After more than a quarter-century of almost nonstop episodes, the ONE PIECE anime has reached the end of what many fans are calling “Season 1.” The long-running series concluded its current run with over 1,155 episodes and has officially closed its weekly broadcast era, ushering in a brand-new seasonal format set to begin in April 2026.
Launched in October 1999, ONE PIECE has been a Sunday staple for anime fans around the world. For 26 years, the show delivered fresh episodes nearly every week, becoming one of the most enduring and beloved anime series in history. This uninterrupted run spanning more than 1,000 episodes is now ending as the anime finishes the Egghead Island arc in late December 2025.
Toei Animation; the studio behind ONE PIECE has announced a major overhaul of the anime’s production schedule. Here’s what fans should expect:
Seasonal Format
Instead of year-round weekly episodes, ONE PIECE will adopt a seasonal release structure starting in April 2026. Under this new format:
- The anime will air around 26 episodes per year.
- Episodes will be split into two separate blocks (called “cours”) each year.
- There will be planned breaks between seasons to allow for better pacing and animation quality.
The anime will go on a three-month break from January to March 2026 after the finale of the Egghead Arc. It will then return with fresh episodes beginning in April 2026.
Elbaph Arc Kicks Things Off
The first chapter of this new season will be the highly anticipated Elbaph Arc, starting on April 5, 2026. The Elbaph Arc follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they enter the land of giants, setting the stage for some of the most epic adventures yet.
This shift isn’t just a scheduling update; it’s a creative decision. For years, fans and critics have pointed out issues with ONE PIECE’s pacing, where extended storylines sometimes felt too slow compared to the original manga. The seasonal format is intended to give the production team more time for quality animation and tighter storytelling.