Oshi no Ko shocked the anime world in 2023 with its feature-length premiere episode, killing off its protagonist within the first hour in one of the most audacious narrative moves in recent anime history. Created by Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War) and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, Oshi no Ko blends idol culture, entertainment industry critique, and revenge thriller into something utterly unique.
The story begins with Dr. Gorou, an OB-GYN and devoted fan of idol Ai Hoshino, who is murdered and reincarnated as Ai’s son Aquamarine (Aqua). His journey into the entertainment industry—driven by the need to uncover the truth behind his mother’s death—exposes the dark underbelly of celebrity culture, social media, and the parasocial relationships between stars and fans.
With multiple seasons and the manga reaching its conclusion, here’s everything you need to know about watching Oshi no Ko in 2026.
Quick Answer: Oshi no Ko Watch Order
- Oshi no Ko Episode 1 (90-minute premiere)
- Oshi no Ko Season 1 (Episodes 2-11)
- Oshi no Ko Season 2 (Episodes 12-24)
- Oshi no Ko Season 3 (2025-2026)
The twins navigate the dark side of stardom Manga continuation
(if anime isn’t finished)
Complete Oshi no Ko Watch Order Explained
Season 1 Episode 1: “Mother and Children” (2023)
The premiere episode of Oshi no Ko runs approximately 82-90 minutes—essentially a movie that sets up the entire series. This extended runtime was a deliberate choice to let the story breathe and deliver its shocking turns with proper impact.
- Runtime: 82-90 minutes
- Studio: Doga Kobo
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Netflix
- Manga Chapters: 1-10 (approximately)
What Happens:
- Dr. Gorou’s life as Ai’s fan
- Reincarnation as Aqua
- Ai’s idol journey while secretly pregnant
- Ruby’s perspective
- The incident that defines everything
Why It’s Special: Episode 1 is essentially a prologue that earns every emotional beat that follows. The extended format allows Oshi no Ko to establish its characters, themes, and stakes before the main story begins. Many viewers cite this episode as one of the best anime episodes ever made.
Don’t Skip: Whatever you do, don’t skip Episode 1 or assume it’s “just backstory.” It IS the story.
Season 1 (Episodes 2-11, 2023)
The main story begins with teenage Aqua navigating the entertainment industry while searching for his mother’s killer. We see reality TV, acting, modeling, and the machinery that creates—and destroys—celebrities.
- Episodes: 10 (after Episode 1)
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Netflix
- Manga Chapters: 11-45 (approximately)
Key Arcs:
- Reality Dating Show Arc: Aqua infiltrates a reality show, exposing manipulation and viewer cruelty
- First Acting Arc: Aqua’s entry into professional acting
- Ruby’s idol dreams: Parallel storyline as Ruby pursues her mother’s career
Themes Explored:
- Parasocial relationships and fan obsession
- Mental health and cyberbullying
- The “manufacturing” of celebrity personas
- Media manipulation and editing
Season 2: Tokyo Blade / 2.5D Stage Play Arc (2024)
Season 2 adapts the 2.5D Stage Play arc, where Aqua participates in a stage adaptation of a manga. This arc explores the intersection of manga, acting, and live performance while continuing Aqua’s investigation.
- Episodes: 13
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Manga Chapters: 46-80+ (approximately)
Key Events:
- Tokyo Blade stage play production
- New character introductions
- Further entertainment industry exploration
- Aqua’s investigation progress
- Ruby’s parallel idol journey
Season 2 deepens the exploration of creative industries while advancing the overarching revenge plot.
Season 3 (2025-2026)
Season 3 continues adapting the manga toward its conclusion. Given the manga’s ending in 2024, the anime is working toward completing the adaptation.
- Episodes: TBD
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
As of 2026, check if Season 3 has completed or if additional seasons are announced.
Manga Status
The Oshi no Ko manga concluded in 2024. This means:
- The complete story is available in manga form
- The anime is adapting toward a definitive ending
- No waiting for source material completion
For the manga: Oshi no Ko Vol. 1 on Amazon
Read from the Beginning: Even if you’ve watched the anime, the manga offers additional details and Mengo Yokoyari’s stunning artwork is worth experiencing.
Where Does the Anime Leave Off?
- After Season 1: Chapter 45 approximately
- After Season 2: Chapter 80+ approximately
- To continue: Start at the corresponding chapter or just read from Volume 1
Where to Watch Oshi no Ko
- Crunchyroll — All seasons, simulcast
- HIDIVE — Available for streaming
- Netflix — Available in many regions
What Makes Oshi no Ko Unique?
Industry Critique That Bites: Unlike most entertainment industry anime that glamorize celebrity life, Oshi no Ko shows the dark side: manufactured personalities, exploitative producers, devastating parasocial dynamics, and the real harm social media inflicts on public figures.
Dual Protagonists: Aqua’s revenge-driven journey contrasts with Ruby’s innocent pursuit of her mother’s dream. This duality creates narrative tension—one sibling seeking vengeance, the other seeking to continue a legacy.
Genre Blending: Oshi no Ko is simultaneously:
- Revenge thriller
- Entertainment industry drama
- Psychological character study
- Social commentary
- Occasionally comedy
Real Issues: The series addresses real phenomena: internet hate campaigns, reality TV manipulation, the gap between public persona and private person, and the devastating effects of cyberbullying. The reality show arc in particular drew comparisons to real incidents.
YOASOBI’s “Idol”
The opening theme “Idol” by YOASOBI became a global phenomenon:
- First Japanese song to top Billboard Global 200
- Over 1 billion streams across platforms
- Lyrics specifically written about Ai Hoshino’s story
The song’s success introduced many people to Oshi no Ko, though the series delivers far more than its viral theme suggests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to watch Oshi no Ko? A: Current content (Seasons 1-2) approximately 12 hours. Episode 1 alone is about 1.5 hours.
Q: Is Episode 1 really necessary? A: Absolutely essential. Episode 1 establishes the entire emotional foundation. Skipping it would ruin the series.
Q: Is Oshi no Ko depressing? A: It has dark moments—the series doesn’t shy away from tragedy. However, it’s not relentlessly bleak. There’s humor, hope, and character development throughout.
Q: Is this connected to Kaguya-sama? A: Same writer (Aka Akasaka), completely different story. Some meta jokes reference each other, but no plot connection.
Q: Sub or dub? A: The Japanese voice acting is excellent, particularly for Ai. The dub is solid. Both work well; sub is slightly recommended for idol song moments.
Q: Does the manga ending satisfy? A: Opinions vary. The ending generated discussion in the community. Form your own opinion!
Content Warning
Oshi no Ko deals with mature themes:
- Death and murder
- Cyberbullying and harassment
- Mental health struggles
- Suicide (addressed in some arcs)
- Entertainment industry exploitation
The series handles these topics thoughtfully but doesn’t shy away from their impact. Not recommended for young viewers.
Final Thoughts
Oshi no Ko stands apart in the current anime landscape. It’s not another power fantasy or isekai adventure—it’s a sharp examination of celebrity, media, and the human cost of entertainment. The extended first episode sets a standard few series match, and the ongoing investigation into Ai’s death provides narrative drive through every arc.
Whether you’re drawn by the viral opening song, the unique premise, or recommendations from fellow fans, Oshi no Ko delivers substance beneath its stylish exterior. The star-shaped eyes aren’t just aesthetic—they represent the manufactured appeal that the series systematically deconstructs.
The lies of idols. The truth behind the curtain. Welcome to Oshi no Ko.
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