Netflix Countdown Begins for ‘Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ Release Date

Few anime adaptations have tested fan patience quite like ‘Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’. This sixth season of the ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ anime, produced by David Production, adapts the seventh part of Hirohiko Araki’s manga. For a story centered around a grueling race, the journey to the screen has been just as tumultuous.

Set in the 19th-century United States, the story follows Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who lost the use of his legs in a freak accident. This unique premise has made the adaptation one of the most eagerly awaited anime projects in recent memory, intensifying the anticipation for its release.

The 47-minute first stage episode premiered on Netflix on March 19, 2026, but a long period of silence followed. After facing backlash and protests from fans regarding the lack of updates, Netflix announced on April 6 that the next stage would arrive in fall in a split-cour format, with episodes airing weekly.

The latest update from the official Netflix Anime account on X, shared on September 20, informs fans that there are only five days left to “mentally prepare” for the 2nd and 3rd Stage. It confirms that new episodes will begin airing weekly on Netflix starting September 25, accompanied by an animated countdown GIF featuring a rider racing across a sunbaked desert canyon with the words “5 Days to Go!”

This countdown is a small but significant gesture after months of uncertainty. The 2nd and 3rd Stages will consist of 11 episodes in total, releasing weekly on Fridays, a format fans have been eagerly requesting.

This new schedule also marks a change in how Netflix manages the franchise. The 11 new episodes will be released weekly, moving away from the previous multi-episode batch release model seen in series like ‘Stone Ocean’. It also revives “JoJo Fridays” for the first time since ‘Golden Wind’.

The story is set to become even more challenging. Johnny and Gyro Zeppeli must navigate a roughly 750-mile desert crossing, which includes the mysterious Devil’s Palm. This aligns perfectly with the desert imagery in the countdown clip.

New characters are also entering the race. The latest trailer introduces Mountain Tim, Hot Pants, and Funny Valentine. On the Japanese side, Tomoaki Maeno voices Mountain Tim, Tomokazu Sugita voices Funny Valentine, and Yoko Hikasa voices Hot Pants. Funny Valentine, in particular, is a significant character for manga readers, and his introduction is sure to generate plenty of discussion.

For newcomers, the premise is straightforward yet captivating. Set in the United States in 1890, it follows a massive cross-continental horse race from San Diego to New York City, with a grand prize of $50 million. The 2nd and 3rd Stages push this race deeper into perilous territory.

The release date first gained attention over the summer, announced at Anime Expo 2026 in July. The anime will stream with both English and Japanese audio tracks, similar to its premiere.

With the countdown now at just days, fans are feeling a mix of relief and impatience. Following a spring premiere that left many wanting more, the weekly Friday format finally gives ‘Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ the momentum its story has always promised. By September 25, Johnny and Gyro will be back on the trail.