Chasing Love EP1 Review: One Night, One Obsession and a Very Promising Start

We were so giddy after this premiere we genuinely haven’t stopped smiling.

OPENING REACTION

Let us just say it now: Chasing Love is our favorite Thai GL novel we’ve read so far, which means expectations for this adaptation were sky-high.

Does that make us more critical? Probably. Does it also mean we’re willing to give a little grace on production missteps if the story and chemistry deliver? Also yes.

The good news is Change2561 is behind this project, which usually means solid storytelling (though the endings have occasionally hurt our feelings), strong intimacy scenes and production that knows how to make a world feel lived in.

Episode 1 opens in a very different place than the novel, and if you haven’t read the source material, you may feel slightly confused at first. Trust us — that opening scene is intentional. We’re purposely holding back spoilers for now because some reveals are simply better when they hit in real time. Just know: it will eventually make sense.

For readers of the novel, there are already a few subtle changes that have us cautiously nodding along. We’re intrigued, though not fully ready to commit to every adaptation choice just yet. There were also a couple of clues tied to one of our favorite story elements and, if we’re right, there may be connections to another GL fans already know.

That’s all the teasing you’re getting from us for now. 😉

THE MOMENT

The first encounter between Piang and Song is easily our favorite scene of the episode — and not just for the reason you think.

Yes, the chemistry works. But what stood out most was how believable both actresses felt in their roles.

Namway, who plays Piang, perfectly captures the hopeless romantic energy of a woman who falls hard and fast. If you haven’t read the novel, what you should know is that Piang desperately wants love. Yes, she can be a little self-absorbed, but it comes from wanting connection so badly that she almost overwhelms herself chasing it.

And then there’s Nile as Song.

Cocky, flirtatious and fully aware of the effect she has on women, Song walks into this encounter with exactly the kind of confidence that makes you immediately understand why Piang stood absolutely no chance.

Respectfully, the girl never had a shot.

What impressed us most, however, was how Chasing Love handled intimacy. The show preserved one of the novel’s strongest elements: the upfront discussion around sexual health. It felt refreshingly sex-positive without becoming performative — mature, transparent and honestly a little refreshing to see handled this naturally.

More importantly, there was care.

When Piang asks Song to stop because she feels overwhelmed, Song checks in. She reassures her. She slows down. She listens. For a scene that easily could have focused only on heat, we appreciated that the show also centered trust.

Small moment. Big message.

Consent is sexy. Consider us firm believers.

Novel readers will also appreciate how faithfully certain details were adapted, from Piang becoming breathless during the encounter to immediately wanting to see Song again afterward. And honestly? We get it.

Without spoiling too much, let’s just say the novel makes it very clear this was not a quick encounter — and Song left Piang with a very memorable first experience.

The girl was down catastrophically after one night.

Song lies on top of Piang as the pair kiss during their first encounter.

WHAT WORKED

a. Piang Is Relentless

Piang may genuinely have more patience than we ever could.

Episode 1 quickly establishes just how determined she is to make Song notice her, and eventually choose her. On paper, that level of persistence could feel over-the-top. Instead, it somehow lands as charming.

She is cheerful, optimistic and completely convinced this woman is the one. Delusional? Maybe. Endearing? Absolutely.

Namway deserves credit here because she brings warmth to the role while staying true to the character fans know from the novel. It feels authentic rather than exaggerated.

b. Mudmee Is a Boss

Book readers will likely notice a shift in Mudmee’s characterization. In the novel, she comes across quieter and more reserved. Here, she feels more assertive and cheerful — and honestly, we like it.

We appreciate getting more of her story earlier, especially her desire for love despite her grandmother’s expectations. It gives her emotional grounding right away instead of waiting for audiences to catch up.

Also, respectfully, this actress is stunning.

Our jaw dropped. We said what we said.

We’re particularly curious how much screen time this pairing will receive because, in the novel, they occupy far less space. Still, their early setup has us interested.

For Denied Love fans wondering why Khwanrin sounds familiar — you’re not imagining things. Chasing Love exists in the same universe.

This is the same character who played Khem’s older friend — the one Rin briefly gets jealous of before eventually helping Khem and Rin care for their kids. Yes, that character.

It also explains the oddly numbered company names: 126 Food Co. and 124 KTT Design. A small detail, but one fans of the universe will definitely clock.

c. Gen Came to Play

We noticed #FayGene’s chemistry back in I Wanna Be Sup’star, but here? Gene showed up ready to work.

The dancing was strong, the styling was excellent and the confidence she brought to this role feels like an entirely different lane from what we’ve seen before. Swagger is hard to fake, but she sells it.

Then Fay walks in and matches the energy.

Yeah. We’re seated.

WHAT MISSED

(Or, more accurately, what we’re watching closely.)

a. Song & Ple’s Relationship

In the novel, Song and Ple are best friends. Here, we’re not entirely sure how the show wants us to interpret their dynamic.

We understand friendship norms can vary culturally, but between the dancing, flirting and overall energy, we definitely raised an eyebrow. If these two are simply touchy-feely besties, fine.

Actually…where do we sign up?

But if the series shifts them into exes or friends-with-benefits territory, we’re not sure we’ll be fully onboard. Right now, the vibe feels noticeably different than what the book established.

b. Song’s Parents

One line in Episode 1 made us wonder whether Song’s parents may not appear in this adaptation.

We really hope we misunderstood.

In the novel, they play an important role in supporting Song, especially as things begin unfolding with Piang. Their relationship with Grandma also added warmth and humor to the story, particularly through Song’s mother.

Losing that dynamic would feel like a missed opportunity.

c. Song’s Mood

We’re intentionally staying vague because spoilers are rude.

But novel readers know there is an important emotional layer to Song that deeply shapes who she is and why Piang is eventually able to break through. The series has hinted at pieces of it, but only lightly.

We’re hoping this is simply a slow reveal and not something being written out entirely.

Because if they skip this part?

We may have words.

BOLD TAKE

Chasing Love Episode 1 moved quickly, looked gorgeous and gave us enough chemistry, curiosity and emotional breadcrumbs to keep us firmly seated for Episode 2.

FINAL VERDICT

There is so much we want to say, but we’re trying very hard not to spoil one of our favorite Thai GL stories for viewers who are coming in fresh.

What we will say is this: Episode 1 feels promising.

The chemistry works, most of the adaptation choices make sense so far and the nods to the novel have us cautiously optimistic. More importantly, the show understands something many romances miss — attraction may hook audiences, but emotional care is what makes people invest.

We’re excited. We’re seated. And if Chasing Love keeps balancing heart, humor and heat like this, it could quietly become one of the strongest Thai GLs of the year.