Watch Banana Actually

Banana Actually is a romantic comedy series from Taiwan that tells the story of three couples whose lives are intertwined in unexpected ways. The show explores themes such as love, friendship, family, and the challenges of modern relationships. The show's title is a play on words, referencing the popular romantic comedy movie, Love Actually, while also alluding to the idea of "going bananas" or losing control.

The series begins with the introduction of three main couples, each with their unique stories. One couple is made up of Zhou Ya Ting (played by Allison Lin), a successful career woman, and her boyfriend, Mo Mo (played by Alien Huang), a laid-back musician. The second couple consists of Chu Ke Huan (played by Sam Lin), a serial dater afraid of commitment, and Wang Xiao Mi (played by Serena Fang), a girl who dreams of finding true love. The third couple is a gay couple, Tang Li An (played by Han Chang), a closeted lawyer, and his boyfriend, Yao Jia Xian (played by Min Chen Lin), a carefree bartender.

As the series progresses, viewers get to see each couple navigate through their individual struggles and face the challenges that come with being in a relationship. For Zhou Ya Ting and Mo Mo, their relationship is put to the test when Ya Ting's father hires a private investigator to look into Mo Mo's past. Meanwhile, Chu Ke Huan's commitment issues come to light when he starts to develop feelings for Wang Xiao Mi, but finds himself struggling to commit to her. The gay couple, Tang Li An and Yao Jia Xian, also find themselves facing challenges when they discover that they have different ideas about what they want their future to look like.

One of the show's strongest points is its ability to create complex and relatable characters. Each person in the show has their own motivations, fears, and desires, making it easy for viewers to empathize with them. Additionally, the show takes care not to shy away from complicated topics such as mental health, depression, and coming out. Rather than sweeping them under the rug, Banana Actually portrays these topics with sensitivity and respect.

The show's pacing is also noteworthy. While it can be easy for romantic comedies to feel predictable and cheesy, Banana Actually manages to keep the audience on their toes. Each episode is filled with enough twists and turns to keep viewers invested in the storylines. Additionally, the show's lighthearted tone is balanced out with moments of more serious drama, making for a well-rounded viewing experience.

One aspect of the show that might be a drawback for some viewers is the fact that it is very dialogue-heavy. While this is to be expected with a romantic comedy, some episodes can feel a bit slow-paced. Additionally, the show's sense of humor might not be to everyone's taste. While the show is generally lighthearted and funny, the humor can sometimes veer into cringe-worthy territory.

Overall, Banana Actually is a well-crafted romantic comedy series that manages to balance a lighthearted tone with more serious themes. The show's strong writing, complex characters, and timely subject matter make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Whether you're looking for a show to binge-watch on a lazy afternoon or something to brighten up a rainy day, Banana Actually is definitely worth checking out.

Banana Actually is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between March 30, 2018 and on AsianCrush