Fall 2026 Anime Season Boasts Major Returns and Bold New Directions

The Fall 2026 anime season is poised to be a landmark event, distinguished by the highly anticipated return of several major franchises that will continue their long-running narratives after significant hiatuses from television. A prime example is the resurgence of "Black Clover," which is finally resuming its anime adaptation more than five years after its initial, extensive 170-episode run concluded. This return signifies a major moment for fans who have eagerly awaited the continuation of Asta's journey. Similarly, popular series such as "Tokyo Revengers," "The Apothecary Diaries," and "Blue Box" are all set to advance directly into crucial new chapters of their respective storylines, promising to deepen the lore and character development that have captivated audiences. However, this season's lineup is not exclusively built around conventional sequels.

"Dragon Ball Super: Beerus" is taking a unique approach by extensively rebuilding familiar material rather than simply revisiting it, suggesting a fresh perspective on established events within the beloved Dragon Ball universe. Studio TRIGGER, known for its distinctive animation style and impactful storytelling, is returning to the "Cyberpunk" universe with "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2." This new installment promises to explore Night City with an entirely new cast, offering a fresh entry point or a new narrative thread within the established world. In a departure from established IPs, CloverWorks is presenting "GROTESQQQUE," an original anthology series that will explore three sharply different stories, showcasing the studio's versatility and creative ambition. Rounding out this diverse slate is "Fool Night," an adaptation that is notable for marking the first-time collaboration between two esteemed animation studios, SUNRISE and SHAFT, hinting at a potentially unique visual and narrative synergy.

Among the most anticipated releases is "STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure 2nd Stage," scheduled to begin its weekly run on September 25, 2026. This follows the successful release of a feature-length 47-minute opening chapter in March. The adaptation plunges viewers into the epic "Steel Ball Run" arc of Hirohiko Araki's "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" manga. It follows the journey of former jockey Johnny Joestar and the enigmatic Gyro Zeppeli as they compete in an approximately 750-mile cross-country horse race across the American frontier. This arduous journey serves as a backdrop for the progressive revelation of supernatural forces and complex political interests intricately woven into the fabric of the competition. The 2nd STAGE will introduce a host of new, memorable characters, including the formidable Mountain Tim, the enigmatic Hot Pants, and the pivotal antagonist, United States President Funny Valentine. David Production, the studio that has faithfully brought the "JoJo" anime to life for many years, remains at the helm. The series is directed by Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, with Toshiyuki Kato serving as series director and Yasuko Kobayashi, a veteran of the "JoJo" anime, returning for series composition. The musical score will once again be handled by Yugo Kanno, who is also credited with composing the series' main theme, "Dance with STEEL BALL RUN." The 11-episode 2nd STAGE is slated for weekly streaming on Fridays, ensuring a consistent release schedule for eager fans.