6 Asian BL Dating Shows Similar To The Boyfriend!

6 Asian BL Dating Shows Similar To The Boyfriend!

    Most BL fans prefer fictional BL dramas, however reality gay dating shows have grown in popularity in recent years. Not only is it an entertainment series, but the element of realism distinguishes it on its own. In this article, we will include the reality gay dating series as recommendations if you wish to watch anything similar. Without further ado, let us dive straight into the blog.

#01. The Boyfriend

 

    "The Boyfriend," Japan's first reality dating show, has swiftly gained worldwide traction, attracting viewers from all over the world. Despite not normally watching dating shows, I was lured to "The Boyfriend" after seeing some interesting video edits on social media. The first episode quickly captivated me, but the dramatic kissing scene between Dai and Shun in the most recent episode, although being a spoiler, further piqued my curiosity in the story. Unlike the BL series I usually love, "The Boyfriend" has no planned story, giving it a unique viewing experience. The real-life interactions amongst the participants create an intense environment that might be overpowering. The tension is tangible, and each episode includes unexpected moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This unpredictability is a welcome break from the highly organized plots of BL dramas, providing a real and honest peek into the participants' life. What truly distinguishes "The Boyfriend" is its ability to feature characters from various backgrounds, providing complexity and depth to the story. With only two episodes left, I'm curious to see how the season will end. There is hope that at least one more couple will develop before the end, providing a gratifying conclusion to the journey we've observed. The show's real-life component not only keeps it interesting, but it also opens the door to genuine connections, giving each episode a gripping combination of romance and realism.

#02. His Man

 

    Similar to "The Boyfriend," "His Man" is South Korea's first reality gay dating show, with three seasons already produced since its premiere in 2022. The second season has the best ratings of the three, but the third season has earned a reputation for being the most turbulent. The newest season consists of 12 episodes, each of which lasts more than 90 minutes, providing viewers with a long and deep experience. Unlike "The Boyfriend," which features fewer episodes, the longer format of "His Man's" third season allows for a more in-depth look at the contestants' lives and relationships. This lengthier period allows viewers to engage with the participants and see the growing drama and romance in more depth. The increased number of episodes allows for more unexpected twists and turns, which adds to the show's overall excitement and unpredictability. Although I haven't seen "His Man," the strong reaction from previous viewers suggests that it is a great series for aficionados of dating shows. The warm reviews and strong ratings show that "His Man" accurately depicts the complexity and subtleties of modern LGBT relationships in South Korea. For those who like diving into the complexities of romance and interpersonal relationships, "His Man" seems to be a fascinating and amusing addition to the reality dating show genre.

#03. Bromance

    Thailand entered the reality gay dating show genre with the debut of "Bromance" in 2021. Although I only recently found the show, it appears to have garnered mixed reviews, which might explain its low popularity. Despite this, "Bromance" distinguishes itself from other similar shows by including special guests from prominent Thai BL dramas, bringing a distinct twist and excitement for the audience. The plot of "Bromance" revolves around a "dream guy" who interacts with sixteen unmarried men. Throughout the show, the dream guy gets to know each participant through romantic dates and group activities. This structure provides for a wide range of interactions, including both personal and collective dynamics that keep the audience interested. "Bromance" consists of ten episodes, each lasting roughly 45 minutes. This structure allows for adequate time for exploring the participants' relationships and advancements, making it an engaging watch for fans of dating reality shows.

#04. Boyscation

    "Boyscation" is Hong Kong's first gay dating reality show, providing a revolutionary platform for a varied group of 10 men to pursue love while negotiating the complexity of their identities. Each participant has a distinct experience and perspective, which sheds light on the different obstacles they face as LGBT people in their homes, jobs, and social circles in Chinese culture. Throughout the series, viewers will see how these guys tackle and discuss their own difficulties, successes, and progress. The show aspires not only to build relationships and romance, but also to shed light on the larger social challenges and cultural hurdles affecting Hong Kong's LGBTQ+ population. By combining personal storytelling with amorous interests, "Boyscation" aims to foster more understanding and acceptance throughout the larger society.

#05. Sparks Camp

 

    The Philippines has also joined the reality gay dating show trend, with its own series, "Sparks Camp," which presently has two seasons. The first season released last year, and it consisted of eight 30-minute episodes. Unlike "The Boyfriend," which focuses on participants living together and operating a coffee truck, "Sparks Camp" provides a distinct outdoor camp atmosphere. At "Sparks Camp," participants participate in a series of activities and games meant to help them connect with one another. These activities not only promote camaraderie, but also allow participants to bond and develop deeper relationships. Participants also get the opportunity to go on one-on-one dates, which allow them to explore potential love connections in a more personal context. The popularity of the first season led to a renewal, and the second season is presently airing. This new season consists of 10 episodes, each of which introduces fresh participants and challenges. The increased episode count allows for more intricate dynamics and exchanges amongst the participants, which keeps the viewer interested. "Sparks Camp" continues to attract viewers with its blend of outdoor adventure, personal growth, and the search for love, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre of reality gay dating shows.

#06. Boys Like Boys

 

    Taiwan has followed the trend of reality gay dating shows when it premiered "Boys Like Boys" last year. Unlike Sparks Camp, which I had seen some clips of on YouTube, I had never heard of Boys Like Boys before, but the reviews are quite excellent, so I believe this is a terrific dating show. If the participants in "The Boyfriend" live together for a month, the participants in Boys Like Boys will only get 6 days to get to know and discover each other. After a 6-day journey, someone may meet their real mate, but it will always rely on their hearts and circumstances. Boys Like Boys contains ten episodes, each lasting 47 minutes.

    Reality Gay Dating shows provide a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, as well as real-life stories of love from the community. Which LGBT dating shows are your favorite? Thank you for reading! That's it, and I'll see you on the next one.