11 hours ago
Netflix Renews Hit Gay Dating Show 'The Boyfriend' for Season 2
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The first date was a success – so much so that Netflix is gearing up for a second outing with gay Japanese reality show "The Boyfriend," in which a group of men share a house – called "The Green Room" – and look for love.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that the first season of "The Boyfriend" was "famously Japan's very first same-sex reality show," and added that the series, "which premiered on July 9, won over viewers both globally and at home in Japan, landing on Netflix's weekly top-ten list of most-watched series for six consecutive weeks."
Moreover, "'The Boyfriend' was also a favorite among international critics thanks to its refreshingly naturalistic, non-exploitative approach to the dating show genre."
The laid-back format saw nine men sharing a house and taking turns manning a coffee truck. When selected for a day of coffee truck duty, the men were allowed to choose one of their housemates to spend that time with, building relationships in a real-world, real-time manner.
"Every now and then, the cast are given the opportunity to invite one another on more formal dates," THR noted. The format also included input from "a panel of commentators" who offered their thoughts on who might make for a good match with whom.
Producer Dai Ota explained how the show's format made for an appealing reality show experience for viewers, saying that the makers of the series "paid careful attention to ensure that the story is an authentic portrayal of these relationships."
"In season one we showed not just romance," Ota added, "but their friendship and meaningful connections with one another, which I believe touched the hearts of fans around the world."
Season 2, Ota said, will bring more of the same, "with more unique perspectives and backstories."
"Please look forward to a new season with new participants, a new Green Room, and new storytelling."
It won't be a long wait for the new season; THR relayed that the next batch of episodes is expected to debut "in early 2025."
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
