Bad Buddy (2021)

Gold-Star BL, One of the Best

Despite being ad-laden, the production managed to showcase a BL series that brought Nanon and Ohm to new heights in their career.

It has a magical story that seemed to derive from a simple storyline, a BL version of modern Romeo and Juliet in a Thai setting.

There is nothing superfluous here. The acting is superb. The dramatic storyline has resonated with me.

The characters portrayed by the actors seem to work wonders among the BL audience as they demonstrate a believable love story defying the conflicts in their respective families and delivering the audience to a setting where they can get front-row seats in witnessing the development of their romantic storyline, from enemies to lovers.

I also love the soundtrack so it's a plus in the overall production of the series.

Lire davantage

Best BL I've watched so far

OK so Bad Buddy was one of the first BL series I watched (the very first being Where Your Eyes Linger), and it quite literally ruined the entire genre for me. I mean it in a good way - it was so good that the rest just pale in comparison. The chemistry is overflowing, the acting is amazing, and the pacing is just perfect. It also subverts a lot of expectations that the casual BL fan will subconsciously have, such as sub/dom roles or a straight-except-for-him main lead, for example.

What I liked:

- OhmNanon have the best chemistry I've ever seen in a series, full stop (including those outside the BL genre). They were good friends at the time of filming, and you can absolutely tell. They are comfortable around each other, have a good rapport, quick banter, and don't shy away from physical intimacy. The fact that they are formidable actors on top of that, and are capable of delivering emotional scenes and the illusion of being in love, just helps sell the story being presented to the viewer.
- The story is not new (enemies?-to-lovers has been done many a time), but this just proves how anything can be entertaining if it's done well. I find the use of tropes to be very clever, as they are introduced to be questioned later on - an example of this would be Pat calling Pran his 'wife', and Pran calling him out for it. They don't waste a lot of time on the two hating each other, which I appreciate, because it usually drags on and can become quite boring; instead, we get two guys that want to be closer but are held back by their families' long-standing feud.
- GL couple!! It's so refreshing to see, and I need companies to start investing in more GL content as soon as possible. Pa and Ink are adorable, and I just wish we could've seen more of them - or at least a kiss, or anything. I hoped that Ink wasn't going to cause a rift between PranPat, and she didn't, and then she got a girlfriend instead? I'm sold.
- One of the few first kisses where neither of them is drunk, or high, or questionably out of touch with reality. Honestly, it surprises me how rare it is for this to happen - consent seems to be non-existent in a lot of BL series. So, points for that - and also for having the best kiss scene ever. It was not too long nor too short, there were no pecks or closed lips or open eyes, the hands actually did something, and neither was standing like a wooden plank. Seriously, I want to thank whoever directed this scene just for that.

What I liked, but not as much:

- Product placement - but that's just a Thai series problem, as I've come to realize lol. They are not subtle at all - I swear I've seen that damn printer ad in like three different series (I'm looking at you, My School President). I understand they have to pay their bills, but I wish they'd try to make it look more casual.
- I literally HATE Wai. You're telling me I have to like him after he literally outed his best friend? He's petty, whiny, and overall annoying as hell, and I will NOT hear anyone out about this. He deserved more backlash for what he did than he got. He didn't even apologize?? Nah. Hate the guy, I'm sorry. Korn was a much better friend.
- Had to skip the singing sequences, but that's just a personal preference. I just can't watch them. Whenever I see a guitar on a Thai BL series I want to scream. Also, I know Nanon can sing, but they did him DIRTY in some scenes.

Overall, just watch the series. Do it. It's, in my opinion, one of the best BL series out there.

Lire davantage

very goood

i really enjoyed this series the acting was great the story was intersting they fixed a lot of problems in bls that usually happens they communicated and felt like a real real couple after thay got togther the kissing scene were very good and they didnt fell like 2 friends like what usually happens in bls and the cheimstry felt very natural the fighting at the beginning was a bit annoying but it got better and i really liked ink and pa finaly a non toxic female charcter also the show only got better as things progressed and didnt got worse after a few episodes like in a lots of bls

Lire davantage

A diamond between a million rocks

Bad Buddy is simply amazing. The lack of the usual cliches that the BL industry have normalized is a fresh breath of air. The couple’s relationship is HEALTHY, the industry always give us toxic stereotypes and this series said no. The acting was great, why? because for once the actors were comfortable with each other and not just randomly thrown together. The chemistry is insane, and felt like what a couple in real life would be like.

For once, the architecture/engineering cliche was actually included in the plot and not just thrown for the sake of tradition. Tong’s story was also a great addition to the series, especially his philosophy it made think about my actions a lot. The ost was amazing, the songs are catchy but also heartwarming.

This serie was made to clear all the negative sides that we’re accustomed to. It was made to not satisfy the people that think a M/M couple is what they see on the other shows. It was made for us the ones that actually understand the LGBTQ community is more than a fetish to pass by. I don’t think I will watch another one like this in a long time.

Lire davantage

*SQUEAL*

Bro, I don't know why I like this show so much. The plot is arguably nothing special, but the way the actors portray the character's emotions feels so real. One of my favorite parts has to be that if there is a miscommunication the characters talk about it instead of breaking up for some stupid reason and going 4 episodes without talking or something.

STORY
Bro, I could go on for days about how cute the story is. We get a backstory as to why the characters hate each other and there is some mystery as to why the parents have had a rivalry that has been going on for years, and the suspense is enough to drive you mad.

Honestly, there is only a couple of bad things overall and that's the ending and Pran's shitty friends. The fact that Pran had to apologize to Wai when HE was the one to expose them to the whole school and possibly put them in danger because he was a little butthurt his friend found someone who made him happy had me rolling on the floor ready to punch someone. On the other hand, Pat's friends are the best. 10/10 would recommend

The only other thing is the ending. I know many people have already said this but the ending was so disappointing. It's realistic, though, if you look at it from a real-world perspective. You can't always get everything you want but as long as you're happy and your partner is fine with it, it's their choice yk?

ACTING

There's not much to say really besides the cast was hand-picked by God Herself

MUSIC

Bro the ost is stuck in my head and on repeat in my playlist.... all the time.

REWATCH VALUE

This is such a good comfort series when you want to watch a cute fluffy drama with some angst here and there. Not ashamed to admit how many times I have watched this tbh

Overall it's a must-watch not just for BL fans but also just for anyone who enjoys watching 2 people gradually fall in love while the whole world seems to be against them.

Lire davantage

There's so many good things to write about this series. I didn't actually know it was coming out, I happened to catch it whilst it was airing and I don't for a second regret choosing to watch it. It has everything you could hope for in a bl. There's not biphobia, no heteronormativity, and much to my surprise ....no stereotypes that we typically see in other series. It's a story of two boys who grew up as enemies because of family issues.

The acting is incredible....especially the rooftop scene. The emotions Ohm and Nanon had to portray were tough but they did it in such a way. I can't watch that scene without crying now. The facial expressions throughout the whole series are amazing.

Lire davantage

Pure perfection

I don’t think this series can be described in any other way than perfection. It has all my favorite tropes included or hinted at – enemies to lovers or maybe friends to lovers, second chance love, childhood love, forbidden love, the bet, hidden relationship, opposites attract, jealousy… and probably a few more. But the best part? The relationship is healthy. Even when the two dislike each other, they can still keep it civil when it’s the two of them. After seeing so many series where abuse is seen as normal and romantic, I was really happy with how the relationship between Pat and Pran was done.

Pat & Pran: the thing I loved the most about the two of them is how they both know each other so well, but don’t try to change the one once they become a couple. They stay true to themselves, including the way they compete. We get to see how different they are in the scene when they are both getting ready for class, and I think it was a brilliantly done scene. And those differences are not lost through the rest of the series. They also communicate with each other (even before getting together) which is another great example of what a healthy relationship includes. During one of their arguments, they are both aware how ridiculous they are being to the point of saying that they are arguing just for the sake of arguing.

The chemistry between Ohm and Nanon was amazing. I think it truly showed that two of them have been friends for a long time before the series. They really nailed all of the scenes, I especially love the ones in which they are playing with one another (more like annoying each other). It felt so real.

I think the chemistry between all actors was amazing. I love Drake (Korn) in pretty much every role that he plays. I feel like this bad boy jokester vibes fit him incredibly well. As for the character, I loved Korn and his naughty gestures were amazing. He became a Pat and Pran number one fan quickly. Jimmy (Wai) did great too. I did want to hate Wai at some point, I am still annoyed we didn’t get a real apology for what he did – that was not cool at all.

Ink & Pa: they are adorable! How did Pat ever think that Ink might like him? She had her eyes on Pa from the start. I absolutely love their relationship and I think the two actresses did an amazing job with the characters. The dirty look that Ink gave to Wai when he was admiring Pa? Absolutely iconic!

Also, can we talk about how real the sibling relationship between Pat and Pa is? Coming from someone with siblings, I can tell you that I haven't felt more seen in a while. We nag and threaten each other, but we also take care of each other and keep each other's secrets. Let's not forget about telling the truth as it is - if you are an idiot, I am telling you that. I am also very happy with how they didn't turn Pa into a shipper once Pat and Pran got together. And just how realistic her outfit choices were, she was not dolled up for staying home or when she went to spend time with her brother.

I am also very happy with the fact that they avoided most of the cliché lines we get in other series. There was no “I’m not gay, but I like you” lines, or any weird obsessions with boobs (I’m looking at you Sarawat), or the whole who is the husband and who is the wife thing. I am not saying that having an obvious top and bottom partners is a bad thing, but I absolutely love the fact that Pat and Pran switch, which makes so much sense for how their personalities are.

The OST is brilliant. Like there is not a single song that I do not like, and I have added some to my playlist (not that I can actually pronounce anything), that’s how much I love them. Music is a major part of the relationship between Pat and Pran, so I didn’t expect anything less than perfection when it came to the OST. One of my favorite scenes is the scene where Pat sings Love Score to Pran in the car. Nanon, who plays Pran, sings that song. That felt more like Ohm and Nanon moment, it’s how friends tease each other, and I found it super cute.

Lire davantage

Lightning in a bottle.

The greatest romcom for me. This show has so much heart to it. Though there is a plethora of TV shows with noteworthy character arcs and multilayered plotlines, Bad Buddy - with its fairly simplistic premise - hit my heart hard. Binging this show was an unforgettable and heartwarming experience. I don't think I'll ever be able to get over Pat and Pran the way I have over all the shows that I have binged and loved so far (including those high-budget big name shows that have topped IMDB and MyDramaList!).

The reason why BBS is memorable is because of how real both the main leads feel — like they are actual people I am friends with. Their chemistry was electric.

Bad Buddy is lightning in a bottle - the director, cast, plot, OST and everything else made THE perfect blend. Usually, with the dramas I watch, I end up disliking an element or two. This wasn't the case with BBS. This is THE BL - wait, scratch that, THE romance that puts most other romance stories to shame. BBS is what I had craved for years as a hopeless romantic.

I had all but given up on BLs for forced kisses, unconvincing acting, etc., but Bad Buddy...I can't stress enough how great it is as a romcom, BL or otherwise. I wouldn't just call it BL - P'Aof and the cast have created a beautiful romantic dramedy with the perfect proportion of angst and fluff. Everything is genuine about Pat and Pran's relationship and life; they are destined to be together. They exemplify what it means to be a healthy couple.

I understood Pran's sadness and loneliness as he pined for Pat. I FELT Pat's frustration and determination as he pursued Pran for answers with the hope that it wasn't too late to get to be with him. I felt Pran's love. I felt Pat's dedication FOR his love. The star-crossed lovers theme is strong with these two, I'll say!

The courting, and yes, I'll call it courting, was truly jaw-dropping. It was heart-warming, hilarious and just so fulfilling. Never in a million years did I expect a BL drama to go in such a creative, wholesome direction with the way it shows how the characters get together. The university setting feels fresh though its been done so many times before - BBS makes it fresh. The side characters help in elevating the stakes and they support the main duo well. I can't emphasize enough how PatPran make for the heart and soul of the show.

We even have GL rep. We have a healthy sibling bond. We have great friends, and some bad ones too. We have family, We have heart wrenching confrontations. We get forgiveness, tears, smiles and the whole package with Bad Buddy, really!

Let's talk versatility.

I've craved for verse rep in BL that just subverts the standard top/bottom tropes in BL for so long. While I can see why many enjoy it and how tops and bottoms do exist in many queer relationships, I want to see couples in BL where they go beyond the norm and are shown to be equals both in and out of bed.

When P'Aof, the director of BBS, said he wanted to abolish the seme/uke stereotypes for this story of rivals falling for each other, I felt so happy. I felt seen. I was taken aback and over the moon when I saw the giant BBS fandom support PatPran's lack of fixed top/bottom roles. I read comments of people who said they learned about versatility just because of BBS. This show has educated people and broken multiple stereotypes, and I am so grateful for that.

This is truly one of the few gems in the romance genre that I'll hold dear to my heart. The 12 hours I spent on this show were some of the most emotional and fun-filled. I totally recommend calling a bunch of friends who appreciate a good romance and settling down with snacks plus drinks to binge this on a weekend.

Lire davantage

Bad Buddy Series Is So Underrated.

the actors of this series are super talented,the story is well-written and the writer herself is super talented too,i'm just stunned by this series,it was so UNDERRATED T-T,i will miss pat and pran including the other characters,to me it was the best series i've ever watch so i recommend you to watch this series too,the fact that pat and pran is forbidden to talk to each other but they disobey them just so they could be together that's just so...brave bro ngl- i love pat and pran's relationship,they're so chaotic and always bicker/fight but still love each other like..i want a relationship like thatt i'm jelly rn T-T,but furthermore it was a good story and it's well-written too,afterday is a very talented writer :>,so i thank her for writing this great story/novel,and director aof for making a series out of this novel,thank u for doing a great job and congratulations.

Lire davantage

The show was not bad per se but not worth the hype in my opinion. I was pretty bored to be honest, but maybe that is because school BLs just aren’t my thing. I loved the lesbian side couple but PatPran made me feel nothing. Somehow the character of Pran got on my nerves but that may be because there is just something about Nanon that I do not like. I’m not saying he is a bad actor,quite the opposite, it’s just that despite portraying a gay guy he’s got this straight fuckboy aura I cannot seem to ignore😅also too much mindless fluff and very fanservicy . I felt like the characters were too pure and sanitized to the point of being very one-dimensional.Props to the director tho and the music was good.

Lire davantage

When the actors make the show glow

I'll keep this really short!!!

This is type of a drama with a basic ass plot which we've seen it million times before, from enemies to lovers. Nothing mind blowing or new, BUT the actors made this drama interesting and addicting.
Great acting. Loved the chemistry between them. Loved the cute moments between them.
Nice camera work, and the cinematography is nice. The characters are nice, but you'll live for the main couple.

The plot might be interesting to someone who is new to this kind of "topics" or genre, but for me its pretty basic and its something I've seen at least 50 times. The story is predictable but easy to follow.
-plot= meehh
-acting=GREAT!!!!
-rewatch value= yes!

Lire davantage

THIS SHOULD BE THE MOST HONEST REVIEW IN THE LIST.

AS SOMEONE WHO IS NOT A HARDCORE FANS OF BOTH ACTOR, THIS SHOULD BE THE MOST HONEST REVIEW IN THE LIST.

This series was so hyped so much that I thought it was worth watching, like really really worth it. The review was not bad so I have no doubt about it and try to drown myself into a Bad Buddy world. It was a terrible decision that I wish I could unwind. Ugh, my expectation was too over the roof.

It sucks bad. Everything seems so rushed and immature, the directing to the script, that awkward commercial "break" moment, the horrendous camera position, and the imbalance mic/sound output. Not to mention the unnecessary fan service; kissing, shirtless scene, etc. It's as if an intern is 100% behind this "masterpiece". I expected so much from the director since he is one of the important people behind ATOTS (If I am not mistaken). There are so many things to dislike about this series. Unfortunately.

PS: AS AN ARCHITECT MYSELF, I REALLY HATE HOW THIS SERIES PORTRAYS ARCHITECTS WORKS AND ETHICS. IT'S AS IF THEY JUST THROW IN THE TYPICAL PERSPECTIVE OF HOW AN ARCHITECT SHOULD BE, BUT THAT TYPICAL PERSPECTIVE PORTRAYED IN THE SERIES WAS WRONG TOO!! I AM TOTALLY MAD ABOUT IT. AS SOMEONE WHO IS AS PERFECTIONIST AS PRAN, THIS IS TOTALLY SUCH A TURN-OFF. DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE PUTTING OUT YOUR WORK! PITY THOSE ACTORS HAD TO GO THROUGH SUCH A HORRENDOUS PLOT & SCRIPTWRITING!

Lire davantage