Dirty Pair (1985)
The wildly entertaining anime that proved saving the universe and blowing most of it up are not mutually exclusive.
Dirty Pair - Series Information
- Original Title: ダーティペア
- First Air Year: 1985
- Last Air Year: 1985
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 15, 1985 (Canada - 18+), July 15, 1985 (Australia - MA 15+), July 15, 1985 (Brazil - 16)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Production Companies: SUNRISE
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: 银河女警花 (CN), Dan et Dany (FR), Dirty Pair (JP), 棘手拍档 (TW), 더티페어 (KR), Dirty Pair (US)
Dirty Pair - Plot
The semi-coherent adventures of two teenage intergalactic private eyes, Kei and Yuri. Members of Trouble Consultant team 234, their code name is 'Lovely Angels'. However, they're better known – universe-wide, in fact – as the 'Dirty Pair', a moniker they're not fond of. Their arrival at the scene is always a source of hope and dread, since they always solve the case, but wherever they go, something gets destroyed, up to and including entire planets. Luckily for them – but not so much for the universe – there's typically some extenuating circumstances that support their oft-uttered phrase, "It's not our fault".
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Dirty Pair - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kyoko Tongu
- Saeko Shimazu
- Ikuya Sawaki
- Shin Mori
- Jurota Kosugi
- Kazue Komiya
- Sayuri Ikemoto
- Shunsuke Shima
- Takaya Hashi
- Yumi Touma
Writers
- Kazunori Ito
- Toshiki Inoue
Dirty Pair - FAQs
Is Dirty Pair based on a light novel or manga?
Dirty Pair is based on a series of science fiction light novels by Haruka Takachiho, first published in 1979. The novels introduced Kei and Yuri as the iconic 'Lovely Angels' duo, and the 1985 anime adaptation by SUNRISE brought their chaotic intergalactic adventures to a much wider audience.
Why are Kei and Yuri called the Dirty Pair?
Despite their official code name 'Lovely Angels', Kei and Yuri earned the nickname 'Dirty Pair' from a universe that grew weary of the collateral damage they leave behind. They always complete their missions, but the resulting explosions, crashes, and occasional planetary destruction make the nickname stick — much to their frustration.
Where can you stream Dirty Pair online?
Dirty Pair is available to stream on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel with a subscription. If you prefer free viewing, both Pluto TV and Retrocrush offer the series with ads. Availability may vary by region, so check your local options for the most current access.
What makes Dirty Pair stand out among 1980s anime?
Dirty Pair was ahead of its time in centering two competent, irreverent female protagonists in a genre dominated by male leads. Its blend of slapstick comedy, sci-fi action, and self-aware humor gave it a distinct personality that influenced later action-comedy anime and earned it a devoted cult following worldwide.
How many episodes does Dirty Pair have?
The main series consists of 24 episodes, which aired in 1985. Beyond the core season, there are also 14 additional special episodes collected in Season 0, bringing the total content available to fans considerably higher and extending the adventures of Kei and Yuri well past the original broadcast run.
Who are the voice actresses behind Kei and Yuri?
Kei is voiced by Kyoko Tongu and Yuri by Saeko Shimazu — a pairing that became iconic in Japanese animation. Both actresses brought distinct energy to their roles, with Tongu's brash, hot-headed Kei perfectly complementing Shimazu's cooler, more fashion-conscious Yuri, making the duo one of anime's most beloved partnerships.
Is Dirty Pair worth watching for modern anime fans?
Absolutely worth a look. Dirty Pair holds up remarkably well as a fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly self-aware series. Its episodic format makes it easy to dip into, and the chemistry between Kei and Yuri remains genuinely entertaining. Fans of action-comedy anime or retro sci-fi will find plenty to enjoy across its 24 episodes.
What anime series are similar to Dirty Pair?
If you enjoy Dirty Pair's mix of action, comedy, and chaotic heroines, Urusei Yatsura and Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt offer a similar irreverent energy. Strike Witches shares the action-focused female ensemble dynamic, while Kinnikuman captures the same era's love of absurd, high-energy storytelling with a comedic twist.
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