Right now you can watch The Rose of Versailles on streaming — and the writing holds up regardless of the format's reputation. A single, tightly-focused season means there is plenty to get through without ever feeling padded. 194 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Watch it in order — the character development is cumulative. There is no real reason to keep putting it off.

The Rose of Versailles is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The look of The Rose of Versailles gets people in the door, but the writing is what keeps them there. Raised from birth as a man, the Lady Oscar commands the palace guards at Versailles in the years before the French Revolution. Her beauty and noble spirit make her a shining figure in the eyes of both men and women but she is torn between her chosen life of service and duty to class and country and her own heart and desires. She lives as a noble amidst the opulence of Versailles but her keen senses and compassion are not blinded to the poverty of the French people. Reiko Tajima and Miyuki Ueda bring more to it than the format typically demands. It was aired in 1979–1980. The Rose of Versailles uses the freedom of animation to tell stories live-action could not attempt. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

If you have been sleeping on The Rose of Versailles because of the format, the format is not the issue here. The tonal similarities to Legend of the Galactic Heroes are real, though The Rose of Versailles carves out its own identity quickly. A contained run means every episode is doing real work. Reiko Tajima'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.

The Rose of Versailles wrapped up in 1980 — 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.