Fans of One Piece are in for a major shift in 2026 as the long running anime announces a new seasonal format and a reduced number of episodes. The series will no longer air new episodes every week throughout the year. Instead, it will follow a seasonal schedule with two blocks of episodes annually.
The year will begin with a three month hiatus from January to March, after which the anime will return in April to cover the Elbaph Arc. Toei Animation has confirmed that the total number of new episodes in 2026 will be capped at twenty six. This is significantly fewer than the previous years when the series could air forty to fifty episodes annually.
The new seasonal format means fans will experience longer breaks between episodes but can expect higher quality animation and a more focused storytelling pace. Each block of episodes is expected to run around twelve to thirteen episodes, giving viewers a clear structure and predictable schedule.
While this change may require some adjustment for long time viewers accustomed to weekly episodes, it marks a new era in the production of One Piece and promises a fresh approach to how the story is delivered on screen. The reduction in episodes is intended to maintain the quality of animation while keeping the series aligned with the manga's pacing.
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