Seraph of the End is a captivating dark fantasy anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world. Reflecting themes that resonate with contemporary global challenges, this anime first aired in 2015. It is an adaptation of the manga series of the same name, written by Takaya Kagami. Also known as Owari no Seraph, the series was brought to life by Wit Studio, renowned for its work on critically acclaimed productions such as Great Pretender and Vinland Saga.
The anime originally aired in two parts on prominent Japanese channels like Tokyo MX, MBS, TVA, BS11, and AT-X from April 4, 2015, to December 26, 2015. It has also been distributed internationally through major platforms such as Funimation, Netflix, and Hulu TV significantly broadening its global audience. Fans of vampire-themed anime continue to speculate about the possibility of a third season. The most recent addition to the series was an OVA episode, which aired on May 2, 2016. With nearly a decade since the anime’s last update, the question remains: Is there hope for a new season? Let’s delve into what we know so far about a new season after a recap of the series.
What is the Plotline of Seraph of the End?
Imagine a world where an undetectable virus wipes out everyone over the age of 13. In this sudden catastrophe, only children survive, left to navigate the ruins of civilization. Yuichiro Hyakuya (Yu-chan), a boy raised in an orphanage, witnesses his world collapse as he watches the people around him succumb to the virus. One fateful day, while playing outside with friends from the orphanage, they return to find their beloved headmistress has also fallen victim.
As chaos ensues, vampires emerge, exploiting the tragedy. They invade the streets, collecting orphaned children to take to their underground cities, where they are kept as blood banks to satisfy the vampires’ hunger. Among the captured children are Yuichiro and his best friend, Mikaela Hyakuya (Mika). Mika, in a desperate attempt to protect their friends, strikes a deal with a powerful vampire named Ferid Bathory, trading her blood in exchange for supplies. Yuichiro, outraged by this arrangement, resolves to find a way to escape the vampires’ clutches.
With a city map obtained from Ferid, Mika devises an escape plan. She informs Yuichiro of the truth, rallies the other orphans, and prepares to leave the vampire city. However, as the group nears the main gate, Ferid appears, blocking their escape. Ferid cruelly threatens to kill everyone unless they surrender. True to his word, he begins attacking and killing their friends. In a desperate act of defiance, Yuichiro strikes Ferid with a stolen weapon, momentarily incapacitating him. Mika, gravely injured, pleads with Yuichiro to flee alone. Reluctantly, Yuichiro escapes, leaving Mika behind and vowing to one day return stronger.
The story intricately weaves themes of human-vampire conflict, going beyond typical vampire-werewolf rivalries or hunter narratives like Hellsing. With its compelling character designs and intense shounen action, Seraph of the End stands out as a visually and emotionally striking tale of survival and revenge.
Will There Be a Third Season of Seraph of the End?
As of December 29, 2024, there has been no official announcement regarding the production or release of Seraph of the End Season 3. The first two seasons, produced by the renowned Wit Studio, aired in 2015 and adapted much of the manga material available at that time. Since then, the manga series has continued, potentially changing the situation. We will delve into the manga details further in this article.
Over the years, various rumors and speculations have surfaced. Some suggest that financial challenges faced by Wit Studio, along with their focus on other high-profile projects like Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga, may have contributed to the delay. Others propose the possibility of a studio change for future seasons, but no concrete updates have been provided by official channels.
One factor fueling fans’ hopes is that the anime industry has a history of reviving shows even years after their initial runs. Notable examples like Mob Psycho 100 demonstrate that the possibility of a continuation remains open. However, until an official confirmation is made, fans can only speculate, revisit the original series, or explore the ongoing manga to continue the story. To make a more accurate speculation, we have analyzed some key factors, starting with the current state of the manga.
Manga Status of the Seraph of the End
Seraph of the End is a manga series written by Takaya Kagami and illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto. Published by Shueisha in Jump Square magazine, the manga debuted in 2012 and has since gained a significant following. For international readers, the series is also available in English through Viz Media, the manga’s global publisher. The good news for fans is that the manga is still ongoing as of December 2024. Given that the manga serves as the primary source material for the anime, its continuation is an encouraging sign for a potential new season. But are the existing volumes sufficient to support a third season?
Takaya Kagami’s manga series currently comprises 33 volumes, with the latest volume released on October 4, 2024. At present, the series consists of over 140 chapters in volume format. The first season of the anime adapted chapters 1–25, while the second season covered up to chapter 41. This means there is ample material available—not just for a third season, but potentially for more seasons.
While the availability of source material is a critical factor, it alone does not guarantee the production of a new season. Other elements, such as production costs, studio scheduling, and audience demand, also play significant roles. Nonetheless, the abundance of Seraph of the End manga content is a positive indicator for fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of Seraph of the End.
Popularity of Seraph of the End
The first and second seasons of Seraph of the End were essentially split into two parts of an already prepared season. For this reason, there was only a short gap between the release of the first and second seasons. In terms of disc sales, the first season’s initial volume sold 6,228 units, while the second season saw a significant drop, with only 2,586 units sold. Financial evaluations indicate that for a new season to be viable, at least 4,000 units need to be sold per volume. In this case, the sharp decline in sales during the second season caused the anime to fall short of this benchmark. However, Seraph of the End remains very popular on online platforms, and in recent years, alternative income sources beyond disc sales have become more relevant.
To gauge the series’ popularity, MyAnimeList currently ranks the anime at 102nd place among all-time favorites, highlighting a sustained and engaged fanbase. Additionally, the manga has achieved significant success, with over 15 million copies sold. A new anime season could further drive manga sales, offering a strong incentive for producers.
“Seraph of the End” saga by Takaya Kagami has 15 million copies (including all light novel & all manga) in circulation. pic.twitter.com/HTUpwQhnFO
— Manga Mogura RE (Anime & Manga News) (@MangaMoguraRE) September 1, 2022
The series also boasts a strong social media presence, with more than 160,000 followers on its official X account. Furthermore, the availability of related media, such as smartphones and PlayStation games, keeps Seraph of the End relevant and enhances the likelihood of a new season. This suggests that the producers continue to explore alternative ways to maintain interest in the franchise and keep it on fans’ radar.
When is the Third Season of Seraph of the End?
As of now, Wit Studio has not officially renewed Seraph of the End for a third season. While there has been no formal confirmation, the combination of factors we’ve discussed suggests that the possibility of a new season is quite high. The ongoing success of the manga, the anime’s strong fanbase, and the potential for increased manga sales with a new season all point to a favorable outcome. Furthermore, the availability of enough manga material for multiple seasons, coupled with the industry’s history of reviving beloved shows after long gaps, increases the likelihood of a return.
While we await an official announcement, it’s clear that fans’ hopes are well-founded. If the renewal comes soon, the production time would likely span around a year, so a new season could potentially arrive somewhere in 2026. Until then, we recommend keeping an eye out for updates and, in the meantime, diving into other dark fantasy titles such as Goblin Slayer. Stay tuned for any official announcements, and we will continue to update you with the latest news as it unfolds. If you are curious about the continuity of the story, we recommend you read the manga series starting from chapter 41.