The dinner table scene in the first episode of Let’s Talk About CHU says it all: Chu Ai’s father perched awkwardly on a stool, excluded from the family’s intimate dynamics, while his daughter openly discusses sex like it’s the weather. This is a show that wants to shake things up, and for the most part, it does.

Creator Wu Mei-chih’s series follows Chu Ai (Chan Tzu-hsuan), a wax technician by day and sex education vlogger by night, as she navigates the messy terrain of relationships—both her own and those of her family. The premise is simple: what happens when someone who talks about sex so openly struggles to live it authentically? It’s a question that grounds the series in something genuinely interesting.

What works best here are the performances. Chan Tzu-hsuan is magnetic as Chu Ai, balancing vulnerability and brashness with ease. Kai Ko as Ping-ke, her friend-with-benefits, brings a grounded charm that makes their dynamic feel lived-in. The supporting cast, particularly Umin Boya as Lin Shih-chieh and Kimi Hsia as Chu Wei, add depth to the family’s tangled web of desires and disappointments. The chemistry between these actors is palpable, elevating even the more predictable moments.

The series also benefits from its willingness to tackle taboo subjects head-on. Sex isn’t just talked about; it’s explored in all its messy, complicated glory. Whether it’s Chu Ai’s vlog monologues or the awkward family dinners where sex becomes the elephant in the room, CHU doesn’t shy away from discomfort. The soundtrack, with tracks like “This is Love” and “Redbreast,” adds an emotional layer that complements the narrative beautifully.

But the show isn’t without its flaws. While the first few episodes crackle with energy, the pacing stumbles in the latter half as it tries to juggle multiple storylines. The shift from lighthearted comedy to heavier drama feels uneven at times, and some of the subplots—like Chu Wei’s marital struggles—could have used more nuance. Additionally, while the series aims for boldness, some of its attempts at edginess fall flat, relying on clichés rather than fresh insights.

Let’s Talk About CHU is a series that dares to be different, and for the most part, it succeeds. It’s funny, messy, and unafraid to get uncomfortable—qualities that make it stand out in a crowded field of family dramas.