The anime series, Double Zeta Gundam, was the third Gundam series. It was originally conceived of as a second season of Zeta Gundam, but it was ultimately decided that the show should feature an all-new cast. Of the major Zeta Gundam characters, only eternal captain Bright Noa and Axis leader Haman Khan make more than cameo appearances; Char Aznable's planned appearance was canceled when Tomino Yoshiyuki was given the go-ahead to do the Char's Counterattack movie.

To balance Zeta Gundam's melancholy melodrama, this nominal sequel struck a much lighter, often comical, tone. For example, in the first episode, Captain Bright is reduced to defending the Ahgama by throwing oranges. It enjoys a poor reputation among the serious-minded ranks of Gundam fandom, but scored high ratings with younger audiences.