Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Bad Buddy, which completely redefined what enemies-to-lovers romance can look like when family feuds, university rivalry, and forbidden love collide in the most heartwarming way possible.
Bad Buddy premiered on October 29, 2021, featuring 12 episodes with approximately 45-minute runtime each, available on Viki with English subtitles. This Thai romantic BL comedy-drama brings together two powerhouse actors, Nanon Korapat Kirdpan and Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee, in a story that balances humor, emotional depth, and authentic relationship development. The series masterfully explores themes of family expectations, personal identity, and the courage to love against all odds.
Based on the novel “Behind The Scenes” by Afterday and West, the drama transforms a simple premise into something truly special. What sets Bad Buddy apart is its realistic approach to young love, avoiding dramatic over-the-top moments in favor of genuine character interactions and meaningful relationship progression.
When Hatred Transforms Into Love
Ever since childhood, Pran and Pat’s families maintained a deep and raging rivalry, competing over everything from their neighboring building material stores to their sons’ achievements. This generational feud naturally extended to the boys themselves, creating a cycle of competition and animosity that seemed impossible to break. However, when they reunite as university students living in the same dormitory building, their dynamic begins to shift in unexpected ways.
The central conflict revolves around two young men discovering that their feelings for each other run much deeper than rivalry or friendship. As they navigate university life, study groups, and social circles, Pran and Pat must confront not only their growing attraction but also the very real consequences their relationship would have on their families and communities.
Pran (Nanon Korapat): The Quiet Strength Behind the Rivalry
Pran emerges as the more reserved and intellectually driven character, carrying the weight of family expectations while harboring secret feelings he’s afraid to acknowledge. Nanon Korapat delivers a nuanced performance that showcases Pran’s internal struggle between duty and desire. His character arc focuses on learning to prioritize his own happiness while finding ways to honor his family relationships.
Throughout the series, Pran’s evolution from a closed-off competitor to someone willing to risk everything for love creates some of the most touching moments. His journey involves accepting vulnerability and learning that true strength sometimes means defying expectations rather than meeting them.
Pat (Ohm Pawat): The Playful Heart with Hidden Depths
Pat initially appears as the more outgoing and carefree personality, but Ohm Pawat gradually reveals layers of complexity beneath his playful exterior. His character represents the universal experience of discovering aspects of yourself you never expected, particularly regarding sexuality and emotional intimacy.
The chemistry between Pat and Pran develops organically throughout the episodes, with Pat often serving as the catalyst for breaking down the barriers between them. His journey involves learning to take relationships seriously while maintaining the joy and spontaneity that makes him so appealing.
The Rooftop Confession and Its Consequences
The series reaches its emotional peak when Pran and Pat finally acknowledge their feelings during a rooftop confrontation that has been building since the early episodes. This pivotal moment forces both characters to choose between family loyalty and personal happiness, leading to consequences that test their relationship in profound ways.
The climax skillfully balances romantic satisfaction with realistic consequences, avoiding the trap of making their love story too easy while still providing the emotional payoff viewers crave. The resolution requires genuine sacrifice and compromise from both characters, making their happy ending feel truly earned.
Supporting Characters: A Rich Tapestry of University Life
The supporting cast, including Pa, Ink, Wai, and their respective friend groups, creates a believable university environment that enhances rather than distracts from the main romance. Each supporting character serves a specific purpose in either challenging or supporting Pran and Pat’s relationship, with particular attention paid to how peer pressure and social expectations influence young people’s choices.
The family members, especially both sets of parents, are portrayed with enough complexity to make their positions understandable even when they serve as obstacles to the main couple’s happiness.
Success on Viki: International BL Breakthrough
Bad Buddy achieved significant international recognition through its availability on multiple streaming platforms, including Viki, iWantTFC, and various regional services with subtitles in multiple languages. The series became particularly popular among international BL drama fans for its mature approach to LGBTQ+ relationships and its high production values. The show’s success helped establish Thai BL dramas as serious contenders in the global streaming market, with viewers praising both the authentic performances and the thoughtful handling of sensitive themes.
If you love enemies-to-lovers romance with genuine character development and authentic relationship dynamics, Bad Buddy is the perfect series to binge on Viki.
Bad Buddy transforms a classic enemies-to-lovers premise into something genuinely special through outstanding performances, realistic relationship development, and thoughtful exploration of family dynamics that make this series absolutely worth your time.
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)