Exciting news has just dropped for fans of the epic One Piece anime! During a special livestream event, the production team announced a pivotal change to the series’ broadcast schedule, set to begin in 2026. This strategic move aims to elevate the anime’s quality and evolution, according to Ryuta Koike, the One Piece series producer at Toei Animation.
The new plan will see the One Piece anime taking a brief hiatus from January to March 2026. Fear not, adventurers, as it will make a grand return in April 2026, adopting a new structure of two distinct ‘cours’ per year, capping the annual episode count at 26. While the exact breakdown of episodes per cour and the start date for the second cour in 2026 are yet to be revealed, this change signals a deliberate effort to enhance the viewing experience.
The lively livestream, hosted by One Piece Media Editor-in-Chief Hiroyuki Nakano, wasn’t just about scheduling. It also treated fans to an exhilarating sneak peek at the upcoming Elbaph Arc! Teaser art and fresh character setting designs for this highly anticipated arc were unveiled, building immense excitement for what’s next in Luffy’s grand adventure.
Currently celebrating its remarkable 26th anniversary, the One Piece anime continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Fans can keep up with the latest episodes and a selection of theatrical movies, available for streaming in both sub and dub formats.