Emmy's Cool BL Recommendations
Of course....this is my list and you don't have to agree with me. I'm very very particular with the media I consume but these shows in particular make me feel some type of way...in an attempt to be fair I'll try to say WHY I like them instead of just telling you they're worth the watch. To be fair...none of these are explicit shows. I don't watch explicit romance so...don't expect me to recommend anything crazy cause that's just not my type of show to begin with.
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1. Miseinen: Mijukuna Oretachi wa Bukiyo ni Shinkochu
Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
Oh my god? This is my new favorite show. Between the characters, story, cinematography...I'm no genius when it comes to that kinda stuff but this show was really good in all aspects. Nothing felt too tropey or painful to watch. It was just good. (amazing actually.)
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2. Semantic Error
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
My go-to rewatch show. It's not too short, but not too long. I like the enemies to lovers trope and I found both characters to be enjoyable despite their flaws.
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3. The Time of Fever
Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes
I will preface this by saying you should watch Unintentional Love Story before you watch this. As Time of Fever is a prequel. BUT this show felt so comfy...knowing the characters from ULS made my initial watch much more complete and fulfilling since you're learning more about them.
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4. Jack o' Frost
Japanese Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
I will not stop telling people how much I love this show. From the acting to the characters...it's one I tend to rewatch because I find it so compelling. Though...I am a sucker for angst.
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5. Utsukushii Kare
Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
This show and it's sequel have such a grip on me....the characters hurt me so much but I can't help but understand their struggles (seek therapy).
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6. A Shoulder to Cry On
Korean Drama - 2023, 7 episodes
I love this show. I love the visuals, the characters, the music, the story....I will recommend this to people for as long as I'm breathing.
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7. Color Rush
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
My favorite red flag couple. They're kinda...awful to each other? Also very cliche tiktok aah premise but I don't care.
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8. Bokura no Shokutaku
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
Would watch again. Very simple, comforting show. I just like it. Nothing terribly angsty. Nothing giving major red flags. Just something nice.
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9. Unintentional Love Story
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
I thought to myself "I won't put this on the list" but here I am. When people say the side characters are more compelling than the protags they're half right. I do like the side characters a LOT (see my ramble about Time of Fever) but I do like the protags as well...I'd watch it again.
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10. See Your Love
Taiwanese Drama - 2024, 13 episodes
I didn't know if I would like it at first, but after watching the show and it's behind the scenes I came to really enjoy it. Especially the balance of goofy moments with drama that was both unrealistic but also believable in the world the show created. The leads were really good together too...
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11. 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
mwahahaha truly a comfort show if i ever had one. between the storytelling, characters and all that i just kinda fell in love with this show. not to mention the movie and "ending" that made me cry happy tears for once. i really love them so much
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12. Fukou-kun wa Kiss Suru Shikanai!
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
i wasn't sure if i'd like this one so i put off watching it for quite some time. but actually...it was really really good. it was fun to watch and the two leads had really good chemi and i enjoyed their relationship