Bonding (2019)
A sharp, irreverent Netflix dark comedy-drama about an unlikely friendship tested by whips, secrets, and the wilder corners of New York City nightlife.
Bonding - Series Information
- Original Title: Bonding
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Rightor Doyle
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 18 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 15
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 24, 2019 (United States - TV-MA), April 24, 2019 (United Kingdom - 18), April 24, 2019 (Germany - 16), April 24, 2019 (France - 16), April 24, 2019 (Brazil - 16), April 24, 2019 (Spain - 16), April 24, 2019 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Alternative Titles: 绑定 (CN), BONDiNG (FR), Связь (RU)
- Production Companies: Anonymous Content, Blackpills
- Production Countries: United States of America
Bonding - Plot
A New York City grad student moonlighting as a dominatrix enlists her gay BFF from high school to be her assistant.
Bonding - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of what awaits in this bold Netflix series:
Where to Watch Bonding
Looking for where to watch Bonding?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Bonding - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Rightor Doyle
Main Cast
- Zoe Levin
- Brendan Scannell
- Micah Stock
- Theo Stockman
- Matthew Wilkas
- Gabrielle Ryan
- Alex Hurt
- Nana Mensah
- Stephanie Styles
- Kevin Kane
Writers
- Rightor Doyle
Bonding - FAQs
Where can you stream Bonding online?
Bonding is available to stream on Netflix, including Netflix Standard with Ads. Both seasons are currently on the platform, making it easy to binge all 15 episodes in just a few hours given the short runtime of each episode.
Is Bonding based on a true story?
Creator Rightor Doyle has stated the series draws from his own real-life experiences as a gay man who assisted a dominatrix friend in New York City. While the show is fictionalized, its emotional core and many of its scenarios are rooted in genuine personal history.
Why was Bonding cancelled after two seasons?
Netflix cancelled Bonding after its second season in 2021 without providing an official explanation. The show had a dedicated following but never broke through to mainstream popularity, which likely contributed to the decision. Creator Rightor Doyle expressed disappointment at the cancellation on social media.
Who plays Tiff and Pete in Bonding?
Zoe Levin plays Tiff, the grad student turned dominatrix, while Brendan Scannell plays Pete, her gay best friend from high school who becomes her reluctant assistant. Their chemistry anchors the entire series and drives both its comedy and its more heartfelt dramatic moments.
How many episodes does Bonding have in total?
Bonding ran for 15 episodes across two seasons. Season 1 contains 7 episodes and Season 2 contains 8 episodes. Each episode is notably short, averaging around 18 minutes, so the entire series can be watched in a single sitting of just under five hours.
Is Bonding worth watching for LGBTQ+ audiences?
Bonding has a strong LGBTQ+ dimension at its heart, with Pete's journey as a gay man navigating identity, performance, and friendship forming a central thread. The show treats queer experiences with warmth and specificity, and many viewers from the community have found it genuinely resonant and entertaining.
How was Bonding received by critics and audiences?
Critical reception was mixed but leaned positive for Season 1, with praise for its sharp premise and the lead performances. Season 2 was better received, with critics noting stronger character development. Audiences appreciated its irreverent tone, though some felt the short episode format left storylines underdeveloped.
What shows are similar to Bonding?
If Bonding clicked with you, Dying for Sex, Valeria, and Sirens offer similarly bold, female-led stories with sharp comedic edges. For something with comparable LGBTQ+ warmth and quirky friendship dynamics, The Horror of Dolores Roach and Submission also make for compelling viewing.
More About Bonding
Explore further details about Bonding on these authoritative resources: