14 Series That Turned a Background Gay Couple Into the Sequel Leads

Television audiences often find themselves drawn to the chemistry of a secondary pairing, sometimes even more than the main protagonists. This phenomenon has led to a unique trend where background couples are elevated to lead status in their own spin-offs or sequels. Production studios, particularly in the Boys’ Love genre and international teen dramas, have increasingly capitalized on this fan enthusiasm by greenlighting projects dedicated entirely to these former side characters.

‘Dark Blue Kiss’ (2019)

Pete and Kao first appeared as a supporting couple in ‘Kiss: The Series’ and later in ‘Kiss Me Again’. Their turbulent but passionate relationship garnered such a massive fanbase that GMMTV produced this dedicated sequel where they took center stage as the main leads. The series explores their struggle to keep their relationship hidden from family while navigating jealousy and trust issues. It remains one of the most successful examples of a side couple graduating to headline their own franchise.

‘Together With Me’ (2017)

Korn and Knock were originally introduced as a side couple in the drama ‘Bad Romance’. Their chemistry was so electric that a prequel series was commissioned to tell the story of how they fell in love. This series focuses on their university days and the drunken night that shifted their friendship into a complex romantic entanglement. The success of this show eventually led to another sequel, solidifying their status as icons of the genre.

‘Between Us’ (2022)

In ‘Until We Meet Again’, Win and Team were the supportive best friends to the tragic main couple, yet their brief interactions hinted at a deeper connection. Fans waited years for this parallel series, which retells the timeline of the original show but focuses entirely on their developing relationship. The story delves into Team’s sleep troubles and how Win becomes his source of comfort and security. It fleshes out the background details that were only glimpsed in the original drama.

‘Love Mechanics’ (2022)

Vee and Mark started as a secondary couple in the ‘En of Love: TOSSARA’ mini-series, where their story was rushed and brief. Due to overwhelming popularity, their segment was expanded into a full-length series with high production values. The show tackles the messy, angst-filled dynamic of a junior pursuing a senior who is already in a complicated relationship. It is widely praised for expanding the emotional depth of characters who initially had very little screen time.

‘Don’t Say No’ (2021)

Leo and Fiat were introduced late in ‘TharnType 2: 7 Years of Love’ as a friend and a troublemaker, respectively. Their unspoken feelings and long-standing friendship became the foundation for this spin-off series. The show examines the transition from friends to lovers, dealing heavily with Fiat’s past trauma and need for validation. It provided a necessary resolution to their storyline that was left open-ended in the parent series.

‘Naughty Babe’ (2023)

Yi and Diao served as the secondary couple in the hit series ‘Cutie Pie’, where their relationship was strained and full of misunderstandings. This sequel series gave them the spotlight to resolve the mystery of Yi’s past memories and Diao’s feelings of being controlled. The tone shifts between comedy and drama as Diao tries to break off their engagement to assert his independence. It allows the audience to understand the motivations behind Yi’s stoic behavior in the original show.

‘Our Skyy’ (2018)

Pick and Rome from ‘Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey’ were a breakout side couple that arguably outshined the main heterosexual pairing. This anthology series gave them a dedicated episode that functioned as a direct sequel to their story. The episode features a body-swap plot that forces them to understand each other’s lives and feelings more deeply. It served as a fan-service gift to audiences who felt their screen time in the original series was insufficient.

‘Ai Long Nhai’ (2022)

The characters Ai and Nhai were originally side characters in the series ‘Tonhon Chonlatee’. This series recasts the roles but gives the characters their own full universe to inhabit, focusing on Ai’s pursuit of the quirky and oblivious Nhai. It follows Ai’s journey as he returns from studying abroad and becomes Nhai’s caretaker and boyfriend. The show expands on their dynamic which was only briefly touched upon in the parent series.

‘Magic of Zero’ (2022)

Ink and Pa were the beloved sapphic side couple in the boy-love series ‘Bad Buddy’. Their wholesome chemistry led to a segment in this anthology special titled “Zero Photography”. The story revolves around their relationship as they travel back to high school to fix a past regret. It validated the massive online support for the pair by giving them a dedicated narrative focused solely on their romance.

‘Skam’ (2015–2017)

Isak Valtersen was a supporting character in the first two seasons of the groundbreaking Norwegian teen drama ‘Skam’. In Season 3, he became the central protagonist, and his coming-out story and relationship with Even became a global phenomenon. The shift in perspective allowed the show to tackle internalised homophobia and mental health with incredible nuance. This season is widely considered the highlight of the entire franchise.

‘Skam France’ (2018–)

Following the format of the original Norwegian series, Lucas was a side character in the first two seasons of ‘Skam France’. The third season elevated him to the lead, focusing on his romance with the mysterious Eliott. This adaptation received praise for its unique directorial choices that differentiated it from the original source material. It turned Lucas from a background friend into the heart of the series for that season.

‘Druck’ (2018–2020)

In the German adaptation of ‘Skam’, the character Matteo was a moody background presence in the earlier seasons. His transition to the lead role in Season 3 explores his struggle with identity and his relationship with David, a transgender boy. The series was lauded for adding this new layer of representation to the familiar storyline. Matteo’s journey from the sidelines to the center provided a fresh and modern take on the teen romance narrative.

‘Skam Italia’ (2018–2022)

Martino was the funny, often clueless friend in the first season of the Italian version of ‘Skam’. Season 2 thrust him into the spotlight as he navigated his attraction to Niccolò. The chemistry between the two actors was intense and brought a distinctly Italian flair to the narrative. The season deftly handled the balance between friendship dynamics and the terrifying excitement of first love.

‘wtFOCK’ (2018–2021)

In this Belgian iteration of the ‘Skam’ universe, Robbe was a quiet member of the friend group before taking the lead in Season 3. His story with Sander became viral on social media, drawing international attention to the series. The season is noted for its gritty realism and the palpable tension between the leads. It proved that the formula of elevating a background character to the lead could work across multiple cultures and languages.

Share your favorite side couple that deserves their own spin-off series in the comments.