What a funny first episode! Haru and the whole cast of free! are genuinely some wholesome characters. The episode was interesting, filled with ups and downs and yet, entertaining until the very end. It’s a must watch sports anime.

river

6 mo

Verified

Haru has a one track mind, and it is only focused on water. The animation style for all the characters is so unique, it's a treat to watch. Also, Makoto's "keep your pants on!" towards the end is peak comedy, I love the slow rekindling of the three's dynamic.

pam2026

6 mo

Verified

Este episodio es bastante emocionante y revela antiguas amistades y rivalidades pendientes entre los protagonistas y abre la puerta a una historia llena de aventuras y competencia.

Episode Context

Free! opens with a warm, nostalgia-drenched premiere that prioritizes character over competition. Kyoto Animation's signature visual polish is on full display as the episode introduces Haruka Nanase, a talented swimmer whose connection to water borders on spiritual, alongside childhood friends Makoto Tachibana and the energetic Nagisa Hazuki. The pacing is deliberately unhurried, giving each character room to breathe and letting the audience settle into the show's emotional wavelength. Expect gentle humor, moments of quiet reflection, and the undercurrent of something unresolved lurking beneath the surface, embodied by the return of Rin Matsuoka, whose reappearance shifts the atmosphere with a subtle but unmistakable tension. This is a character-driven opener that earns its emotional stakes through relationships rather than racing, establishing the series' heart before the competitive arc kicks into gear.

Runtime23 min

Filler StatusCanon

Plot ImportanceHIGH

Air DateJul 4, 2013

All data and media used are for non-commercial reference. Anime IP belongs to original rights holders. If you are a rights holder and wish to request removal, please contact us at legal@animeoshi.com.