My sister practice this rule of thumb when watching Japanese shows, if Kudou Kankurou sensei was involved, it's a definite must watch! If you think, The Mandalorian is iconic for having an actor able to emote expressions while keeping his mask on 99% of the time, then you haven't seen this yet. The main character (Mabo) barely say anything with other characters and yet was able to express way too many emotions. Like waaay too many. Mabo's character way of expressing disappointment when he witness his own waiter cooking food in his cafe is always a hoot, and my personal favourite, the self-absorbed-pink-ranger-taxi-lady never fails to make me laugh with her roller coaster of emotions throughout the show.
But what's this about Kudou Kankurou sensei? I myself was just a basic Weaboo. I was just watching anything Japanese just to learn the language. My basic watchlist was slice- of-life Animes and J-Ent's related shows. But I'm more of a fan from Arashi generation and older, bcuz they were better actors (imo). Since majority of Tokio's related shows were the best, without a doubt I just bought Manhattan Love Story on a whim. Until I finally watched it. That's when I upgraded to a new level of Weaboo. This show has everything Japanese entertainment could offer. Actually this show should be starter pack to people who want to start watching JDoramas. No doubt! MY sister on the other hand couldn't-care-less for JPop culture. I basically annoyed her with my Weaboo-ness. Until, she watched this drama on her own. I didn't even forced her. All I remember was that I told her this sheet was grade-A-WTF-hilarious, and the rest was history. Only like 2 years ago, when I just randomly told her I wanted to re-watch this show again, my sister responded with "Oh Heck yeah! me too! I watch that show like every year!". That was also when my sister finally told me that she has been obsessing with anything by Kudou-sensei, all thanks to this show.
Now, if you have at least watched any of the Kisarazu Cat's Eyes series, you should be aware of this genius of a writer. And if you watched Manhattan Love Story (MLS) after, you should also notice some Easter eggs of his previous shows in MLS as well. Long story short, anything that was written by him, is a definite feel-good kind of show. Though you can sense some french-american influence in the show that he produced, he never fails to make you see Japan at it's best. I tried to re-tell some of his jokes from this show to my friends, but it always sounds like a mehh. You definitely need to watch it to get it, since his jokes also relies on how the actor delivers them. Not forgetting the surroundings, extras, even tv crew that ever appeared in the show. In summary, go watch this show if you haven't yet! Tq. Peace and Love <3