Spy x Family Season 1, Part 1 Review

When I heard “anime” as a kid, all I thought was lasers and punching. There’s always been more to it. Anime spans all kinds of genres, from action, to thrillers, to family dramas, to slice-of-life comedy.

And now there’s a great anime that’s all of those things, and absolutely great besides. Welcome to Spy X Family. This show is set in a Cold War and European-inspired city and stars the Forger family: husband and father Loid, wife and mother Yor, and their adopted daughter Anya. They’re just trying to make it in this crazy city and support Anya in getting into an exclusive private school.

But, as the first part of the title suggests, there’s a twist. Every family member is keeping a big secret. Loid is an undercover spy bent on stopping global nuclear annihilation. Yor is a part-time assassin to pay the bills. Anya’s a telepath. And world peace depends on her success at school.

This show blew up this year, and for good reason, but it’s only been available in English on Hulu for a few weeks, so I’ve been a little behind. But I caught up on the first half of the season, and gosh is this a special show. When I first heard the premise, a Get Smart meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith scenario, I wasn’t sold. But it managed to combine some very sweet moments with a sense of humor that doesn’t pull punches. I’ve dropped the first trailer I saw for the show below, which showcases both.

Families are tough, kid.

This is a joint creation of Wit Studio and CloverWorks, and both studios must be working overtime, because the animation is fluid, adaptable, and beautiful. And while the show leans on the comedy anime staple of supporting characters with exactly one personality quirk that dominates their lives, the choices come together into a fun harmony.

5 Stella out of 5. Go watch.