In a landmark move, Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP), known for hosting some of the world’s most successful dating franchises like “The Bachelor” and “First Dates,” has announced its acquisition of “Boys Like Boys,” a pioneering queer dating format developed by Taiwan’s Portico Media/GagaOOLala. This acquisition marks WBITVP’s inaugural venture into the queer and gay relationship genre.
On Feb. 29, at The London TV Screenings, the UK’s most anticipated annual television event, Edward Levan, Vice President of Creative, Format Development & Production at WBITVP, praised “Boys Love Boys” for its “refreshingly simple and pure” approach. WBITVP aims to create local versions in multiple languages and leverage its market layout advantages across major distribution channels, aspiring to launch the show on major platforms across Europe. This initiative represents a significant leap for LGBTQ+ content into the mainstream entertainment market.
During the screening showcase, Jay Lin, founder of Portico Media/GagaOOLala, illuminated the unique aspects and creative vision behind “Boys Like Boys.” Lin emphasized the show’s commitment to authenticity and its potential to deeply resonate with audiences by depicting the complexities of queer relationships in a real and relatable manner. “We made a conscious decision to avoid typical reality show drama, focusing instead on genuine and heartfelt stories of eight young men exploring love, friendship, and self-discovery,” Lin said.
