by The Fall 2026 anime season officially enters one of its busiest phases today, October 3, 2026, with a large number of new anime series and returning seasons beginning their Japanese television broadcasts.
From long-running favorites and highly anticipated sequels to brand-new original anime, October 3 features an impressive lineup across morning, evening, late-night, and midnight programming slots. Major titles premiering today include Black Clover Season 2, Ranma 1/2 Season 3, Suikoden, The Wild Last Boss Has Appeared! Season 2, Magical Explorer, Vertex Force, and several other new productions. Current Japanese seasonal listings include dozens of Fall 2026 titles overall, making this one of the most packed anime seasons of the year.
For anime fans, October 3 is particularly important because several major productions debut on the same day. Some series will also have special premiere arrangements, including extended first episodes or different broadcast times for Episode 1.
Below is a beginner-friendly guide to the anime beginning on Saturday, October 3, 2026, along with their Japanese broadcast information.
Fall 2026 Anime Premieres on October 3
- Keroro Gunso☆
Broadcast information:
- TV Tokyo Network (6 stations): Every Saturday from October 3, 2026, at 9:30 AM
- AT-X: Every Monday from October 5, 2026, at 8:00 PM
The new Keroro Gunso☆ begins the October 3 lineup with a morning broadcast. The series continues the popular Keroro franchise and is one of the recognizable titles returning to Japanese television this season.
Its Saturday morning time slot makes it one of the earliest major anime premieres of the day.
- Nezumi-kun no Chokki Season 2
Broadcast information:
- NHK E Tele: Every Saturday from October 3, 2026, at 9:30 AM
The second season of Nezumi-kun no Chokki also begins airing on October 3.
The series returns to NHK E Tele for another season, allowing younger viewers and families to enjoy the continuation of the popular children’s story.
- Shirotan
Broadcast information:
- TV Asahi: Every Saturday from October 3, 2026, at 4:29 PM
- Aomori Asahi Broadcasting: Every Tuesday from October 6, 2026, at 11:10 PM
- Nagano Asahi Broadcasting: Every Saturday from October 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM
Shirotan is another new Saturday title joining the Fall 2026 lineup.
Its short-format programming and accessible broadcast schedule make it one of the more casual anime offerings of the season.
- The Seven Knights of the Marronnier Kingdom
Broadcast information:
- NHK E Tele: Every Saturday from October 3, 2026, at 6:25 PM
The Seven Knights of the Marronnier Kingdom begins airing during the Saturday evening slot.
The fantasy-focused title is among the new Fall 2026 productions that viewers can discover without needing to follow a previous anime season.
- Suikoden: The Anime
One of the biggest premieres on October 3 is Suikoden: The Anime, based on KONAMI’s acclaimed RPG franchise.
Broadcast information includes:
- TOKYO MX: Saturdays from October 3 at 11:30 PM
- Episode 1: Special 60-minute broadcast beginning at 8:00 PM
- Tochigi TV: Tuesdays from October 6 at 12:30 AM
- Fukui TV: Tuesdays from October 6 at 12:45 AM
- KTN TV Nagasaki: Tuesdays from October 6 at 12:53 AM
- KRY Yamaguchi Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 12:54 AM
- Gunma TV: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:00 AM
- FTV Fukushima Television: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:15 AM
- Ishikawa Television: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:15 AM
- NBS Nagano Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:15 AM
- TSK San-in Chuo Television: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:15 AM
- Kansai TV: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:19 AM
- KTS Kagoshima Television: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:20 AM
- YBS Yamanashi Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:24 AM
- RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:25 AM
- Hiroshima Television: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:29 AM
- YBC Yamagata Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:30 AM
- Nankai Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:35 AM
- NST Niigata General Television: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:35 AM
- Tohoku Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:40 AM
- TNC Television Nishinippon: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:45 AM
- ABA Aomori Asahi Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:48 AM
- AAB Akita Asahi Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:50 AM
- Iwate Menkoi Television: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:50 AM
- HTB Hokkaido Television: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:55 AM
- OBS Oita Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:55 AM
- KNB Kitanippon Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:59 AM
- RNC Nishinippon Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 1:59 AM
- SBS TV: Tuesdays from October 6 at 2:00 AM
- RKC Kochi Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 2:28 AM
- Me-Tele: Tuesdays from October 6 at 2:30 AM
- JRT Shikoku Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 6 at 3:37 AM
- BS Asahi: Fridays from October 9 at 11:30 PM
The first episode is particularly noteworthy because it is scheduled as a 60-minute extended special. Current Fall 2026 listings also confirm the October 3 premiere and the special first-episode broadcast.
For fans of classic Japanese RPGs, Suikoden is one of the most notable new adaptations of the season.
- The Reincarnated Great Saint Hides Her True Identity as a Saint
Broadcast information:
- TOKYO MX: Saturdays from October 3 at 10:00 PM
- BS11: Saturdays from October 3 at 10:00 PM
- Sun TV: Saturdays from October 3 at 10:30 PM
- AT-X: Mondays from October 5 at 10:00 PM
- TV Ehime: Thursdays from October 8 at 1:25 AM
- Niigata TV 21: Thursdays from October 8 at 1:55 AM
- Hokkaido Television Broadcasting: Tuesdays from October 13 at 3:30 AM
- Nagasaki Culture Broadcasting: Thursdays from October 15 at 1:20 AM
The fantasy series The Reincarnated Great Saint Hides Her True Identity as a Saint is another new title beginning on October 3.
The series combines fantasy, reincarnation, and hidden-identity elements, making it a title worth watching for fans of light-novel-inspired fantasy anime.
- The Wild Last Boss Has Appeared! Season 2
Broadcast information:
- TOKYO MX: Saturdays from October 3 at 10:30 PM
- BS Asahi: Sundays from October 4 at 11:00 PM
- Kansai TV: Sundays from October 4 at 2:24 AM
- Nagasaki Culture Broadcasting: Wednesdays from October 7 at 1:20 AM
- Hokkaido Television Broadcasting: Mondays from October 12 at 2:40 AM
The Wild Last Boss Has Appeared! Season 2 returns as one of the season’s major fantasy sequels.
The second season continues the story established in the first season and expands the fantasy world for returning viewers.
- Black Clover Season 2
One of the most anticipated returns of Fall 2026 is Black Clover Season 2.
Broadcast information:
- TV Tokyo Network: Every Saturday from October 3 at 11:00 PM
- BS TV Tokyo: Every Wednesday from October 7 at midnight
The return of Black Clover is particularly significant because the original television series ended its first run in 2021. The new season therefore marks a major comeback for Asta and the Magic Knights after several years away from weekly TV anime.
The series is based on Yuki Tabata’s popular manga and follows Asta, a boy born without magic in a world where magical ability determines much of a person’s status.
The new season is expected to be one of the major action titles of the Fall 2026 anime season. Current reports confirm that the new season premieres in Japan on October 3, more than five years after the previous TV run ended.
For longtime fans, the return of Asta, Yuno, and the Magic Knights is one of the biggest reasons to watch the new season.
- Funbaruzu
Broadcast information:
- BS Yoshimoto: Saturdays from October 3 at 11:25 PM
- TOKYO MX: Mondays from October 5 at 9:54 PM
Funbaruzu joins the Saturday-night lineup with its first broadcast on October 3.
Its relatively short-format programming position gives viewers another option between the larger late-night anime premieres.
- LookingForZombies
Broadcast information:
- TV Asahi Network: Saturdays from October 3 at 11:30 PM
- BS Asahi: Saturdays from October 3 at 1:00 AM
- AT-X: Mondays from October 5 at 9:00 PM
The new anime #LookingForZombies is another original-looking entry in the crowded Saturday night schedule.
The title’s zombie-themed concept immediately sets it apart from the fantasy, romance, and sports series dominating other parts of the Fall 2026 lineup.
- Vertex Force
Broadcast information:
- TOKYO MX: Saturdays from October 3 at 11:30 PM
- BS11: Saturdays from October 3 at 11:30 PM
- Gunma TV: Saturdays from October 3 at 11:30 PM
- Tochigi TV: Saturdays from October 3 at 11:30 PM
- Me-Tele: Saturdays from October 3 at 2:30 AM
- AT-X: Mondays from October 5 at 11:30 PM
- ABC TV: Wednesdays from October 7 at 3:15 AM
Vertex Force also premieres on October 3.
According to current seasonal listings, the series follows characters who confront mysterious enemies while uncovering secrets surrounding their powers.
- Magical★Explorer
Broadcast information:
- TOKYO MX: Saturdays from October 3 at midnight
- Tochigi TV: Saturdays from October 3 at midnight
- Gunma TV: Saturdays from October 3 at midnight
- BS11: Saturdays from October 3 at midnight
- Tohoku Broadcasting: Saturdays from October 3 at 1:48 AM
- TV Aichi: Saturdays from October 3 at 2:25 AM
- AT-X: Mondays from October 5 at 11:00 PM
- Yomiuri TV: Mondays from October 5 at 1:59 AM
Magical★Explorer is another fantasy-focused title making its debut during the midnight anime block.
For viewers who enjoy magical worlds, adventure stories, and light-novel adaptations, this could become one of the season’s titles to watch.
- Even the Student Council Has Its Holes!
Broadcast information:
- TOKYO MX: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:30 AM
- BS11: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:30 AM
- Gunma TV: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:30 AM
- Tochigi TV: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:30 AM
- AT-X: Tuesdays from October 6 at 11:30 PM
Even the Student Council Has Its Holes! is the anime adaptation of the manga series known for its eccentric school-comedy setting.
The story centers on students involved with the student council, where everyday school activities quickly turn into chaotic and comedic situations.
The series is produced by Passione, making it another notable late-night title for viewers looking for something different from traditional action and fantasy anime.
- Ranma 1/2 Season 3
Another major return on October 3 is Ranma 1/2 Season 3.
Broadcast information:
- Nippon Television: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:55 AM
- Aomori Broadcasting: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:55 AM
- Television Iwate: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:55 AM
- Yamagata Broadcasting: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:55 AM
- Yamanashi Broadcasting: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:55 AM
- Nankai Broadcasting: Saturdays from October 3 at 12:55 AM
- Hiroshima Television: Saturdays from October 3 at 1:25 AM
- TV Miyazaki: Saturdays from October 3 at 1:50 AM
- Shizuoka Daiichi Television: Saturdays from October 3 at 1:55 AM
- Chukyo Television: Saturdays from October 3 at 1:55 AM
- Shikoku Broadcasting: Saturdays from October 3 at 1:55 AM
Additional regional broadcasts continue throughout the following week, including Nishinippon Broadcasting, Miyagi Television, Fukuoka Broadcasting, Yomiuri Television, Kochi Broadcasting, Nihonkai Television, Sapporo Television, Kitanippon Broadcasting, Television Niigata, TV Kanazawa, TV Shinshu, Yamaguchi Broadcasting, Fukui Broadcasting, and Fukushima Central Television.
The third season continues the new anime adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s classic martial-arts romantic comedy.
Ranma Saotome’s unusual transformation ability remains at the heart of the story: after training in China, Ranma changes into a girl when splashed with cold water and returns to his male form with hot water.
Current Fall 2026 listings confirm that Ranma 1/2 Season 3 begins on October 3 at 12:55 AM on Nippon Television and other networks.
For fans who have followed the first two seasons, the new season is one of the most anticipated returning anime of the autumn lineup.
- The Magic You Lent Will Be Forcibly Collected Through
Broadcast information:
- TV Asahi Network: Saturdays from October 3 at 1:30 AM
- BS Asahi: Sundays from October 4 at 1:00 AM
- AT-X: Mondays from October 5 at 8:30 PM
- CS TV Asahi Channel 1: Sundays from October 4 at 10:00 PM
The late-night lineup continues with The Magic You Lent Will Be Forcibly Collected Through [Revolving Credit], a title with a particularly unusual premise and distinctive name.
It joins several other fantasy and comedy productions debuting during the same late-night programming window.
October 3 Is One of Fall 2026’s Biggest Anime Days
The October 3 lineup demonstrates just how crowded the Fall 2026 anime season has become.
According to current Japanese seasonal listings, the October 2026 season includes around 67 officially listed anime works, covering new productions as well as returning seasons.
October 3 is especially busy because several major titles have been scheduled on the same Saturday. Viewers can move from children’s and family programming in the morning to fantasy and adventure series in the evening, followed by a long run of action, comedy, and supernatural anime late at night.
The biggest talking points include the return of Black Clover, the continuation of Ranma 1/2, and the debut of Suikoden: The Anime.
What Makes the Fall 2026 Anime Season Special?
One of the most interesting aspects of Fall 2026 is the balance between new anime and returning franchises.
Longtime fans have familiar series to look forward to, while newcomers have plenty of opportunities to start watching completely new stories. The season includes fantasy adventures, romantic comedies, action series, supernatural stories, school comedies, children’s anime, and adaptations of popular manga and games.
The return of established franchises is particularly important this season. Black Clover Season 2 represents a major television comeback after the previous anime series concluded in 2021, while Ranma 1/2 Season 3 continues the modern adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s classic manga.
Meanwhile, Suikoden brings a well-known RPG property to television as an anime adaptation, with its first episode receiving an extended 60-minute premiere.
Important Note About Japanese Broadcast Times
Japanese anime schedules can sometimes look confusing because broadcasters often list programs after midnight using times such as 24:30, 25:00, or 25:30.
For example:
- 24:00 = midnight
- 24:30 = 12:30 AM
- 25:00 = 1:00 AM
- 25:30 = 1:30 AM
- 26:00 = 2:00 AM
This notation is commonly used in Japanese television schedules because it keeps late-night programs connected to the previous evening’s programming block.
Therefore, viewers should pay close attention to the listed date and time when planning to watch an anime live.
More Fall 2026 Anime Are Still Coming
October 3 is only the beginning of the Fall 2026 anime season. Additional titles premiere throughout October, with several major series arriving on October 4, October 5, and later dates.
Current seasonal calendars list titles such as The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, Ao Ashi Season 2, Ao no Hako Season 2, PSYREN, and other highly anticipated productions around the opening weeks of the season.
This means anime fans will have new episodes and premieres arriving almost every day during the opening weeks of October.
October 3, 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most exciting premiere days of the Fall 2026 anime season. With major returning franchises such as Black Clover Season 2 and Ranma 1/2 Season 3, alongside new projects such as Suikoden, Vertex Force, and Magical★Explorer, there is something for almost every type of anime fan.
Whether you enjoy action-packed battles, fantasy adventures, comedy, school stories, classic franchises, or video-game adaptations, the Fall 2026 lineup offers a wide variety of choices.
For beginners, October 3 is also a good opportunity to explore anime beyond the most familiar titles. With so many new productions launching at once, several lesser-known series could become unexpected favorites as the season progresses.
Fall 2026 is officially underway, and October 3 marks one of its biggest opening days yet.
