Forgotten 1990s Fantasy TV Gem is About to Leave Streaming Completely

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Unfortunately, fans of this beloved and somewhat obscure series have some disappointing news. It’s leaving Tubi, the streaming service where it’s currently available, and it’s unclear if it will be available anywhere else. This is particularly sad for those who’ve enjoyed the show since it first came out in 1996, or even the book it’s based on. While not the very first adaptation of the story, this version seems to be the most popular with viewers.

Journey to the West tells the story of Sun Wukong, a powerful being who learns from his errors and joins the monk Tripitaka on a dangerous quest to retrieve sacred texts from the West. During their travels, they face numerous demons and monsters, and are aided by companions Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing as they overcome these obstacles.

The 1996 Version Does the Classic Novel the Most Justice

Many have wondered why there hasn’t been a truly great adaptation of the classic novel Journey to the West. However, fans of the 1996 television series are quick to praise it. One fan described it as “more over-the-top than any American show from the nineties – wilder than Xena or Mortal Kombat, and all those similar shows combined! It’s wonderfully cheesy, and I love it.” Another viewer said it was “very enjoyable for all ages and unlike any other Journey to the West adaptation. It was my favorite show growing up, and rewatching it still feels like experiencing that same magic.”

This series wasn’t a hit with critics in the US and didn’t get much attention when it first came out, but it’s still a wonderful take on Chinese myths and legends. The first season is particularly strong, before some of the actors changed. If you’re looking for something to watch, Journey to the West is definitely worth a weekend binge – you’ll likely love it, even with the older special effects.

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2026-05-23 19:15