The Revival of Yuri on Ice
Four years before the release of Jujutsu Kaisen, Studio MAPPA made its mark on the world of animation with a critically acclaimed sports anime titled Yuri!!! On Ice. A decade later, global streaming giant Crunchyroll is reviving the near-forgotten classic for a special Anime Nights showcase.Initially released in October 2016, Yuri!!! on Ice is an original sports anime written and directed by Sayo Yamamoto (Michiko & Hatchin, Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine). The story revolves around 23-year-old Yuri Katsuki, a professional figure skater who endures a crushing defeat at the World Grand Prix Final.
From Defeat to Victory
Just as he is about to quit skating forever, an internet clip of his performance is discovered by five-time Grand Prix Final Champion Viktor Nikiforov. Determined to bring out Yuri's true potential, Viktor travels to the young skater's hometown to become his coach and help Yuri win his first gold medal.Despite only running for 12 episodes, Yuri!!! on Ice garnered a massive following outside Japan, particularly among yaoi/BL (boys' love) anime enthusiasts. The dynamic between the eponymous protagonist and his mentor is openly romantic in nature. However, the show has also earned praise for its sensitive portrayals of extreme anxiety, which Yuri suffers at various points in the series.
After the series' initial run, fans were kept in limbo for several more years until MAPPA delivered a crushing blow in 2024: the official cancellation of the planned prequel film, Yuri on Ice The Movie: Ice Adolescence. Initially announced in 2017, this installment was going to revolve around young Viktor Nikiforov's skating career, chronicling his gradual rise to stardom.
Crunchyroll's Anime Nights
Crunchyroll has not listed which Yuri!!! on Ice episodes will be shown this October. However, the press release does cite the series' upcoming anniversary, which suggests that the screening could include a special featurette or commemorative video that acknowledges Yuri!!! on Ice's legacy. Crunchyroll is likely to provide additional details as October approaches.
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