By
Hannah Diffey
Published 21 minutes ago
Hannah is a senior writer and self-publisher for the anime section at ScreenRant. There, she focuses on writing news, features, and list-style articles about all things anime and manga. She works as a freelance writer in the entertainment industry, focusing on video games, anime, and literature.
Her published works can be found on ScreenRant, FinanceBuzz, She Reads, and She Writes.
Sign in to your ScreenRant account
Summary
Generate a summary of this story
follow
Follow
followed
Followed
Like
Like
Thread
Log in
Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
Try something different:
Show me the facts
Explain it like I’m 5
Give me a lighthearted recap
Few anime defined 2016 quite like Yuri!!! on ICE. With its elegant skating sequences, heartfelt character arcs, and groundbreaking depiction of queer romance, it became a cultural moment far beyond typical anime circles. Fans who missed it the first time around finally have a chance to catch up, because the entire series is streaming for free on YouTube, but only for a limited time.
This sudden availability, according to @comic_natalie on X, has sparked a new wave of excitement. Longtime fans are rewatching the show with nostalgia, while newcomers are discovering why it dominated end-of-year lists nearly a decade ago. But with the free window closing soon, viewers have only a short period to experience it before it vanishes again, making this the perfect moment to revisit the series’ legacy and influence.
Why Yuri!!! on ICE Still Stands Above 2016’s Other Hits
Custom Image by Ana Nieves
Yuri!!! on ICE brought an authenticity to figure skating rarely seen in animation. Its choreography, supervised by real skating professionals, transformed each performance into character-driven storytelling. Instead of simply showcasing athleticism, every routine conveyed emotions, insecurities, and ambitions, giving fans a deeper look into the sport’s dramatic tension.
The series also delivered a surprisingly intimate portrait of competitive anxiety. Protagonist Yuri Katsuki’s struggles with confidence resonated widely, especially for viewers who saw themselves reflected in his self-doubt. His growth felt earned because it unfolded gradually, supported by small, human moments rather than melodramatic twists.
Of course, the heart of the show is Yuri’s evolving relationship with Victor Nikiforov. What began as mentorship grew into one of anime’s most influential romances. Their bond helped normalize same-sex relationships in mainstream anime, setting a new standard for on-screen representation that fans still point to as a turning point.
The Yuri!!! on ICE YouTube Release Is a Gift, But It's Not Permanent
The full series dropping on YouTube is a rare treat. Official uploads are often scattered or locked behind region limits, but here every episode is accessible in one place. For fans who have always wanted to watch the classic anime legally without hunting down a subscription, this is the easiest and most convenient opportunity they’ve had in years.
However, the free window is extremely limited. The episodes will only remain up until December 21st, after which they are expected to disappear. That means fans have just a short time to revisit favorite moments, analyze choreography, or introduce the show to friends who somehow missed its original run.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the long-delayed movie project and the series’ sporadic availability, this might be the last time for a while that Yuri!!! on ICE is this easy to access. Whether fans are watching for the first time or returning to a beloved classic, now is the perfect moment, before the ice melts again and this modern masterpiece slips back out of reach.
7.5/10
Yuri on Ice
10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Sports Release Date 2016 - 2017-00-00 Directors Sayo Yamamoto, Jun Shishido Writers Sayo Yamamoto, Mitsuro KuboCast
See All-
Jessie James Grelle
-
Jerry Jewell
Expand
Collapse
-
Anime
-
Yuri on Ice
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.
Be the first to post Images Attachment(s) Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam.Your comment has not been saved
Send confirmation emailThis thread is open for discussion.
Be the first to post your thoughts.
- Terms
- Privacy
- Feedback
2 hours ago
Kim Kardashian Admits She Is Close To "Snapping" Over Kanye's Treatment Of Their Kids
3 hours ago
DC Officially Confirms Killer Moth’s Design For Batman's New Appearance
5 hours ago
Stranger Things Season 5 Set Photos Seemingly Confirm Two Characters' Fates
6 hours ago
Mystery Solved: The Real Reason Taylor Swift Is Avoiding The NFL Spotlight This Season
More from our brands
The 15 Best (Healthy) BL Anime on Crunchyroll
20 Best Anime With Only 12 Episodes
Best LGBTQ+ Anime To Watch
Best Reverse Harem Anime Of All Time
The 35 Best Yuri Anime, Ranked
The Greatest Romance Anime Of All Time, Ranked (April 2025)
The 20 Best BL Anime & Where To Watch Them
Trending Now 1:54
Jeff Bridges Reflects On His 3 Tron Movies In Tron: Ares Bonus Clip
Star Wars Released "The Most Important Episode Of Television This Year," Says Star Trek Series Creator
Hazbin Hotel Season 3's "Fascinating" Fan-Favorite Pairings Teased By Composer
