by Anime fans will soon have the perfect opportunity to revisit one of Japan’s most beloved multimedia franchises. ABEMA has officially announced a free marathon broadcast of the TV anime Kemono Friends and Kemono Friends 2, allowing viewers to enjoy both seasons at no cost for a limited time.
The special event will take place on July 21 and July 22, 2026, with every episode from both seasons airing consecutively. In addition, fans who miss the live broadcast will be able to watch all episodes through free on-demand streaming for one week after the marathon.
The campaign offers longtime fans a chance to relive the adventures of Serval, Kaban, and their friends, while also providing newcomers with an easy way to experience the series from the beginning.
ABEMA to Broadcast Every Episode of Kemono Friends
According to the official announcement, ABEMA will air all 12 episodes of the original Kemono Friends TV anime, followed by all 12 episodes of Kemono Friends 2.
The marathon will be available free of charge, making it one of the biggest opportunities this summer for viewers to catch up on the popular franchise.
After the scheduled broadcasts conclude, every episode will remain available for free streaming for one week, giving fans additional time to watch at their own pace.
Broadcast Schedule
Kemono Friends (Season 1)
- July 21, 2026 – 1:15 PM (JST)
- July 22, 2026 – 1:15 AM (JST)
All 12 episodes of the original anime will be broadcast in succession.
Kemono Friends 2 (Season 2)
- July 21, 2026 – 7:15 PM (JST)
- July 22, 2026 – 7:15 AM (JST)
- July 22, 2026 – 1:15 PM (JST)
All 12 episodes of the second season will also air consecutively across multiple marathon sessions.
Following the broadcasts, both seasons will be available for free catch-up streaming for one week on ABEMA.
What Is Kemono Friends?
Kemono Friends began as a multimedia project created by the Kemono Friends Project, originally launching as a mobile game before expanding into anime, manga, stage plays, web animations, novels, and other media.
The story takes place in the mysterious Japari Park, a vast wildlife sanctuary inhabited by unique beings known as Friends—animals that have transformed into human-like girls after being affected by a mysterious substance called Sandstar.
Each Friend retains characteristics inspired by the real-world animal they represent, resulting in a colorful cast of memorable and lovable characters.
The series combines adventure, comedy, mystery, and educational elements, introducing viewers to different animal species while telling an engaging story about friendship and exploration.
Why the Anime Became a Cultural Phenomenon
The first season of Kemono Friends, which aired in 2017, exceeded expectations and became one of the biggest surprise anime successes of the year.
Despite its modest production, the series gained widespread popularity thanks to its:
- Heartwarming storytelling
- Charming and memorable characters
- Positive themes of friendship and cooperation
- Surprisingly emotional narrative
- Memorable soundtrack and opening theme
The anime quickly developed a passionate fanbase, inspiring countless online discussions, fan art, and memes while attracting viewers of all ages.
Its success helped transform Kemono Friends into a long-running multimedia franchise that continues to release new content years after its television debut.
The second season, Kemono Friends 2, premiered in 2019, expanding the world of Japari Park with new characters, fresh adventures, and additional mysteries surrounding the park.
A Great Starting Point for New Viewers
For anime fans who have never watched Kemono Friends, the upcoming marathon is an excellent opportunity to experience the entire television story from beginning to end.
The series is beginner-friendly and suitable for audiences of all ages, thanks to its accessible storytelling, lighthearted humor, and uplifting message about kindness, curiosity, and teamwork.
Whether you’re interested in cute character designs, slice-of-life adventures, or discovering the fascinating traits of different animals, Kemono Friends offers something enjoyable for both casual viewers and longtime anime fans.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Marathon
Free marathon broadcasts like this are a great chance to revisit classic anime or discover popular series without needing a subscription.
Watching both seasons back-to-back also allows fans to better appreciate the growth of the characters, the evolving mysteries of Japari Park, and the unique charm that made Kemono Friends a standout title in modern anime history.
Combined with a full week of free on-demand streaming, ABEMA’s special event makes it easier than ever to enjoy the franchise at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
With all 24 television episodes available through free marathon broadcasts and one week of catch-up streaming, ABEMA’s Kemono Friends event is one of the highlights of the Summer 2026 anime schedule.
Whether you’re returning to the world of Japari Park or meeting Serval, Kaban, and the other Friends for the first time, this limited-time event provides the perfect opportunity to experience one of anime’s most heartwarming and memorable adventure series.
Fans should be sure to mark July 21–22, 2026, on their calendars and take advantage of this free viewing event before the catch-up period ends.
