Spy x Family

“Review, Characters & Why It's a Must-Watch Hit”

"Everyone has a secret self they don't show to other people. They keep their true selves hidden from friends, lovers, and even family members. They hide who they are and what they want behind lies and painted smiles. And thus the world... maintains its thin veneer of peace." The quote is self-explanatory. But what if you become emotionally invested in your "mission"? But what exactly is your mission? Alternatively, who is your mission?

Spy x Family is an anime television series based on Tatsuya Endo's manga series of the same name. It was revealed for the first time in October 2021. The series is directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, with character designs by Kazuaki Shimada and principal animation directors Kazuaki Shimada and Kyoji Asano. Know_Name composed the music. The series aired in Japan on TV Tokyo and other networks from April 9 to June 25, 2022, and consisted of 12 episodes, each 24 minutes long. As of today, the anime series has seen significant developments across both its anime and manga, with expanded distribution and ongoing international popularity. The Spy × Family anime has expanded significantly beyond its initial 2022 debut. Season 1 consisted of 25 episodes split into two cours: the first 12 episodes aired from April 9 to June 25, 2022, and the remaining 13 episodes aired from October 1 to December 24, 2022. Season 2 followed with 12 episodes that aired from October 7 to December 23, 2023. Season 3 premiered on October 4, 2025.

A theatrical film titled Spy × Family CODE: White was released in Japanese theaters on December 22, 2023. The film premiered globally in North American theaters starting April 19. The film was released in both Japanese audio with English subtitles and English dub versions in 2024. The film became available on Netflix in select international regions on December 21, 2024, though it remains available on Crunchyroll in the United States. Crunchyroll has licensed the series for streaming outside Asia, while Muse Communication has distributed it in South and Southeast Asia. The anime is action and comedy, with childcare as its main topic, and it caters to the Shounen demographic.

Tatsuya Endo, the author and illustrator, has published the manga series fortnightly on the Shounen Jump+ app and website since March 25, 2019. As of October 2025, the series has released over 10 volumes and remains ongoing. The most recent chapter, Chapter 123, was released in parts, with the latest installment published on October 12, 2025. Chapter 124 was released on November 9, 2025, following a one-month hiatus as Endo takes a break.

To keep the competing countries of Westalis and Ostania at peace, a Westalian agent, code-named "Twilight," is tasked with spying on Donovan Desmond, head of the National Unity Party in Ostania. However, because Desmond is famously reclusive, Twilight may only approach him by enrolling a child in the same private school as Desmond's boys and posing as a fellow parent. To do this and create the impression of a joyful family, he adopts a little orphan girl named Anya and marries a lady named Yor Briar. "Loid" and "Yor" are oblivious to each other's actual identities, but Anya, who is an Esper, is aware of their actual professions. He has no clue, however, that Anya can read minds and Yor is a brilliant assassin. The family later adopts Bond, a dog with precognitive abilities. Despite these strange circumstances and Twilight's lack of common sense due to his years as a spy, he must now learn to be the perfect parent and spouse to finish his assignment.

The Spy x Family series' Tritagonist is Yor Forger. On the outside, she is a lovely young woman with a light complexion, beautiful black hair, and upturned crimson eyes. While working as a regular secretary at Berlin City Hall, she also has a secret life as a Garden assassin known as the "Thorn Princess" (Ibara-hime). Regardless, she lacks social skills and appears disconnected at first, connecting with her work colleagues marginally and relatively directly, with Camilla even referring to her as a robot. She maintains her calm even amid intense battles. She is sweet to the point that she even requests "the pleasure of terminating their life" from her assassination targets. Despite her “killer” occupation, Yor is a very caring person with maternal and big-sister qualities. She is fiercely protective of her "fake" family, especially Anya, whom she defends with excessive brutality.

She becomes more talkative and open after starting a family with Loid and Anya while seeking advice on how to be a better wife or cook. Her thinking is frequently very aberrant due to her existence as an assassin, and it should be no surprise that she is quick to consider murder a fast solution to many problems. Yor's phony but legal spouse is Loid Forger. Following a visit to the tailor, the fated couple has a chance meeting, solidified by Anya’s intervention. They both decide to work together to help each other achieve their goals. Their connection evolved from working together to achieve their individual aims to a pseudo-marriage resembling husband and wife. When their daughter asks if they will kiss, this adorable couple blushes fiercely, then denies it in unison.

Spy x Family is a surprising tonal mashup that blends the high-stakes world of spies with a lighthearted, family-friendly comedy. It was a strong contender for anime of the year, as it has consistently provided excellent entertainment. Spy x Family did win the Animation of the Year - Television Category at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2023, effectively earning TV "Anime of the Year" recognition for its 2022 run. In Anime Corner's overall 2022 "Anime of the Year" fan poll, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners took the top spot, but Spy x Family dominated genre and seasonal rankings rather than the single grand prize. It's an anime that correctly promotes itself without fooling the audience. The show reached a large audience thanks to such a powerful marketing engine. There are various reasons why I believe Spy x Family deserves its rating, and to be honest, it is one of the few anime I can recommend to virtually everyone in 2022.

Spy x Family is the first significant anime in a long time that deserves the hype. It could be overhyped; however, what isn't nowadays? I was expecting a dull, dreary, gimmicky shounen-action picture. Instead, I got a creative and lovable slice of life with lovely characters, unique visual set pieces, a gorgeous setting, and, believe it or not, an actually hilarious sense of humor and gut-busting quick wit. It's considerably more uncomplicated and tension-free than I expected, which is fantastic. I must admire the evolution of this. This production is unquestionably a work of love. The animation significantly improves the manga's content. The anime is called Spy x Family, and one of its main attractions is the dynamic of a family discovering itself throughout the series. The initial illusion of the family gradually transforms into a genuine familial relationship as the anime progresses.

The opening theme tune is "Mixed Nuts" (Mikkusu Natsu) by Official Hige Dandism, and the first ending theme song is "Comedy" (Kigeki) by Gen Hoshino. Overall, the soundtrack complements the anime's tone. The show is the must-watch Anime of the season and possibly the whole year too! Compelling characters, a wonderful waifu, and plot twists! The show is excellent and highly recommended for a quiet evening of comfort food with some company after a hard day.

“If this review was enough, below are more reasons to watch Spy x Family Season 1.”

Episode 2: Secure a Wife

Yor joins the family in an epic proposal scene and instantly wins fans as the iconic "Thorn Princess." Loid’s mission takes on a new dimension, and Yor’s charm and naivete make this a standout introduction.

Episode 4: The Prestigious School's Interview

The Forger trio tackles the chaotic Eden Academy interview—a comedic and emotional highlight. Each family member shines, and the episode showcases Loid’s willingness to sacrifice the mission for Anya.

Episode 5: Rent Out the Castle

In a massive castle, Loid performs ridiculous spy tasks for Anya's entertainment. The heartfelt bonding and slapstick action make this Reddit’s most mentioned fan favorite.