The long-lived elf’s return to the screen may be considerably briefer than the anime’s dedicated fanbase had anticipated.
Reports have emerged regarding a significantly reduced episode count for the upcoming second season of “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.” According to industry insider Sugoi LITE, the sequel will consist of a mere 10 episodes—a sharp decline compared to the debut season’s sprawling 28-episode run.
The first season, which premiered in 2023, garnered universal acclaim from both critics and viewers, quickly ascending to the top of historical anime rankings. Given this massive success, the decision to truncate the new season’s length is being viewed as an unconventional move for such a high-profile production.
Industry analysts speculate that the studio may be prioritizing peak animation quality and a more concentrated narrative flow. Another possibility is that the production is following the modern trend of releasing smaller, high-frequency seasons to minimize the gaps between installments. Nevertheless, the announcement has sparked frustration among fans, with many lamenting on social media that even the anime industry isn’t immune to “content inflation.”
Studio MADHOUSE is once again spearheading the production, with the official premiere scheduled for January 16, 2026.
You can view the promotional video at the following link.
Source: iXBT.games