Monkey

Monkey season 2
Watch Monkey on Nippon TV
Ended
Season 2:
Ended on May 04, 1980
Watched: 0%
0 of 52 Episodes
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Why Watch
"A psychedelic martial arts odyssey where Buddhist philosophy meets high-energy combat and unforgettable characters on a journey to enlightenment."
Tone: Whimsical, Philosophical, Action-Oriented, Campy
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Series Deep Dive:

Originally titled Saiyūki, the 1978 Nippon TV production became a global phenomenon under the name Monkey. This adaptation of the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West blended martial arts choreography with a unique comedic energy that defined cult television for a generation. While the special effects were modest, the chemistry between the central quartet—led by the charismatic Masaaki Sakai—anchored the high-concept fantasy. By introducing Western audiences to Eastern mythology through a campy, action-packed lens, the series secured its place as a cornerstone of international broadcasting history. Its legacy persists through its iconic dubbing and the philosophical undercurrents that remained intact despite the show's frantic pace. Monkey remains a charming, surreal landmark of 1970s television experimentation and storytelling.

Analysis Refined:March 2026
Scheduled next refinement: 403 days
Season: 2
Watched? # Air Date Episode Name
E1 Nov 11, 1979 再出発 天竺への道
E2 Nov 18, 1979 恐怖！猿のワクチン
E3 Nov 25, 1979 賭博妖怪 ミイラ取りがミイラ
E4 Dec 02, 1979 落ちこぼれの恐怖 分数妖怪
E5 Dec 09, 1979 妖異 太陽が二つの国
E6 Dec 16, 1979 オカルト！悪霊の棲む館
E7 Dec 23, 1979 夢の妖怪 幽鬼将軍
E8 Dec 30, 1979 女だらけの化け猫騒動
E9 Jan 07, 1980 地獄極楽宙ぶらりん
E10 Jan 13, 1980 河童の国の悟浄の恋
E11 Jan 20, 1980 毒キノコ 集団記憶喪失
E12 Jan 27, 1980 術競べ 消えた悟空
E13 Feb 03, 1980 人喰い妖怪 若返りの泉
E14 Feb 10, 1980 鬼女妖怪 狙われた新婚夫婦
E15 Feb 17, 1980 黄金妖怪 婿どの買います
E16 Feb 24, 1980 イカレた亭主の弟子入り志願
E17 Mar 02, 1980 泣くな八戒！瞳の中の愛
E18 Mar 09, 1980 悟空叛乱 一人ぼっちの妖怪
E19 Mar 16, 1980 偽西遊記 危機一髪
E20 Mar 28, 1980 燃えた屏風の七福神
E21 Mar 30, 1980 異説 鬼子母神由来記
E22 Apr 06, 1980 妖鬼の山 お転婆姫の恋
E23 Apr 13, 1980 妖術 石仏になった三蔵一行
E24 Apr 20, 1980 青狼魔王 満月への遠吠え
E25 Apr 27, 1980 虎竜魔王 悟空の慕情
E26 May 04, 1980 母上は妖怪か？再び天竺へ
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Series Legacy & Historical Archive

Franchise Status: The original series remains a standalone classic, though it inspired the 2018 Netflix reimagining The New Legends of Monkey.

Monkey remains a definitive pillar of fantasy television, having concluded its influential run on NTV. This cult classic, an adaptation of the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, transcended its Japanese origins to become a global phenomenon particularly in the UK and Australia. Its blend of high-concept Buddhist philosophy, innovative martial arts choreography, and distinctive practical effects created a template for the genre that balanced spiritual depth with campy, high-energy entertainment.

The show remains a rewatch staple because of its unique chemistry among the central pilgrims and its iconic English dubbing which added a layer of whimsical charm. Fans return to the series for its nostalgic atmosphere and the timeless moral lessons embedded in its episodic adventures. By blending ancient mythology with a modern psychedelic aesthetic, it secured a legacy as a trailblazing work that paved the way for future East-to-West media crossovers and remains a beloved touchstone of twentieth-century television history.

Oracle Insights Refined:March 2026
Scheduled next refinement: 364 days

If you liked Monkey:

Technical Details
Network: Nippon TV
Seasons: 2
Years: 1978 - 1980
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Martial Arts
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Frequently Asked Questions

The series was not cancelled due to low ratings but rather concluded because it had reached a natural narrative stopping point after adapting the major arcs of the classic novel. Additionally, the high production costs and the physical demands on the lead actors made sustaining further seasons difficult for the Japanese production company. Although it ended in 1980, its cult status in the West grew significantly through later syndication.

There are two official seasons of the original series, totaling 52 episodes produced between 1978 and 1980. While all episodes aired in Japan, only 39 were initially dubbed into English and broadcast in the UK and Australia during the 1980s. The remaining 13 lost episodes were eventually dubbed by the original voice cast and released years later to complete the collection.

While there are no plans to revive the original 1978 production, the franchise saw a major spiritual successor in the form of The New Legends of Monkey, which premiered on Netflix and ABC in 2018. Various Japanese networks have also produced one-off specials and separate adaptations of the Journey to the West story over the decades. Fans continue to petition for high-definition restorations of the legacy series rather than a direct continuation.

There are no direct narrative spin-offs featuring the same cast, but the show inspired a massive wave of media including the 2006 Japanese series Saiyuki which featured a similar aesthetic. The show also served as a primary creative influence for the Dragon Ball franchise, which reimagined the Monkey King character for a new generation. Because the source material is in the public domain, most related projects are new adaptations rather than official spin-offs.

The series has been released on various DVD box sets over the years, including special editions that include the previously undubbed episodes. Some regional streaming services occasionally host the series, though availability varies significantly by country due to licensing agreements. Many fans rely on specialized cult television distributors to find high-quality physical copies of the complete two-season run.
FAQ Refined:March 2026
Scheduled next refinement: 395 days