Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City

I'll be honest, my friend had to introduce this show to me despite my own interest in all things Japan and Netflix. I'm also not a big fan of reality tv, this show is completely different. It seems a lot more genuine and there is little to no interference from the production.

It's a very simple premise, 6 strangers live in the same house but otherwise carry out their normal life (going to work or school as usual). They can join and leave whenever they like, they don't have to have a specific motive to be there. Some want relationships other want friendships but it gives free rein to the housemates. They do have an outside cast of what I assume are celebrity personalities and/or comedians who weigh in on the events and give a quick rundown of previous episodes. It is a different style of humour so it could be hit or miss for some people but it is pretty enjoyable either way.

I hope that Netflix stick with this show, I feel that subbed series and films often get the short end of the stick in Europe.

I was born in Japan and am 100% Japanese, so I may be a little biased in this review. I absolutely love this addictive Japanese reality show, especially this specific season that is from 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan. It's very real and Japan needs this because the country has a declining birth rate, the people don't date enough, and also because they need to work on communicating their emotions better in every day life, and with their love partners. The commentary team that is included before and during the intermission of each episodes of this first season of Netflix 'Terrace House - Boys and Girls in the City: Tokyo' is hilarious and very entertaining. Please, release the DVD for this show Netflix (at least the one based in Tokyo). I want to own it! Thank you Fuji Television & Netflix!

It's incredible how entertaining other people's lives can be when watched through a screen. And it also helps that the commentators are quite witty and funny.

Terrance House is addictive to say the least. This is truly Reality at its best. Place 6 total strangers in a home and allow their common or not so common personalities to emerge over time.

What's most interesting is the fact that most enter the home with a certain objective in bettering themselves in one way or another. Whether it be a desire to become less shy, create new friendships or even seeking a dating relationship. Since there are no scripts many times such objectives are not so easily accomplished and can be rather rough, which makes it all the more exciting.

As each episode slowly evolves you may find yourself, "Being in the shoes," of one of the occupants which could have the same similarities as yourself. Eventually the show concludes when all have felt their objectives have been met through normal day-to-day activities. For those whom have not met their objectives the pressure can get tough in which they are must make a decision to stay on the show or simply leave. For the individuals that have created an outstanding friendship with others this can be some what of a tear jerk-er for the departing individual or yourself as well.

To add a little spice to the show there are normally 2 intermissions which involves the hosts and hostesses that narrate the show in the beginning providing a brief summary to the past episode and again near the end of the episode. Truthfully the intermission is somewhat of a breather and allows each to provide their input to what they believe is happening or going to happen. I actually Love it because its funny, outgoing and has great perspectives from different age groups. What's even more great about the break is that there is no holding back. Each host or hostess says what they truly feel and is on their mind about the episode. There are instances where I simply could not stop laughing, especially since one host is a sort of comedian. His look and reactions are totally, one-of-a-kind but so true in wisdom from his standpoint.

Granted not all will enjoy this sort of reality show but in my opinion its true reality and that's what is addictive to me. Reality to the core and Reality at its Best.

Some other reviews seem a bit bizarre, e.g. '... most interesting is the fact that most enter the home with a certain objective in bettering themselves in one way or another'.

It's not so interesting when you realize that many of these people that are cast for Terrace House enter the house have with the simple objective of furthering (or starting) a modeling/entertainment career vs. this 'relationship' atmosphere that the series plays up & the commentators talk about.

I certainly wouldn't call this 'true reality'. That being said, yes, some things do happen, and, yes, some people are there for reasons other than fame. It's these people that are worth watching.