Anime is a medium with many genres, but none of them are as specific as the Pretty Girls Do Pretty Things genre. It’s a distinct sub-genre of life anime that’s popular enough to get its own theme tag on MyAnimeList. Although the term is commonly associated with the moe culture of the early 2000s and 2010s, the genre has begun to make a comeback with a recent trend for slices of life and romance to come to the fore in anime mainstream.
But what makes Pretty Girls Do Pretty Things, often shortened to CGDCT, different from other anime about life with female protagonists? How did it all start and what went on? And, of course, why is it experiencing a resurgence? CGDCT is a very specific sub-genre of life that may not be for everyone, but it shouldn’t be overlooked.
What does CGDCT anime do?
Now there is a difference between a female life clip and a CGDCT anime. The main difference, frankly, is in the content; is this the only target for cute female heroes? If the anime you’re watching focuses more on plot than cuteness, then it’s not a true CGDCT. Some anime like the recent one Keep your hands off the Eizouken! do contain an all-female cast doing useful things together, but the anime focuses on story development where the girls create their anime more than cute moments, so it doesn’t technically count. Keep your hands off the Eizouken! however, still worth a look.
A perfect example of CGDCT, often considered the brainchild of a poster, is K-On!, and has the highest rating under the CGDCT tag on MyAnimeList. While there may be a minute or two in an episode where the plot develops, albeit slightly, most of the episode focuses on the cute and adorable antics of equally cute girls. The relationships between the girls, their daily lives, and the stereotypically cute things they do together make up over 90% of the show.
The early 2000s and 2010s were full of CGDCT anime. Apart from K-na! other notable recordings in the genre include Happy Star, The Order is a rabbit?, Camp Yuruas well as Non Non Biyori. Occasionally encountered CGDCT with a twist, such as Last tour girlwhich is a wartime themed CGDCT, and the infamous School-Live it barely penetrates the CGDCT genre. Most idol anime also fit into this genre, especially if they focus more on the antics of the girls than the plot or music.
What makes CGDCT worthy of attention?
As with any genre, it depends entirely on your taste. In this case, it is worth checking the CGDCT. CGDCT is mostly known as plotless media. But that’s the beauty of it; it’s something you can totally relax or unwind under without missing out on key elements. CGDCT is usually predictable School-Live out of the question, but it’s part of the draw, not only of CGDCT, but part of life. Predictability makes the genre not only familiar but also easy to watch no matter your mood.
Especially as the world becomes more and more stressful to exist, wholesome and simple shows like those found in the CGDCT genre are more enjoyable than the transition from a grueling work day to an emotionally draining drama series or a high-energy shonen battle arc. . Both have their place, but CGDCT really shines when you’re too tired or busy to invest in complex plots or high-energy action scenes, and shows without extensive content are easier to enjoy to the fullest.
Is there a revival of the genre?
While many of the legendary series in this genre were produced from the 2000s to the 2010s, the genre has reemerged in the past year along with the recent uptrend in life anime. However, it does seem to have more focus on the story, the anime itself still exists for the sake of cuteness and wholesome moments, and instead uses a more linear storyline to inspire the adorable moments that make up the rest of the show. Recently, anime such as Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle, cue!as well as the return of popular idol series such as Zombieland Saga, I like to live!as well as dragon maid the last two years have only shown that there is demand.
This season only has CGDCT anime such as Doll Prima, Teppen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, and isekai in this genre Alternative pharmacy of the world. There will be a few more entries in the genre next season, so while this doesn’t guarantee the genre will return to its 2010s glory days, it’s a step in that direction. However, nothing is final. There have been a lot of life anime and romance stories in the ratings this year every season, but only time can tell if anime will indeed lean towards CGDCT again, or if the effect will be more residual due to the rise in slices. anime from life again. Only time will tell, but for now, we can enjoy this short revival as long as it lasts.