by The emotional fantasy anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (also known as Sousou no Frieren) continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Following the broadcast of Episode 32 (Season 2, Episode 4), titled “Someone’s Hometown,” streaming platform ABEMA released its rankings of the three most commented scenes, based on real-time viewer reactions.
Unsurprisingly, romantic and wholesome moments dominated the discussion especially a charming date scene featuring Fern and Stark, which quickly became a fan favorite online.
About Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Based on the award-winning manga written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, the series is currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday (Shogakukan) and has sold over 32 million copies worldwide. The story takes place after the Demon King has already been defeated, offering a rare perspective in fantasy storytelling.
Instead of focusing on heroic battles, the narrative follows Frieren an elf mage who has lived for more than a thousand years as she embarks on a deeply personal journey to understand human emotions following the death of her former companion, the hero Himmel.
The first TV anime season aired from September 2023 to March 2024, earning critical acclaim for its:
- Emotional storytelling
- Thought-provoking themes about time and mortality
- Beautiful animation and music
- Subtle humor and character development
- Carefully choreographed magical battles
With Season 2 premiering in January 2026, anticipation among fans has been extremely high, and each new episode has generated significant discussion on social media platforms.
Episode 32 Highlights “Someone’s Hometown”
Episode 32 shifts toward quieter, character-focused storytelling. Rather than intense combat, the episode explores everyday moments, relationships, and the emotional bonds between party members a hallmark of the series’ unique tone.
ABEMA analyzed viewer comments during the broadcast and released the Top 3 Most Commented Scenes, showcasing what resonated most strongly with fans.
1st Place Fern and Stark Buy a Giant Meat Bun on Their Date
The most talked-about moment features Fern and Stark sharing a sweet outing that strongly resembles a date. Their purchase of an oversized steamed meat bun (nikuman) created a wholesome, slice-of-life scene that delighted viewers.
Fans praised the sequence for its natural chemistry and subtle romantic tension. Rather than exaggerated anime tropes, the interaction feels authentic and endearing — perfectly matching the show’s understated style.
Why fans loved it:
- Adorable character interactions
- Clear romantic development
- Relaxed pacing and cozy atmosphere
- A rare “normal life” moment in a fantasy setting
Many viewers commented that this scene showed how far both characters have grown emotionally since their introduction.
2nd Place Fern’s Braided Hair When She’s in a Good Mood
A small but meaningful visual detail ranked second: Fern’s braided hairstyle. In the series, subtle changes in appearance often reflect a character’s emotional state, and fans noticed that Fern braids her hair when she feels particularly cheerful or relaxed.
This detail sparked a wave of comments praising the show’s nuanced character design and attention to emotional storytelling through visuals rather than dialogue.
Why it stood out:
- Symbolic character expression
- Cute and memorable visual moment
- Evidence of Fern’s softer side
- Strong fan attachment to the character
For many viewers, this tiny detail conveyed more emotion than an entire speech could.
3rd Place Fern and Stark Begin Their Date
Before the famous meat-bun scene, the simple act of Fern and Stark setting off together also generated significant buzz. Their slightly awkward yet sincere behavior highlighted the slow-burn nature of their relationship.
Fans appreciated how the series handles romance with restraint, focusing on genuine emotions rather than dramatic confessions or clichés.
Key highlights:
- Subtle romantic tension
- Natural character development
- Relatable awkwardness
- Warm, peaceful atmosphere
This moment reinforces one of the anime’s core strengths: finding beauty in ordinary experiences.
Why Episode 32 Resonated So Strongly
Unlike action-heavy episodes, “Someone’s Hometown” emphasizes connection, memory, and everyday happiness themes central to Frieren’s journey to understand humanity.
The popularity of these scenes demonstrates that audiences are deeply invested in the characters’ personal lives, not just the overarching quest. In fact, many fans consider these quiet moments to be the true heart of the series.
What to Expect from Season 2
With Season 2 underway in 2026, viewers can look forward to:
- Deeper exploration of Frieren’s past
- Continued development of Fern and Stark’s relationship
- New allies and adversaries
- Emotional flashbacks involving Himmel’s party
- Larger-scale magical conflicts balanced with slice-of-life storytelling
If Episode 32 is any indication, the sequel will continue blending introspective drama with warm character moments a formula that has made the series one of the most beloved modern fantasy anime.
Final Thoughts
The ABEMA rankings for Episode 32 highlight exactly why Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End stands out in the anime landscape. Rather than relying solely on spectacle, the series excels at portraying quiet human experiences friendship, affection, nostalgia, and personal growth.
The overwhelmingly positive response to Fern and Stark’s date scenes shows that sometimes the most memorable anime moments aren’t battles, but simple acts of kindness and connection.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer searching for a thoughtful fantasy anime, Frieren remains an essential watch in 2026.
