The original Urusei Yatsura anime series, which first aired in 1981, consists of exactly 195 episodes.
This iconic romantic comedy science-fiction series captivated audiences for nearly five years, becoming a cornerstone of 1980s anime. Its extensive run allowed for the exploration of numerous comedic scenarios involving the alien princess Lum, the perpetually unlucky Ataru Moroboshi, and their eccentric friends and family.
Understanding the Episode Count
The 1981 Urusei Yatsura anime stands out for its long production run and significant contribution to the anime industry. While some long-running series might be broken down into multiple "seasons" with distinct titles, the original Urusei Yatsura is generally considered a continuous series that aired over several years.
Here's a quick overview:
| Series Title | Episode Count | Original Air Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Urusei Yatsura (1981) | 195 | October 14, 1981 – March 19, 1986[^1] |
Urusei Yatsura was a groundbreaking series, notable for its unique blend of slapstick comedy, science fiction, and traditional Japanese folklore elements. Its popularity led to several theatrical films and original video animations (OVAs) in addition to the main television series. The comprehensive episode count ensures that fans have a vast catalog of stories featuring the beloved characters.
Key aspects of the 1981 series' longevity:
- Pioneering Animation: It was one of the first anime series to consistently integrate dynamic animation and creative visual gags.
- Cultural Impact: The series introduced many now-classic anime tropes and significantly influenced subsequent romantic comedy and slice-of-life anime.
- Character Development: Over 195 episodes, viewers witnessed the evolving, albeit chaotic, relationships between the main cast members, particularly between Lum and Ataru.
It's important to distinguish the 1981 series from the more recent Urusei Yatsura (2022) reboot, which began airing over four decades after the original. The 2022 series is a separate production adapting selected manga chapters, and as such, has its own distinct episode count. The 195 episodes specifically refer to the classic 1981 adaptation.
[^1]: Episode information for Urusei Yatsura (1981) can be verified on reputable anime databases such as MyAnimeList.
