The Promised Neverland is a critically acclaimed dark fantasy anime series that first captivated audiences in 2019. Known for its intense storytelling and gripping suspense, the dark fantasy genre has gained immense popularity in recent years, with notable titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer. Based on the record-breaking manga of the same name, written by Kaiu Shirai, the series shares its sales league with classics like Death Note and Fruits Basket. The anime adaptation comes from CloverWorks, a studio renowned for producing popular series like Horimiya, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, and Wonder Egg Priority. The Promised Neverland premiered its second season on Fuji TV, running from January 8 to March 26, 2021. With availability on platforms like Hulu, Funimation, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Videos in some regions the anime continues to enjoy widespread acclaim and a loyal fanbase. As fans eagerly await updates on the potential third season, questions about the future of this beloved series are at an all-time high. Here’s everything we know so far about The Promised Neverland Season 3.
What Was the Plotline of Season 2, and What Could Be Next?
If you haven’t completed The Promised Neverland Season 2, be aware that this section contains mild spoilers. However, assuming you’re here to learn about a potential third season, you’ve likely finished the second season already.
In the first season, the story revolved around an orphanage called Grace Field House. We followed the lives of children like Emma, Norman, and Ray, who uncovered a horrifying truth: Grace Field House was actually a farm where children were raised as food for demons. The children lived carefree lives, receiving an education to develop their brains, which enhanced their “value” to the demons. When a child was “adopted,” it was actually their turn to be harvested. The trio crafted clever plans to escape, with their caretaker, Isabella, working tirelessly to stop them. The first season concluded with Emma and her group escaping the farm, leaving fans eager for what lay beyond the walls.
The Picture: @Aniplex USA / YouTube – Trailer
The second season premiered two years later, on January 8, 2021, and took viewers beyond the walls. Emma and her friends found themselves in the dangerous and mysterious outside world, which turned out to be far less magical than they had imagined. This shift in setting invited significant criticism, as the series had to sacrifice much of the mystery that defined the first season. The group faced relentless pursuit by demons, all while trying to survive, rescue their remaining friends, and uncover the truth about the world. Questions like “What happened to humanity?” and “Why do demons eat humans?” were finally answered.
While the anime offered a resolution with a relatively happy ending, it left little room for a third season. The second season condensed or skipped several significant manga arcs, which disappointed many fans. For a more comprehensive experience, we strongly recommend reading the manga. Visually, the anime maintained the quality and signature green tones of the first season. While the opening and closing themes were decent, fans often longed for “Touch Off,” the iconic opening song from Season 1. Despite its flaws, the second season still left a lasting impression, though it strayed far from its manga origins.
Will There Be a Third Season of The Promised Neverland?
As of December 21, 2024, The Promised Neverland has not been renewed for a third season. Despite its immense global popularity, neither CloverWorks, Shueisha, nor the official website of the anime have announced plans for a continuation. Season 2 faced significant backlash for deviating from the original manga, with many fans expressing a preference for a reboot over a new installment. Given this reception, is a third season even possible? Let’s analyze the factors that could influence the show’s future.
Manga Status of the Anime
The manga series, written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu, ran from August 1, 2016, to June 15, 2020, concluding with 20 volumes. The manga is widely acclaimed, but its finale was criticized for feeling rushed, with some fans describing it as an early ending. For international readers, all volumes are available in English through Viz Media.
The anime’s first season stayed true to the manga, adapting its first five volumes. However, Season 2 skipped over approximately 140 chapters, condensing volumes 6–14 into just 11 episodes, and it introduced original content. The result was a happier but less faithful conclusion, leaving limited material for a third season. Given this narrative closure, the likelihood of a continuation appears slim. Fans may need to hold out hope for a reboot rather than expecting new content.
Popularity and Financial Performance
An anime’s renewal often hinges on its popularity and profitability. Historically, disc sales (Blu-ray and DVD) were critical indicators, with 4,000 units being the benchmark for a potential new season. Unfortunately, The Promised Neverland Season 2 sold only 324 units—a sharp decline from the already modest sales of Season 1.
However, disc sales are no longer the sole metric of success, thanks to the rise of streaming platforms. The series remains highly popular online, maintaining a strong presence on platforms like MyAnimeList, where it ranks among the top 50 most popular anime. Social media engagement and search trends further underscore its global appeal.
Additional revenue streams, such as the live-action movie released on December 18, 2020, and a mobile game launched on April 22, 2021, continue to generate interest and financial support for the franchise. Despite these factors, the backlash against Season 2 may overshadow its popularity, complicating the prospects for a third season.
In conclusion, while The Promised Neverland remains a beloved franchise, the odds of a third season appear low given the creative and financial challenges. For now, fans may need to turn to the manga or hope for a reboot that does justice to the original story.
When Is the Third Season of the Anime?
Based on our evaluation above, a third season of The Promised Neverland appears highly unlikely. However, there is a possibility of seeing a reboot in the future. An anime movie adaptation might also be considered at a later date. That said, if you’ve watched the second season, you are already aware that the series concluded in a way that doesn’t leave room for a third season.
The decision to create such a second season likely stemmed from the fact that the manga has already ended and no longer requires promotional support. At this point, the most realistic possibility is a reboot series. However, such a reboot isn’t likely to appear anytime soon. If it were to happen, a new production might emerge in the next few years. A reboot potentially can arrive around 2026–2027, but as of December 20, 2024, no official announcements have been made and it is highly speculative.
Stay tuned for updates, and we’ll keep you informed as soon as any official news surfaces.