Netflix's new dating series, "The Boyfriend," has garnered rave reviews from fans. The show features a group of men in Japan seeking love and friendship.
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| The Boyfriend on Netflix: Japanese Dating Show |
Unlike typical dating shows filled with PDA and drama, "The Boyfriend" focuses on building genuine connections. The series is notable for being Japan's first same-sex dating show, despite the country's lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriage.
"The Boyfriend" follows nine men in Tateyama, Japan, as they live together and work in a coffee van over a month. The first three episodes, released on Netflix, have been praised by critics and viewers. The Guardian called it "genuinely groundbreaking," while the Independent described it as the "antidote to Love Island."
The show begins with six Japanese and East Asian men who are gay or bisexual living together in a house called "The Green Room." As the series goes on, three more members join the group. Every day, the producers, who are never seen on screen, choose one cast member to run a coffee truck. The chosen person can invite another participant to help them out at the truck for the day.
This setting gives them a chance to spend time together and strengthen their connection without the rest of the group being involved. Meanwhile, the other cast members stay at the Green Room, where they take care of the house, relax, or hang out with each other.
From time to time, the cast members can express who they would like to go on a traditional date with. Each person gets only one vote, and a date only happens if two participants choose each other. The show isn't a competition, so no one is voted off or eliminated.
Throughout the show, there are breaks where a panel of commentators, led by Megumi, discuss what’s happening among the cast. They share their thoughts on who should be dating whom and provide their own perspectives on the cast’s relationships. The panel also talks about broader topics like homosexuality in Japan and the rights of LGBT people in the country.
In a departure from other dating shows, the contestants can leave for work and visit friends and family if needed. The show encourages participants to express their emotions authentically, including through tasks like letter writing. Instead of clichéd compliments, the contestants share insights like, "If you love yourself, then you are ready to be loved by others" and "prepare your heart, love yourself first before you try to love someone else and hope someone loves you."
Commentators watch and provide insights throughout the series. Executive producer Dai Ota explained that the show aims to highlight the participants' friendships and personalities, focusing on personal growth alongside romance. This approach marks a significant shift in Japanese dating shows. While its impact on same-sex relationships in Japan is yet to be seen, the show has already created a buzz among viewers.