Will "Bleach" Anime Return, and When?
Did Bleach the anime end permanently?
If you are here reading this article, you probably know everything you need to know about Bleach and want to know only one thing - and that is why Bleach anime ended in episode 366 and will they continue making it. Will Bleach anime return?
Bleach manga has wrapped up - it has been coming out in Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan since August 2001 and has seen its completion in August 2016. That means it has been keeping us entertained for over 15 years, and as of August 2016's finale, Bleach manga has been compiled into 74 tankobon volumes which can be purchased all at once. Impressive, right? It sure is.
The animated television series (or to be simple - the anime) came out three years after the first publication of the manga in 2004 and has been keeping us entertained until its episode 366 that came out in 2012. This franchise also has four animated feature movies and two video games, as well as a sea of merchandise that involves action figures, sword replicas, and a lot of other things. Everything for the fans, right? Well, yes, except for the continuation of the anime.
So what exactly happened with Bleach the anime?
All we know for sure is this - after episode 366 that was shown on the 27th of March 2012, Bleach the anime series was canceled. That was the last episode that was aired on TV Tokyo.
Why was Bleach cancelled?
Bleach the anime was canceled and that is all we can know for sure. Episode 366 was the last episode to air, and whether we will see another episode of this anime remains to be seen. However, there are a lot of rumors and speculations about the matter.
The primary question that we will try to answer in this part of the article is why Bleach was canceled in the first place. There are several theories, but the most likely one is that Bleach the anime was canceled simply because it was sub-par.
Let's first see what people are saying regarding this before we agree with this statement, though. There are two main opinions about the anime ending in episode 366.
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Bleach was sub-par and it had too many fillers
Let's view this from an objective angle. Bleach is one of the titles that can be regarded as "the holy manga/anime trinity", along with Naruto and One Piece. Now, we all know that these anime shows are filler abundant, but in this aspect, Bleach indeed takes the cake. Why? Well, in comparison to Naruto and One Piece, which did have their respective shares of filler episodes, Bleach had filler seasons. For instance, the Zanpakuto arc in Bleach anime was a filler season. It did not happen in the manga.
Bleach is considered to be sub-par because almost half of the episodes were fillers, and some people were not satisfied with it quality-wise and considered the manga to be far superior.
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Bleach anime stopped because it was catching up with the manga
Another group of Bleach fans believes that Bleach ended temporarily in episode 366 because it was catching up with the manga, so they had to stop making new episodes and take a break. This seems to be a bit further from the truth as this break has been going on for eight years and the anime still did not continue where it left off.
Considering that there was enough manga material that the Bleach anime had not covered, we would have expected it to have restarted sooner. But then again, if they did want to avoid filler episodes, waiting was a prudent choice - but it is the end of the line now as manga is already completed. We can safely say that this reasoning line holds no water at this point.
The ominous facts
The main fact that needs to be mentioned immediately is that when this anime show ended, not a single person that was somehow involved with the making of this series mentioned that it will ever be continued. This immediately implies that any theory discussing the return of Bleach the anime is a bit far-fetched and revolves around a hopeless dream that the show WILL continue.
However, let's not be too hasty and agree with this.
Several shows in situations that awfully resemble the situation of Bleach anime have resurrected and started airing again. This is again a fact. In fact, if we think about it, most of these shows were not announced when they continued, and this was a great factor in the resurrections of their respective franchises. When we think about it from the marketing perspective, this is a brilliant solution to pull out a popularity-declining show from the mud.
More facts - and possibly good news for the anime
It has been confirmed that Tite Kubo is working hard on the final arc of the Bleach manga. Some fans are speculating that it is exactly because of this that the anime is on hiatus (and has not been canceled) and that it might take some time for it to restart, but it most definitely will. Again, these are all assumptions, but they do make some sense.
Think of it from a marketing perspective again - if the anime started getting a lot of bad reviews it would make sense to call the gig off and end it right there. Temporarily or permanently - it's hard to say, but it's most likely the former. If something gets bad reviews, it needs to vanish from sight temporarily for two reasons and those are: 1. to be missed and to rebuild fandom and 2. to have enough time to rethink it and revamp it accordingly.
Bleach was by no standards a stereotypical anime and it had a lot going for it - a lot of these things can still be cashed in. Which brings us to the next part.
Can Bleach anime still earn?
Money is always a thing to consider in issues like show cancellations. For instance, it is pretty safe to say that the Bleach anime took a lot of money to make, but also earned quite a bit. Now, if the show was plummeting in popularity before the famous last episode 366, it would be logical to cut your losses and end it while you still can.
However, if the demand increases enough, and it is increasing substantially, there would be a good reason to return the show once the hype builds up enough. And when will the hype build? To be fair, it is hard to state anything with certainty, but the final anime arc IS coming soon.
Would it be logical to just leave it ended where it ended since the manga is done and miss out on a really good opportunity to earn more with the anime? Or a better question, when you think about it. Do people want the Bleach the anime to return? Yes. And there you have it - potential audience.
This poll is now closed as it is outdated, please vote in the new poll in the bottom!
To conclude
A lot of fans speculate that Bleach the anime will return sometime in 2021 or 2022 after the announcement, and this is mainly because the manga has been finished for a while now and this could be an opportunity to flesh the story out more. If this should happen, we could expect to see a lot of people happy. However, there is still that distinct possibility that when this anime was canceled, it was done so after a lot of elaborate consideration. Announcing its continuation may not be a marketing ploy - which would no longer make the episode 366 the last one.
When it comes to Bleach, the odds seem to be slightly in its favor and it would be a dubious decision to backtrack on an official announcement. It only remains to wait and see and hope that it will not be delayed yet again.
Is Bleach Returning in 2021?
There has been news that Bleach anime may be returning in 2021, although specific information regarding this is not yet available.
In an edition of Shonen Jump magazine dating from March 2020, it was indicated that "Thousand-Year Blood War," an arc beginning in chapter 480 and spanning until the end of the manga will be serialized but there are no additional details as of now. It is quite possible that given the coronavirus pandemic, this may be delayed a bit further, but this is still good news!
Hopefully, we will get the conclusion to the anime that Bleach deserves!
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Comments
Ichigo Uchiha Skywalker on May 04, 2020:
it's happening bois lets go
I’m your dad. on May 03, 2020:
The show has been confirmed to continue after corona virus.
oof on April 01, 2020:
our prayers have been answered
wennytheking on March 26, 2020:
its coming back baby in 2021
jucari on March 20, 2020:
We're back in business boys
Terrence Rogers on March 12, 2020:
Will yall ever bring more episodes to bleach. I really love this show
Shi no tenshi on March 03, 2020:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBt1VsVT3Ao BLEACH IS FINALLY RETURNING!!!!
EA Sports on February 17, 2020:
I binged all the episodes because my mom misinformed me in saying There were "five hundred" episodes. Fs in the chat:/
Grimmjow6 on February 12, 2020:
When is bleach returning we love bleach I’m a huge fan I have gotten people to each bleach and play bleach brave souls I really like the character bleach has the voice acting is amazing and yes it had a few plot holes but I really love the anime and I don’t mind is my favorite anime is so unique please let us know
Plaese bring bleaxch back on February 04, 2020:
its 2020 as of now and bleach has not continuated most likely meaning this year wait is the sign that bleach has sadly E N D E D
anime on January 15, 2020:
kundan aizen is already dead...
Ichigo Kurosaki (Cosplayer) on January 15, 2020:
Hey, its been a couple of years now. Please Tite, bring BLEACH back :(
Ofentse on January 11, 2020:
Please I need bleach bring it back
South africa person on November 16, 2019:
Please bring back bleach
Kurosaki on September 03, 2019:
We are soooooooo many fans but still i dont see the anime's come back....we love this anime
kundan on August 29, 2019:
When will aizen come out and kill all soul society along with ichigo and his friend and family?
Ryan on August 25, 2019:
I watch Bleach all the time I have seen every episode that has been released and I Sporadically go back and choose different episodes all the time as if it was on TV just because certain episodes are better than others but either way bleach as a series is fantastic and should definitely have a comeback everyone I know what it and we talk about it at work like it’s still a active show
Juan Carlos on August 18, 2019:
Please bring back Bleach badass anime
Knightmon2016 on August 11, 2019:
Bleach is the best anime i have ever seen i wish i could continue because when the Japanese version came out in august 2001 i was born when it came out and i loved it when i was only 5 and know i 18 and still love it and i want it to continue
Yah on August 02, 2019:
Wellll dragon ball super was revived so
Mohammed on July 21, 2019:
I don’t think it will continue it’s been six years now and I don’t see and thing about bleach at all and i wish it will continue that’s what everyone fan wishes I dreamed once that it continued and I was full of happiness and joy and suddenly I woke up from bed and I got depressed again I wash it continued
Vizored on July 17, 2019:
please continue the anime
Mangalicker94 on June 28, 2019:
Here we are in 2019, 6 years after its end, and still no news. Still waiting eagerly without any temptation reading the final arc in the manga. :D
Ichigo on May 28, 2019:
Re watched for the 14 times. The best anime ever.
Samuel on May 25, 2019:
Oh ya, ur right. There are a lot of mangas out currently. I’m from 2019 Btw. And they still aren’t countinue it :(
HUGE_FAN_OF_BLEACH on May 17, 2019:
To be honest when i was 2 years old my cousins really love anime's so they carry me when they're watching anime and let me watch with them when i turned 4 we have computers and I watch a lot of anime there and I started watching Bleach
and when i turned 5 i stoped at the episode 60+ then until then i never watched bleach anymore after many years i remember watching bleach so i continue in the age of 10 and now since im 11 i saw this news then i felt sad...
I really want the bleach to continue please continue bleach if not for me do it for the other fan im a Huge Bleach fan...
please continue Bleach.
Ichigo d paandey on April 29, 2019:
Please continue this anime
lax on April 21, 2019:
please continue this anime, lots of fans are waiting and can be a top 1 anime history,
Abbadonas on April 21, 2019:
Sadly it is now 2019 and bleach has been canceled for 6 years and counting, i loved the various filler episodes, loved the various movies, and never could afford the Manga so i relied on the anime for my entertainment, id love to see it come back with the latest arc or even filler, id love to even see a spin off based on possible children of ichigo and the various women he was "shipped" with, i miss Bleach.
HOLLOW MASK on April 06, 2019:
Continue this anime please....2 years ago...i has been waiting for new episode...but...when i look at twitter...
`bleach has cancelled’......please...continue it
Gail B. on March 16, 2019:
I want more anime
bleachfan on March 09, 2019:
There is bleach re air petition in change.org. -
https://www.change.org/p/studio-pierrot-bleach-ani...
Berau Answer on February 15, 2019:
You do know that the anime stopped around chapter 470 and the manga's got over 700... Would you really call that close to finishing?
Bleach # 1 fan Anser on February 15, 2019:
This post is from aroung 6 years ago... Do you really think it's EVER gonna happen
Bleach on February 14, 2019:
Do it..... JUST.. do it ..... Yes u can ..... JUST DO ITTTTTTTT .... COUNTUNE
Bleach # 1 Fan on January 31, 2019:
Please continue the anime, i am a huge fan of BLEACH. Its my only escape from this cruel world . Everytime i get off from work from all the criticism and favoritism from my coworkers & manager i always look forward to watch BLEACH. Gives me hope but now........... Please continue it ....
United on January 20, 2019:
Tite Kubo i real like you manga book of bleach. I have not yet finsh reading it uet but i think it should be put in to an anime movie(s) at least for the Quicy Arc bit thats my thoughts on it.
From a loving Bleach fan
Janurary 20, 2019
Urahara on January 14, 2019:
Bleach is the one and only anime that i watch
Sephion on January 06, 2019:
oh come on its 2019 already pls continue the anime this was my first anime i watched and remains my favorite ya cant just leave the anime hanging on such a huge cliffhangar for this many years :(
John on January 05, 2019:
I recently continued bleach and I was really caught by the twists in the final story arc. I definitely would of been happy if they continued the anime with just the last story arc because It was amazing and different and definitely worth airing.
Whiskez on January 01, 2019:
I reckon it might be cool and maybe even a good idea to restart the bleach anime without all the fillers as then it could win a lot of favour back to those who hated the fillers.
There have been a few anime series lately getting redone. I mean this is just an idea.
Ichigo Kurosaki on December 30, 2018:
2019, Still not back.....starting to lose hope here, they need to continue Bleach
Paola on December 20, 2018:
Uhhh... been waiting and nothing yet
Ericasharp on December 20, 2018:
Plzzzzzzz more bleach
MJ on December 20, 2018:
Come on continue the anime already....
Bleach is the only anime makes me so happy and alive even though I'm already dying...
If I can only support the team who's making the anime I will definitely do it ...
So please just do it....
ARE on December 18, 2018:
I’ve just finished season 26 I’d really hate to see it end on such a weak note. I really hope they bring it back to give it the end it deserves. But realizing how long ago episode 366 was, I’m not going to hold my breath.
sateen on December 12, 2018:
continue bleach for god sake
Abnxl on December 08, 2018:
Man its already 2019
Darel Alfonso on December 08, 2018:
I’m really getting crazy because bleach means a lot for me and I want to comeback, I already watched a lot of manga but no one like Bleach, I hope Bleach comebacks again
Jaden on December 07, 2018:
Bleach is by far one of my favorite anime including Naruto, One Piece, Fairy Tail, and Sword Art Online. Although I'm not completely finished with Bleach yet, I'm closing in on the last few episodes. I couldn't help myself, so I look at the latest season (Season 26) and found out it only went to Episode 366. I was upset by this because I knew it wouldn't be long before I finished the anime. I hope Tite Kubo keeps working hard on the final arc of the Bleach manga and maybe they will start making Bleach episodes again. I would be really sad to see it go. I'm also posting this from approximately December 8, 2018 at 12:37 a.m. and I have not heard any news about the Bleach anime series, but again all can say is that I hope for the best and that the Bleach anime will come back.
Mohamed on December 04, 2018:
No any other anime before or after Bleach can be compared with it, please continue the anime
Jonathan Yaconiello on November 01, 2018:
Will there be Bleach Season 27?
Anthony Von Toshev on October 22, 2018:
I have the utmost respect for Bleach, it is truly a rare feeling to be able to associate as much as I did with the anime, and even though it ended a few years ago, I still carry the heart and will of the anime in my heart - I am grateful
Aris on October 21, 2018:
Why ?????? Go back bleach episode 367 - 1000
~Pāru~ on October 16, 2018:
The year is 2018 does the cons win out?
Kurosaki Ichigo on October 14, 2018:
Please continue ... I love to watch Bleach ... I vote "Continued"...
Faith.aro on October 03, 2018:
please bring bleach back,i actually prefer it airing than the manga i have been waiting for years just for bleach to come back , it is really hard to stay without it expecially when i know it has not fully ended.
Ibn Hassan on October 03, 2018:
which year bleach anime will be return??
chris on September 26, 2018:
well im sure its gone now as netflix got a live action movie made of it. so my guess at best is a reboot soon finger crossed. also stinks as netflix only has like 66 of the over 300 episodes of it so i cant even watch it on netflix
Keep calm and bankai on September 25, 2018:
I'm really hoping that they continue the anime I'm not much of a reader quite frankly I hate reading but I'm thinking about saying screw it and buying all the mangas that are out right now
joe on September 22, 2018:
bring it back like wtf
. the live action movie was really good
Beau on September 20, 2018:
i think if the anime were to come back they would probably make a movie out of the last arc. like Sword Art Online Ordinal Scale and I wouldn't mind if it was a movie just as long as i can watch it.
Beau on September 20, 2018:
I love this anime and if they don't do the last arc I will be pissed. i mean why stop now their almost done it's only one arc.
Ykings on September 14, 2018:
I will really die and I can’t stay without bleach. I have seen the full anime thrice or more than that and still waiting for bleach
Hope bleach will return back ❤️
Toshiro on August 25, 2018:
i hope so
Zilas Afton on August 19, 2018:
I will literally DIE if they don’t do the blood war arc.
Sovren86 on August 18, 2018:
I vote for the "Restart"
Ozerius on August 09, 2018:
Maybe they are waiting to see how the live action movie does. If it goes well it will prove the popularity is still high and will make them want to do more, which could include restarting the anime.
Kensai on July 21, 2018:
please come back
xxxtentacioffxxx on July 21, 2018:
I'm still hoping.
THEBOSS on July 18, 2018:
i hope it comes back but i doubt it now its already 2018 but if it makes a return in 2019 that will be amazing
eizen on July 12, 2018:
Keep calm and go bankai!
XxtentocionXx on July 08, 2018:
It's up to them if they want to make more episode of bleach although it's my favorite anime I don't really care if they want to make more
Subject zero on July 07, 2018:
I am not very sure if this anime will have ep 367 but this anime was the best anime I had ever seen
I hope it continues pushing forward and give as more awsome episodes
It's almost 2 and half years and I am waiting I if someone heard anything about the anime ep 367 release I hope he go and tell me please
Excuse me I am going to read the manga
Light on July 06, 2018:
Don't give up guys. decreasing believe means decreasing chance
Why.. on June 25, 2018:
It’s been 3 years and I’m sure it’s not coming back...sadly
come ooon kurosaki on June 25, 2018:
I am still waiting and it has to come back. I have missed so much :(
ced worker on June 25, 2018:
I really hope it comes back!
ADIL SHAMS on June 21, 2018:
start it again plzzzzzzzzzzz
zangetsu Jr on June 11, 2018:
i need more NOOOOOO i want more i must survive with ichigos life drama
Rasya on June 05, 2018:
No its not going to comback
Its just to long
Shredded on May 31, 2018:
Please comeback to me..
ReviveBleachPleaseImCryingxc on May 26, 2018:
This need to come back, come on...
Yaman on May 22, 2018:
I hope to come back
Mason on May 08, 2018:
Come on its a good series and I would like it to keep going on it's a good story
H.R on May 05, 2018:
RIP Bleach
Hope for comeback everyone
#missbleach on April 30, 2018:
I really hope it comes back
renz on April 23, 2018:
i wish i be rich and i will pay for the pruduction for the bleach in the future
Rake on April 15, 2018:
We still haven't forgetten of Bleach. Many like myself are still waiting for a return, even as we know it will never come.
kon is funny on April 04, 2018:
I love this anime and I wish it keep going on
Cesar on April 02, 2018:
Bleach Ep 367+ is not coming it over ... will never return
the cat on April 02, 2018:
Why do people lump it with One piece and Naruto the older animations look like DBZ and Fullmetal the whole Bleach franchise feels much different. Sad its best potential was wasted trying to convert to fit itself to the other big 2.... when it tried to get catchy it failed. Get used to this with your favorite shows 3 seasons max with lots of lies of "may bring it back" whether it be anime or cartoons (i know tech the same) and series or complete transformations that feel like sad try hard spin offs.
Kirito on March 30, 2018:
My best anime is Bleach.
Momo on March 29, 2018:
That moment when it’s 2018 and still hasn’t been continued
Bleach fan on March 28, 2018:
Bleach is my favorite anime movie and I hope it will come back I love it it can’t end like that u have to bring bleach back !!
Tish on March 25, 2018:
I have been in deep depression since it "ended"
Magnificent kayz on March 13, 2018:
Bleach is the best anime i ever watch,and it is the reason i love anime. I hope they will bring it back
a scotch tape on March 12, 2018:
lol 49% of people thinks bleach will continue in 2015, but it's already 2018
artjoey on March 02, 2018:
hope they would rebuild this anime. or get a reboot. these anime is great but I sense that the writer is just way too selfish. It's not about sharing his talents anymore; but all expressing what he wants to show off without considering it's followers.
manan narwal on February 27, 2018:
Bleach is the reason i love anime. therefore i am seriously waiting for its return.I hope they start the anime from where it end.it needs to be continued.it is one of the greatest series i have ever seen.please bring ti back as soon as possible