Frieren Season 2 Overtakes Itself as Anime Ratings Soar

In a twist that few saw coming, the second instalment of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has managed to outshine its own predecessor, seizing the crown as the highest-rated anime on My Anime List. The latest series, fresh off its debut, currently boasts a remarkable 9.33 rating, nudging aside the first season, which now sits just below at 9.28. Notably, this rapid ascent has unfolded after only a single episode, a feat that’s left many in the community both impressed and a touch bemused.

Of course, the phenomenon of recency bias is hard to ignore. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, another recent release, has also muscled its way into the upper echelons of the rankings. Meanwhile, familiar heavyweights such as Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Steins;Gate continue to hold their ground among the top ten, their reputations as perennial favourites undiminished.

Spellbinding Return to a Beloved Fantasy World

It’s difficult to argue that Frieren’s latest outing hasn’t earned its place. The opening episode of the new season delivers a quietly poignant 24 minutes, weaving together the ongoing adventures of Frieren, Stark, and Fern. The trio find themselves navigating caves where magic is rendered useless, all the while interspersed with fleeting recollections from Frieren’s earlier days alongside Himmel the Hero. The result is a blend of nostalgia and fresh peril, handled with a deft touch that’s resonated with audiences.

There’s a certain understated elegance to the way the story unfolds, with the animation and pacing drawing viewers back into a world that feels both familiar and newly mysterious. The show’s ability to balance memory and present danger has been singled out for particular praise, and it’s this careful craftsmanship that seems to have struck a chord with fans old and new.

Behind the Scenes: Challenges for the Creative Team

Yet, not all news from the Frieren camp is cause for celebration. The manga, which serves as the foundation for the anime, has been placed on indefinite hiatus. Both author Kanehito Yamada and illustrator Tsukasa Abe are currently contending with health issues, leaving the future of the source material uncertain for the time being.

Adding to the uncertainty, Atsumi Tanezaki, the Japanese voice behind Frieren, has announced a temporary break. In a statement, Tanezaki explained,

"I need to be in good health. So I will be taking proper care of myself… I hope everyone stays well and takes care too,"

though reassured fans that upcoming commitments should remain unaffected. The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from the community, with many wishing the creative team a swift recovery.

What Lies Ahead for Viewers

For those eager to keep up with the unfolding saga, the release schedule for the new season promises plenty more to come. With anticipation building for future episodes, and a host of fresh titles set to arrive in the winter of 2026 and beyond, the landscape of anime looks set for further shake-ups. For now, though, Frieren’s second act stands as the series to watch, its blend of heartfelt storytelling and high-stakes adventure capturing imaginations across the board.