Right now you can watch Zenki on streaming — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. The 1-season run is exactly the right length for what it is doing. With 100 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Chisa Yokoyama sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Start it whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Zenki is worth clearing space for. The jokes in Zenki land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. In ancient times, a great battle was waged between a master mage, Enno, and an evil demon goddess, Karuma. Enno didn't have the strength to defeat her alone and was forced to call upon Zenki, a powerful protector demon. After Karuma was defeated, Enno sealed Zenki away in a pillar located inside his temple. Between them, Chisa Yokoyama and Jurota Kosugi carry the comedy without ever forcing it. It first aired in 1995. What keeps Zenki from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Zenki respects your intelligence. Monster Farm is the obvious comparison, but Zenki earns its own place alongside it. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single week. Chisa Yokoyama is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.

Zenki wrapped up in 1995 — 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.