 

2 short 15 min heart-fluttering episodes. While they don't offer much in terms of substance, I enjoyed revisiting the two lovers and getting a peek of their relationship post finale.

Dropped--Garbage

Unfortunately, this drama started spinning out beyond anyone's control the moment they introduced the love rival... I held on as long as I could for the sake of the likay performances, but the  poor story choices finally became insurmountable. 

Phenomenal

A good watch for those who've already watched the entirety of the 50 episode drama and want to revisit the characters and world of The Untamed without the same time commitment. 

Still, I think some of the essence of the original gets lost in the sparks notes version of The Untamed. 

Flawless

Biased as I am, Word of Honor is the summit of immortal, eternal love, the crystallization of the beloved trope "You Are Worth Hell." Despite some less than savory narrative choices closer to the end and a COVID budget that would make your mom cry, I love this show to bits. If true love doesn't look like what A'Xu and his Lao Wen have, then I don't want it.  

I read someone describe this series as  two  gay mass murderers accidentally become football dads  and do a better job at parenting than anyone else  because the rest of society is so trash. And honestly, I can't find a better summation than that...

Phenomenal

A solid adaptation to a ongoing manga, this movie managed to adapt the uncompleted material in a seamless way that blended breathtaking cinematography and sizzling dance sequences while also giving a conclusive open-ending that leaves room for a sequel while also providing a conclusion for a relationship that transcends distance and dance style (in case the manga continues to drag endlessly).  While not much dialogue exists between the two MLs (and what dialogue that does exist can be cringey), the love between them grows palpably and visually as their dance synergy improves. 

First half is a lot stronger than the second half, but I attribute that to ongoing nature of the original work. Some viewers might dislike the lack of communication between the two, but knowing that my parents fell in love on the dance floor, I'm sure that there are some forms of communication and body language that surpasses all spoken words. 

Phenomenal 

How does GMMTV make a 4 episode BL better than most of their 12 episode long BL? I think that needs to be studied. 

Despite being years out of graduation from high school, these struggles- self esteem, loneliness, ostracization, anxiety- are eternal struggles within all of us, and I found myself relating to both characters strongly, even now. All of us want someone to tell us, honestly and earnestly, "you can do it." The love between these two characters supersedes their age and touched something deep within me. Some marks off for the ending, but still, much more cleanly executed than other cursed Ep. 11's I've seen. 

Good

The show really shines when Toma and Natsume share the screen. You can tell their love has grown so much since the 1st season. I really love the qualities they love in each other. Sadly, there are few times where our leads are together as their goals draw them further apart from each other.

It's very realistic, and we spend more time working than with the people we love in order to enjoy the time we do have with them. Unfortunately, the times they were working dragged. The show had a stronger second half and changed my mind overall. But I preferred the 1st season. 

"I respect you very much. I love you the most." --Toma, Ep. 2

"What do you love about me?"

"You're reliable. And hardworking. And you’re so kind." - Natsume & Toma Ep. 6 

"You’re my son’s lover, a brand new character in the story of my life. Naturally, I’d want to know what kind of person you are!" - Sahashi’s dad, Ep. 8

"I’m really looking forward to our life together." -Natsume, Ep. 10

"I love it when you tell me to 'hang in there.'"- Toma, Ep. 10

TBW

TBW

TBW

Great

What the heck… this was really probably my least favorite of the pilot trailers, yet why did this take me entirely by surprise? So P’New can deliver? Yes, it’s silly. Yes, Pai’s entire family should be in prison for abuse. Yes, the forgiveness of the scammers is baffling from a realistic perspective, but why did I fall for them? Easy, because both couples delivered in the romance department. Mark, hats off to you for acting your socks off. You’ve grown so much since Sky in Your Heart. Junior and Poon remain solid BL staples in my household, and their acting continues to be finessed with each role, but Ohm? Man, he surprised me the most. His acting is usually so wooden, but he had me laughing out loud several times. I love this cast and can’t wait to see them soon. 

Great

This entire drama felt so out of pocket 90% of the time, but I spent 100% of the time entertained. Throw away your sense of logic and feed into the chaos to enjoy this drama fully —you won’t regret it. I love this main CP together. Youxi is a complex character and I think I'm in love with him. He's goofy and charming,  resourceful and little manipulative, kind-hearted and considerate -the full package. I can see why Yang Meng has had a crush on him since their school days. The ending was a little quirky and rushed,  but WHAT AN ENDING! A call back to Addicted, Youxi on his way to becoming an international superstar, and Youxi and Yang Mang eloping to globe trot-- what else could I ask for?

PS. The translator for this series was amazing.  Some of my favorite captions:

<Probably some reminders written for grandma.>

<They're setting up a really bad pun here that doesn’t work in any language.>

<Auntie Liu sending auntie-style wishes.>

Excellent

Wow! So GMMTV can write a nearly perfect BL when they actually try. This story had it all. Humor, heart, action, and romance! Probably the best in the MuTeLuv anthology. This show proves less is more when a perfect storm of great directing, acting (really excited to see them hone their diamond in the rough talents), and writing brews. Every episode actually gets better and better. SurfJava burned through the screen, their chemistry like an ember that blazed to the finish line. I can’t wait to see more of their work together. 

Average

Um… well, that was a show. I actually enjoyed the first half of the drama, despite Peat being an absolute black hearted scumbag, taking over from Fan Xiao as kidnapping king. There was mystery, intrigue, and unsaid words hanging as thick in the air as the leads unresolved sexual tension, but all of it melted away in the egregious white washing of Peat’s character. This unraveled all the aspects of the show that made it both interesting and good... and left us with an absolutely convoluted, dumpster fire of an ending. I wish they leaned in as hard as the source material and just gone for it. BL fans have proven they can withstand even the blackest flags, proven by the recent onslaught of CBLs. I know FortPeat would’ve delivered. Fort continues to be sexy and his acting prowess grows with each role. But Peat? Damn. More of your Yesterday messiness in your next roles please!

FEB 13

Excellent

While there are many amazing KBLs, this is the first KBL I've watched in a long time where I felt Korea was brave. 3 love interests, 3 different colored flags waved? I felt so well fed! Acting was solid too (with actually good kisses, despite Junseo being an active idol)! The entire finale had me repeating: WTF beneath my breath every 5 seconds.

Passable

Well… let’s start with the positives. Dialogue. Mix serving cunty ass Queen. Boom playing bitchy chaos gay. Himbo Arnold in a litany skin tight t-shirts awkwardly taking on TikTok dance challenges. Sweet Tong constantly channeling dead Victorian child in every wardrobe choice. Steadfast Rome for being both smoking hot and the only voice of reason. And Earth for executing the some of the best lines in the show flawlessly (I cannot be compelled to compliment Jack). Now for the negatives… this show was an absolute wet blanket compared to S1 (and I didn’t even think S1 went messy enough compared to older GMM works). Where was the messiness? The couple swapping? Boston being an absolute wrecking ball of a human being? This friend group was playing dress up with toxicity compared to S1’s hot mess of a friend group… I shudder to think about what S3 will be like… hand holding and promise rings?

"You know you don’t have to play hard to get. It doesn’t make you more valuable." - Rome Ep. 1

"If I chose based on sex, I wouldn't have just two Romeos." - Jack, Ep. 2

"If I don't get what I want, then nobody does." - Dean, Ep. 2

"'Art never comes from happiness'"- Tua quoting Chuck Palahniuk- Ep. 3 

"If you're so desperate to grab an ass, why don't you try your dad's?" -Dean, Ep. 4

Watching

Good

Amazing beginning that had me in a chokehold until exactly the halfway point where the time-traveling and forced separation logics began to quickly unravel. Possibly one of the most underwhelming endings I’ve watched all year. The chemistry between the leads is so palpable that I can’t help but be merciful in my ratings of this drama.

On-Hold

On-Hold

TBW

Dropped-- Unwatchable

I'd rather not think too hard about this one... but man, I hated this so much I dropped in in 2 episodes... I usually try to hold on for 4-5 episodes, but I'd honestly would've rather been at work. At least I'd be paid. The acting sucked, the story sucked... wait, there was something I liked... oh right, when I decided to drop it. Worst thing I've watched all year.

Somebody wrote this is the comment section and I'm going to leave it here to remember it:

"I find this so common in amnesia shows. People have no sympathy or understanding for the victim. They don't answer questions clearly and directly. They throw them into situations and expect them to understand and act like their old selves, when they are no longer themselves anymore.. Lazy writing."

“I'm Gil Haneul, good for nothing. And you're a shining star.”

“People often fail to see their own light, right? I've been watching your light for a long time. Far closer than anyone else.” - EP. 2

TBW

Phenomenal

"The more you care and love, the kinder you must be." — Phop's Mom (sorry, idk your name) Ep. 3

"Nobody knows who we truly are. All they know is gossip. Just because we’re different from others doesn’t mean we’re bad." —Nakun, Ep. 6

"Sometimes, ordinary things may grant you something special." — Nakun, Ep. 6

"Don’t deny what your heart tells you. I know you’re afraid of being judged by others. But those who gossip don’t share your sorrows. Our loved ones are the most important thing." — Nakun, Ep. 7

"I shall carve our path with my hands… I shall forsake all and depart with you. — Phop, Ep. 9

"Wherever we may find ourselves, I shall be your home." — Phop, Ep. 9

"And so what?! Try and find a soul of such grace as my spouse if you can!" — Jom, Ep. 10

"Without you by my side to assist me, to offer your support, your affection and care to see to my needs, is far worse than any slander I have endured." — Jom, Ep. 10

"I should never again place easy trust in the tales of others. This includes words spun by others concerning my past…and even those set down in the histories. Whoever tells their stories shall ever seek to paint themselves in a favorable light."— Klao, Ep. 10

"In Buddhism, a bond from a past life is not simply about a couple promising to love each other across lifetimes, as it is often portrayed in dramas. It means that every relationship and action from the past helps shape the present. We meet in this life because of our shared karma. That is why our paths cross in this lifetime." — Radio Announcer, Ep. 12

"Those we don’t meet here may be reincarnated into a different gender or appearance, like my mom. Though their appearance may change, the mind journeys on." — Nakun, Ep. 12

"To a love unbound by gender, standing resolute against the tides of time."

Flawless

This healed something broken within me. These past few years have been really hard; I feel that Sakutaro and I are the same person, separated across a screen. Therefore, if Sakutaro can be brave enough to admit his failings and continue to strive to be better, then I guess I can too.

“This guy hasn’t changed a bit. Ever since then, even when he knows exactly what’s going on, he just pretends he doesn’t and quietly stays by my side.” — Kuji, Ep. 4

"I felt envious of friends who had achieved their dreams, like I was the only one left behind. Thats how it felt. So at fifty, I decided to give it another shot. It was mostly just a whim, but sometimes a whim is all you need!" — Hara-san, Ep. 5

“No matter how sad you are, after you’ve cried and laughed, you still have to eat. Those of us who are still living have to keep on going.” — Sakutaro, Ep. 7 

“You can never see them again. You can never go back. I wonder if the future is just an endless series of losses… Time, people, and places. Kuji, you know I always want to be with you. With you, Kuji.” — Sakutaro, Ep. 8

“Connected hearts. Beyond that, I believe there must be something that won’t easily disappear. A place I belong.” — Sakutaro, Ep. 8

“I’m happy, but I’m also frustrated. I feel like I could have done better. I feel like I’m just shameless. I don’t have the skill, but act like I do. At this rate, can I really make a career out of this?”

 “I feel the same way. I’ve always been stuck in a cycle of arrogance and regret.” 

“...it really is important to talk things out. I feel so much lighter now.” 

—  Kuji & Sakutaro, Ep. 10

Dropped

Acting wasn't bad, but the plot was very thin and the early episodes relied heavily on some of the most cringey, disquieting NC scenes I've watched in a while... so I had to drop it to spare my mind and eyes...

TBW

Watching

"You know. Titles don’t last. Legends do." — Moonlit Manager P' Foei, Ep. 10

TBW

Great

"Grinding Ink is silent yet it can write about everything throughout the ages." — Yin Qi, Ep. 8

Watching

Watching

“Even if you stayed ordained until you reached nirvana, I still wouldn’t forgive you.”

"Does yoga not teach you to forgive at all?"

"It’s yoga. Not Dharma. Besides, my motto is that if you keep forgiving, you’ll never get your revenge.”

"But… forgiveness is the highest form of giving!"

— Toto & Kanit Ep. 3

"Familiar vibes, huh? You really care about the planet. You keep recycling your tricks."— Kanit, Ep. 4

"I get that the sky looks beautiful from above, but the sky from down here isn’t bad either. You can see the moon reflected in the water." —Toto, Ep. 5

"You focus on moving on, I’ll focus on scoring points with you." — Toto, Ep.5

"You’re actually kinda good looking the longer I look at you."

"I don’t know how to argue with that." — Toto & Kanit, Ep. 5

“I’m done choosing what looks right. I’m choosing peace of mind.”

— Kanit, Ep. 6

Watching

"He still looks fine to me. If you think about it, you can use this opportunity to get procedures done on your face." — Sun, Ep. 5

" What about the brain? You only have it to balance your head? That's why you can’t read the situation?" — Jay, Ep. 5

Watching

Watching

TBW

TBW

Watching

Saeki is genuinely captivating. If he was more tsundere, angsty, it would be another high school JBL, but he's genuinely the hot mayor of his high school.

Watching

“The world’s judgment is terrifying. But if you’re willing, through heaven or hell, I will be with you. As long as you call my name, I will fall for you.”- Zhen Xin, Ep. 5

Watching

Watching

First impression: A little too cringe for my taste. Feels like a YA novel I would've read in high school. The typical amazing, hot FL, who's kind and helpful but doesn't see how special she is gets swept away by the equally amazing, hot ML (who's also rich), who sees her for who "she really is." But oh no, everyone around her tells her not too, because he's "dangerous".

Watching

Watching