Tuesday’s anime lineup has become a highlight of my week, offering a diverse mix of genres and storytelling styles. From post-apocalyptic hospitality to heartwarming sports tales, each series brings something unique to the table. In this week’s reviews, I delve into the latest episodes of four standout shows, sharing my thoughts and impressions.

The four Tuesday Seasonal anime are:

Here are the four seasonal Tuesday anime that are airing, and I’m watching and reviewing them on Wednesdays. Each title below is linked to its respective section, so feel free to jump straight to the one you’re following or most curious about:

1. Apocalypse Hotel (4/5)
2. Catch Me at the Ballpark! (4/5)
3. Once Upon a Witch’s Death (4/5)
4. The Shiunji Family Children (4/5)

I am honestly surprised these all scored a solid 4/5. This lineup may shift as the season progresses. Some shows might drop off, and others could be added. Each week is a little different, and that’s part of the fun!

The scores you see above reflect my overall impressions of the latest episode I watched for each anime. In the sections that follow, I’ll break down what stood out (for better or worse), from story progression and animation quality to character development and emotional impact.

Let’s dive into the episode impressions!

Apocalypse Hotel

• Episode 2: Tradition Evolves With Innovation and Experimentation
• Release date: 15 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
  • Hilarious, heartfelt, and quietly heartbreaking

Yachiyo truly goes above and beyond to ensure her guests have the best stay possible, even if they’re plant-based lifeforms who don’t speak any known language or understand the concept of money. This episode was a surprisingly emotional roller coaster, starting with the excitement of finally welcoming the inn’s first guest in over a century, only to crash into the quiet devastation of realising her mentor may never return, and that humanity might be gone for good. Poor Yachiyo… she’s doing everything on her own, trying to keep the heart of the hotel alive while adapting to a world that no longer works by familiar rules. And yet, in the middle of all that, this show still managed to be really funny, the “Creation of Adam” reference was unexpectedly hilarious, and the checker robot threatening to kill the guest (and spouting nonsense) might be one of my favourite moments so far. The attempts at communication with the alien guest were both endearing and confusing, and that was the point. We, as the audience, were just as unsure as Yachiyo. It created this lovely mirroring of perspective that made the experience feel deeply immersive. I appreciated how even a simple tea ceremony could become a cultural bridge, or how Yachiyo managed to “charge” for the stay using coins she found on the street; it’s those tiny, earnest details that make this show so oddly touching. I’m genuinely curious about the strange biotic sample Yachiyo received, but for now, I’m content to watch her upgrade herself one mission at a time, yes, even if that includes a new water kettle function. The animation was charming, the backgrounds atmospheric, and the tone somehow managed to balance melancholic wonder with surreal humour. This episode made it clear: even in a post-human world, there are still moments worth cherishing, for both the guests and the innkeeper. Beautiful, strange, and oddly hopeful.

Verdict: A beautiful blend of melancholy and miscommunication that turns existential dread into something quietly hopeful and weirdly heartwarming.

Catch Me at the Ballpark!

• Episode 3: The Goddess of Baseball? / The Invincible Mascot / Rah! Rah! Rah!
• Release date: 15 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
  • Wholesome vibes, big laughs, and a mystery mascot with main character energy

This episode really just reaffirmed how much I enjoy this show’s easygoing, feel-good energy. I know it’s not trying to be the most groundbreaking series out there, but it’s such a comfy watch, something you can put on and just feel happy. The character eyecatch image filling in each week as new faces are introduced is such a nice touch, and I noticed it again this time with a smile. “Rah! Rah! Rah!” was hands down my favourite segment; it had the right mix of pep and hilarity. Dennis Young absolutely cracked me up. The man saw Ruriko, fell in love instantly, and signed a one-year extension like Japan was suddenly the place to be. I love that the show doesn’t just focus on the flashy parts of sports, but also on the hardworking support crew, like the vendor girls making keg pit stops behind the scenes. It’s wild how much effort goes into creating a good experience for fans. Murata’s boss pulling that deadline stunt after hours was a real jerk move, but Ruriko being her sweet, slightly awkward self and trying to cheer him up was honestly so heartwarming. Her reaction when she hit her quota had me cheering too, go Ruriko! Dennis calling her a “baseball goddess” might’ve been dramatic, but honestly, I get it. That said, the real MVP might be the mascot. Not only does he drop sage advice like a love guru disguised in fur, but he also saved a kid from a rogue ball with superhero reflexes. I really appreciate that the show gives us a mix of personalities and perspectives. That variety makes it even more refreshing to watch.

Verdict: Another winning episode. Whether it’s vending drama, baseball crushes, or mascot mysteries, this show delivers humour, heart, and a surprising amount of depth under the stadium lights.

Once Upon a Witch’s Death

• Episode 3: Wisdom Visits From the East
• Release date: 15 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
  • Poetic, chaotic, and unexpectedly emotional

Inori definitely left an impression this week, she’s mysterious, graceful, and surprisingly goofy, holding the title of “Witch of Wisdom” but also somehow radiating older sister energy rather than all-knowing sage. Her dynamic with Meg was a highlight, and their chemistry really made the episode shine. If Faust is the stern but loving guardian, Inori feels like the cool older sister who actually gets Meg and can meet her on an emotional level. Their late-night chat under the stars was one of the show’s most touching scenes so far, especially with Meg starting to feel the weight of her limited time and losing hope. Inori reminding her of the beauty still left to see in the world was so soft and quietly profound, it pretty much hit. That said, I was not ready for Meg to straight-up say Inori’s feet stank. The balance of light comedy and underlying existential dread worked well, with Meg’s procrastination and tomfoolery slowly revealing themselves as a way of coping with her own mortality. I appreciated how this episode stepped back from Meg being the helper and gave her space to be encouraged instead. Also, shoutout to the worldbuilding this week, it’s quietly growing in the background with talk of climate change, strange tech, and ritual magic systems that make the setting feel way richer than expected. We even got a glimpse of Sophie, another genius witch stepping in for Faust, beautiful, but with eyes that are eerily unreadable. This episode is my favourite of the season so far.

Verdict: A standout episode that finds heart in quiet moments and humour in unexpected places. Inori’s intro was memorable, Meg’s growth is starting to hit, and the world is slowly opening up in beautiful, bittersweet ways.

The Shiunji Family Children

• Episode 2: Now What
• Release date: 15 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
  • Arata’s calm maturity continues to carry this sibling-chaos romcom, with strong character moments and subtle emotional depth.

Arata’s really doing his best to live a normal, peaceful life, but his sisters seem determined to make that nearly impossible. This episode did a great job of showing how he’s trying to navigate this increasingly chaotic household with maturity, especially when Kotono put him in an extremely awkward situation. Whether her feelings are genuine or just confused, stepping into the shower and confessing wasn’t it, and Arata handled it with the kind of grace and clarity that most romcom leads completely lack. He shut it down firmly but gently, and honestly, good for him. I’m actually enjoying Arata a lot as a protagonist. Yes, he has those blushy monologues that come with the romcom territory, but he’s smart, calm, and you can tell he’s trying to do the right thing in a pretty overwhelming situation. Each of the sisters is starting to show a bit more personality now, and it was nice to see Arata spend individual time with them. Minami especially stood out; her calm presence felt like a breath of fresh air amidst the emotional chaos. Seiha feels like a wildcard, and that final moment with her made me a little uneasy; it’s hard to tell what direction her story might go. Banri, meanwhile, continues to feel like she’s playing a longer game, especially after her private chat with their father. It’s intriguing, and I’m curious to see what she’s really thinking. With great production values, a likeable cast, and a surprisingly grounded lead, this show is actually shaping up to be a solid rom-com, maybe not groundbreaking, but definitely easy to enjoy, even if the main premise is questionable. Fingers crossed they don’t derail it with any sudden nonsense, because right now it’s got a really nice balance going. I also enjoyed watching Minami make up with Ouka over the AirPod fight from episode one. A nice added continuity point outside of the ‘big’ reveal from episode one.

Verdict: A solid, character-driven episode with good pacing and a reliable main character steering the chaos. Emotional, funny, and keeping the tone in check, this romcom is warming up nicely.

Final Thoughts on this week’s Tuesday releases

Apocalypse Hotel continues to impress with its unique blend of humour and melancholy. Episode 2 delved deeper into Yachiyo’s challenges as she strives to maintain the hotel’s legacy amidst a post-human world. The introduction of an alien guest who communicates in an entirely foreign manner added layers of complexity and charm to the narrative. The episode masterfully balanced comedic elements, like the “Creation of Adam” reference, with poignant moments highlighting Yachiyo’s solitude and resilience. The animation remains captivating, and the storytelling evokes a sense of hope amidst desolation.​

Catch Me at the Ballpark! delivered another heartwarming episode that celebrates the unsung heroes behind the scenes. The focus on vendor girls and their dedication added depth to the storyline. Dennis Young’s character arc took a delightful turn, showcasing how personal connections can reignite passion. The mysterious mascot continues to intrigue, offering sage advice and unexpected heroics. The show’s ability to intertwine humour, romance, and social commentary makes it a standout in the sports anime genre.​

Once Upon a Witch’s Death took a more introspective approach this week. The introduction of Inori, the “Witch of Wisdom,” provided a fresh dynamic to Meg’s journey. Their interactions oscillated between comedic banter and profound discussions about life’s fleeting nature. The episode subtly explored themes of mortality, purpose, and the importance of cherishing moments. The world-building continues to expand, hinting at deeper magical systems and societal structures.​

The Shiunji Family Children navigated the complexities of familial bonds and romantic tensions. Arata’s composed demeanour amidst the chaos of newfound revelations about his siblings’ relationships was commendable. The episode delved into individual character arcs, shedding light on their motivations and insecurities. While the premise treads on controversial grounds, the narrative handles it with a mix of humour and sensitivity, ensuring character development remains at the forefront.

Tuesday’s Anime I Am Most Looking Forward to Next Week:

Once Upon a Witch’s Death has piqued my interest for the upcoming week. The evolving dynamics between Meg and the newly introduced characters, especially Inori, promise deeper explorations into the show’s magical lore and emotional depth. I’m eager to see how Meg’s journey unfolds, particularly with the hints of upcoming festivals and rituals that could significantly impact her quest.

Any, I’m considering binge-watching instead of watching weekly or dropping outright?

At this juncture, all four Tuesday anime have maintained consistent quality and engagement. However, the Shiunji Family Children is on my radar for potential binge-watching. While the weekly episodes offer intriguing developments, consuming multiple episodes in succession might provide a more cohesive understanding of character dynamics and overarching themes. That said, unless there’s a noticeable dip in narrative quality, I plan to continue with the weekly format for all.

Still Waters, Strange Worlds: Spotlight on This Week’s Header Image

This week’s header image is a screenshot of the swimming pool from Apocalypse Hotel. I picked this shot because it perfectly captures the show’s quietly surreal mood: beautiful, still, and just a little eerie. The soft ripples, the tiled floor beneath, and the way light dances across the surface all give off a peaceful, almost meditative vibe. But when you remember, Apocalypse Hotel takes place in a post-human world where a robot innkeeper hosts alien guests? That calmness takes on an entirely different meaning. It’s a scene that says so much with so little: a lingering trace of humanity in a world that’s moved on.

And honestly, the water just looked really pretty too.

What have been your thoughts on Tuesday’s anime releases? Are you following along with the season?

Follow along with Tuesday’s anime releases here: