Yuji faces execution as 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Season 3 begins — here's when new episodes drop
The anime calendar for 2026 is starting off with a major event, as 'Jujutsu Kaisen' officially returns with its awaited third season. Widely regarded as one of the most influential anime series of the past decade, 'Jujutsu Kaisen' is set to dominate the Winter 2026 season as it begins its final saga. Season 3 carries enormous expectations, not only because of its popularity, but also because it adapts the infamous Culling Games arc. Season 3 will continue the series' established two-cour format, with the first half officially titled 'Culling Games Part 1'. While MAPPA has yet to confirm an exact episode count, the season is likely to span between 24 and 26 episodes across both cours.
Narratively, the opening stretch of season 3 is expected to mirror the pacing structure used in season 2. The early episodes will focus on the aftermath of Shibuya, adapting the Itadori’s Extermination Arc and the Perfect Preparation Arc. These chapters are anticipated to take up roughly the first five episodes. The Culling Games themselves are projected to officially begin around the sixth episode. Moreover, 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Season 3 will premiere with a special double-episode launch on January 8, as per Beebom. After the premiere, the series will return to its regular weekly release schedule. Based on current projections, the first cour of season 3 will consist of 12 to 13 episodes.
Episode 1 and episode 2 will debut on January 8, followed by episode 3 on January 15. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly, with episode 4 on January 22, episode 5 on January 29, and episode 6 on February 5. The schedule continues steadily with episode seven on February 12, episode eight on February 19, episode nine on February 26, episode ten on March 5, episode eleven on March 12, episode twelve on March 19, and the expected cour finale, episode thirteen, on March 26. MAPPA is expected to confirm the timing for part 2 in the weeks following the first cour’s conclusion.
Although 'Jujutsu Kaisen' is available on multiple platforms globally, the latest episodes of season 3 will be simulcast exclusively on Crunchyroll at launch. Netflix viewers will have access later, but Crunchyroll will remain the primary destination for fans who want to follow the story in real time starting January 8. With both cours combined, season 3 is expected to run for nearly six months. Story-wise, the new season opens under the heavy shadow of loss. The first two episodes adapt the Itadori's Extermination Arc, in which Yuta Okkotsu is assigned to carry out Yuji Itadori's postponed execution.
The mission reflects just how fractured the sorcerer society has become, especially with Satoru Gojo still sealed inside the Prison Realm, according to Polygon. His absence leaves a dangerous power vacuum. While Yuji remains the emotional core of the series, 'Jujutsu Kaisen' has always thrived on its moral complexity. Characters are forced to confront impossible choices, and the story branches into unpredictable directions before inevitably crashing back into Yuji's path.
