Watch Hayate the Combat Butler!

Hayate the Combat Butler! is an anime series from Sentai Filmworks that premiered in 2007 and ran until 2008. The show revolves around the life of a young and unlucky boy named Hayate Ayasaki. Despite being only 16 years old, Hayate is forced to take on the role of an adult and become the breadwinner of his family after his parents abandoned him and left him with a massive debt.

One fateful day, Hayate runs into a mysterious girl named Nagi Sanzenin, who is the heiress to a vast fortune. When Hayate saves her from kidnappers, Nagi decides to hire him as her butler in exchange for paying off his debt. Hayate quickly becomes accustomed to his new life as a butler and tries his best to serve Nagi and her family, even though their eccentricities often complicate matters.

Throughout the series, Hayate finds himself entangled in various wacky situations, from battling robots to participating in a survival game on a deserted island. Along the way, he also encounters a colorful cast of characters, including Maria, the professional and kindhearted maid who serves as Nagi's caretaker, and Hinagiku Katsura, a talented and popular student who becomes a close friend of Hayate's.

Despite the comedy and lighthearted tone, Hayate the Combat Butler! also touches on some serious themes such as loneliness, loss, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. Hayate often reflects on his past and his feelings of inadequacy, and he sometimes questions whether he is truly happy with his new life as a butler.

However, the show does an excellent job of balancing the serious moments with humor and heartwarming scenes. Hayate's determination to make the best of his situation and his unwavering loyalty to Nagi and her family are both endearing and inspiring.

The voice acting in Hayate the Combat Butler! is superb, with Rie Kugimiya bringing Hayate to life with his trademark deadpan humor and occasionally emotional outbursts. Rie Tanaka is also excellent as Maria, providing a soothing and motherly presence even in the midst of chaos. Meanwhile, Mikako Takahashi injects energy and spunk into the role of Hinagiku, making her a standout character in the series.

In terms of animation, Hayate the Combat Butler! is colorful and lively, with exaggerated expressions and over-the-top action sequences. The character designs are unique and memorable, particularly in the case of Nagi, who is often seen wearing a variety of adorable costumes and outfits.

Overall, Hayate the Combat Butler! is an enjoyable and heartwarming anime series that balances humor and drama masterfully. With memorable characters, excellent voice acting, and charming animation, it's easy to see why the show has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years.