Queer dating shows seem to be the norm these days and they are trending. Following into the footsteps of their popular predecessors “Sparks Camp”, “His Man S1 & S2” and “Merry Queer”, Gagaoolala has rolled out the red carpet for their exclusive dating show “Boys Like Boys”. Promotions are in a high swing with the first episode available for free on their YouTube Channel. The reality show is a collaboration between Gagaoolala and HahaTai. It is also the first non-scripted LGBTQ+ and BL dating reality show from Taiwan.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: Courageous men seek love on a six-day journey, discovering heart-stirring first love moments, and dealing with unrequited emotions, misunderstandings, and conflicts. At the end of the journey, who will find their true match? Who will be brave enough for love?

We are here to answer important questions that might pique your curiosity-

1) Does “Boys like Boys” follow the same old, tested formulaic approach?

2) Is the show similar to “Sparks Camp/ His Man” or do they have their own veritable concept?

3) Are the contestants interesting? What is their background? Are they celebrities or commoners?

Before we get down to finding the answers to the first two questions; it is important to learn more about the contestants. After all, they are the FLAVOR!

Bobo

Bobo works in the public sector. He likes outdoor activities, mostly swimming, not hiking. He is a Libra and identifies as a bisexual. Bobo has a really reserved personality and finds it difficult to communicate his thoughts. He only seems close to Eri (his roommate) and is interested in Gino.

Shih Feng

Shih Feng also works in the public sector. He likes working out and hiking. He loves good food and is really passionate when it comes to love. He is a straightforward person and is quite frank about his opinions.

Nio

Nio is a singer-songwriter. He likes to meet people from different cultures. He identifies as bisexual. One of the most intriguing characters, Nio is not only handsome but also a good conversationalist.

Gino

Gino’s primary job is as an insurance sales manager and his secondary job is as a KOL. He is the oldest in the group and is a Taurus. After experiencing a heartbreaking loss, he would like to meet someone who is cute and shorter than he is. Gino has a kind and caring nature. He seems to be genuinely interested in Guan Yu.

Guan Yu

Guan Yu is a coach, who specializes in senior fitness and special population. Guan Yu hails from Taitung county and is a Capricorn. He prefers to be with someone more mature. He also identifies as bisexual. Another popular contestant, Guan Yu is thoughtful.

Eri

Eri is a singer and a floral artist. He is a Gemini who goes by either he/she pronouns. Eri would like to meet someone who would not change each other’s lives too much. Definitely one of the popular contestants, Eri quickly deconstructs the common opinion that men can’t have long hair or they can’t look pretty.

Susu

Susu works as a fitness trainer and is a Cancer. He is looking for someone who is cute and has a fit figure; someone who is kind and obedient. He seems calm and composed.

Jia Hang

Jia Hang works as works as a designer, doing graphic design and photography. He is a Libra and is looking for someone cute and bright. He doesn’t mince on his words and speaks his mind fearlessly.

What Happens in the First Three Episodes

Now let’s answer the aforementioned questions one by one. If you have watched both seasons of “His Man”, you will definitely notice the uncanny resemblance. So, yes, this show does follow the same, old tested formula. The first two episodes do a decent job of introducing the six contestants. They are separated according to their living arrangements- Eri with Bobo; Nio, Shih Feng, Guan Yu and Gino in another room. They are quickly herded off to their first dates. Nio with Eri, Gino and Guan Yu while Bobo dates Shih Feng. At the end of the first date, I was genuinely surprised by the comfortable vibes between Gino and Guan Yu; even though they just meet, Gino seems smitten with Guan Yu. Frankly, their exchange was adorable and endearing. Nio and Eri seem to have a comfortable camaraderie, but the chemistry was lacking. Bobo and Shih Feng were straight out awkward; but it could be attributed to the fact that Bobo finds it difficult to gel with people he doesn’t know well. His interactions with Eri prove that Bobo takes time to warm up to people. The episode ends with “Secret Call” sessions (similar to “His Man”) where the contestants can call their desired love interest and ask them a question. So pretty much, the show banks on the same concept as “His Man” with slight differences, which was disappointing.

The second day was definitely more interesting, whereby the contestants were paired with new love interests- Gino & Bobo, Eri & Guan Yu, Nio & Shih Feng. Despite the fact that he seems outwardly reserved, Bobo seemed to enjoy his date with Gino. It may be because Bobo is interested in him. Apart from Eri, Gino is the only person that Bobo is comfortable with. I also enjoyed watching Nio and Shih Feng’s honest conversation. They are both quite mature and they might seem to be more in sync with each other’s thoughts. Eri and Guan Yu had a cute date, but I’m pretty sure they might end up as close friends. The second day also bought in two more contestants- Susu and Jia Lang. After their formal introductions, Jia Lang questioned everyone about their preferred roles in bed. This was the first time that such a topic was openly discussed in a reality show. Of course, some of the contestants were uncomfortable with the question, but the others did offer their opinion.

First Impressions

The overall vibe is friendly and warm; the contestants are from different walks of life (some popular while others are commoners). You won’t know much about them unless you are a part of the Taiwanese community. I spend far too much time trying to figure out if I had seen Gino somewhere before (he has that celebrity look). Same with Nio and Eri. I’m currently invested in these three. Gino is kind and caring; he seems to have fallen for Guan Yu. I’m hoping he doesn’t get stuck with the same person and explores his options. Nio seems like a mature person with deep thoughts, so I’m looking forward to watching his journey (who will he settle with finally). Eri is my favorite; when I saw him in the promotions, I was slightly confused. I kept wondering what a girl was doing in the midst of these men. Is she the host? I’m pretty sure most people categorize Eri in a similar manner. I loved how quickly he dispelled these notions in the first two episodes. He is quite sure about his identity and confident about his looks. I’m in awe with him and I’m wondering if he will end up with Nio or his roommate, Bobo. I like both choices. Overall, even though I’m disappointed with the format, I’m in love with the contestants. They seem genuine and are pretty entertaining. Definitely looking forward to the next episodes!

Rating- 3.5 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala