There’s so much to say about what makes Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir special. The series has been around for quite a while now, reaching the debut of its sixth season on January 25 in the US (we’re patiently waiting for an Aus release date).
Miraculous remains undeniably charming – even with its writing quirks – and something about the show keeps fans coming back. Maybe it’s the endless potential of its premise, full of exciting story possibilities. Or perhaps we just can’t resist watching two awkward teenagers save Paris as superheroes while clumsily falling in love.
With its sixth season, Miraculous feels revitalised, breathing new life into the series. Fresh character designs, an animation revamp, new villains, and finally, main characters Marinette and Adrien have (spoilers) managed to develop a romantic relationship! Though, their superhero alter egos still remain a secret.
With Bryce Papenbrook a.k.a. Cat Noir appearing at Supanova in Melbourne (29-30 March), and Cristina Vee a.k.a. Ladybug appearing at Supanova on the Gold Coast (12-13 April), we’re taking a look back at all previous Miraculous seasons to help you prepare for what’s next.
SEASON 1: ORIGINS & FIRST BATTLES
Marinette and Adrien are chosen by Master Fu to each wield the Ladybug and Cat Miraculouses, transforming into Paris’ masked heroes. The season follows the two as they learn to fight Hawk Moth, who uses the Butterfly Miraculous to akumatise victims and spread chaos. Their secret identities remain unknown to each other, though Marinette unknowingly harbours a crush on Cat Noir’s civilian identity, Adrien, while Cat Noir begins to fall for Ladybug. This season establishes the renowned ‘villain of the week’ format and teases larger mysteries, such as Adrien’s missing mother.
SEASON 2: EXPANDING THE MIRACULOUS TEAM
Further Miraculouses are introduced, allowing Marinette to temporarily recruit her classmates as allies like Rena Rouge (Alya), Carapace (Nino), and Queen Bee (Chloé). The romance dynamic becomes more complicated as Marinette’s feelings for Adrien grow while she keeps rejecting Cat Noir’s advances as Ladybug. Hawk Moth is revealed to the audience to be Gabriel Agreste, Adrien’s father, making the fight against him even more personal. Gabriel is trying to capture the Ladybug and Cat Miraculouses in order to bring back Adrien’s mother, Èmilie Agreste. The season builds on emotional stakes and lore while teasing the power of the Peacock Miraculous.
SEASON 3: GUARDIANSHIP, HEARTBREAK, & POWER SHIFTS
Marinette is entrusted with the Miracle Box after Master Fu is forced to sacrifice his memories to protect its secrets. This new responsibility weighs heavily on her as she struggles with keeping secrets from all her friends. On the romance side, she briefly dates Luka, and Adrien dates Kagami, but both relationships fizzle due to their superhero duties and incompatibilities. Hawk Moth allies with Mayura (his assistant Nathalie), who wields the Peacock Miraculous to create powerful Sentimonsters, a new threat to the Miraculous team. The season ends with Felix stealing the damaged Peacock Miraculous, setting up major power shifts for the future.
SEASON 4: TEAM TRUST ISSUES & HEROIC STRUGGLES
Now the Guardian, Marinette takes on more responsibility but continues to struggle with balancing her hero life with her friendships. Shadow Moth (Hawk Moth + Mayura) becomes more dangerous, creating increasingly powerful villains. Marinette’s secrecy leads to tension with Alya, who later becomes her closest confidante when she reveals her identity as Ladybug to her. Meanwhile, Adrien begins questioning his father’s behaviour. Felix returns, stealing Miraculouses and hinting at deeper family secrets. The season ends with Ladybug temporarily losing the trust of her allies, making her and Cat Noir’s partnership more important than ever.
SEASON 5: THE BATTLE AGAINST MONARCH
Gabriel evolves into Monarch, granting himself access to multiple Miraculouses at once, making him nearly unstoppable. He successfully steals the Miracle Box, forcing Ladybug and Cat Noir to fight alone with only their core powers. Marinette and Adrien finally confess their feelings and start dating, but the looming battle against Monarch complicates everything. The finale is a game-changer: Monarch is defeated, but Gabriel sacrifices himself, seemingly reviving Emilie. The truth about Sentimonsters is hinted at, and Felix and Kagami become key players as everything we know about the Miraculous formula changes.
SEASON 6: A NEW ERA BEGINS
With Hawk Moth defeated, a new chapter unfolds – but peace is short-lived. A new, mysterious enemy emerges, one who is much closer to Ladybug and Cat Noir than they realise. As Marinette and Adrien grow closer in their romantic life, their relationship is anything but simple. Secrets still stand between them, the biggest being their superhero identities. This season promises emotional highs, shocking revelations, and a completely new approach to villain challenges. Ladybug and Cat Noir may have won against Hawk Moth, but their greatest trials are just beginning…
So, are you all caught up? With so many twists and turns over the past 10 years it’s been airing, Miraculous has kept fans on their toes – and Season 6 promises to shake things up even more. Whether you’re here for the romance, the superhero action, or the wild plot developments, one thing’s for sure: Miraculous is about to enter a whole new era.
Bryce Papenbrook a.k.a. Cat Noir will appear at Supanova in Melbourne (29-30 March), and Cristina Vee a.k.a. Ladybug will appear at Supanova on the Gold Coast (12-13 April).
