Have you ever watched a long-running show and realized it's doing something special with its storytelling, not just getting better with each passing season but actively better than the sum of its individual parts? Then do I have the list for you! Each of these will be at least 3 seasons long (hence the short list) and showcase something about them that just distinguishes them from the pack.
Yeah, I made this list chiefly for this show. It isn't just one of the best ensemble casts in anime, nor just an incredible balance of humor, drama and action. It's a slow-build mystery that builds on its character relationships in some of the most engrossing ways I've ever seen.
2Probably the most SoL show I've ever seen, Aria takes its time telling a long and often meandering story that is more interested in suffusing its audience in the atmosphere of the show than providing definitive answers. Immerse yourself in those character arcs and enjoy the soothing ride in the gondolas.
3This is just such a vibe of a show. There are so many great individual arcs, but the slow expansion of the world, the little insights into Ginko, and the surprisingly grounded interplay between the Mushi and nature are what make this show sing.
4The quintessential example of this. One Piece isn't about any individual arc, island or villain. It's a show that spans a whole world. There's a reason some of the series most hype moments are just reading newspaper headlines and getting bounty updates - the show is so much more than hype.
“None of these are short, but they all have a special x-factor, something that makes the journey almost nostalgic by the end.”whiteflame
