How Thai BL Dramas Are Changing the Way India Sees Love
Reported by Kajal Bhukan
Pune, 17th May 2025: While many Indian families still struggle to accept non-binary gender identities, millions of Indian youth are binge-watching Thai dramas that celebrate same-sex love. What’s causing this shift?
As society progresses, people are increasingly opening up to new ways of life and embracing diverse identities. For a long time, society recognized only two genders — male and female — but today, the LGBTQA++ spectrum has expanded our understanding of gender and sexuality.
In India, however, acceptance of these identities remains slow. Even among those who claim to be open-minded, discomfort often arises when LGBTQ+ individuals are close to them — especially within families. Many still view queerness as a mental disorder or an illness, stemming from misinformation and deep-rooted societal stigma.
Across the continent in Thailand, the story is remarkably different. There, individual identity is more widely respected and even celebrated. One of the most striking examples of this acceptance is seen in Thailand’s entertainment industry — particularly in the growing genre of Boys’ Love (BL) dramas, where both protagonists are male and their romantic journey unfolds like any other love story.
Thailand’s relatively progressive media policies, reduced censorship, and growing recognition of LGBTQ+ rights have allowed these dramas to thrive. The government has also tactically exploited the international popularity of BL dramas to drive tourism. Most recently, Thailand became the second Asian country (after Taiwan) to legalize same-sex marriage — a historic milestone that further reflects its growing inclusivity.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Indian viewers — especially the younger generation — discovered BL content through streaming platforms. What began as a niche genre quickly gained a loyal fanbase. As viewership rose not just in India but across the U.S., Europe, and East Asia, more countries began investing in the BL industry. Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and even parts of China are now actively producing such content.
In this fandom, male fans are called fudanshi and female fans are known as fujoshi. One of the key factors behind the genre’s popularity is its efficient storytelling — most dramas have fewer than 15 episodes, each lasting under an hour, yet manage to deliver emotionally rich, layered narratives.
10 Must-Watch BL Dramas with English Subtitles in India
Whether you’re curious about the hype or looking for your next heartfelt watch, here are 10 handpicked BL dramas — complete with platforms, episode count, and genre highlights:
1) KinnPorsche (2022)
A massive hit upon its release, the story follows a mafia boss and his carefree bodyguard as they develop a tense and emotional relationship.
Genre: Action, Romance, Crime, Drama
Where to watch: iQIYI
Episodes: 14
Duration: 60 minutes per episode
2) Bad Buddy (2021)
Two boys from rival families are pushed into academic competition but gradually find themselves falling in love. Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers arcs.
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Youth
Where to watch: Viki
Episodes: 12
Duration: 55 minutes per episode
3) A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021)
A rich young man moves to a rural village as a teacher and meets a local police officer. Their gentle, sincere bond makes this story unforgettable.
Genre: Romance, Drama
Where to watch: Viki
Episodes: 10
Duration: 65 minutes per episode
4) Fourever You (2025)
Four best friends in med school cross paths with four students from the painting club, leading to a series of romantic entanglements. Sweet and spicy in equal measure.
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Youth
Where to watch: Netflix, WeTV, YouTube
Episodes: 17
Duration: 45 minutes per episode
5) 2gether (2020)
Considered the “gateway BL” for many, this lighthearted romance sparked international interest in the genre.
Genre: Music, Comedy, Romance, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon prime, Viki
Episodes: 13
Duration: 50 minutes per episode
6) SOTUS (2016)
Often cited as the series that laid the foundation for modern BL dramas. It tells the story of an engineering student who falls for his senior, challenging personal and societal boundaries.
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Youth, Drama
Where to watch: YouTube, Netflix
Episodes: 15
Duration: 45 minutes per episode
7) Cutie Pie (2022)
A unique take on arranged marriage — between two boys whose families set it up during childhood. What follows is a journey of emotional growth and eventual love.
Genre: Business, Comedy, Romance, Drama
Where to watch: Viki, YouTube
Episodes: 12
Duration: 60 minutes per episode
8) Dark Blue Kiss (2019)
Known for its iconic opening song, this drama explores love between classmates and the fear of being rejected by society.
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Youth
Where to watch: Netflix, Hayu, Inflix, YouTube
Episodes: 12
Duration: 46 minutes per episode
9) Love in the Air (2022)
Featuring two couples — one lighthearted and one intense — this show blends humor, affection, and emotional connection.
Genre: Comedy, romance, Life, Drama
Where to watch: YouTube, Viki, iQIYI
Episodes: 13
Duration: 45 minutes per episode
10) TharnType (2019)
Two college roommates start off as friends until one discovers the other is gay — and likes him. After initial conflict, their bond grows stronger.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Youth
Where to watch: YouTube, iQIYI, WeTV
Episodes: 12
Duration: 55 minutes per episode
It’s More Than Just a Genre
BL dramas are more than just romantic fiction — they represent changing attitudes, give voice to underrepresented identities, and provide much-needed emotional comfort and validation to viewers. Whether you’re watching for the chemistry, the storytelling, or the cultural shift, these dramas offer something deeper than entertainment. In a world still learning to embrace all identities, BL stories are a step toward empathy, acceptance, and love without labels.
