While COVID-19 did slow down operations in the Japanese television industry, it did give people more excuse to stay at home and watch TV.

Numerous Japanese dramas became ratings giants this past year, including the BL drama series Cherry Magic!, based on the manga of the same name. Cherry Magic! follows a virgin man who develops the mysterious ability to hear thoughts of others by touching them after passing his 30th birthday. Through this new ability, he learns that his coworker has been in love with him. The romantic comedy has broken the yaoi mold, and was able to reach to general audiences beyond BL lovers.