The Ordinary People

1993·Show
11Episodes in1Season
86
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Ordinary People fingerprint

Big heart, strong craft, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension5
  • Fast Pace4
  • Adrenaline2

Heart

Deeply romantic and moving

Much of it is about growing up and family.

  • Coming of Age10
  • Romance9
  • Pathos8

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Cringe Humor4
  • Situational Comedy3

World

Growing up, everyday modern life, and family

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • Dialogue Centrality9
  • World Immersion8
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout characters, performances, and dialogue

  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8
  • Dialogue Quality8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Music Composition7
  • Music Centrality7
  • Cinematography6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want fast pacing

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About

Upon entering college, Narumi forms the Asunaro Group along with four other boys and girls. In time, she starts to date Tamotsu, whom she felt attracted to when she first saw him at the entrance exam. Although the two are happy together at first, their very different backgrounds cause them gradually to fall out and ultimately break up. Immediately following the break up, a member of the group dies a terrible death, and this brings the group to an end. The members go their separate ways, but Narumi and Tamotsu do not forget each other. Four years later, when the group reunites on the anniversary of the death of their friend, Tamotsu proposes to Narumi. The story follows the Asunaro Group members’ growth into adulthood as they struggle with the boundary between friendship and love, deal with bitter experiences, and find love for the first time.
Youthful RomanceEmotional Coming-of-AgeFriendship & BetrayalBittersweet DramaCharacter-Driven NarrativeJapanese College LifeSlow Burn RelationshipsPathos-filled JourneyHeartfelt & Reflective

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Ordinary People

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Ordinary People legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Ordinary People in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is The Ordinary People worth watching?

86
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 87/100 (IMDb 7.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

How many seasons does The Ordinary People have?

1 season

It has 1 season with 11 episodes.

When did The Ordinary People air?

It ran from 1993 to 1993 and has ended.

What language is The Ordinary People in?

Japanese

It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.

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