Netflix unveils ‘Offline Love’, a Japanese dating series set in France
Netflix expands its unwritten slate with “Offline Love,” a unique Japanese dating series that challenges modern romance by stripping away digital devices.
Premiering worldwide on February 18, the 10-episode series follows 10 singles looking for connection in Nice, France, with just 10 days to find love through chance encounters.
The show marks the reality hosting debut of Japanese entertainment veteran Kyoko Koizumi along with comedy duo Reiwa Roman, who provide studio commentary throughout the series.
“I’ve never really connected with romantic reality shows, but this concept is fascinating: in a foreign country and without digital devices, participants rely on letters, promises and coincidences to find love,” says Koizumi, who brings perspective from the pre-smartphone era. “I grew up without a smartphone and every moment felt precious.”
Reiwa Roman’s Kuruma Takahira describes the show as “more like witnessing a grand social experiment than a dating show,” noting how participants undergo “the ultimate digital detox” in a foreign environment. His comedy partner Kemuri Matsui, 31, offers a millennial perspective: “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced romance without social media, messaging apps, emails or phone calls.”
“Offline Love” joins Netflix’s growing roster of successful unscripted content in Asia Pacific. The streamer recently renewed Japanese gay dating reality series “The Boyfriend” for a second season, while Korea’s “Single’s Inferno” claimed the sixth spot in Netflix’s Global Top 10 (non-English) after its Jan. 14 premiere. The platform is also preparing new seasons of ‘Culinary Class Wars’ and ‘Physical: 100’.
The series features Gracie Abrams’ ‘Us’ with Taylor Swift as the theme song and is produced by East Inc.
