If you want the complete story, start reading the manga from Chapter 32 (after Episode 25) or Volume 9 after finishing the anime.
While many streaming platforms list only 26 episodes, true completionists must seek out the "Special Episode" (often labeled Episode 27), which adapts chapters from the manga not covered in the main broadcast.
Based on polls and forums (Reddit, MyAnimeList), the top 3 episodes are:
Watch if you enjoy:
Skip if you dislike:
Best episodes: 1, 12, 23, 26
Worst (relatively): 15 (filler-ish), 18 (predictable)
For the complete story, watch the anime (episodes 1–26) then read manga chapters 32–62.
Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (translated as Maid Sama!) follows the story of Misaki Ayuzawa, the first female student council president at Seika High, a school that recently transitioned from all-boys to co-ed. To protect the few female students from the unruly boys, Misaki maintains a reputation as a strict "demon dictator". However, she hides a secret: due to her family's poverty, she works part-time at Maid Latte, a maid café.
Her secret is discovered by Takumi Usui, the school’s most popular and mysterious boy. Instead of exposing her, Usui becomes a regular at the café to watch over her, leading to a series of comedic and romantic encounters. Story Arcs and Key Episodes The anime series consists of 26 episodes and 2 OVAs.
The Secret Revealed (Eps 1–5): Usui finds out about Misaki’s job. He protects her from "The Idiot Trio"—three boys from school who eventually become her biggest fans after discovering her secret themselves.
Rivalries and New Characters (Eps 6–15): Misaki faces challenges from rival schools, such as the prestigious Miyabigaoka Academy and its manipulative president, Tora Igarashi. She also deals with Aoi Hyodo, the manager's niece who is a famous "net idol".
Beach and Summer Fun (Eps 16–18): The staff of Maid Latte goes to a beach house, resulting in classic "beach episode" tropes where Usui becomes increasingly protective of Misaki.
Developing Feelings (Eps 19–25): Misaki’s childhood friend, Hinata Shintani, arrives and competes with Usui for her affection. Misaki slowly begins to realize her feelings for Usui despite her "tsundere" (harsh but sweet) nature.
The School Festival Finale (Ep 26): During the school festival, Misaki and Usui finally acknowledge their feelings for each other. While the anime ends here, they are officially a couple. Kaichou Wa Maid-sama Episodes
Watch these key moments and episode highlights to see the progression of Misaki and Usui's relationship: Maid Sama's Obligatory Beach Episode (Maid Sama Eps 16-18) Shoujo Sundae
Emotional core: Misaki finally admits (to herself, not him) that Usui matters more than she expected.
The anime series Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (Maid Sama!) consists of 26 main episodes, plus two additional special releases. Produced by J.C.Staff, it aired from April to September 2010 and covers roughly the first 32 chapters of the original manga series. Episode Guide
The series follows the double life of Misaki Ayuzawa, the strict student council president of Seika High who secretly works part-time at a maid cafe. Episode Title Key Plot Point Misaki is a Maid! Takumi Usui discovers Misaki’s secret at "Maid Latte". A Maid even at the School Festival
Misaki balances her school duties with her secret job during a festival. What Color is Misaki? Pink?
The introduction of the "Three Idiots" and their obsession with Misaki. Net Idol Aoi-chan
Misaki meets Aoi Hyoudou, the manager's niece who is a cross-dressing net idol. First Time Staying at Home Alone Usui keeps Misaki company while she is sick and alone. Men and the Ayuzawa Cram School Misaki tries to teach a group of rowdy boys to respect her. Entry of the Student Council President of Miyabigaoka The rivalry with the elite Miyabigaoka High School begins. Misaki Goes to Miyabigaoka Misaki confronts the arrogant Tora Igarashi at his school. Maid-sama is a Momotaro
A special "alternate universe" episode retelling the legend of Momotaro. Sakura's Love is the Indie Misaki’s friend Sakura falls for a rock band member. The Secret of Takumi Usui is Approached!
Misaki tries to find out more about Usui’s mysterious background. Still a Maid even in the Sports Festival
Misaki competes fiercely to protect the school's reputation. Idiots and Juvenile Delinquents and Heroism
The Three Idiots get into trouble, and Misaki has to bail them out. Kanō Sōtarō of Class 1-7 Introduction of Kanō, who tries to hypnotize Misaki. A Glasses Rabbit at the School Visitation Misaki wears glasses for a special event at the cafe. Maid Latte even at a Beach House The Maid Latte staff takes a summer trip to the beach. Usui Becomes an Enemy
A misunderstanding leads to a temporary rift between Misaki and Usui. Maid-sama is a Footman
Misaki must dress as a male footman for a special cafe event. Pairing Rearranged in the Footman Audition Competitive trials for the footman event at Miyabigaoka. The Vice-President is a Prince? If you want the complete story, start reading
A focus on Shoichiro Yukimura, the student council vice-president. Usui's Rival? Hinata Shintani
Misaki’s childhood friend arrives and challenges Usui for her affection. Playing Tag at the Forest School A school trip leads to a high-stakes game of tag. Sweets Feast at Maid Latte
A competition at the cafe involving massive amounts of desserts. Latte Magic with Mero Mero Rin Misaki struggles to act "moe" for a special cafe promotion. Hinata and Misaki and Usui
The love triangle reaches a boiling point during the school festival. That's Cunning of You Ayuzawa, Usui You Idiot!
Misaki finally starts to acknowledge her true feelings for Usui. Special Content
Episode 27 (Special): Titled "Omake da yo!" (It's a Bonus!), this is a short extra episode included with the DVD releases.
OVA: A 13-minute original video animation titled "Kaichou wa Maid-sama!: Goshuujinsama to Asondao♥" (I played with my master) was released in 2011.
While the anime ends at episode 26, the story continues in the manga, eventually showing the couple's engagement and marriage in later chapters. Misaki Ayuzawa | Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama! Wiki | Fandom
Her love interest is Takumi Usui. In chapter 81, she was engaged to him and in Chapter 85, she became Takumi Usui's wife. Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama! Wiki
The anime series Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (Maid Sama!) is a cornerstone of the rom-com shojo genre, known for its strong-willed protagonist and the electric chemistry between its leads. Produced by J.C.Staff, the series originally aired between April and September 2010, consisting of 26 core episodes and a few special releases. The Full Episode Guide
The narrative follows Misaki Ayuzawa, the strict student council president of Seika High, who secretly works at a maid café called Maid Latte to support her family. Her world shifts when the school's most popular boy, Takumi Usui, discovers her secret. Key Plot Point Misaki is a Maid! Usui discovers Misaki’s secret job at Maid Latte. A Maid Even at the School Festival!
The duo navigates their first school event under the secret. What Color is Misaki?
Usui begins showing deeper interest in Misaki’s personality. Net Idol Aoi-chan While many streaming platforms list only 26 episodes,
Introduction of Aoi, a famous net idol and niece of the café manager. Enter the President of Miyabigaoka
Misaki meets Tora Igarashi, the wealthy rival council president. Still a Maid even in the Sports Festival
Misaki competes fiercely while trying to keep her maid persona hidden. Usui Becomes an Enemy!
Conflict arises as Usui's motives and background are questioned. Usui’s Rival? Hinata Shintani
Misaki’s childhood friend arrives, creating a love triangle. That’s Cunning of You Ayuzawa!
The season finale where Misaki and Usui's feelings finally peak. Specials and OVAs
Beyond the 26 television episodes, there are additional materials that fans often look for:
Kaichou wa Maid-sama!: Omake Da yo!: A collection of short, comedic segments.
Goshujinsama to Asonjao♥: A special episode released with the DVD/Blu-ray volumes. Why the Episodes Resonate
Just as Misaki began to accept that she might have feelings for Usui, reality intervened. It was revealed that Usui was not just a scholarship student; he was a member of the wealthy and influential Walker family. He was living in a high-rise apartment, isolated from his influential British family, who viewed him as an outsider.
The class difference became a chasm. Misaki felt that their worlds were too far apart. Simultaneously, Usui’s family began to intervene, attempting to separate him from what they considered a "lowly" high school romance. Usui was offered opportunities to study abroad, opportunities that would tear him away from Misaki.
For the first time, Misaki faced a problem she couldn't punch or discipline her way out of. She faced the prospect of losing Usui not to a rival, but to destiny.
| Ep # | Title (English / Japanese) | Focus / Key Event | |------|----------------------------|-------------------| | 1 | "Misaki Ayuzawa, Class President & Maid" / Ayuzawa Misaki wa Kaichō de Maid | Introduction of Misaki, Seika High, and her secret maid job. Usui discovers her secret. | | 2 | "Let's Go to the Maid Latte" / Meido Latte ni Ikō | Misaki faces classmate Sōtarō Kanō at her workplace. | | 3 | "What Color is Misaki’s True Nature?" / Misaki no Honshitsu wa Nani-iro? | Usui protects Misaki from a stalker. Childhood flashback. | | 4 | "Supporting the Student Council" / Seitokai no Oshigoto | Festival preparation. Usui helps the council. | | 5 | "First Time at the Beach" / Hajimete no Umi | Beach episode. Swimming contest and Yukimura's development. | | 6 | "Getting Over the Boys' School" / Otoko no Gakkō o Norikoete | Visit to Aoi’s all-boys school. Usui vs. Aoi. | | 7 | "The Miyabigaoka School Festival" / Miyabigaoka Gakuensai | Misaki sneaks into a rival rich school’s festival. | | 8 | "Misaki, Going to the Rich School" / Misaki, Ojosama Gakkō e Iku | Continuation of Miyabigaoka arc. Misaki in a hostess outfit. | | 9 | "Even So, Usui is..." / Soredemo Usui wa | Usui’s mysterious past hinted. Basketball competition. | | 10 | "Troublemaker-san’s Ambition" / Meiwaku-san no Yabō | Misaki’s rival from elementary school, Sakura, appears. | | 11 | "The Girl Who Steps Forward Even If Hesitant" / Tamerai Nagara mo Mae ni Susumu Shōjo | Sakura’s redemption. Misaki helps her confess to a crush. | | 12 | "The Sports Festival, Everyone Gathers Around!" / Taiikusai, Zen'in Shūgō! | Sports festival. Usui’s athletic prowess. | | 13 | "The Dream and Reality of the Sea & Maid" / Umi to Maid, Yume to Genjitsu | Beach training camp. Usui’s grandfather introduced. | | 14 | "The Best Guy at School ~Aoi-chan" / Gakkō Ichii no Otoko ~Aoi-chan | Aoi’s cross-dressing secret revealed. | | 15 | "Ryūnosuke's Hidden Heart" / Ryūnosuke no Kakushita Kokoro | Focus on Kuuga Ryūnosuke, the silent shōjo manga fan. | | 16 | "Maid Latte’s Dog Days" / Meido Latte no Dog Days | Pet-themed day at the café. Usui jealous. | | 17 | "Usui, Show Some Weakness" / Usui, Yowasa o Mise yo | Usui gets sick. Misaki nurses him. | | 18 | "The Maid-sama at the Festival" / Matsuri no Meido-sama | School culture festival. Misaki performs in a play. | | 19 | "Time to Move Forward, Time to Choose" / Susumu Beki Jidai, Eraba Beki Michi | Career planning. Misaki considers the future. | | 20 | "But That Guy is a Natural Enemy" / Dakedo Aitsu wa Tennen Teki na Teki | New character: Tora Igarashi (Miyabigaoka’s student council president). | | 21 | "Usui’s Rival...?!" / Usui no Raibaru...?! | Tora challenges Usui for Misaki’s attention. | | 22 | "The Wolf and His Fangs" / Ōkami to Kiba | Usui vs. Tora conflict escalates. | | 23 | "Exchange Student from Miyabigaoka" / Miyabigaoka kara no Ryūgakusei | Tora transfers to Seika temporarily. | | 24 | "A Man’s Worth, A Woman’s Feelings" / Otoko no Iji, Onna no Omoi | Misaki defends Usui in public. | | 25 | "Tora and Misaki" / Tora to Misaki | Tora’s backstory. Misaki helps him face his father. | | 26 | "Never Lose! The Final Battle of the Ayuzawa Sisters" / Makeruna! Ayuzawa Shimai no Kessen | Suzuna (Misaki’s sister) helps solve a crisis. Series finale for main run. |