London TV Screenings Witness Warner Bros. Breaking New Ground in LGBTQ+ Genre with ‘Boys Like Boys’ Acquisition

Reality Show Taiwan

2024-03-07
10:16

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.

NIO, the only Taiwanese-British bisexual cast member of “Boys Like Boys,” shared his filming experience, lauding the team’s dedication to a “script-free, reality-capturing” ethos. “There were moments during filming when the cast was at a loss for what to do or say, looking to the film crew and director for cues, only to be met with silence!” He also mentioned how his cultural background enabled him to bridge gaps between more reserved members, highlighting his unique blend of British and East Asian cultures.

Lin revealed the show has received diverse requests for future seasons, underscoring its global appeal. “We have received many intriguing requests, such as ‘Can you shoot Season 2 in Argentina?’ or ‘How about a season for people over 40?’ and even a ‘Girls Like Girls’ version,” he said. Plans are in motion to shoot Season 2 in Taiwan, with aspirations to expand the format to Japan, Thailand, and beyond.

In addition to international acclaim, “Boys Love Boys” continues to break new ground in Taiwan. The show is set to premiere on TLC Taiwan on March 5, marking a historic moment for Taiwanese television as the first large-scale queer dating reality show.

The acquisition of “Boys Like Boys” by WBITVP signifies a crucial milestone for LGBTQ+ media representation, heralding a shift towards more inclusive and diverse global storytelling. “Boys Like Boys” is currently available on Viu and WeTV in Thailand and the Philippines, and soon to be on Rakuten and VideoMarket in Japan, with plans for further international distribution.

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