Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix Standard with Ads and Crunchyroll, and in the US on Crunchyroll and Netflix Standard with Ads, and it uses the format for more than just a visual hook. Every one of its 2 seasons holds up. 62 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. The visual style is immediately recognisable, but the writing is what keeps you watching. Available now on Netflix Standard with Ads — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is worth clearing space for. Visually distinctive and narratively ambitious, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju operates well above the genre average. When a certain man is released from prison, he knows exactly where he's heading first. After falling in love with a traditional comic storyteller's rendition of the story called "Shinigami," he is determined to become his apprentice. The performer, Yakumo, has never taken an apprentice before, but to everyone's surprise, he accepts the eager ex-prisoner, nicknaming him "Yotaro." As Yotaro happily begins his new life, he meets others in Yakumo's life, including Yakumo's ward Konatsu. Tomokazu Seki and Koichi Yamadera bring voice work that does more than the format usually asks for. 2 seasons (2016–2017) gave the story room most shows never get. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. It rarely drops the ball, and when it does, it recovers fast.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is the obvious comparison, but Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju earns its own place alongside it. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch if your schedule allows. Tomokazu Seki's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. If you have been sleeping on it because of the format, the format is not the thing here.

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju wrapped up in 2017 — and 2 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.