12 Overlooked BL Series You Need to Check Out Immediately!

12 Overlooked BL Series You Need to Check Out Immediately!

    Hello everyone! Today, we're exploring some underrated BL series—the hidden treasures that often fly under the radar. While major production companies take center stage with extensive marketing, lesser-known shows can present unique and emotional narratives that are equally deserving of our attention. In this blog, we've put together a list of essential underrated BL series that offer a fresh perspective distinct from the usual favorites. So, without further delay, let's jump into the blog and uncover some BL hidden gems!

#01. BE MY FAVORITE

 

    Gawin has become one of my favorite GMMTV actors without me even realizing it. No matter what the drama is, I inevitably find myself drawn to his character. This was certainly true for Be My Favorite. Interestingly, Gawin was not the first choice—Krist was originally set to be paired with Mike, but GMMTV later revealed a casting change, and fortunately, Gawin took the role. His chemistry with Krist was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. While he may not appeal to everyone, I found their on-screen dynamic to be among the best I've encountered—authentic, genuine, and surprisingly poignant. The series itself was eye-opening. Its combination of romance and fantasy was nicely balanced, resulting in a unique and emotionally resonant storyline. Unfortunately, Be My Favorite is still underestimated. Even with GMMTV's support, it didn't receive the recognition it merited, likely due to the controversies surrounding Krist. However, its fresh pairing, captivating plot, and heartfelt performances make it a remarkable series in my view.

#02. I FEEL YOU LINGER IN THE AIR

 

    It’s been nearly two years since this series premiered, and I’m still anxiously awaiting a proper sequel. I can only hope it arrives sooner rather than later. Similar to Be My Favorite, this show provided a fresh pairing and a distinctive plot that generated a lot of excitement leading up to its debut. At first, I felt a bit uncertain, questioning whether the storyline would fulfill its potential and deliver the emotional resonance it sought. Nevertheless, it ultimately surpassed all my expectations. The series struck a chord with many viewers, amassing a devoted following that became enamored with its characters and narrative. While the engrossing plot was the show's essence, the two lead actors stood out significantly. Both strikingly handsome, they breathed life into their roles with remarkable performances. Their emotional range and undeniable chemistry drew me deep into the story, rendering it impossible to turn away. Each episode exuded a captivating, almost dreamlike quality that made it an unforgettable viewing experience. By the conclusion, I was thoroughly convinced it was one of the greatest series I've ever experienced as a fan. The emotional commitment it required and the connection it cultivated made it truly exceptional. However, the finale left us with a significant cliffhanger, heightening the urgency for a second season. There's still so much left to uncover, and I can’t help but wish we’ll receive the continuation that this phenomenal series merits.

#03. TO SIR WITH LOVE

    One of the reasons I feel To Sir With Love is so underrated is due to its distinct theme and storyline. Unlike most BL series I've seen, which mainly emphasize the romance between the two leads and their journey as a couple, this series adopted a different perspective. It focused more on family relationships and the protagonist's challenges within his family, making it more of a family-centered drama with BL elements rather than a simple romance. This shift in focus may not have connected with all viewers, as it lacked the lighthearted, romantic comedy that some fans usually anticipate from the genre. However, that’s precisely what appealed to me. When it premiered, its refreshing and unconventional plot immediately captured my interest. The choice to address the protagonist's family struggles before fully delving into the romance added emotional richness and rendered the story more significant. It was a courageous and innovative decision that provided the series with a deeper, more intricate narrative compared to many other BL dramas. Another standout aspect of the series was the introduction of Jam and Film, whose pairing on-screen was truly remarkable. Both actors possessed a magnetic charm that made their characters incredibly engaging and easy to root for. Their performances were sincere and layered, making the emotional scenes feel genuine and the romantic tension genuinely captivating. Despite having more episodes than the average BL show, each moment was entertaining. The extended runtime allowed the plot to unfold naturally, giving the characters and their relationships space to develop. Ultimately, To Sir With Love was a true treasure—a series that courageously deviated from the conventional BL formula, presenting a moving and unforgettable story that warranted much more acclaim.

#04. HE'S COMING TO ME

 

    It's surprising to think that this series premiered over six years ago, yet I still view it as one of the most underrated BL dramas to this day. Although it was produced by GMMTV, it first launched as an exclusive on Line TV, which made it challenging for international viewers to access. It wasn't until a year later that the company finally allowed audiences outside Thailand to watch it. By that time, the initial excitement had waned, and the series didn't gain the broader recognition it truly deserved. What made this series stand out to me was its original and unexpected concept—a romance between a human and a ghost. At the time, this idea was unlike anything I had encountered in the BL genre. It was a daring and imaginative concept that could have easily faltered, but the execution was impressively well done for its era. The combination of supernatural elements with heartfelt storytelling lent the series a touching and bittersweet quality, setting it apart from the usual romance-centric narratives. Since then, numerous other BL dramas have delved into the human-ghost romance theme, but thankfully, they’ve incorporated their own unique twists, keeping the idea vibrant. Nevertheless, this particular series remains dear to me for being one of the pioneers in exploring this theme. Its emotional richness, inventive storyline, and the gentle bond between the leading characters made it exceptional, even if it didn't receive the global attention it warranted.

#05. MY ONLY 12%

 

    School-based BL dramas often receive unfair scrutiny due to their familiar themes, which is a disappointing reality in the industry. The era when BL fans eagerly awaited each new series, irrespective of the storyline, seems to have passed. Nowadays, audiences are in search of fresh and innovative narratives that can reignite their passion for the genre. However, My Only 12% stands out as one of the few school-based BLs that genuinely captivated me, despite its seemingly straightforward premise of two young boys falling in love. What truly distinguished this series was its heartfelt delivery and the remarkable chemistry between the lead actors. The storytelling felt authentic and emotionally impactful, balancing youthful innocence with genuine vulnerability. The slow evolution of the main couple's relationship was portrayed beautifully, making every moment seem authentic and significant. Much of the series' charm emanated from Santa and Earth, whose pairing on-screen was undeniably unforgettable. Their natural chemistry and emotionally charged performances brought their characters' connection to life in a real and touching way. Although Santa and Earth are no longer an on-screen couple, their collaboration remains one of the most memorable I've encountered in the industry. Their talent for conveying nuanced emotions and sincere affection made My Only 12% a remarkable series, demonstrating that school-based BLs can still be meaningful and engaging when crafted with sincerity and care.

#06. LAWS OF ATTRACTION

 

    Another JamFilm series that really made an impact was Laws of Attraction, providing a distinctly different type of BL drama. In contrast to their characters in To Sir With Love, where they portrayed more tender and emotionally vulnerable roles, Laws of Attraction revealed a grittier, more intense aspect of both actors—particularly Film. His strong presence and multifaceted performance stood out, highlighting his remarkable versatility. Meanwhile, Jam showcased a nuanced rendition that harmoniously complemented Film's character, generating a captivating dynamic between their differing personalities and values. This clash of perspectives enriched their relationship, enhancing the overall allure of the series. Although the special effects were occasionally lacking, the show compensated for it with powerful performances, an engaging storyline, and impactful emotional moments. The chemistry between Jam and Film remained magnetic, pulling viewers into their intricate and often ethically complex relationship. Despite its merits, Laws of Attraction somewhat flew under the radar, marking it as another underrated treasure in the BL genre. Now that Jam and Film have opted to concentrate on their solo careers, it feels bittersweet knowing that they won’t be paired again in the near future. Nevertheless, they have undoubtedly left a significant mark on the BL industry. Their collaboration delivered some of the most unforgettable and emotionally charged performances, establishing them as one of the most iconic BL pairings in recent years.

    In addition to these, the other six BL dramas that I believe are overlooked and undervalued are

#07. TRIAGE

 

    Triage is a groundbreaking BL drama that combines time-loop storytelling with medical and romantic themes. It centers on a doctor who must change the past to save a patient's life, resulting in a suspenseful and unpredictable adventure. The series excels at creating intricate mysteries while maintaining clarity despite its complex plot. Although some plot inconsistencies arise, especially toward the conclusion, its originality and thrilling surprises make up for it. The romance unfolds slowly but grows captivating, intricately linked with the high-stakes drama. The dynamic cast enhances the overall experience, although the last episodes come across as irrational and chaotic. In spite of its shortcomings, Triage is a trailblazing and captivating series that warrants acclaim.

#08. SPARE ME YOUR MERCY

 

    "Spare Me Your Mercy" is a thought-provoking drama that explores the subject of euthanasia, prompting ethical discussions about the right to end one's life. In addition to its profound themes, it offers a captivating mystery as a suspect evades detection amidst a series of twists and unclear character motivations. However, the plot sometimes becomes overly complex, and the abundance of twists can diminish its logical clarity. The romance between Tew and Kan feels strained and ethically complicated, yet their forbidden relationship remains fascinating. The cast delivers moving performances, enhancing the emotional gravity of the story. The series concludes with a deeply resonant finale, leaving viewers to reflect on its thought-provoking moral questions.

#09. CUPID'S LAST WISH

 

    Cupid's Last Wish is an underwhelming BL drama that does not live up to its potential, even with a well-loved acting pair. The narrative is hindered by disjointed writing, unengaging storytelling, and frustrating characters. The road trip concept is squandered on tedious, predictable episodes, and the weak subplots contribute little significance. The protagonist, Win, is thoroughly unlikable, rendering his romance with the dull Korn unconvincing and irritating. Although the absurdity becomes unintentionally amusing towards the conclusion, the series ultimately feels like a missed chance. Considering GMMTV's reputation, the low quality is unacceptable.

#10. GELBOYS

 

    Gelboys is an engaging and realistic BL drama that portrays the emotional chaos of adolescent infatuations and unhealthy relationships. The series shines in its subtle storytelling, utilizing small details to express the passage of time and feelings without directly stating them. Nevertheless, the main character, Fourmod, endures a distressing "hot and cold" situationship, making his desperation and loss of self-esteem hard to observe. The intensity of the tension and heartbreak is almost unbearable, suggesting an unavoidable emotional breakdown. Speculations among fans propose a complicated love triangle, and given the crew's previous work, the quality of the storytelling is anticipated to stay strong. A bittersweet or ambiguous ending seems probable.

#11. OUR YOUTH

 

    Our Youth is a meticulously crafted BL drama that fuses sophistication, emotional richness, and artistic narrative. It tells the story of Jin and Haruki, two multifaceted individuals from contrasting backgrounds, as they grapple with love, trauma, and the pressures of maturing too quickly. The series harmonizes sorrow with affection, gradually escalating feelings toward a compelling peak. Breathtaking cinematography, symbolic visuals, and an enchanting soundtrack enhance the overall experience. Although the pacing falters during the adulthood segment, the conclusion brings the narrative to a satisfying close. Featuring exceptional performances and lyrical storytelling, Our Youth emerges as a standout work in the genre.

#12. SECRET RELATIONSHIPS

 

    This BL drama showcases exceptional performances and striking visuals, but its plot has sparked mixed reactions. Almost every character exhibits significant flaws and could benefit from therapy, with love being portrayed as a transactional affair. The co-worker's struggle to handle rejection is exasperating, and the ending feels contrived, favoring a happy resolution over a logical storyline. Although the cinematography and intricate details are noteworthy, they seem underutilized in a narrative that becomes increasingly chaotic, particularly with the "unstable professor" and "frustrated director" storylines. While it is of above-average quality, the unhealthy relationships and unsatisfying ending contribute to its divisive reception.

    These 12 BL dramas deserve recognition, high ratings, and positive reviews from viewers because they presented something distinctive and innovative to the audience. While I can't claim that all of these meet my personal standards, there’s an aspect of each series that captured my affection regardless of their lower ratings or lack of mainstream popularity. Which BL series do you believe is underrated or not given enough recognition? I appreciate you taking the time to read this! That’s all for now, and I’ll see you in the next one.