This review may contain spoilers
A Messy, Beautiful Slice of Life
Moonlight Chicken isn’t just about serving up plates of chicken rice—it dishes out a deeply emotional and beautifully raw story of love, regret, and second chances. This slice-of-life romantic drama, directed by P’Aof (Noppharnach Chaiyahwimhon), stands out as one of GMMTV’s finest, offering a refreshingly mature take on LGBTQ+ relationships.
Set against the backdrop of a humble late-night eatery, the series follows Jim (Earth Pirapat), a street food vendor who keeps his heart as guarded as his business. One fateful evening, he crosses paths with Wen (Mix Sahaphap), a charming yet complicated young man. What starts as a fleeting one-night encounter slowly simmers into something deeper—but only if Jim is willing to let go of his past and embrace the possibility of love.
Released on February 8, 2023, via GMMTV’s YouTube channel, this eight-episode drama boasts a stellar cast, including Fourth Nattawat as Jim’s headstrong nephew Li Ming, Gemini Norawit as his deaf love interest Heart, Khaotung Thanawat as the heartbreakingly earnest Gaipa, and First Kanaphan as Wen’s possessive ex, Alan.
Few dramas capture the messiness of real love as well as Moonlight Chicken. Unlike many BL series that lean into dreamy romance, this one is flawed, complicated, and painfully real. Jim isn’t your typical brooding male lead—he’s a man weighed down by responsibilities, trying to balance his small business, his nephew’s future, and the fear of getting hurt again. Wen, on the other hand, refuses to let Jim push him away, despite carrying emotional baggage of his own.
The side characters add incredible depth. Li Ming and Heart’s slow-burn romance is one of the most rewarding arcs in the show, tackling themes of self-worth and breaking free from limitations. Fourth and Gemini deliver standout performances, with Gemini’s ability to convey emotion without spoken dialogue making his portrayal of Heart particularly moving. Meanwhile, Khaotung’s performance as Gaipa is nothing short of an acting masterclass, his restrained yet powerful portrayal leaving a lasting impact.
Beyond romance, Moonlight Chicken explores economic struggles, generational conflicts, disability representation, and even the cost of living in modern Thailand. These themes aren’t just background noise—they actively shape the characters' choices, making their journeys feel authentic and grounded.
While the series’ eight-episode run means some themes don’t get the depth they deserve, it never feels rushed. Every scene is purposeful, every conversation weighted with meaning.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the best performances from Earth, Mix, and Khaotung. Earth, playing a man older than his actual age, delivers a deeply nuanced portrayal of Jim, balancing warmth and hesitation. Mix brings layered vulnerability to Wen, making him more than just a lovestruck young man. And Khaotung? His portrayal of Gaipa is so heartbreakingly raw that it deserves to be studied by aspiring actors.
If there’s one minor critique, it’s that Earth and Mix look closer in age than the script suggests. Since Jim is meant to be significantly older, the show occasionally reminds us of this through dialogue. But honestly? Earth sells it through performance alone, so it’s hardly a deal-breaker.
Moonlight Chicken isn’t just a love story—it’s a reflection on life’s uncertainties, second chances, and the courage to move forward. It’s a drama that lingers long after the credits roll, perfect for both BL fans and anyone who appreciates authentic, emotionally rich storytelling.
If you’re after a romantic drama that’s equal parts heartfelt and thought-provoking, Moonlight Chicken is a must-watch. Short, deeply moving, and beautifully acted, this series proves that sometimes, the most meaningful love stories happen when you least expect them.
Set against the backdrop of a humble late-night eatery, the series follows Jim (Earth Pirapat), a street food vendor who keeps his heart as guarded as his business. One fateful evening, he crosses paths with Wen (Mix Sahaphap), a charming yet complicated young man. What starts as a fleeting one-night encounter slowly simmers into something deeper—but only if Jim is willing to let go of his past and embrace the possibility of love.
Released on February 8, 2023, via GMMTV’s YouTube channel, this eight-episode drama boasts a stellar cast, including Fourth Nattawat as Jim’s headstrong nephew Li Ming, Gemini Norawit as his deaf love interest Heart, Khaotung Thanawat as the heartbreakingly earnest Gaipa, and First Kanaphan as Wen’s possessive ex, Alan.
Few dramas capture the messiness of real love as well as Moonlight Chicken. Unlike many BL series that lean into dreamy romance, this one is flawed, complicated, and painfully real. Jim isn’t your typical brooding male lead—he’s a man weighed down by responsibilities, trying to balance his small business, his nephew’s future, and the fear of getting hurt again. Wen, on the other hand, refuses to let Jim push him away, despite carrying emotional baggage of his own.
The side characters add incredible depth. Li Ming and Heart’s slow-burn romance is one of the most rewarding arcs in the show, tackling themes of self-worth and breaking free from limitations. Fourth and Gemini deliver standout performances, with Gemini’s ability to convey emotion without spoken dialogue making his portrayal of Heart particularly moving. Meanwhile, Khaotung’s performance as Gaipa is nothing short of an acting masterclass, his restrained yet powerful portrayal leaving a lasting impact.
Beyond romance, Moonlight Chicken explores economic struggles, generational conflicts, disability representation, and even the cost of living in modern Thailand. These themes aren’t just background noise—they actively shape the characters' choices, making their journeys feel authentic and grounded.
While the series’ eight-episode run means some themes don’t get the depth they deserve, it never feels rushed. Every scene is purposeful, every conversation weighted with meaning.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the best performances from Earth, Mix, and Khaotung. Earth, playing a man older than his actual age, delivers a deeply nuanced portrayal of Jim, balancing warmth and hesitation. Mix brings layered vulnerability to Wen, making him more than just a lovestruck young man. And Khaotung? His portrayal of Gaipa is so heartbreakingly raw that it deserves to be studied by aspiring actors.
If there’s one minor critique, it’s that Earth and Mix look closer in age than the script suggests. Since Jim is meant to be significantly older, the show occasionally reminds us of this through dialogue. But honestly? Earth sells it through performance alone, so it’s hardly a deal-breaker.
Moonlight Chicken isn’t just a love story—it’s a reflection on life’s uncertainties, second chances, and the courage to move forward. It’s a drama that lingers long after the credits roll, perfect for both BL fans and anyone who appreciates authentic, emotionally rich storytelling.
If you’re after a romantic drama that’s equal parts heartfelt and thought-provoking, Moonlight Chicken is a must-watch. Short, deeply moving, and beautifully acted, this series proves that sometimes, the most meaningful love stories happen when you least expect them.
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