I’ll admit I have the tendency to be a crybaby, or at least that was the case when watching anime in the past. These days, it is hard for a series to make me emotional. Or at least it was until this Spring 2024 anime season began. Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again might hold the record for the show to make me tear up the fastest.
As the name implies, this series is about an old grandpa and grandma who are likely in their 80s at the least. The pair suddenly turn young again within the first few minutes of the initial episode’s start. Before that, though, it starts with a gut-wrenching short conversation between the two about how poor they were early in their marriage. As a result, they weren’t able to go on a honeymoon.
Instantly, I was struck with a lump in my throat. This hit too close to home. I got married earlier in 2024 and am only a couple of months married myself. Because of some family issues, we had to move up our wedding to a much sooner date than planned. As such, we didn’t get to go on a honeymoon, much like this elderly couple.
Though we will rectify that situation with a honeymoon, hopefully later this year, this statement immediately hit me in the feels. It felt like the series was there to help me reflect on my past, my future, and where my family is heading. Thankfully for myself and my Kleenex box, the show moved into a more comedic tone from there.
After the grandpa and grandma become young, the series enters in its more hilarious and sitcom-like antics. The first episode wastes no time in seeing how this change in their age affects their children, grandchild, and even community members. There are countless funny moments in the opening episode alone. One involves the various women fawning over the now young again grandpa. Another is the ridiculous recreation of a memorable monologue from the grandma’s past. It all works so well, introducing a slew of fascinating characters within the opening episode.
And it doesn’t stop from there. The next couple of episodes I watched only continued the hilarity and breakneck pace. Moments like participating in an old people sports festival or dealing with a mysterious hourglass keep the fun going. This is the type of show to watch for both a good laugh and also a chance to reflect on life at the same time. Not many anime series balance this as well as Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again.
Sure, I won’t deny Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again feels as thought it has a bit of a lower budget than most other anime series out there. The art style has its issues, especially when it comes to some of the more awkward and less detailed animations. However, it doesn’t need to look great to have a riveting story. Its goofy, off-kilter writing and unforgettable leads carry this series. For that reason, I highly recommend everyone to check Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again out. (Even if you aren’t a newlywed like myself.)
Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again is available to stream right now on Crunchyroll.
