'One Piece' Anime Pauses Broadcast Until 2027

Toei Animation has officially concluded the 2026 broadcast of the 'One Piece' anime series, with Episode 1181 slated for a 2027 return. The final episode of 2026, Episode 1180, aired on September 27 on Fuji TV and concluded with a significant cliffhanger in the ongoing Elbaph arc. This broadcast pause is part of a new strategy implemented by Toei Animation and producer Ryuta Koike, which caps the anime at 26 episodes per year. This revised schedule aims to eliminate filler and recap episodes, thereby improving the anime's pacing to better align with the narrative progression of Eiichiro Oda's original manga. During the main anime's hiatus, Fuji TV will fill the Sunday night timeslot with episodes of 'Dragon Ball Super: Beerus,' beginning on October 11. Despite the main TV series taking a break, 2027 is anticipated to be a substantial year for the 'One Piece' franchise across various media. The upcoming year's lineup includes the debut of Wit Studio's remake of the series, titled 'THE ONE PIECE,' which is set to release seven episodes on Netflix in February. Additionally, 'One Piece Film: God Valley' is scheduled for a theatrical premiere in Japan during the summer of 2027. Further expanding the franchise's reach, the third season of Netflix's live-action adaptation is also expected, with Xolo Maridueña reprising his role as Portgas D. Ace. The official 'One Piece' staff account confirmed the hiatus via X (formerly Twitter) on September 27, 2026, stating, "Thank you for watching the last TV anime of the year 'ONE PIECE' 🏴‍☠️ Next time will be broadcast in 2027! Please wait for further details on the broadcast period. #ONEPIECE #KonshuuNoAniOne". Toei Animation has not yet provided specific air dates for Episode 1181 beyond confirming its 2027 return. The decision to limit annual episodes reflects a broader trend in anime production to ensure higher quality and more consistent storytelling, moving away from the rapid production cycles that often led to filler content in long-running series. This strategic shift is intended to enhance viewer engagement and maintain the integrity of Oda's original story.