Watch Thermae Romae Novae

Thermae Romae Novae is a lovingly-crafted Netflix original anime series, released in 2022, that straddles the enchanting gap between comedy and historical fiction. Stemming from Mari Yamazaki's acclaimed manga and anime series of the same name, the new adaptation carries forward the legacy while injecting it with 21st-century animation techniques and production values.

The series revolves around Lucius, a Roman architect from the reign of Emperor Adrian, who happens to be obsessed with the Roman tradition of bathhouses, also known as 'thermae.' Championing the noble art of bath engineering, Lucius always strives to create the ultimate relaxing environment for his fellow Romans. His passion for bathhouses and his dedication to improving his craft submerge him in unexpected time travel, whisking him away to modern-day Japan.

Thermae Romae Novae is a mesmerizing interplay between two time periods, offering the audience a juxtaposition of the grandeur of ancient Roman culture and the bustling serenity of contemporary Japan. The series skillfully leverages this contrast to deliver comedy, insight into differing cultures' ways of life, and an understanding of the rich traditions of baths in both societies.

The new iteration energizes the screen with vivid colors and finely detailed visuals that bring both ancient Rome and modern Japan to life. It skillfully combines the appeal of anime with architecture, culture, and history, producing a unique concoction that is both informative and entertaining.

Lucius Modecatus Firmus, our protagonist, is a hardworking and charismatic character whose love for Roman baths is unparalleled. He, however, constantly struggles to come up with new ideas to maintain his relevance as an architect in the constantly evolving world of thermae. His world changes when he discovers a hidden tunnel in a bath that takes him to a contemporary Japanese bathhouse.

Lucius is taken aback by Japan's sophisticated bathhouse culture –– complete with fruit milk, step-stools, bath stools, and relaxing shallow baths. Each of his many visits to the future brings novel ideas and inspiration, allowing him to revolutionize the Roman bathhouse scene. The hilarity ensues from Lucius attributing these borrowed ideas as divine inspiration to the Romans, who are unknowing of his extraordinary journeys.

While Thermae Romae Novae is loaded with comedy, it also does a remarkable job of utilizing the concept of time-travel to shed light on the remarkable similarity and harmonization between ancient Roman and Japanese bathing cultures. Despite the thousands of years and miles of distance separating these societies, the series highlights how their common love for communal bathing represents a striking parallel.

Thermae Romae Novae also features several side-characters who help bring depth and richness to the storyline. These characters, ranging from the supportive and practical-minded friend of Lucius, Marcus, to the disciplined and career-focused Emperor Hadrian, each have their unique charm and quirks that add to the humor and drama of the series.

The bathhouse, inherently a place of relaxation and tranquility, becomes a backdrop for exhilaration and amusement, stirring in a fresh blend of humor. On one side, we have the grand Roman thermae, symbolizing a setting for extravagant enjoyment and social interaction. On the other hand, we find the humble but high-tech Japanese public bathing facilities. The exchange of cultural norms provides the key narrative twist, making the storyline refreshingly original.

Beyond just the extravagant baths and the jovial comedy, Thermae Romae Novae is also a tale of personal growth and discovery. As Lucius navigates through time and culture, he gradually realizes the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness, two virtues that are as much pertinent in architecture as they are in life itself.

The innovative narrative, timeless humor, and deep historical resonances give Thermae Romae Novae a charming appeal that extends beyond just anime fans to attract a diverse audience base. Whether you're an art lover, a history enthusiast, or just someone looking for an entertaining watch with a fitting dose of light-hearted humor and engaging visuals, this anime series promises a glorious and insightful viewing experience. Thermae Romae Novae is a unique gem of a show that beautifully bathes in the light of culture, history, and a shared human experience.

Thermae Romae Novae is a series that ran for 1 seasons (11 episodes) between March 27, 2022 and on Netflix