The famous "green jacket" series was created with an adult sensibility and attempted to create a stylish series not previously seen. Great attention was given to the details of the automobiles, guns, and brand name items used. Initially, the series focused less on humor and more on pulp stories centered on a particular heist. Lupin would not hesitate to kill anyone in his way though he did have his own skewed moral code.

The series opened to poor ratings, and director Osumi Masaki's refusal to alter the tone of the series lead to his removal by the time the third episode had aired. In an attempt to reach a broader audience, Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao were brought in to soften the series and provide more humor. Despite their efforts, the series was canceled after twenty-three episodes. However, the series found its audience in reruns and grew in popularity.

Japanese Title:
Rupan Sansei (Lupin the Third)
Jacket Color:
Green
Initial Air Date:
1971 October 24
Final Air Date:
1972 March 26
Timeslot:
19:30 - 20:00, Sundays
Broadcast Network:
Yomiuri TV (YTV) National Network
Episode Count:
23
Run Time per Episode:
~30 minutes
Credits Scene from First TV Series
Episode 1: Is Lupin Burning...?!

Episode 1: Is Lupin Burning...?!

Rupan wa Moeteiru ka...?!
Air Date: 1971 October 24
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Episode 2: The Man They Called a Magician

Episode 2: The Man They Called a Magician

Majutsushi to Yobareta Otoko
Air Date: 1971 October 31
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Episode 3: Farewell My Beloved Witch

Episode 3: Farewell My Beloved Witch

Saraba Itoshiki Majo
Air Date: 1971 November 07
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Episode 4: One Chance to Breakout

Episode 4: One Chance to Breakout

Datsugoku no Chance wa Ichido
Air Date: 1971 November 14
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Episode 5: The Coming of Goemon the Thirteenth

Episode 5: The Coming of Goemon the Thirteenth

13dai Goemon Toojoo
Air Date: 1971 November 21
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Episode 6: Rainy Afternoons are Bad

Episode 6: Rainy Afternoons are Bad

Ame no Gogo wa Yabai ze
Air Date: 1971 November 28
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Episode 7: A Wolf Calls a Wolf

Episode 7: A Wolf Calls a Wolf

Ookami wa Ookami o Yobu
Air Date: 1971 December 05
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Episode 8: The All-Together Playing-Card Operation

Episode 8: The All-Together Playing-Card Operation

Zenin Shuugoo Trump Sakusen
Air Date: 1971 December 12
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Episode 9: Killer Sings the Blues

Episode 9: Killer Sings the Blues

Koroshiya wa Blues o Utau
Air Date: 1971 December 19
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Episode 10: Hunt Down the Counterfeiter!

Episode 10: Hunt Down the Counterfeiter!

Nisesatsutsukuri o Nerae!
Air Date: 1971 December 26
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Episode 11: When the Seventh Bridge Falls

Episode 11: When the Seventh Bridge Falls

Nanabamme no Hashi ga Ochiru Toki
Air Date: 1972 January 02
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Episode 12: Who Had the Last Laugh?

Episode 12: Who Had the Last Laugh?

Dare ga Saigo ni Waratta ka?
Air Date: 1972 January 09
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Episode 13: Beware the Time Machine!

Episode 13: Beware the Time Machine!

Time Machine ni Ki o Tsukero!
Air Date: 1972 January 16
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Episode 14: The Emerald's Secret

Episode 14: The Emerald's Secret

Emerald no Himitsu
Air Date: 1972 January 23
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Episode 15: Let's Catch Lupin and Go to Europe

Episode 15: Let's Catch Lupin and Go to Europe

Lupin o Tsukamaete Europe e Ikoo
Air Date: 1972 January 30
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Episode 16: Operation Jewel Snatch

Episode 16: Operation Jewel Snatch

Hooseki Yokodori Sakusen
Air Date: 1972 February 06
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Episode 17: Lupin Caught in a Trap

Episode 17: Lupin Caught in a Trap

Wana ni Kakatta Lupin
Air Date: 1972 February 13
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Episode 18: Keep an Eye on the Beauty Contest

Episode 18: Keep an Eye on the Beauty Contest

Bijin Contest o Mark se yo
Air Date: 1972 February 20
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Episode 19: Which of the Third Generation Will Win!

Episode 19: Which of the Third Generation Will Win!

Dotchi ga Katsu ka Sandaime!
Air Date: 1972 February 27
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Episode 20: Catch the Phony Lupin!

Episode 20: Catch the Phony Lupin!

Nise Lupin o Tsukamaero!
Air Date: 1972 March 05
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Episode 21: Rescue the Tomboy!

Episode 21: Rescue the Tomboy!

Jajaumamusume o Tasukedase!
Air Date: 1972 March 12
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Episode 22: The First Move Wins Computer Operation!

Episode 22: The First Move Wins Computer Operation!

Sente Hisshoo Computer Sakusen!
Air Date: 1972 March 19
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Episode 23: The Great Gold Showdown!

Episode 23: The Great Gold Showdown!

Oogon no Daishoobu!
Air Date: 1972 March 26
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Arsene Lupin III:
Daisuke Jigen:
Goemon Ishikawa XIII:
Fujiko Mine:
Inspector Zenigata:

Cast data provided by Anime News Network. Check their official page for any additional data not supplied through their API.