Knock Knock, Boys! (2024)

It was the thought that counts.

This was a very quirky series that had some well-meaning intent. Unfortunately, the meaningful messages were not very well executed. On the positive side, the friendship development between all the characters was great. This series really suffered from a poor script quality and director choices. It was funny at times, but it was often mix in with a lot of cringy scenes. It gets a little better later on, but it then takes the old miscommunication story element to a ridiculous level. This also had a lot of random scenes used as filler screen time. Although it was great to see a character that identified as pansexual, they introduced key story points about Latte too late in the series. Because of this, the character came across as very unlikable in the first half of the series. The cast was great considering what they had to work with.

Random Note:

The English subtitles on GagaOOLala was not the greatest.

The flash forwards at the beginning of each episode were too gimmicky for me. I started to skip them completely after the 4th episode because it was very annoying. I understand they were trying to create dramatic interest, but it was not needed for a series attempting to be quirky and fun.

The scene in the last episode involving the main actors from “Monster Next Door” was cute.

The location used for Max’s apartment was the same one used in the “Bad Buddy” series (Pran and Pat’s apartment location).

I went in with low expectations and was happy it was not horrible. I don’t regret watching it, but I would not watch it again. I basically did because I was bored. That being said, this is one of those series you can wait to watch until you have some time to kill and have nothing better to see from your must watch list.

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Knock Knock Boys – SASS, CHAOS, AND WHO GAVE THESE CHARACTERS A LICENSE TO LOVE?

Knock knock. Who’s there? A hot mess express pulling into Dysfunction Junction. Knock Knock Boys is the comeback series for Seng, post-scandal (yes, THAT one), and let me tell you, it’s got more drama than my group chat during my friend's boyfriend cheating on her. Buckle up.

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CHARACTERS: A HOTBED OF TROUBLE

First up, LatteAlmond. Yes, that’s their ship name, and no, I didn’t order it at Starbucks. Latte (Jaonine), aka "playboy of the year," spends his time collecting lovers like Pokémon cards. Dude is a manwhore, let’s not sugarcoat it. Living with three roommates—Peak (Best), Thanwa (Seng), and Almond (Nokia)—he makes a bet to help Almond woo his crush, Jumper (Pak). Easy, right? WRONG. Because feelings show up like uninvited party guests, and things spiral faster than my willpower during a sale.

Almond, bless his heart, is your standard shy, emotionally constipated softie. His one job is to pine over Jumper, but nope, he catches feelings for Latte instead. Bro, this ain’t To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. You had one mission.

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PEAK AND THANWA: CHAOS DUO IN THE HOUSE

Now onto Peak and Thanwa. OMG, this side pairing is more tangled than my headphones. They’re supposed to team up to overthrow Latte (rent money wars, y’all), but instead, they find themselves in their own rom-com from hell.

Peak? Surprise, he’s ENGAGED. To a woman. Yeah, my reaction: "I thought you were gay, sir?!" But plot twist—his fiancée has her own girlfriend, so it’s all good. Thanwa, meanwhile, has a psycho ex straight out of a true-crime documentary. This man was out here filming their sexy time (eww) and trying to sell the tapes (double eww). Sir, this isn’t Euphoria. Take your desperation somewhere else.

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THE PLOT: FRIENDSHIP, FEELS, AND WTF MOMENTS

The premise is fun: a bet to help Almond snag his crush leads to unexpected romance. Simple enough. But oh no, this series said, "Hold my drama juice," and threw in love triangles, secret pasts, and enough miscommunication to fuel a thousand memes.

Latte and Almond’s dynamic? Deliciously messy. Latte, the king of denial, doesn’t know whether to kiss Almond or run for the hills. Almond, meanwhile, is all, "Why are you hot? Stop being hot.". And I’m sitting here screaming at my screen, "Just make out already, you fools!"

But the real MVPs? Peak and Thanwa. Their subplot is the kind of chaotic side story you didn’t know you needed. From fiancées with secret girlfriends to psycho exes lurking like an unpaid intern, it’s a ride. And the love triangle? Messy AF.

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JAONINE AND SENG: GORGEOUS, BUT GIVE THEM MORE

Jaonine is a look. Like, if Bright Vachirawit had a twin who wasn’t trying so hard to prove he’s hot, it’d be him. His acting is decent, though occasionally awkward, but hey, he’s pretty, so I’ll allow it. Seng, on the other hand, is out here killing it, people are still salty over the “Fren and I kissed” situation, but can we move on? It’s 2024. Let the man live and act. Also, where’s the same energy for Fren? Toxic fans, please take a seat. Anyway, Seng proves he’s got range, and I’m here for it.

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SPICY SCENES: WHERE’S THE SIZZLE?

The trailer had me hyped for steamier scenes than a sauna. What did we get? A few kisses, two sex scenes, and a whole lot of unresolved tension. I mean, COME ON. If I wanted PG-13, I’d rewatch Love, Simon. At least LatteAlmond’s tension was entertaining, even if it didn’t deliver the goods.

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FINAL THOUGHTS: DRAMA GALORE

Me, watching the last episode: "This is why I have trust issues." But also, "I love this trainwreck so much."

The OST was cute, giving beachy, summery vibes that made me crave seafood and iced coffee. The acting? Solid, especially Seng. The plot? Messy, dramatic, and just self-aware enough to be fun. This series won’t win awards, but it’s perfect for binge-watching while yelling at fictional characters to GET IT TOGETHER.

Final rating: 9.7/10 for the drama, the chaos, and Seng’s redemption arc. Would I watch it again? Hell yes. Would I also scream at Latte to stop being a manwhore? Also yes. Knock Knock Boys is a vibe.

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lgbtqia2s+ education? consensual behavior? sex positivity? YES, SIR!

I went into this blind, not expecting much. I am so glad I gave this series a chance..

I was happily surprised to see sex education, sexual behaviors, kinks and different sexual orientations discussed in an adult manner. I see a lot of childish, jokey/humorous, and downright cringy BLs that may entertain, but do not explore and educate like KKB does.

The writers really took time to research and give factual, easy to understand info in a way that promotes positivity, safe sex and inclusivity, without treating sex/sexual behavior as something to be embarrassed about.

The cast is amazing, and the chemistry between Almond and Latte was such a joy to watch. I hope I see them in main roles again in the future. Also, I believe these roles and their individual performances by Best and Seng were their best to date..

Overall, the storyline was one I’ve never encountered before, even though I’ve watched a lot of Uni campus BLs, so if you’re thinking of giving it a pass because you’re tired of the same college trope BL, I think you should give it a shot..

🏳️‍🌈🇹🇭😘🥳

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wholesome, heartwarming and hilarious

This show is such a hidden gem! the 4 leads are fantastic, both seperately and as a group. They have a great rapport and their budding friendship is a joy to watch. Even the supporting cast is wonderful, with their characters complementing the main cast. The whole vibe of the show is overwhelmingly positive and feel good. Even when there’s “drama,” it doesn’t get dragged out unnecessarily and I always finish an episode eagerly anticipating the next one. I also love and appreciate how sex-positive the series is, highlighting different sexualities and having open conversations about safe sex, consent, and other facets of sex ed. highly recommend!!

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Great cast, script and pace

This rom com is about a group of guys staying in the 'Knock Knock' house with demons of their own, getting to know each other, helping each other out and becoming better people (and couples) in the end.
The winner of this show is certainly the script, which was good, and well paced. I like their novel artistic direction like on scene changes and pacing, most of which are well done. Some memorable ones are their 'dramatic scene first' intro each episode, and that Thanwa and Almond talk about first time sex (where he 'teleported' from his work to Almond's side by going down the table lol). The costumes are well chosen too: you can see the personality of each person from the way they dress. The show also keeps to their inner world logic and the storyline flows well, with the characters facing one issue after another, giving you some happy times once they solve the issue of the day yet bringing another issue for them to solve, keeping you out of breath (but in a good way). I like how they tackle gay social issues as well.
The downside of the show is the Peak storyline and episode 11. Episode 11 seems to lose the way when it comes to their tight comedic timing and script pacing. Peak's plot about marrying a lady which he doesn't want to could have been re written. Its simply absurd considering the premises. Also, Latte's pansexual part could be further explored. What does being pansexual truly mean? What makes it different from a bisexual? The issue is I guess that in a theatre, a character being pansexual is not much different as being bi. in that case, some issues of his pansexually could have been raised (though I cannot think of one offhand), instead of the constant 'Pansexual doesn't mean I have sex with everyone, I do it with people I love only' trope.
I was pleasantly surprised that Seng has such a range in acting. One of his previous works, 'Secret Crash on You', unfortunately did not showcase his acting talents. I am also glad that Best finally got a good role. As for Nokia and Jaonine, I think they have much to go with their acting, though thank the gods the script was tight enough to bring them through.

Overall, a great show, and a great surprise. One of my favourite BLs this year.

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One of the 'not so perfect' but 'worth spending time and money' kind of bl!

I actually loved it a lot excluding the 'peak and Jane's story', that irritates me. I'm carrying up for Almond, latte and thanwa mostly because their characters are so good. I loved that this drama displayed a character with no sexual experience and still willing to try it without actually forcing to try! There's not much NC but they still used some toys and their importance. The series is full of funny, laughing moments which will caught you off-guard! The romantic story takes time to develop. The photography of scenes is really well done, the angles seem perfect!
Last but not least Actors can ACT!! Most of them are rookies with only 1 or 2 roles in past but their acting is much better than those with 5 main roles!!
THE FUNNIEST NC SCENE I'VE EVER SEEN🤣🤣
This Series is a GEM 💎 💎 Deserve awards for showing such kind of NC 🤣 So cute and funny.
Actually the thing which attracts me most is one's innocence which is sometimes so funny that I go to re-watch it everytime iI want to laugh. I still have went back to ep 1, 2, 3, 4, unhealthy times just to re-watch and laugh😂🤣

📌This is underrated series, it deserves much recognition, You all should definitely start it and watch first 2 episodes completely only then you'll know what the story is all about and how it's so fun watching it.💓

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A Sassy Romcom with Quirky Characters

WeTv’s new Thai Boylove series “Knock Knock, Boys!” is a surprisingly intriguing series. Four strangers move into a boarding house, each with pasts their secretive about. But three of the four share the same fate of being broke twenty-something’s, a fate the youngest of them doesn’t share. The virgin, Almond (Nokia Chinnawat) is quite rich and offers a deal to his new roommates. Whoever can help him “pop his cherry” with the man he crushes on will have their rent paid for a year. Something Peak (Best Vittawin), Thanwa (Seng Wichai), and Latte (Jaonine Jiraphat) jump at.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/06/13/knock-knock-boys-first-impressions-ep-1-2/

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Light-hearted BL comedy that isn't as frivolous as it seems at first

For a series with three BL couples and a couple of female side characters, this series succeeds in not being confusing. The exposition at the start is rather well done, and each of the main characters is quickly recognizable. This may not seem like an impressive feat, but even in 2024, I see BL series that make me confused.

I did also enjoy the humor although it isn't as good in the later episodes. The relationship between Peak and Jane is intriguing, with some hilarious moments, and I'm glad it did not go the direction it could have. (Let's just say that Peak seems like an irresponsible boyfriend to Jane at first.)

The two female characters ironically might be the most interesting characters in the series. Jane is a character who slowly grows on the audience. On the other hand LookPeach is a surprisingly nuanced character and not just some flat fujoshi that is the staple of many Thai BLs. Despite her unassuming demeanor, she can also be an assertive defender of her friends.

There is actually a lot to like about this series. Although some may complain about the sex ed being done without finesse, at least it is not a frivolous series in which the characters are just after sex and that's it.

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so fun and stupid and lovely

I love this show. It's very entertaining and the characters are extremely well thought out and developed from the jump which is nice.

I am a Latte appreciater bc he reminds me the most of friends of mine and also shows the most heart in the world.

Also one of those shows where I like the dynamics so much that I don't have a definitive end game couple in mind, and that's rare in bls.

Probably my favourite parts are how sitcomy it is which makes the characters very lovable but not stuck into one role and how sex positive it is.

This feels very unique and fresh in the thai bl space and I absolutely love this take on things. Especially the very natural weaving of different sexualities and crushes without unnecessary angst about it. This is what queer shows should be (but I still love the classic bls for what they are as well).

Lastly, peak's endless bi-panic is the highlight for me.

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Finally, a good progressive BL

I thoroughly enjoyed this show. It had some great progressive scenes that made me immensely happy to watch. I loved how educational it was and how non-toxic it protrayed intimacy.

The characters were greatly varied, humans with flaws, but not in a way where you cannot understand them. All their growth and development was organic and gradual. It is never boring, and the comedy relievers hit the spot as they should.

Great pacing in the story. The acting could maybe need some polishing in the more emotional scenes, but overall good performance from them all both mains and sides. Their respective love stories are very believable, and they portray the love not just through words but also body language.

I will be back to rewatch, especially for Almond and Latte, because that couple captured my attention and I adore their love-story.

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