Netflix’s “The Boyfriend” had all the right ingredients: a diverse cast of eligible bachelors, a shared living space brimming with potential for romance, and a dash of Japanese reality TV charm. While it delivered some genuinely heartwarming moments and captivating relationships, it also left me wanting a bit more… muka muka.
Let’s be real, the show’s inspiration from “Terrace House” was pretty obvious. But where “Terrace House” masterfully captured the nuances of everyday life, “The Boyfriend” felt a bit over-produced at times. Those date scenes? Picture-perfect, sure, but they lacked the natural flow and genuine connection that made “Terrace House” so compelling. And that coffee truck? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good cup of joe, but every date in a coffee truck? No no no, no no no! The novelty wore off pretty quickly.
The show also missed an opportunity to truly “localize” the dating experience for a queer audience. As someone who’s always pushing for more inclusive narratives, I felt like the format could have been tweaked to better reflect the unique dynamics of queer relationships. Maybe separate common areas for different masculine/feminine identities? Or more structured activities that encourage deeper connections? There’s definitely room for innovation here. You know what’s not going to happen? Me tuning in for another season of coffee dates and missed connections.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of things I enjoyed. The cast was diverse and engaging, with personalities ranging from the sweet and sensitive Ikuo to the outspoken and sometimes overly-sexual Alan (who, despite his quirks, had a heart of gold). And seeing those genuine connections blossom between Taishi and Kaito, and Mizuki and Toma? Pure joy. That’s valid.
But some of the guys left me feeling a bit frustrated. Dai, with his youthful indecisiveness, and Ryota, with his timid approach to romance, had me wanting to shake them and yell, “Just go for it!” The red flags were red flagging, and the math wasn’t mathing in those situations.
Despite its flaws, “The Boyfriend” is a promising step towards more inclusive reality TV. It’s a fun, heartwarming watch with some genuinely sweet moments. I’m hoping season two takes some notes, adds a bit more structure, and maybe even throws in a few more date locations.
Overall, “The Boyfriend” is a decent watch for fans of reality dating shows and anyone looking for some feel-good romance. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start. And hey, that’s valid.
Now, let’s get into the cast lighting round, shall we?
- Alan: This guy was a walking contradiction. Super sex-positive (which I’m all for!), but sometimes it felt like he was trying a bit too hard to be provocative. Still, he had a big heart and brought a lot of energy to the show.
- Dai: Okay, Dai was super cute and seemed promising, due, you gotta make up your mind! He was definitely a heartbreaker, juggling multiple connections and leaving a trail of confused feelings in his wake. A classic case of “the math isn’t mathing.”
- Gensei: I appreciated Gensei’s down-to-earth approach to love. He was looking for a genuine connection, not just a fling, and that’s always refreshing to see.
- Ikuo: One of my faves! Ikuo was a total sweetheart, and his romantic nature was endearing. I was rooting for him to find happiness.
- Kazuto: The chef! Kazuto seemed like a catch, but he kinda faded into the background for me. I wish we’d seen more of his personality.
- Ryota: Oh, Ryota. He was so timid that it was almost painful to watch. I wanted to like him, but his lack of initiative was frustrating.
- Shun: Another favorite! Shun was open, honest, and had a clear vision for his future. Plus, his artistic side was a major plus.
- Taeheon: It was interesting to see a Korean cast member in a Japanese reality show. Taeheon was cool and collected, but I wish we’d seen more of his vulnerable side.
- Usak: Okay, this guy was a trip. From his go-go dancing career to his strict diet (seriously, dude, lay off the chicken guilt trip!), Usak was a unique character. But beneath the quirky exterior, he was actually quite sweet and supportive.
Overall, the cast was a mixed bag, just like in real life. I’m hoping season two brings us even more diverse personalities and even deeper connections. And maybe a little less coffee. 😉
Now, for the juicy part: who ended up together?
- Taishi and Kaito: These two were a fan-favorite couple, and they’re still going strong! Their connection was evident from the start, and they’ve continued to nurture their relationship after the show.
- Mizuki and Toma: Despite a bit of a rocky journey, these two also found love! They faced some challenges during the show, but ultimately, their feelings for each other prevailed. They’re now happily in a relationship.
Sadly, not all the couples made it.
- Minato and Yu: This pair had a strong initial connection, but ultimately decided to remain friends after the show.
Rating: TV-14 (USA and Japan)
Release date: July 9, 2024
How many episodes: Season 1 has 10 Episodes and a reunion special
Rating: 6.0 Mainasty Masterpieces
