Slam Dunk is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Netflix, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. The show says what it needs to say in a single season, no filler. With 975 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Takeshi Kusao sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Available now on Netflix — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Slam Dunk is worth clearing space for. The jokes in Slam Dunk land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Sakuragi Hanamichi is a junior high punk used to getting into fights and being rejected by girls but upon entering high school he meets the girl of his dreams, Haruko Akagi. He will do anything in order to win her heart including joining the school basketball team that is aiming to conquer the nation lead by Haruko's brother. The problem is that Sakuragi has never played basketball before and a freshman sensation is stealing the spotlight and Haruko's affection from him. Takeshi Kusao and Hikaru Midorikawa lead a cast with the timing to make it work. It was aired in 1993–1996. The timing in Slam Dunk is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. This is the rare one where the reputation undersells the reality.

Slam Dunk is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie is the obvious comparison, but Slam Dunk earns its own place alongside it. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single week. Takeshi Kusao sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.

Slam Dunk wrapped up in 1996 — 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.