Jingai Kyoushitsu no Ningengirai Kyoushi [Season 1 Episode 1]

“A Misanthrope Teaches Demi-Humans” Episode 1: A Promising Start with Heart and Humor

Winter 2026’s anime lineup just got a cozy new addition with Jingai Kyoushitsu no Ningengirai Kyoushi (A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans), and its first episode wastes no time winning over fans—even if some are still warming up to its charm. For those craving a laid-back, character-driven series with supernatural flair, this one’s already making waves, and after diving into the pilot, it’s easy to see why.

The premise is simple but instantly intriguing: Rei Hitoma, a self-proclaimed misanthrope with a deep-seated distrust of humans, is assigned to teach a class of demi-human girls at Shiritsu Demi-Human School. Think Interviews with Monster Girls meets A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School—a vibe fans on MyAnimeList are quick to point out. The pilot leans into this comparison, but with a fresh twist: instead of focusing on interviews, it dives straight into Rei’s awkward, endearing attempts to connect with his students, who are anything but ordinary.

First off, the demi-human designs are a hit. Fans can’t stop gushing about the characters—Isaki, the rabbit-girl with a sharp tongue (and an even sharper tsundere streak), has divided viewers: some find her “annoying” (too classic, they say), while others are “dying for these kinds of tsunderes.” Then there’s Minazuki, the snow-woman (Yuki-onna) with icy blue hair and a calm demeanor, whose voice—voiced by Amamiya Sora (Aqua from KonoSuba)—had fans screaming, “I recognized her cheery voice right away!” The art style is clean and vibrant, with character designs by Sai Izumi that feel both unique and nostalgic—so much so that one fan joked, “I refuse to believe the author wasn’t inspired by Hololive’s girls.”

The humor is light but effective. Rei’s deadpan reactions to his chaotic class—like when a mermaid student admits she hates fish (“total reversal of what I thought her dietary preferences would be!”)—had viewers laughing out loud. The opening theme by Masayoshi Ooishi adds to the fun, with its upbeat tempo matching the show’s playful energy. It’s the kind of “relaxing anime to watch” after a long day, as one fan put it, but there’s also a hint of depth beneath the surface.

Critics, however, have their reservations. Some found the first episode “bland,” noting that the girls already act pretty human—so what’s the point of the class? Others pointed out Rei’s generic design (“looks like your average black-haired isekai slop”) and the lack of “show don’t tell” storytelling. “There’s a noticeable lack of shadow usage,” one viewer commented, and another felt the pilot relied too much on exposition. But even the skeptics are giving it a chance: “3 Episode test for this one,” wrote one user, while another admitted, “It’s okay for the first episode—I have a soft spot for these types of shows.”

What really stands out, though, is the potential for heart. The series is tagged with “drama,” and fans are already speculating about the trauma the demi-humans might be hiding. “I want to see some drama in it,” one fan said, “or even them realizing humans aren’t so great… or him realizing humans aren’t the worst thing that exists.” The pilot hints at this with Rei’s own backstory—his fear of humans isn’t just a quirk; it’s rooted in trauma. If the show explores this alongside the girls’ struggles, it could evolve from a cute slice-of-life into something more meaningful.

The fanbase is already divided but engaged. Some are “hooked” after one episode, calling it “peak concept” and “my new favorite,” while others are taking a wait-and-see approach. But one thing’s clear: Jingai Kyoushitsu has found its niche. It’s not trying to be groundbreaking—it’s trying to be warm, funny, and a little bit weird, and for many viewers, that’s exactly what they need.

As the pilot wraps up, we’re left with a promise: more cute moments, more character growth, and maybe even a little romance (though fans are crossing their fingers it won’t turn into a “bland harem”). For now, it’s a solid start—one that’s got fans marking their calendars for Episode 2. Whether you’re here for the adorable demi-humans, the misanthrope teacher’s journey, or just a chill anime to unwind with, A Misanthrope Teaches Demi-Humans is worth checking out.

In short? It’s not perfect, but it’s fun—and sometimes, that’s all you need. Here’s to hoping the rest of the season lives up to the pilot’s promise.

Jingai Kyoushitsu no Ningengirai Kyoushi airs weekly as part of Winter 2026’s lineup. Catch it on streaming platforms now!