“Ossan’s Love”-- More Than Just “Fun”

Mellow

Television shows have always made my day since I was a little girl. I can still remember the time that I rushed back home right after school and waited for my favourite cartoon. I love to watch it because “it is fun and makes me happy”. However, “fun” is not the only thing that TV shows give us or society. It can be a “water cooler” which enhancing the communication and social awareness of people.

Water cooler television show

Looking closer into ViuTV, it has made a popular water cooler television show that broke the boundary of age, sex, and political stands. “Ossan’s Love” is a Japanese romantic comedy that being remade by ViuTV in 2021. It is a 15-episodes gay romance talking about a love triangle between the main character, his boss and his roommate.

“Ossan’s Love” immediately became the latest craze among people. It reminds people that television show is not just an entertaining tool. Its impacts on people and society are larger than expected.

From individual to society

The hilarious and relaxing contents bring people together, turning them into “Ossan’s Love” fans. Hongkongers are quite stressed under the political instability and outbreak of COVID-19. “Ossan’s Love”, as a water cooler TV show, has helped us regain our smile and passion towards life. The dramatic and fancy scenarios can let citizens get rid of their busy life and worries.

Everyone loves funny stories, not only teenagers, adults also. Thus, comedy creates a peaceful space where people of different ages, political stands can co-exist and communicate breezily. Social tearing has been severe since the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement. Lots of people find it difficult to interact with others who have the opposite stands. This situation is also common in the family and workplace. At this point, TV shows like “Ossan’s Love” may break the ice in the group and provide a great topic for people to discuss. They are spreading joy and love in society, as well as improving relationships between people.

Easy cheesy but also deeply reflective

For the first time since the Hong Kong television industry developed 64 years ago, a gay kissing scene is finally being put in front of the public in a TV show. It can be a huge milestone in the television industry, challenging Chinese traditional thinking and discrimination at the same time. It brings up a reflection on how the local mine and education about LGBT is fallen behind. This drama interprets the gay story in a more pure, friendly way and washes away its traditional “disgusting” image. Being wrapped in comedic skin, the idea of LGBT rights can be promoted to the audience in a relaxing way.

Not only is “Ossan’s Love” sharing joy and love, it also encouraging acceptance in society. It is much more than just a comedy. Hope that its spirit and belief can be passed on and accepted by more people.