10 BL Shows We’re Looking Forward To Watch In 2021

There certainly are more things to get excited about this 2021. Apart from the idea of turning over a new leaf with the arrival of the new year, we can’t help but gush over new shows coming our way, too. We aren’t just talking about the next hit K-drama or upcoming Netflix movies to binge watch. The Boys Love or BL craze in the Philippines is far from over, and we’re keeping a close watch on shows in this genre that will hit the screens this year.

We’re somehow leaving behind the hit BL shows we’ve come to love in 2020, like Thai shows 2gether The Series and I Told Sunset About You, as well as proudly Pinoy BL series Gameboys and Gaya Sa Pelikula (Like In The Movies), to make room for new ones that will air soon. And there will be no shortage of this niche as several titles have already popped in our timelines, with eager fans anticipating its release.

With fresh themes that circle beyond the realms of high school or university life, this year’s roster of BL stories delve deeper into the usual BL tropes. While we’re sure to find moments that make our hearts skip a beat—too many to count of too-close-for-our-own-good scenes between the leads, probably some (or a lot!) of skin, cat fights here and there, the works—since, well, this is Boys Love, after all, we’re also looking forward to a more grounded, realistic, and relevant storylines. And, we’re keeping tabs of both well-loved pairs and up-and-comers in the block!

A Tale Of Thousand Stars

This series was originally slated for release last year—however, pandemic happened, schedules were moved, and so was its airing date. But we don’t need to wait any longer, as A Tale Of Thousand Stars officially airs on January 29! Tian (Mix Sahaphap) receives the heart of a volunteer teacher who died in a tragic accident. Curious about his heart donor, he sets out to fulfill her dreams that he found written in her diary. Arriving at Pha Pun Dao village, he meets military officer Phupha (Earth Pirapat)—and begins his quest to count a thousand stars with him, as his donor had wished.

I Told Sunset About You Part 2

As soon as the end credits rolled in the last episode of this series, Nadao Bangkok already dropped the good news—part two is happening on March 11! Undeniably one of the most artistically-produced BL series of 2020, we’re eagerly looking forward to the new chapter of Teh (Billkin Putthipong) and Oh-aew’s (PP Krit) story. Leaving behind their life in their hometown in Phuket, the two will traverse the university life in Bangkok. Are new conflicts set to arise with the taste of city life, or will this bring them even closer? We can’t wait to find out!

Not Me

Now here is OffGun taking a break from being all cute and romantic (not that we’re complaining, though!). In Not Me, the power couple delves into a more rugged, action-packed storyline. Gun Atthaphan will flex his amazing acting chops in playing identical twins Black and White, while Off Jumpol portrays the character of Sean, a calm, serious, and hard to read friend/lover. The tale picks up when Black is attacked and hospitalized, and his twin went in to fill in for him in the gang to find out who among his friends had betrayed him. From the teaser alone, we know that each episode will leave us, yet again, breathless!

Hello Stranger The Movie

Upon hitting play on the movie teaser, Kookai (Vivoree Esclito) asks an all-too-important question: Are you ready? Yup, Hello Stranger The Movie is happening and our XavMi hearts can’t wait! On February 12, savor a whole new batch of kilig moments from Xavier (Tony Labrusca), Mico (JC Alcantara), and the whole gang as the cast goes on a retreat—complete with the beach, party games, drinking, and fresh faces. Valentine’s Day sure is sweeter this year!

KinnPorsche The Series

Based on the popular BL novel of the same title, KinnPorsche The Series packs a lot of punch—literally. Porsche (Apo Nattawin) helps Kinn (Mile Phakphum), the second son of a mafia, escape from an assault in return for a sum of money. After seeing Porsche’s combat skills, Kinn hunts him down to ask him to be his bodyguard. While the former initially refuses to get involved to protect his only family, he finally agrees to the job and moves in with Kinn after the latter leaves him with no choice. What started as bickering became a bond, filled with dangerous and unexpected events, and later on, a blooming romance that they’ll both find hard to ignore.

To My Star

January is loading us up with more BL shows to add to our watchlist, and To My Star lines up in front! From the same screenwriter of Where Your Eyes Linger, this show leans towards the romantic comedy side, based on the trailer. We’ll witness the love story of ‘Hallyu Wave’ star Kang Seo-joon (Son Woo-hyun) wants to deviate the traditional route, and chef Han Ji-woo (Kim Jang-min), who doesn’t want to go astray from the ‘straight path.’ The description alone is too witty to ignore—all the more reason to stay tuned come this January 23! P.S. In case you think they look familiar, both stars have appeared in Tale of the Nine-Tailed, as well as individually in other K-dramas like Hot Stove League and About Youth. Watch this series on Viu!

Tell The World I Love You

This movie stars the lead actors from popular Thai BL series. In their first film together, Perth Tanapon (Ae in Love By Chance) and Bas Suradej (Wayo in 2Moons) jumps in a tale of true love between two men against all the odds. In the film description, they leave the quote, Happiness doesn’t matter how many times you smile. It depends on whom you are smiling with.” And watching the music video of its OST, we expect to see a lot of fight scenes, drama, and tender moments that redefines the meaning of love.

Bad Buddy

We forgive that Bad Buddy is set in school. For one, this GMMTV-produced series takes a different approach this time. Pran (Nanon Korapat) and Pat (Ohm Pawat) grew up stuck in their families’ deep rivalry. Eventually, though, both boys got tired of their parents’ feud, and decided to become friends. However, their friendship has to be kept secret—and through their closed doors and hushed laughter, Pran and Pat get closer and develop something more than just a platonic bond.

Between Us

If the mystery of how Win (Boun Noppanut) and Team (Prem Warut) became too-close-to-be-just-friends in Until We Meet Again has been killing you in wonder for a while, Between Us is the godsend answer to our prayers. In this show, the spotlight is on Win and Team as they get to know one another through the swim club and develop a relationship. This side story will reveal the reason behind those random ‘sleepovers’ of Team in Win’s place, as well as all the in-betweens we’ve missed before.

B X J Forever

With a stellar lineup of cast added to the original characters, B X J Forever is a Valentine’s treat BL lovers wouldn’t want to miss! Following the story of Ben (Teejay Marquez) and Jim (Jerome Ponce) in the series, the latter will move heaven and earth just to find the missing Ben—the person that he loves. And in this search, he’ll learn how to be brave and chase for the love that he won’t want to ever let go—again.

Lead photos via Black Sheep, @kinnporsche.official, @GMMTV