Japanese reality fans are preparing for more “rebellious yankiis” after Netflix renewed Badly in Love for a second season.
The dating format, which follows a group of delinquent youth as they clash, connect, and fall in love, has been a hit in Japan after launching earlier this month. The show went to number one in Japan for two weeks and has been a hit in Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. It also reached number eight on the global top 10 charts covering non-English-language series.
Created by producer Megumi, the series brings together 11 men and women whose pasts are marked by gang culture, violence, and personal upheaval — at a secluded “academy,” testing whether people who have led turbulent lives can build something as fragile as love.
The first season was set in the city and season two will move to the seaside. Hosts include Megumi, rapper AK-69 and comedian Nagano.
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It was produced by STAFF LaBBi and Netflix with Natsuko Ogata as producer. The series rolled out its first four episodes on December 9, three more episodes on December 16 with the last three episodes airing yesterday (December 23).
“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,” Megumi said.