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Following the criticism regarding its broadcast schedule, Netflix announced on X that the anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run would return with a weekly release schedule beginning Fall 2026 on the platform.
The streaming giant’s message started off by thanking viewers for their support of the series. The company then confirmed that Steel Ball Run anime continued to be in production, before revealing that the upcoming second cour of the adaptation (the 2nd Stage) will air weekly on the platform.
Netflix claimed that releasing the episodes weekly has always been the plan, in line with the production committee’s wishes.
“The next cour (2nd STAGE) will begin streaming in fall 2026 on Netflix, with one new episode released each week. This release schedule is part of our original plan and reflects the wishes of the production committee,” the official post noted.
“Your passion and enthusiasm mean a great deal to everyone involved in the preparation. We appreciate your patience and continued support as we work to bring you the 2nd STAGE.“
The clarification came after weeks of unrest within the anime community. On March 19, 2026, Netflix debuted the adaptation’s first episode, titled 1st Stage, as an extended 47-minute special broadcast.
While David Production was praised for the animation quality, and for how they adapted Hirohiko Araki’s manga, the lack of an immediate follow-up episode sparked widespread public backlash.
Users feared the series would fall victim to the “Netflix Jail” phenomenon, where episodes are released in large, simultaneous batches following huge breaks in between. This distribution method was previously applied to the preceding series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, which did not go down well with the fanbase.
However, this new model, is bound to give them something to look forward to.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run served as a complete reboot of the franchise created by author Hirohiko Araki. The narrative took place in an alternate timeline separate from the prior six parts of the series.
Set in the United States during the late nineteenth century, the plot focuses on an international horse race spanning from San Diego, California, to New York City. Promoter Steven Steel organized the event and offered a $50 million cash prize to the ultimate winner, drawing participants from across the globe.
Warner Bros. Japan is serving as the project’s producer. The primary staff included Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, who functioned as co-directors, alongside returning series director Toshiyuki Kato. Yasuko Kobayashi oversaw the series composition, while Daisuke Tsumagari provided character designs and acted as the chief animation director.
Additionally, Yugo Kanno composed the musical score, and Yoshikazu Iwanami served as the sound director.
