Callboys

Callboys is a compelling Belgian comedy drama series that first premiered in 2016 and ran successfully until 2019. The show is exclusively distributed by Topic, an American streaming service dedicated to sourcing some of the finest international television shows. The plotline revolves around the intriguing world of male escorts, focusing on three companions who navigate the precarious and often amusing world of the Belgian sex industry. Providing a distinctive blend of humor, drama, and business, Callboys is as much about the trials and tribulations of running a small enterprise as it is about the profession of male companionship.

Set in modern-day Belgium, the series unfolds the absurd yet entertaining stories of Jay, Wesley, and Randy, three ambitious friends who come together to start their gigolo business called Callboys. Their objective is simple: to provide pleasure to women by selling their companionship services. Each of these characters carries specific qualities, making them appealing to various clienteles. While they might be in a controversial profession, the creators of the show have managed to present them as regular workers. The entire series is well-written and highlights these characters' struggles and successes in their often misunderstood profession.

Callboys doesn't solely focus on the sex trade's risqué aspects. Instead, it ingeniously parodies the corporate world by encapsulating the blunders that inexperienced business practitioners often commit. From marketing mishaps to branding blunders, the series offers the comic representation of running an amateur business operation. At the same time, the ventures of these charismatic friends on their entrepreneurial journey form the cornerstone of the series.

A standout feature of Callboys is how it blurs the line between comedy and tragedy. The prophetic writing and well-timed humor keep audiences entertained throughout, while also delivering poignant moments that let viewers empathize with the characters. These dramatic undertones bring an unexpected depth to the series, setting it apart from your typical comedy-drama.

The cast of Callboys features Belgium's top comedy acting talents, offering impeccable performances that bring these complex, funny, and all-too-human characters to life. Rik Verheye, Matteo Simoni, and Stef Aerts, known for their comedic prowess, flawlessly portray the lead characters. Their tight-knit camaraderie and chemistry serve as the backbone of the entire series, making it quite engaging to watch their journey unfold.

The cinematography and production value of Callboys are equally impressive. The series dazzles with its appealing visuals and unique pop-art aesthetic that enhances the viewing experience. The director, Jan Eelen, known for his other successful shows, has managed to create a visually appealing series using distinctive shades and contrasting color palettes.

Callboys is a one-of-a-kind series that has managed to portray the obscure profession of male escorts in a new light. The double entendre-laden dialogues, quirkiness of the characters, and the chaotic universe they inhabit remarkably blend together to create a balance of humor, drama, and emotion. It’s a brave show that unapologetically delves into the nitty-gritty of a profession that’s usually depicted in a serious, often negative light.

The show also examines themes of male vanity, competition, and camaraderie. It provides an unconventional look at the concept of male modeling and entrepreneurship. Despite the comic overtone of the series, it manages to portray raw emotions that allow the audience to form a deep connection with the characters.

In a nutshell, Callboys provides a delightful mix of lighthearted humor, laugh-out-loud scenarios, comic business errors, and characters that are endearing in their naivety and ambition. It's a straightforward, honest portrayal of a profession that's not usually depicted on mainstream television. The exceptionally charismatic cast, the ingenious writing, the clever use of humor, and the unexpected emotional depth are what makes Callboys a series worthy of viewers’ time. For any fan of offbeat comedy-dramas, Callboys is a not-to-be-missed treat that brings laughter, tears, and a whole lot of unexpected surprises.