When its a Battle Shounen with Manga(ka), Bakuman is a great 10/10 series. Whenever the focus is solely on Mangaka trying to improve and compete with each other, I greatly enjoyed the series and learned a lot about the Manga Industry, specifically the works of big Shounen Magazines like Jump. This is also when the character drama is at its best, since they are carried by the story. I also greatly enjoy that we don't have "a bad guy" but a bunch of rivals trying to compete and get better. Great stuff!
However, the enjoyment greatly drops down to 4/6 or even 1/10 when the series shifts to romance, which sadly plays a bigger role than expected. Most of the romance is badly written and the premise of the main-couple is downright frustrating, though it does get better in Season 2. My favorite characters are all side characters that don't get a lot of development, while really frustrating and irritating cast members get way too much spotlight (I am talking about you, neckbeard-Mangaka.)
Also, one arc made me rate the series down from 7 to 5: The one where the series tackles overworking. This is such a big problem in the industry (and Japan itself) that I cannot really forgive a semi-positive potrayal of a Mangaka pushing their mental and physical health to maintain weekly serialization. The editor who rightly opposed that practice was framed as the bad guy, and I truely cannot grasp the lack of conclusion. The lesson should've been "you should take better care of yourself" and not "draw in the hospital to show your resolve".
All that said, I think Bakuman is great to watch for the insight into the industry & the Battle Shounen part. Sadly everytime the focus shifts away from Manga Bakuman was becoming increasingly frustrating to watch.
