Netflix fans go wild for new gay Japanese dating series – with viewers claiming it is BETTER than American reality TV

A gay dating show from Japan has been making a big impression on international viewers since its premiere earlier this month.

The reality series, titled The Boyfriend, follows nine gay men who live together in a house and look for love during the summer.

To strengthen the bond between the group, the group is also given the task of running a coffee truck together.

Viewers are baffled by same-sex series, with many finding it a healthier alternative to racy Western reality shows.

“This seems insanely sweet, without the manufactured drama we’ve come to expect from other reality dating shows,” one viewer said.

The reality series, titled The Boyfriend, follows nine gay men who live together in a house while looking for love over the summer.

“It’s interesting how calm they are compared to American reality shows,” someone added.

Another commented: ‘They are about a billion times better looking than the men on Love Island in the UK.’

Executive producer Dai Ota told Netflix of The Boyfriend, “We wanted to emphasize the friendships and personalities of the young men first and foremost.”

He continued: ‘Our focus was not just on romance, but also on spending time together and experiencing personal growth.’

The show features a diverse group of singles, from a 22-year-old college student to a 36-year-old go-go dancer.

Last year, the BBC launched Britain’s first-ever gay dating show with I Kissed a Boy.

The series, presented by Dannii Minogue, follows ten single men who are paired together and have to kiss before they can say a word to each other.

In May, the series was renewed for a second season.

To strengthen their mutual bonds, the group is also given the task of running a coffee truck together

Viewers have been left stunned by the same-sex series, with many praising it as a healthier alternative to racy Western reality shows

The show features a diverse group of singles, from a 22-year-old student to a 36-year-old go-go dancer (pictured)

Meanwhile, Asian reality shows have proven to be a huge hit for Netflix in recent years, starting with Single’s Inferno, which premiered in 2021.

The South Korean series follows a group of sexy singles who are stranded on a deserted island and forced to live together.

With limited supplies and the scorching summer heat, they must work together to survive in the outdoors, taking part in challenges every day.

In a surprising twist to the story, the singles are not allowed to reveal their age or profession, and must instead rely on their “natural charms” to form a connection.

If they manage to become a couple, they can escape the ‘inferno’ for the night and go to ‘paradise’: a luxury hotel nearby where they can say and do anything.

The next South Korean sensation to conquer Netflix was Physical 100. After its premiere in 2023, it briefly became the most-watched series on the streaming platform.

The premise of the series was to find the ‘ideal human body’ based on physical performance.

South Korean dating show Single’s Inferno became a huge hit in late 2021

Physical 100, also from South Korea, is a huge success for the global streaming giant

It starts with 100 participants, many of whom are professional sports stars or fitness influencers, and subjects them to tough challenges.

Eventually the number of participants is reduced until one winner remains.

The series has sparked a huge response on social media, with one fan writing: ‘This show is amazing. There is something different about this show compared to American or other Western physical competition shows.

“I think it’s the attitude of the participants. Most of them are very humble and respect each other.”

Another viewer wrote: ‘Koreans know how to make entertainment. Excellent show.’