Why you're addicted to GMMTV BL

[@civivva4501]

I am glad there are so many other BL production companies producing other series so it balances out the somewhat formulaic product that GMMTV churns out. As an introvert i look at all of the extra stuff Thai BL actors have to do and it seems overwhelming. Acting, interviews, social media, fan meeting, concerts, world wide travel, gameshows and living together. they even get their family involved. When do they get privacy and peace?

[@numinousisaac528]

Good question... 🤔

[@Mpoindexter]

Yes great question 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@LisaMT1218]

I don't think all GMMTV pairs live together.

[@kikilala9371]

Let's not forget studying. So many of them are continuing their studies and we can see them revising during live or in behind the scene videos. Phuwin even interns in gmmtv just to cope with his schedule.

[@julianekusterbauer96]

I always question this, they really work hard

[@jelynkim5448]

The fact that every gmmtv actors support and ship every cp and individual co-actors also add up to the reason I'm entertained to almost all their artists. They build a family-like atmosphere whenever they're all in groups/together.

[@Alice_Novelland]

I think bl is comfort for a lot of us, so it makes sense that using and enhancing certain elements from K-pop etc. Helps with that longevity

[@tinacingrani5128]

I am so addicted to BL. I love the different characters they play and with every new show they are able to convince us of the character they are playing.

[@luceph]

I personally do not like fanservice. I think it is detrimental to the career and private life of the actors. I love when they are playful and friendly on stage but some "games" are too much. I don't see why they couldn't have a partner irl and an acting partner. If you're a fan of someone, shouldn't you want for them to be happy ? I think the idol culture is scary. They are human being not a product. I don't have the time to follow every project form actors I like, so I will watch something depending on the synopsis/trailer. I don't care if it"s bl or not, I will take the time to watch if it seems interesting.

[@anusuiyamanderiya3980]

Yes I agree with you

[@DerekWilliamsMusic]

Let people do what they want to do.

[@carol14m]

YES

[@patdforever2]

I agree! They can have great onscreen chemistry and good acting WITHOUT fan service. When I watch straight or LGBT shows from other countries, like USA or Korea, I don’t expect actors to be in relationships with each other. And I don’t care! I just care if they have good chemistry on the show.

[@poluananyareddy750]

To be frank sotus is a ever green drama, no matter how many times you have watches you can't get bored

[@mariaanthonettealimagno1917]

I still watch gmmtv series because of kristsingto. I like KS and sotus.

[@anusuiyamanderiya3980]

Yes ,agree with this

[@danielleabraham8029]

💯 agree. SOTUS is my all time favorite. It IS and WILL FOREVER BE THE BEST BL SERIES

[@Tamiranal]

I am super into whatever GMMTV is doing and have been for so many years. I keep being amazed they can keep being renovativ enough to keep me engaged and consistent enough to keep me hooked

[@rjshipp]

I like so many elements of GMMTV BL series. The writing, acting and cinematography is consistently high. I enjoy the pairings, but also love seeing actors I've seen previously branching out in new projects. I've been watching for about 5 years now, and it's definitely escapist entertainment ... I live in the U.S. and I feel like, with BL dramas, I'm in a whole different (and much more enjoyable) world. And the way the mood is in my country, I think I'll be continuing to do a lot more "escaping" in the next few years. 🙂 i don't pay all that much attention to the ships and fan service, I just really like the relatability of the stories and characters. By the way, thank you for this very well presented video about the business - good information in helping understanding the industry.

[@smaugthemagnificent]

I wish that were the case, but the writing and directing has in many cases been absolutely atrocious. Consistency is certainly not there in my opinion and that is one of GMMTVs weakest points. Acting varies greatly as well, but I try to keep an open mind as the acting sometimes is bad because the writing and directing is bad. Don't get me wrong - GMMTV has produced some gems over the years, and they have good actors on their roster (albeit they're not always making the most of them) as well as directors and producers, and I know that every show can't be amazing and a masterpiece, but I feel part of the problem now is that they have sooo many actors, projects, series etc going on that the quality on many of their series is taking a hit. I know what you mean about escapism though, and agree about fan service - I don't actually see the point in it. They have natural chemmistry and are silly and funny anyway so just leave them to it and they'll entertain us without having to do fake couple stuff.

[@JenJenJenny1216]

Personally i don't care who is pair with who. So long as the chemistry is there the acting is good and the story is intriguing I'm there. I draw more to gmmtv simple because of how accessble their shows are. I mean youtube hello. No having to pay for a subscription or a vpn as i live in the Caribbean and its a good show, its a no brainer. This is my first time coming across your channel and you did great with this video. Thank you

[@animexfanxx]

I think GMMTV is the literal example of someone who found a formula that works and then keeps asking the question "why change a system that works?" As a lot of people mention in the comments, there are now a lot of other companies trying to use the same formula. I think the main difference here is that GMMTV is so ginormous, they can allow themselves to mess up sometimes and produce shows that "fail" or aren't as good (which, let's be honest, they have done sometimes), while other companies are not big enough to survive if that happens. So often the smaller companies also cannot put as much money into the series, not knowing if it will take off or not. And while I also lost my (happy) marbles over some GMMTV news, trailers, series, etc. we have to admit, some choices are clearly directed by money. But I guess, let's be realistic, as long as the actors are willing to participate, the delulu stays in the closet and is not released, and we receive an awesome show with great chemistry...then I am all for it (in. that. order.)

[@hanniehani_]

What i probably like a lot about gmmtv (while they have a lot of flaws like any other entertainment companies) is the strong supportive environment of their artists. The comfort level the artists have with each other, even outside their parings, is something i find so beautiful. Just look how they all enjoy each other's company during outings and starlympics. Another thing i can think of on top of my head at the moment is how Perth changed since joining gmm, he feels more playful and lively, and how they all welcomed wabi sabi actors when they transfered? Sammy is like their long lost sister! I'm enjoying the artists' bonds a lot and looking forward to seeing more of them 😊

[@ukiss4ever7]

I think it's due to the amount of how much time they spend together too. Unlike other BL couples from other companies, no offense, who are only close with each other on-screen and some others don't even get along and don't like each other in real life, but GMMTV artists, they spend time together outside of work. Yes, of course, there are some who don't like each other, but it doesn't mean they don't hang together in real life to understand each other, and be truthful about why they don't like what about one another. That's why we see them being comfortable around one another. Anyways, they are in the same company and have to work together in some projects, getting along with one another is better than hating one another, right? So yeah, even the ones who joined them later like Perth, Sky, BounPrem, etc., all these popular stars who had worked in other companies before joining, are already feeling comfortable being in this company.

[@celticgirl8882]

I think they have far too many actors signed up at one time ...

[@EveRosell]

@@ukiss4ever7 most of GMMTV actors are visibly uncomfortable with each other either in intimate scenes or when playing lovers. What they need work on is their acting. But to be fair, thai industry grew a lot in terms of acting in general recently. And most supportive environment goes to boys in the company, but I guess that's just business.

[@silvershadow529]

For me, gmmtv bl is popular because it is easy to watch in youtube and usually good for general audience. They do not always go beyond with kissing and bed scenes and focus on characters. and story.

[@mariaanthonettealimagno1917]

Yes, true. For me, i dont like too much kissing and bed scenes. Many of them are still wholesome. But i dont know with "Hired killers". I dont know if i will watch it.

[@Litandlazy]

I think you mean heart killers?​@@mariaanthonettealimagno1917

[@julianekusterbauer96]

Yesss, the facility to watch is one of the reasons I am in love with the GMMTV. They know what they're doing hahaha

[@multilicus5773]

GMMTV wasn’t the only company to recognize the potential of BL ships early on. LINE TV was on it as well with MaxTul who - just like KristSingto - portrayed the same characters in 3 different BL series. While the first one chronologically, “Bad Romance”, was produced by PPTV, LINE TV produced both a prequel (“Together With Me”) as well as a sequel (“Together With Me: The Next Chapter”) to that show (following what GMMTV did producing “Kiss Me Again” after “Kiss”). I’m not sure GMMTV was the first company to start the BL ship mania either nor that “SOTUS” is a good example for that. “SOTUS” started airing in August 2016, “SOTUS S” - in December 2017, while the “Our Skyy” special was released in November 2018. For comparison: “Bad Romance” started airing in July 2016, followed by “Together With Me” in August 2017 and “Together With Me: The Next Chapter” in September 2018. GMMTV’s own “Kiss”, featuring Tay as Pete and New as Kao (who would go on reprising their roles in “Kiss Me Again” in 2018, “Our Skyy” special in 2018 and “Dark Blue Kiss” in 2019), predates all of that - it was released in January 2016. However, all of that happened after two series of “Love Sick” (the original one, not “LoveSick 2024”, which is the currently airing retelling of that story) were released: season one started airing in July 2014, season two - in May 2015. White and Captain - who portrayed the BL on-and-off couple and main characters in both seasons - spearheaded modern BL ships, while “Love Sick” and its production provided several components of GMMTV BLs and their production, like a very young cast (White was 19, Captain - 16), highschool setting, sponsorships and elements of fan service (BTW: cast and crew of “Love Sick” included some names most Thai BL fans will recognize, like Sing Harit, Toptap Jirakit or New Siwaj Sawatmaneekul). Even though GMMTV did not invent BL ships, it clearly did the most to popularize them: by having the money and deciding to use it to produce more BL shows that anoyone else - some of which featured the same pairings: TayNew, KristSingto, OffGun and later others.

[@poluananyareddy750]

omg, you have much patience to write all this

[@allyoopsie]

girl gave us a history lesson, i love that

[@damnedifidonut]

3:05 maybe it's because i watch western films, but i have never believed that any bl pair was dating, haha It's just acting 😹

[@stitchedwithcolor]

Agreed. Perhaps it's affected my my knowledge of fred astaire and ginger rogers (who infamously disliked each other but worked well professionally), but I've never looked at a pair of actors, even ones that are in a consistent pairing, and thought, "oh, they must be dating." For me, the reaction is generally, "well, that seems to be working. I hope their working relationship is as mutually supportive and respectful offscreen as it looks onscreen." Then again, pairings tend to produce fewer stars in my eyes as well. I know the imagined couple things works great for marketing, but it seems like it can also produce some incredibly destructive parasocial relationship issues for the performers, and i dislike seeing companies prioritize profits over the wellbeing of their employees.

[@elizasync]

fr, i dont really understand when their stans are flooding comment sections saying that they're 'confirmed dating' or anything referring to that, is it some sort of fetishization? because they become aggressive when someone says that they're just acting or simply friends, really peculiar but i guess GMMTV pushes this view of these people dating so they gain more popularity

[@EveRosell]

Most of them definitely aren't. Those who do or did will never tell, cause actors who came out have less roles and opportunities in general. Weird, but that's how it is.

[@stitchedwithcolor]

@@EveRosell Many queer actors have also seen their careers get siloed or limited if they come out in Hollywood as well, especially those who would otherwise be prospects for romantic leads, so i suppose we shouldn't be surprised.

[@Eliza7887]

​@@elizasync well some ARE dating. And denying that can be annoying as well.

[@carol14m]

10:05 honestly, I actually like when they are casted with someone new, cause in some cases the paired has brought to life two characters that were so important to me that it if the pairing is redone (specially when it feels type casted and mainly for the fans), it almost makes the magic from the first show go down to me idk

[@GospelOkudili]

I think GMMTV is successful because their actors are really good and also the way they all relate with each other...... You hardly see them having awkward moments with each other both ships and other persons❤❤❤ Kudos to P'Tha he is doing a great job ❤❤

[@luunara7065]

I love certain ships, but if I generally love the acting of them, I watch them in other shows, too. Gmm has a way to produce great shows that are not BL, the script seems to be more fleshed out and has a nicer flow. The best example this year is Highschool Frenemy. This show is amazing! I would love to see Sky and Nani in another show, maybe even in a BL, but I will follow their career either way. And I love all the other actors in that show, especially Mark. He is so talented and I believe hom every role he plays. He is so cheeky and always lightens up the mood, wherever he is. And he doesn't has a ship, just like Neo. I love that.

[@dancersinger55555]

I find GMMTV an absolutely fascinating topic. Thanks for this! I really would like to know what the day to day behind the scenes is like for these actors. It seems like a pretty exhausting job.

[@szeyingong7379]

Thank you for (possibly) introducing more people to Perth/Stewart!! He’s really one of the sweetest people ever, and he’s pretty funny too lol!!

[@samcarmen]

Pairing fatigue is why although im obsessed with bl, I barely watch gmmtv anymore. It’s just the same pairings acting basically the same in each drama. Rarely do we actually see dynamic switches between dramas with the same pairing. So when my fav actor switches the pairing, I’m exited. People need to remember that these aren’t characters, they’re actors. Really human beings. We need to allow them to show their range and grow

[@PatrickScottPhDLCSW]

Wow! Discovered BL in 2016 with the banned Chinese drama Addicted. Only into Thai/Taiwan/Japanese/Korean BL in the past year or so. I actually love the culture that GMMTV has fostered and only hope that the actors take good care of themselves and each other. I'm honestly overwhelmed now by the sheer number of BL productions! Thanks for the video!

[@Emchillin]

I fully support the actors decisions when they want to do something different. I wont personally watch the non bl shows but I will never throw hate at them.

[@KatisWritingStill]

One of my novels was almost turned into a series with a smaller company, not gmmtv, and I can confirm there is a lot that goes into these, tons of careful planning, pairing and an extreme amount of people over months and months of work.

[@yourholywater9501]

I feel like as well, in like the recent 3 years gmmtv have really like built this stable group of bl pairings. They’ve also introduced more social events like the outings, fanmeetings and the safe house that also encourages interactions between actors and that’s what a lot of people like to see along with the ships. I think something that gmmtv also has done is keep there most anticipated series until the end of the year for example this happened with bad buddy and this year heart killers comes out and most likely thamepo too. I believe this is what harvests a lot of the views.

[@wmsboozer9353]

Aside: "Every You, Every Me" is exploring how the evolution of a ship can affect actors' performances.

[@iwannaliveinabox9772]

That series is amazing

[@snehadas9017]

Yep, its an amazing series

[@dbluvy]

6:10 that's why GMMTV did Only Friends 😂

[@MingyuScoupsDKHoshi]

Now Heart killers. It has heavy R rated scenes. I mean it's series by P'Jojo too.

[@johnmaster3748]

3:30 pairing couples is something we have seen since the days of Old Hollywood --worth noting: Old Hollywood operated under the Studio System, in which actors signed with one specific studio. Then, they acted in whichever films the studio boss (Hollywood mogul) told them to. The studio also determined actor pairings. Hollywood (the film industry) abandoned that system more than a half-century ago. But the present-day Thai system operates along similar principles. Thus, GMMTV's strategy really does rely on a proven formula. Apt of you to raise the comparison.

[@jessi5288]

I love watching my faves do all kinds of projects. They aren’t JUST BL actors, they’re actors and it’s not just good for them to step outside of the norm (prevents stagnation), but it’s never bad for these guys to expand their resumes and gain new skills. Did anyone see the praise Phuwin and Dunk got for Summer Night? It can only be beneficial to step outside of what they normally do from time to time. I think we need to respect it when they do. You don’t have to watch, but the way some people act…

[@sasha13O6]

I think the biggest reason got gmmtv BL's success is their accesability and the target audience. Their shows being on youtube, the most used platform worldwide, is the biggest reason for them being so popular. Also, in my opinion, their shows don't really cater to yaoi fans, but more so to young girls, who will follow the actors for many years to come. Their shows are easy to watch for people who have never ventured into the bl/yaoi world. Most of them don't touch on heavy LGBT related topics, aren't overly intimate and R rated, which helps even people who aren't comfortable with gay intimacy watch it. If their strategy can keep working ni the future, though, we will see. With more and more companies and productions emerging, with more diverse projects and actors, if gmmtv want to remain on top of the game, they'll have to elavate their content. Because it's true that their actors are very much like kpop idols, once they get "old" the fans will move on to someone younger and more fresh. And at some point, no one will watch to watch the same high school and universaty theme BLs that they keep producing every year but with different actors.

[@issapurpleworldanddiamondl747]

TRUER WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fatimamalik2442]

But in a lot of their shows they have discussed lgbt topics specifically not me being released in 2021 and they have always been supportive of the community having their own pride parades and stuff

[@sasha13O6]

@@fatimamalik2442 Not Me is the show that touched on lgbt topics the most, and they have added some things here and there in more recent ones. But we can't forget the blatant homophobia that was included heavily in their earlier shows, especially tonhonchonlatee.

[@fatimamalik2442]

@@sasha13O6 thats true

[@Denji.99]

If by "heavier subject" you mean closet then they don't need to, because culture is different from country to country and Thai parents / friends don't have as many issues as others towards lgbt relatives

[@epifanny]

BL mirrors the lakorn (thai dramas) formula more than Kpop, especially the actors pairing.

[@ms.chuisin7727]

Yes. Korean doesn't use that formula. In fact they're scared to do that because they don't want their celebrities to appear to have real relationships be it bl or not. The formula to do fanservice do comes from kpop but artists are supposed to do "bromance" to feed fans imagination, not appear full fledged having a relationship. The other market aside from Thai that do this is the Philippines where actor actress pairing are done extensively.

[@thomaslong7262]

I enjoy seeing new pairings. It is a chance to see if an actor can adjust and to see their acting skills. However, sometimes it shows that they don't have much depth except with their original pairing. As example, Ohm (from recent Kidnap) has been paired with several actors and he rises to the occasion no matter who he is paired with. 💞

[@SEHipple]

I think GMMTV's strategies are quite genius. You didn't mention all the reality programming they do and stuff like Starlympics too. They are really aggressively marketing their guys and making people feel like they know them. But I do worry for their artists. While GMMTV is happy to market them and profit off them, it does not feel like they have a coherent system for looking out for them when things go awry. The artists seem left to defend for themselves more than they should be with such a massive company behind them.

[@jenosleftshoulder]

this video is so informative like I’ve been obsessed for 4 years

[@samanthatheintrovert6610]

I started watching Perth when he started his KZbin channel in the pandemic and I love how he stayed down to earth and he put reality

[@julianekusterbauer96]

I am a GMMTV confess addicted... almost obcessed. All the atmosphere created by the company is so good and keep me hooked on it

[@maitrishagupta57]

i personally would love to see the authenticity of actors. yes, fan service does make me go crazy, but i don't prefer it to actually getting to know the actors and them growing closer over time without any fan service at all. an example of this is yinwar. they don't believe in fan service. they do get pics clicked together as a couple on fans' requests on events, but no fan service. and i genuinely adore that couple. i love their dynamic and banter as friends and think of them as such. i think it would be easier for fans to not feel delusional if they aren't FED the delusion in form of fan service, but then again, some fans just like the attractive men being attracted to each other. other than that, i love that these actors go along and take on roles in straight dramas. the Wednesday club, the Jungle, all these were great opportunities for these actors to experience versatility and i loved their acting. they were remarkable. tay and new both take on so many different roles and i see their fandom is still intact because they know that their friendship is strong and that's what they like about them. the fact that they are constricted to acting a certain way that would please US in their events as well, just doesn't seem right to me and i really don't favour it.

[@johnmaster3748]

1:00 "GMMTV was originally established to focus on youth-oriented" entertainment 4:30 the comparison between GMMTV management of its talent stable and how K-pop cultivates emerging hopefuls 7:10 "you may be thinking, they're not idols, they are actors. ...[But] GMMTV trains and markets their actors much like idols...." The three examples arrive in different ''chapters' of the video essay, but note how flawlessly they build into each other. Indeed, the third quote answers the implied question in the title. Impressed by the way you built cogently toward that point all along. Though, perhaps, your conclusion undersells the connection between "youth," "idol," and "strategy." As a company created to cater to youth tastes, the strategies adopted by GMMTV mimic proven strategies since the 1940s. That's about when the entertainment industry (then, film and music) recognized the financial clout of young consumers and began catering their product toward that demographic. And the product they manufactured was not just the art _but also the artist_ . The latter could be marketed and sold like a commodity, as fungible as a any record or film. More aspiring kids emerge all the time, so new idols could be created (literally, manufactured) whenever the old ones aged out. By mid-century, the concept of the "teen idol" was a firmament in show business. Around the '80s, the word "teen" faded from common usage (sometimes replaced by "pop," "rock," or "screen") but the idol concept has never disappeared. Your video, by highlighting the modern-day manufacturing process, provides insightful analysis into GMMTV's methodology to adapt for these times and its own domestic culture the lucrative business of selling idols in youth culture. Only their product is actors. And, thanks to the internet, the potential market is global.

[@damnedifidonut]

1:42 I don't even like 2gether😭😹

[@maryingole9014]

Bored me to tears.

[@pojee4318]

It was my first bl and I dont know how it didnt make me quit bls😅😅😅honestly like was it even a bl🤔

[@1ceCream0o0]

I thought I was the only one 😂 it was painful to watch.

[@Denji.99]

@@1ceCream0o0but it played an important roles into making companies want to produce more bls

[@miwami.]

I have so much respect for gmmtv for building something as crazy as this. It's almost impossible to get bored once you get properly invested. AND it's so easy to tune in.

[@scyferjekoi]

well In Philippine industry,..we also have this hetero pairing LOVETEAMS phenomenon (like KAthniel, Jaden, LizQuen are some of the most popular ones)and business wise, it did clicked for the most part as long as the media companies managing these loveteams keeps feeding the on and off screen fanservicing..,i wud like to assume that GMMTV has also been influence with PH loveteams phenomenon..but in their strat, its BL Loveteams. PH Media companies has been using that strat loveteam phenomenon and still striving to this day, for almost 50yrs now since the 80s.

[@makoto_is_me]

When I first got into bl I used to be all over fan service and shipping. But over time I saw multiple times where fan service and over shipping from fans seemed to actually push the actors apart to the point where they weren’t even friends anymore. Now I stay away from that part of the industry, I still love watching the dramas but that’s it.

[@anushravimishra6881]

Exactly and the whole ohm nanon situation has just made it worse for me to tolerate the fan service culture anymore

[@GeminiQTpie]

My first BL ever was Sotus, then watched TharnType and I have been riding the BL train since. I just got into all GMMTV BLs last year and I will say they are a powerhouse. I have favs that I never want to see romantically paired with anyone else but I don’t mind watching them in other series. I don’t like fan service but I do like showing chemistry and close bonds off screen. I’m subscribing to this channel to see any further insights!

[@mariaanthonettealimagno1917]

I dont expect them to be boyfriends. I want them to be best friends/friends/best buddies just like Kristsingto. I love their friendship. They can be able to come back as partner in their series.

[@decemberblue845]

i had a feeling SOTUS was what started it all! it felt like no one else had a series like it and the chemistry was like a breath of fresh air

[@mariaanthonettealimagno1917]

Yes, right. One of the wholesome pairs in gmmtv. The iconic, legendary 1st pillar of gmmtv. KS started it all.

[@MingyuScoupsDKHoshi]

MaxTul started it . The chemistry was way better than Sotus leads. I discovered Thai BL thru Bad romance in 2016

[@indovedic_sanatanibharatiya]

Lovesick. White/ Captain.

[@BLblush24]

Sorry guys, I can't add chapters until 1000 subs, we're almost there though

[@andreaguariguata]

This is such an amazing video! Such great insight into the world we love! I've always wanted to look at a deeper study at this phenomenon but I'm aware that there are limited legit resources besides fan made information. I will definitely want to read Thomas Baudinette's book to learn more! Thanks for making this video essay!

[@BLblush24]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks 😊

[@HotSaucenRacha]

Great video!! It’s been so fascinating watching the creation of a pairing in real time right in front of us with Diamond and Lego. It’s interesting because I’m wondering how this will differ from pairings of the past as they started as actual idols from separate companies. Will this be a new aspect in Tpop? Idols being paired up with other idols? I don’t think GMMTV will be able to resist the earning potential of this pair. They watched Diamond’s group mates Daou and Offroad become one of the most successful bl pairings with huge earning potential. Diamond and Lego’s public “coincidental run ins” and collabs are steadily increasing. I’m so fascinated by Thai BL pairings and the was they are formed and evolve.

[@bewitched975]

I think the most important factor is having the fans get attached to the actors, not (just) the characters. Even if you dont like the show you can like the BTS of it or different events promoting it. Having dozens of actors creates opportunities to mix and match them in various projects that will delight fans. As for the series itselves they are really hit or miss. If we go by The Heart Killers trailer, gmmtv seems to have realized they need to create more mature content, silly trope-y high school dramas won't cut it anymore.

[@JIN-my8ce]

Also a supernatural, superpower story too. They wage a lot of funds yet fearing to invest in these genres. It's too few. Honestly speaking. They also lack the heavy plot oriented drama like Moonlight Chicken and Bad Buddy. Which is Director Off's specialty. Sadly his schedule is sporadic.

[@Dazzlin826]

BL is my escape. I accidentally found it and it's like wow, I'm so jealous!

[@civivva4501]

I would love to see videos on BL Actors Contracts. What is expected, how far can things go. Wages and the financial aspect of the BL industry, pay for BL series, money from fan meetings, concerts, merch, side businesses, sponsorships and fan gifts. And source material. the kind of books that are adapted and does this harm the LGBTQ community.

[@BLblush24]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they started introducing contracts that do include things like level of fan service. At least if it’s all agreed on in the beginning there’s clear cut expectations which would avoid one actor wanting to do more/less than the other. However this would probably reflect in an inauthentic way and even fans would be able to tell they were trying to meet a quota.

[@aungchanmoe4803]

the thing is just enjoy and don't get attached too much, the bitter truth is in the end that's all an act, keep that in mind and enjoy

[@LisaMT1218]

I don't abandon an artist if they pair up with someone else or do solo projects.

[@yourholywater9501]

I feel like as well, in like the recent 3 years gmmtv have really like built this stable group of bl pairings. This has led to people even wanting the secondary pairings of a series to get their own series. They’ve also introduced more social events like the outings, fanmeetings and the safe house that also encourages interactions between actors and that’s what a lot of people like to see along with the ships. I think something that gmmtv also has done is keep there most anticipated series until the end of the year for example this happened with bad buddy and this year heart killers comes out and most likely thamepo too. I believe this is what harvests a lot of the views.

[@Zhoulifer]

One thing that I love about GMMTV is their actors themselves. They know they are in the international eyes now even for these new pairings & consistently doing everything to keep up with it. International fanbase is very different than Thai fanbase most of the times and that's the Ying and Yang that GMMTV needs. I take AuoBoom as an example, while they are underrated among Thai fanbase, but everyone outside of Thailand has been talking about them everytime they have roles in a new series & why they are still not having their own main series like others.

[@music0452]

I like BL series. To me some are just enjoyable. Some are just story telling. But you get series like Unknown & Love In The Big City that have you glued to the screen. The cast is incredible & the directors couldn’t have done a better job. You cry, you laugh, you try to understand and then you get the educational understanding. You then realize that love has no gender boundaries. Love is love & the heart knows what it wants.

[@samanthatheintrovert6610]

Wow you did your work … I love it ❤

[@moonwolf6687]

I am disappointed in some GMMTV BL Series this year like the perfect tenliners. But on the other side there are on sale and high school frenemy which are no BL but so great. Especially because it's crazy seeing Tay and New in a Series together which is not officially a BL series. Honestly I always see the actors not the off screen Couple because I know it's all their Job. I am happy to see them in more deeper series like actually kidnap, heart killers soon, or not me, and I really would love to see Off and Gun more in Series like not Me instead of their latest projects. I like to see the actors I like to grow in their skills, with or without their BL Partners. ❤ But sometimes I am sad to see so many toxic fans out there 😢

[@jessiesingsss]

Bestie, you killed it with this video. Thank you for this deep dive on the community ❤

[@BLblush24]

Thank you! ❤️ There’s still a lot I could of talked about but the video would have gone on forever haha

[@jessiesingsss]

@@BLblush24 I know the BL girlies would love a 5 part, 1 hr 30 min deep dive on the community if you had the energy for that lmao but I think you made so many great points. I had no idea someone made a book on this topic. Also as someone who’s been in the community for 10+ yrs, it’s so cool when people make well made, well researched content about any part of the BL industry. And it’s not talked about enough. This is so cheesy, but thank you for your service 🫡❤️

[@iniminibinihao]

Personally bl gives me happiness (just like kpop) and gmmtv knows how to sell that so I love it. I have problems in real life so I don't want to watch series full of them, sometimes a good enjoyable storyline with cute actors is enough...about the fanservice...well I'm a fan and I live to be served 😂 and that is actually something good about gmmtv they have so many pairs to follow that there is no need to fall deeply for only one. At the end of the day as long as we as fans enjoy the content and the couples without growing attached gmmtv is a good option to watch ❤

[@ACWhoCares2]

LMAO love how you are factual while lowkey promoting every show that one could (still be) (im-)patinely waiting for ...(aka I can't wait for Leap Day, which is funny since I only got know (about) Mr Pond through We Are earlier this year). I am sad when our "shipping-fantasies" destroy real existing friendships in the end (luckily rare but it happend every now and then) because I am sure that most people don't want that to happen to any of their favourite actors or actors.

[@poorapueblo8405]

To tell the truth, het romances bore the sh*t out of me. The only non-BL that I ever watched was Bright in F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers, which was pretty good (and much better than the Korean version imo).

[@Alice_Novelland]

I love fixed couples, but I wish it could be a combination between fixed couples while also being able to watch them with another actor... They do this at gmmtv with hetero shows; where the actors don't or barely perform fanservice while they continue to work with their assigned partner for bl shows. I wish there wasn't a distinction between those! I love First and Khaotung and would love them to do more roles together, but I would also love to see them work with other bl actors again. I need a First and Earth show. A Khaotung and Force or/and Joong 😍 And I have so many more potential ghostships that are just too good not to have :(

[@antidave]

Gmmtv folks are just entertaining lol whether they chilling with the partner or nah they give us something to talk about.

[@amara45]

I was wondering how long it would take to mention the similarities to k-pop and I was not disappointed.

[@DeBLaZeS]

This was a great video! Very informative.

[@exexsa]

Tbh I personally find GMMTV's dramas more enjoyable than other companies because they tend to have better actors, scripts, productions and don't force the NC scenes

[@THE.AVID.CARTOON_711]

Bl is literally widespread. I’m in Ghana 🇬🇭 and I love love love love Bl

[@crimson_sky]

I have to disagree about GMM keeping things fresh for their couples. I feel like a lot of their pairings tend to get typecast, even if it’s not on the surface level. Joong, for example, is rarely given a playful role. Even things like hidden agenda, he was almost always brooding or having a straight face. I wanna see him laughing and smiling and expressing himself more. Perth, from Dangerous Romance, is also never given a comedic role. The closest we got to comedy are some scenes in DR. I hope with his pairing with Santa he’ll be able to do a larger array of roles. While the scenarios and dynamics might change, GM TV couples are still being typecast on a deeper level. Though it’s definitely not just a GMMTV problem Love the vid though!! ❤❤

[@davidhall1407]

A good story with acting, production and direction make for success.

[@evanpeay]

the pairings......but they all need a good story to propel the show forward....and like how they mix comedy/drama in same story....

[@jjphoenix4055]

Being the absolute BEST of the BEST, that's their "formula" No other company comes even close to GMMTV!

[@bangtanforever99]

bfr😂😂😂

[@MingyuScoupsDKHoshi]

Yes it's. One thing why Gmmtv stands out bc of their actors acting skills unlike Mundee actors.

[@jelynkim5448]

Fanservice is a must but with limits and genuineness, same goes for the fans who must know the limits and boundaries between works and private life of actors.

[@anusuiyamanderiya3980]

No doubt gmmtv has the best strategy for all this that why it's my favourite bl channel but when some couples breakup and pair with other actors it's little disheartening and feel bad because I really love to like them together like main couples in bad buddy, untill we meet again , and dangerous romance etc. broke up and pair with another actor but it's ok thir choice and for fanservice I think I don't need it and actors should not be forced for this and at last fans should respect choice of these actors with whom they want to pair or which series they want to do or we should not be toxic fans

[@zer0luv]

I really dislike the set coupling, I want to see new pairings. I still hold out hope for a Singto Off pairing, I think it would be comedy gold. I think GMMTV has a knack for creating their pairings. But I also want to give a huge shout out to them hiring actual queer writers and directors for their BLs. Aof & Jojo being some of the best.

[@mariaanthonettealimagno1917]

It is ok my favorite bl actor to be paired with other actor. Just like Singto. He can be paired with other actors but his permanent partner is Krist.

[@beomgyuarmpithair]

Lately gmmtv are so much popular that even their flop bls are considered as hits now. Some stans are legit company stans y'all ain't ready for the conversation.

[@DaughterofMother1]

Exactly, they've produced alot of mediocre BLs and people watch it bc they're CP fans

[@beomgyuarmpithair]

@DaughterofMother1 2024 belongs to gl tbh. If I talk about gmmtv series this year then I would say Pluto >>>>> gmmtv bls

[@DaughterofMother1]

@@beomgyuarmpithair I've watched it too, so far I'm liking the plot and the acting and it's the first gl I've watched

[@beomgyuarmpithair]

@@DaughterofMother1 I think you should also watch affair and reverse 4 you only if you're interested

[@bangtanforever99]

Exactly... this year I watched only 2 bls from gmmtv🧍‍♀️

[@jrperez1286]

Personally what I feel makes it very successful It is mainly the pairing but also most of the shows know how to attack real life scenarios for example one of their shows that I feel really was such a success mainly because of the storyline in the show and what they're trying to convey on show with the world within the show is The show Not Me I feel that show had a perfect mix of the pairings making the show interesting and more enjoyable to watch and the fact that certain fans are audience members of BL could relate to the topics that they were attacking

[@damnedifidonut]

10:09 I actually don't feel bad I like seeing them outside their pairs, not having to share the spotlight

[@leeranaka]

I think I'll be a bit daring, not having read any other comments and going off the cuff as it were.... I actually fucking LOVE the you compared GMMTV to the old school Hollywood model. Cuz to me that is EXACTLY what it is! No complaints per se, but yes, for sure. I don't know how long the pairing model will last..... Do I want all my boys, and girls, to have their their chance to pursue their art? YES. But I have seen enough hetero stuff in my life.... I'll pick and chose what I whatch. Jungle was good. Peaceful Property was really good as a show. I am thinking about High School Frenemy.

[@BLblush24]

High school frenemy is the best bl gmmtv came out with this year and it’s not even a bl 😛 in my opinion ofc

[@luca_diaz]

I’m fully support actors who divert off into other roles. Obviously I like to see the same pairings, especially if they’re seen together in multiple projects. They’re only considered a proper pairing to me when they indulge in frequent fan service and play multiple roles together But I won’t watch a series they’re in if it’s hetero, I just like to see the romance and representation of bl series. I have seen actors play lovers with different people and it doesn’t bother me because their acting is so good that they feel like different people I like to ship the characters rather than the actors Although I will admit I ship the actors sometimes, if they encourage it and show their comfortability with the shipping. Boundaries people But the moment they want to move on with their career or become uncomfortable by the overwhelming amount of aggressive shipping. I’ll leave it be to respect their boundaries and not to make them uncomfortable

[@ACWhoCares2]

Every time I watch a show that's lile Top of the Tops atm I am like "Well whatever they do in these workshops it seems to WORK?!?!" 😂 😂

[@miadevi1991]

bl is kinda scary industry even for fans. i was more sane and rational when i entered the fandom but now i get emotionally attached to them that pair endings still hurt deeply . i occasionally have to remind myself they are actors. Also i have a problem wth GMMtv or anyone who focuses on quantity rather than quality. Well its really good when i see actors like Ohm and even Gun who are paired with different actors. TayNew approach to bromance in peaceful properties even Skynani in hughschool frenemy kinda works(Chinese bl/bromance works big time) its refreshing. They keep experimenting and it works when u have a good actors.

[@thestraltheundead4093]

ohh dude that's my main reason to just watch the series and not the bts or actors bonding together irl

[@mariaanthonettealimagno1917]

I think Gmmtv is popular because their series can be access easily in youtube. They dont just produce series for their artists. There also produce game shows, reality shows, talk shows, fan meetings, concerts and many more.

[@keepperspective]

Sotus was my entrance into this genre, and while the romance was beautiful, I was also fascinated by the tension college story a world that I have no experience of. Recently, I’ve been really impressed by how many genres GMM TV is willing to try, touching on thriller and horror, as well as crime stories and letting there be other flavors besides saccharine sugar. Someone needs to complement their rights department how they remake favorite stories from Japan and Korea, including Boys over Flowers, Baker Boys and School 2013, taking stories that they know are successes and putting their own pairs of characters into them. I’m also quite interested in how they catch and foster directors/writers to work with their different pairings, like how Joe, the director of the edgier Friends Zone and Only Friends is now the director of Heart Killers.

[@jiioannidis7215]

What fraction of BL actors' income comes from actual acting? Product endorsement? Appearance in fan events? Other activities?

[@Seventeen_Carat_As_Of_2023]

I watched love in the air for my first Bl drama and now I can’t stop watching BL’s I’m addicted to the BL’s 😂😂😂😂

[@anniechou8964]

I love their series, not only bc they had such good actors, it is obviously most of them be put in the right and correctly characters, many series from novel, and they carefully pick the actors, they are more bold and imagination than us, ex before Eclipse, First Khao were friends many years, but most of us didn't expect this ship can work, most of us knew they both top acting actors, but didn't imagine they can act like couple, but we get how good when they pairing together now... Also the Bad buddy, the pairing also surprising. GMMtv not only explore the new era of BL ship, the story, the production, the ost, Many series showed they really put much effort in, MSP series combine the musical part, and perfectly fit, Vice versa unique with the colorful scene, 2gether smooth with the different side view. Clearly the company making money, but also hard working for the detail of series, many series really can call masterpiece. You will back to watch them again and again, still enjoy bc it is really good.

[@monsoleil5884]

I discovered SOTUS in 2018, so I got into the BL genre a bit late, but it was early enough to appreciate the authenticity and unique content that was emerging. Back then, GMM understood the importance of genuine chemistry between actors. However, I do feel that pairing fatigue is becoming real. Despite still being enamored with some of my favorite ships, it seems like some actors are being pushed to prolong relationships that have run their course. Recently, I’ve been a little disappointed with GMM-there’s been a noticeable drop in quality. Don’t get me wrong, I still believe they lead the industry in terms of production value, cinematography, storytelling, and artist respect. But now, everything feels a bit forced. Typecasting can harm an actor’s career, and sticking to one type of role limits growth. I get the sense that some actors are growing bored of this content. It could be the writing, directing, or coaching, but when the chemistry is lacking, it all falls apart. It’s even more concerning when fans become overly emotionally attached and irrational when actors stop working together. It seems as though they are treated as tools for profit rather than being recognized and valued for their artistry. It's disappointing to see them being exploited for profit instead of just being recognized as actors.

[@Jisooturtlerabbitkim-v8f]

3:17 the best example

[@johannaisolde]

I‘m mostly excited to see new pairings, but I do feel a bit sad to see something end

[@Ameyashrivastava19]

i think working in a different pairing also depends on how the actor showcases their work or how good they are individually. I loved nanon way before bad buddy, have been a fan of him since gifted, fell in love with him all over again in bb, was expecting him to pair with chimmon, but ohm did a justice to the character, but that doesn't mean I can't see nanon with other people, if the storyline is good enough to keep me hooked, I will watch that. Here's another case. With singto, of course I didn't knew him before sotus as it was his first series, fell totally in love with arthitkong and singkris too, I still am a proud peraya fan. Was heartbroken when I came to know singto was leaving gmmtv , won't get to see him with krist again, but singto acted in many other series meanwhile, even though I got hooked with him because of sotus and his chemistry with krist, I could definitely always see him with another pairing because he is such a good actor and made it look so believable in he's coming to me or baker boyyz or friendzone, all because he is such a greattt actor. I never felt there was something missing, even though he hesitated to be intimate with ohm in interviews, as we koiw he's an introvert and had made a connection with his nong krist, so of course he was more comfy with him, but on screen, I never felt there was lack of chemistry in any of his series that he did without krist. On the contrary, there is Phuwin, I understand even he is an introvert, and even though I came to know him just like singto , from a bl series, phuwin's acting always seems to be missing the same magic when he is with pond. I don't know if this is because he has adapted himself in such a way to compensate for pond's acting and always stay by hus side, but bls have totally affected his acting skills, his kissing scenes are very awkward with girls, even in we are (don't kill me) his first kiss with pond was very awkward (dk if it was meant to be that way) but phuwin totally needs a lot of time to adopt to work individually without a pairing. I don't know if he was facing this intimacy issue at that time (he was filming both the series together) but summer night just felt it didn't have the magic of other bl series phuwin has done.

[@sonrog8877]

I’m looking forward to what they will have to offer going forward because frankly except for a few series , I feel disappointed in their 2024 offerings. We need something deeper than cookie-cut school BLs

[@rosspandicornia3301]

I liked your video very much, I would like a similar video but talking about why girls like to watch BL

[@BLblush24]

Thank you! I'll make a note of that :)

[@frejamller2416]

Very interesting video! I did my masters in Korea and wrote a paper about the damaging relationship between kpop artists and fans and as you so perfectly expressed in this video, I´ve definitely noticed a very similar bond between BL artists and fans. Both industries are doing as well as they are because they allow fans to get incredibly close. However, it also gives fans too much power. In the kpop industry, we sometimes refer to fans as mini managers because they get so much power and influence that they can literally move mountains - because without their fans, kpop groups are nothing and the entertainment companies know that. It´s a system that works well when it works, but if one side becomes too greedy, the whole thing collapses.

[@Alice_Novelland]

I love how realistic but also positive this video is ❤ Yes, at the end of the day, it's all business and there is a lot of drama, but how wonderful is it that we can have all these queer stories because this market works ❤ It's something we couldn't even imagine 10/15 years ago!

[@ds9wormhole]

I'm don't get upset with new pairings; it all depends on the content of the series or movie. When the story is so captivating that we're left wanting more at the end, we desire further engagement with the same pairings to continue their narrative. This applies to all forms of cinema entertainment, whether it's BL, GL, or CIS. For example, in 'My Stand-in', Poom and Up were paired twice within the same storyline. At the story's conclusion, Poom chooses not to return to his second life, leaving Up alone. Therefore, it wouldn't make sense to bring these two characters back. While seeing them in another series as different characters would be enjoyable, it's not essential. Each actor contributes their unique flair, and watching a diverse range of actors fosters new interests. Thanks for sharing!

[@luvneojen]

my thing about the fixed pairs is like... with one or two exceptions i really just wish they would all mix it up more often. to have so many actors and limit their romance plotlines to the same person every time is just inevitably stagnant, even when they switch up the dynamics.

[@Lanochka-pz6vg]

I really love the regular gmmtv couples. But I often want to see them with other actors. I really liked the chemistry of DunkPhuwin and OhmPerth but unfortunately I never get to see them playing lovers together. I also love seeing them in straight shows with girls. I don't care if it's bl or not. For me the most important thing is an interesting plot and good acting. I love bl but most fans piss me off. They're making up relationships between actors who are probably straight. And it's ridiculous that because of delusional fans bl actors should hide their girlfriends or not have relationships at all.

[@celesteramirez7827]

I dont mind bl divorces. I love the stories and beautiful men

[@simranrachel7929]

i observed these pattern too , so haapy i was correct , same goes with k pop culture , its the systemic approch the whole system they created for a successful plan .

[@TMICopyCrab]

I honestly couldn't care less who the actors pair with as long as their acting is good