O Namorado

OK, so this is another show that shouldn't be judged by Western standards.

To American eyes, a couple of things might take some getting used to. The pace is often slow, the dialogue seemingly banal, and the subtitling awkward. Having a panel of five outside commentators is sometimes helpful, but just as often it's irritating (because some of the commentators themselves were kind of irritating, sorry).

But the fact that a show like this got made at all is a huge sign of progress. As an old gay man who is waaaaay too jaded, it was also refreshing, and a wake-up call, to see young gay men actually wanting to get to know each other and talk, instead of just jumping into the sack. I can only hope that Japanese LGBTQ teenagers who see this show will find it comforting, and maybe a revelation.

And Ikuo? Honey, if you ever need a sugar daddy...call me. :-)

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.

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)

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.