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Netflix has officially renewed The Boyfriend, Japan’s first same-sex dating reality series, for a highly anticipated second season. On December 16, the streaming platform announced the news on its social media platforms, much to the excitement of fans.
Netflix shared on X:
"THE BOYFRIEND WILL BE BACK FOR SEASON 2!!! ❤️ ☕️"
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Netflix Japan added:
"The future of love and friendship that is spun together with the newly gathered boys."
Season 1 of The Boyfriend, which premiered on July 9, 2024, captivated fans with its heartfelt portrayal of relationships and friendships. The upcoming second season is set to bring new participants, fresh stories, and an expanded 'Green Room,' promising even more compelling connections.
The Boyfriend season 2: New connections and stories await in Japan's pioneering same-sex dating show
The second season of The Boyfriend is expected to continue exploring themes of connection, growth, and compassion with new participants. The show's executive producer, Dai Ota, expressed excitement about the renewal in Netflix's Tudum newsletter published on December 16, 2024:
“Thanks to the love from our viewers, it is exciting to return for a new season.”
Ota emphasized the importance of authentic portrayals of same-sex relationships, explaining:
“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. In Season 1, 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.”
He mentioned that the new season will offer more unique perspectives, backstories, and a fresh storytelling approach.
“In Season 2, 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.” Ota added.
The original commentary panel, including Megumi, Chiaki Horan, Thelma Aoyama, Durian Lollobrigida, and Yoshimi Tokui, will return to guide viewers through the new season.
The Boyfriend season 1 featured nine Japanese and East Asian men who identify as gay or bisexual. They lived together in a luxurious seaside house called "The Green Room" while running a beachside coffee truck. The show stood out for its portrayal of connections between the men, focusing not just on romance but also on friendship and personal growth.
The first season was praised for its authentic and non-exploitative approach to the dating show genre. Unlike most dating shows, The Boyfriend did not have eliminations or alliances, allowing the cast members to form genuine connections without the usual competition.
Each episode featured one participant running the coffee truck and selecting another participant to join them, giving them time alone to bond. The cast had opportunities to go on formal dates, but only if there was mutual interest.
Season 1 quickly gained popularity both in Japan and internationally. It held a spot in Netflix Japan’s Top 10 series for six consecutive weeks and received praise from critics for its naturalistic approach. The cast members saw significant boosts in their social media followings, with an average increase of 120 times.
The show's renewal comes at a significant point as Japan continues to debate the legalization of same-sex marriage. Recently, the Fukuoka High Court ruled the country’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriage as unconstitutional, marking the eighth ruling of its kind. This ruling has intensified the pressure on Japan’s government to act on marriage equality.
The Boyfriend season 2 is expected to launch in early 2025, continuing its exploration of love, friendship, and personal growth. While specific details about season 2 remain under wraps, fans of season 1 are eagerly looking forward to a new chapter with fresh faces and compelling stories.
