Last December, Netflix wrapped up their season finale of Badly in Love and announced a Season 2 renewal. The compelling reality dating show produced by former “yankii” or delinquent, MEGUMI, featured eleven former delinquents falling in love and clashing under a kitschy colorful set.
With eleven strong personalities, the reality show is a nonstop ride that will have you wondering who ends up together in the end. Men and women are separated into their brightly decorated living quarters and come together in mini competitions for dates and opportunities of one-on-one connection. The school themed setting features fun touches such as professions of love written on notes delivered the contestants’ lockers. Badly in Love has a sincerity that is a breath of fresh air in the sea of predictable reality dating shows.
Yankii or delinquent culture is a long standing subculture of Japan as seen in movies like the 2004 cult classic Kamikaze Girls. The rebellion, tattoos and brashness of the cast serves a stark contrast to the stereotypical reserved culture Japan is known for in Western culture. The rebellious nature of the subculture also asks the question if egos can be put aside for love. The first impressions of the yankii contestants from the outside can be seen as intimidating and off-putting, but like everyone, they all share the longing for love and connection with a partner.
With the global success of Season 1, MEGUMI hints that Season 2 will go even deeper while keeping the heat. The teaser logo for season 2 features an anchor over a sunset-lit coastline hints at a new scenery. For the upcoming season, what can be guaranteed is another compelling competition with personalities that are unapologetically authentic to themselves.
