Sword Art Online has stirred up quite a bit of controversy since its debut. The main reasons seem to be its questionable depiction of female characters and the inconsistent quality of its storytelling. Some argue that the series relies too heavily on cliches and tropes, while others defend its creativity and world-building. Additionally, the romantic relationships in the show have been criticized for being overly simplistic and unrealistic. Despite these controversies, the show's popularity continues to grow, sparking heated debates among anime fans.