Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Popular manga debuts as anime; watch out for sexual context.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Komi Can't Communicate
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Parents say the show presents a mix of valuable lessons around social anxiety and acceptance, but it is marred by concerns over inappropriate sexual content and depictions of young characters. While some appreciate its heartfelt storytelling and relevant themes for older teens, many express disappointment over the show's PG rating, arguing it should be classified for mature audiences due to its suggestive themes.
- anxiety depiction
- inappropriate content
- mixed ratings
- educational values
- older teen focus
Summarized with AI
Based on 47 kid reviews
Kids say the show is an adorable yet controversial take on social anxiety, with while many viewers appreciate its heartwarming themes and character development, numerous reviews point out the frequent inappropriate sexual content and fan service that detracts from its wholesome message. Overall, it's seen as suitable for older teens but potentially troubling for younger audiences due to various sexual references and character behaviors.
- wholesome themes
- sexual content
- good character development
- suitable for older teens
- cute and funny
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In KOMI CAN'T COMMUNICATE, Tadano knows he's unpopular, but he's ready to turn over a new leaf as he enters Itan Private High School. On his first day, he speaks to a girl who's got a locker next to his. She, however, completely freezes when she tries to speak with him, flustering Tadano and making him feel at fault. As he gets adjusted to the classroom, he realizes that this mysterious girl is named Komi, and that she has a fear of speaking. He discovers that she has a goal to make 100 new friends at their high school, but the school is filled with quirky teens who are hard to befriend. Will Komi learn to feel at ease? Will Tadano help her meet her 100-friend goal?
Is It Any Good?
Based on a popular Japanese manga series that has a strong following, Komi Can't Communicate delves into issues of social status, social anxiety, and peer acceptance. Fans of manga and anime might be able to see past the objectification and sexualization of high school girls and trans people, but it's hard to ignore the short skirts and tight blouses that the main character, Komi, is wearing. Lewd comments are more overt in the English-subtitled version than the dubbed version, but the message is pretty clear: A teen in a short skirt who is too anxious to speak can be made into a sex object.
A PSA-style announcement in each episode about taking into consideration that some people have social anxiety and have difficulty communicating is just bizarre. It might be well meant, but it's jarring with the sexualized content. Teens and adults can find better animated content to delve into together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about social anxiety and mental wellness in Komi Can't Communicate. Why is Komi so anxious about speaking in front of others? What could adults do to help her?
Komi's inability to speak draws wanted and unwanted attention from her schoolmates. What if she wasn't a conventionally attractive girl? Would she be treated the same way?
How can digital tools help kids and teens deal with mental health issues like social anxiety? Here are some tips.
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 1, 2021
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 8, 2026
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