The Ultimate GL Series Must Watch List

GL Series Must Watch List, that phrase alone can feel overwhelming. With so many shows to choose from, where do you even start? This guide was made to cut through the noise and bring you the ones that truly matter.

These aren’t just entertaining shows. They’re emotional journeys, cultural touchpoints, and quiet revolutions in storytelling. Each series on this list captures the nuance of queer love in ways that feel deeply human.

Whether you’re new to GL or a longtime fan, these stories offer more than romance. They speak to identity, connection, and what it means to be seen. You’ll find characters who stay with you and moments that hit hard.

Expect slow burns, emotional highs, tender silences, and bold confessions. You’ll meet characters who break stereotypes and narratives that challenge what we think love should look like. Representation here isn’t just present; it’s powerful.

This isn’t just a list. It’s an invitation to feel, reflect, and connect. These are the series that resonate far beyond the screen, crafted with care, courage, and an unapologetic love for queer storytelling.

Ready to fall in love with love again? Let’s dive into the GL series must-watch list that deserves your time and your heart.

1. GAP: The One That Opened the Floodgates

At first glance, GAP The Series might seem like just another office romance. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a story where status, age, and emotional baggage collide with a chemistry that keeps simmering beneath every glance.

What made GAP The Series explode wasn’t just the storyline; it was the way it dared to feel. The dynamic between Mon and Sam walked the line between softness and dominance, longing and restraint. You couldn’t look away, even when things got messy.

The show hit a nerve not just in Thailand but worldwide. It gave sapphic viewers something rare: screen time, depth, and tension that didn’t need to be watered down. GAP The Series was campy at times, dramatic at others, but always unapologetically itself.

This wasn’t a show trying to blend into mainstream romance. It stood out because it leaned into its queerness, loud, proud, and pink. The aesthetics were bold, the soundtrack unforgettable, and the scenes lived rent-free in our minds.

You’ll find GAP The Series on nearly every GL series must watch list, and rightfully so. It marked a turning point in Thai GL media, paving the way for deeper narratives and broader recognition.

If you’re new to the genre, this is where you start. If you’ve already seen it, chances are you’ve rewatched it more than once. GAP The Series opened the door and left it wide open for the rest to follow.

2. The Loyal Pin: Elegance, Pain, and Thai History in One Frame

Set in post-war 1950s Thailand, The Loyal Pin tells a story that feels both grand and intimate. At its heart is a forbidden love blooming in silence, fragile, complex, and quietly devastating.

This is not your usual slow burn; it’s a delicate unraveling. The connection between the leads builds in glances and gestures, drenched in unspoken longing. Every moment is soaked in emotional tension, framed by tradition and duty.

Beyond the romance, the series is a love letter to Thai history. You’ll notice it in the setting, the music, the costumes, and in how the characters navigate their lives within a society steeped in expectation.

The storytelling is restrained, but the emotional impact is profound. You don’t just watch this show, you feel it. The weight of secrecy, the risk of vulnerability, and the cost of staying true to one’s heart all simmer beneath the surface.

It’s no surprise that The Loyal Pin has earned a spot on many a GL series must watch list. It elevates the genre, proving that queer stories can be just as rich, artistic, and meaningful as any classic period romance.

What makes this show unforgettable isn’t just the love story, it’s how that story unfolds against the backdrop of a culture rarely shown through this lens. Quiet, tragic, and breathtaking, The Loyal Pin doesn’t scream to be noticed. It whispers and that’s what makes it so powerful.

3. Pluto: When GL Becomes a Mirror to Society

Pluto doesn’t just tell a love story, it tells our story. One shaped by inequality, quiet resistance, and the urge to reclaim agency in an unjust world.

The series centers on May, a lawyer who becomes blind, and her relationship with twin sisters who lost their parents in childhood. Over time, May and the twins build a connection steeped in nuance and tension. Their dynamic unfolds slowly, layered with ethical gray areas, emotional restraint, and deeply personal stakes.

What sets Pluto apart is how it dares to confront issues rarely seen in Thai dramas. Ableism, justice for sale, and social pressure are not just background, they’re central to the narrative.

The romance simmers beneath moments of care, pain, and conflicted intimacy. It’s not about fanservice, it’s about authenticity. And that’s exactly why it resonates so deeply with those who’ve longed for something more grounded.

You won’t find dreamy tropes or polished perfection here. Instead, Pluto offers quiet chaos, unresolved truths, and a protagonist who refuses to fit into anyone’s expectations. It’s refreshing, raw, and politically charged without being preachy.

This isn’t just another show on a GL series must watch list, it’s a statement. One that asks uncomfortable questions and invites viewers to sit with the discomfort.

In a landscape where many stories play it safe, Pluto stands out by being unapologetically bold. If you’re ready for a show that doesn’t give easy answers but leaves a lasting impact, this one deserves your full attention. It’s not just something you watch. It’s something you carry with you.

4. Us: A GL That Finally Gets It Right

Some shows scream drama. In contrast, Us whispers truth. It’s quiet in its storytelling, but loud in what it represents: emotional safety, adult communication, and love that evolves with care.

Unlike many others, Dokrak and Pam aren’t your usual GL couple. There’s no chasing, no manipulation, no struggle for control. Instead, we see two women navigating love with empathy and self-awareness, a rare gem in queer storytelling.

Moreover, the series gives space for softness and silence. Conversations feel real, filled with hesitations, humor, and the kind of small moments that often go unseen on screen.

When conflict appears, it isn’t explosive, rather, it’s reflective. There’s room for doubt, vulnerability, and resolution without losing dignity. Undoubtedly, that’s a huge win for healthy queer representation.

Ultimately, what makes Us stand out in any GL Series Must Watch List isn’t just the chemistry. Above all, it’s the maturity of the relationship. Watching them feels like being invited into something deeply personal, yet universally resonant.

Visually, the cinematography leans into natural tones, echoing the grounded vibe of the plot. There are no flashy tricks, just honest storytelling, well-paced development, and characters that feel fully alive.

At its core, Us is about choosing each other every day, not just in big moments. It’s love that builds, quietly and steadily, like trust. And in a genre that often thrives on high drama, that’s revolutionary.

So, if you’re looking for a GL that doesn’t just entertain but nurtures, Us is exactly what you need. It’s gentle, warm, and deeply human. However, if you like too much conflict and drama between the main couple, this isn’t for you.

5. Bonus Pick: For the Curious and the Nostalgic Lovers

If you’re in the mood for a gentle, heartwarming escape, 23.5 is your comfort pick. With a mix of high school innocence and soft queer awakening, this series is like a warm breeze on a spring day.

Adapted from the novel 23.5: When the Earth Is Spinning Around by Blue, the show stars Milk and Love in roles that are as charming as they are sincere. Their chemistry carries the story with just the right mix of tension and tenderness.

Ongsa, played by Milk, is shy, introspective, and secretly smitten with Sun. One impulsive “sweet dreams” message sent under the Instagram name “Earth” begins a sweet but complicated double life.

Sun assumes “Earth” is a boy. Ongsa, afraid to lose the connection, continues the charade. What follows is a digital love story layered with secrecy, hesitation, and hope, a familiar yet refreshing take on the genre.

Set against pastel skies and schoolyard scenes, the visuals mirror the softness of first love. And while 23.5 may feel light, it doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight of growing up queer.

This show is often overlooked in GL series must watch lists, but it deserves a spot, especially for those who love coming-of-age stories that celebrate vulnerability without cynicism.

Whether you’re nostalgic for your own teenage feelings or simply curious to see a softer side of Thai GL, 23.5 will likely leave you smiling. And maybe, just maybe, missing someone who never really knew your name.

Why These Shows Matter: Beyond Ships and Kisses

It’s easy to see GL series as just romance and pretty moments. However, the best of these shows go much deeper than surface-level love stories.

In fact, they challenge societal norms, shining a light on struggles queer people face daily. From navigating family expectations to confronting systemic discrimination, these narratives hold a mirror up to reality.

That’s precisely why this GL Series Must Watch List isn’t just about cute ships and tender kisses. Instead, it’s about stories that give voice to those often silenced or misunderstood.

Visibility matters. After all, seeing queer love portrayed with nuance and respect can validate real lives. Furthermore, it can build empathy among wider audiences and create space for important conversations.

In addition, these shows explore intersectionality, how race, class, disability, and culture shape queer experiences differently. This adds rich layers beyond the typical romance plot.

They also celebrate resilience, hope, and community. Many characters grow by confronting pain, making tough choices, and forging bonds that feel authentic.

For this reason, these series aren’t just entertainment, they’re acts of representation and resistance. Consequently, they inspire viewers to reflect on identity, love, and acceptance in a world that often resists difference.

In short, this curated GL Series Must Watch List invites us to witness love in all its complexity. It’s about more than watching stories unfold. Ultimately, it’s about understanding the lives behind them. And that makes all the difference.

The List Is Just the Beginning

Indeed, this GL Series Must Watch List is far from a complete collection. Instead, think of it as a starting point, a gateway into a vast world of queer storytelling.

Moreover, each show on this list offers something unique, yet there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. New voices, diverse stories, and fresh perspectives are constantly emerging.

Therefore, let these series move you, challenge your assumptions, and maybe even offer comfort when you need it most. Good stories have that power; they stay with you long after the credits roll.

As you explore, pay attention to what resonates. Is it the raw emotions, the cultural insights, or the way characters navigate identity and love? What sparks your curiosity or moves your heart?

Afterward, when you finish these shows, don’t stop there. Ask yourself: what kind of representation do I want to see next? Which stories deserve a spotlight?

Meanwhile, the GL genre is evolving fast, with creators pushing boundaries and expanding what queer love can look like on screen. Your curiosity and support help fuel that growth.

Consequently, consider this GL Series Must Watch List a launching pad, not a finish line. Dive deeper, explore widely, and keep seeking stories that reflect the many shades of queer experience.

Ultimately, discovering GL series isn’t just about watching; it’s about connecting, learning, and celebrating love in all its forms.

And when you’re done, ask yourself: what do I want to see more of next?

Featured image: Promotional still courtesy of GMMTV.