BL shows (from a queer man's p.o.v.)
It's no new news that BL shows typically aim for a female audience and don't always represent a proper healthy relationship. Therefore I think my view as a queer man might be of some value to those who are interested. My taste isn't always great but I can give more insight into whether or not the representation is good or not.
The list is short for now seeing as I want to rewatch all the shows I've already finished seeing as I don't remember the details of all of them. I kinda binge-watched so many while I was very sleep-deprived for months so they all kinda blended into each other.
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1. Old Fashion Cupcake
Japanese Drama - 2022, 5 episodes
If you're looking for a cozy show with good character development then this is the perfect show. I don't know how to explain it but there's just something super charming about seeing two adult men fall in love with each other. Not only that but having the older one learn how to enjoy life again by trying new things instead of just following the same routine every day just feels like such a genuine and realistic way of handling this kind of story trope.
Don't let the fact that this show is only 5 episodes discourage you from watching it, the pacing of this show is so amazing that the character development doesn't feel rushed nor stretched (unlike quite a lot of shows in my opinion).
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2. My DNA Says I Love You
Taiwanese Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
It's very rare to be properly represented in a Bl show but somehow this show did a pretty good job at it.
One of the main characters is an intersex transmasculine person which I've never seen in any show whatsoever let alone in a BL. They handled sexuality and gender in a very genuine way without using any toxic tropes that could possibly cause a harmful effect on the community. the story itself is also pretty good, they had some non-stereotypical Bl stuff in it but nothing too extraordinary.
Altogether it's just a really wholesome story.
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3. To My Star
Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
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4. To My Star 2
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
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5. Takara-kun to Amagi-kun
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
this show was okay at best. It had some cute moments but I have nothing else to say about it seeing as nothing much happened. The plot was kinda boring and not much character development happened.