Bad Buddy (2021-2022) might be the Thai BL series you are looking for. First of all, if you have just started this genre, it is one of the productions you should watch first. It even deserves to be called a “cult” classic now. In my opinion, it ranks among the best that reflect the enemies-to-lovers theme. You will watch comedy, romance, and a sweet character conflict. I had a lot of fun when I first watched the series.
In the series, the sweet fights and frictions between Pat and Pran, the children of two rival families, slowly turn into love. Both characters actually know each other from childhood. Anyway, I am moving on to the details of the series now.
By the way, “Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee” in the role of Pat also acted in the following BL series and movie: Dew(2019), Kidnap (2024). You can also check out these productions.
🏳️🌈🇹🇭 Curator’s Recommendation: The Best Thai BL Catalog
Bad Buddy (2021-2022) Plot and Synopsis
Pran and Pat, the children of two neighboring families who have been bickering for years, grow up as almost eternal rivals. Even though Pran is sent to a different school by his family, fate brings them back together in their university years. Moreover, they not only study at the same university but also in departments that frequently face off against each other, like architecture and engineering.
This rivalry is not limited only to the two of them. There is also a serious tension between the students of the two departments. When one of these frictions causes property damage at the school, Pran and Pat have to cover the damages together. This forced proximity will take their relationship to a completely different dimension over time.
The series will begin with the family rivalry between Pat and Pran that has been going on since their childhood. (I liked this beginning, and you will like it too.) The hostility between the two families has caused them to approach each other with enmity rather than friendship. The duo continues this rivalry when they start university as well. The tension between them becomes visible, especially during faculty projects and group work.
Over time, Pat and Pran will begin to change how they look at each other. Amidst the fights and mockery, the attraction between them will gradually increase. Of course, they will not accept this closeness at first. However, Pat’s energy and Pran’s emotional depth will replace the conflict with harmony after a point. But the pressure from their friends and families will make it difficult for them to live these feelings openly. The rivalry and enmity will slowly turn into love.
At the end of the story, Pat and Pran will learn to overcome their families’ past hostilities. They will no longer feel the need to hide either. But they will put in quite a bit of effort to reach this stage.
Series Review and Comments
You will laugh a lot while watching the contrasts between the duo and their process of accepting their true feelings in the series. Pat’s spontaneous, active nature and Pran’s thoughtful, planned personality make the character chemistry incredibly harmonious. The side characters should not be forgotten either. I love the side characters and side stories at least as much as the main story. The characters Wai, Korn, and Pa are like the salt and pepper of the story.
Bad Buddy naturally carries classic BL molds. Can there be a BL without clichés? 🙂 However, the rivalry in the series turns into comedy instead of fights. The opposition paves the way for love. I think this is the reason why the series is loved so much. The love underlying the fights and stubbornness, the real feelings eventually give themselves away. The character harmony is also very good. In my opinion, Pat and Pran are among the best characters in the BL world. The love in the series is not only an emotional attraction between two men but also a resistance against the expectations of a heteronormative society.
Pran and Pat’s secret relationship is also strained by the prejudices coming from both their families and their circles of friends. There is comedy in the series, but there is no lack of deep emotions and resentments either. The biggest reason for being stuck between fighting and love is the families. The second reason is the tension caused by their sexual orientation.
Is the Series Worth Watching?
Yes, absolutely, if you are curious about the BL genre and are a new viewer, watch the series. As we said above, even though it contains plenty of clichés, the humor and the chemistry of the characters are very successful. Universal themes such as rebellion and the social acceptance of gender roles are especially well sprinkled into the drama. You cannot be a BL enthusiast or a curious fan without watching Bad Buddy, take it from me. 🙂
Bad Buddy (2021-2022) Series Details
The original title of the enemies-to-lovers story, which tells a love born out of rivalry in a fun and emotional language, is แค่เพื่อนครับเพื่อน. Number of Episodes: 12. It can be considered a bit long. Episode Duration: 45 minutes on average. Broadcasting Platform: You can watch the series on GMMTV. Adaptation: Novel adaptation of “Behind The Scenes,” Author: Afterday – West. Connected Series: Magic of Zero (spin-off). Sequel Series: Our Skyy 2.
Cast and Characters
- Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee – Pat: Cheerful, energetic, and always chasing competition, Pat gives confidence to his surroundings with his extroverted character. However, he struggles to accept the feelings he feels deep down.
- Nanon Korapat Kirdpan – Pran: A calmer, thoughtful character with a strong emotional side. With his inclination towards art and music, he adds balance to Pat’s energetic world.
- Drake Sattabut Laedeke – Korn: Pat’s close friend. A loyal, protective figure who often fuels the competitive environment.
- Love Pattranite Limpatiyakorn – Pa: Pat’s younger sister. Cheerful, well-intentioned, and has a special interest in Pran, which affects the direction of the relationships.
- Jimmy Jitaraphol Potiwihok – Wai: Pran’s best friend. He often tries to prevent Pat and Pran from getting closer; a strong and loyal character.
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