by The countdown has begun for Season 3 of the TV anime Oshi no Ko, which is scheduled to premiere on January 14, 2026. Anticipation is running high—not only because the series remains one of the most talked-about anime of recent years, but also because Season 3 is expected to mark a major shift in the story, with Ruby stepping into the spotlight like never before.
One question fans keep asking is simple, yet crucial:
How far will Season 3 adapt the original manga?
Let’s take a closer, beginner-friendly look at the anime’s adaptation pattern so far, what the remaining manga content suggests, and why Ruby’s arc may define the emotional core of Season 3—all without major spoilers.
A Quick Recap: How Much Has the Anime Covered So Far?
To predict Season 3, it helps to look at how the anime has adapted the manga up to this point.
Season 1 (2023)
- Covered the Prologue (“Childhood Arc”) through the First Stage Arc
- Roughly adapted manga chapters 1–40
- Opened with a 90-minute special, followed by a total of 11 episodes
Season 2 (2024)
- Covered the 2.5D Stage Play Arc through the Private Arc
- Adapted approximately chapters 41–80
- Ran for 13 episodes
In simple terms, each season has adapted around 40 chapters of the manga, maintaining a steady pace while giving major scenes room to breathe.
How Much Manga Is Left?
The original Oshi no Ko manga concluded with Chapter 166. As of the end of Season 2, the anime has covered up to about Chapter 80, meaning there are roughly 80–85 chapters remaining.
If the anime continues at the same pace:
- Season 3 would likely cover chapters 81–120
- A potential Season 4 could adapt the final arc and conclude the series
This structure would allow the anime to end cleanly without rushing the story’s most emotionally intense moments.
The Complication: The Longest Arc in the Series
Here’s where things get interesting.
Starting around Chapter 109, the manga enters the massive “Movie Arc”, which runs all the way to Chapter 147. This is by far the longest and most complex arc in Oshi no Ko, both narratively and emotionally.
Because of its length, it’s unlikely the anime will try to cover the entire Movie Arc in a single season. Instead, Season 3 may end partway through this arc, choosing a natural emotional breakpoint rather than a strict chapter count.
The Key Turning Point: Ruby’s Transformation
One of the biggest reasons Season 3 is generating so much excitement is Ruby’s character arc.
What Happened in Season 2?
Without going into spoilers:
- Ruby uncovers a devastating truth connected to her past life
- This discovery pushes her toward revenge
- Visually symbolized by the appearance of dark stars in her eyes
Until now, Oshi no Ko largely framed revenge and manipulation through Aqua’s perspective. Season 3 flips that dynamic.
Ruby Steps Into the Spotlight
In Season 3:
- Ruby becomes far more active and calculating
- She begins using the entertainment industry itself as a tool
- Her hatred of lies clashes with her willingness to deceive others for her goals
This role reversal—Ruby embracing darkness just as Aqua begins to let go of revenge—is one of the most powerful thematic contrasts in the series.
Where Could Season 3 End?
Many manga readers point to a moment around Chapter 123 as a likely endpoint for Season 3. Without spoiling details, this chapter represents:
- A partial emotional resolution for Ruby
- A symbolic shift in her internal struggle
- A natural pause before the story escalates toward its final phase
Interestingly, this aligns closely with the “around Chapter 120” estimate based on previous adaptation pacing.
If this is where Season 3 ends, it would:
- Give Ruby’s arc the attention it deserves
- Set up Season 4 as the final season
- Avoid rushing the Movie Arc’s most important developments
Why Season 3 May Be the Most Emotional Yet
Even for anime-only viewers, Season 3 is shaping up to be a turning point:
- Ruby takes center stage as more than just Aqua’s sister
- The series leans deeper into psychological drama
- Themes of identity, lies, and performance become more intense
For Ruby fans in particular, this season promises her most impactful moments to date.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect From Oshi no Ko Season 3
While nothing has been officially confirmed regarding the exact endpoint of Season 3, all signs point to:
- Coverage up to around Chapter 120–123
- Heavy focus on Ruby’s “dark side”
- A setup for a final Season 4 to conclude the story
Whether you’re a long-time manga reader or an anime-only fan, Season 3 of Oshi no Ko is poised to deliver some of the series’ most unforgettable moments yet.
January 2026 can’t come soon enough.
