The much-anticipated Season 2 of The Boyfriend, Japan’s groundbreaking gay dating series, premieres January 13, 2026, on Netflix.
This season is different in quite a few ways. Instead of a weekly release model used for Season 1, this season will be released in batches as Netflix increases the episode count.
With 15 episodes in the season, the release is staggered across four weeks. This ensures constant buzz throughout January. The season premiere features a supersized six-episode debut, followed by three episodes in the weeks that follow.
The release schedule is as follows.
- Episodes 1–6 » January 13
- Episodes 7–9 » January 20
- Episodes 10-12 » January 27
- Episodes 13-15 » February 3
This increase in episode counts will undoubtedly make for an even deeper exploration of the contestants’ relationships and nail-biting cliffhangers that leave us wanting more.
Like its predecessor, this season enlists 10 queer Japanese men from various backgrounds who share a home for two months before deciding what feelings emerge from the experience.
What sets The Boyfriend apart from other dating shows is its emphasis on connections between people, even if not romantic.
‘The Boyfriend’ Season 2 Cast
The season’s cast has yet to be revealed, but there will be ten men in total. The show takes place during winter as the Green Room moves to Hokkaido, Japan. Like the first season’s contestants, these men will also operate a coffee truck.
Returning commentators Megumi, Chiaki Horan, Thelma Aoyama, Durian Lollobrigida, and Yoshimi Tokui will once again guide viewers with humor, empathy, and sharp insights.
The Boyfriend‘s executive producer, Dai Ota, teased an even better second season as the show finds its footing and dials in on what makes it unique.
“Being the first same-sex romance reality show in Japan, we paid careful attention to ensure that the story was an authentic portrayal of these relationships,” said Ota. He added:
“In Season 1, we showed not just romance, but their friendship and meaningful connections with one another. In Season 2, we will continue to showcase their compassion and stories of growth, with more unique perspectives and backstories.”
Check back with us as we’ll update this post when the cast is unveiled. For now, look at their backs in the featured image at the top of the post.
Get Ready For All the Feels
The Boyfriend is an underrated gem in queer media. It is the kind of show that communicates purpose.
Instead of mining drama for viral clippings, it focuses on the real, mundane experiences of queer men in Japan, something rarely seen.
The emphasis on community, self-acceptance, and romance strikes a chord with many viewers because many queer people could have used some of this at some point in their lives.
It shows that even if romance might not take off, connections — whether between people or with oneself — are just as crucial to an individual.
Whether romance blossoms or friendships flourish, The Boyfriend continues to redefine what connection means in queer media.
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