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'The Prince's First Love' - Viral Queer ReelShort Series Ignites Buzz with Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
"The Prince's First Love", a 2025 TV mini-series produced by ReelShort, premiered on December 14, 2025, in the United States, captivating audiences with its vertical-format storytelling tailored for mobile viewing. The series follows Lucas Wilder, a defiant high school student played by Greg Duffy, who unexpectedly kisses Prince Nicholas, portrayed by Andrew Tong, in front of the entire school, sparking a heated rivalry that blossoms into deeper emotions. Available exclusively on the ReelShort app , the show has amassed significant traction through YouTube clips and full-episode playlists, drawing millions of views in its first days.
The plot centers on the fictional kingdom of Entrada, where Prince Nicholas grapples with expectations to marry Alice Newton for political gain, as pressured by his family to secure the throne against rival Prince Dolan. Lucas, protective of his best friend Alice , clashes with Nicholas from the outset, calling him "Prince Charming" in disdain before their dynamic shifts through forced proximity at St. George High. Key scenes, such as a tense live stream confrontation where Nicholas challenges Lucas publicly, underscore the tension between royal obligations and authentic feelings, with dialogue like "I'm fine with the whole world seeing us like this. Are you?" highlighting their evolving bond.
Greg Duffy, a fan favorite in the boys' love vertical drama space, delivers a nuanced performance as the rebellious yet vulnerable Lucas, marking another strong outing following his previous roles. Andrew Tong makes his notable debut as the snobbish yet softening Prince Nicholas, earning praise for his chemistry with Duffy and physical appeal that enhances the series' romantic tension. Supporting cast includes Seth Edeen as Prince Farlen, Maria Angelica Caruso as palace staff, and Leah Epperson as Grandma Sue, adding depth to the ensemble.
Directed in ReelShort's signature short-episode format—ideal for quick binges—the series boasts an IMDb rating of 8.1/10 from initial reviews, with viewers commending the "top notch" acting, eye candy, and enemies-to-lovers arc despite noting minor continuity issues. One reviewer highlighted, "Reelshort did a really good job with this one. The casting was an excellent choice and we hope to see much more of these two actors going forward." Full episodes and compilations have proliferated on platforms like Dailymotion, further amplifying its reach.
In the growing landscape of LGBTQ+ media, "The Prince's First Love" stands out for its unapologetic depiction of same-gender attraction, portraying gay men as multifaceted individuals navigating love amid societal pressures—a narrative resonant with many transgender people and others in the LGBTQ+ community facing identity conflicts. The series' synopsis emphasizes emotional authenticity: "Every glance, every brush of hands, pulls them closer... but Nicholas is torn between his royal duty and his growing feelings for the boy he once called an enemy." This trope of forbidden romance affirms queer experiences without stereotypes, contributing to the vertical BL genre's appeal to global audiences seeking inclusive stories.
ReelShort's platform has become a hub for such content, with the series' rapid virality—evidenced by playlist views and binge-watch promotions—signaling strong demand for diverse representations. Fans have called for more leading roles for actors like Halle Fletcher, whose character Alice adds layers of friendship and loyalty. As of December 16, 2025, the show's momentum suggests it could influence future productions in affirming LGBTQ+ narratives.
