The Boyfriend Review (Ep1-3): Japanese BL Show is Cute and Relatable

Japanese BL reality series The Boyfriend is here for some important and interesting representation of queer relationships, focusing on nine men living together over the summer in a beachside abode and running a coffee truck. The series is here to leave an impression, along with making the audience’s heart flutter.

The Boyfriend Review: FAQ

The Boyfriend Review

For those in the audience who are used to watching Japanese or Korean dating reality shows, would know the slow but building feelings that take place in these shows. Netflix’s The Boyfriend feels like having hot chocolate on a rainy day – its warmth creeps up on you and envelops you before you even realise it. The series, which has released only 3 episodes, covers a lot of topics, including friendship and romantic relationships, and leaves you reeling in the aftermath.

Although I found quite a few sequences of the series somewhat similar to some things that happen in Single’s Inferno, I’d say that The Boyfriend captures the feeling of slowly developing feelings for someone else really well, making us relate to the men thoroughly. The reliability is truly what captures your interests and every episode just makes it more and more intense because you relate to the realistic reactions and feelings of the participants – their awkwardness, quirks and emotional backstories fill out these people as they slowly get to know each other more. Thus, they feel like real people struggling with their pasts and present while trying to figure out these new circumstances.

I have said it before and I will say it again – Korean and Japanese dating shows really get the emotions behind human beings which makes them so intense to watch. Thus, something like Too Hot to Handle might be a salacious watch but they aren’t memorable. And, sure; The Boyfriend might be slow for many in the audience but it truly captures subtle and nuanced emotions right on screen as everyone opens up about themselves in front of each other. Of course, that also gives birth to sexual tension as well which makes for a delicious watch.

This reality TV show, especially, will be a great watch for those who love queer romance shows. The way the participants discuss their feelings openly and without drama feels natural and normal – something that it should anyway be. No one is embarrassed but it makes it a point to mention that the LGBTQ+ community has faced and continues to face problems in world, which is something that needs to be changed. Acceptance is a big part of the show, which makes it a very comforting watch in a way. However, it does throw curveballs here and there that will definitely leave your mouth agape!

Final Thoughts

The Boyfriend will make your heart flutter in more ways than one. The series does a great job of taking simple things and dishing it in a way that is not only sweet but also with a tad bit of drama. It makes your heart flutter but also adds thrill, which is something that anyone would love to watch in a TV show.

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