Crucial advice: Most fans agree you should skip episodes 1–2. They are filler celebrating the manga’s anime adaptation and confuse new viewers. Start at Episode 3, which faithfully introduces Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura’s dynamic. If you don’t laugh by the “Stray Dog” episode (ep. 7) or the “Crab Fight” (ep. 17), the series may not be for you.

Season 1 of Gintama covers episodes 1 through 49. It introduces us to Gintoki Sakata, a freelancer living in an alternate-history Edo period where aliens (Amanto) have invaded. Unlike traditional shonen anime, Season 1 focuses heavily on absurdist comedy and establishing the main cast (Kagura, Shinpachi, and the Shinsengumi).

If you want to stream the first season yourself, these platforms currently have the episodes available in most regions:

| Platform | Availability (as of 2026) | |----------|---------------------------| | Crunchyroll | Full Season 1 (subbed & dubbed) | | Funimation (now part of Crunchyroll) | Same library | | Netflix (selected regions) | Seasons 1‑2 in some territories | | HIDIVE | Subbed version |

(Always check the catalog for your specific country.)