Oshi no Ko Live Action Series Only Works for Existing Fans

Oshi no Ko is one of the best anime and manga series in recent memory, but what about the live action series? Well, I watched the entire series from start to finish to let everyone know. The Oshi no Ko live action series isn’t actually bad at all; just decent. However, this series is very much made, specifically, for existing manga and anime fans.

The main issue behind this Japanese TV series is the format of it. It has eight episodes in total in its first and only season, adapting a large portion of the manga in a handful of episodes. Though these eight episodes are more than double the length of a normal anime episode, it does so much in so little time.

Without spoiling too much, the only existing season of this series adapts both seasons of the anime within eight episodes and even goes beyond that point in the manga. There are entire episodes that adapt a single arc, while others are done in a couple of episodes. This is such a swift pace that anyone new to the series will likely be left behind pretty easily.

The series just doesn’t take enough time for some plot points to resonate. Some of my favorite scenes only last for a minute at best. For instance, there is the fight between Akane and Arima during the Tokyo Blade production. This part almost needs 10-20 minutes to really dive into their argument and the backstories between them. However, it is done in a few seconds.

This unbelievably fast pace does lead to some positives. For one, it is a great way to recap the series for existing fans. In addition, some of the twists and turns have surprising emotional impact since they come out of nowhere at times. But if you are new, this is not the place to start.

Another concerning aspect of the Oshi no Ko live action series is what it changes. Some of this is intentional and interesting, but others are downright problematic. I won’t spoil the premise for newcomers, but it revolves around a pregnant teen idol. The manga and anime start with this twist and shows the idol Ai giving birth and all that.

However, this live action adaptation skips straight to Ai’s twin children as toddlers. Worse still, it doesn’t properly address Ai’s doctor and that situation until the end. This is even though this is the very beginning of the series. It is an intriguing change I like. But if you aren’t familiar with the storyline, it is confusing and unnecessary.

Then there are the changes to the Tokyo Blade story arc. In the original series, this is a stage play. This live action series was an excellent chance to make a real-life stage play episode. However, that isn’t the case. Not only is there not enough footage of Tokyo Blade itself, but it is a TV series rather than a stage play now. This is by far the most controversial change for me, which made this already somewhat boring arc even worse.

There is also a key missing character, which I dare not spoil here. But the return to Miyazaki Prefecture doesn’t see the introduction of a certain person there. Overall, the Oshi no Ko live action series will be quite confusing for newcomers to the franchise. It is a shame because the production value and most of the actors are excellent; just look at Ai’s opening performance scene and you’ll see. Nagisa Saito as Ruby is particularly impressive and she only gets better as the series goes on.

Unfortunately, though, the Oshi no Ko live action series is made in a way where it only works for existing fans. Whether you miss the manga or are waiting for the anime to come back, this is a great way to recap the series. It moves so fast that it doesn’t waste your time and it adapts the series well to live action. However, if you are new, it is best to read the manga or watch the two seasons of the anime first before checking this out.

The Oshi no Ko live action series is available on Prime Video.