The big top isn’t exactly a unique place to base an anime around. From Black Butler: Book of Circus and Karakuri Circus to Karneval and even Popee the Performer, the realm where clowns and acrobats join together to put on a show has always at least given readers an interesting tale to spin. But with Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus, the interesting thing about it is not the circus itself; it’s how its characters latch onto the tent to aid in their growth as both people and performers. However, not all of the characters in this original anime from A-1 Pictures (Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Mashle: Magic and Muscles) have the depth to keep their time in the three rings an interesting affair.

Taking place in the 1950s, Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus puts most of its focus on Mizuka (Tomoka Noda), the daughter of world-famous circus ringmaster Black Lotus (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi). Far away from the now-defunct Lotus Circus, Mizuka is discovered on the side of the road, dehydrated and on the verge of death. However, the people who saved Mizuka also run their own big top: the financially-chaotic Sunflower Circus. Mizuka attempts to run away from the circus until it’s discovered that her father sent Mizuka to Sunflower Circus to help pay off the debt.

Donning a grin known as “Schrödinger’s Smile”, Mizuka submits herself to performing the trapeze alongside Ouka (Shiori Kurosaki), on top of delivering brutally frank opinions on some of the other performers. But considering that the other performers know that Mizuka’s there against her will, her attitude is taken as one that’s fully understandable. After all, how would anyone feel about working at a place that they wish to be far, far away from? Thankfully, as the days go by and the friendships blossom, Mizuka finds a somewhat comfortable place within the Sunflower Circus.

I say “somewhat comfortable”, mainly because of where Sunflower Circus is financially. They’re not the most popular troupe out there. In fact, a rival company, Blue Rose Circus, often rolls into their towns and steals their thunder (and sometimes their planned location). As such, everyone at the Sunflower Circus gets by with small morsels, a small crowd, and just enough gumption to get through another day in the tents.

Be that as it may, it’s not like the characters in Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus lack genuine talent. Quite the contrary: these are the sorts of performers that other circuses — especially Blue Rose — would want to snag for their own big tops. Its jugglers, magicians, and acrobats all showcase plenty of heart and skills in their acts, even if they’re not entirely wrinkled out here and there. And while they certainly have the skills to be in better circuses, their bond with one another at the Sunflower Circus is far more precious than anything money could buy.

With that being said, the show doesn’t exactly do an upstanding job with showcasing the bonds of these performers. It’s the “grow up” aspect of Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus that tends to tread too familiar scenarios, with the circus setting not adding anything unique to the mixture. A story about a runaway elephant is pretty cute and heartwarming, and having former Lotus Circus performer Mitscher (Junichi Suwabe) come in and aid the performers is an entertaining detour in the narrative. But outside of these and Mizuka’s back story, every other plot line and character lore is roughly average at best.

A-1 Pictures, alongside Psyde Kick Studio, make up for the lack of storytelling with some truly beautiful animation. When the performers are in average life mode, the series takes the time to showcase the brightness of the world around them. However, when it’s show time, the animation — both 2D and 3D — puts a lot of detail into the performers’ tricks and talents. It makes for a presentation that demonstrates why the circus is such a magical place to visit.

As such, Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus has the visual thrills of the big top, but not exactly the fillings of a Cirque du Soleil show. It’s the anime equivalent of cotton candy. Sure, it tastes good, and the fluffiness of its texture may excite you. But once you put it in your mouth, it vanishes quickly before you can savor its true flavor. When it comes to stories about circuses, perhaps it’s best that your narrative aims for fried dough quality, preferably the kind with lots of butter and cinnamon scattered and splattered on top.

Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus can be viewed on Crunchyroll, and has been licensed by Aniplex of America. Episodes 1-10 were observed for review. Promotional consideration provided by Crunchyroll.