The Boyfriend, the latest dating reality series, stands out from Netflix’s other dating shows, giving a genuine look into same-sex dating. No shade at shows like The Ultimatum or Love is Blind, as I consider those to be peak entertaining reality show trash. The Boyfriend provides viewers with a more genuine exploration into the realities of being gay, same-sex relationships, and dating in Japan—a country where LGBTQAI+ rights are still evolving.
The Boyfriend: What’s Interesting So Far
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The Boyfriend’s premise is straightforward and engaging. In the first three episodes, we meet the first seven housemates: Dai, Gensai, Kazuto, Shun, Ryota, Taheon, Usak, and Alan. Each cast member brings their unique background and personality, which adds layers to the dynamic amongst the group. In addition to being housemates, the group is tasked with running the Brewtiful U coffee truck and managing a restrictive budget. This gives more opportunity for the men to connect and get more insight into one another’s personalities and feelings.
The Boyfriend highlights the complexities of these relationships and navigating between romantic and platonic connections. Throughout the first few episodes, the participants try to navigate their feelings and figure out who they like and whether the person they feel for has feelings for them, too. This leads to some adorable, heartfelt moments amongst some members while others are hurt.
Although the show and its cast take a slightly more reserved approach to dating and developing relationships, it isn’t without drama and tension. That is especially the case about Dai and Shun’s budding relationship.
Initially, Shun and Dai seem like a good match. They are the only couple to pair up while their fellow housemates try to make connections. However, just as Dai and Sun seem to be getting closer, some drama arises when one discovers nudes on the other’s phone. The arrival of an unexpected ex-flame, Alan, at the beach house also doesn’t help their new connection and hints at a potential love triangle, adding more tension to the house.
Early on in The Boyfriend, the show touches on the double standards bisexual people face within the LGBTQAI+ community. Some of the cast members openly identify as bisexual, which prompts others to comment on how they have some reservations about being in a relationship with someone who is also attracted to women because they might be jealous or don’t like having additional competition. This adds another layer of complexity to the show and highlights the struggles bisexual men face in dating and relationships.
Where Can Things Go From Here
After watching the first three episodes, I am excited to see where Dai and Shun’s relationship goes. It is clear that they have a real connection with one another, but it needs to be clarified if that means they both feel the same way about each other equally. Now, with the addition of Alan, it will be interesting to see who ends up with who and what problems might arise.
As for the other housemates, it’s becoming clear that to make genuine connections, they must let down their walls and open up more. Some housemates, like Gensei, Dai, and Alan, are more willing to open up and be bold with who they like. Others like Usak and Shun struggle to be vulnerable and openly communicate their feelings. As the show goes on, it will be nice to see how the cast overcomes their barriers and where letting down their barriers will take them in their pursuit of romance.
Besides the ongoing tension between Shun and Dai, there is some more potential drama brewing in the housemate dynamics. The other housemates are navigating through their unrequited feelings and past traumas to hopefully make love connections. I am rooting for Usak, Taeheon, and Gensei, my favorites, to find a genuine connection soon. These men are open to meeting someone in the house, but they each have struggles to overcome.
Finally, Alan is an exciting addition to the house. Alan is multiracial and has a Brazilian, Italian, and Japanese background. Alan’s different cultural background and upbringing have made him less reserved than the other housemates. He brings a very bold and outgoing energy to the house, which will help mix things up and make for some exciting developments amongst the housemates. The last episode suggests that Alan has not had a lot of serious relationships and wants to change that. I could see Alan wanting to reignite his old fling or pursue a serious relationship with someone new.
What the Show Needs to Stand Out More
I love a good, wholesome, slow-burn romance as much as the next person. However, for The Boyfriend to stand out more, it must highlight more emotional and physical intimacy among the housemates. Granted, we got glimpses of this between the beach scene in the first episode and Dai and Shun’s moments together. But this show needs a little more steamy and heartfelt moments, respectively.
With time, we will see more of these moments in the show in the coming episodes. After only three episodes, the cast is still getting to know one another, but a big part of what makes a dating show engaging is chemistry among the cast. If the go-go dancing and sauna scenes from Episodes 1-3 are any indication, I feel hopeful things will heat up in the next installment of episodes. Some scenes from upcoming episodes and the trailer tease that more physical interactions are on the horizon for the housemates as the relationship dynamics become more complicated.
The Boyfriend is such a wholesome reality show that it will make you giddily kick your legs and grin ear to ear while you watch. Although it is a bit of a slow burn when it comes to romance, it offers a refreshing take on reality dating shows.
The Boyfriend does not rely on forced romances or hyper-sexualizing its cast, which makes it stand out amongst other dating reality shows. I look forward to seeing how the housemates develop their relationships with one another and how they can improve their personal growth.
The Boyfriend Episodes 1-3 are out now on Netflix with new episodes every Tuesday.
