Monkey
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Status:
Ended -
Season 2:
Ended on May 04, 1980 -
Watched: 0%
0 of 52 Episodes
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Season: 2
| # | Air Date | Episode Name | Watched? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Nov 11, 1979 | ||
| E2 | Nov 18, 1979 | ||
| E3 | Nov 25, 1979 | ||
| E4 | Dec 02, 1979 | ||
| E5 | Dec 09, 1979 | ||
| E6 | Dec 16, 1979 | ||
| E7 | Dec 23, 1979 | ||
| E8 | Dec 30, 1979 | ||
| E9 | Jan 07, 1980 | ||
| E10 | Jan 13, 1980 | ||
| E11 | Jan 20, 1980 | ||
| E12 | Jan 27, 1980 | ||
| E13 | Feb 03, 1980 | ||
| E14 | Feb 10, 1980 | ||
| E15 | Feb 17, 1980 | ||
| E16 | Feb 24, 1980 | ||
| E17 | Mar 02, 1980 | ||
| E18 | Mar 09, 1980 | ||
| E19 | Mar 16, 1980 | ||
| E20 | Mar 28, 1980 | ||
| E21 | Mar 30, 1980 | ||
| E22 | Apr 06, 1980 | ||
| E23 | Apr 13, 1980 | ||
| E24 | Apr 20, 1980 | ||
| E25 | Apr 27, 1980 | ||
| E26 | May 04, 1980 |
Series Legacy & Historical Archive
Franchise Status:
The original series is strictly closed, though the source material continues to inspire modern reboots and spiritual successors like The New Legends of Monkey.Monkey stands as a monumental pillar of cult television, bridging Eastern mythology with Western pop culture sensibilities. Produced by Nippon TV, this adaptation of Journey to the West found its spark through Masaaki Sakai’s charismatic lead and the whimsical English dubbing. It successfully translated ancient folklore into a colorful, action-packed spectacle that captivated international audiences across the globe.
The series’ cultural DNA is rooted in a vibrant blend of martial arts, philosophical depth, and campy humor. Fans continue to rewatch Monkey for its nostalgic charm and the timeless, universal quest for enlightenment. Its enduring legacy persists in modern media, having paved the way for future fantasy epics. It remains a cherished touchstone for a generation that found magic in its cloud-flying hero and spiritual heart.
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Why Watch:
"Discover why this 1970s Japanese adaptation of Journey to the West became a British cult sensation and how its gender-swapped lead changed television history."Series Analysis:
Nippon TV’s Monkey remains a landmark of late 1970s television, bridging the gap between ancient Eastern mythology and modern global fandom. While the production originated in Japan, the idiosyncratic English dubbing transformed it into a cult phenomenon across the United Kingdom and Australia. The performances of Masaaki Sakai as the irrepressible Monkey King and Masako Natsume as the serene Tripitaka challenged traditional gender roles and narrative structures. Its influence on the martial arts genre is profound, directly impacting the development of major anime properties and live-action fantasy epics. The show’s blend of philosophical depth and campy action ensured its place in the history of cross-cultural media. Given the cyclical nature of these legends, set a reminder for any future announcements regarding revivals or modern reimagining of this classic tale.Tone: Scholarly, nostalgic, and analytical. Last Updated: March 2026
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Network:
Nippon TV -
Seasons:
2 -
Years:
1978 - 1980 -
Genre:
Fantasy, Family, Comedy, Adventure, Action, Martial Arts