Before continuing with my review I should probably clarify that the reason I hate the majority of yaoi/shounen-ai is because its almost tailor-made for the "female gaze" (and I'm saying this as a heterosexual female). The characters personalities and their development exist solely within their relationship. Said relationship is also hypersexualized to the point of absurdity to appease the female viewers and the homosexuality is fetishized to hell and back. Not to mention that said relationships meet practically none of criteria of a healthy romantic connection. This fetishization even leaks into other shows in the form of queerbaiting, showing just enough to imply a sexual relationship for those that want to see it, while outright denying any actual queer representation.
Yuri on Ice exceeds my expectations by subverting and countering both of these things. Not only are Yuri and Victor confirmed on screen as a couple, their relationship is beautifully done. They have a genuinely healthy romance that is a major focus of the story without being the only aspect of it. Both characters are well developed and have their own agency both within and outside of their relationship, which is something that media has problems showing even in heterosexual romances.
This brings us to the characterization, which in my opinion is phenomenal. Yuri and Victor are, as I mentioned, fully realized and multi-faceted characters. Unlike many other shows, this also extends to the other characters. Yurio is just as well developed and shows just as much evolution as a person as the main couple. Even the side characters, although not as developed as the main trio, are multifaceted: they all have their own goals and personalities, without relying on 1 dimensional tropes (yes, even Chris). I would also like to add that I love how none of the characters fit the stereotypical "rival who sabotages others to get ahead" role because the character reactions feel so much more genuine and realistic.
In terms of the "sports" bit of the sports anime, I am not an authority on figure skating. Besides watching bits of the Olympics, this show is basically my only source. However, the show has gotten a lot of positive views from actual professional skaters, so I'm gonna take their word in terms of the accuracy of the portrayal.
If the amazing characterizations and relationships weren't enough, the aesthetics are also great. The designs are good, and animation looks really fluid (not perfect but we sadly cant have an infinite budget. Itll be touched up more for the DVD release anyway), the competition outfits eyecatching (Yurio's are my personal favorite), the scenery is well done (and a lot of them are real places), and the art style and movement in the opening is gorgeous (I like watercolor and ink type art way too much).
Speaking of the opening, it was stuck in my head for like a week. The opening and ending songs are so good and the music used in the skating routines is just as good and fits amazingly with the animation.
TLDR: Yuri on Ice has a wide array of amazingly well developed characters and interactions, does a great job showing a healthy non-fetishized queer romance, the animation and designs are aesthetic goals, the music is beautiful, and the show surpassed all of my expectations and I love it so much for it.
