UPDATE: Netflix has just confirmed the eagerly anticipated renewal of its hit Japanese reality dating series, Badly in Love, for Season 2. This announcement follows the recent finale of Season 1, which captivated audiences around the globe.
The show, which features young adults known as yankii—individuals with pasts shaped by delinquency—debuted earlier this month to overwhelming response. Badly in Love dominated Netflix’s charts in Japan for two straight weeks and gained tremendous traction in other countries, including Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It even secured the No. 8 spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for non-English-language shows.
Created by Megumi, the series places 11 participants with connections to gang culture and personal struggles in a secluded academy. Throughout the show, these individuals engage in emotional confrontations and explore romantic relationships, breaking away from traditional dating show tropes. The raw portrayal of vulnerability has resonated deeply with viewers.
While Season 1 unfolded in an urban setting, Season 2 will shift to a picturesque seaside location, promising fresh dynamics as a new group of participants tackles relationship challenges in a different environment. Hosted by Megumi, alongside rapper AK-69 and comedian Nagano, the series has quickly become a cultural phenomenon.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Megumi expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m truly delighted that Season 2 has been greenlit so quickly. Since the series’ release, it has been incredibly meaningful for all of us to see the yankii culture—something we consider to be ‘ultra-Japan’—reach not only audiences in Japan, but viewers around the world. We will continue to pour our hearts into Season 2 so that audiences can experience even more of the raw charm of yankii who live every moment to the fullest.”
Currently, Season 1 of Badly in Love is available for streaming on Netflix, with Season 2 officially announced and on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and prepare for even more emotional rollercoasters as the series continues to push boundaries and captivate viewers worldwide.