Netflix has greenlit a second season of its groundbreaking Japanese same-sex relationship actuality collection “The Boyfriend,” following the present’s spectacular efficiency each domestically and internationally.
The timing of Netflix’s renewal announcement couldn’t have been extra applicable. The Related Press reported on Friday {that a} excessive court docket in Fukuoka, Japan dominated the nation’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, marking the eighth such ruling out of 9 circumstances since 2019. The choice, which discovered that the ban violates residents’ constitutional proper to pursue happiness, provides strain on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s minority authorities to behave on marriage equality. Japan at present stands as the one G7 nation that doesn’t legally acknowledge same-sex marriages or present legally binding protections for LGBTQ+ {couples}.
The primary season of “The Boyfriend,” which debuted July 9, maintained a powerful presence in Netflix’s Weekly High 10 Sequence chart in Japan, holding its place for six consecutive weeks. The present’s success translated into vital profession momentum for its 9 contributors, whose social media followings have skilled a exceptional surge, increasing by a median of 120 occasions for the reason that collection premiered. The forged members have leveraged their newfound recognition into tv appearances, journal cowl options, and recognition as main cultural figures by digital media retailers.
Season 2 will introduce viewers to a contemporary ensemble of contributors, with returning hosts Magumi, Chiaki Horan, Thelma Aoyama, drag queen Durian Lollobrigida, and Yoshimi Tokui reprising their roles as guides by way of the contestants’ journeys.
Netflix producer Dai Ota acknowledges the present’s distinctive place as Japan’s first same-sex romance actuality collection. “Due to the love from our viewers, it’s thrilling to return for a brand new season. Being the primary same-sex romance actuality present in Japan, we paid cautious consideration to make sure that the story is an genuine portrayal of those relationships. In Season 1, we confirmed not simply romance, however their friendship and significant connections with each other, which I consider touched the hearts of followers all over the world,” Ota says.
Looking forward to the upcoming season, Ota guarantees continued authenticity with new components: “In Season 2, we are going to proceed to showcase their compassion and tales of development, with extra distinctive views and backstories. Please sit up for a brand new season with new contributors, a brand new Inexperienced Room, and new storytelling.”
