Fans of the beloved isekai series That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime can rejoice as the anime’s highly anticipated fourth season is officially set to premiere in April 2026. This upcoming season promises an extensive viewing experience, adopting an unprecedented five-cour format that will see it air for more than a year.
An Ambitious Release Strategy: Five Cours Over More Than a Year
The announcement of a five-cour run for That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 4 marks a rare and ambitious approach within the anime industry. The season will kick off with a continuous two-cour broadcast starting in April 2026, followed by a split format for the remaining three cours, extending the series’ presence well into 2028. This extended broadcast schedule suggests a substantial amount of source material will be adapted, delving deep into the ongoing adventures of Rimuru Tempest and the Jura Tempest Federation.
What to Expect from Season 4’s Story
Season 4 will see the Jura Tempest Federation hosting a significant Founding Festival and establishing diplomatic relations with various nations. This marks a crucial step towards Rimuru’s vision of a “Human Monster Co-Prosperity Sphere,” a world where humans and monsters can coexist peacefully. However, the path to harmony will not be smooth. Tensions are set to rise as certain factions grow wary of Demon Lord Rimuru’s increasing influence.
Key antagonists in the upcoming arc include Granbell Rosso, a former hero and head of the Five Elders of the Kingdom of Siltrosso, and his granddaughter Mariabell Rosso. They advocate for the absolute control and protection of humanity, setting their schemes in motion, which will inevitably lead to a direct clash with Rimuru. Concurrently, Demon Lord Leon Cromwell will begin pursuing his own objectives in the Golden Land of El Dorado.
The Enduring Popularity of Tensura
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, often abbreviated as Tensura, has captivated audiences worldwide since its anime debut in October 2018. The story follows Satoru Mikami, an ordinary office worker who is reincarnated in a fantasy world as a slime named Rimuru after being stabbed. Armed with powerful skills, Rimuru embarks on a journey to build a nation where all races can live in harmony, consistently expanding his circle of allies through wisdom and courage.
Previous Seasons and Spin-offs
The franchise has seen consistent success with its anime adaptations. The first season premiered in 2018, followed by a split-cour second season in 2021. A third season aired from April to September 2024. Studio Eight Bit has been responsible for animating all main seasons of the series, maintaining a consistent visual style and quality.
Beyond the main series, the Tensura universe has expanded with several spin-offs and films. These include The Slime Diaries: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, an anime adaptation of the spin-off manga, and the original net animation (ONA) series Visions of Coleus. The franchise also released its first theatrical film, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond, in 2022.
Upcoming Film and Light Novel Status
Before the fourth season’s television premiere, fans can look forward to a new film, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea Arc, scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, in Japanese theaters. Crunchyroll will be distributing this second film globally outside of most Asian territories. This movie is expected to feature an original story supervised by the light novel’s author, Fuse.
Regarding the light novel series, author Fuse has indicated plans to conclude the main story around 2025 with volume 23, though he has expressed openness to creating side stories and spin-offs in the future. The manga adaptation, illustrated by Taiki Kawakami, continues to be serialized in Monthly Shōnen Sirius.
The upcoming fourth season and new film demonstrate the continued global popularity and expansion of the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime franchise, promising an exciting and lengthy period of content for fans.
