I don't think anyone thought BP was going to be such a big hit to begin with. Every production has to gamble with this. Yes, we want Pope-Bella Pra'nang but I think if writing was top-notch with new faces, it would still be a big hit. Kind of like Bridgerton, always new faces but same universe. Its all about the writing. Thailand needs to invest in that, not recycling pra'nang. I loved the Love Destiny universe, still the best Thai lakorn in the last few years but they really milking it.
Yes it’s true BP’s success as a duo (and continued success) was unanticipated. Re pushing new actors, that’s what they have done with this drama. That’s why half the channel’s actors are on this show, and they are current p’ek & n’ek, not just supporting actors (which is what they would have done if this show was made a few years ago). And this show is 26 eps because of that huge cast.
Re them milking it, it’s true. That’s Ch3’s fault. Personally I didn’t think they needed so many reruns especially one so soon after the first telecast. Average viewers might not notice it but I think PB themselves are very conscious of overexposure. For the movie last year they both only promoted together only a few times. This time for events they’ve appeared without each other often, each of them are being used to push the other actors on cast. And likely this is the last time both of them will work together - I suspect it will take an exceptional script to get them to work together again, especially on Pope’s part.
I think this was the best compromise to get the most win-win scenario for all.