With a cacophony of dating show strumming the horizon, Netflix has dropped their very own version of queer romance!

Set in the picturesque locales of Tateyama, a city in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, “The Boyfriend” has all the makings of a typical reality dating show. Comparing it to the currently on-air Korean & Filipino dating shows (His Man Season Three & Sparks Camp Season Two) it seems to stretch your vivid imagination. There are elements similar to most dating show formats while the makers have tried their utmost to add something new, unique and spicy. The contestants are a mix of locales and foreigners working in Japan. There were several instances when I was surprised by the honesty displayed by the contestants and also awestruck by their attitudes. Without beating around the bush, let’s get down to business!

Synopsis-

Launching in July, the reality series follows nine young men in search of love and friendship as they spend a summer living together. Each participant arrives at their new home — a beachside abode called the “Green Room” — with their own unique story to share. But the group has one thing in common: They are all attracted to men.

Over 10 episodes, they’ll experience the highs and lows of first love and heartbreak, all while working together at a coffee truck. As their time together grows, so do the connections they forge, as the men express themselves and their feelings for each other in bold and brave new ways.

Before embarking on this journey of love or friendships (per se), let’s get acquainted with the nine contestants-

The nine contestants are as follows-

1) Shun, 23 Artist (Gay)

2) Taeheon, 23 Designer from Korea (Gay)

3) Usak, 36 go-go Dancer (Gay)

4) Ikuo, 22 Food service industry worker (Gay)

5) Gensei, 34 hair and makeup artist, Taiwan (Gay)

6) Dai, 22 University student (Bisexual)

7) Alan, 29 IT company employee, Brazil (Gay)

8) Kazuto, 29 Japanese cuisine chef (Gay)

9) Ryota, 28 model & barista (Bisexual)

Joining them offscreen are an eclectic group of commentators offering insights and opinions, as the young men’s romantic journeys unfold over the season.

1) Megumi (Japanese talent, actress, singer and former gravure idol)

2) Chiaki Horan (Japanese actress and tarento from Tokyo)

3) Thelma Aoyama (Japanese pop and R&B singer)

4) Durian Lollobrigida (Japanese drag queen)

5) Yoshimi Tokui (Japanese comedian and actor)

What Happens in the First Two Episodes

Netflix dared to drop three episodes in one-go, so we have a lot happening in the pilot week itself. As such six members were introduced on the first day, Shun, Taeheon, Gensei, Dai, Ryota with Kazuto joining them later. As already mentioned in the synopsis, each participant arrives at their new home — a beachside abode called the “Green Room”. Over the span of 10 episodes, they will be working together at a coffee truck to earn their keep. The contestants aren’t clubbed together as roommates and each have their own bedroom. In a similar fashion to “His Man”, the contestants were assigned a mission of writing letter to the one they like, they can’t share their names, and they have to drop the letter in the recipient’s mailbox at night.

As the contestants named their coffee truck “Brew-tiful U”, the second day begins with Ryota and Gensei taking the reins. Each day, one contestant is chosen to run the coffee trunk who is given the chance to select their partner. So, they are on rotations and at the end of the day, the total sales is calculated. The second episode was surprising with the contestants ending up in a night club, where the next contestant Usak was introduced. Another entrant, Alan was introduced towards the end of the third episode.

First Impressions

I’m a little giddy, very impressed and slightly disappointed, so, a mixed bag of emotions!

There is a lot of drama packed in the pilot episodes, so we got to unpack that first. The contestants are more honest and daring than their Korean counterparts; that’s the first thing that piques your attention. Dai & Shun seem to be getting along well, BUT not without issues of their own. While Dai is free-spirited and patient, Shun will remind you of a frisky cat, it won’t allow you to pet it until you earn its trust. Shun has trust issues and Dai seems like a fast paced car, collision is obvious. So, their romance has its own highs and lows; by the end of the third episode, you will be left wondering if they have a future (doesn’t mean, you can’t enjoy their chemistry). Ryoto seems hung up on Shun, and right now he is in friendzone, trying to help Shun sort out his thoughts. Gensei seems to be under the false impression that Ryoto likes him, so he has been building his emotions based on this misunderstanding. I think Kazuta is the most underrated contestant in the show. He is kind, caring, thoughtful and yet no one seems to notice him much (could be attributed to the fact that he is in and out of the house most of the times). The unbridled commentary by the hosts is entertaining, they give such varied opinions and are so chaotic, I love them!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Netflix