Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama Bad Buddy, which has reimagined the enemies-to-lovers genre by combining family rivalries, college competitions, and forbidden romance in the most heartwarming manner imaginable.
Bad Buddy made its debut on October 29, 2021, offering 12 episodes each lasting about 45 minutes, and is available on Viki with English subtitles. This Thai romantic BL comedy-drama features the talented duo of Nanon Korapat Kirdpan and Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee, presenting a narrative that skillfully blends humor, emotional depth, and an authentic evolution of relationships. The series expertly delves into themes of familial expectations, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace love despite obstacles.
Adapted from the novel “Behind The Scenes” by Afterday and West, the drama elevates a straightforward premise into something truly remarkable. What distinguishes Bad Buddy is its realistic portrayal of young love, favoring authentic character interactions and meaningful relationship development over exaggerated drama.
From Hatred to Affection
Since their childhood, Pran and Pat’s families have been entrenched in a fierce rivalry, competing in everything from their adjacent building material shops to their sons’ accomplishments. This generational feud extended naturally to the boys, fostering a cycle of competition and animosity that seemed unbreakable. However, their reunion as university students living in the same dormitory begins to alter their relationship in surprising ways.
The main conflict centers on two young men realizing their feelings extend beyond rivalry or friendship. As they navigate university life, study groups, and social circles, Pran and Pat must face not only their burgeoning attraction but also the significant impact their relationship could have on their families and communities.
Pran (Nanon Korapat): The Quiet Resolve Amidst Rivalry
Pran emerges as the more reserved and intellectually focused character, burdened by family expectations while concealing feelings he’s hesitant to confront. Nanon Korapat delivers a subtle performance, highlighting Pran’s internal conflict between duty and desire. His character’s journey involves learning to prioritize personal happiness while respecting familial bonds.
Throughout the series, Pran’s transformation from a guarded competitor to someone willing to risk everything for love provides some of the most emotional moments. His path includes embracing vulnerability and understanding that true strength sometimes lies in defying expectations rather than fulfilling them.
Pat (Ohm Pawat): The Playful Spirit with Hidden Depth
Pat initially presents as the more extroverted and carefree personality, but Ohm Pawat gradually uncovers layers of complexity beneath his lively exterior. His character embodies the universal journey of discovering unexpected aspects of oneself, especially regarding sexuality and emotional intimacy.
The chemistry between Pat and Pran unfolds naturally over the episodes, with Pat often acting as the catalyst for breaking down the barriers between them. His journey involves taking relationships more seriously while retaining the joy and spontaneity that define him.
The Rooftop Revelation and Its Impact
The series reaches its emotional zenith when Pran and Pat finally confront their feelings during a rooftop encounter that has been building since the early episodes. This crucial moment forces both characters to decide between family loyalty and personal happiness, leading to consequences that profoundly test their relationship.
The climax effectively balances romantic fulfillment with realistic consequences, avoiding the pitfall of an overly simplistic love story while still delivering the emotional reward viewers seek. The resolution demands genuine sacrifice and compromise from both characters, making their happy ending feel truly deserved.
Supporting Cast: A Vibrant University Tapestry
The supporting cast, including Pa, Ink, Wai, and their respective friend groups, creates an authentic university setting that complements rather than detracts from the central romance. Each supporting character plays a specific role in challenging or supporting Pran and Pat’s relationship, with emphasis on how peer pressure and social norms influence young people’s decisions.
The family members, particularly the parents, are depicted with enough complexity to make their views understandable even when they pose obstacles to the main couple’s happiness.
Viki Success: A Global BL Sensation
Bad Buddy garnered considerable international acclaim through its availability on multiple streaming platforms, including Viki, iWantTFC, and various regional services with subtitles in multiple languages. The series gained popularity among international BL drama enthusiasts for its mature approach to LGBTQ+ relationships and its high production quality. The show’s success helped position Thai BL dramas as strong contenders in the global streaming arena, with audiences praising both the authentic performances and the sensitive handling of complex themes.
If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers romance with genuine character evolution and authentic relationship dynamics, Bad Buddy is the perfect series to indulge in on Viki.
Bad Buddy elevates a classic enemies-to-lovers concept into something genuinely exceptional through stellar performances, realistic relationship development, and thoughtful exploration of family dynamics, making this series absolutely worth your attention.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Platform: Viki (also available on iWantTFC, WeTV)
- Rating: 8.7/10
- Genre: BL Romance, Comedy-Drama, Youth
- Protagonists: Nanon Korapat Kirdpan (Pran), Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee (Pat)
- Supporting Cast: Love Pattranite Limpatiyakorn (Pa), Jimmy Jitaraphol Potiwihok (Wai)