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| Shisaka Ryoto and Koizumi Kosaku Lead One of 2026's Most Anticipated Japanese BL Romances. (Credits: Modelpress) |
Popular Serizawa Acts Weird Around Me (陽キャ集団にいる芹沢は、俺の前だと様子がおかしい) is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Japanese BL dramas of 2026. The upcoming romantic comedy has generated plenty of buzz thanks to its unusual premise, charming lead pairing and a story that turns a secret fanfiction nightmare into an unexpectedly sweet romance. For BL fans who enjoy awkward crushes, hilarious misunderstandings and characters who completely lose their cool around the person they like, this one has quickly become a must-watch title before it has even aired.
Adapted from Yuzu Tsubaki's popular novel Serizawa, Who's Part of the Popular Group, Acts Weird When He's Around Me, the series officially premieres on 10 August 2026. The drama will air through Yomiuri TV (YTV) and will also be available on TVer following broadcast.
The series consists of 12 episodes, giving viewers plenty of time to watch its central relationship slowly evolve from confusion and embarrassment into something much deeper. For international viewers wondering how to watch Popular Serizawa Acts Weird Around Me with English subtitles, the current confirmed platforms are YTV and TVer in Japan.
Overseas streaming arrangements have not yet been fully announced, although industry observers expect additional distribution details to arrive closer to the premiere date.
As with many recent Japanese BL dramas, fans are hopeful that international subtitle options will become available shortly after broadcast. Until official updates arrive, viewers outside Japan may want to keep a close eye on future platform announcements.
The story follows Suzuki Hajime, played by Koizumi Kosaku, a quiet student who prefers spending time alone at school. A dedicated BL fan, Hajime secretly writes a fictional romance inspired by his school's most popular student, Serizawa Haruto.
Naturally, because fate apparently enjoys causing maximum embarrassment, the manuscript ends up in Serizawa's hands. Expecting ridicule, Hajime instead receives enthusiastic praise.
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Even more surprising, Serizawa begins actively seeking him out, inviting him to spend time together and steadily pushing his way into Hajime's carefully guarded world.
Shisaka Ryoto takes on the role of Serizawa Haruto, the charismatic centre of attention whose behaviour becomes increasingly strange whenever Hajime is around. While Serizawa appears confident, popular and effortlessly charming in front of everyone else, Hajime somehow turns him into an emotional disaster.
It is the sort of romantic setup that leaves viewers wondering whether they should laugh, cheer or hide behind a cushion from second-hand embarrassment.
Beyond the central romance, the drama appears to lean heavily into youth, friendship and personal growth. Early promotional footage showcases bright visuals, energetic school-life scenes and plenty of comedic moments.
Unlike heavier romance series that spend every episode making viewers emotionally exhausted, Popular Serizawa Acts Weird Around Me seems determined to keep things fun.
The trailer suggests a series packed with playful banter, awkward confessions, adorable misunderstandings and enough romantic tension to keep social media busy every Monday night.
The cast is led by Koizumi Kosaku as Suzuki Hajime and Shisaka Ryoto as Serizawa Haruto. The project is particularly notable because it marks a major television drama milestone for both performers.
Fans of Koizumi Kosaku, known through Genin wa Jibun ni Aru, have expressed excitement about seeing him take on his first individual starring role in a serial drama. Meanwhile, Shisaka Ryoto also steps into his first leading television role, making the series an important project for both young actors.
Online reaction has been lively since the adaptation announcement. Many readers of Yuzu Tsubaki's original novel have welcomed the casting choices, praising how closely the actors match their image of the characters.
Others have been particularly excited by the involvement of creators previously connected to acclaimed Japanese BL projects such as School Trip and At 25:00, in Akasaka. Some fans admitted they clicked on the synopsis expecting another typical school romance before discovering a story about a student accidentally exposing his fictional writing to its real-life inspiration.
As several viewers joked online, there may be no greater school-life emergency than having your secret manuscript reviewed by its leading character. At the same time, reactions remain varied. Some viewers are curious whether the adaptation can fully capture the humour and emotional warmth that made the novel popular.
Others are already convinced the chemistry between Koizumi Kosaku and Shisaka Ryoto will carry the series. One thing most fans seem to agree on is that the premise stands out in an increasingly crowded BL landscape.
After all, not every romance begins with accidental literary exposure and a popular student deciding that being normal is completely optional.
With its charming source material, rising young stars, strong creative team and a premise that balances romance with comedy, Popular Serizawa Acts Weird Around Me has all the ingredients to become one of the standout Japanese BL dramas of 2026.
Whether you are a long-time fan of school romances or simply curious about the series everyone keeps talking about, this August release is one to keep firmly on your watchlist. Are you already rooting for Suzuki Hajime and Serizawa Haruto, or are you waiting for the first episode before joining the hype?