When Cowboy Bebop first debuted in 1998, it wasn’t particularly popular. In fact, during its original run, it received mixed reviews and failed to gain widespread recognition. However, thanks to a dedicated and passionate fanbase who championed the show whenever they could, Cowboy Bebop eventually achieved cult classic status, to later be recognized as a revolutionary work with timeless relevance. While its transformation from an overlooked anime to a must-watch masterpiece might surprise some, it certainly didn’t come as a shock to its creators, especially director Shinichiro Watanabe, who shared in an interview what he believes is the secret behind the series’ enduring popularity.
https://screenrant.com/cowboy-bebop-director-watanabe-revealed-secret-behind-success/