Netflix has greenlit a second season of its groundbreaking Japanese same-sex courting actuality sequence “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 instances since 2019. The choice, which discovered that the ban violates residents’ constitutional proper to pursue happiness, provides stress on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s minority authorities to behave on marriage equality. Japan presently 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 Prime 10 Sequence chart in Japan, holding its place for six consecutive weeks. The present’s success translated into important profession momentum for its 9 individuals, whose social media followings have skilled a outstanding surge, increasing by a median of 120 instances because the sequence premiered. The solid members have leveraged their newfound reputation into tv appearances, journal cowl options, and recognition as main cultural figures by digital media retailers.

Season 2 will introduce viewers to a recent ensemble of individuals, 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 sequence. “Because of 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 imagine touched the hearts of followers all over the world,” Ota says.

Waiting for the upcoming season, Ota guarantees continued authenticity with new parts: “In Season 2, we’ll proceed to showcase their compassion and tales of progress, with extra distinctive views and backstories. Please sit up for a brand new season with new individuals, a brand new Inexperienced Room, and new storytelling.”