As someone who grew up watching classic American sitcoms, Rak Diao is a like a favorite warm blanket, or a comfortable old chair. Three years ago if you'd told me I would be addicted to a sitcom from Thailand, I would have looked at you like you were crazy, but here I am singing the praises of a show that has become a weekly treat for me.

I was three episodes in when I found out it was a "Y" or "BL" sitcom, and was impressed at how cleverly the bromance and "BL" aspects were woven into a classic sitcom format. This show provides a lighthearted and whimsical break from a lot of the heavier BL dramas that seem to be everywhere right now.

The show may initially turn folks off due to it having a laughtrack instead of a live studio audience, but don't forget it was filmed during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many shows had to either shutdown, or enact sweeping restrictions to keep in production. This show gets big props for being able to do this.

The cast is very lovable, especially the two titular characters Rak (played by Earth Thanakrit) and Diao (played by Win Songsin). These two are relatively new to the entertainment industry, but man do they have a ton of chemistry on screen, as well as presence! For BL fans, both are absolutely handsome for sure, but their real appeal is their awesome performances. To be so young, they are doing some fantastic dramatic and comedy work!

Ask any soap actor or sketch comedy actor and they will tell you that comedy is HARD, mostly because you need to not only be a great actor, but you also have to have great timing. All the cast has great comedic timing and chemistry with each other, even the supporting cast.

Week to week, hilarity ensues as the two main characters rivalry kicks into high gear. Though this is not a typical BL, it does contain several tropes found in BL, but they are so expertly embedded into the sitcom format that they feel natural. Don't worry, there is no accidental "dead fish kiss", lol! (EDIT: Sorry, spoke too soon...there is one).

-Enemies to lovers/bros
-Dutiful brother/son
-Meddlesome sister/mother
-Flirty same sex innuendo/situations

As I mentioned before, I was a fan of classic American sitcoms. This show hits all the marks of one with absolutely funny moments, some somber and thoughtful moments, and some dramatic moments. The cast and crew handles them beautifully. In terms of a BL, it seems to be a 'slow burn' between the two main characters, where each week, they get closer and closer and do not realize that they are falling for one another.

Those expecting realistic sex scenes or anything like that may be disappointed, but the show does have many little romantic and sexy moments that will make your heart race and you will be rooting for the two characters to get together. All of this is still done perfectly in the context of a sitcom...just masterful.

So I would recommend BL fans who are looking for a whimsical break from the heavy stuff to check this out. Don't let the laugh track turn out off...it becomes a non-issue by the third episode. Grab some snacks on your favorite comfy spot and just relax and laugh! The music is also fantastic! You will find yourself humming or singing the themesong, and even the show's background music is beautiful and fits every scene.