The original 13-episode run of Umamusume: Pretty Derby has arrived on Crunchyroll, complete with English dub and subtitle options. This series adapts Cygames' popular multimedia franchise, which reimagines legendary racehorses as anthropomorphic girls competing in high-stakes races.
Viewers can follow Special Week as she transfers to Tokyo's Tracen Academy, a prestigious school dedicated to training these horse girls. The show blends competitive sports drama with the inherent charm of its unique premise, focusing on the girls' aspirations, rivalries, and the rigorous training required to succeed on the track.
Produced by P.A. Works, known for titles like Angel Beats! and Shirobako, the anime debuted in Spring 2018. While the MAL score stands at 7.37, the Umamusume franchise has a significant following, spawning multiple sequels, spin-offs, and manga adaptations, including the recent Umamusume: Pretty Derby Season 2 which achieved a higher critical reception.
With the first season now readily accessible, it offers a complete entry point for those curious about the franchise's origins. The series explores themes of ambition, teamwork, and the pursuit of victory, all within the vibrant and energetic world of horse racing.
