7.3 / 10 (based on 129 reviews)
Key and Chen find each other in the middle of the enhanced community quarantine and connect in ways that surprise them both.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Alonzo Elequin, Alec Kevin Rigonan, Kaloy Tingcungco, Teetin Villanueva
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1 season, 6 episodes
Shows Most Like Boys’ Lockdown (2020)
Quaranthings (2020)
6.9 / 10 (based on 142 reviews)
A Filipino (Pinoy) boys’ love (BL) series about finding love in the time of quarantine.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Royce Cabrera, Kyo Quijano, Gina Pareño, Karl Zarate
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1 season, 8 episodes
Gaya sa pelikula (2020)
8.5 / 10 (based on 910 reviews)
Karl, an architecture student moves into his uncle’s unit, takes on odd jobs online and left short on funds. His neighbor Vlad hiding from his family proposes that they become housemates for the semestral break in exchange for rent.
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8.4 / 10 (based on 1229 reviews)
Cairo is raring for a rematch after his sudden defeat in a popular mobile game. But his opponent Gavreel wants something in return.
Genre: Drama, Romance
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Creators: Jun Lana
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1 season, 14 episodes
Hello, Stranger (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 499 reviews)
Follows the unlikely relationship of Mico and Xavier while they navigate schoolwork in the middle of a pandemic as strangers, enemies, partners, friends, and much much more.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
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1 season, 8 episodes
We Best Love: No.1 for You (2021)
8.3 / 10 (based on 1613 reviews)
It is not a simple thing to like someone, because – many times, we dare not say anything. “If first place is the only way to make you see me, then I will never lose to you before you fall in love with me.” Zhou Shu Yi stared at the class report and saw Gao Shi De’s name above him again. He didn’t understand. He had always ranked second ever since Gao Shi De came into his life. For this reason, he was excited to go to college and parted ways. He hoped to never see Gao Shi De again. In college, he joined the swimming club and was revered by everyone. He was happily enjoying college life until Gao Shi De suddenly appeared at the swimming competition during their senior year. This made him wonder why Gao Shi De always followed him wherever he went. But little did he know that Gao Shi De had eyes for him and would never let him go.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sport
Main Cast: Sam Lin, Yu Teng Yang, Belle Hsin, Zack Fanchiang
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2 seasons, 14 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
My Engineer (2020)
7.2 / 10 (based on 526 reviews)
A love story about four different couples, Bohn and Duen, Ram and King, Boss and Mek and Frong and Thara.
Genre: Romance
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2 seasons, 17 episodes
Manner of Death (2020)
8 / 10 (based on 1032 reviews)
Dr. Bunnakit is a medical examiner based at a provincial hospital. One day, after carrying out an autopsy on the body of a woman who had seemingly hanged herself, Dr. Bunnakit rules out suicide, as his findings point to homicide. His conclusion suddenly makes him the target of someone very powerful. When an anonymous man breaks into his house and threatens him to change his report to suicide, Dr. Bunnakit doesn’t take this threat seriously. But that all changes when one of his friends, a prosecutor, suddenly disappears. Dr. Bunnakit quietly conducts his own investigation in order to get at the truth. All clues lead to one suspect, a man named Tan, who denies any involvement. Tan convinces Dr. Bunnakit to team up together in order to find the real murderer.
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Romance
Main Cast: Tul Pakorn Thanasrivanitchai, Max Nattapol Diloknawarit, Sapol Assawamunkong, Nutthapong Phibunthanakiet
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1 season, 14 episodes
1000Stars (2021)
8.5 / 10 (based on 2679 reviews)
Tian needs a sudden heart transplant, and fate hands him the heart of Torfun; a volunteer teacher. He takes over her role as teacher and meets Chief forest officer Phupa, and their relationship begins to bloom.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Watthanasetsiri Pirapat, Sahaphap Wongratch, Marinda Halpin, Kinuko Agami
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1 season, 10 episodes
I Told Sunset About You (2020)
8.9 / 10 (based on 2914 reviews)
The story of two high school boys who are relearning their deep relationship through complicated and unstable feelings like a storm that blows the boat away from it’s path. It is contrary to the peaceful Phuket where they live.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Putthipong Assaratanakul, Krit Amnuaydechkorn, Nat Kitcharit, Parada Thitawachira
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2 seasons, 6 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
In the world of television, where genres often recycle the same themes and storylines, finding a series that feels like a breath of fresh air can be a rare joy. “Boys’ Lockdown” is one such gem, a Filipino series that emerged during the global pandemic in 2020. This show not only captures the essence of life during lockdown but also explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery in a refreshingly straightforward manner.
The Premise
At its core, “Boys’ Lockdown” is a love story between two young men, Key Kalunsod and Chen Chavez, who find each other during a global pandemic. The series is set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown, a period that was marked by isolation and uncertainty for many. Despite the constraints of the situation, Key and Chen’s relationship blossoms, offering viewers a narrative filled with hope and positivity.
Why It Stands Out
In a landscape often dominated by complex plots and high-drama scenarios, “Boys’ Lockdown” distinguishes itself through its simplicity and authenticity. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
Relatable Storytelling
The series taps into the collective experience of living through a pandemic, making it incredibly relatable for viewers across the globe. The challenges faced by the characters, from the frustration of isolation to the fear of the unknown, mirror the real-life experiences of many during the COVID-19 crisis. This shared experience serves as a powerful connecting thread, drawing viewers into the story.
Representation Matters
“Boys’ Lockdown” is part of the growing Boys’ Love (BL) genre in the Philippines, which focuses on romantic relationships between men. The representation of LGBTQ+ relationships in mainstream media is crucial for visibility and acceptance, and “Boys’ Lockdown” contributes to this conversation in a meaningful way. The show handles its central relationship with sensitivity and respect, avoiding the sensationalism or stereotyping that often plagues LGBTQ+ narratives in media.
A Fresh Take on Love
What sets “Boys’ Lockdown” apart is its portrayal of love in the time of a pandemic. The series explores how connections can form and deepen even when physical proximity is limited. Key and Chen’s relationship develops through online chats, video calls, and socially-distanced meet-ups, reflecting the new realities of dating and relationships in a pandemic-hit world. This modern love story feels both timely and timeless, capturing the essence of human connection in the digital age.
Strong Character Development
Despite its relatively short run, “Boys’ Lockdown” manages to deliver well-rounded character arcs. Both Key and Chen evolve over the course of the series, learning about themselves and each other in ways that feel genuine and earned. The show delves into their backgrounds, fears, and dreams, making them more than just caricatures of young love. This attention to character development enriches the narrative, making the audience care deeply about the protagonists’ journey.
Behind the Scenes
The production of “Boys’ Lockdown” itself is noteworthy. Filming a series during a global pandemic came with its own set of challenges, from health and safety protocols to the logistical hurdles of shooting with a limited crew. The creative team behind the series deserves commendation for their adaptability and commitment to telling this story under such extraordinary circumstances. Their efforts paid off, resulting in a series that feels both intimate and polished.
Cultural Impact
Since its release, “Boys’ Lockdown” has resonated with audiences not just in the Philippines but around the world. The series has sparked discussions about representation, the power of storytelling during difficult times, and the evolving landscape of the BL genre. It’s become a part of the larger conversation about how media can both reflect and influence societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ relationships.
Final Thoughts
“Boys’ Lockdown” is a testament to the power of simple, authentic storytelling. In a time when the world felt overwhelmingly negative, this series offered a narrative filled with hope, love, and the reminder that connection is possible even in the most challenging circumstances. Whether you’re a fan of the BL genre or just in search of a heartfelt story, “Boys’ Lockdown” is a series that deserves your attention.
In closing, it’s worth noting that the success of “Boys’ Lockdown” lies not in groundbreaking special effects or complex plot twists but in its ability to connect with viewers on a deeply human level. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest stories are the most powerful. And in a world that often feels divided, a story about love, connection, and hope is something we can all appreciate.