The highly anticipated “New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” anime, a continuation of the cult classic, is slated to conclude its run with an hour-long finale. The series, which premiered in July 2025, has garnered significant attention from fans eager to see the return of the Anarchy sisters.
A Long-Awaited Return for the Anarchy Sisters
The original Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, produced by Gainax, first aired in 2010 and quickly gained a dedicated following for its unique blend of Western animation influences, crude humor, mature themes, and distinctive art style. Fifteen years later, Studio Trigger, founded by former Gainax staff, acquired the rights to the IP and announced a new project at Anime Expo 2022. This announcement was met with immense excitement, especially with the confirmation that key creative personnel from the original series, including director Hiroyuki Imaishi, would be returning.
Premiere and Broadcast Details
“New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” made its world premiere at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles on July 4, 2025, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the original series. Japanese broadcast began on July 9, 2025, with a censored version airing on channels like Tokyo MX and BS NTV. An “original” (uncensored) version subsequently aired on AT-X starting July 15. For international viewers, Amazon Prime Video secured licensing for a global streaming release, with the series becoming available from July 10.
Story Continuation and Key Plot Points
The new series picks up directly from the cliffhanger of the original anime, which left fans speculating for years after Stocking seemingly betrayed Panty by slicing her into 666 pieces. The first episode, titled “Panty & Stocking: Homecoming,” resolves this long-standing mystery, revealing that Panty was not truly dead and Stocking was under Corset’s mind-control. The Anarchy sisters, Panty and Stocking, are once again tasked with exorcising “Ghosts” in Daten City to earn Heaven Coins and eventually return to Heaven.
A notable development in the new storyline is the somewhat reluctant alliance formed with their former rivals, the Demon sisters Scanty and Kneesocks, who are also striving to earn Hell Coins to return to Hell. This unlikely team-up, with the Demon sisters even residing at Garterbelt’s church, sets the stage for new dynamics and conflicts. The series has been praised for recapturing the original’s manic spirit and distinctive animation style, employing advanced techniques while staying true to its roots.
Returning and New Staff
The creative team behind the new series boasts a strong lineup of returning talent. Hiroyuki Imaishi serves as director and handles series composition alongside Hiromi Wakabayashi. Atsushi Nishigori returns as the original character designer, with Shigeto Koyama, Sushio, and Masaru Sakamoto also contributing to character designs. ☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo) and Teddyloid, who were integral to the original’s unique soundtrack, are back as music producers, joined by a diverse array of new musical artists. The main voice cast also reprises their roles, including Arisa Ogasawara as Panty, Mariya Ise as Stocking, Koji Ishii as Garterbelt, and Hiroyuki Yoshino as Brief. New angel characters, Polyester and Polyurethane, voiced by Junya Enoki and Yuto Uemura respectively, have also been introduced to the cast.
The Finale: What to Expect
While specific plot details for the hour-long finale remain under wraps, its extended runtime suggests a significant conclusion to the ongoing narrative. The initial episodes have set the stage by resolving the previous cliffhanger and re-establishing the chaotic yet engaging world of Daten City. The finale is expected to deliver the signature blend of action, irreverent humor, and distinctive animation that “Panty & Stocking” fans have come to love, potentially tying up current storylines and addressing the future of the Anarchy sisters and their demonic counterparts.
