The message boards were ablaze. A single screenshot from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End ignited a firestorm of debate: Was this anime truly as good as everyone claimed, or was it just another flash in the pan? As someone who’s seen countless fantasy series rise and fall, I approached Frieren with a healthy dose of skepticism – a skepticism that was quickly shattered.
While Solo Leveling took home Crunchyroll’s Anime of the Year award, many felt Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was the people’s champion that year. Studio Madhouse’s adaptation felt like a welcome return to classic fantasy without the derivative gimmicks that have become all too common.
The fantasy genre, especially isekai, had become a parody of itself with endless stories of overpowered protagonists and tired tropes. Frieren dared to be different, focusing on character development and world-building rather than arbitrary stat boosts. Its second season on Crunchyroll promises more of the same, but if you’re late to the party, here’s why Frieren has become a must-see.
A Meditative Journey Through Loss and Memory
Think of that feeling when you’re listening to a lo-fi track, and the world slows down. That’s Frieren. The story opens at the end of a grand adventure. Frieren, an elven mage, and her party have already saved the world. But as her companions age and pass away, Frieren grapples with the weight of her immortality and the fleeting nature of human connection, especially regarding Himmel, the hero who loved her.
Life goes on. Frieren resolves to cherish the present, mentoring Stark, a warrior, and Fern, a young mage – apprentices of her former comrades. As they retrace her past journey, Frieren savors the small joys she once overlooked. It’s a poignant tale, made all the more resonant by Frieren’s long lifespan, which makes her human allies seem all the more fragile.
Do you get deja vu? #frieren pic.twitter.com/7Q4CoWcXDr
— 𝐶ae (@caezelnut) January 17, 2026
She regrets not fully appreciating her past companions and seeks to avoid repeating that mistake. Frieren may be driven by introspection, but it’s far from directionless.
What is Frieren’s primary motivation throughout the series?
Frieren aims to reach Aureole, the legendary resting place of souls, to properly bid farewell to Himmel. Along the way, she and her party undertake various side quests: battling demons, competing in a surprisingly engaging mage tournament, and searching for treasure, even if it means encountering mimics—a recurring gag.
When the Action Pops Off
The show isn’t just about quiet moments; when the action hits, it really hits. The animation is superb, from the flowing fabric of clothing to the dynamic energy of a dragon flight. The fight scenes exceed expectations, especially given the manga’s more subtle approach to combat. The show, quite simply, delivers.
Much of Frieren‘s appeal lies in Madhouse’s faithful adaptation and skillful marketing. The care extends to the second season’s outro, “The Story of Us” by Milet, with artist Mimei Aoume employing hand-drawn colored pencil sketches for the ending sequence. Their social media presence is strong, too, with frequent posts featuring Frieren plushies in amusing settings.
https://t.co/oY44O5Nr3O pic.twitter.com/HVrtitc0TH
— 青梅美芽AoumeMimei (@aoumemimei) January 18, 2026
How has Frieren impacted the anime community outside of just viewership?
The show has also inspired artists, thanks to a viral artist trend on social media. Plus, a Frieren enthusiast stopped a knife attack, citing Himmel as his inspiration. The influence of Frieren is palpable.
Just as One Piece became a symbol of rebellion, Frieren has emerged as a symbol of heroism, demonstrating its profound effect on the anime community.
Behind the Scenes and What to Expect
While season two is shorter, with only 10 episodes compared to the first season’s 28, this is due to the manga’s hiatuses, stemming from the authors’ health, according to AV Club. (The series is written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe.) There’s still plenty of material to adapt, and you can always read ahead on the Viz Manga app. Season two likely covers chapters 61 to around 71-77.
Will there be a Season 3 of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End?
Given the popularity, a Season 3 is extremely likely. However, the production schedule may be affected by the health of the authors. The 2nd season run is 10 episodes compared to the double-cour (part) 28-episode run of Season 1.
New episodes of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 stream every Friday on Crunchyroll.
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