by As the Winter 2026 anime season reaches its midpoint, new television viewing data offers a rare, data-driven look at which series are truly popular — not just online, but in real homes. On February 17, TVS REGZA announced interim results of its Anime Data Award, a project that evaluates anime using actual TV viewing behavior.
Unlike rankings based on social media trends or streaming metrics, this survey focuses on how audiences watch anime on television, revealing which shows people actively follow week after week — and which ones they rush to watch immediately after recording.
How the Survey Was Conducted
The data was compiled by TVS REGZA’s Mirukore Editorial Department, analyzing viewing information from approximately 670,000 REGZA TVs and recorders across the Tokyo metropolitan area (Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Saitama).
Key characteristics of the survey:
- Covers only real television viewing (not streaming apps)
- Based on anonymous usage data
- Reflects actual watching behavior rather than opinions
- Tracks viewing time, playback rates, and recording habits
- Includes demographic breakdowns by age and gender
Nippon Broadcasting System announcer Hisaki Yoshida presented the results during the announcement program.
This approach provides insights into audiences who may not actively discuss anime online — including families, older viewers, and casual fans.
Most-Watched Sequel Anime: Frieren Dominates
In the sequel category, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Season 2) ranked first by a significant margin. The series reportedly achieved nearly double the viewership of the runner-up, demonstrating its continued appeal after the highly successful first season.
Why Frieren performs strongly on TV:
- Accessible fantasy storytelling
- Emotional character-driven narrative
- Broad appeal across age groups
- Family-friendly time slot viewing
- Strong reputation from Season 1
Second place went to Jujutsu Kaisen, another blockbuster franchise, though its darker tone and later broadcast times may affect household viewing patterns.
Top New Anime of Winter 2026
Among brand-new titles, Noble Reincarnation: Gaining the Strongest Power from a Blessed Birth ranked first, highlighting the ongoing dominance of fantasy and isekai themes in seasonal anime.
Other top newcomers included:
- The Magician Kunon Can See
- Jack of All Trades, Master of None
These results reinforce a familiar trend: stories featuring reincarnation, magic, or special abilities continue to attract large audiences.
How Rankings Were Determined
The Anime Data Award used two primary viewing metrics:
1. “Watched Properly”
Indicates viewers watched the broadcast episode normally, suggesting steady engagement.
2. “Watched Beyond Broadcast”
Counts viewers who watched recordings or replays, reflecting deeper interest.
By combining these indicators, the survey identifies shows that audiences actively prioritize rather than casually sample.
Time Slot Matters: Friday 11 PM Advantage
One notable finding is the influence of broadcast timing. Shows airing around 11:00 PM on Fridays performed particularly well, likely because viewers are more relaxed at the start of the weekend and able to watch without early-morning obligations.
This highlights how scheduling can significantly affect ratings, especially for television audiences.
The Unique “Pre-Order Award” Shows Fans Rush to Watch
One of the most interesting honors announced was the Pre-Order Award, which measures how quickly recorded episodes are watched after airing.
This award went to:
Noble Reincarnation: Gaining the Strongest Power from a Blessed Birth
The metric tracks playback within one week of recording, indicating viewers’ eagerness to watch new episodes.
Surprisingly, a show titled “Jiyo Binbo” (third place) ranked higher here than in overall viewership, suggesting strong enthusiasm among a smaller but dedicated audience.
According to TVS REGZA Fellow Kataoka, differences in narrative style may influence results. Series with intense drama or complex storytelling may be recorded but not immediately watched.
What the Data Says About Anime Trends in 2026
Several broader patterns emerge from the survey:
Fantasy and Isekai Still Dominate
Reincarnation and magic-themed stories remain hugely popular, especially among younger viewers.
Emotional Fantasy Appeals to Wider Audiences
Titles like Frieren attract viewers beyond traditional anime demographics.
Not All Buzz Equals Viewership
Some shows trending online do not necessarily translate into high TV ratings.
Dedicated Fans Drive Quick Playback
The Pre-Order Award highlights series with strong weekly anticipation.
Why This Survey Matters
Each anime season typically features around 70 new titles, making it difficult for viewers to decide what to watch. By publishing objective viewing data, TVS REGZA hopes to:
- Help audiences discover overlooked shows
- Support anime creators
- Provide insight into real consumer behavior
- Encourage viewers to try trending titles
Unlike popularity polls, this data reflects actual habits rather than stated preferences.
Final Thoughts
The Winter 2026 Anime Data Award offers a fascinating glimpse into how audiences consume anime in everyday life. While blockbuster franchises remain strong, emotionally engaging fantasy stories and accessible new titles continue to capture viewers’ attention.
Most importantly, the results show that true popularity is not defined solely by online discussion it’s measured by what people actually choose to watch in their living rooms.
As the season continues, it will be interesting to see whether these rankings hold or if surprise hits emerge in the second half.
