What is Great Pretender?#
Great Pretender (also known as El gran farsante or El timador timado) is a high-stakes series that follows Makoto Edamura, a man who believes himself to be “Japan’s greatest swindler.” His world is turned upside down when he attempts to pickpocket a foreigner, only to find himself the victim of a scam. This encounter leads him to Los Angeles and introduces him to Laurent Thierry, a French con man with deep connections to international criminal organizations. The story evolves from a rivalry into a whirlwind of international deception after Edamura thwarts one of Thierry’s major drug deals.
If you are looking to dive into this world of deception, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you only watch the original 2020 series, you will have experienced a significant portion of the story, but the journey doesn’t end there. While the initial run provided a strong foundation, the franchise has continued to expand.
Notably, a sequel anime titled Great Pretender razbliuto was released in 2024, featuring theatrical screenings in North America and a premiere in Japan. This means that to get the full animated experience and the most current conclusion, you must include the sequel in your viewing list. Additionally, for those who enjoy reading, there is a manga adaptation that was serialized in Magi Comi starting in June 2020.
Who Should Watch Great Pretender?#
This series is perfect for audiences who enjoy themes of wit, manipulation, and international espionage. With its focus on “the art of the con,” it appeals to viewers who like seeing complex plans unfold across different global settings. The dynamic between the overconfident Edamura and the sophisticated Laurent Thierry provides a compelling character study in the world of high-level crime.
Fans of the series can also find Great Pretender merchandise to celebrate their favorite swindlers.
Recommended Watch Order#
To ensure you don’t miss any of the twists and turns, we recommend following the order of release. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page for a visual guide to how the entries connect.
The Standard Watch Order#
For the majority of viewers, the best path is simple:
- Great Pretender (The original 2020 series)
- Great Pretender razbliuto (The 2024 sequel)
The Completionist Order#
For those who want to experience every piece of media available:
- Great Pretender (Original Anime)
- Great Pretender Manga (The adaptation of the story)
- Great Pretender razbliuto (The sequel anime)
If you want to own the written version of the story, you can buy the Great Pretender manga here.
For Source Material Enthusiasts#
Since the manga is an adaptation of the series, those who don’t mind reading can integrate the manga alongside the original anime. Whether you read the manga before or after the first season, ensure that Great Pretender razbliuto is the final stop in your journey to see the most recent developments in the series.
If you find our guides helpful in deciding which anime to commit to, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi to keep the site running!
Great Pretender • anime • 2020-06-02 (Netflix Japan)
└─(adaptation)→ Great Pretender • manga • 2020-06-10 (serialized in Magi Comi)
└─(sequel)→ Great Pretender razbliuto • anime • 2024-01-09 (North America theatrical screening)
