Cells at Work! is a unique and wildly popular anime that turns the complex world of human biology into a thrilling workplace comedy and action series. Imagine your body as a massive, bustling city. The cells are the hardworking citizens, with a clumsy but earnest Red Blood Cell delivering oxygen and a stoic White Blood Cell fiercely battling pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
Whether you’re a gamer who appreciates well-designed systems or an anime fan looking for something fresh, this series delivers. But with a main story, a second season, and a darker spin-off, you might be wondering about the perfect watch order. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
The Recommended Watch Order for Cells at Work!
For the most coherent and impactful viewing experience, we recommend following the release order, starting with the main series. This allows you to understand the core concepts in a fun, light-hearted setting before diving into the grittier spin-off.
Here is the optimal viewing sequence:
Cells at Work! (Season 1)
Cells at Work! OVA / Special Episode
Cells at Work!! (Season 2)
Cells at Work! Code Black (Spin-off)
Let’s break down each part of the series.
Phase 1: The Main Series (The Healthy Body)
This is the core of the franchise, set inside a healthy, well-functioning body. It’s your starting point for meeting the iconic characters and learning the basics of their world.
1. Cells at Work! (Season 1)
Japanese Title: Hataraku Saibou!
Release Date: July – September 2018
Episodes: 13
This is the essential starting point. Season 1 introduces you to the main characters: Red Blood Cell AE3803 and White Blood Cell U-1146. Each episode is a self-contained story where the cells face a new threat, such as pneumonia bacteria, influenza viruses, or pollen allergies. It’s a perfect blend of comedy, action, and education that establishes the rules of this biological universe.
2. Cells at Work! OVA / Special Episode
Japanese Title: Hataraku Saibou!: Kaze Shoukun (Cells at Work!: The Common Cold)
Release Date: December 2018
Often considered episode 13.5 or 14, this special episode focuses on the common cold. It’s a great bridge between Season 1 and Season 2, as it introduces the character of the Young T-Cell and shows his development, which becomes more relevant later on.
3. Cells at Work!! (Season 2)
Japanese Title: Hataraku Saibou!!
Release Date: January – February 2021
Episodes: 8
Season 2 continues the story directly from the first season. It delves deeper into the lives of the cells, featuring new threats like Helicobacter pylori bacteria, hemorrhagic shock, and even acne. The character development, especially for the Memory Cell and the T-Cells, is a key focus of this season.
Phase 2: The Spin-Off (The Unhealthy Body)
After you’re familiar with how a body should work, it’s time to see the other side of the coin.
4. Cells at Work! Code Black
Japanese Title: Hataraku Saibou Black
Release Date: January – March 2021 (Aired concurrently with Season 2)
Episodes: 13
Warning: This is not the cheerful world of the main series. Code Black is a parallel story set in a different, severely stressed body plagued by an unhealthy lifestyle—think smoking, excessive drinking, poor diet, and high stress. The tone is dark, gritty, and mature.
Follow a new Red Blood Cell (AA2153) and a female White Blood Cell (U-1196) as they struggle to survive in a system on the brink of collapse, dealing with issues like erectile dysfunction, heart attacks, and kidney stones. It’s a stark and powerful contrast to the main series and is best appreciated after you have the foundational knowledge from Seasons 1 and 2.
Important Watch Order Notes
Do NOT start with Code Black. While it’s a standalone story, its impact relies on your understanding of the “normal” cell functions from the main series. Starting here would be like playing a hardcore game on the hardest difficulty without the tutorial.
Watch Season 1 and Season 2 together. They form one continuous narrative for the main characters.
What about the movie? There is a recap film that adapts the tapeworm story arc from the manga. However, this story is also covered in Season 2, so the movie is not essential viewing for a complete experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I watch Cells at Work! Code Black without watching the main series?
A: Technically, yes, as it’s a separate story. However, it’s not recommended. The main series provides the essential “rulebook” for how the cells operate. Watching it first makes the grim reality of Code Black much more impactful.
Q: Is Cells at Work! educational?
A: Absolutely! The series is praised for its surprisingly accurate depiction of human anatomy and physiology. You’ll learn about the immune system, various diseases, and cell functions in a highly engaging and memorable way.
Q: How many episodes of Cells at Work! are there in total?
A: Combining the main series and the spin-off:
Cells at Work! (Season 1): 13 episodes
OVA: 1 episode
Cells at Work!! (Season 2): 8 episodes
Cells at Work! Code Black: 13 episodes
This brings the total to 35 episodes for the core anime content.
Q: Is the anime suitable for children?
A: The main series is generally family-friendly, using cute, personified cells to fight germs. However, Code Black is rated for mature audiences due to its dark themes, graphic depictions of cell death, and subject matter related to lifestyle diseases.
Conclusion
To get the most out of your journey inside the human body, the best way to watch Cells at Work! is in the order it was meant to be experienced. Begin with the optimistic and educational main series (Season 1 -> OVA -> Season 2) to build your foundation. Once you understand the ideal biological world, take the plunge into the harsh, dramatic reality of Code Black. This viewing order ensures you’ll appreciate both the light and the dark sides of this incredibly creative and informative anime universe. Happy watching