Given [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 11]

Given: A Heartfelt Symphony of Love and Music

When Given first aired in the summer of 2019, it didn’t just introduce us to a band—it introduced us to a story that resonated deeply with its audience. Produced by Lerche and based on Natsuki Kizu’s manga, Given follows Mafuyu Satou, a quiet high school student who finds solace in music after a personal tragedy. Alongside guitarist Ritsuka Uenoyama, bassist Haruki Nakayama, and drummer Akihiko Kaji, Mafuyu forms an amateur rock band, and through their journey, the series explores themes of love, loss, and healing.

The Emotional Core

The first season, spanning 11 episodes, is a masterclass in balancing lighthearted moments with emotional depth. Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit often highlight how Given avoids the usual pitfalls of BL (Boys’ Love) anime—there’s no fetishization, no forced drama. Instead, the relationships feel organic, and the characters are given room to breathe.

One of the standout moments is Mafuyu’s confession in Episode 11, which had fans in stitches over Ritsuka’s internal meltdown. As one fan put it, “Uenoyama’s reaction to Mafuyu’s confession was hilarious! But it was cute how they went about announcing it to their band members.” The scene where Ritsuka’s inner selves debate the situation—complete with an “angel me” and a “devil me”—was universally praised for its comedic timing and relatability.

The Power of Music

Music is the soul of Given, and the anime doesn’t shy away from showcasing its emotional weight. Mafuyu’s song in Episode 9, a raw and heartbreaking performance, is often cited as the series’ pinnacle. Fans gushed about how the animation and voice acting elevated the moment, with one commenter saying, “Mafuyu’s song from Episode 9 just killed it. I give it Cool Uenoyama/10.”

The band’s dynamic is another highlight. Haruki and Akihiko’s mentorship of the younger members adds warmth, while their own unresolved tension hints at future developments (something the 2020 movie Given the Movie explores further). As one fan noted, “Haruki is the MVP—he deserves all the happiness in the world.”

The Finale and Fan Reactions

Episode 11 wraps up the season on a laid-back note, which some fans found anticlimactic but others appreciated for its realism. “It was cute, maybe they spent all their budget on the concert episode, but still, a very enjoyable final episode,” one viewer remarked. The lack of a dramatic cliffhanger didn’t bother most, as the announcement of the movie kept hopes high for more content.

Critics of the show pointed out its occasionally sluggish pacing and inconsistent animation quality, but even they admitted that the characters and music made up for it. “The drama was never overplayed and felt genuine,” one Reddit user wrote, summing up why Given stands out in the BL genre.

Why It Works

What makes Given special is its authenticity. The characters aren’t caricatures—they’re flawed, relatable, and deeply human. Mafuyu’s grief, Ritsuka’s awkwardness, Haruki’s kindness, and Akihiko’s complexity all feel real. The anime doesn’t rely on tropes; it earns its emotional beats through careful storytelling.

As one fan perfectly put it, “This has definitely been my anime of the season, and it might end up being the best of the year for me.” Whether you’re here for the music, the romance, or the characters, Given delivers on all fronts.

So, if you haven’t already, grab your headphones and dive into this beautiful, heartfelt series. And when you’re done, join the rest of us in impatiently waiting for more—because Given is a story that stays with you long after the final note fades.