Ever since Netflix took over the distribution for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure with its sixth installment, Stone Ocean, fans have voiced strong criticism regarding the anime series’ release schedule. Stone Ocean was released in batches spread months apart, making it incredibly difficult for viewers to stay engaged with a narrative that paused midway, effectively stretching a single season’s content over an entire year. Now, with the highly anticipated adaptation of Steel Ball Run, fan apprehension has escalated even further, particularly after its initial release appeared to consist of only a single episode, leaving many confused.
Following a deluge of fan inquiries and widespread criticism, Netflix Anime clarified the situation via social media, detailing when viewers could expect the next installment of the anime adaptation. “The series is currently in production and will be available for everyone to enjoy,” Netflix Anime stated. “We plan a split-cour release across all episodes. The next cour (2nd STAGE) will begin streaming in Fall 2026 on Netflix, with a new episode released weekly.”
The statement further explained, “This release schedule is part of our initial plan and reflects the wishes of the production committee.” It remains uncertain whether the second stage will cover the entirety of the remaining anime. However, given that Steel Ball Run comprises nine distinct ‘stages’ or arcs in the manga, it seems highly probable that further breaks in the release will occur at some point.
While segmented releases are not entirely new for Netflix, the extensive gaps seen with JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are particularly jarring. Receiving just one or a few episodes at a time, followed by months of waiting for the subsequent batch, feels to many like an indirect form of torment for fans eager to watch the anime adaptation of a beloved manga. Although not a profound issue, such a disjointed and inconsistent release schedule for a single show is remarkably peculiar for a major streaming platform.