Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 1: Release date and everything we need to know

Still from the anime
Aqua and Ruby as seen in anime (Image credit: Studio Doga Kobo)

Fans who were waiting to get some information on Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 1, the official team has released a confirmed release date, and with that, the countdown has officially begun. Since the story has reached a point where Ruby and Aqua would be trying their own way, exacting revenge against the person who was responsible for the death of their mother. Interestingly, since the show has been going through controversy for having incest allegations, the anime community was not expecting the hype to be maintained for the latest installment.

But turns out fans have been active, especially those who have read the manga, know that these controversies come in between an interesting plot, and it is recommended to look past those. According to the official sources, it is confirmed that Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 1 is going to be released on January 14, 2026. It will first air on a local Japanese TV channel, and for international fans, it will be available as part of a simulcast, which will be available to stream on Crunchyroll.


Studio, staff, and production quality

Still from the anime (Image credit: Studio Doga Kobo)
Still from the anime (Image credit: Studio Doga Kobo)

Studio Doga Kobo is the production house that is returning to work on Oshi no Ko Season 3. Till now, they have done a phenomenal job in bringing the story to life as the anime adaptation first caught the attention of fans because of their near-perfect animation quality and a consistent tone. From having fluid animation, which is supported by vibrant colors and background music, each episode felt like a unique experience.

It has also been confirmed that Season 3 is going to be directed again by Daisuke Hiramaki, with series composition by Jin Tanaka and music by Takuro Iga. This means that the core creative team remains largely intact, ensuring consistent quality. Based on the trailer alone, we can confidently say that the series is going to continue delivering a story that will keep the viewers hooked.


What to expect from Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 1

Still from the anime (Image credit: Studio Doga Kobo)
Still from the anime (Image credit: Studio Doga Kobo)

Unlike earlier seasons that carefully built emotional groundwork, Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 1 is expected to push the story forward aggressively. Fans could expect the following from the upcoming Season 3 premiere:

  • The season adapts the Mainstay Arc, shifting the spotlight toward Ruby Hoshino as she dives deeper into the entertainment industry through the variety show Dig Deep! One Chance!!. Ruby, once defined by her innocence and cheerfulness, begins to show visible cracks. Her journey contrasts sharply with Aqua’s cold, calculated pursuit of revenge.
  • While Aqua operates methodically, Ruby’s path is volatile, emotional, and increasingly dangerous. Oshi no Ko Season 3 leans heavily into psychological tension, confronting uncomfortable truths about fame, lies, and identity.

This upcoming season is going to build the narrative towards the finale, and fans are embracing themselves as the story itself will end up leaving a lasting impact on its viewers. As January has begun, the dates for the release of Episode 1 are getting closer, and with that, the spark in the fandom is also reigniting.

After looking at the trailer, one thing is for sure that the narrative is going to be more serious because this time, at the center is not Aqua but Ruby. This is the perfect time for fans to catch up on the anime if they have not, or take a moment to revisit and refresh their memories, because Episode 1 starts airing.

Edited by Nisarga Kakade