Monster Next Door (2024)

SWEETNESS overload! When an Introverted Turtle met an extroverted Green (flag) Monster.

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25


What a lovely surprise that I enjoyed “Monster Next Door” so much. The premise is simple: an extrovert and an introvert live next door to each other, start out with some issues but then slowly fall in love and learn to grow together into their own comfortable selves. The biggest takeaway is that, Diew, the introvert is comfortable being alone and away from the crowds. We see him grow as a person and enlarges his social circle just a little bit yet without losing himself.

Let’s start with some areas of improvements:
1. Acting - The acting definitely could use some improvement. It’s not horrible but also not the best. But I do see the actors improving along the way and seem to be more comfortable with their characters.
2. Band Music - I was hoping to listen to better songs (with better vocals). But there’s basically one song. I was hoping to see the band play the full set or the full song, but I never got it.
3. 2nd romance - A little more time could have been spent on them. They are fun together but I needed to transition from friends to lovers.
4. 3rd romance - is that even a third romance? I also want to see more of them as they seem to be another interesting introvert/extrover pairing. I want to know more about their friendship/romance.
5. Diew’s outfits - I know he’s a student, but he could use a couple more sets of clothes instead of his uniform and PJs.
6. Mr. Shy - poor turtle needs a bigger tank.

Let’s talk about the GOOD!

SWEET, is the adjective I would describe this drama. There are many other Thai BLs in a school setting, and most of them though could be cute and fluffy, are usually too over-the-top and cringey to me (dialogs and how they act). But “Monster Next Door” did not give me this icky feeling. It’s just so sweet. This is largely due to the fact that we have the sweetest and greenest monster in our male lead, God.

God is a god-sent to the world of toxic red flags/GeGes/Oppas. He only lives in dramaland, because no one could be as nice as he is. He’s kind to everyone around him. But he also will step up and defend in the most logical, kind and reasonable way. He might not like you, but he will still keep his temper and communicate like an adult. He’s kind, considerate, patient and speaks honestly and kindly. He will think from your perspectives and give you great advice in life and in love. He’s so perfect that I wonder what he sees in Diew in the first place and is so smitten with him, when he barely knows him and has never seen Diew’s face. Dramaland pixie dust and Cupid’s arrow at work!

Not sure if it’s a translation issue, but I find God’s request to date Diew comes out of nowhere when you barely know him. Maybe he just wants to be his friend and get to know him, but not actually date Diew just yet? The beginning of their friendship is SWEET. However, it also makes me sad that Diew requested 3 conditions because of a past romance. Issues or misunderstandings are resolved rather quickly because God and Diew actually do talk to each other openly (except that one time involving Diew’s ex which took a little longer). During their friendship/courtship phase, I was smiling ear-to-ear, but was also moved to tears. It’s not really that sad objectively, but for some reason it was hitting me at all the right buttons and at the right moment. Looking back, I am loving it as I like a drama that brings out these complicated emotions.

There are also lovely platonic friendships and friends who are not only fun to hang out with, but are there to support you. The extroverted foursome is hilarious and rambunctious, which is a great contrast to the mellower and more sophisticated introverted duo.

Thai dramas have the best grandparents. Grandpa here is so fun and kind and adorable! We all need a grandpa like him to dote on us, and be a mediator with our parents. Mom might be painted as a ‘bad’ mom during the earlier episodes, but you’ll realize she’s nowhere near ‘bad’.

Mom Talk/Perspectives:
Diew’s relationship with his mom might not be the ‘sweet’ part of the drama. But it resonated with me so much and was portrayed in such a relatable and realistic way. My son is also off to college as a Freshman this year, so I agree with all the doubts and anxiety Diew’s mom is feeling. Not returning phone calls or texts is not acceptable in a mother’s eye, when you are alone away from home. But, as an international foreign student myself, I also could see where Diew is coming from. You tend to report the good and minimize the bad. You tend to just ignore it because your mom is annoying (or in this case, Diew has his own beliefs of how mom acted a certain way). I can empathize with both perspectives, thus, I really like how their relationship is written. It might be a Debbie-downer for those who just want all fluff and sweetness, so I can see criticisms of how this part could be boring to some.


I recommend “Monster Next Door” if you are looking for something simple and sweet (but predictable). It is not the most amazing drama out there, but it suits my needs and speaks to me. I had an amazing time binge-watching all 12 episodes in one day. Therefore, I am rating this a somewhat high 8.25-8.5 rating.


Completed: 11/28/2024 - Review #522

Leia Mais

Highly recommended

Green-flagged Relationship! I really enjoyed this series; it was a heartwarming story that captivated me from start to finish. What I liked most is that it wasn’t a common BL plot—refreshing twists and unique character dynamics kept me engaged throughout.

The acting was a big plus too, especially from episode 10 onward. The chemistry between the actors was so noticeable, making their relationship feel authentic and genuine. It really added depth to the narrative and made me root for them even more. Overall, "Monster Next Door" is a delightful watch that stands out in the genre!

Leia Mais

Enjoyable but inconsistent characterisation.

Overall I loved this series. The characters were mostly well thought out and believable however there were a few inconsistencies that slightly lowered my enjoyment of the series, most notable in the character of the 'monster'. Earlier episodes showed he was thoughtful and supportive of other's needs and very understanding. Later episodes he appeared to forget all of this and became suspicious and judgemental for a time. It was not in line with his character and was not enjoyable to watch. It very much came across as a plot driven requirement with no foundation rather than a believable character driven challenge. Also I can't be the only one that was disappointed that a certain scene from the pilot trailer never materialised in the show.

There's also a very unhealthy setup for the pet turtle featured in the series which is very irresponsible of the production team. I would hate to see anyone copy this set up for their own pets. The enclosure is far too small with nowhere near enough water for proper submersion. There is no basking spot with a heat lamp or a source of UVB light which will likely result in a softening and deforming of the shell. There was a moment where I actually thought this was going to be addressed and was a little impressed with the detail but this turned out to be wishful thinking on my part. No turtle should be kept in this environment long term. Please do not copy this setup.

Leia Mais

serie interessante, ma ritmo un po' troppo compassato

serie sicuramente interessante in quanto la tematica introverso-estroverso è portata alle estreme conseguenze, con spunti di riflessione per quanto riguarda le relazioni sociali, le relazioni sentimentali e i rapporti con i famigliari di persone introverse ed estroverse. La caratterizzazione di Diew, che come detto sembra piuttosto estrema, è anche conseguenza della sua relazione tossica con il suo ex, che gli ha lasciato profonde cicatrici, e che l'amore e la dedizione di God contribuiscono a curare. Nel corso della serie Diew e God hanno qualche malinteso, ma ne parlano sempre in maniera matura per giungere ad un chiarimento e ad un innalzamento di livello della loro relazione. Per quanto riguarda gli aspetti negativi, c'è da dire che non ho apprezzato molto l'interpretazione degli attori sia di Diew che di God, che spesso non riescono a trasmettere quelle emozioni che la scena richiederebbe. Anche la serie stessa in molte parti risulta un po' noiosa e con ritmo troppo compassato.

Leia Mais

Great Communication Surrounded by Fluff!

I unashamedly love this warm, fluffy series. I love odd couples and fluff, so this show hits the sweet spot for me. What I loved most was how the main couple communicated most of the time. They both stated their feelings and limitations, and worked together to resolve their differences. The only conflict happened when they did not follow their usually communication style.

I did not like the band's song that they played throughout the series. I felt that it sounded like a song you would hear at an amusement part. Maybe it was the keyboards.

Bottom line, introverts are not always anti-social and extroverts do not always force or push introverts to step out of their comfort zone. This couple worked together using their strengths.

Leia Mais

My Thursday will Never remain the same

From the first episode, I already knew I would love this series so much. Why? Because it was light and simple. I remember coming here to say it reminded me of the early Thai BLS that were so simple and ordinary but still managed to keep you glued to your screen. Of course, it's the usual university setting but the whole relationship between an introvert and an extrovert thing made it stand out. I always say this, the reason we got bored of university themed Thai BLS last year was because it came with the same engineering and medical student storyline 💀

Anyway, this is an 8/10 and I am going to miss it a lot. Thank you Wetv🥺 I've found a new love in Park and Big🥺 I love Park a lot. Hes like the new baby girl in the industry 😂

Leia Mais

Best Romances

Sebagai series bL dengan romansa yang bagus, series ini menurutku yang terbaik di 2024. Series ini punya penokohan yang kuat, setiap karakter dibahas sedemikian detailnya (walaupun karakter sampingan tidak se-detail itu, namun porsi mereka pas). Dengan latar cerita yang lumayan menarik, series ini tidak pernah membosankan untuk ditonton. Life meaning series ini sangat kuat, beberapa scene bisa terlihat sangat menyenangkan dan sangat menyedihkan dengan porsi yang realistis. Durasi setiap episode di series ini menurutku sangat ideal karena saya benar-benar bisa menikmatinya. Dari segi costum, efek visual, dan lagu yang mereka tampilkan series ini sangat sempurna. Selain itu visual para karakter sangat nampak bagus. Series ini sangat menekankan pada main tokoh utama tetapi tetap menampilkan scene pendukung lainnya (walaupun porsinya menurutku sangat minim) hal ini sangat wajar, series ini benar-benar fokus pada tokoh utamanya (tidak terdapat banyak filler). Jika anda ingin menonton bL dengan romansa yang kuat, saya sarankan series yg satu ini.

Leia Mais

Cute, simple and fun

That's pretty much it though but it had me invested.

There truly isn't much to say because essentially the story is about a green flag introvert and a green flag extrovert falling in love with each other. The only real red flags are seemingly connected to their “introverted/extroverted” behaviours and tendencies, but take even that with a grain of salt, it's not all there is to those certain scenes.

They solved all misunderstandings pretty quickly, there was a sort of gradual and steady progression to their relationship every episode, and both the leads had quite astounding character development. It was nice. Yeah. It's all complimentary but I can't exactly rave about their relationship either, it was nice and a bit more nice.

The second couple though, had more drama and oomph to their relationship, and with their very limited screentime and extreme chemistry, I was way more invested in their up and down. Yes, yes, I loved the drama that came with their friends to lovers arc, but it managed to create a good balance between the extensive cuteness and slowness of the lead couple.

The only complaints I have are about little things, really nitpicking if I think about it, like the angel/devil stuff (made no sense), the thing with the ex, and why Khun Shy could never get out of his apartment! Get the turtle a lead role please! I could practically feel the desperation to escape that fish tank in every scene he was in.

Honestly, this was a perfectly decent watch, for when you're in the mood for minimal drama, a lot of cute moments and a little golden retriever of a male lead.

Leia Mais

Simple & sweet, worth the watch

This is my first review i have left for a drama, and its mostly because i feel like this show deserves a much higher rating. if you're the kind of person who reads reviews before shows, i would honestly take the low ratings with a grain of salt, ESPECIALLY the ones where they're taking jabs at Diew's actors looks. yall can not like a show & be respectful. i've seen worse shows get higher ratings; shows filled with awful tropes, terrible miscommunication, and subpar acting. but this show was cute, and sweet, and it had some really heartfelt moments that made u empathize with the characters and even relate to some of their choices.

although the show has framed the characters with "personality types", i feel like there's more nuance to them than that. dont get me wrong, i dont think this show is as deep as something like the 8th sense, but there's definitely more to it than just two boys who have different personalities falling in love. its obvious from the start the Diew isnt just an "introvert", but someone with anxiety and self-esteem issues. he keeps to himself and doesnt like to interact with people much, which as someone with anxiety is very relatable. and God isnt just a popular boy with a pretty face, he has a good head on his shoulders and a pretty impressive sense of emotional intelligence, compared to most male leads in BL dramas. they also both have their own issues they need to fix as the show goes on, but its done in a pretty realistic way and the show is filled with sweet moments.

*warning, this is where some major spoilers will come in*

the miscommunication that only happens towards the end is pretty reasonable considering that God already knows who Pee is, and is giving Diew multiple opportunities to explain himself, but because Diew was so heavily affected by him and Pee's past relationship, it's also understandable why he wouldn't wanna share that part of his past with God. was it a good decision? no! did i understand why Diew made that decision anyway? absolutely!! he had been treated poorly and pitied by someone who he thought he could confide in, and didnt want it to happen again. in Diew's struggle to trust God completely and to also trust himself, he ends up causing conflict that gets resolved pretty quickly in a believable way! best of all, no one says anything to the other that would break apart entire families, let alone two young men in a brand new relationship, unlike some people (looking at you Mark & Vee). they actually TALK to each other and explain their feelings and perspectives, and they make up! God understands that he even if he's doing it out of love, he cant coddle Diew, & Diew understands that he needs to trust God, & himself, more.

there are still some cringey moments sprinkled in, but its a thai BL, when isnt there cringe? fork found in kitchen ya know? so if your biggest complaint is cringe, maybe thai BL's arent for you LOL. the NC scenes are romantic and tastefully done, without taking the attention away from the main tone of the story, and over all, this show was great! especially for those of us who just want to see queer love portrayed in a nontoxic way. its a cute, simple, & sweet show that is just filled with heartwarming moments.

Leia Mais

Ultimate feelgood!

As soon as the theme song starts, my brain switches to 'happyfeels'. This is the most feelgood BL I've ever seen. Everything comes together. The main couple is incredibly sweet, but they manage to just stay on the right side of cringe. They balance each other out perfectly, both in the story as in their acting. The dramatic element is brought by balancing the difference between extroverted and introverted, an overly protective mom and the side couple, who had just enough screen time and had a very interesting story arc themselves.
The show makes you feel like love is possible for everyone, as long as you allow for each other's differences and be open to each other. Love can enrich your life in ways you never imagined. This show goes on my re-watch list!

Leia Mais

Sweet drama about dealing with introvert+extrovert relationships and misunderstandings

The casting was really good as both actors suit their roles well. The series is interesting as it shows an introverted persons struggles with wanting to fit in and find love but due to his negative experience this becomes difficult. His neighbour 'God' is very sweet and extremely understanding, he never pushes diaw too far out of his comfort zone and is a gentle and loving boyfriend. It is lovely to see introverted people get some representation in a more positive light.

The problems with the show are the misunderstandings, I dont mind when shows have misunderstandings but i think it could have been handled better here. The misunderstanding was due to lack of experience in relationships which is understandable and also emotional maturity. They should have portrayed Gods character as sharing more about his background first before he complains about diaw not sharing his. This part could have been written better but overall its a good show and worth a watch. Its sweet and heart-warming.

Leia Mais