Kakkou no Iinazuke

A Couple of Cuckoos

Characters

Sachi Umino

MAIN

Erika Amano

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Hiro Segawa

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Nagi Umino

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Shion Asuma

SUPPORTING

Yonezawa

SUPPORTING

Takahashi

SUPPORTING

Ritsuko Amano

SUPPORTING

Asami Segawa

SUPPORTING

Souichirou Amano

SUPPORTING

Shibata

SUPPORTING

Namie Umino

SUPPORTING

Youhei Umino

SUPPORTING

Playboy A

BACKGROUND

Ai

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Kankoshi

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Sousuke Amano

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Playboy C

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Sachi no Tomodachi C

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Classmate A

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Sachi no Tomodachi A

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Meshitsukai

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Driver

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Stalker B

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Tannin no Sensei

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A Couple of Cuckoos Season 1: A Rom-Com Rollercoaster That’s Anything But Ordinary

Alright, let’s talk about A Couple of Cuckoos Season 1, the anime that swooped into the Spring 2022 lineup like a cheeky bird stealing your heart (and maybe your sanity). If you’re a fan of romantic comedies with a side of chaos, this show is your jam. Adapted from Miki Yoshikawa’s manga, it’s a vibrant, messy, and downright hilarious take on love, identity, and the absurdity of arranged marriages. I binged it, laughed way too hard, and now I’m here to spill the tea on why this anime is a must-watch.

The Wild Premise That Hooks You Instantly

Picture this: Nagi Umino, a 17-year-old brainiac who lives for good grades, finds out he was switched at birth. Yeah, switched at birth—like something straight out of a soap opera. On his way to meet his biological parents, he runs into Erika Amano, a sassy Instagram star who’s dodging an arranged marriage by faking a suicide attempt (don’t worry, it’s played for laughs). Nagi, being the good guy he is, saves her, only to get roped into pretending to be her boyfriend. Sounds like a quirky meet-cute, right? Wrong. The plot twists faster than a TikTok trend when they discover they’re the ones who were swapped at birth and their parents want them to get married to “fix” the mix-up.

This setup is bonkers, and that’s what makes it so addictive. The show doesn’t pretend to be realistic—it leans into the absurdity and runs with it. Nagi and Erika are forced to live together, sparking a whirlwind of misunderstandings, awkward moments, and some seriously funny banter. Add in Nagi’s crush on the brilliant Hiro Segawa and his adoptive sister Sachi’s weirdly possessive vibes, and you’ve got a recipe for rom-com chaos.

Characters You’ll Love (or Love to Roll Your Eyes At)

The heart of A Couple of Cuckoos is its cast, and oh boy, do they deliver. Nagi is the straight-laced nerd we all secretly root for. He’s not your typical harem protagonist who trips into every girl’s lap—he’s driven, a little awkward, and genuinely trying to navigate this mess. Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa, Nagi’s dry sarcasm and occasional freak-outs are pure gold.

Then there’s Erika, played by Akari Kitô, who’s like a human glitter bomb. She’s spoiled, loud, and unapologetically extra, but her vulnerability peeks through just enough to make you care. At first, I thought she’d annoy me, but her growth from a self-absorbed influencer to someone who genuinely cares about Nagi and Sachi won me over.

Hiro Segawa (Nao Tôyama) is the wildcard—top of her class, cool as a cucumber, and Nagi’s dream girl. She’s not just a love interest; her competitive streak and subtle quirks keep you guessing. And Sachi? She’s Nagi’s younger sister (not by blood, which the show loves to remind us), and her clingy, jealous energy adds a layer of spicy drama that’s equal parts uncomfortable and hilarious.

The supporting cast, from the clueless parents to random classmates, keeps the energy high. Everyone feels distinct, and the voice acting is top-notch, bringing Yoshikawa’s zany characters to life.

Animation and Music That Pop

Shin-Ei Animation and SynergySP did a solid job with the visuals. The colors are bright, the character designs are crisp, and the comedic timing is on point—think exaggerated facial expressions and perfectly timed sweat drops. It’s not Demon Slayer-level animation, but it doesn’t need to be. The art matches the show’s playful vibe, with little details like Erika’s Instagram-worthy outfits stealing the show.

The soundtrack is catchy, with the opening theme “Dekoboko” by Sumika setting the tone for the wild ride. The ending, “Shikaku Unmei” by Sangatsu no Phantasia, is a softer vibe that hits you right in the feels after all the chaos. Both songs are stuck in my head as I type this, so thanks for that, Cuckoos.

Why It Stands Out in the Rom-Com Crowd

Look, rom-com anime aren’t exactly rare. Harem shows? Even less so. But A Couple of Cuckoos feels fresh because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The switched-at-birth trope could’ve been melodramatic, but the show plays it for laughs, using it as a springboard for absurd situations. It’s self-aware enough to poke fun at its own clichés—like Nagi’s harem slowly forming around him—while still delivering heartfelt moments.

The humor is another big win. Whether it’s Erika’s over-the-top schemes or Nagi’s deadpan reactions, the gags land more often than not. My favorite episode has to be when Erika tries to “help” Nagi study, only for it to devolve into a comedy of errors. The show also balances its slapstick with quieter scenes, like Nagi and Erika bonding over late-night snacks, that make you root for them (even if they’re not ready to admit they’re a good match).

Sure, it’s not perfect. The pacing drags in a few episodes, especially early on, as the show sets up its sprawling cast. And the harem elements? They’re fun, but if you’re tired of every girl falling for the same guy, you might roll your eyes a bit. Still, the chemistry between Nagi and Erika keeps things grounded, and the second half of the 24-episode season really hits its stride.

Themes That Sneak Up on You

Under all the laughs, A Couple of Cuckoos touches on some real stuff. Nagi’s struggle to define his identity after learning he was switched at birth adds depth to his character. Erika’s fight for independence from her controlling parents makes her more than just a spoiled rich girl. Even Sachi’s jealousy hints at her fear of losing her brother. The show doesn’t dwell on these themes, but they’re there, giving the story a bit of weight without killing the vibe.

It’s also a love letter to messy relationships. Nobody in this show has it all figured out—not the teens, not the parents, not even the side characters. And that’s what makes it relatable. Who hasn’t felt torn between what they want and what everyone else expects?

The Verdict: A Chaotic Delight

A Couple of Cuckoos Season 1 is like a perfectly blended smoothie—sweet, a little tangy, and just the right amount of weird. It’s not reinventing the rom-com wheel, but it doesn’t need to. With its wild premise, lovable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, it’s a binge-worthy escape that left me hyped for Season 2 (set to drop July 8, 2025, by the way).

If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted but with enough drama to keep you hooked, give this anime a shot. You can stream it on Crunchyroll, and trust