best of bl [my beloved]

tags: office, grown-ups, age gap, good chemistry, happy ending

notes: the closest to a flawless bl we've ever seen. pitch-perfect performance (note the long take in the confession scene), simple sweet storyline just long enough to leave us wanting more, and low-key but lovely production that keeps the visuals grounded and lets the heart of the series shine through. supremely bingeable but will make you hungry. great intro bl.

tags: tragedy, supernatural, coming-of-age, grumpy x sunshine, good chemistry, sad ending

notes: did i love this? yes. is this the single best series i watched this year? without a doubt. is it perfection? absolutely. incomparable. plot, acting, cinematography, score, immaculate through and through. will i ever rewatch? fuck no. as of right now, barely an hour after the airing of the finale, i wish i had never seen it and i never want to see it again. that's how much this hurt. everything was beautiful and everything hurt. after i process the sheer agony i might be able to conceive of voluntarily putting myself through this again but not yet. not even close. god dammit catharsis

tags: university, enemies-to-lovers, good chemistry, grumpy x sunshine, happy ending

notes: this one is just about perfect too. convincing and endearing performances, an evenly paced story with a satisfying arc, and high-quality production (plus an uncommonly fun soundtrack.) proof that k-bl boys really do know how to kiss. rare case of a series that deserves all the hype it's gotten. equally good watched all at once or in several sittings. good intro bl.

tags: hometown, coming-of-age, age gap, slow burn, good chemistry, happy ending

notes: tough premise for some to swallow (wide age gap) but executed with surprising sensitivity and depth. all performances ring true despite some of japan's trademark slapstick. easy pace and slow-burn chemistry with a payoff in one of the best endings a bl has ever given us. clean, cozy production, all warm tones and overexposure. by the end of this one you might want to live in this sunny little seaside town.

tags: medical, time loop, age gap, slow burn, high stakes, happy ending

notes: best example yet of a plot-driven bl, especially out of thailand. flawed but likeable characters and a clever storyline that manages to remain consistently engaging despite the repetition inherent in its premise. earnest performances and simple but serviceable production. will take you on an emotional rollercoaster but won't let you down. make sure to clear your schedule before sitting down with this one just in case you end up bingeing it - it's long but surprisingly addicting.