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The Boyfriend (TV series)

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The Boyfriend
Promotional poster
Japaneseボーイフレンド
Genre
Country of originJapan
Original languageJapanese
No. of episodes10
Original release
NetworkNetflix
ReleaseJuly 9 (2024-07-09) –
July 30, 2024 (2024-07-30)
Hojo beach at Tateyama

The Boyfriend (Japanese: ボーイフレンド, Hepburn: Bōifurendo) is a Japanese reality dating show on Netflix.[1][2][3] It is the nation's first same-sex dating program. It premiered on July 9, 2024.[4][5]

Format

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The show features a cast of 9 Japanese and East Asian men who identify as gay or bisexual living together in a house called "The Green Room". Each day, one cast member is selected by the show's unseen producers to run a coffee truck; that cast member may select one other participant (with an additional option of choosing two others later on the show) to run the truck with them that day. The coffee truck allows participants to deepen their relationship without interference from the rest of the cast, who remain at the Green Room and maintain the house, relax, or socialize. Periodically, the cast are allowed to indicate who they would like to take on a more conventional date; each participant gets only one vote, and only mutual matches get to go on the date. The show is not a competition and thus no participants are eliminated.[6][7]

Periodically, the show cuts to a panel of commentators chaired by Megumi, who discuss the cast's actions and relationships, and offer their own opinions on who should date whom. They also provide additional commentary and insight regarding homosexuality in Japan and LGBT rights in Japan.[6]

Production

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Filming started taking place in October of 2023. The filming location was in the town of Tateyama, Chiba.[6]The "Green Room" house is actually the Stay Ocean Tateyama located at 1207-33 Menuma, Tateyama, Chiba 294-0221.[8][9][10]

Episodes

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SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
110July 9, 2024 (2024-07-09)July 30, 2024 (2024-07-30)

Season 1 (2024)

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No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleOriginal air dateProd.
code
Week 1
11"That Summer, I Fell in Love With Him"July 9, 2024 (2024-07-09)TBF-101
The boys move into an oceanside cottage, sharing their first impressions. As sparks fly and a new face heats things up, an unforgettable summer begins.
22"Getting to Know the Real You"July 9, 2024 (2024-07-09)TBF-102
The coffee truck opens for business, and the boys must choose their shift partners. Shun begins to feel uneasy over an unexpected discovery.
33"A Kiss Would Make Things Clear"July 9, 2024 (2024-07-09)TBF-103
A new member stirs things up. As the sun sets, Shun reveals his true feelings. A lucky few may get to go on a date — only if their feelings are mutual.
Week 2
44"One Step Closer"July 16, 2024 (2024-07-16)TBF-104
Usak reveals his anxieties. As food prices escalate, so does the chicken crisis. Kazuto's popularity provokes some of the boys to make bold moves.
55"I Don't Need an Answer"July 16, 2024 (2024-07-16)TBF-105
Two members go on an overnight date and bond over dinner. Shun clarifies his feelings. After a heartwarming shift, Usak makes a big announcement.
66"Welcome to a Stormy Picnic"July 16, 2024 (2024-07-16)TBF-106
Inspired by Usak's words, Gensei takes a step forward. A new face joins the group. The boys go on an eventful picnic with their new housemate.
Week 3
77"There’s Nothing I Want Now"July 23, 2024 (2024-07-23)TBF-107
With a chance to get a wish granted, the boys compete to be the fastest go-kart racer. Dai has a difficult conversation. Ikuo goes on the offensive.
88"Did You Wait Long? I’ve Been Waiting Forever"July 23, 2024 (2024-07-23)TBF-108
Over drinks, the group shares their different coming out experiences. With one last chance for a romantic date, the boys must make their choice count.
Week 4
99"Accepting You No Matter What"July 30, 2024 (2024-07-30)TBF-109
Dai confides in a few members for advice. Ikuo's good intentions backfire. As things cool down, a surprise announcement leaves the boys in tears.
1010"I Don't Want This to End"July 30, 2024 (2024-07-30)TBF-110
A surprise event strengthens the boys' bonds. On the final day, they face confessions and shocks. What future will they choose for themselves?

Soundtrack

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The track "Dazed and Confused" on Bleach by the Korean indie band Glen Check was chosen as the theme song.[11] Other songs include "Golden Hour" (Fujii Kaze remix) by Jvke and Fujii Kaze.[12]

Cast

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Contestants

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Entrance Name Age Occupation Episodes
1 Nakai Dai (ダイ) 23 University student 1–10
2 Kim Taeheon (テホン) 34 Product designer 1–10
3 Ryota (リョウタ) 28 Model and barista 1–10
4 Gensei (ゲンセイ) 34 Hair and makeup artist 1–9
5 Nakanishi Shun (シュン) 23 Artist and DJ 1–10
6 Kasahara Kazuto (カズト) 27 Japanese cuisine chef 1–10
7 Usak (ユーサク) 36 Go-go dancer 1–5
8 Takahashi Alan (アラン) 28 IT worker 3–10
9 Ikuo (イクオ) 22 Burger shop worker 6–10

Commentators

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Jones, Daisy (2024-07-09). "The Boyfriend review – the gay Japanese dating show that will have you punching the air with joy". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 2024-07-14. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  2. ^ "Netflix's The Boyfriend is not just groundbreaking – it's the antidote to Love Island". The Independent. 2024-07-10. Archived from the original on 2024-07-12. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  3. ^ "Netflix's groundbreaking gay dating show The Boyfriend is nearly perfect". Digital Spy. 2024-07-10. Archived from the original on 2024-07-13. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  4. ^ Wangu, Elah (2024-07-10). "The Boyfriend: Latest News, Release Date, Cast & Trailer". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  5. ^ Steen, Emma (July 9, 2024). "The Boyfriend on Netflix is Japan's first same-sex dating reality show". Time Out Tokyo.
  6. ^ a b c "The Boyfriend Trailer, Cast, Instagrams, Hosts, Filming Location, Who's Still Together, Where Are They Now? - Netflix Tudum". Netflix.
  7. ^ "The Boyfriend: How TV shows are finally getting gay dating right". www.bbc.com.
  8. ^ Singh, Sartaj (July 8, 2024). "Where is Netflix's The Boyfriend Filmed?". The Cinemaholic.
  9. ^ "The Green Room - The Boyfriend | OpenMovieMap".
  10. ^ "Cottage in Tateyama · 10 bedrooms · 18 beds · 2.5 baths". Airbnb.
  11. ^ Staples, Louis (2025-06-30). "The Boyfriend: How TV shows are finally getting gay dating right". BBC.com. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  12. ^ https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/k-pop/news-the-boyfriend-soundtrack-every-song-reality-show
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