The Boyfriend review: Is the Netflix reality show worth watching? 

The Boyfriend is a groundbreaking Japanese reality TV series that debuted its first season on Netflix. The initial three episodes premiered on July 9, 2024. It marks Japan's first same-s*x reality romance television series.

The official synopsis of the series reads:

"The Boyfriend features a group of nine young men who are attracted to other guys as they live together in a seaside beach house called the "Green Room" and run a peppermint-colored coffee truck. Whether they are here to meet a romantic partner, find a lifelong friend or improve themselves, these men bring their hopes and dreams to the Green Room to take part in the first gay romance reality show in Japan."

Netflix has an impressive collection of inclusive reality dating shows such as Love on the Spectrum and The Ultimatum: Queer Love. The Boyfriend is a fascinating addition to the list, as it provides a refreshing watch in the genre. The show forays into an unexplored territory of Japanese television, representing a turning tide towards LGBTQ+ positivity. The natural progression of relationships (romantic and friendly) makes this show worth watching.

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The Boyfriend review: A refreshing and groundbreaking take on reality dating

The Boyfriend is based on another Japanese dating show called Terrace House. The concept of the series is refreshing from the get-go as nine contestants take over a coffee truck in Tateyama, Japan where they work together and get to know each other. They reside in a glamorous beachside villa called 'The Green Room', which is reason alone to check out the series!

The Boyfriend features contestants aged 22 to 36 from diverse professional backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives on love and dating. The series offers a vibrant exploration of masculinity and approaches to romance.

It focuses on the development of organic romantic relationships, with the first three episodes showing contestants gradually getting to know each other. Bonding tasks in the first episode helped break the ice, revealing the contestants' interests and personalities by the third episode.

The cinematic presentation of The Boyfriend is another factor that makes the series a great watch. From colorful menus whirling on tablets to epic vistas of waves lapping the coast, the location and natural lighting highlighted by the creators, add a stunning visual appeal.

The 'Green Room', with its serene colors creates an ambiance that tells tales in and of itself. The decision of the producers to catch the tender moments between the contestants rather than focus on edgy moments and drama provides a refreshing tone for the genre.

Perhaps the most refreshing take provided by the show is that it prioritizes real connections over flashy moments for the sake of viewership. There is no forced intimacy in the series and the participants get to embrace their vulnerabilities at their own pace. "Let's see what happens" is the underlying vibe of the series, and it helps the viewers connect with the contestants as naturally as they are connecting on the series.

Japan's first same-s*x reality dating television show has certainly ticked off a lot of boxes. It does not rely on its uniqueness or the fact that the show is a milestone in itself. The series is groundbreaking through its appeal and portrayal of genuine connections.

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The Boyfriend is available for streaming on Netflix. A new set of episodes will be released every Tuesday.