BL shows I would recommend
They might not all be everyone's cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed these shows and think they should be given a chance. Whether you like them or not is up to you.
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1. Manner of Death
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
MaxTul themselves are perfection but this show is spectacular. It's not your ordinary BL show since it's a mystery/thriller with romantic aspects. It deals with heavy topics but it is pretty well done. We know the chemistry is fantastic but the plot helps elevate it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes more mature topics, heavy plot, heated romance (if you get what I mean) and mystery. (I will light myself on fire if we don't get a second part)
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2. HIStory3: Trapped
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
My all-time favourite History series. It follows a cop and a mafia leader falling in love and It's amazing in all ways. The chemistry is also an added cherry on top. If you like a balance of romance and action then this is the show for you (it has an open/ambiguous ending so be warned)
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3. We Best Love: No. 1 For You
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
I was shocked by how good this drama was. I loved the acting of the main leads so much and the story is so well done. It's about two guys who were always competing with each other for first place. The one who wanted it hated the other and the one who would always get it was in love with him. I have nothing but praise for this show and if you choose to watch any one show from this list, it should be this one. I cannot get enough. Even the sequel was just as good despite having my least favourite trope *cough* miscommunication *cough*. WATCH THIS SHOW!!!! I promise you will not regret it.
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4. Semantic Error
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
A Korean BL!!!!! The show itself is honestly so cute and sweet. The chemistry is also so good. I must admit that I spent most of the show being distracted by how attractive Seoham is but if you like sweet, fluffy romances, then this is for you. It's not very long either so it's a good lighthearted watch.
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5. Bad Buddy
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Bad Buddy did an amazing job in breaking so many BL stereotypes while using cliches to their advantage. Ohm and Nanon are both fantastic together as they are apart. The show itself is very sweet and has so much adorable romance. It's a good watch if you want something lighthearted.
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6. Not Me
Thai Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
This show is so good in so many ways. It is however more plot heavy and has romance as a subplot. Off and Gun are always fantastic but they are spectacular in this. It discusses so many issues currently in Thailand while also giving us romance. All the characters are so good and I would recommend it if you like political plot-heavy shows.
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7. I Told Sunset about You
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
I could wax poetry about this show. The cinematography of this BL goes above and beyond. The main plot is simple, two best friends turned rivals reunite and feelings arise but it is so much more than that. It does get very serious and while the two main characters are very cute, there is more tension and angst than there is fluff as the story focuses more on our protaganists feelings and figuring them out than romance overall. (In my mind the second part does not exist)
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8. Zettai BL ni Naru Sekai VS Zettai BL ni Naritakunai Otoko
Japanese Special - 2021, 1 episode
It isn't a standard BL show since the plot is of our main protagonist who finds himself in the world of BL but it is so funny and honestly, all the side couples (especially the brother and his friend) are so cute. Also, the theme song is a bop and it is physically impossible not to dance to it. If you haven't seen this, what are you doing? Go watch it!!
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9. Unintentional Love Story
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
This drama has a special place in my heart. It is so warm and adorable. It also feels like such a stereotypical K-drama but only with two guys in the lead. Like everything about this screamed "traditional rom-com". I loved watching it (even the fights). The main couple is so cute and we need a continuation of the second couple, I refuse to let them go like this. Would definitely recommend watching it in one go though.
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10. Our Dating Sim
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
SO CUTE!!!!! This drama deserves more love. The main characters are absolutely fantastic. The second ML is one of the best characters I've seen in a BL. He is super straightforward and honest and I love that about him. The story itself is also great and you'll be smiling the whole time while watching the show.
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11. Kieta Hatsukoi
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
The cutest show ever. I don't have much to say about this one but if you like sweetness, fluff and everything adorable, WATCH THIS SHOW!!!!!! (Aoki my babyyyy)
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12. HIStory2: Crossing the Line
Taiwanese Special - 2018, 8 episodes
I don't actually have much to say about this show. Amongst the other shows on this list, there wasn't really anything in particular that stood out to me but this show is too well done to not include it. It is a volleyball BL and the main leads are so good. The story is also fantastic and I think it's a shame to not watch it. (the side couple is kinda controversial so I'll leave that up to you)
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13. 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
The plot of this show is so different than other shows. I truly think everyone should watch this because of how great it is. The characters are also fantastically portrayed, you will come to love all of them (Kurosawa is actually my baby, and no harm can ever come to him cause I said so). It is very very cute and sweet.
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14. Dark Blue Kiss
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
This show may not be everyone's cup of tea but man is it good. It's a continuation of Pete and Kao from "Kiss the series" (you can watch all their moments on youtube if you don't wanna watch the whole show). I love this show because the characters are flawed and messy which is what makes it fun to watch. The plot isn't anything new but it is done well. Also the side couple is so so good and it is a crime that they haven't gotten their own show yet.
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15. Together with Me
Thai Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
MaxTul has my heart. Before MOD there was Together with me. It is a prequel to Bad Romance (you don't need to watch it and honestly I wouldn't recommend it, even the maxtul moments are not worth it) but it is so much better than that show. It is set in university but it isn't like other university dramas. You know that if MaxTul are in a drama, the chemistry will be there. The side characters are also so well done (Yihwa the loml) and the plot has its ups and downs but overall it's a satisfying watch. (I like to believe that the second part doesn't exist so)
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16. Sotus
Thai Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
Okay...Let's talk about this. I was debating on including Sotus on this list but it's too iconic not to. It is basically where University Bls stemmed from and I truly think everyone should watch this. The plot is not anything new but the characters are all so lovely (especially Kongpob my love) and enemies to lovers is always a treat. You don't have to force yourself to watch it but I would recommend it. (also I loved the second part and I don't understand why so many people don't like it)
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17. Love Sick
Thai Drama - 2014, 12 episodes
Okay, hear me out. If you started watching BLs recently then your standard would be so high that you couldn't even make it through the first episode of this show. But this show is the blueprint. None of your favourite shows would exist without this one. The plot probably feels basic compared to our BLs now but I think everyone should watch this and see how BLs got popular in Thailand. The plot is like a soap opera so if you like those...(You would have to watch the second part as it is a continuation of the story)