User reviews

I think this is the first mainstream same-sex dating reality series in Japan. The overall vibe is quite calm, heartwarming and delightful. No "Bammm Bamm Bamm" sounds, no ten super-cut, no dramatic "I will do whatever horrible thing to win this.." cliché.

The cast consists of clean-cut and polite individuals. The show seems to focus on friendship, self-improvement, and romance. Drama does occur occasionally to make things interesting.

The show follows the men's daily lives, including cooking, hanging out, and occasional dates. Sex is rarely discussed, although there's a sexual undertone to some scenes. The show's emphasis on emotional connections and personal growth is a welcome theme.

Now, aside from all the wholesomeness, the pace is quite slow. Additionally, the "commentator" panel thingy is not something I'm used to.

I was pleasantly surprised by The Boyfriend. Not being in the mood to read subtitles, I opted for the English dubbed version and thoroughly enjoyed the first episode.

Past dating shows featuring gay men have been absolute train wrecks. Dating shows in general are ridiculous. Getting engaged sight unseen. 30 women dating one man. Manufactured villains. You know the deal.

This presents a more simple and realistic scenario. Six gay men looking for love and connection share a house together. In addition, they will run a coffee truck together as a way to increase their bond. They even come up with a fabulous name for it (with the help of A. I. but still.)

The men seem both kind and refreshingly sincere in their quest and I found myself rooting for them right away. The first night, each sends an anonymous note to someone who made a strong first impression on them. Their anxiousness in writing the note and subsequent desire to receive one was palpable.

There is a panel of 5 people who watch and comment on the actions of the unsuspecting young men. Some comments sincere, others snarky. This was a bit jarring as it gave me a "Truman Show" kind of vibe.

Still, after 1 episode I'm invested in these six men and hope they find what they are looking for. As I write this, there is only 1 other review so I'm hoping/encouraging more people give this show a chance. Regardless of sexual preference there is a lot to relate to.

Gay rights in Japan are several years behind the West, which makes this addictive 2024 reality series more intriguing than its surface concept implies. Nine handsome Asian (primarily Japanese) men in their 20's-30's are chosen to share a sleek beachside house in Tateyama, given the assignment of running a coffee truck, and provided a daily budget of ¥6,000. It's no surprise complications ensue, but the fact that same-sex marriage hasn't been legalized adds a layer of culturally specific tentativeness to the interactions of the participants. The ten-episode arc allows for personalities to bloom at a leisurely pace, and naturally both romance and tension intertwine in often arresting ways. It's like a gay "Terrace House" with the same Greek chorus of gossipy (albeit relatable) commentators as the previous Netflix hit series.

The show is very cute. It doesn't feel sleazy and gross like American/Western reality Love shows. It shows the other side of being gay outside of just sex and drugs. Sometimes gay men are misrepresented as just that. The plot and the cast feels genuine. Not just to keep the attention of the viewer. Also shows the dynamic of the cast and how it is when it comes to love or friends within the gay community. You also see the vulnerability of the cast about being accepted within society, family and even within their own LGBTQ community. Definitely a show I'd like to watch over and over again. Such a perfect and entertaining show to watch with friends.

In an age dominated by high-drama dating shows, Netflix's The Boyfriend offers a refreshing alternative, valuing genuine romance over superficial allure. This groundbreaking Japanese series, featuring gay and bisexual men, is a significant stride in normalizing queer relationships in a country where same-sex marriage remains unrecognized. Unlike many other dating shows, The Boyfriend focuses on authenticity and connection.

Contestants, chosen for their sincere quest for love, navigate their emotions in a serene setting. Instead of engaging in sensational challenges, they collaboratively run a coffee van, fostering deeper bonds. Personal anecdotes reveal their vulnerabilities, making their journey relatable and heartfelt.

The Boyfriend stands out for its sincere portrayal of romance, emphasizing the beauty of real connections over contrived drama. It's a compelling and poignant series that redefines the dating show genre, providing a much-needed antidote to the superficiality of typical reality TV.

"The Boyfriend" marks a significant milestone as Japan's first same-sex reality show, bringing a refreshing and progressive narrative to the forefront of mainstream media. This groundbreaking series follows a group of single men as they navigate the complex landscape of romance and relationships during an unforgettable summer. With its innovative approach and heartfelt storytelling, "The Boyfriend" has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning a perfect score of 10 out of 10 on IMDb.

--- > Diverse Cast and Authentic Representation

One of the most striking aspects of "The Boyfriend" is its diverse and authentic cast. Each participant brings a unique background, personality, and perspective, enriching the show with a variety of stories and experiences. This diversity not only enhances the relatability of the series but also provides viewers with a more comprehensive understanding of the LGBTQ+ community in Japan. The show's commitment to authentic representation helps break down stereotypes and fosters a deeper sense of empathy and acceptance among its audience.

---> Emotional Depth and Real Connections

"The Boyfriend" excels in capturing the emotional depth and genuine connections that develop between the participants. The show doesn't shy away from the complexities and challenges of same-sex relationships, presenting them with sensitivity and nuance. The participants' interactions are marked by raw honesty and vulnerability, allowing viewers to witness the real emotions that come with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. This emotional depth resonates with audiences, making the series not just entertaining but profoundly moving.

---> Stunning Cinematography and Scenic Locations

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Japan's beautiful landscapes, "The Boyfriend" offers stunning cinematography that enhances the viewing experience. The show takes full advantage of its scenic locations, from serene beaches to vibrant cityscapes, creating a visually captivating atmosphere. The picturesque settings not only serve as a beautiful canvas for the unfolding drama but also symbolize the fresh and liberating journey of love and self-acceptance that the participants embark on.

---> Thoughtful Storytelling and Pacing

The storytelling in "The Boyfriend" is meticulously crafted, balancing moments of joy, tension, and introspection. Each episode is thoughtfully paced, allowing the relationships to develop organically without feeling rushed. The narrative arc is compelling, with each participant's journey adding a new layer of intrigue and emotional resonance. The show's ability to maintain a consistent and engaging storyline is a testament to its well-executed production and direction.

---> Social Impact and Cultural Significance

"The Boyfriend" holds immense cultural significance as it challenges traditional norms and promotes inclusivity in Japanese society. By providing a platform for same-sex relationships to be openly discussed and celebrated, the show plays a pivotal role in normalizing LGBTQ+ love stories in mainstream media. Its success on IMDb reflects a growing acceptance and appreciation for diverse narratives, signaling a positive shift towards greater representation and equality.

---> Memorable Moments and Unforgettable Characters

The series is peppered with memorable moments that leave a lasting impression on viewers. Whether it's a heartfelt confession, a tender kiss, or a tearful goodbye, these moments are beautifully captured and leave a lasting impact. The characters themselves are unforgettable, each leaving an indelible mark with their unique stories and personalities. Their journeys of love, self-acceptance, and personal growth resonate deeply, making "The Boyfriend" a truly unforgettable viewing experience.

--> Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Boyfriend" is a trailblazing reality show that beautifully captures the essence of love, diversity, and acceptance. Its perfect score on IMDb is a testament to its exceptional quality, heartfelt storytelling, and cultural significance. By bringing same-sex relationships into the spotlight with authenticity and grace, the show not only entertains but also educates and inspires. "The Boyfriend" is a must-watch for anyone seeking a powerful and poignant exploration of love in all its forms, and it stands as a landmark achievement in the realm of reality television.

Though there wasn´t so much sexual touchpoint's it was still very interesting and heartwarming and i liked it this way more.

I also liked the Comentators it was very Cute how they reacted on all that occasions... I liked how the Guys opened about their Experience with Relationships and their beeing as Queer.

Some way i hoped that there would be more chances or challanges where they could admit their feelings to someone instead of just asking to talk to them.

I´t hasn´t to be always Dramatic like the Straight versions of Reality Shows.

This way everything was nicer and realistic i liked it soo much more.

Can´t wait to see more like this... :)

If you have watched Terrace House, the setting will be familiar, as will some of the faces on the talking panel that comment on the happenings in the series. Instead of three guys and three girls, we have eight single gay men, ranging from 22 to 36, moving into a share house, looking for connection and love. This represents a huge step for Japan where most queer establishments remain discreet or underground, sending the message to queer Japanese people that they have to stay invisible.

The Boyfriend takes Japanese gay culture to the mainstream and on the biggest streaming platform, so its significance cannot be overstated. However, it suffers from a visibly low budget, which hampers the natural development of relationships between the men and results in a very static atmosphere. It makes me wonder whether the lack of funding has anything to do with the sexuality of the housemates.

The house pales in comparison to the luxury displayed in seasons of Terrace House, which allowed the housemates to go about their regular lives and their interactions were mostly unscripted. Here, the men are tasked with operating a coffee truck to earn extra income to supplement their daily meal allowance of 6000 yen, which is only US$5 per person. We also do not get to see them interact with each other in their natural environments outside of The Green Room.

Instead of focusing on the dynamics between the housemates, as we saw in Terrace House, there are banal distractions like negotiating the budget for one housemate's penchant for boiled chicken. With only one ostensibly queer person on the panel, almost serving as a cultural representative, the straight members of the panel were out of their depth when commenting about nuances between the gay men that they do not comprehend.

Of all the housemates, Usak, the Adonis gogo dancer, showed a moment of rare vulnerability when he expressed that he did not know who he was because he has been so dependent on meeting the expectations of others to the expense of his authenticity. This is true for many gay men and it arises from a fear of rejection. When they have faced rejection from family, community and society for as long as they have been gay, it seems unnecessarily cruel to set these men up for further rejection through gimmicks, such as writing each other anonymous letters, for the sake of creating drama and suspense, instead of encouraging direct and open communication.

Despite being a much belated pioneer of its kind in Japan, I struggle to rate The Boyfriend any higher due to its severe limitations. If granted the budget of Terrace House and a more diverse panel, it has the potential to be much better. It is still worth watching for one particular duplicitous and capricious heartbreaker of a housemate; he is the epitome of never "judging a book by its cover".

The most refreshing and wonderful series about being gay and the emotions involved that's ever been shown. Japanese culture of politeness and consideration above sex and self satisfying drama shine through.

Having been to Japan, this came as no surprise.

Yet the painful experience of self realisation and thought, the agony of their inability to know what seems so obvious to us in the west.

We can all learn from behaviour and kindness, about emotions and feelings and we can all be so much more generous than we often are.

You can't but help feel for all of them. Their strengths and weaknesses are in all of us.

Watch it calmly and quietly enjoy. It's a gem.

I am very happy with this series. It is fast moving and shows a lot of characteristics of each guy. You will actually get to see their personalities cleary as they navigate working with each other and building relationships.

I have to say though I am not a fan of the panel that comments throughout each episode and basically just provides their opinions and gasp at some "events." It is actually quite annoying and think it would be better if they just eliminated that part of the series. They never provide anything the viewer is not already thinking...Reminds me of Gogglebox. Maybe if there was only two of them, it would be more acceptable, but the 5 of them rambling is just too much.

I am interested to see how all the relationships end up. It has to be awkward when you are a really nice person and someone has a romantic interest in you but you have no interest in them or someone you like is real forward and outgoing and you are shy and reserved. But, opposites attract. (Finished S01E06)

Boy Love (BL) genre refers to the often cutesy romance between two men or boys. It's a genre of fiction and is often long and drawn out will they or won't they situations.

The Boyfriend series from Netflix seems to be a live action BL series putting 9 pretty boys in their 20's and 30's to live and work in a house. They are tasked with the chores of the house and running a coffee truck. The coffee truck seems to be a way to get two of the boys away and maybe build some rapporteur between them and find them in more day to day situations which isn't a bad idea. Being in more day to day situations could lead to better long term relationships than just fancy dates.

If you're coming in here expecting plenty of cute boy on boy action you're going to be left a little disappointed. Where 'For the Love of DILFs' had someone make a mess in the elevator the first episode of Season two, it takes six episodes for two people to even kiss. (One of the commentators even yelling at the screen to kiss in episode three).

The cast are all pretty boys with slightly different, yet similar backgrounds. A few of them have a bit interesting backstories that lead into their characters on the show and create some drama and does lead to some people growing as a person.

Some people just fade into the background while the show focuses on the drama around the two more popular guest.

The show often cuts to a panel of five commentators, which isn't uncommon for Japanese style shows, but only one of them are queer and seem to have an optimistic or naive outlook on the queer community. With no host it often feels like the boys are in a bubble with no one probing their minds expect each other.

Overall it's just alright. Pretty boys in a house and selling coffee while overplaying two songs by Glen Check.

Was this series actually real? As I look through IMDb's page of the boyfriends they fall under Actors not all of them are there some are based in America so was this real? Was this shown in Japan? I like the base that it was built from yes all very young trying to figure their way out in life. Only one of them didn't tell their parents that they were gay the pictures of them then the pictures of them on IMDb were completely and totally different if it was the same person it really shocked me to read about Shun. None of their names are the real names so that would suggest to me that they're all Actors nothing more. Maybe this was a test run for Japan. I'm not sure. I enjoyed what I saw though. I'm disappointed about what I read after watching it. :(

This gay dating reality show from Japan brings something new to the existing pool of the same genre. But it's not always a good thing, there are a few things that made the show looked chaotic. The first thing is that unlike other gay dating reality shows, this one doesn't make room arrangements a part of its key factor. I personally think that room arrangements can give better effect on the cast members. The second thing is that unlike the others, this show allows its cast members to leave in the middle of the show. I think that this has made the show looked chaotic and unorganized. I don't like this part. And the third thing is that this show has commentators. I guess it's a Japanese thing, and personally I think that these commentators made the show more watchable. Otherwise, it would've been so boring, seeing how they cut out the part which can influence the show greatly (room arrangements).

My main criticism about this gay reality show is its lack of any realistic portrayal of young gay men. The main reason is that it took 8 episodes before we saw any affection and that was a brief kiss. If this had been the straight version, like Love Island or such, we would have seen couples cuddling and sharing beds, certainly being more tactile than nothing at all.

It seems that as a first of it's kind, the show has been straight-washed and severely curtailed to satisfy conservative audiences, and some may find that understandable but I personally find it cause for concern as it alludes to double standards and some form of censorship of gay relationships, as if they are to be hidden. In fact, the panel who commentate on the happenings inside the house made it so cutesy and insipid that it was easy to forget this was a house full of hot-blooded gay men in their twenties and thirties because the commentary treated them like innocent teenagers.

It wasn't realistic or representative and didn't delve into the reason for the show nor the problems arising from gay dating apps that make it hard for gay men to form relationships. Some of the contestants were so reticent and reluctant to form any connection that I was left suspecting they were only in it for the exposure and had perhaps boyfriends outside the show but that's just a suspicion.

Some might argue that it's curtailed because it's Japanese and that's cultural but the young men of Japan are not so reticent and gay life in general holds many similarities around the world, one being the healthy attitude towards desire and sexuality, none of which were allowed to peek above the Bonsai in this series.