Chivalry of a Failed Knight is currently streaming in the US on Hulu and HiDive, and it earns its premise rather than just borrowing genre trappings. The 1-season run is exactly the right length for what it is doing. 152 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Ryota Osaka anchors it with a performance that grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Available now on Hulu — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Chivalry of a Failed Knight is worth clearing space for. Chivalry of a Failed Knight uses its genre premise as cover for asking bigger questions. Magic Knights are modern magic-users who fight with weapons converted from their souls. Ikki Kurogane goes to a school for these Magic Knights, but he is the "Failed Knight" or "Worst One" who is failing because he has no magical skills. However, one day, he is challenged to a duel by Stella, a foreign princess and the "Number One" student. Ryota Osaka and Shizuka Ishigami lead a cast that keeps the bigger ideas grounded in something human. It first aired in 2015. The rules of Chivalry of a Failed Knight's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Sci-fi fans who want ideas alongside the spectacle will find Chivalry of a Failed Knight genuinely rewarding. Fans of The Irregular at Magic High School will recognise the sensibility here immediately. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single week. Ryota Osaka grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Once you are in, you will want to talk about it.

Chivalry of a Failed Knight wrapped up in 2015 — and 1 season is available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro's free voice app makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just say the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.