More is in store for fans of Japan’s hit gay dating show The Boyfriend. On Monday morning in Tokyo, Netflix revealed that it has ordered a second season of the title, which is famously Japan’s very first same-sex reality show.
The first season, 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. The Boyfriend was also a favorite among international critics thanks to its refreshingly naturalistic, non-exploitative approach to the dating show genre.
The Boyfriend‘s format features a cast of nine Japanese and East Asian men who identify as gay or bisexual living together for a month in a luxury house known as the “Green Room.” Unlike most dating shows, there are no eliminations, alliances or machinations. The Boyfriend‘s overtly wholesome ambition is simply to help the guys find friendship — and maybe love if they’re lucky. The show has one central conceit: In each episode, a cast member is selected by the show’s unseen producers to run the Green Room’s beachside coffee truck — and that cast member picks another participant to work alongside him for the day. The coffee truck gives the participants a little alone time to deepen their relationship — or to just spend a laid-back day hanging out together. Periodically, the cameras cut to a panel of commentators — chaired by popular Japanese actress Megumi — who discuss the cast’s actions and share views on which pairs might make promising couples. Every now and then, the cast are given the opportunity to invite one another on more formal dates.
“Being the first same-sex romance reality show in Japan, we paid careful attention to ensure that the story is an authentic portrayal of these relationships,” said Dai Ota, a producer at Netflix in Japan. “In season one we showed not just romance, but their friendship and meaningful connections with one another, which I believe touched the hearts of fans around the world. Thanks to the love from our viewers, it is exciting to return for a new season.”
Ota added, “In season two, we will continue to showcase their compassion and stories of growth, with more unique perspectives and backstories. Please look forward to a new season with new participants, a new Green Room, and new storytelling.”
Season 2 of The Boyfriend is expected to launch on Netflix in early 2025.
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