Gintama

Gintama is currently streaming in Australia on Crunchyroll, and in the US on Netflix and Hulu, and it earns its premise rather than just borrowing genre trappings. 11 seasons of it means there is plenty to get through without ever feeling padded. 248 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Tomokazu Sugita leads a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. Available now on Crunchyroll — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Gintama earns its spot. What makes Gintama work is that the ideas never crowd out the people having them. In a world where aliens have invaded Edo Period Japan, skyscrapers, trains and motor bikes have replaced the simple life of Earth inhabitants. One man however, still carries the soul of a samurai, Gintoki Sakata, otherwise known as Yorozuya Gin-san. As reckless as he is, Gintoki carries his own resolve and is ready to take on any challenge with his fellow companions. Tomokazu Sugita and Rie Kugimiya lead a cast that makes the ambitious moments land. It ran for 11 seasons (2006–2018), and the writing holds up across every one of them. The rules of Gintama's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

For late-night viewing or a proper weekend binge, Gintama fits the bill. If you have already watched Hell's Paradise, Gintama is a natural next step. 11 seasons gives the story real room to develop. Tomokazu Sugita's performance is the anchor the more ambitious moments need. The world-building pays off in ways you will not anticipate on a first watch.

Gintama wrapped up in 2018, created by Hideaki Sorachi — and 11 seasons are 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.