For over a decade, a cult phenomenon lay dormant, its outrageous humor and distinct visual style echoing in the minds of a dedicated fanbase, perpetually hoping for a return. It was a chaotic, irreverent, and undeniably unique animated series that defied conventions and left an unforgettable mark. Now, after nearly 15 years, the wait is finally over: the Anarchy Sisters are back, poised to unleash a fresh wave of divine debauchery upon the unsuspecting denizens of Daten City in New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt.
The Resurrection of an Icon: A Decade in the Making
The original Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, produced by Gainax, first captivated audiences from October to December 2010 with its distinctive blend of American cartoon aesthetics and Japanese anime sensibilities, coupled with its notoriously vulgar and action-packed narrative. Its abrupt, unresolved ending left fans clamoring for more, transforming a potential second season into a whispered legend within the anime community.
From Gainax to Trigger: A Change of Hands
The long hiatus was largely attributed to the financial difficulties faced by Gainax, which led to the rights of the beloved series becoming entangled. However, a beacon of hope emerged when Studio Trigger, a powerhouse animation studio founded by former Gainax employees, including key figures from the original Panty & Stocking production, announced in 2022 that they had acquired the intellectual property rights. This acquisition paved the way for the development of New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, reigniting excitement among the devoted fanbase.
Anime Expo 2025: The World Premiere Event
The official world premiere of New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt took place at Anime Expo 2025 on July 4, 2025. This highly anticipated event offered attendees an early glimpse of the series, featuring special guest appearances from the creative team, including director Hiroyuki Imaishi, producer Hiromi Wakabayashi, and character designer Shigeto Koyama. The premiere event at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was designated as 18+, acknowledging the show’s mature themes. For younger audiences, or those preferring a milder experience, a censored version was screened on July 5, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Premiere Details: When and Where to Watch
Fans globally can mark their calendars for the official premiere of New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt in July 2025. The series will be widely accessible through various platforms, catering to different viewing preferences.
Global Streaming on Prime Video
For international audiences and those who prefer on-demand viewing, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt will begin streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video starting Thursday, July 10, 2025. New episodes are expected to air weekly after the initial premiere. This marks a significant move for Amazon, as it secures a highly anticipated anime title for its streaming service.
Broadcast in Japan: Censored and Uncensored Options
In Japan, the series will have a broadcast premiere on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Terrestrial and satellite channels, including Tokyo MX, BS NTV, and SUN, will air a censored version of the new season. For those seeking the full, unadulterated Panty & Stocking experience, the uncensored “original” version will be broadcast on AT-X starting July 15, 2025. This dual-version approach acknowledges the series’ provocative nature and caters to diverse broadcasting standards and audience expectations.
Creative Minds Behind the Chaos: Returning and New Staff
A key reason for the immense anticipation surrounding New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is the return of much of the original creative team, ensuring that the sequel retains the distinct style and spirit that defined its predecessor.
The Original Visionaries Reunited
Hiroyuki Imaishi, celebrated for his dynamic and impactful directorial style, returns to helm the new series. He also contributes to the series composition alongside Hiromi Wakabayashi, who additionally serves as a writer and concept planner. Atsushi Nishigori is back as the original character designer, guaranteeing the familiar and beloved aesthetic of the Anarchy Sisters. Furthermore, animators Sushio and Mai Yoneyama, who were integral to the original production, are also confirmed to be working on the new project, with Sushio working as an animator and Yoneyama returning as a key animator. Shigeto Koyama, who worked on the original as an animator or writer, is also confirmed as a character designer and art director for the new series. This impressive reunion of talent promises a faithful yet fresh continuation of the Panty & Stocking legacy.
Introducing New Faces: Polyester and Polyurethane
The new season is not just about revisiting familiar faces; it will also introduce intriguing new characters. Among them are two new angel brothers named Polyester and Polyurethane. Polyester will be voiced by Junya Enoki, while Yuto Uemura will lend his voice to Polyurethane. These new additions are expected to provide new dynamics and challenges for Panty and Stocking, potentially serving as foils to the Anarchy Sisters’ unique brand of chaos. The promotional materials have teased their distinct appearances and what appears to be their own transformation sequences, hinting at fresh rivalries or alliances within Daten City.
The Continuing Saga: Plot and Expectations
New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is confirmed to directly pick up from the infamous cliffhanger ending of the first season, where Stocking revealed herself to be a demon and brutally dismembered Panty before departing Daten City. The series will continue to follow the foul-mouthed angel sisters, Panty and Stocking, who were banished from Heaven for their misbehavior. Under the supervision of the reverend Garterbelt, they must battle malevolent spirits known as “Ghosts” that plague Daten City. Their mission: to earn enough “Heaven Coins” by defeating these entities to secure their return to the celestial realm.
The series is known for its blend of action, comedy, and supernatural elements, often infused with explicit humor and a distinctive visual style that shifts between exaggerated cartoonishness and more detailed animation. Fans can anticipate the return of these signature elements, along with the beloved original Japanese voice cast, to deliver an experience that lives up to the original’s wild and unfiltered reputation. The introduction of Polyester and Polyurethane further suggests an expansion of the series’ lore and character interactions, promising fresh narratives within the established universe.
The return of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt after a 15-year hiatus is a testament to its enduring impact and the dedication of its fanbase. With Studio Trigger at the helm and a significant portion of the original creative team returning, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is poised to deliver the same anarchic humor, stylized action, and irreverent charm that made it a cult classic, offering a much-anticipated continuation of the Anarchy Sisters’ outrageous adventures.
