Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei - Recommendations

poetax says...

Both Welcome to the NHK and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei deal with the psychological aspects of suicide, depression, and other mental illnesses.  While Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei tends to be on the light hearted comedy side, each series touches on the seriousness of the situation.  If you liked this one, you will also love the other.

Aporias says...

Plot aside, you'll find that Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei has very similar qualities when compared to Welcome to the NHK! Both series felt like psychological satires that covered almost every aspect of human thought and behavior. Not only do these two series share similarities in their comedy but they also do an excellent job at replacing the story with problematic characters living questionable lives. Even though the humor is darker than most comedies, you'll find that these two anime capture a very interesting view of social and metal disorders.

vonpost says...

Both Welcome to the NHK and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei wraps up the problems of our society, and even mankind in great comedy. The series might not resemble each other plot-wise, but if you look past that you will see two very similar anime. It's very dark humour, the kind of humour you are not supposed to laugh at, yet it's hilarious beyond belief.

fiddler says...

Both Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and NHK share a very black sense of humour and are centered around people with personality disorders of one sort or another. Despite this both series are pretty light in tone and manage to be very strange without descending into irritating 'wackiness'.

cassiesheepgirl says...

Both of these series place focus on a darker and more serious side of life. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is primarily about a man who sees everything in a negative light, whilst Welcome to the NHK focuses on the struggles of being a hikkikomori and both have their fair share of dark humour. Although Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is generally a lighter anime with more humour packed in, if you like taking a look at a more dim view of society then both of these series are a must.

argona says...

both are psychologic dark psychological comedies about characters with negative views .believing that world is a hopeless place and there is no point in living .at the same time there are positive female characters with their own problems who come to their aid and together they try to find a meaning for their lives.

Jensling says...

They both have this seriousness about psychological health, while at the same time mainly joking about same psychological problems. Also both series uses alot of Japanese social problems as joking material and uses an overly innocent girl as a protagonist.

Omiclock says...

Each series deals with the problems of Japanese society, and boasts a cast of quirky, flawed, but loveable characters. Sato and Itoshiki are both extreme pessimists who tend to let their imaginations run away with them and seem to find themselves in the most unusual situations. Both series are delightfully dark and bizarre, if you enjoy dark comedy you're sure to enjoy both.

JAhU says...

Welcome to The NHK was a show that took modern Japanese culture and problems existing in modern Japan (rather) seriously. Lucky Star laugh at both. But Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei went much further than Lucky Star (can't find a proper word to express it). In NHK we had one hikikomori (and maybe a few more people with problems), but ZSZ doesn't stop there, why not have a whole class of problematic high school girls (mostly) and a ultrapessimistic teacher on the top of that. I can't guarantee that you are going to like one if you liked the other, after all one was a hardcore comedy while the other was quite serious drama, but their subjects were quite similar.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Welcome to the NHK and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei are very unique both in their subject matter, that of social phobias and mental issues, and their artistic styles that are quite original. Tackling severe problems that affect strangely endearing if flawed characters, these anime offer a glimpse into dysfunction even as they offer plenty of laughs. Very Japanese and modern, they differ in that SZS is a parody through and through while WttNHK is a bittersweet reflection wrapped as a comedy

unitzero says...

Both Welcome to the NHK! and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei share a similar sense of black humor. Both series are hilarious critics on modern Japanese society, and perhaps society in general. If you liked either of these you are pretty much guaranteed to appreciate the other.

Thistledown says...

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Welcome to the NHK! both tackle some heavy subjects, such as suicide. SZS does it in a much more lighthearted fashion, while also parodying other cultural facets. NHK is a much more drama-saturated show. If you a different take on these serious subjects, you can't go wrong.

eaper says...

These series touch on a large number of similar topics ranging from otakus, hikikimoris, suicide, and many other issues. While parodying a large number of similar topics and bouncing comedy off all the walls, there is little doubt these series don't go together very well.

Darklegba says...

While NHK is much deeper and WAY less random than SZS, they both make dark humor out of various psychological problems people face, pop culture (both western & Japanese), pervertedness, as well as numerous conspiracies. They also have similar soundtracks (Kenji Ohtsuki) and changes in animation styles. If you enjoyed one, you're more than likely to like the other. 

YesToNo says...

I watched NHK before Zetsubou, and the first thing I thought was "...NHK, anyone?" both deal with things that happen in our life, NHK takes it to the extreme while Zetsubou takes it humourously, both are a great watch.

Echologic says...

Both feature the same sort of outlook on life, where the protagonist thinks himself that he has lost the will to live, or go on in some way. Both feature a character that in some way want to change the protagonists way of living or thinking. Both show the problems arising in modern society, and inspire to a reflection about this, zetsubou way more direct than NHK. Neither of them show an amazing progression from their other state, something that details the hardness of life in a different way that feels more relatable and real. NHK has way more drama elements than zetsubou though, and zetsubou is more episodic and gagbased. 

hamletsmage says...

Both of these animes deal with some of the darker issues in Japanese culture, such as hokikimoris, suicides, among others. These animes present the issues in good humor (at times), although some of the darker humor can be lost on anyone outside of Japan. Both of these animes are very much slice of life, going more into character development than anything else. Another thing that ties these two anime together is the main character's penchant for ranting about everything tying in to his personal mental illness. 

hurin says...

Both are animes featuring surrealist drawing style, little actual plot, curious characters, and random discussions about life the universe and everyting.

OtakuSkull says...

The same studio's work. Flashly amazing graphics and sharp and hilarious dialogs wrapped in a pretty interesting story revolving about the surreal and supernatural. And the messeges in the backgroud - If you liked Zetsubou Sensei, you should try this one. I assure you like it.

Omurqi says...

The eyecatcher in both Bakemonogatari and SZS is the artstyle. The way the Shaft animated both series gives them a unique look and feel, and is possibly the only example I know in which the animation influences the anime this much. Apart from the animation, both series have a reasonably large cast of interesting characters, most with their own little background and distinct personalities. I feel that if you liked one of these, you shouldn't be missing out on the other, despite differences in genres.

kenikki says...

The style of animation and art directing is next to identical and even if SZS has deeper meanings to it's conversation, both show's conversations are random and confusion in humorous ways.

azanimefan says...

Alright, on the surface, these two anime have not a whole lot of similarities, apart from their presentation. But in the end, their presentation is so unique and esoteric in a way they're an acquired taste.  If you like the visual feast that is SZS or Bakemonogatari , you'll probably love the other.

Setting that aside, both are primarily comedies, both feed off a great deal of contemporary humor and witty dialogues. 

xxSilencexx says...

Both productions of Shaft Animation. Bioth are beautifully designed and an absolute pleasure to watch, not only well designed but quite symbolic. The main Characters are similiar but Zetsubo Sensei is much more extreme, resorting to suicide mostly every episode (I've seen so far). The both share a number of deep, seemingly random conversation about various matter in the world... Trust me you like them both!

NimirRa says...

Interesting animation coupled with quick wit and great characters; SZS and Bakemonogatari are two peas in a pod. Though the themes covered in both shows vary greatly, the fun/frustrating feeling that if you blink you will miss the punchline is similar in both of these shows.

eaper says...

These series are both Shaft series with the same voice actor as the main character. If you like the zaney main character in one series, or the off beat directing and artwork in one series, the other one is worth looking at.

GGXtreme says...

If the animation style and witty touches of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei drew you in, you'll find much of those same aspects in Bakemonogatari, although paired with a very different genre.

Qplayer says...

Sayonara Zetsobou Sensei and Bakemonogatari can almost be considered "two of a kind." Both are Shaft anime with unusual animation styles, memorable characters, and a heavy reliance on in jokes and references.

SyrEmilon says...

Both place a great deal of focus on wordplay. They create an enviroment where the narrative pushes dialouge, rather than the dialouge creates the narrative. Great enjoyment for fans of witty anime

Theta says...

These are both harem anime that deviate from the standard. Interesting and beautiful animation round out original and enaging characters.  Humour drives the plot and both are exceptional anime.

Vic969 says...

If you love endless conversations about many different (often random), but very meaningful topics, then you'll love these 2 series.

The flow of dialogue pulls you in, and often doesn't let go.

Both of them have an awesome artstyle, plus both MCs share the same, great voice actor.

Brad says...

They may differ in content quite a bit, but with both being made by Shaft they have a similar feel to them. The animation is fairly unique in both, as well as the direction being fairly unorthodox. 

Comedy is also fairly prevalent throughout both series, mainly in the form of fast paced, or witty dialogue that is very well written.

AnnaCupcake says...

Both shows have the same kind of pace, with quick, chaotic dialogue and weird cuts. Both shows deal with the same kind of setup for the introductions of characters and have one male lead and lots of female roles. And ofcourse; Kamiya Hiroshi.

ForeverGlows says...

Both anime were done by Shaft Studios, for those who are familiar with them will get a strong Monogatari vibe from Zetsubo sensei in terms of art form, cut away's to japanese text popping up on screen with a bland background and then quickly disappearing before you get a chance to read what it says and the weird head tilt poses that the monogatari series was famous for back when it was a meme of some sort, you know the one i'm talking about, the ones that look like their necks are made of jello or about to snap off from their head. Needless to say that that's all these two have in common. One is a supernatural series with ghosts, demons, deities and what not while the other is about a suicidal teacher who sees everything in a pesmissitic perspective. 

hurin says...

Both are pure high school comedies that had me laughing out loud. The big difference is in the type of comedy: Azumanga is innocent and lighthearted, while Zetsubou is dark and twisted.

Tomikohara says...

Both Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Azumanga Daioh are great comedy series, dealing with all kinds of school girl stereotypes and crazy teachers.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Azumanga Daioh and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei focus on the interaction between crazy teachers and zany students. Both are rather random and do not adhere to a strict plot, relaying on continous gags instead of storytelling. Azumanga Daioh is less insane, though, and its parodies can be enjoyed by all ages while Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei offers a kind of dark humour and a stock full of pop culture references that are aimed at an older audience.

charliechan says...

At first look you may think these two nothing in common but both are very funny and and give you and slice of life, in very different ways.

JAhU says...

The majority of the cast in both, Azumanga Daioh and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, are high-school girls and they do seam to be somewhat similar in both shows. Some girls from one show have a counterpart in the other, but those anime give a different feel, probably because ZSZ is much more hardcore. To put it simply, ZSZ contains some disturbing echii (from time to time) and a greate number of referenc jokes, while AD limits itself to randomness. Still if you liked one of those shows you may try watching the other (just keep in mind that it will be different).

styln says...

Azumanga Daioh and  Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei are both comedies that feature a main cast of high school girls dealing with school. The types of comedy in these two titles vary while Azumanga Daioh is more of randomness, with spacey characters, more rooted to reality and is a lot more slice of life than the other title, which is has more dark humor with a lot of pop culture jokes and a whole lot of crazy. Also  Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei gives a lot more focus to the teacher than Azumanga. Both titles are funny so if you haven't had enough of wild high school humor then check out either of these titles.

InksGirl says...

The characters in both anime are vibrant, well developed across the course of the series, and forever getting into hilarious situations, which kept me glued to the screen for hours at a time... These two series are arguably leaders in their genre.

While Sayonara, Zetsubou Sensei is quite a bit darker than Azumanga Daioh, I think it's safe to say that if you enjoyed one, you'll get a lot out of the other too.

captaincrunch says...

Both of these anime are high school sketch/gag comedy series which are presented in short 2 or 3 per episode segments.  Both feature a primarily female cast of high school students which are very similar to each other.  Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei features a darker sense of comedy than the light-hearted Azumanga, but both use the same style and delivery methods to get the jokes across.

It can also be said that SZS (Sayonara) heavily borrows from it's predecessor (Azumanga); featuring almost identical personalities and characters and even sharing some jokes.

eaper says...

These series, apart from focusing around an unusual group of people in highschool, have a very similar presentation of comedy and several very similar characters. If you liked the short and offbeat humor of one series, you'll probably like it in the other.

Piteru says...

Both of those Anime have similiar sense of humor and  main character. Both gave us fun an very high level. There are both light and you can watch them any time. So go ahead and start watching.

Qplayer says...

Both anime are wacky school life comedies that have memorable, distinct, exaggerated characters. The classes are put into normal and unusual situations, and their reactions to them are priceless. These are part of a small class of anime that have the ability to juggle many characters while keeping them all distinct and interesting.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these animes involve a bunch of school girls whom all have some extreme personality traits. Combine that with a rather neurotic teacher, and you have wacky, hilarious animes. While Zetsubou Sensei has a bit darker humor than Azumanga, they are really quite similar. 

xkub4 says...

Both, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Arakawa Under the Bridge have the same ironic and quite dark type of humour.

The humour is source of the most similarities, but if you want more: it's the same studio, so animation looks really similar(but it's obvious, isn't it?), characters in both are really weird too.

chii says...

If you like a great cast of really random characters with a great ironic and dark type of humour check one out if you liked the other. Animation and music style are very similar as well along with quite wordy discussions.

MonkeyZerg says...

If you enjoy the subtly dark humour of Arakawa Under the Bridge, then be sure to watch Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (or vice versa)! These shows are made by the same studio and showcase SHAFT's visual flair and experimentation, but what really underpins this recommendation is that both shows rely on very unique, developed and hilariously deranged characters.

captaincrunch says...

Both of these series are produced by the same team and use the same directors.  Although the original creator of each is different, there are more similarities between the two than I can possibly list.

Suffice to say, the zaniness of the characters, the sarcastic referential and situational comedy, the style of the animation and delivery, and even the voice actors are almost identical.

If you enjoyed one, you will enjoy the other, guaranteed.

Kernoll says...

Both series have main character with some kind of with some kind of strange aspect of personality surrounded with group of strange people. Both shows have same kind of humor and they are animated smillar way (and by same studio)...

Dreion says...

The two anime have similar styles of presenting comedy and randomness. The fast-paced scenes and constant interaction between the characters keep you on the edge of your seat.

The plots may vary, but the general feel of both anime will feel quite similar, from art style, scene presentation, and voice acting.

If you found either Arakawa or SZS entertaining, you're sure to enjoy the other.

valondar says...

Oddball, weird anime comedies which begin with a very bizarre relationship between a decidedly neurotic man and a woman (boyfriend and girlfriend in Arakawa, teachre and student in Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - if you've watched either title you'll realize how inadequate that reductive term is) and then expand into a menagerie of supporting extras, not to mention tons of wordplay I'm sure I'll never get. Arakawa tries its hand vaguely at a romance story, but both shows are dedicated gag comedies from studio Shaft and Akiyuki Shinbo. If you laughed watching one, chances are you'll be tickled by the other.

eaper says...

These series have a very similar directing style, similar voice actors, a similar sense and presentation of comedym and a similar art style. If you enjoyed one series, you'll very likely enjoy the other.

Lair says...

As a huge fan of Zetsubou Sensei series, it was easy for me to get to the correct mindset for Arakawa. Both share such a similar humor and character design that they are almost the same. only the animation style differentiate them from one another. The main character in both even have the same voice actor.

Both animes are driven by the character caricatures that take one aspect of their persona and twist it into a running gag, but unlike Zetsubou Sensei, the characters in Arakawa are deeper than they would seem in the surface.

Darklegba says...

They share a VERY similar type of humor and absurd characters. Arakawa is less random but equally hilarious. Their episodes are presented in 2-6 segments per episode, each based directly on a peice of the manga. They're from the same production studio, and (dig this) their leading character is voiced by the same actor! These two are similar in the best of ways. If you enjoyed one, you'll damn well enjoy the other!

LordYorf says...

They both are comedic and pretty wacky. I often asked what the hell was going in in both, but they were amusing enough that I didn't care about p lO t. I reccomend both for comedy lovers especially if you're into absurb comedy. Just be warned that Zetsubou-Sensei has more dark humour.

abunai says...

One of the recent fads in anime is the production of anime layered with innumerable in-jokes, tailored to appeal to the fans. This sort of fanservice has always been around, but a swath of anime from the last few years shows extreme tendencies in this regard.

From the ubiquitous "in-joke" blackboard writings to the constant verbal references, Lucky Star and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei anime practically require a college-level course in Japanese popular culture and anime to grasp all the jokes. But if one of these appeals to you, then it's likely that you'll enjoy the other, as well.

ColdMero says...

If you liked either Lucky Star or Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, I'm sure you'd like the other. They both have a lot of otaku jokes and references that are hilarious. Lucky Star and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei are both set in a school environment. They are also similar in the way that they are both very laid back and don't necessarily need to be seen in any order. They are both great otaku comedy anime series.

risuta says...

If you enjoyed watching Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, and are looking for another random, sarcastic, WTF anime, then Lucky Star is perfect for you! Lucky Star's cast varies as S.Z.S. cast did, with some similar characters as: an otaku, a perfectionist tsundere, a plain baka, a doujin, a foreign returnee and many others! Although it seems more happy and colorful, behind all that, Lucky Star is very sarcastic towards issues of modern day Japan! All in all, I recommend it 100%

liquidhell says...

The appeal of both these series is undoubtedly the humour conjured out of sheer randomness and what should be the most unimportant aspects of life brought into the limelight. Where Lucky Star uses a lighthearted, more 'child-like' approach to the everyday questions in life, Zetsubou Sensei takes a much more cynical and self-deprecating path, but to the same high level of hilarious entertainment. Both series have a cast of high school girls, all with their own quirks and behavioural irregularities, and these are often used cleverly as the butt behind jokes. The lack of a strong story arc lends a free and easygoing feel to both series, which will provide hours of enjoyment to those looking for quick humourous amusement without feeling tied down by a more plot-oriented comedy.

JAhU says...

Lucky Star and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei have a number of similar characters. The style of jokes is also quite similar, but ZSZ is much more hardcore (for instance, they put some yuri in opening). Still if you liked one of those shows, then the other should entertain you as well.

P.S. Its also a good idea to watch the sequel Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, which is somehow better than the first season.

Rasengan22 says...

If you like Lucky Star's "slice of life" comedy that refers to stuff people across the world would understand, you'll also like Zetsubou sensei because it does the same, plus it drops all kinds of fun manga and anime references like in Lucky Star so you get to feel like you're part of the joke. Plus the characters are all just as genuine.

TotallyLovable says...

Great humour which, unfortunately, is brought only to the chosen ones, who have watched either Lucky Star, or Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. Both shows take place mainly in the school grounds and have many similarities in the use of jokes. Also, the characters in both anime are strange and are not the typical ones you can expect from the average school related series. While Konata in Lucky Star is presented as a hardcore otaku with questionable morals, Itoshiki Nozomu from Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei has somehow weird understanding of very much ordinary things. Well, one's for sure - you won't get bored while watching either os these series!

jaysah925 says...

ever since i saw maria holic, i kept thinking that there's something similar about it to szs, not just because of it's humor, but also because of  it's illustrations. in both, you can find the main character constantly having 'accidents' that are pretty much INTENTIONAL. also, both animes have harems, although in maria holic, the protagonist is the one that chases after them, not the other way around.

if you like comedies and is open-minded about certain stuff (szs has a lot of panty-shots, so be warned; and maria holic, a rather pervy girl), there's a pretty good chance you'll like one if you like the other.

tealovertoma says...

Same production company, Shaft, and they have a very distinctive animation style as well as sense of humour - while retaining the charm of the original manga. Many of the voice actresses are the same, there's loads of in-jokes, weird characters are present in both and the storylines are very episodic. While Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is more of a satire filled with social criticism and black humour, Maria Holic takes a closer look at friendships, psychological manipulation and occasionally touches upon religious themes - sometimes seriously, oftentimes not.

cassiesheepgirl says...

OK, so the plots are centred on very different things, one is about a suicidal and highly negative teacher, the other a lesbian trying to find her fated partner while being tormented by a cross-dressing boy. Being from the same production company they have a similar style of animation ans well as sound design. However both series have a similar random quality to some of the humourous content so if you enjoyed that about one, then try the other.

Szwagier says...

The same type of absurd, cruel at times, humour that either makes you stay away from the show or keeps you laughing on the floor. The animation also follows the same pattern, which is swift changes between normal animation, too realistic animation, manga-like shots and totally absurd animation. The show formula is also the same - small, episodic sometimes even few stories inside one episode.

Cetonis says...

Chalk this up under the "obvious" category. SZS and Maria Holic were made by the same studio, and it shows in just about every conceivable way. If liked the style of one and want some more, then by all means go check out the other.

valondar says...

With opening numbers that are astonishing demented and weirdly eclectic approaches to animating school comedies (dark, Taisho-inspired stylings for SZS, Catholic stained glass windows for Maria Holic) these shows have comedy so sharply similar I cannot but recommend them. Laugh at one, then check out the other.

KittyEmperor says...

So the plots for both series have almost nothing at all incommon with one another besides the fact that they both for the most part center around high school girls and one male.  But where both series do have a lot incommon is with their animation style which is a given since they both came from the same production company, but they also share in a similar way in which they deliver their jokes.  If you liked the style of one of these then you may want to check out the other.

Jensling says...

Both series are really random and humoristic, and feature some truely unique charaters, while featuring no actual plot whatsoever. Also they feature the same kind of overly optimistic and strange girl.

JAhU says...

If you like well animated and purely mad anime where you don't know what to expect in the next scene, FLCL and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei are definitely for you. Not only both of them contain unpredictable randomness, but also they are animated very well (and stylish).

Oehr says...

Both anime series are very funny and diversified. Totally crazy main characters make these two shows damn hilarious! I bet you like both series if you liked one already! Start watching!

KiraRin says...

In both SZS and FLCL, nothing is sacred. And I mean nothing. Tacking some of the more complex issues in life, these shows have a slightly lighter take on the situation. The visuals and storyline are what set these shows head and shoulders above most others in the insanity race. Total craziness quite often ensues, and you have to be quick to keep up with the onscreen action. I'm sure fans of one will not dislike the other.

Tangelax says...

Both series have a random type of comedy and they both reference other anime quite alot. Sayonara zetsubou sensei's comedy is a bit darker and a bit more random. It also does not have a plot, unlike FLCL.

Antic says...

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei share a more typically Western style of humor. In the case of Melancholy I'm going more off how I've seen others describe the humor, while in Sayonara, sensei's rants reminded me more than anything of a stand up comedian. I wouldn't call either a full-out parody series, but they both play off school comedy/dramas (with Melancholy taking sci-fi elements as well).

ColdMero says...

If you liked Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei or Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, you would definately like the other. They both feature a school setting and a very 'unique' protaganist. They also both have a bit of ecchiness at times. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei has some episodes that end and never have a resolution the following episode, whereas Haruhi's episodes are in a mixed up order, but they do resolve eventually. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu has more of a serious attitude sometimes where Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei never really has much seriousness at all.

risuta says...

If you have watched either The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi or Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, that means you enjoy random, unique and cynical humour! Both anime are so random that they might be confusing at times, although Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is more "dark"m that applies to both of them! So, if oyu liked one of them, I suggest you watch the other!

fairyskisses77 says...

Both of these series are for those serious anime viewers who've seen their fair share of anime. Why? because parody makes up majority of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei's best and funniest parts. Both are wacky and very different from mainstream anime. Some may not find it easy to watch, since they are both pretty strange, but for those who appreciate this type of humor, these are gems indeed!

k1r1h1t0k1r1 says...

First, MHS/SHY has much more supernatural phenomenon to drive it's story and characters--but both SZS and MHS/SHY collect a groups of characters and put them through ordeals together.  SZS seems totally devoid of whatever relationship element there is is MHS/SHY, however, the character interactions are still very similar.  Both have the same slice-of-life/school-based feel and both also have a refreshing spasmodic energy.  I think those who enjoy one are very likely to enjoy the other.

abunai says...

Throughout Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Paniponi Dash!, there runs a common thread of in-jokes and references to popular culture, including other anime. This is part of a recent fad in anime, and other examples of this tendency include Lucky Star and Negima!?

Both anime make frequent use of blackboard writings in the background to deliver in-jokes and subtle (and not-so-subtle) digs at the characters, at other anime, and at the series creators themselves.

If you are the type of viewer who gets the jokes in one of these anime, you'll surely enjoy the other.

Cetonis says...

Pani Poni Dash and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei have a good deal in common. Both are school comedies revolving around an unusual teacher, and both have hyper-stereotyped students (and revel in it!). They're also full of all sorts of little notes, cultural references, and randomness in its truest form. Sayonara is a lot more mature/brash, but unless that's an important quality to you, be sure to try one of these if you liked the second.

flyboy42 says...

Both animes have a similar crazy, hectic theme often found in SHAFT prouctions. Another point is that sayonara zetsubou sensei actually references Paniponi Dash (in the same hectic way paniponi would refrence, say, evangalion)

Nakama says...

Both stories are in common because they are about a high school teacher, who is different than every other normal high school teacher, and is a parody of about other animes/manga and the outside world.

Rizu says...

Both Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei are fast-paced, dark comedies. I would call Yamato a cross between Sayonara and Ouran High School Host Club. While Sayonara is a dark, twisted, somewhat hard to follow, pop-culture reference-filled, very fast-paced with schizophrenic "plot"-hopping, Yamato is... all these things, (minus the constant pop-culture references) toned down, and in a definitively shoujo setting.

The female lead of Yamato is reminiscent of the background female characters of Sayonara; sometimes beautiful, sometimes seemingly normal, but always reverting to an utterly psychotic nature. While the characters in Sayonara are pulling animal tails, hiding/living in lockers, and stalking their teacher, the "heroine" of Yamato is hiding in her dimly lit room or biology lab, polishing her beloved human skull, watching slasher flicks, and scheming with her best friend, the half-skinned plastic human anatomy prop, over the best way to kill a man she believes is too good looking.

Estuko says...

The dark humor in these series are very similar, so if you liked one you are most likely to like the other one too...

hamletsmage says...

Nozomu and Sunako share something in common. They are both rather gloomy/occult-loving characters surrounded by a cast of hyper, off-the-wall, opposite-gender characters. The dark humored comedy of these animes are practically identical.