Master Devil Do Not Kiss Me (S1) is a whirlwind of emotions, intense chemistry, and a rollercoaster of high school angst that delivers a refreshing take on the forbidden romance trope. At its core, it’s a simple story of opposites attracting, but oh boy, it’s far more complex and layered than you might expect. Hold on tight!

The show starts with An Chu Xia (Chen Xing Xu), an endearingly smart and independent girl, whose journey takes her straight into the cold, dominant world of her CEO boss's son, Qi Lu (Xiao Zhan). Qi Lu initially comes off as the quintessential bad boy—sharp, enigmatic, and a master at wielding power—but there’s so much more beneath that mask. His icy demeanor starts to crack when An Chu Xia comes into his life, and their relationship unfolds in such a captivating, delicious way. You can feel the tension between them from the very beginning—BAM!—the push-and-pull dynamics are electrifying and keep you hooked.

What makes this drama stand out isn’t just the heated, slow-burn romance, but the emotional growth both characters undergo throughout the season. An Chu Xia, for example, is far from a typical female lead. She is strong-willed, pragmatic, and does not fall head over heels for Qi Lu just because he’s attractive or powerful. Nope, she takes her time to uncover the real person behind his walls, and this slow exploration of his character is a big part of the series' charm. As Qi Lu begins to let his guard down, we see glimpses of the vulnerability and compassion that truly defines him.

But what’s really impressive about this show is the depth of the emotional arcs. Qi Lu’s past is shrouded in family tension, high expectations, and pressure to be perfect, which makes his gradual softening toward Chu Xia so rewarding. The chemistry between the leads is absolutely magnetic, and you will find yourself screaming “KISS HER ALREADY!” with every stolen glance and almost-kiss moment.

The first season also does a great job of introducing us to the supporting characters, who bring both humor and depth to the story. An Chu Xia's friends and Qi Lu’s inner circle provide a much-needed balance to the intensity of the romance. Their interactions add lightness, but they also make the drama feel grounded and relatable. Whoosh—there’s this great dynamic between the characters where you can feel the deepening bonds of friendship and trust. The tension isn’t just between the leads; it also extends to their families and the other side characters, creating a well-rounded narrative.

Season 1 does an excellent job of setting the stage for the relationship that will evolve, but it does leave you wanting more. The plot introduces plenty of drama, conflict, and moments of emotional turmoil that don’t resolve neatly by the end of the season. This makes you crave the next chapter of the story.

Pros:

Intense and slow-burn romance that keeps you on edge.
Great character growth for both leads.
Fun secondary characters who balance the heavy drama.
Beautiful chemistry between the main couple.
Cons:

Some moments may feel predictable, but they are balanced out by emotional depth.
A bit slow in pacing in some middle episodes as the emotional stakes are built up.
Verdict: Master Devil Do Not Kiss Me (S1) is a highly addictive drama that plays on the charm of slow-burning tension, emotional depth, and the power of personal growth. If you love a romance where both leads must confront their personal demons while falling for each other, this show is absolutely worth your time. The season ends with plenty of unanswered questions, making the wait for the next season agonizing yet exciting.