Why Some Winter 2026 Anime Are on Hiatus During the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics, held in Milano-Cortina, Italy, officially began on February 6, 2026, and will continue until February 22. Athletes from around the globe compete in events such as skiing, ice hockey, snowboarding, and figure skating. These Olympics are one of the most watched live events worldwide, attracting millions of viewers in real time.
If you follow anime closely, you may have noticed that some Winter 2026 anime episodes have been delayed or skipped. You might be wondering: why would a global sports event affect anime releases? The answer lies in the Japanese TV broadcast system.
Why Anime Episodes Get Delayed
Most anime in Japan air on weekly schedules in fixed TV slots. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Bilibili, and Netflix release episodes according to the Japanese broadcast (simulcast). When a major live event such as the Winter Olympics occurs, Japanese broadcasters often prioritize live coverage over regular anime programming. This results in:
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Episodes being skipped for the week
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Anime shows going on temporary hiatus
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Streaming services delaying international release
This is not a new practice. Similar delays have occurred during the Summer Olympics, New Year’s specials, and other high-profile live events. The interruption is temporary but unavoidable for fans who follow weekly releases.
How the Winter Olympics Affect Broadcasts
Between February 6 and February 22, 2026, several anime airing on Japanese TV may be affected due to live Olympic broadcasts. Prime time slots are often reserved for events with higher viewership and advertising revenue, meaning less room for regular programming. Even anime with massive popularity, like Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, may experience short pauses.
While streaming platforms attempt to maintain their release schedules, they can only post episodes after the Japanese TV broadcast. That’s why international viewers may also notice delays during this period.
Example: To Your Eternity Season 3
One confirmed example is To Your Eternity: Season 3. Its Episode 17, originally scheduled for early February, was postponed due to Olympic coverage. The new air date was set for February 28, 2026.
Other Winter 2026 titles may also be affected, depending on their TV channels and programming priorities.
Anime Hiatus Table
| 🎥 Anime | 📅 Episode Affected | 🗓️ New Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| To Your Eternity: Season 3 | Episode 17 | February 28, 2026 |
| Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 | Possible Episode 8 | February 14, 2026 (tentative) |
| Fire Force Season 3 | Possible Episode 7 | February 15, 2026 (tentative) |
Note: Dates for some titles are tentative and may vary depending on Japanese TV broadcast decisions.
Understanding Japanese Anime Broadcasts
To understand why this happens, it’s useful to know some broadcasting basics:
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Cour system: Most anime air in 12–13 episode blocks per season (cour).
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Live event priority: Major events like the Olympics take over prime slots.
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Simulcast dependency: International releases depend on Japanese TV broadcast schedules.
These factors explain why even popular series sometimes skip weeks without notice.
Tips for International Viewers
If you follow anime outside Japan:
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Check official social media: Japanese TV channels and streaming platforms usually announce schedule changes.
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Subscribe to notifications: Apps like Crunchyroll and Bilibili notify you when episodes air.
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Follow fan calendars: Some communities maintain up-to-date release schedules for anime affected by live events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will Crunchyroll release episodes late?
A: Yes, streaming platforms release episodes only after the Japanese broadcast, so any delay in Japan affects international release.
Q: Do all Winter 2026 anime shows experience delays?
A: Not all, but anime airing on channels prioritizing live Olympic coverage may skip or reschedule episodes.
Q: How often do seasonal breaks happen in anime broadcasting?
A: Pauses usually occur during major holidays, live events, or production issues. Olympics pauses are rare but predictable.
Conclusion
Looking for more anime recommendations? Check these guides:
• Top 10 Best Romance Anime of All Time (2026 Guide)
