What Made BEASTARS So Popular? | Beyond The Bot

How did an anime about sexy, talking animals get so popular? For something so different from other "popular anime," it's surprising BEASTARS managed to get the attention it's gotten. But, how did it even do that in the first place?
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Credits for This Episode
-----------------------------------
Written by: Lovely Dorrie
Hosted by: Lovely Dorrie
Edited by: Jacob Atkinson
Produced by: Adrian Apolonio (@SlightlyOtaku)
Co-Producer: Sugar Joe
Channel art, In-video Graphics
and Thumbnail by: Alexandria Batchelor (foxeedesign.com)
Music by:
Napes Music: napesmusic.com/...
Jacob Neufeld: thelittlestrum...

[@BeyondTheBot]

Did you check out the latest season of Beastars? WILD, right? If you like Beastars, let us know, why? Also, please take the time to fill out our survey (and maybe enter our giveaway). This is super important to us! - bit.do/btbsurvey2021

[@ristianca]

Hey this link doesnt work

[@boniboni4912]

The link worked fine for me ✌🏼

[@TheAnimeTea]

the link isn't hyperlinked in the description but it worked when I copied and pasted it

[@Hollow5999]

Cute survey you got there.

[@GraViTyAboVe]

I feel like Dorrie could've voiced Haru. On a different note I actually liked season 1 more than season 2.

[@deshawnsanders8406]

I dunno man season 2 really gave us a lot of thought provoking moments. I personally prefer 2

[@GraViTyAboVe]

@@deshawnsanders8406 I agree it did. Especially in the case of Legoshi he really is working hard to change even though it backfires in his predator department. I like how he's getting stronger in controlling himself but he's weakening in his physical sense. BUT like other than finding out his friends killer and trying to save louie in the mafia... not much else is happening idk it felt long winded is all. Still a great season and can't wait for season 3.

[@deshawnsanders8406]

@@GraViTyAboVe I respect that. Bruh not gonna lie tho that episode with the 2 girls hanging out was imo one of best written episodes So far from the entire series. The predators mindset vs a prey in a casual situation was so well done. The parallels it made between women of different backgrounds and races hanging out was awesome. I’m a guy but it just really resonated with me I guess.

[@GraViTyAboVe]

@@deshawnsanders8406 yeah I'll agree that episode felt right at home. It was great.

[@anonybelle]

Beastars also has fascinating worldbuilding with plotlines and details that are unique to that world. Like, I know we’re all obsessed with things being ~relatable~ but isn’t it interesting to see such a strange and alien society as well? People don’t talk about that enough.

[@lamugre9386]

this is literally why it's one of my favorite mangas. The world isn´t trying to be a one on one methaphor for our world, which would run into problems pretty quickly with what it's actually trying to say (ehem zootopia), rather it feels like a thought experiment on the question "how would a society full of anthropomorfic animals work?" and Paru just ran with it

[@TheTattorack]

Indeed! I love me some serious world building. Although, coming from the manga, there is one stain when it comes to the world building that kinda takes the wind out of the sails.

[@aukefif7329]

Personally? I'm always into murder mysteries, the visuals are great, and the characters are some of my favorite. The arc Legosi and Louis go through together both in the anime and manga may be my favorite semi-homoerotic rival relationship in manga.

[@ScuzoidMelee]

Brought this up in a previous video. Just finished the second season of Beastars. I've come to realize the vast majority of my favorite anime were created by women. Was wondering if you all might be interested in doing a video on this. I'm sure there are a number of anime I really liked that were directed/written by a woman or the source was written by a woman that I'm not even aware of. Perhaps there a few women led lesser known anime or upcoming anime that I hadn't looked into.

[@OwnD1]

Full Metal Alchemist also written by woman. Compare shows/mangas like that to say that of.. GANTZ and you get to really see the deeper characterization

[@danatrick4868]

Pandora Hearts and The Case Study of Vanitas are written/drawn by the same woman. Descending Stories is written by another woman. Dorohedore is also written by a woman, though her art-style is very scratchy and dirty compared to the other clean manga artstyles.

[@ScuzoidMelee]

@@danatrick4868 Yeah, stuff like this would make for a great video essay. I loved Dorohedore, and when I think "Good cg anime" it and Beastars are the only two that come to mind (That I've watched.). Had no idea it was also helmed by a lady. Funny enough, a lot of my recent favorite comics are also written or drawn by amazing women artists. Carmen Carnero is absolutely fantastic, and even after she left to go draw other comics, Kelly Thompson's Captain Marvel has been pretty great.

[@TheTattorack]

I realised as well, after having finished the Beastars manga, that it was written by a woman. I wondered if it had anything to do with the quality and style of the writing. Hmm... Would you have any recommendations?

[@saneira]

Makes sense! I love any franchise that the female powerhouse of CLAMP has anything to do with.

[@TheAnimeTea]

Dorrie as Haru makes all the sense...plus I agreed with her that Beastars can be extremly overdramatic, and that's what makes it great!

[@yasumedia9528]

I like Beastars because it tackles social division while still managing to be tons of fun. Some call it Zootopia for an older audience and I don't think they're far off. I also just love the characters, relationships, and animation. CG anime done right is a beautiful thing. Plus the OP songs slap!

[@TheMemzie99]

It occurred to me while watching the second season that Beastars is Riverdale. Soap opera where high schoolers get involved with the mafia, and the homoeroticism is played with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. It's fantastic

[@boniboni4912]

Boy reverdale isn’t like universally famous for being really bad? 🤣💀

[@TheMemzie99]

@@boniboni4912 it is, but it wraps around to become good.

[@indie-mox7473]

I think you just gave me the Final Detail I needed to convince me to watch this. xD

[@hawkbearbrown]

Louis. The mangaka has said she specifically chose the name Louis because of its upper-class connotations. It constantly bothered me in S2 that the subtitles changed Haru to Hal and Louis to Rouis, even though the English translations of S1 didn't.

[@TheTattorack]

I just watched it dubbed. None of that silliness there. And everyone but Six Eyes has stellar voice performance.

[@tpchikumbu5804]

Beastars lowkey has the best OPs. Never skip that

[@edstevens7780]

You can see that Paru Itagaki got some inspiration from her father for the way she draws the characters. Very reminiscent of Baki

[@joshchampion8375]

I did the survey before watching the video... I live in the UK pain.....

[@epocalypsefilms]

I love the stop motion OP in season 1. And the video. Awesome as always (btw, I don't think the survey link is live to click in the description-I had to copy and paste)

[@_pollo]

I love the complex social commentary and how it parallels animal instincts with sexual instincts. But like not in a weird way.

[@nianolan107]

The theme songs don’t miss👌

[@kapitan762x54R]

I like how BEADTARS relates to the war on drugs. And the characters. Both are very good.

[@byronboneparth5795]

I think its popularity comes down to a) lots of Netflix subscribers (compared to, say, Crunchyroll) and b) it's not typically anime-like in the ways that you mention (anime still carries a stigma for some people, if you can believe it).

[@TheTattorack]

So do furries. Like... A lot... Much of it for good reason too ^^;

[@JoshuaHenelyThornhill]

Beastars is just Goated no pun intended it's such a cool ride and with season 2 being really great for a all lot of different reasons than season 1 i found the desire to read the manga and oh boy oh boy shit is just too good

[@lonestar_iconoclast]

I watch Beastars because Legosi/Legoshi is a wolf and I LOVE WOLVES. I love Juno, too, but I think she's pinning too much of her hopes on becoming Legosi's mate. I mean, seriously, if Haru is willing to place herself in our Wolf Boy's predator jaws, then you know that she's The One. Also, the pathos found in the characters is very compelling to me. Second Two cannot come soon enough!

[@Ashley-xu1lk]

Season 2 already came out in Netflix

[@amyo7580]

I only got into beastars cause my friend recommended it. But I'm always down for a murder mystery and I wasn't disappointed the drama and story was really interesting.

[@jonathanmetze9796]

Foot fetish is so far outside my kink I never thought someone might be getting off on the big feet in beaststars 🤯

[@hamzahamid2543]

YEAH I WAS LIKE WAIT WHAT- WHY DOES THAT KINDA MAKES SENSE...

[@chi-kun204]

I always suggest this anime to people! I explain it as: “It’s Zootopia but if they ask ‘where does the meat come from?’ “

[@PocketMonsterSteve]

i look forward to seeing you at animenyc this year Dori :D

[@Maboseu]

Personally, I liked the the first season more but the Leo group in the second season was really awesome

[@NestorFuentes001]

I love Beastars, read it first before it got an adaptation, and I adore it because I have never related more to a main character before. As a slice of life story about a lost highschool kid trying to figure himself out, being in that weird state of no longer a kid but not an adult yet, just growing up in a harsh reality of the world around him... it is just fantastic.. being a furry is just a happy coincidence u.u... sadly it seemes season 2 tones and themes were rushed and not as fleshed out as it could have been, highly recommend reading those chapters instead to anyone dissapointed in the portrayel of this arc. It is what it is, have low expectations now for the rest of the anime but will still recommend it highly (specially the manga) as it made a true connection with me pulling me back to those akward highschool days in a way I never thought it would.

[@suijin25]

I was trying to get a table at artist alley there. They ended up putting me on the waitlist though. Now I am uncertain. Great Haru costume Dorrie!

[@shivamsrivastava7953]

Honestly speaking I didn't watched beaststars but now I wanna watch beastars so badly

[@namechangesallowedeveryd-lb9cr]

This show really made me question who I am

[@dbzkid4]

That thrown fan got me! Hahaha

[@JeronisLeror]

Awoo from your friendly neighborhood werewolf music producer. Well done ya'll. Loved the reference at the start too! (Note to Self: Need to remember to signal boost this on twitter.)

[@casey4697]

It's such a great weird little show.

[@CrimsonFawkes]

Haven't seen season 2 yet, just being taking a break from anime the last couple months as I was burnt out. Good survey though, just joined the Discord cuz of it.

[@Flame.island]

10:06 hate to say it but that’s exactly what happens in the manga 😭😭

[@silentsigher]

I really need to watch this show, I'm behind on all Netflix anime shows

[@thebirdking3605]

The music of Beastars is also really good

[@kyoneko87]

I really like the Louis/Legoshi ho-yay moments

[@Hollow5999]

Haven't finished the second season yet but I've been waitin for the demon queen to give us this video

[@sle6423]

It redefined expectations around what's possible with CG in anime (for me at least). Also OP 1 from Studio Dwarf was just too good

[@babyjokermonsta]

The best example of a modern day soup opera/telanovala would be Jane the virgin

[@sajareeslife5646]

Beyond the bot is my favorite anime

[@H3ahhhp]

Can’t wait to see season three

[@sugarNdice]

I still want to know who will be the next Beastar. I enjoy the way they draw things out. Even if I dont get all the answers I'm still left with a satisfying story

[@ChronicallyTweaking]

YESS DEATH PARADE OP IS SO ADDICTING😭😭

[@HenryWayat]

People say that 2nd season was hyped but as I scroll down youtube I see that various videos on Season 2 of Beastars get far less views compared to videos about season 1.

[@TunbosunOyenuga]

You guys should talk about the grow streaming/licensing monopoly that Sony is creating.

[@ryuumajin]

It actually surprises me too because it is common for Japan to make anthropomorphic shows. The success delivers from manga itself first actually proves mainstream Japanese reader actually accepts such story. I doubt for the arc after this though. It's better for Beastars to end this way.

[@marialagu]

My friend and I loved Beaststars season two except for the 10-15 last minutes

[@Nadia1989]

I'm still not over the ending, it's cutting onions ninjas every time I listen to it 😭

[@kraine37]

Love that omori sweatshirt

[@cb-wi1cq]

i love beastars bc the universe seems so much more grounded than like, furry fiction or most hollywood attempts to do the animals r people thing. mostly bc paru's worldbuilding is awesome. also everyone go read beast complex RIGHT NOW and the beastars manga if you haven't already. the style of the comic is so freaking charming and absolute distinct from anything i've seen in manga or western comics. it's super unique and just as engaging as the anime.

[@FigWidIt]

To this day the Season 1 opening song is one of my favorite anime op's. Such a Bop!

[@elogeticethan7790]

bruh I just found out this channel existed after the previous channel Frederator channels were all wiped off. Thank god there's at least one still around

[@emanuelrodriguez8013]

Also the anime man recommendation in Trash Taste Podcast

[@jaywolfeditz4476]

Not only is jack best boi and Ben diskin is my idol kaibutsu is a vibe

[@mmelanoma]

Hard same to everything Dorrie said! I legit referred to it as "my furry telenovela" hahaha That was a selling point with a friend btw, people are curious of the furry part Another selling point is the whole struggling with your own nature, I feel like that message resonates nowadays

[@BluuJourney]

Season 1 was wonderful... Season 2 took us through a whole thing Trying to stick to the script of the 1st one, just throw it out the window at the end? Which quite honestly seemed like a waste of time taking us on the journey, just to throw it out the window at the very end. I'd totally recommend season 1...Season 2, not so much. #Artisbluu

[@TheoMcAllister]

When Louis said the cannibalism line, I went "slow down Hannibal", he and Mads' Hannibal would be interesting ... conversation partners.

[@gangazumba3333]

Think i like this anime because its so outside of what i normally see in this medium

[@irishgn08]

I don't watch Beastars and watched this video. Love y'all!

[@mzjulesb6989]

A lot of reasons that I like it is Jonah Scott's sultry love decorations ❤️❤️❤️

[@iqis2414]

I ended up watching the entire first season in 4-5 hours

[@whitehawk5]

Forgot season 2 come out, exclusive dub watcher so i can be forgiven for forgetting

[@zacharybosley1935]

God I love this channel

[@excalibursaurusm5701]

I like the cool animals and the story is fun.

[@daynishcosplay]

I watched season 1 and it was so good, but i have no desire to watch season 2. Its a bit too overdramatic for me

[@FlyToTheRain]

I was today years old when I learned the characters are in high school.

[@birdytiger]

I am always confused by dorries makeup choices

[@ENIGMUE]

I thought she was blushing at first

[@luneseishin11]

i feel like it could have been even more so popular if furries weren't stigmatized (partially for good reason) in the west as much.

[@bjrottinghaus6033]

Beaststars is literally that one anime that turns people away from watching anime. It's just that different from western TV. I plan on watching it, but most of my friends who don't watch anime wouldn't if they were paid too.

[@ikeford4963]

I'm 25 and I watch Days of Our Lives

[@dii4741]

I saw all the hype behind Beastars and I just got very curious and picked it up, especially after they mentioned it was what Zootopia wanted to be. It was absolutely fascinating

[@bahamutbbob]

I never have and never will watch Beastars, but imma support you guys, so.

[@IHatoHandels]

I can't help but notice the danganronpa 2 cast in the background

[@prtsunknwn3640]

two seasons without any resolution between the wolf and rabbit... it's such a tease, but getting tired of the will they won't they.

[@rockmusicforever90]

In the thumbnail it looks like Dorrie got a nose bleed. Haven't seen Beastars. But my sister has she really enjoyed it and started buying the manga. She told me the wolf is hot. I replied furry.

[@cigimon4]

Dorrie said "Beastars is just an ridiculous overdramatic telenovela (affectionate)"

[@charliemoody7168]

Anime is ET UP with operatic sensibilities…telenovelas are just opera without the singing, anyway

[@Hollow5999]

Video was great 👍. Thanks dorrie

[@Blinkisageek]

It was "weird" and accessible to watch so lots of people started talking about it.. that's all. 😂

[@puperman4208]

It's funny because every really good furry bait always has to do with jazz.

[@fireplace3385]

Cool

[@TheTattorack]

I wouldn't call Beastars a soap opera. It has far more in common with a Noire. From the dramatic first person narration, uncovering the grimy, dirty secrets of the world, the struggle with one's own guilt and demons, to difficult and forbidden relationships, the only place where it diverts from the Noire genre is that there are more than one character it focuses on. One thing that does it for me is how serious and mature it treats many of the given subjects. Legosi has to come to terms with the state of the world, but he refuses to accept it, choosing to instead force his personal ideals onto other people, regardless of how wrong such an action may be. He's certainly not a perfect protagonist. The series also treats sex and struggling with thinking about someone without the usual hijinks from almost every other anime. I often can't bare to continue watching many anime series because such tropes just make me cringe, and Beastars doesn't really have any of that.

[@bradlewis261]

Netflix did absolutely botch the name translations in their episode descriptions tho. Louis, not Rouis. Haru, not Hal. You'd think they'd have fixed that after the first season, but I guess not.

[@nishidohellhillsruler6731]

The furries had won. Nobody can stop us now 3:D

[@Taydar]

Most people would rather just watch Bugs Bunny.

[@GEWB2105]

I wish I had something clever to add, but Beastars really is over there just being prime furry bait. But that's what happen when the creator is a furry. Yeah, seriously. Oh, right! Just remember... Osamu Tezuka drew furry-ish art that wasn't discovered until about 6 or so years ago. Also, the big eye look that he popularized in anime was inspired by Scrooge McDuck comics he read while in the USA. There, that's knowledge you now have. You're welcome.

[@sara-ara-ara]

💖💖💖

[@cloud-ew2if]

I think it's just the drama and the advancement of the characters

[@charliemoody7168]

You got me all excited..but your discord invite has expired already….

[@BeyondTheBot]

Sorry about that! Try this link discord.gg/6Zbx8Pj

[@charliemoody7168]

I’m there!

[@kdastronaut171]

sooo im gonna say it studio orange should re animate berserk

[@JambleBramble]

Beastars? More like Feetstars

[@danwichgames]

Wait, you don't count zootopia as fur bait? but those tigers.

[@mcleod56ify]

Really liked beastars not a furry but I liked the storytelling enjoyed season 1 more then season 2

[@MoonMario]

Why did y'all change channel?

[@The_Broke_Gamer]

I can honestly say that I've never been attracted to any furry characters in my 31 years of life. I think kids can look cute in animal outfits, but that's it.

[@charliemoody7168]

Honestly not sure what ‘attraction to furries’ has to do with anything, especially Beastars, but…sure, I guess. Beastsrs has to do more with totem animals, personality/character types, etc…nothing really to do with role playing yourself as/with an animal or whatever

[@maxdonner4794]

Beastars is furry riverdale and i love it

[@cj-hw3pv]

Bunch of furries out here

[@rainbowleigh8848]

All drama out of context is comedy.

[@tomacalin86]

OK. what is the difference between Beastars and Zootopia. I have only watched the Zootopia movie, but from the snippets I have seen, Beastars is the anime adaptation. why would I watch it?

[@ascendedheaven813]

i thought beastar was gonna be a video game because of the cgi

[@Nik-gj9ny]

Is happening the furries are taking over