by The highly anticipated Spring 2026 anime season officially kicks off today, April 2 (Thursday), bringing a fresh wave of new series, sequels, and adaptations for anime fans worldwide.
With dozens of titles launching this season, today’s lineup marks the first major broadcast day, featuring a mix of science fiction, fantasy, romance, and mystery anime.
If you’re wondering what to watch today, this beginner-friendly guide breaks down the Thursday anime schedule, highlights key shows, and helps you choose where to start.
Spring 2026 Anime Season Overview
The Spring 2026 season is shaping up to be:
- One of the biggest anime seasons of the year
- Packed with over 70 titles
- Featuring:
- Long-awaited sequels
- New adaptations
- Original anime projects
Today’s releases are just the beginning of a busy anime schedule.
Thursday Anime Lineup (April 2, 2026)
Here are the major anime series that begin airing today:
Dr. STONE: SCIENCE FUTURE (Season 3)
Broadcast Schedule:
- TOKYO MX / KBS Kyoto: 22:00
- BS11: 24:00
- Sun TV: 25:00
- TV Aichi: 25:30
- Animax: From April 25 (Saturday) 19:30
Why Watch:
- One of the most popular modern anime franchises
- Combines:
- Science
- Adventure
- Survival
Perfect for fans of smart storytelling and world-building.
Kirio Fan Club
Broadcast Schedule:
- TBS Network (28 stations): 23:56
- AT-X: From April 11 (Saturday) 21:00
- TV Setouchi: April 10 (Friday) 25:28
- CBC: April 10 (Friday) 26:23
Overview:
- Likely a character-driven or club-themed story
- Focus on relationships and group dynamics.
The Adventurer Who Devours Monsters
Broadcast Schedule:
- TOKYO MX: 25:00
Overview:
- A fantasy story where the protagonist grows stronger by consuming monsters
Ideal for fans of:
- Isekai
- Power progression stories
Haibara-kun’s Strong and Youthful New Game
Broadcast Schedule:
- TBS: 25:28
- BS11: April 3 (Friday) 23:00
- AT-X: April 5 (Sunday) 23:30
Overview:
- Likely a mix of:
- Youth drama
- Gaming or life-reset themes
Komekami! Girls
Broadcast Schedule:
- TV Nishinippon: 25:50
- BS11: April 7 (Tuesday) 25:00
- TOS TV Oita: April 8 (Wednesday) 26:30
- Tochigi TV: April 9 (Thursday) 23:00
- Kids Station: April 11 (Saturday) 11:30
Overview:
- Appears to be a lighthearted or slice-of-life series
- Likely focused on a group of girls and daily life
You’ve Been Murdered Again, Detective
Broadcast Schedule:
- TV Nishinippon: 25:58
- BS11: April 3 (Friday) 23:30
Overview:
- Mystery/detective genre
- Likely features:
- Repeated cases
- Unique narrative twist
Additional Titles to Watch (Early Spring Picks)
Although not all details are confirmed, other titles like:
- The Ice CastleThey
are also part of the Spring 2026 lineup and may gain attention in the coming weeks.
Beginner Guide: How to Choose What to Watch
With so many anime launching, here’s how to start:
Step 1: Pick by Genre
- Science → Dr. STONE
- Fantasy → Monster-devouring anime
- Mystery → Detective series
Step 2: Start Small
Watch 2–3 shows first, then expand your list.
Step 3: Follow Weekly Schedule
Tracking by day (like Thursday anime) helps avoid overload.
Trends in Spring 2026 Anime
Sequel Dominance
Major returning titles like Dr. STONE lead the season.
Rise of Fantasy Concepts
Unique power systems (like monster consumption) are trending.
Diverse Genres
From mystery to slice-of-life, there’s something for everyone.
Where to Watch
Most anime will be available on:
- Japanese TV networks
- Streaming platforms (varies by region)
Check your local streaming service for availability.
Final Thoughts
The Spring 2026 anime season officially begins today, and Thursday’s lineup offers a strong start with a mix of popular sequels and fresh new stories.
Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or just getting started, this season provides plenty of exciting options to explore.
Stay tuned as more anime premiere throughout the week. This season is just getting started!
