Coming out in 2016, Yuri!!! On Ice took fans by their hands and skated into their hearts, easily becoming a fan favorite.
As the show ended its single season, the buzz around the anime centered around young skaters slowly faded even with promises of a second season being made and trailers for a spin-off movie released. Although it clocks in with only 12 episodes, Yuri!!! On Ice deserves more attention than it gets and not just because it's a sports anime.
10 There's Much Needed LGBTQ+ Representation (And It's The Best Kind)
LGBTQ+ representation can be hard to come by, especially in anime, but Yuri!!! On Ice gave viewers that representation without a second thought. The developing romance between Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov was beautifully written, giving viewers the much-needed representation they craved as well as creating a great love story without leaning on harmful stereotypes. Having that representation is extremely important, especially to the LGBTQ+ community and viewers who are still coming to terms with their own sexuality and gender. Most media seems to veer away from LGBTQ+ themes in fear of possible backlash while Yuri!!! On Ice shows the growth of a same-sex relationship like it would any relationship, no questions asked.
9 It's A Classic Rising From The Ashes Story
Everyone loves an underdog story and Yuri!!! On Ice certainly provides one. When the show begins, Yuri Katsuki is immediately represented as an underdog with his loss in the competition. It's easy for the viewer to sympathize with his "walk of shame" as he leaves the competition and heads home with his tail between his legs.
The show does a great job at showing Yuri's rise from the figurative ashes like a phoenix, skating into the Finals with the confidence and drive he'd always lacked before. Not only is this a good underdog story but it also shows the viewer that while you may get pushed into the dirt and feel hopeless, it's possible to get back on your feet and flourish just like Yuri did.
8 The Character Development Adds So Much More To The Story
The character development in this show is astounding and the best part is that it's not just limited to the leads, Yuri and Yurio. In fact, one of the best developing character storylines involves Victor Nikiforov. The show begins with Victor dissatisfied even though he has all that he could want, from gold medals to an astounding and bright legacy. His character starts shaping more and more towards keeping other people's feelings in mind as the show goes forward, contrasting his selfish mindset in the beginning.
The turning point for Victor is in Episode 7, right before Yuri is about to go on for his free skate in the Cup of China. Victor, a beginner at coaching, is at a loss of how to help ease Yuri's anxiety when he pretends to step down as the skater's coach, leaving Yuri on the edge of a breakdown. After this basic mistake, Victor realizes that Yuri won't learn how to push through his anxiety the same way that Victor did. This epiphany signals a change in Victor, slowly building as the show progresses, just as his relationship with Yuri blossoms from coach and skater to lovers.
7 It Combats The Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness
Healthy representation for mental illness isn't common in anime but it does an amazing job showcasing the complexity of mental illness and how affects a person. The show does an outstanding job detailing Yuri's anxiety, including accurate depictions of his anxiety attacks. Yuri isn't the only character who demonstrates his anxiety. JJ, another skater in the Grand Prix, shows his own anxiety at the competition. This helps show that anyone can be susceptible to anxiety, no matter how "put together" they seem.
Representation is important when it comes to general media due to the extreme stigma that follows mental illness and those who suffer from it. Having this representation is especially vital to viewers who may suffer from mental illness because it shows that not only can heroes face these issues but that the viewers are not alone.
6 It's A Narrative That Explores All Kinds Of Love
This show is a story about finding oneself but it's also a complex discourse on love. The main love story follows the main characters, Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov. Their relationship slowly shifts from the love between a fan to an idol to student and coach, eventually blossoming into a beautiful romantic relationship. Romantic love isn't the only love story that's explored in this show, though. Familial love is also an important aspect of the show. Yurio's relationship with his grandpa not only helps him flourish in the Finals with his program routine but it also showcases a type of love that not a lot of anime touches on.
5 The Side Characters Shine Almost As Bright As The Main Characters
Although the main characters in this show are the ones in the spotlight, the side characters are able to have their personalities shine through. This show does a wonderful job at not only showcasing the side characters but delving deeper into their personalities and complexities. The skaters have inner monologues that tie directly to both their routines and personal lives. Phichit Chulanont and Georgi Popovich are prime examples, as their inner monologues delve a lot deeper than just their routines.
It gives more depth to the background characters, making them more than just NPCs in Yuri's game. Likewise, Yuri's close friends and family fall into this same category. Yuuko, Takeshi, and Minako, who helped Yuri develop his Eros program in Episode 3, are not just a phenomenal support system for the hero. Their unique personalities are beautifully expressed.
4 The Music Is A Beautiful Addition To An Equally Beautiful Story
Anime is known for its fantastic theme songs but Yuri has a wonderful soundtrack. The opening song, "History Maker" by Dean Fujioka, is a lively anime opening that alludes to Yuri's journey throughout the show. Named after the show, "Yuri on ICE" is another fan favorite; a beautiful instrumental that Yuri uses for his free skate program. Although there are no lyrics to this song, the build-up to the crescendo acts as a mirror to Yuri's self-discovery.
3 It's As Comedic As It Is Inspirational
This anime is filled to the brim with belly laughs and giggles. Whether it's the cute Nishigori triplets giving Godfather impressions or the characters' overexaggerated facial expressions, the show is overflowing with funny moments that will make viewers smile until their cheeks hurt. These comedic touches help prevent the show from being too emotionally straining to the viewer, keeping the message strong and the story in place. With its dash of comedy, this show gives a dopamine shock straight into the viewer's brain.
2 It's A Feel-Good Story That Fills Viewers Hearts With Love
A feel-good story to its core, this show is on the light side even if it touches on some serious topics like struggling with mental health.
The viewer can't help but feel happy seeing the characters' dreams come to fruition. Not only is the show an easy watch but it's a relaxing one. Most fans see it as a temporary escape or their very own dopamine fix. Regardless, it's sure to make hearts swell and cares fly away with each passing minute.
1 It's Only One Season And Can Easily Be Binged Over A Weekend
The show is relatively short, with only 12 episodes, making it an easy binge over a lazy weekend. It's a simple series that will help its fans unwind and de-stress, one of the best to watch when the viewer needs a break from life or to find comfort. It's no surprise that it's considered a comfort show. There's another side to the coin, however. By the time new fans get to the end of the show, they'll be wishing there was more than just one season.
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