Oshi no Ko is ready to reclaim the spotlight in 2026 with the release of Season 3. After captivating otakus worldwide with its mystery and dark themes, the series is entering a new phase one where the stakes for the characters are higher than ever.
Powered once again by Doga Kobo’s animation, the new season is set to continue the legacy of stylish visuals and dramatic vibes from the past seasons, taking the narrative deep into the heart of the central conflict.
We can all expect the return of Oshi no Ko’s signature contrast: the harsh realities of the entertainment world lurking beneath the bright stages, glowing screens, and catchy performances.
However, this time the spotlight will shine even brighter on , showcasing how her rise in the industry begins to alter everything—forcing those around her to undergo significant changes of their own.
While specific plot points are being kept a secret to prevent spoilers, promos have confirmed a major shift: the series is officially entering its 'second half,' setting the stage for the endgame that has been planned from the start.
This marks Season 3 as a crucial turning point, one that will lay the emotional and narrative groundwork for everything that follows. For the otakus who have been eagerly waiting since the Season 2 finale, this new chapter promises to be an even more emotional ride.
Animation studio
Doga Kobo is the animation studio for Oshi no Ko Season 3, and just like the previous seasons, they will deliver high-quality idol drama and action. Director Daisuke Hiramaki is returning, Jin Tanaka will handle the series composition, Kanna Hirayama will design the characters, and Takuro Iga is composing the music. This team will make the movie arc even more intense, with a release scheduled for next year.
Voice casts for season 3
The main leads are returning in the voice cast of Oshi no Ko season 3 with some exciting new additions. Aqua Hoshino will be voiced by Takeo Otsuka (adult) and Yumi Uchiyama (young), Ruby Hoshino will be voiced by Yurie Igoma, and Ai Hoshino will be dubbed by Rie Takahashi as in previous seasons.
Megumi Han will take over the role of Kana Arima, Manaka Iwami as Akane Kurokawa, Rumi Okubo as Mem Cho, and supporting roles include Lynn as Miyako Saito,Daisuke Ono as GOA. Season 3 will feature new characters like Hikaru Kamiki, voiced by the famous seiyuu Mamoru Miyano, and Tsukuyomi, voiced by Hina Kino, adding to the intense story with revenge plot twists.
The rest of the cast, including Yoji Ueda as Tetsu Urushibara, Yuto Takenaka as Shun Yoshizumi, and series regulars like Kent Ito as Gorou Amamiya, will likely continue. This talented lineup will make the anime top-notch under the direction of Daisuke Hiramaki at Doga Kobo studio, especially for the January 2026 release! Overall, this mix of veterans and fresh voices will perfectly capture Oshi no Ko's idol industry drama.
Realise time and platform
The official release date for Oshi no Ko season 3 is January 14, 2026. TV broadcast will begin in Japan at 11:30 PM JST on 30+ channels such as Tokyo MX. International fans will get a simulcast on Crunchyroll, with same-day subbed episodes, coming to the platform for the first time after shifting from HIDIVE.
In India, it will be around 8:00 PM IST time. Weekly episodes will drop every Wednesday in the Winter 2026 anime season. With production by Doga Kobo studio, the teaser trailer and key visuals are already out, featuring Ruby, Aqua, Kana, Akane and Mem-Cho.
You can access it with a free trial on the Crunchyroll app or website, and expect the English dub later on HIDIVE or Sentai. This revenge and idol drama's next arc is sure to excite fans, especially with the manga's post-ending vibes. Stay tuned to the official X @anime_oshinoko page for updates!
Chapter Coverage
Oshi no Ko season 3 will begin at chapter 81 of the manga, where season 2 ended at chapter 80, after the Tokyo Blade and Private arcs. This season will likely cover the Mainstay, Scandal, and Movie arcs, from chapters 81 to approximately 120-123.
The beginning will feature Ruby's cosplay drama, Kana's growing popularity, the Akane & Aqua's breakup, and the Hikaru Kamiki revenge setup in chapters 81-90. The Scandal arc (99-108) will feature Kana's director controversy and the Ai-Ruby truth reveal, then movie preparation with the Yura intro and GO/Akane focus in chapters 109-123.
The manga, with a total of 166 chapters, ends in November 2024, so season 3 will give post-ending vibes without a full finale, staying faithful to Doga Kobo's anime adaptations. Fans will find intense idol drama, family secrets, and revenge twists, perfect for Winter 2026!
Episode count
The exact official episode count for Oshi no Ko Season 3 has not yet been confirmed, so only estimates are currently available. The first season had 11 episodes and the second season had 13 episodes, both being around the standard course length.
Given this pattern, industry sources and anime news sites expect Season 3 to also have 11–13 episodes, for a single course broadcast in Winter 2026. This range seems sensible because Season 3 will cover the Mainstay, Scandal, and early Private arcs, which together total around 40 manga chapters, which would comfortably fit the usual 3 chapters per episode pacing.
Some rumors in fandom communities specifically mention the number of episodes as 12 or 13, but until the count is announced on the official website or by the production committee, this cannot be considered confirmed.
Quick Recap of season 1 & 2
Oshi no Ko season 1 begins with Dr. Gorou Amamiya, a fan of idol Ai Hoshino, who is heartbroken after the death of his pregnant patient Sarina. One night, he is killed by stalker Ryosuke, but Gorou reincarnates as Ai's son Aqua, along with Ruby (Sarina reborn). After Ai's tragic murder, the twins plot revenge against her lover Hikaru Kamiki, who leaked the address. Aqua enters acting, Ruby tries to become an idol with the new B-Komachi group, Kana Arima and Mem-Cho. Akane Kurokawa joins the Love Now reality show, faces cyberbullying but recovers with Aqua's help, and starts fake dating. Season 1 ends with Japan Idol Festival success and clues to Ai's past.
Season 2 focuses on the Tokyo Blade stage play, where Aqua takes the lead role out of revenge. Ruby tries acting. Akane's insecurities grow, Kana feels jealous, and family secrets are revealed, such as Kaburagi being Ai's ex. Nino (an Ai fan) attacks Ruby for manipulating Hikaru, but fails. Aqua finally confronts Hikaru, who was committing murders to keep Ai "immortal." The season ends at Chapter 80 with a rift between the twins. This recap provides the perfect setup for Season 3 with intense drama and the dark side of the idol world!
Best platform for watching
Crunchyroll is the best platform to watch Oshi no Ko season 3 as it is the official simulcast partner from January 2026, subbed episodes will drop on the same day as the Japan broadcast around 8 PM IST. Season 1-2 are also available there in high quality, ad-supported option with free trial or premium no-ads. Seamless streaming in India on Crunchyroll app, no Hindi subs but perfect English. Don't go for alternatives like HIDIVE (dub focus) or Netflix (delayed), Crunchyroll will be the exclusive and fastest place for full seasons. Recommend it in the blog for max hype!
