Netflix Acquires Two Seasons Of LGBTQ+ Series ‘Fragrance Of The First Flower’ From Taiwan’s GOL Studios

The second season of award-winning Taiwanese LGBTQ+ series Fragrance Of The First Flower will be available on Netflix Asia from February 18 after following a deal with GOL Studios, marking the first time the Taipei-based company has sold a series to the global streamer. 

Netflix has also acquired the first season of the popular show about the intricacies of lesbian relationships, workplace and societal struggles, marital dynamics, single parenthood and other issues – all set against the backdrop of post-marriage equality in Taiwan.

The first season, which started streaming on Netflix Asia on February 8, won multiple prizes at Taiwan’s 2022 Golden Bell Awards, including Best Writing, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film. 

Both seasons are also available on GagaOOLala, the global LGBTQ+ streaming service launched by Portico Media’s Jay Lin. GOL Studios is GagaOOLala’s production arm. 

Directed by Yi Ling Wang and produced by Portico Media and GOL Studios, the second season follows two former lovers, Yi-Ming and Ting-Ting, who have ended their relationship and are starting to get on with their own lives. The ensemble cast includes ZaiZai Lin, Lyan Chen, Yi Lee, Yao and Chun Han Hung. 

The second season has a 12 x half hour format, compared to the first season, which comprised eight episodes around 20 minutes each. 

Although Taiwan legalised same-sex marriage in 2019, there are still gaps in societal acceptance. The second season of Fragrance Of The First Flower explores some of the real-life challenges that lesbian relationships face in traditional family structures and conservative workplaces.