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AnimeJapan 2025 delivered a slew of announcements, but not all of them were greeted with applause. Among the headlines was the reveal thatRent-A-Girlfriendwould be returning for a fourth season. The response? Swift and scathing. Social media platforms lit up with comments like"You can keep it", as disgruntled fans aired their frustrations. Many lamented the studio’s decision to greenlight another season while other deserving series remained on the sidelines. But why exactly doesRent-A-Girlfriendinspire such passionate disdain? And is it all justified?
Created by Reiji Miyajima,Rent-A-Girlfriendfirst debuted in July 2020 underthe production of TMS Entertainment. The rom-com follows Kazuya Kinoshita, a college student who hires Chizuru Mizuhara from a rental girlfriend service. What starts as a temporary arrangement spirals into a complex web of relationships.
Initially, the series received mixed reviews. While some praised its humor and emotional moments, others criticizedits repetitive plotlines and Kazuya’s frustrating behavior. Despite this, the series remains wildly popular. The manga has sold millions of copies, and the anime has consistently been renewed, now approaching its fourth season.
Why Do People Hate Rent-A-Girlfriend?
Every now and then, a show emerges that people love to hate. ThinkKeeping Up with the KardashiansorRiverdale— series that are endlessly criticized, yet obsessively watched.Rent-A-Girlfriendhas become the anime equivalent of this phenomenon.
Fans often deride this series for its stagnant character development and exaggerated drama. Kazuya, in particular, is a lightning rod for criticism. His relentless simping and poor decision-making evoke secondhand embarrassment, while the unresolved romantic entanglements frustrate even the most patient viewers. Many also argue thatthe plot has been stretched far too thin, particularly in the manga. With over 196 chapters, there’s still little to no character development— it’s almost as if Kazuya refuses to learn.
Yet this very absurdity fuels engagement. Discussions thrive on social media, memes circulate, and curiosity wins out. For every frustrated viewer vowing to drop the show, another is drawn in to see how much more outrageous it can get. It’s a paradox thatkeepsRent-A-Girlfriendfirmly in the spotlight.
The criticisms surroundingRent-A-Girlfriendaren’t baseless. At its core, the series struggles with redundancy. The will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Kazuya and Chizuru has worn thin. While moments of emotional sincerity do exist, they are often overshadowed by awkward scenarios and forced romantic tension.
While shows likeOregairuoffer nuanced takes on similar romantic dilemmas,Rent-A-Girlfriendleans heavily into melodrama. It’s an exhausting cycle that leaves even dedicated fans questioning their commitment.
Fans Think Other Anime Deserve Better
When Season 4 was announced, the backlash wasn’t solely aboutRent-A-Girlfrienditself. Fans were quick to point out that other, more deserving series remained without renewals.Titles likeKomi Can’t Communicate,More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers, andEighty-Sixwere repeatedly mentioned as examples of shows that warranted continued adaptations.
It is pretty clear to fans:Rent-A-Girlfriendis a low-effort cash grab, prioritizing controversy and fan service over quality storytelling. While the frustration is understandable, the studio’s decision isn’t difficult to decipher. With all its enduring popularity and reliable profitability, at the end, the series is just a financial juggernaut for the studio. Until fans truly disengage, the franchise will continue to thrive.
Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 4 Is Still Coming, Nothing Can Stop It
Release Date, Cast, and Where to Watch
For those still curious,Rent-A-GirlfriendSeason 4 will premiere in July 2025. The adaptation will cover the Hawaii Trip Arc, introducing new romantic drama and comedic moments. The voice cast, including Shun Horie (Kazuya) and Sora Amamiya (Chizuru), will return, ensuring continuity for the series.
Main Cast:
Streaming details are expected to be announced closer to the premiere, butCrunchyroll is a likely platform for international audiences. Fans can keep an eye on the anime’s official website and social media for further updates.
No matter how hated, this series isn’t leaving anyone anytime soon. For now, Season 4 is here to stay, and depending on its reception, the franchise itself isn’t going anywhere. Whether audiences watch out of genuine enjoyment or sheer disbelief,Rent-A-GirlfriendSeason 4 is undoubtedly set to keep the conversation alive.
