Only Friends: Dream On Review (2026 Thai BL Drama)
The Binge Team- May 25, 2026
The much-anticipated standalone sequel to the 2023 megahit premiered on February 27, 2026, and of course, I had to watch it! This time, the business majors and bar scenes are left behind as the story immediately dives into the world of the university’s Fine Arts department. Senior theater student Jack (Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri) is determined to direct his passion project, Romeo & Romeo. But the moment casting begins, the production quickly turns into a full-blown battle between the lead actors and Jack himself.
The opening episode creates an immediate rush of tension. Episode 1 is an adrenaline rush! It pulls us into a web of exes, frustrated longing, and artistic competition. The energy is lively, loud, and unapologetically intense. The theater setting adds another layer to the heightened emotions, making everything feel bigger and more charged. The original series is reimagined with a creative change of scenery, adding an electric vibe to the entire universe.
Backstage Betrayals & Stage Rivals
The series becomes a nonstop chronicle of conflicts throughout its 12 episodes. When Jack’s intense ex-boyfriend Dean (Mix Sahaphap Wongratch) returns, Jack’s artistic vision is constantly pushed to the limit. Dean is fully prepared to reclaim both the spotlight and the man he once loved. The audition process also introduces Raffy (Boom Tharatorn Jantharaworakarn), a ruthless competitor determined to replace Romeo with Dean while also pursuing Jack at the same time. I am a huge fan of this kind of messy drama!
Things become even more scandalous when Rome (Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran) becomes involved. Rome shares a chaotic love-hate relationship with Raffy and actively works with Dean to sabotage Raffy’s plans. This tangled web of manipulation creates an incredible chain reaction of confrontations. Backstage politics and romance constantly collide, and every rehearsal feels emotionally brutal. I was clenching my fists and biting my nails through nearly every scene.
Love Lines and Fault Lines
The complex relationships between the characters highlight the exceptional acting ability of all the cast members. Mix Sahaphap Wongratch gives an outstanding performance as Dean, bringing nuance, vulnerability, and powerful screen presence to a character going through an intense emotional journey. He honestly feels like the emotional backbone of the show, and he made me cry so many times. At the same time, Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri portrays Jack with a sharp intensity that perfectly highlights his passion for theater and his commitment to his craft.
The relationships throughout the series are fascinating because of the constant emotional friction between the characters. The pairing of Arnold (Joss Way-ar Sangngern) and Tua (Gawin Caskey) provides an interesting contrast to the chaos of the main theatrical storyline, and their relationship develops in surprisingly unexpected ways. Rome and Raffy, however, are absolutely explosive together. Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran and Boom Tharatorn Jantharaworakarn share chemistry that feels completely natural and impossible to ignore. Their emotionally chaotic dynamic becomes one of the biggest highlights of the series. The abrupt Boston appearance in the latter episodes is a super-added cherry on the cake of the known trouble, and I was speechless.
The writing, however, does feel underdeveloped in certain areas because several interesting subplots never go much deeper than the surface. Major conflicts, such as Pete stealing the production money in Episode 6, are introduced but never fully explored in terms of consequences or resolution. There are also major gaps in the backstory between Dean and Raffy, leaving viewers to fill in the missing details themselves.
After the major time skip, Jack unfortunately experiences very little character growth and remains emotionally stubborn throughout most of the season. The romance also feels far more restrained compared to the original series. Many scenes rely on fake-out kisses and emotionally distant couples, which feels noticeably different from the chaotic and impulsive romantic energy that made the original Only Friends feel so wild and unforgettable.
Curtain Call
The chaotic theatrical journey reaches its grand finale in Episode 12, which aired on May 15, 2026. Jack and Dean finally arrive at a mature, respectful, and understanding place in their relationship. They learn to give each other room to breathe and move forward without being weighed down by the past. At the same time, Romeo & Romeo becomes a successful realization of Jack’s artistic vision, proving his talent as a director.
The supporting characters are also given meaningful paths of their own. Raffy begins to grow by dedicating himself to organizing DJ events for Rome, allowing both of them to focus on their personal passions. Arnold reaches a major turning point in his life as his family pressures him to move to America. In the end, he chooses to share one final dance with Tua, leaving their future uncertain yet still emotionally connected.
The guest appearance from Sand (First Kanaphan Puitrakul) and Ray (Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan) is an absolute delight and a beautiful tie-in to the wider universe of the series. Their appearance genuinely made me squeal with excitement.
✦ Watch This If You Loved 'Only Friends: Dream On'
This series is perfect for BL fans who love theater settings, gorgeous visuals, and stellar performances from EarthMix. If you enjoyed the artistic and emotionally angsty vibe of Be My Favorite, there’s a strong chance you’ll enjoy this as well.
Drama Info
TitleOnly Friends: Dream On (2026)
Episodes12 (Complete)
GenreDrama · Romance · BL
Release Date Feb 27 · 2026
ReviewAll 12 Episodes
Stream
🎬 GMMTV
Main Cast
Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri
Jack
MAB Score
7.2/10
Overall Rating
Story
Acting
Chemistry
Rewatch Value — 4/10