In the futuristic world of 2071, where interstellar travel is common and Earth is nearly uninhabitable, a motley crew of bounty hunters roams the galaxy aboard the spaceship Bebop in search of criminals with hefty price tags on their heads. Spike Spiegel, a nonchalant ex-martial artist with a complex past, leads the crew alongside his pragmatic partner, Jet Black, a former police officer. They're joined by the seductive con artist Faye Valentine, the enigmatic and genius hacker girl, Ed, and an intelligent Corgi named Ein. Together, this eclectic group traverses space, dealing with thematic elements such as existential boredom, loneliness, and the past catching up with individuals.

The crew's dynamic is tested as they encounter various criminals and unsavory figures, from gangsters and hackers to terrorists and rival bounty hunters. Their adventures take them to different planets and space stations, all richly textured with a blend of cultures and societies. The episodic nature of their pursuits leads them to confront their own personal demons and mysterious backstories, notably Spike's history with the Red Dragon Syndicate and his enigmatic nemesis, Vicious. The narrative weaves tight action sequences with jazz-inspired aesthetics, creating a stylish and gritty backdrop for the Bebop crew’s escapades, foreshadowing deeper underlying stories that are gradually revealed as the hunters become the hunted in a world where the line between good and evil blurs.