Cutie Pie (2022)

 

⭐ Cutie Pie (2022) – 4/10

Episodes: 12 (+ special episodes)
Production: Mandee Channel
Based on: Thai BL novel "Cutie Pie" by BamBam, 
Let’s begin by acknowledging one thing—Zee, as always, brought intensity and control to the role of Lian, the aloof yet protective fiancé. NuNew, a promising rookie, had moments where his emotional delivery as Kuea (also referred to affectionately as Hia Yi by others) truly shone. Unfortunately, the execution of the storyline couldn't quite live up to the hype.

The series revolves around an arranged marriage between two young men from elite families. Kuea, a university student and secret band singer, hides his true self in front of his fiancé Lian, who in turn appears cold and overly controlling.

Here’s the problem—Kuea’s character arc lacked consistency. Initially portrayed as a sweet, talented individual with dreams, he quickly devolves into someone whose entire development becomes dependent on Lian's treatment. It's hard to root for him when the writing makes his identity feel so... mutable. The plot never decisively embraces either his independence or submission, which makes the character feel undercooked.

Then there’s Yi (Max) and Khondiao (Nat). Their storyline had great potential—a push-and-pull romance filled with unresolved tension—but it’s rushed, poorly paced, and at times awkward due to uneven acting. Nat especially struggled with emotional depth in critical scenes.

And now to the true surprise and delight of the series: Nuer (Yim) and Syn (Tutor). Despite minimal screentime, this third couple delivered a genuine, heart-fluttering romance that balanced sweetness and sass. Their chemistry was palpable, their banter charming, and their emotional moments far more believable than the leads in many cases. They carried the heart of this series, and many fans walked away remembering their story above all.

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🎯 Final Thoughts:

Rating: 4/10

✅ Zee’s acting and intensity were commendable
✅ YimTutor’s Nuer & Syn were lovable and memorable scene-stealers
❌ Inconsistent character writing, especially for Kuea
❌ MaxNat's acting lacked depth, and their storyline was undercooked
❌ The pacing and tone often prioritized fan service over meaningful development

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Would I rewatch it?

Only selected clips—mostly Nuer & Syn’s. Zee deserves appreciation, and NuNew had a strong debut, but the overall execution was chaotic.