The Eminence in Shadow

Season 1

TV-14

Even in his past life, Cid's dream wasn't to become a protagonist or a final boss. He'd rather lie low as a minor character until it's prime time to reveal he's a mastermind...or at least, do the next best thing-pretend to be one! And now that he's been reborn into another world, he's ready to set the perfect conditions to live out his dreams to the fullest. Armed with his overactive imagination, Cid jokingly recruits members to his organization and makes up a whole backstory about an evil cult that they need to take down. Well, as luck would have it, these imaginary adversaries turn out to be the real deal-and everyone knows the truth but him!

Where to Watch Season 1

20 Episodes

The Hated Classmate
E1
Episode 1The Hated ClassmateAkane copes with her trauma by being popular and working hard to make people like her, but one boy in her class doesn’t care about her at all. That bothers her to no end.
Shadow Garden Is Born
E2
Episode 2Shadow Garden Is BornReincarnated as the son of Baron Kagenou, Cid bides his time as Background Character A while preparing for the day he can finally become the Eminence in Shadow!
Fencer Ordinaire
E3
Episode 3Fencer OrdinaireThe princess is supposed to reject the background character’s confession, not accept it — since when did Cid become a rom-com protagonist?
Sadism's Rewards
E4
Episode 4Sadism's RewardsThe mistake those with power always make is believing that they are the ones in control.
I Am...
E5
Episode 5I Am...Cid is not facing a minion but a would-be Knight of the Rounds. Normally, that is cause for concern, but an atomic bomb has no reason to fear the gnashing of a lowly pest.
Pretenders
E6
Episode 6PretendersWhile Iris seeks a bright mind to study an artifact, Cid visits a popular store. Meanwhile, in the dark corners of the city, someone commits murders in Shadow Garden’s name!
A Fencing Tournament of Intrigue and Bloodshed
E7
Episode 7A Fencing Tournament of Intrigue and BloodshedCid gets a report from Nu about powerful cult members lurking in the Royal Capital. Too bad he’s too distracted about the upcoming fencing tournament to notice.
Dark Knight Academy Under Attack
E8
Episode 8Dark Knight Academy Under AttackCid sacrificed his life to save Rose. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. Unbeknownst to anyone else, Cid survived exactly as planned, and now his counterattack can begin.
The End of a Lie
E9
Episode 9The End of a LieWhen the students fight back, Shadow Garden joins the fray as their reinforcements. Amidst the chaos, Cid confronts the Gaunt Knight.
The Sacred Land, City of Deception
E10
Episode 10The Sacred Land, City of DeceptionCid heads to Lindwurm in response to a summons from Alpha, but he is not the only one traveling there; the annual Goddess’ Trial is quickly approaching.
The Goddess' Trial
E11
Episode 11The Goddess' TrialThe curtain rises on the Goddess’ Trial. When Cid is unwittingly called into the arena, he transforms into Shadow and faces none other than Aurora, the Witch of Calamity.
The Truth Within the Memories
E12
Episode 12The Truth Within the MemoriesThe door to the Sanctuary opens and Alpha strides through it, intending to expose the Cult’s grave secrets. Meanwhile, Cid also enters the Sanctuary and reunites with… Aurora?
A Bloody Showdown as an Offering to Annihilation
E13
Episode 13A Bloody Showdown as an Offering to AnnihilationAlpha faces off against an empowered Nelson in a vicious battle. Elsewhere, Cid and Aurora reach the Sanctuary's core, but a door only a hero can open blocks their path.
Your Lie, Your Wish
E14
Episode 14Your Lie, Your WishCid’s victory is short-lived when Nelson counters with his new magic. Meanwhile, Alexia convinces Rose and Natsume to form an alliance to uncover the truth of their world.
The Strongest Weakest Man
E15
Episode 15The Strongest Weakest ManOnly the strongest warriors can advance in the prestigious Bushin Festival, but one contestant proves himself a feeble and mundane man with no talent. Why is he competing?
Unseen Intentions
E16
Episode 16Unseen IntentionsPrincess Rose flees to the north of the Royal Capital. The Oriana Kingdom wants to handle it internally as a “purely domestic” matter.
Moonlight That Pierces the Darkness
E17
Episode 17Moonlight That Pierces the DarknessCid recollects piano lessons from his past life - what impact does this have on his present? Meanwhile, Epsilon's performance sets the soundtrack for something else.
Betting on a Moment
E18
Episode 18Betting on a MomentCid and Claire receive an invitation to a tournament. At the festivities, Cid receives more attention than a background character desires.
Dancing Puppet
E19
Episode 19Dancing PuppetDoem tries to make war with Midgar. Meanwhile, the match between Jimina and Iris begins.
Advent of the Demon
E20
Episode 20Advent of the DemonProvoked by the fight between Shadow and Beatrix, Iris joins the fray. An intense battle progresses across the Royal Capital. Meanwhile, Rose runs into Alpha.