Playing Pretend

This is so good, love the take on rom-coms Cayman & Anna played their characters so well. I do think you all should watch this on Galetea without delay. I can guarantee you will enjoy. Going onto my rewatch list.

Some thoughts and maybe a little campaigning FOR "Playing Pretend" on Galatea. This drama is one of the best I have seen. It has a fresh and new storyline, without the need to show excessive hate/violence etc.. I see enough hate and horror in reality, I love how there is no violence, no s***ual predatory storyline from ex's or the "villains". To the repeating of old and jaded storylines. I like to watch verticals to escape reality for just a little while. If you too really want the direction to change, post your thoughts, letting the Drama Apps & production companies know. If we do not let them know they will never change. This is why we love our verticals, they are an escape, maybe a guilty pleasure, maybe just pleasure. Love is always better than hate 💕

A 10/10 from me.

This story is so relatable and flows effortlessly. Finally a vertical where there is no violence against women. But the angst was still there, the hurt, the loss, the joy it was all still there. Well done. The cast was superb, from the leads to supporting, you made it look effortless. Like we were just in the room watching this hard life lesson take place. Candy jar (Galatea TV) you have thrown down the gauntlet for the norm in verticals. Way to raise the bar and shown it can be done.

Many of us watch for an escape and when the storytelling and acting draw you in, that is when you know you have succeeded. Kudos to the entire team that created this vertical.

Playing Pretend is a slow-burn, character-driven romance that sneaks up on you-in the best way. Cayman Cardiff brings surprising depth to a character who, at first glance, seems like your typical charming playboy. Opposite him, Anna Marie Parsons delivers a heartfelt and grounded performance as Grace, the loyal assistant whose quiet strength becomes the heart of the story.

What begins as a workplace dynamic quickly turns into something more layered and emotionally charged, with themes of identity, self-worth, and vulnerability woven throughout. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and watching their relationship evolve feels both satisfying and real.

Without giving too much away, it's safe to say that the series ends with plenty of emotional payoff-but also leaves the door wide open for more. In fact, it needs a Part 2. The story feels like it's just getting started, and fans deserve to see where it goes next.

So if you're watching and loving it-don't stay quiet. Let Candy Jar know we want more!

Starring Anna Marie Parsons as Grace and Cayman Cardiff as Brennen in "Let's pretend"

The best line of the movie comes from Brennen's sister: "I'm sending a car. Shower after bad decisions and get in." She delivers it when she calls to remind him he's late for her engagement party-while he's having a fling with a girl in his office. That line alone sets the tone for Brennen's reputation.

The story unfolds around the rivalry between Brennen and his sister for control of their father's company. Brennen must finally prove he's serious about life and not just the carefree playboy he's known to be. Meanwhile, Grace, his loyal assistant, has been in love with him for over five years, though he remains clueless. Fed up, she decides to quit-only for Brennen to stop her by convincing her, under contract, to pretend to be his girlfriend, hoping to show the family he's ready to grow up.

Cayman is absolutely adorable in this role. His facial expressions will make you giggle, but he also brings out Brennen's tender, caring, and deeply emotional side. You can feel the lifelong weight of his father's criticism, and Cayman portrays that hurt with striking depth.

As Grace and Brennen's relationship shifts from professional loyalty to the possibility of love, the chemistry feels so natural it could be real life. Anna plays Grace with such warmth and sweetness, and together they make a pairing that feels like it was destined. I can't imagine another couple in these roles.

For me, this was a true rom com and not just a typical "vertical." I would have rated it 10/10, but the abrupt ending makes me suspect a sequel might be coming. Either way, it's a must-watch.

Rating: 9/10.