7 Asian dating shows to watch on Netflix, from “Better Late Than Single” to “Badly in Love”
Over the past few years, Korean and Japanese dating shows have become some of Netflix’s most addictive hits. From glamorous island retreats and heartwarming first loves to unconventional social experiments, these series have won viewers over with their emotional honesty, slow-burning romances and refreshingly authentic approach to relationships. Looking for your next binge-watch? Here are seven Asian dating shows worth adding to your watchlist
Single’s Inferno(2021-present)
If there’s one show that transformed Asian dating programmes into a global phenomenon, it’s Single’s Inferno. Now in its fifth season, the series follows a group of attractive and charismatic singles stranded on a remote island, where the only way to escape to the luxurious Paradise resort is to successfully pair up. Filled with dramatic twists, unforgettable love triangles and a glamorous cast, it’s easy to see why the series has become one of Netflix’s biggest Korean reality hits.
Terrace House(2012-2020)
Long before modern dating shows took over streaming platforms, Terrace House had already built a devoted following around the world. The iconic Japanese series follows six strangers sharing a home as they navigate careers, friendships and romance over several months, and sometimes almost an entire year. Its slower pace and documentary-style approach make every conversation, heartbreak and personal milestone feel wonderfully authentic.
Nineteen to Twenty(2023)
Part dating show and part coming-of-age story, Nineteen to Twenty captures the excitement and uncertainty of stepping into adulthood. The series follows a group of young people as they spend the final week of their teenage years together before celebrating their twentieth birthdays. Along the way, viewers witness first loves, shifting friendships and the bittersweet experience of leaving one chapter of life behind and entering another.
Offline Love(2025)
What happens when smartphones and dating apps are taken out of the equation? That’s the question explored in Offline Love, which follows a group of Japanese singles searching for romance in the picturesque city of Nice, France. Relying entirely on handwritten letters and chance encounters, participants are forced to strip dating back to its essentials, creating a refreshingly nostalgic experience in an era dominated by screens and social media.
Better Late Than Single(2025-present)
Fresh from the release of its second season, Better Late Than Single offers a refreshing twist on the traditional dating show format by focusing on adults who have never been in a relationship before. Guided by celebrity mentors, including Seo In-guk and Kang Han-na, participants step outside their comfort zones as they experience the excitement, awkwardness and uncertainty of first love. Heartwarming, funny and wonderfully sincere, the series feels remarkably genuine from beginning to end.
The Boyfriend(2024-present)
As Netflix’s first Japanese same-sex dating series, The Boyfriend quickly became one of the platform’s most talked-about releases. Instead of turning romance into a competition, the show follows a group of men as they live together and operate a coffee truck. Its gentle pace and emphasis on friendship, vulnerability and emotional connection offer a refreshing reminder that the most meaningful relationships often develop slowly.
Badly in Love(2025-present)
If you’re looking for something a little more unconventional, Badly in Love is well worth adding to your watchlist. The series follows a group of self-proclaimed delinquents and former street fighters as they spend two weeks living together at a secluded academy in search of romance. Their fiery personalities and brutally honest conversations create plenty of memorable moments, but beneath their tough exteriors lies a surprisingly touching story of vulnerability, personal growth and genuine connection.
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