The Boyfriend

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 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)

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.

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. :-)