The Familiar of Zero (2006)
A magically hopeless student summons a Tokyo teenager as her familiar in this beloved isekai fantasy anime series spanning four seasons.
The Familiar of Zero - Series Information
- Original Title: ゼロの使い魔
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 23 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 49
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 3, 2006 (United States - TV-14), July 3, 2006 (Germany - 12), July 3, 2006 (Australia - M)
- Networks: AT-X, Chiba TV
- Alternative Titles: Zero's Familiar (US), Le Familier du Zero (FR), ゼロの使い魔〜双月の騎士 〜 (JP), 零之使魔F (CN), La magia de Zero (ES), The Familiar of Zero (DE), La magia de Zero (MX)
- Production Companies: J.C.STAFF, Media Factory
- Production Countries: Japan
The Familiar of Zero - Plot
Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière's name is so long and her spell-casting skills are so poor that everyone at the Tristain Academy of Magic just calls her "Louise the Zero." Louise's humiliation only increases during an important second-year test, she inexplicably summons Saito Hiraga, a totally normal teenager from Tokyo. Now she's stuck with him and Saito's stuck with the lousy life of being a familiar.
The Familiar of Zero - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the world of Tristain Academy:
Where to Watch The Familiar of Zero
Looking for where to watch The Familiar of Zero?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Familiar of Zero - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Rie Kugimiya
- Satoshi Hino
- Nanako Inoue
- Yuka Inokuchi
- Yui Horie
- Tetsuo Goto
- Takahiro Sakurai
- Mikako Takahashi
- Ayako Kawasumi
- Takeshi Aono
The Familiar of Zero - FAQs
What is The Familiar of Zero about?
The Familiar of Zero follows Louise, a magically inept student at the Tristain Academy of Magic, who accidentally summons Saito, an ordinary Tokyo teenager, as her magical familiar. The series blends isekai fantasy, comedy, and romance across four seasons as the unlikely pair navigate a world of magic, nobility, and adventure.
Is The Familiar of Zero based on a light novel?
Yes. The Familiar of Zero is adapted from a Japanese light novel series written by Noboru Yamaguchi and illustrated by Eiji Usatsuka. The novels were published by Media Factory from 2004 until Yamaguchi's passing in 2013, with a posthumous final volume completed by a fellow author.
Where can you stream The Familiar of Zero?
Streaming availability for The Familiar of Zero varies by region and platform. You can check current options — including subscription, rental, and purchase services — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for your specific country.
How many seasons does The Familiar of Zero have?
The Familiar of Zero has 4 main seasons plus a collection of specials. Season 1 aired in 2006, Season 2 (Knight of the Twin Moons) in 2007, Season 3 (Rondo of Princesses) in 2008, and Season 4 (Familiar of Zero F) in 2012, totaling 49 episodes across all seasons.
Who voices Louise in The Familiar of Zero?
Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière is voiced by Rie Kugimiya, one of Japan's most celebrated voice actresses, widely known for her iconic tsundere roles. Her energetic, sharp-tongued performance became one of the defining elements of the series and helped cement her reputation in anime.
What is the content rating for The Familiar of Zero?
The Familiar of Zero is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains mild fantasy violence, comedic fan-service elements, and some suggestive humor consistent with the shonen light novel source material.
When did The Familiar of Zero first air?
The Familiar of Zero first aired on July 3, 2006, in Japan on AT-X and Chiba TV. The series concluded in 2012 with its fourth and final season, Familiar of Zero F, making it a franchise that spanned six years of broadcast history.
What anime series are similar to The Familiar of Zero?
Fans of The Familiar of Zero often enjoy Date A Live, Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches, Riddle Story of Devil, and Dusk Maiden of Amnesia — all of which share similar harem, fantasy, or magic-school elements. Lucky Star and Kanon also appeal to viewers who enjoy the broader J.C.STAFF anime style.
More About The Familiar of Zero
Explore further details about The Familiar of Zero on these authoritative databases: