Gay Dating Show 'The Boyfriend' Leads Netflix Japan Unscripted Push

Variety

by Naman Ramachandran

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The breakout success of LGBTQ+ dating series *The Boyfriend* has propelled Netflix's unscripted programming in Japan, marking a significant shift in the streamer's strategy. Ota Dai, who oversees Netflix's Japanese unscripted content, attributes this success to a deliberate departure from traditional reality TV formulas. By focusing on authentic storytelling and avoiding forced character labels, *The Boyfriend* and other series like *Badly In Love* and *Love Village* have resonated globally, despite their local cultural roots. Ota emphasizes the importance of letting participants express themselves naturally without imposing rigid storylines or game-like elements. This approach has been particularly effective in shows like *Badly In Love*, which explores yankii (delinquent youth) culture, and *Love Village*, featuring participants aged 35 to 60—a first for Japanese reality TV. The strategy of preserving local intensity while creating accessible entry points through subtitles and editing has proven successful, as evidenced by the series' global popularity. The extended timelines in *The Boyfriend* Season 2, which doubled the cohabitation period to two months, allowed deeper exploration of relationship dynamics. This format revealed complexities not seen in Season 1, such as participants navigating breakups and new beginnings. Cast members shared how this experience reshaped their understanding of love, emphasizing that relationships require more than just affection—they often involve challenges and growth. This success validates Netflix's "Local for Local, then Global" philosophy, which aims to preserve cultural authenticity while making content accessible to international audiences. By avoiding the urge to dilute or overemphasize specific cultures, Netflix has created programming that resonates universally, proving that authentic storytelling can transcend borders. This approach not only enriches entertainment offerings but also challenges traditional norms in reality TV production, setting a new benchmark for global content creation.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/14/2026