If you don't like idol shows, please read this review.

When I was first introduced to IDOLiSH7, I had only recently taken my first tentative steps into idol shows. For years, I'd played games like Love Live but only ever for the gameplay, never finding any interest at all in learning more. I'd watched Uta no Prince-sama for a friend who loves the series only to walk away certainly entertained, but overall disappointed. When IDOLiSH7 was recommended to me, I was understandably hesitant. Idol anime was the one group of anime I was quite certain that, no matter how much time passed, I would never like. But it was April of 2020 and well, I didn't really have much better to do, so I reluctantly sat down and began to watch.

I won't say I was hooked immediately. But I was at least interested. The characters all seemed lifelike and fun, the first two episodes serving as a great introduction to all of them and their desires. Even the Self Insert Female Protagonist character, Tsumugi Takanashi, was peppy and spirited. By the end of the intro episodes, I was willing to keep going, at least to cheer on these plucky young idols and their newbie manager.

And that's really all that I needed to get sucked in.

As the show progressed, so too did the conflict. Character arcs started to pop up. Rivals were introduced. And before I knew it, I'd fallen headfirst into what wasn't the happy go lucky idol series I was expecting, but a riveting character drama that constantly had me at the edge of my seat and wondering what was going to happen next.

IDOLiSH7 is, at its core, about its characters. Some of the biggest themes of this series are the struggles to be an idol, the relationships between idols and their fans, and how those relationships can build up or destroy people in the entertainment industry. Every character is multi faceted, with their own relatable problems, worries, and dreams. At no point are any of these character overshadowed or forgotten, either. Story writer Bunta Tsushimi manages to craft a story that is well paced, giving every character a chance in the spotlight, while still allowing other characters to have their moments in the individual stories, too. You WILL find a character to relate to, perhaps on a scarily personal level like I did, thanks to how grounded each character is to reality.

The story of IDOLiSH7 is also quite different from the standard idol show format. If you've watched idol shows before, you probably expect something episodic in nature, light hearted, and with a new song in every episode. IDOLiSH7 throws that format out entirely in favor of a linear, ongoing plot spanning multiple seasons. There are moments of foreshadowing in episode 1 of season 1 hinting at things to come that don't get addressed until season 3. Character growth is noticeable and satisfying to watch. Characters that you might dislike at the beginning often have their own chance to change and to shine, changing opinions of them entirely. As far as I can remember, there's not been a single filler episode, and insert songs happen only as the plot demands them, such as during important concerts, contests, or song debuts. The story also takes a more realistic approach to the entertainment industry than other shows do. While the characters certainly love to sing and dance, not once is the entertainment industry glorified or made out to be something its not. Later seasons focus a heavy spotlight on just how toxic of a world it can be to work in, and the characters face some genuinely threatening challenges. It makes each conflict feel heavy, with real weight. The world of IDOLiSH7 is one without mercy, but it is also one of hopes and dreams, telling a story of overcoming those things in order to make the future you want, even in a world as bleak as the entertainment industry.

Of course, fantastic storytelling and character writing are only two aspects of what makes a show great. Luckily, when it comes to its direction and production, IDOLiSH7 also passes with flying colors. Directed by Makoto Bessho, who has previously directed episodes of shows such as Attack on Titan and Death Note, IDOLiSH7 boasts fantastic production. Every shot, every angle, every lighting choice, is deliberate, and Bessho's previous experience in much darker shows really shines. This is the only show I've watched that has so perfectly captured moments of high anxiety in such a breath stealing, viscerally real way. Studio Troyca has gone all out in animating these characters, offering so much subtle expression and moments of true sakuga. All of this is beautifully wrapped up by the stellar sound design and music composition as well. Tatsuya Katou's work really brings the show to life.

The team behind IDOLiSH7 very obviously cares about their work; it shows in every aspect of this show. It's even said that when talking about episode counts, Studio Troyca was told that if they had to make a choice between cutting out important scenes or adding more episodes, then they were to add more episodes. Very few works can say they have truly amazing anime adaptations, and IDOLiSH7 is one of the lucky few. Not only does it stay true to its source material - a free to play mobile rhythm game of all things - but it enhances it in every possible way. I've read the entire available story and yet every new episode manages to surprise me with the sheer scope of their creativity and what they're able to do with the medium of animation. (Two episodes in season 3 are directed as if they were a live action movie and it's fantastic.)

The one aspect of the production I could possibly criticize are the 3D CG models, which, especially in the first season, are a bit awkward to look at. Luckily, I've never much cared about those things, and by the most recent season, they've definitely improved, but it could be something that puts you off, if it's something you care about, but it's such a tiny aspect that I don't consider it a reason to pass up the show at all.

And of course, what is an idol show without its songs? Each idol group in the series - there are four as of season 3 - has a unique sound that sets them apart from each other, and all the songs are memorable and absolute ear worms. As mentioned before, insert songs don't happen in this show unless the plot calls for it. This makes every instance of a musical performance feel special and earned. When the show can go episodes, sometimes the majority of a season, without any new songs, it makes the payoff of finally seeing the idols perform all that much more fun.

If you've read this far, congratulations. IDOLiSH7 is a show that took its time hooking me in, but once it had me in its grasp, it took over my life. No series has made me feel so seen through its characters before, so thoroughly invested in the plights of its cast. I wasn't an idol fan going into this. Even now, very few idol shows really catch my interest. But IDOLiSH7 is a show that I can't recommend enough. If you've been dismissing it because of the genre or because you think you won't like idol shows, I beg of you to give this one a try. You might end up as surprised as I was. I truly think people who enjoy all types of anime can enjoy this show, which is not only, in my opinion, the best idol anime of all time, but one of the best anime I've ever seen.