[Oshi no Ko] 2nd Season

Oshi no ko is fantastic. It will most definitely become an anime classic, and as I've said hundreds of times, it does a fantastic job telling stories and events about the Japanese entertainment industry, good or bad. This season extends on that as it focused on how mangakas feel when their project gets an adaptation, which yes while it is an honor, can be a huge headache. The direction and theme of that entire arc was excellent and the anime did a great job telling that story. However, I love aka akasaka and this was my same issue with the manga, the revenge plot does feel forced. The first entire arc had me me on the edge of my seat, but once the playwright arc ended it falls a little flat. Unfortunately at this point and time it feels like they are forcing the revenge aspect of the show onto us and it doesn't feel very consistent. Great anime overall and i really believe we have a classic on our hands here. I just thought season 1 was slightly better. I give this a solid 8/10.

As a manga reader I knew everything about this season from the start. But if you haven't read the manga, you're going to get a lot of twists in this season. Many new faces are seen in this season. I never thought I'd enjoy it so much despite getting the spoiler. Talking about the animation quality, Doga Kobo has done a great job. Speaking of characters, I found some of the characters here to be pretty stupid, but you might like them. Because this is my personal opinion. But as always my favorite character Arima Kana's character has developed a lot. Also now you will see something new in Ruby. Here at the beginning, the anime starts with an extraordinary theatrical production (Tokyo Blade). Also along with the main character's revenge mindset, some romantic moments and the plot twist made the whole anime a lot more awesome than last season. Maybe not everyone likes this type of anime. Because everyone likes different genre. I'm an action genre lover. But despite that, I really enjoyed this season. For me 9/10

So I have to be honest, while I *loved* the first season - and I really did love it, my rating for it is a 10 (which is a rating I am very reserved with), I also loved it because of the "gimmick". What I am trying to say is that it was a season where I felt there were a few incredible, top tier episodes that rank as among the best episodes I have ever seen across all of TV, but then the rest of the season could often feel a lot more average in comparison. There was sloppiness to it, some amazing highs that hit fantastically well, but the rest of it wasn't coming together quite that well. So I was not sure whether I'd be able to love the second season too. Obviously the gimmick, the element of surprise, was gone. You can only do that once. Now the second season would have to stand on the basis of its story, plotting, pacing, characterization and interactions, theming, and I simply wasn't sure if it would be able to do that as well. And for the first couple of episodes, it honestly felt like it wouldn't be able to. The first couple of episodes feel very flaccid and sloppy, and it felt like my worst fears regarding this season would be coming true. But this season really hits its strides from there on out. The theatre arc is used to do some fantastic psychological deep dives into a lot of characters, new characters are introduced, and new dynamics and interactions are seen, new harsh realities about the entertainment world are learnt, new relationships are formed while existing ones grow and evolve. Oshi no Ko is often at its best when it turns a lens to the realities of the entertainment world, and season 2 is another unflinching look at how uncompromising and brutal on the very creatives that fuel it the world of Japanese entertainment truly can be. Oshi no Ko is often at its best when it delves into the psyches of its characters - and season 2 does this repeatedly, multiple times, with multiple characters. And obviously there is the larger story. It takes its time to get to it, but Oshi no Ko's second season does finally start to move things along as far as the bigger plot line goes. I don't want to delve into any specifics, but there are multiple holy shit moments, multiple scenes and reveals that gave me goosebumps, as the narrative context, the visual framing, the animation, and the music all swelled to a crescendo of realization and the weight of the moment upon me. And yes, like the first season, this is a beautifully drawn and animated show, with multiple frames that are works of art in their own right, and a lethally effective use of music that could positively be weaponized into a form of emotional warfare. The new opening and ending hold up their ends of the bargain, bringing a fantastic new flavour to set the stage and close things out respectively. Opinions will be divided on whether or not these are better than the first season's now iconic ones (personally, I think Season 1's Idol is a better opening than this season's Fatale, and I think this season's Burning is a better ending than Season 1's Mephisto), but that doesn't really matter, the broader point is they're fantastic nonetheless. And really, that's what it comes down to. Do I like this second season more than the first season? To me it is - it is comprehensively better executed on every single front across the board, it addresses the first season's weaknesses while building on its many strengths, it is far more consistent, with far fewer lulls than the first season (and the lower points being better than the lower points in the first season were), and it has its own incredibly high highs - they don't match the impact of season 1's highs, but they are *very* great regardless, and it all balances out to me preferring the second season overall. But I can very well understand why someone might prefer the first season - the first season at its best is *amazing*, and if it resonates with you in those moments, few other things can measure up to that. All of which is to say, both of these are amazing seasons. You aren't guaranteed to like season 2 more than season 1 (I do, sure, but that doesn't mean you will). But even if you don't, you're going to love it a lot regardless. Oshi no Ko is 2/2 now with two top tier peak seasons of television. I can't wait to see what Season 3 brings to the table.

Well, Overall, I find this Season an even stronger Seinen Masterpiece than Season 1. This season is darker, heavier, and far more psychologically intense — the kind of anime that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go even after the credits roll. I just finished Season 2 and holy shit… it completely blew me away. This season is straight-up better and way more intense than the first. I binged the entire thing in one sitting, and right now I’m too wired to sleep — I’m starting Season 3 immediately. My mind is still racing. The **Tokyo Blade** theater arc was an absolute masterpiece. That high-stakes action theater concept is genius — I would drop everything and travel to watch a real-life performance like that. The raw intensity of the rehearsals, the brutal clash of acting styles, and the sheer pressure on stage… it felt electric. The way the show explores the mastery of acting is one of the best things I’ve ever seen in anime. The fiery competition between Akane and Kana had me on the edge of my seat — two absolute monsters going head-to-head, each pushing the other to their absolute limits. Their rivalry was pure adrenaline. Story & Themes (9.7/10) This season goes brutally hard on the seinen psychology. Aqua’s development is downright devastating. Watching him coldly weaponize his acting for revenge while slowly realizing that the stage will only ever bring him more misery… it’s painful and brilliant at the same time. The emotional weight is crushing. And that sudden, explosive plot twist with Ruby?! I was not ready. It hit like a truck and completely flipped the script. The entertainment industry satire cuts even deeper this time, and the psychological darkness is on another level. Characters (9.8/10): Every major character leveled up massively. Aqua has become one of the most compelling and tragic protagonists in anime right now. Kana and Akane’s rivalry is pure fire — their growth, passion, and talent are inspiring as hell. Ruby’s sudden change this season left me stunned. And Miyako continues to be one of my favorite waifus, silently carrying the chaos like the absolute queen she is. Animation, Music & Voice Acting (10/10) Doga Kobo went nuclear this season. The Tokyo Blade performances are visually stunning — the lighting, camera work, and raw energy are insane. The new opening song is a perfect banger, capturing the darker, more desperate tone of Season 2 flawlessly. It hits harder every single time. I watched it in German dub again, and the voice actors killed it. The emotional range, especially during the intense acting scenes and explosive confrontations, is top-tier. Overall Score: 9.9/10 Season 2 is a massive, balls-to-the-wall upgrade. Darker, more mature, emotionally devastating, and addictively intense. If Season 1 impressed you, Season 2 will destroy you — in the absolute best way possible. If you’re mature enough to handle real psychological depth mixed with idol industry brutality, this is must-watch television. Now excuse me… Season 3 is waiting and I’m diving in right now. No sleep tonight. WATCH IT, You won’t regret it — but you might not sleep either.

Pretty but you can’t take seriously the gamification of acting. Also the scenes are frequently played in a non-chronological order, so there are no set ups and pay-offs, it’s all gathered in one thematic sequence. It leads to some very bizzare choices, like playing out the ending of the play several times, sometimes with the actors already with removed characterization and sometimes still in costumes etc. It doesn’t feel intentional. It just seems lazy for storyboard artists to do character-focused storytelling and jump around the timeline to drive the point home, but avoid most of the build up or subtle exposition. I guess it’s a choice and some may like it. I think I preferred the first season.

"Another high-quality season for Oshi no Ko, once again." An anime that keeps rising in my esteem. Each episode, each arc draws me deeper into this universe, both fascinating and unsettling. The author has truly created an exceptional work, skillfully blending deep themes around the world of audiovisual entertainment, while building a deliciously intricate plot full of twists and turns. What I particularly love about Oshi no Ko is the psychological depth it explores. The dark side of the entertainment industry is shown without filters, with impressive writing finesse. The characters aren't mere caricatures: they are human, complex, sometimes lost, sometimes brilliant, but always profoundly real. It's this ability to delve into human nature — to explore flaws, ambitions, and disillusionments — that makes the story so captivating. A huge thanks as well to the animation team. The adaptation is once again of very high quality: the atmosphere of the scenes is perfectly respected, and the characters' expressions are crafted with great care. You can feel a true desire to stay faithful to the original manga while breathing new life into it. The director clearly went all out to ensure that every shot, every emotion would hit with maximum impact. That said, I must admit that the first nine episodes felt a bit slow to start. The story took its time to unfold, and I was somewhat worried about losing interest along the way. But as the saying goes, "the ending determines the value of a work," and here, that's exactly what happened. The last four episodes of this season completely blew me away. They gave full meaning to what had been patiently built up until then. Those final episodes left me speechless, packed with powerful twists, and a perfectly handled dramatic buildup. Thanks to that masterful ending, my overall impression of the season was transformed: I confidently give it a solid 9/10. The anime absolutely deserves it. Finally, I must commend the consistent quality of the animation throughout the season. There was no drop whatsoever — not in the artwork, not in the fluidity, not in the sound atmosphere. The OST continues to magnify the key scenes, and the precise direction elevates every crucial moment. And let's not forget the opening, which is yet another gem... To sum up, Oshi no Ko Season 2 is a brilliant success that continues to establish itself as one of the great titles in Japanese animation. My attachment to this anime keeps growing, and I can't wait to see what's next — because judging by the rising momentum, the story clearly still has many wonders left to unveil.

I was a non-believer. I thought the first season was too much soap-opera type drama, and only kept on watching because I could see the promise of the premise. Season 2 retains the essence of the first, so why do I feel way more positive towards it? For starters, the overall tone has slightly changed. It's all a little more somber and serious, but there's still plenty of fun moments and situations. Characters aren't so self-centered this time around, and I think that helped me sympathize with them in a different way. I guess this is what they call "character progression"? In all seriousness, the biggest difference comes from the new characters introduced for this season's main arc, having entire episodes centered around some of them or their issues. I found it incredibly jarring at first, particularly when compared to the previous season' comparable reality show story, but it's very much earned. Learning their personal journey and each of them's motivations put this whole arc into perspective, kind of like looking at it as a whole instead of just our heroes' perspective. I'm sad we probably won't see much from these new characters in the future, if at all. For me this is a declaration from the writers or mangaka as to what Oshi No Ko is meant to represent. I mean, we had our very own "endless anime fight" this season! What I mean is, I know I'm not the only one to come to this conclusion, but this shows Oshi No Ko is about showbiz and what happens behind it, as much as it is Aqua and Ruby's story. About them, I finally get to say I enjoyed Aqua as a character. Last season I found him so annoying and selfish. Getting to understand him better is probably why this change happened to me. You'll be missing Ruby for a while during this new season though, but her journey is the most intriguing by the end of it. What's to say about the production value here. Animation goes all out in some points, it's amazing, and goes to very visually unique, incredibly exciting moments. It looks and sounds so good all of the time, yet the stand out moments truly stand out. OPENING: Thought it was the downgrade of the millennium at first. Why are the first openings always so iconic? Anyways, now I can safely say I adore this song. What I don't adore is how Aqua and Ruby's relationship is portrayed here? Like, we have never seen them that close at all. ENDING: Absolute fire! Nostalgic grunge-y masterpiece to shatter my heart. Animation wise not so interesting, though it makes sense knowing what they were going for.

What can be said about this series that hasn't already? Not only is the story genuinely some of the best written but the character development for the entire cast is on an entirely different level. I didn't expect season 2 to completely upstage season 1 but it did and I am so glad the followup to such a season was as enticing as its predecessor. Visually this season was stunning and the story that develops is some of the best thus far. Aqua's revenge is such a great plot point in this series and I am glad we got to see him develop toward his overall goal of revenge while also growing as a character with his internal emotions. Overall I give this series as a whole a 10/10.

What a fantastic season. All the episodes were incredible. Starting with the promise left by last season of making the Theatrical Presentation arc something incredible, which actually happened. All the dramas of the characters involved in the play, be it direction or actors, being dealt with during the play was incredible, it took the drama of the performance to another level. It was also very well constructed narratively. The impression made was that the anime dealt with all the setbacks and embroglios of a theatrical project in an extremely believable way. The characters here were also a show in themselves. Even those of lesser relevance, when necessary, had their highlights and in an excellent way. The dramas and mysteries that came from the first season continued and took new directions. The romance resolutions were satisfactory and the mysteries were elevated even further, which greatly increases the anticipation for the sequel. The new turn in the story after the end of the season was something very well realized and in my opinion leaves the story even more unique alive in the memory. Technically speaking, excellent too. The direction showed off here and the animation followed perfectly, without any major reservations. Finally, Oshi no Ko, once again among the best anime of the year!

As one of the most anticipated shows of the year "Oshi no Ko" had a lot of pressure to deliver a great show and with the fact that this summer season was very weak with its sequels (the only other good one was the Monogatari series one), the show had spotlight on it do deliver. Did it manage to live up to expectations? Absolutely. The 2nd season of "Oshi no Ko" makes it clear that this season is all about Aqua. Ruby takes a REALLY secondary role in this season, barely even appearing until the last few episodes. Aqua's character arc is done extremely well. The great part about the show is that while we see the story from the MC's point of view, we also usually have more information than him because of how the show is structured. This leads to a lot of purely amazing scenes involving not only Aqua's trauma and how he chooses to use it in his acting, but also his coping mechanism related to answers he has been looking for all his life. A lot of people like to focus on the theatre play part of this season or the huge reveal afterwards, but I think the best part was after everything, when Aqua now thinks that the thing he has been working towards all his life resolved by itself, and now he is only looking for a new reason to exist. An attempt to fill the husk that he becomes after all the hatred left him. And the reveal at the end that the pain isn't fully gone, actually being transferred to his sister. I think I should also mention the side-characters of the show who are amazing, as usual. The only problem I would have is that the beginning arc is kinda slow and has a pretty unfulfilling ending. The shows animation is once again fantastic, and I really love seeing smaller studios like Doga Kobo creating something that looks this good, even if the show had its fair share of production issues. The entire play, the artstyle, the impact animation has on some scenes, really fantastic stuff. Music is also really good. I don't think the opening is as good as the first season but I still enjoyed it very much. The ending song is pretty good as well and the music during the show fits very well when it appears. That's why my final rating for "Oshi no Ko" is 9/10. I highly recommend giving this entire show a try if you haven't yet for some reason and also watch it if you watched the first one.

Now listen here, this is the most deep story anime I have ever come across. It's story is so deep it's on a whole different level. You will definitely get so into this anime very easily. Death Note has alway been my No.2 but honestly speaking its position has been taken here. The story just kept on getting deeper. Throughout the whole experience you will get sucked in it will be like each episode is 5 minutes! The suspense, the drama, the way the story is delivered. This anime is definitely in my top recommendation. I suggest you watch the first season as well, trust me you will be hooked if you're looking for something with suspense.

The further along you go, the more interesting it gets. What an incredible anime, full of twists and turns, it brings out all sorts of emotions, from happiness to sadness, sometimes stressful... It's a total success ! And we can only look forward to a third season. Thanks to the producers and the whole cast !! The animation and drawings are incredible. The reproduction of the faces with the manga is perfectly done. This is a truly touching anime, which takes viewers into another world. I advise everyone to watch this anime and say what they think of it so that we can hopefully have more seasons!

I enjoyed this season even more than the first. The focus the first half of this season gives on how a manga adaptation to another medium is made and all the problems that arise from it is probably my favourite part of the entire show so far. Couple that with a second half that sets up the mystery surrounding the main characters while breaking them and developing them and you honestly have a show that can be a main stay for years to come Not only is this show a great exploration and commentary on the show industry in japan (everywhere,really, but it's main focus is there) but it also has amazing character work and sets up very interesting plot details for next season. All while having amazing visuals, storyboarding, animation, music and pacing. I can't recommend this show enough

If you saw the first season, you obviously waited to see the second. The facts are now denser, the sagas are a little long, but the show holds up The story continues to delve into feelings, and also focuses on work and daily routine. Details of the work, I thought that was out of the ordinary, It's really good, because it talks about things that we like, and some may not know about. Seriously, watch the information closely I'm a designer, and one of the sagas presents details that I really liked having covered. While in the same saga, facts happen that make the saga a little long, tiring, but, knowing that the plot is good, This is normal, and for me it is one of the facts that makes me give it a 9 I highly recommend it

While the main plot of the anime finally took off in the last five episodes, where I felt those dark, intense vibes reminiscent of the first season, the rest of the episodes felt like a big, juicy filler arc. This theater event arc was clearly meant for character development, but it felt tedious and slow-paced. For anyone eager to continue the gripping storyline of season one, I’d recommend skipping straight to episode nine. Story and Plot: The story itself isn’t entirely unique, and in some ways, it was predictable. That said, if you're a fan of this genre and the setup from season one, you might still enjoy watching it unfold, especially toward the end when things finally escalate. But for me, the majority of the season dragged on without advancing the overarching narrative. It felt like the plot was put on hold while the anime explored side events that didn’t seem as impactful. Art Style: The art style is fitting for the story and adds to the atmosphere, especially during the darker and more emotional moments. The animation quality remained consistent, and the attention to detail in character expressions and the moodier settings was a plus. Character Development: While the theater events were supposed to be about character development, many of the episodes still felt unnecessary. Sure, we got a deeper look at certain characters’ personalities and motivations, but some of them didn’t seem to evolve in meaningful ways. The characters were somewhat well-rounded, with a balance of strengths and flaws, but the pacing of their growth felt forced at times. Some characters remained static for too long, making their reactions to events less realistic or impactful. Overall Recommendation: Even though I found it boring and would suggest skipping episodes until the main plot picks up again, others might appreciate the slower pace for the added character depth. If you're more into character exploration than plot-driven action, you may enjoy this arc more than I did. But for those wanting to get back to the intensity of the first season, it's a long wait until episode nine.

Honestly, I'm not usually a fan of the drama genre, but this work of art has completely blown me away. It's the most beautiful, intriguing, and masterful thing I’ve seen in years outside of the action and isekai genres. The theater arc did an amazing job of helping us understand and explore both new and returning characters in Oshi No Ko. The dialogues are filled with emotion and depth, making every interaction incredibly impactful. I had chills almost every episode, which only increased my anticipation for the next one. I have no regrets about watching the second season—I’m a fan of the first season, and I enjoyed both the first and second seasons immensely. I’m eagerly awaiting the third season, hoping it won’t be the last, as there’s so much more to learn about the Oshi No Ko universe. The soundtrack, opening, and ending themes are simply spectacular. I enjoyed them so much that I even added the tracks to my playlist. My verdict: 10/10.

It's not a good as season one but it's good overall. But the core themes are still there: the behind of scenes of work in Japan, revenge, and idols. This time it's more focus of theater play and acting rather than idols itself but idols are mentioned. Overall it's a good season. I kind of wish a bit more focus was put on the Ruby and the idol trio, but Ruby herself was given a good bit more attention, so I guess that it's fine. It also gives some info about the twins' dad and how the series will be going moving forward. Overall I love this season

The second season of Oshi no Ko takes an even deeper dive into the entertainment industry, but this time focuses more on the many responsibilities and challenges that go into making a large-scale production rather than the darker undertones within. Some interesting aspects include the depth of consideration when adapting an original work, creating solutions to technical and physical limitations, and engaging in emotional and improvisational acting. What impressed me the most was the author taking the risk of giving many side characters the spotlight. This all takes place while maintaining good pacing, creating interesting character developments, and incorporating the focal point of the narrative.

NOTE: This review is of both S1 and S2. Honestly, this anime was much of a surprise. I got into it because I loved the opening of S1 and then it hit me right in the feels with the artistic themes and Arima Kana's character, really showing how one sacrifices the sanctity of their art to continue to do art, and how it comes back. The mystery also kept me engaged, without it feeling too distracting from the artistic themes and it was integrated nicely into the plot, ending in a deeeeeeep cliff-hanger. I liked season 2 much more as it explored how Arima Kana views acting and how it evolves as she struggles to survive in the industry and the struggle between the magaka and stage adaption was very intriguing. Imma now read the manga to finish the story cuz I can't be left hanging like this 😭. I feel like the pilot episode of S1 carried the show for that season but this season really stood fine on its own and delivered consistent quality in each episode. Plot: 9/10 - The depth this story puts into the entertainment industry plots as well as the mystery really surprised me and kept me hook on it the whole time. In this season, the play storyline was s well executed and kept me engaged, without throwing away the mystery and then the mystery of the father came back as intriguing as ever. Comedy: 6/10 - ok comedy, not the main part of the show Characters: 10/10 - I love the depth of the motivations and backgrounds this show builds for its artists, especially Arima Kana and how she just wants to stay in the industry, despite throwing away what she wants most of it. Art: 10/10 - Very stylistic, I love it and I think it portrays the artistic themes perfectly Music: 10/10 - I never though I would love an opening more than Idol but the opening here throws it out of the park, also the music in the show complements the story well. Themes 11/10 - I love how this story delves into the motivations and darkness behind the creative industry, shining light on something that I don't notice being showcased in a lot of the medium that I consume and its really eye opening to see. I really appreciate how much they focused on the motivations and problems that arise behind art and how the darkness in the industry changes someone's perception and ultimate the execution of their craft (I love the depth of Arima Kana). Personal Impact: 10/10 - The artistic themes really hit home as someone considering switching to this Industy. I love the character of Arima Kana as the evolution of her as an artist is something to behold and ultimately something that I don't want to mimic, losing all love for your craft for the sake of being able to keep on doing it is just so sad :(. - for me this is the perfect wish fufilment anime lmao, I wanna be reincanated as an artist. Maybe this is how isekai is suposed to be enjoyed Enjoyment: 10/10 - Absolute masterpiece, this and the last season presented a brilliantly set up mystery and artistic themes in such a way that I never though possible and made me really think about how far I'm willing to take as an artist in a time where I feel like I'm stuck working to support my artistry and wanting to work to be an artist myself. The plot was also great an I'm gonna read the manga to finish it off lmao.

I'll admit, I underestimated this anime. By the end of the season, I found it was akin to Shakespeare's works. Never underestimate the capacity of modern artists. People praise the past because we can't touch it anymore, but he present makes a strong showing. Take heart fellow humans! We move forward into the future. It may be bleak, and the rich continue to torment those who weren't lucky since birth, but we are the ones who carry our species into the future. Let the artists and writers of this anime be proof of that. Please ignore this. I have said what I need to say. I have watched many anime as I think the websites history can attest. I am 31 and am an expert by sheer hours watched. Yet as I sit here drunk, the AI that maybe? governs the site demands more words from me before I can publish a review? I will write more, but what I put above should be sufficient and if anyone disagrees it only proves they haven't watched this anime. Let's see: "Is the story unique? If it was predictable, did you enjoy it anyway because you like this genre/set-up?" Fuck off. Nothing is unique. I am an isekai slut. Therefoere maybe the Shakesperian tragedy destroyed my braincell. "Do you think the art style is fitting for the story?" An abstract question that makes itself stupid. The artists are amazing. "Were the characters well-rounded? Did they have flaws and strengths, or were they unusually strong/smart/stupid?" Yes. "Did the characters react to situations and events in a realistic way?" Revenge driven narative. Oh yeah, baby! "Do you think others will enjoy/dislike this series, even if you didn't? Why?" Yes, because human... Can I post my review now? What in the hell was the first paragraph blocked for? If this gets posted, it is an interesting dichotomy. I gush because this anime shows me what english teachers expected me to feel for the classics. I decide to watch an animated show, and I experience the pinnacle of human artistry. I say so plainly and AI or something is like answer these specific questions. I don't know if human driven art is more impressive or if human driven autism is. Let me post after all this typing or fucking kill me you bastard.