The first season of Date A Live, the urban fantasy series that launched a multi-season franchise, has arrived on Hulu and Crunchyroll. This 12-episode run from Spring 2013 introduces Shido Itsuka, a seemingly ordinary high school student who discovers he must charm powerful, destructive beings known as Spirits into falling in love with him to prevent catastrophic spatial quakes.
Animated by AIC PLUS+, the series blends high-octane action and sci-fi spectacle with classic harem and romance comedy elements. Date A Live holds a 7.14 rating on MyAnimeList, based on over 622,000 voter entries, reflecting its substantial audience. Shido's unconventional method of 'sealing' the Spirits’ powers through romantic engagement drives both the plot's escalating stakes and its comedic situations.
This initial season is crucial for understanding the core premise and the introduction of key Spirits like Tohka and Origami. The franchise has since expanded considerably, with subsequent anime seasons and spin-offs like Date A Bullet exploring the lore and characters further. The series' unique blend of supernatural battles and romantic comedy has cemented its place in the genre.
With both English dub and subtitle options available on Hulu and Crunchyroll, this is a prime opportunity for viewers to experience the origins of the Date A Live saga and see how Shido's mission to save the world through love began.
