2024 GL ranking

Let me start with the writing. Despite concerns about the problematic novel it's based on, the writers did a fantastic job addressing the book's flaws. The changes, pacing, and story flow cemented this show in my heart as one of, if not the best, GLs I've seen.

Now, the acting. Namtan excelled in differentiating Oom from Ai. It genuinely felt like two different actresses were portraying the roles. Film, meanwhile, was a natural, embodying her character as a blind woman so convincingly it was almost unsettling. Her ability to capture attention and evoke emotion was remarkable. Together, Namtan and Film form the most balanced GL tandem I’ve seen, matching each other's skill and making every scene impactful.

What I loved most was the complexity. The characters are deeply flawed, morally grey, and realistic, but the writers brought out their humanity in ways that made them resonate with the audience. The heavy themes were handled well, striking a balance that made the show engaging and memorable. The Jan, Pang, and Pim love triangle, while not deeply explored, showcased the boldness and complexity Snap25 brought to Pluto.

The redemptions throughout the show make it surprisingly rewatchable, despite its heavy themes (Though Episode 11’s angst was a lot for my emotional self so maybe except it). I rarely rewatch shows, but Pluto joins my list alongside Reverse 4 You.

No doubt, this will remain GMMTV’s best GL for quite some time.

Do people just hate good art or something? Like, why does Reverse 4 You only have a 7.7 rating? Put some respect on its name because this show is so underrated. Honestly, it’s the best GL of 2024 in my opinion, even though we got robbed with only 8 episodes.

The balance of romance, comedy, and angst? Absolute perfection. And I mean perfect. Four is a masterclass on how to write a "mean" character. She starts off as an asshole, sure, but the way her character grows and deepens makes you fall in love with her. Then there’s Wa, she’s such a fun and likable character that you can’t help but root for her.

The writing is so good and does not get the love it deserves. Their banter? Pure gold. I was kicking my feet and giggling like crazy. I haven’t read the book, so I don’t know how faithful the adaptation is, but the delivery of the lines? Top-notch.

And let’s talk about that confession scene. The build-up was chef’s kiss, and the scene itself? Best one in GL history, hands down. So cute, so romantic. Writers and directors everywhere need to take notes because this is how you do it.

Even with only 8 episodes, the pacing was just right. Every episode felt complete and left you excited for the next one. Unlike other shows, it didn’t leave you feeling like something was missing.

I love everything about this show and will defend it forever. Absolute masterpiece.

This show had me all up in my feelings. The way they handled the details? Chef’s kiss. Wan’s promises, her 4 a.m. trauma, and her unshakable love for Pleng. Wan’s loyalty was next level. Even when Pleng tried to push her toward Ek, she stayed true. And when she finally married Ek 13 years later, it was still all about Pleng. Wan’s basically the ultimate "lover girl," though, let’s be real, her overprotectiveness is a giant red flag. If controlling characters aren’t your thing, this might not be for you.

The love and kiss scenes? Top-tier. Seriously, no competition. However the men? Absolute headaches. Ek’s behavior throughout the show was so gross, and yet somehow it was always the girls’ fault? Wan had to apologize over and over yet Ek never did? It was disappointing.

The last couple of episodes had me side-eyeing hard. Wan attempting to end things in the ocean knowing Pleng’s trauma? That was so out of character. And the indirect slut-shaming? I had a major ick.

Even with those missteps, though, I can’t lie, I love shows that bring the drama, feels, and intimacy, and this one delivered all three all the way to the end. Messy, but worth it.

The tropes in this show absolutely wrecked me. Pair those with the amazing writing and pacing, and it was something really special. And don’t even get me started on the emotional scenes, they knew exactly how to pull you in and keep you invested. So well done.

I did have a few issues, though. Dr. Fahlada’s questionable actions and how quickly Earn forgave her felt pretty unrealistic and pulled me out of the story a bit. Also, the love scenes were kind of stiff, but honestly, I wasn’t watching for that anyway. I’m here for the drama, the plot, and the feels, and the show definitely delivered on those.

The supporting characters? They delivered. Even the comedy scenes were solid, not too over-the-top, just enough to keep things fun. Way better than shows that make first-time viewers cringe at the humor (looking at you, GAP).

Overall, this was an amazing series that left me wanting more from the two lead actresses. Loved it.

I genuinely think 16 episodes were too much for this show given its theme and conflicts. While this allowed deeper exploration of Anin and Pin’s relationship, a rarity in GL, it made the plot feel dragged. However, the show undeniably fulfilled the romance aspect, and it was a joy to see AninPin’s love blossom.

The Loyal Pin added the "childhood friends to lovers" trope to GL. The childhood moments were heartwarming and nostalgic, reminding me of shows I loved as a kid. FreenBecky beautifully distinguished childhood AninPin, who were best friends, from adult AninPin, who realized their romantic feelings. Their performances were stellar, showcasing the shift in their dynamics.

What I loved: 1) AninPin's dynamics. serious x mischievous, teaser x flustered, and oblivious x flirty. 2) FreenBecky's commitment. Freen captured Pin’s suppressed feelings perfectly, while Becky nailed Anin’s cheeky, smitten side. 3) The sweet AninPin moments that added depth to their love story. 4) Prik’s comedy. Nam delivered humor without being over-the-top like in GAP. 5) The unapologetic love scenes, executed exceptionally well by FreenBecky.

However, the show isn’t beginner-friendly for GL newcomers. Its cultural nuances and length may overwhelm first-time viewers. Still, this depth makes it impactful, giving AninPin’s story the space to develop organically, making it a standout in the genre.

That said, the show felt like a long ad for Thai culture, likely due to its partnership with the Thai embassy. While I appreciated the cultural elements, the linear plot made it a slow watch. Additionally, AninPin’s codependency and constant jealousy detracted from the story. Their lack of growth outside the relationship was a notable downside for me.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the destiny trope Apple My Love gave us. Another unique GL trope in the bag.

From Kris's horrendous self expression skills, the show dives into sweet, simple moments that do exactly what they’re supposed to: make you smile and feel warm.  

Kris’s friends? Absolute gems. They’re supportive, adorable, and might just be the best friend group in any GL ever. And let’s give props to OrmFolk because they are straight-up masters of fluff. The sweet and flirty scenes were so good they carried the show, making the simple plot feel exciting and fun. Kris and Karn’s chemistry was top-tier in every soft moment. Even the love scenes were a pleasant surprise.

Kris’s character development was a slow burn, but it worked. You could see her putting in real effort to grow, not just for herself but for Karn too. And the guys in this show? Surprisingly great. Except for that one jerk (looking at you, Toy), the men were actually helpful and even funny, making the show even more entertaining. They represented healthy, supportive relationships which is refreshing.

At its core, this show isn’t about big, dramatic conflicts (except for the last episode). Instead, it’s about Kris and Karn facing hurdles in their relationship and helping each other grow, both as people and in their careers. The communication and understanding between them are what really stand out.

So, if you’re looking for a show with minimal drama, tons of fluff, cares about its side characters, and a genuinely healthy relationship, this is your go-to. It’s a feel-good, stress-free, easy watch that will leave you smiling.

The downside? Six episodes weren’t enough. Budget restrictions led to rushed pacing of the most interesting and lovable details in this series in the last two episodes. With more time, this could’ve been even better.

Trigger warnings: Hetero sex scenes.

Let’s start with the good stuff. This show is such a beautiful experience, especially for women who love women and can see themselves in Ongsa or Sun. It was so much fun to watch. The focus on communication and having a support system was really meaningful, the high school moments were adorable, and the overall vibe was soft and dreamy.

This is such an important sapphic show because it’s set entirely in high school, making it a safe and sweet space for viewers. It was pure cuteness overload, and honestly, my early high school self would’ve been obsessed.

Now for the downside: it felt kind of empty. I get that it’s a simple high school love story, but simplicity shouldn’t mean the show feels like it’s missing something. It just didn’t hit me with enough feels, and I found myself struggling to finish it. 

On the bright side, 23.5 has the best soundtrack of any GL ever. Seriously, go listen to it.

It was giving two extremely oblivious women who are crazy in love and it's extremely over the top (one of its charms and appeal of course). If you're looking for something fun and cheesy, Ayaka is In Love with Hiroko is definitely the watch for you. Yes, it's camp as hell. 

As usual, the highly expressive acting style it has isn't for me, but it's what gave life to the show so it wasn't a downer, more like it made it more of an unserious watch for me and made it more of a watch for its enjoyability more than figuring out its quality as a series because it's way too short to be considered a great series to be quite honest. Acting also felt unnatural and stiff during the emotional scenes, but it's tolerable. 

I mean what else can I say besides I was laughing, giggling, and kicking my feet during the entire thing. This is definitely one of those shows wherein you don't need to think at all and just enjoy the ride and shenanigans. 

The story is quite cute, exploring themes such as inner feelings, self restraint, self expression, and going out of your shell, all these made the entire thing an easy watch. It also managed to get you in your feels whenever necessary which is something I always appreciate in shows. 

As someone who deals with problems similarly to how Hiroko deals with hers, I felt seen and represented. Ayaka's dialogues and how she managed to open Hiroko's mind and eyes to the stuff she needs to work on with herself was such an important aspect of this story that's underrated. 

Overall, it's an extremely adorable, enjoyable, enlightening show that's worth the watch for the laughs, feels, and realizations.

Chaser Game W starts off with potential but stumbles in its first season. The exes-to-lovers trope lacks creativity and romanticism, while issues like sexual harassment treated as humor, romanticized cheating, and unclear representation of Fuyu’s feelings toward her husband detract from the experience. The absence of background on Fuyu and Itsuki’s past relationship also makes it hard to root for them. However, the workplace dynamics, struggles for women, and the parenting dynamic between Fuyu, Itsuki, and Tsuki are well-executed. While the chemistry between the leads is more cozy than spark-filled, it remains enjoyable.

Season 2 redeems the series with deeper exploration of Fuyu and Itsuki’s relationship and sentimental flashbacks that enhance their story. Fuyu’s growth shines as she shows emotion, communicates her feelings, and seeks help, making her more relatable. The show also adds creativity and romanticism, making the leads’ romance easier to root for. Themes of self-acceptance, breaking free from toxic family expectations, and self-discovery add depth and relatability.

Despite improvements, flaws persist, such as Itsuki’s unsettling dynamic with her first love and Fuyu’s push-and-pull behavior. However, season 2 did well with sweet moments, protective gestures, and its unapologetic use of the word "lesbian," a refreshing rarity. It also addresses societal discrimination against same-sex couples, adding realism and emotional weight.

Overall, Chaser Game W becomes a wholesome and improved watch in season 2. Fans of found family tropes and GL dramas will likely enjoy it despite its earlier missteps.

Blank is one of those shows where I enjoy the actors' chemistry and acting more than the show itself. The conflicts, drama, and themes feel like a reincarnation of GAP, which wasn't perfect. GAP got me through as it was the pioneering Thai GL series, but with Blank, I feel its downfall is the repetition of these elements.

My main concern is the recurring conflicts that are common in GL shows, like internalized homophobia, societal judgment, and family obligations. It's not that these issues shouldn't be represented, but personally, I'd rather not watch shows focused on them. They aren't entertaining for me, and instead, they make me uncomfortable. Many people share this feeling because these conflicts evoke emotions they'd rather escape from when watching fiction.

Despite this, I want to acknowledge what Blank did well. 1) Khun Nueng's internal struggles, like self-acceptance and unworthiness, were portrayed well by Faye. 2) The show represented age-gap relationships and their unique challenges. 3) Blank showed how two hurt individuals can heal each other, even in a relationship others see as problematic. 4) Faye and Yoko's chemistry was fantastic.

To sum up, Blank is a show that requires viewers to have subjective bias towards its themes and love its intense tension and love scenes to enjoy it. While it wasn't for me, I know others will appreciate what it delivers.