9 Hot Guys, 1 Beach House: Netflix’s “The Boyfriend” Is Going To Be Your New Obsession
Netflix is set to make history with The Boyfriend, Japan’s first-ever same-sex romance series. The show follows nine single men living in a stunning seaside villa. They work together in a trendy coffee truck while exploring potential romantic connections. Over a month, they will find out if they are just friends or something more.
No Gimmicks, Just Love
Unlike many reality shows, The Boyfriend keeps it simple. There are no gimmicks, ultimatums, or eliminations. There’s not even a prise for finding a partner by the end of the season—except for love.
This approach feels like a nod to classic reality shows like The Real World, where people from different backgrounds live together and see how their relationships develop naturally. However, The Boyfriend promises less drama, which is likely a good thing.
The show features a panel of commentators who watch and discuss the unfolding romances. This panel includes actress MEGUMI, TV personality Chiaki Horan, influencer Thelma Aoyama, drag star Durian Lollobrigida, and comedian Yoshimi Tokui. Their insights add an extra layer of entertainment to the series.
Breaking Barriers in Japan
What makes The Boyfriend particularly remarkable is that same-sex unions are not yet legal in Japan. According to The New York Times, few celebrities in Japan are openly gay, and those who are often fit into exaggerated stereotypes. The hope is that by showing these housemates as they are, the series can help normalise same-sex relationships.
Durian Lollobrigida told NYT, “In order to get various LGBTQIA+ rights, of course raising our voices and protesting is important. But at the same time, I think it is important to normalise it through entertainment.”
We know you’re excited to meet the cast. The series premieres on July 9 on Netflix, with new episodes released weekly throughout the month.
Ready to meet the men of The Boyfriend? Keep scrolling to see the cast and their hottest Instagram photos.
