After 14 years since they last aired new episodes in the same year, the legendary Big Three of shonen anime — One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach — are all set to make a major comeback in 2026. For fans who grew up with these iconic series, seeing Luffy, Naruto, and Ichigo back on screens together is nothing short of historic.
A Historic Reunion for the Big Three
The term “Big Three” refers to three of the most influential anime from the 2000s — One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach — which dominated Weekly Shonen Jump and global anime culture. Their simultaneous return in 2026 marks the first time since 2012 that all three will be airing new or major episodes within the same calendar year, creating a moment of nostalgia and excitement for fans old and new.
One Piece: Elbaph Arc Premieres in April 2026
After concluding the Egghead arc toward the end of 2025, One Piece is transitioning into the highly anticipated Elbaph Arc, which is scheduled to begin in April 2026. This new chapter of Luffy’s journey will take place on the island of giants and promises epic battles with a more mythic tone — one of the most anticipated story arcs in the series’ history.
In a shift to a seasonal release format, One Piece will pause periodically to maintain high production quality rather than air weekly without breaks. This change reflects modern anime trends and highlights a commitment to adapting Eiichiro Oda’s sprawling story with precision and care.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 4 in Summer 2026
Bleach has been returning in waves since its comeback in 2022 with the Thousand-Year Blood War adaptation. The final chapter of this epic saga, titled “The Calamity”, is scheduled to air in July 2026, concluding the long and highly praised adaptation of Tite Kubo’s final arc.
This season focuses on the climactic confrontation between the Shinigami and the Quincy, bringing Bleach full circle after years of anticipation and filling in story elements that were originally left unfinished in the early 2010s.
Naruto: 20th Anniversary Special Episodes Set for Late 2026
Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is the return of Naruto in its original form. Studio Pierrot has confirmed that four 20th Anniversary special episodes — long delayed for quality improvements — are now completed and slated to air late in 2026.
Unlike Boruto, these specials revisit the pre-timeskip era of Naruto, featuring Team 7 — Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi — in new animated episodes that tap into nostalgia while offering fresh storytelling with modern visuals and animation quality.
Why 2026 Is a Landmark Year for Anime
The return of these three pillars of shonen anime in a single year resonates not just as a scheduling coincidence but as a cultural milestone. One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach helped define anime fandom for a generation, and their concurrent presence in 2026 is symbolic of the medium’s enduring influence.
For many fans, this reunion feels like a celebration of anime itself — a bridge between the past and the present that honors legacy while paving the way for future storytelling.
The Future Beyond 2026
While all three series are scheduled for major new episodes in 2026, the longer-term future varies:
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Bleach is expected to conclude completely after The Calamity.
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Naruto’s return may hinge on fan response and whether further projects are greenlit beyond the anniversary specials.
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One Piece continues its ongoing journey, with many more arcs and secrets still ahead.
Whether this marks the final era of the Big Three together or just the beginning of a new phase, 2026 promises to be an unforgettable year for anime fans worldwide.
In 2026, One Piece, Bleach, and Naruto will all be active with new anime content — from Elbaph arc episodes and Thousand-Year Blood War Part 4 to nostalgic Naruto 20th Anniversary specials — marking the most remarkable return of the Big Three in over a decade.
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