It might be hard to remember, but even this time last year, the was a world without The Boyfriend. From gutsy gamble to smash success, the show’s second season, announced in December 2024, has become one of the most anticipated Netflix releases in the world, let alone Japan. So, what do we know about this second coming? We’re here to talk it out!
What is The Boyfriend?
First, a little recap. The Boyfriend is the first same gender dating show made in Japan, and follows the lives of nine young gay and bisexual men as they live and work together. It’s an extremely charming and compelling show, even for those who don’t typically enjoy dating shows. It has a laid-back approach and a (usually) chill cast. You can find more on JGG’s views of The Boyfriend here (note: not a safe space for Shun fans).
What Do We Know?
Unfortunately, the big thing we all want to know — when will this bad boy be released!? — is still under wraps at Netflix HQ. Some are speculating that, given the shooting schedule and timing of series one, it is not impossible to rule out that it could be released towards the tail end of this year, and if not, in early 2026.
Additionally, we don’t know who the cast members will be, but that’s probably for the best. The surprise entrances of the first few episodes were some of the most exciting moments of the first season, so we’re happier to be left in suspense.
One thing that is for sure, however, is that the hosts of the first season will be making their return. Megumi, Chiaki Horan, Thelma Aoyama, Yoshimi Tokui, and Durian Lollobrigida will once again reprise their roles as the ad-hoc surrogate audience, educators, and fanboys/girls of the guys of the Green Room.
Durian Lollobrigida is a drag queen with a long history of performing, and got his start right in the center of Japanese gay culture, in Shinjuku Nichome. This hub of LGBTQ+ life, which you can experience for yourself on a JGG Tour, is where he performed and first realized that he needed to become a drag artist professionally, not just as a hobby. He has since regularly appeared as a singer on the main stage of Tokyo Pride since then.
What Have Netflix Said?
While Netflix is being tight-lipped about the details for now, The Boyfriend executive producer Dai Ota did have some things he wanted to say to fans.
“Thanks to the love from our viewers, it is exciting to return for a new season. “Being the first same-sex romance reality show in Japan, we paid careful attention to ensure that the story is an authentic portrayal of these relationships,” he said. “In Season 1, we showed not just romance, but their friendship and meaningful connections with one another, which I believe touched the hearts of fans around the world.
He continued, “in Season 2, we will continue to showcase their compassion and stories of growth, with more unique perspectives and backstories. Please look forward to a new season with new participants, a new Green Room, and new storytelling.”
In Summary
Details about the second season of The Boyfriend are, for the moment, not very thick on the ground. But if it manages to live up to the hopes of its fans by being anything close to as moving and compelling as the first season, it’ll be worth the wait. In the meantime, why not book a JGG Night Tour? Who knows, you could stumble across Durian Lollobrigida — or even one of the new contestants!
