It is no surprise that in the last few years Frieren is one of the biggest anime sensations around the world. Frieren launched in 2023 with its first season and immediately exploded in terms of popularity. After an excruciatingly long wait, it returned with its second season to great success. This means that Freiren Season 2 will be a short ride, so fans won't get to enjoy their favorite elven mage too much. Fortunately, another fantasy magic anime is coming soon after Frieren, namely. This series is Witch Hat Atelier.
Witch Hat Atelier is an incredible magical fantasy story that has long been surpassed by anime, and finally starts its operation from April 2026. This anime might even surpass Frieren.
Frieren became the biggest magic anime
Frieren is loved in Japan and overseas
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End has become the most popular magic anime of the new generation. She introduced fans to her cast of lovable characters as well as a magical system that managed to captivate all readers, and is especially showcased by beloved characters like Frieren and Fern.
Add to that a slow, melancholic adventure and you can see why Frieren was a big hit. For the most part, the story of Frieren follows the journey of the protagonist Frieren, an ancient elven mage who embarks on a quest to reunite with the hero Himmel's soul. Along the way, he meets new allies and battles ruthless demons. Frieren's story is about enjoying the slow moments in life and appreciating each one. Sometimes the story heats up with exciting action and battles as well.
“There's nothing wrong with being a fake hero. I'll defeat the demon king and bring peace to the world. Then it won't matter if I'm fake or not.” – Himmel
Its first season, which aired from 2023 to 2024, gave fans 28 episodes to enjoy, and the reception was so good that it eventually became the highest-rated anime of all time on MAL. Apparently, Frieren is considered one of the biggest new hit animeand the series once again demonstrated its popularity with a big return in 2026.
As fans know, Frieren Season 2 began airing in January 2026and with just one episode, this new season managed to surpass all that came before it to become the new highest rated anime of all time. Frieren Season 2 has even surpassed its previous season and continues to grow, especially thanks to the incredible support of the fans.
Witch Hat Atelier is another friend of 2026
Frieren season 2 will end very quickly
Frieren Season 2 has been quite an exciting ride so far. Fans have been watching the new adventures of Frieren, Fern and Stark every week, but as it is obvious, this adventure will not last long. Frieren Season 2 will only have 10 episodes, which is incredibly short. Even average short anime seasons tend to be at least 12 episodes long, so Frieren running like this is a surprise. This is even more of a disappointment when compared to the first season of Frieren, which had 28 episodes.
Frieren is currently on track for completion sometime around April. Fortunately for fans, just as Frieren is leaving, another highly anticipated magical fantasy anime is debuting. This anime series is none other than Witch Hat Atelier and it is a series that fans have been waiting years for.
Witch Hat Atelier is based on the manga series of the same name, by creator Kamome Shirahamawhich first debuted in 2016. Now, more than a decade later, it has finally received its anime adaptation. The Witch Hat Atelier anime was previously delayed due to production issues. Now the production is completed and fans are guaranteed to get this new anime series in April 2026. Undoubtedly, Witch Hat Atelier will offer fans a new exciting adventure and a brave new world of magic.
Witch Hat Atelier has the potential to surpass Freiren
Witch Hat Atelier may become the best magic anime in Frieren's absence
Witch Hat Atelier is not yet airing, so its performance cannot yet be measured. That would have to wait until it starts airing in April, but with the content of the manga and the great story it contains, it's pretty safe to say that Witch Hat Atelier will be a big hit. After all, even though the manga doesn't have an anime yet, it's already an incredibly popular work loved by millions of fans.
Witch Hat Atelier has a far more captivating cast than Frieren which fans will love. Coco, the main character, as well as people like Qifrey, are favorites of the series, whose goals and motivations will keep fans enthralled and wanting more. The magic system in Witch Hat Atelier is also much more complex and exciting, as are the villains and supporting characters in general.
Additionally, fans should remember that Frieren Season 2 is short and her return date after that is currently unknown. With the anime catching up to the manga at a breakneck pace, the Frieren anime may have to take a break while the Witch Hat Atelier series continues with a huge fan base.
At the end of the day, Frieren vs Witch Hat Atelier will come down to how the studio handles the latter's adaptation. Frieren already has an incredible adaptation from Madhouse, which elevates the manga's story with amazing direction and animation. Meanwhile, Witch Hat Atelier is already in trouble with Studio Bug Films, so things may be different here. But if the adaptation is as good as Frieren's, fans will have an anime gem on their hands just as good, if not better.
Fans are still worried because of some rumors circulating about the studio lying about ending production. At first glance, the series seems promising. If properly adapted, Witch Hat Atelier could become the new #1 fantasy magic anime, surpassing even Frieren. Its ratings on platforms like MAL should show its popularity and income.
Either way, the heartwarming story of Coco, who, under the guidance of Qifrey, embarks on her quest to become a skilled witch in the hopes of one day reversing the spell she accidentally cast on her mother is about to take the world by storm.
- Release date
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September 29, 2023
- Network
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Nippon TV, YTV, FBS, Chukyo TV, RNB, FCT, STV, KNB, HTV, YBS, RAB, TVI, YBC, UMK TV Miyazaki, TSB, MMT, TeNY, RNC, NIB, KKT, KTK, NKT, ABS, JRT, Daiichi-TV, FBC, RKC, KYT
- directors
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Kento Matsui, Kota Mori, Takahiro Natori, Morio Asaka, Lim Ka-hee, Taku Kimura, Ken Ando, Hirotaka Mori, Ayaka Tsuji
- Writers
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Tomohiro Suzuki
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Atsumi Tanezaki
Frieren (voice)
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Kana Ichinose
Fern (voice)
