As One Piece prepares for a new release schedule starting in 2026, there’s never been a better time for anime fans to start watching. The show has been running for 26 years, consistently releasing new episodes every week, which means there are now over 1100 episodes. This large number has often discouraged new viewers, making it seem like too big of a commitment to catch up.
Many anime fans have felt overwhelmed by the sheer length of One Piece, believing they could never finish watching it because new episodes air every week. However, with the announcement that One Piece will switch to a seasonal release schedule starting in 2026, now is the perfect time to start watching. You’ll finally have a chance to catch up!
You Can Finally Catch Up to One Piece
The popular anime One Piece will pause after finishing its current story arc, the Egghead Arc, later this year. It’s expected to return in April 2026 with the start of the Elbaph Arc. The creators have announced they’ll release 26 new episodes each year going forward. While this means it will take longer for the anime to adapt the entire manga series, it also gives fans who are behind a chance to catch up.
If you haven’t started watching One Piece yet, you have until April 2026 to get caught up. Even if you don’t want to rush, the anime releases only 26 episodes a year with significant breaks between them. This means there’s no pressure to keep up – you can watch at your own pace and enjoy the series without feeling like you’re falling behind.
Why You Should Catch Up With One Piece
If you’re wondering whether to start watching One Piece, it’s unlike any other anime out there. The recent change to seasonal releases is significant – after 20 years, it was the last weekly anime from Shonen Jump still being made. It’s a massive series packed with unforgettable moments, far too many to list here. However, it’s surprisingly easy to get into, and if you enjoy it, watching all the episodes won’t feel like work at all.
If you skip the opening and closing sequences, as well as previews and recaps, most One Piece episodes are only 15 to 18 minutes long. Watching about an hour’s worth of episodes each day will help you catch up before new episodes are released next year. You can even speed things up further by cutting out anime-only content that doesn’t appear in the manga.
Start by watching up to the Arlong Park arc of One Piece. If you get to that point and still aren’t hooked, it might not be for you. The early episodes are available on streaming services like Netflix and Crunchyroll, so now’s a great time to check it out. What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-11-04 23:42