Dragon Ball is Formally Returning to TV in 2026

Dragon Ball followers have one thing to stay up for in 2026, however it’s in all probability not what many have been anticipating. Based on @CNschedules on X, Dragon Ball Z Kai can be returning to Grownup Swim later this month.

The sequence will substitute Futurama within the 5:00 AM slot beginning December 29. Kai beforehand aired on Grownup Swim’s Toonami block from 2014-2018.

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Dragon Ball is Again on TV

Following the rumors of a new project in 2026 and recent comments by former Weekly Shonen Jump editor-in-chief Kazuhiko Torishima seemingly confirming {that a} new film can be launched in 2026, it is secure to say that this wasn’t the Dragon Ball information many followers have been hoping to get. However even when its simply re-runs, it is thrilling to have Dragon Ball return in a weekly format.

With the inclusion of Kai, the brand new Grownup Swim weekday lineup will look one thing like this when the sequence is formally added on the twenty ninth.

5:00 PM EST – Dexter’s Laboratory
6:00 PM EST – Bob’s Burgers
8:30 PM EST – Household Man
11:00 PM EST – Rick and Morty
12:30 AM EST – Grownup Swim Smalls
1:00 AM EST – China, IL
1:30 AM EST – American Dad
3:30 AM EST – Rick and Morty
4:30 AM EST – Off the Air
5:00 AM EST – Dragon Ball Z Kai

It does really feel prefer it’s somewhat late of a slot for Dragon Ball, however there will certainly be some night time owls on the market prepared to remain up and catch an episode. The Kai recut is usually considered a great way to expertise the Dragon Ball Z anime contemplating there’s mainly no filler content material, though some fans do prefer the original version, even when it is longer.

Dragon Ball Z Kai was first launched in 2009 as a part of the anime’s twentieth anniversary celebration. The sequence aired on Fuji TV from April 5, 2009 to March 27, 2011, slicing down the unique sequence’ episode rely from 291 to 159 in Japan and 167 internationally. By slicing out the filler the new edit was said to be more faithful to the original manga. It additionally supplied followers with re-recorded audio for the voice actors alongside new sound results and sound design. Toei introduced in Kenji Yamamoto to file new music for the sequence, which might substitute Shunsuke Kikuchi’s iconic rating. Nonetheless, Yamamoto was let go when he was revealed to have plagiarized quite a lot of artists all through his time at Toei.

This Is Nice, However When is Dragon Ball Actually Coming Again?

Goku and Gohan in Super Saiyan mode in Dragon Ball Z (89)

Dragon Ball has been on a bit of a hiatus for the reason that tragic passing of sequence creator, Akira Toriyama. The most recent entry within the sequence, Dragon Ball Daima, premiered months after Toriyama’s loss of life in March 2024 and concluded in February 2025. The Dragon Ball Tremendous anime TV sequence concluded in 2018, with two films, Broly and Tremendous Hero releasing in 2018 and 2022. The Tremendous manga launched a chapter in February 2025, however the principle storyline hasn’t progressed for the reason that finish of the Granolah the Survivor Saga in 2022.

Followers received an sudden glimpse into potential plans to deliver the sequence again earlier this month when Kazuhiko Torishima appeared on a podcast and nonchalantly stated that a new Dragon Ball movie would be coming out in 2026. This caught loads of followers off-guard, with the way forward for the sequence being doubtful and nearly no information on how, or if, the sequence would return following Toriyama’s loss of life.

With the mess we’re in proper now, we will not count on a lot from subsequent yr’s film, can we?

Torishima’s feedback undoubtedly received followers excited, however finally, there is not any certainty that he actually is aware of whether or not or not a brand new film is popping out subsequent yr. Whereas he is in all probability nonetheless linked with individuals who do know, Torishima hasn’t been concerned with Dragon Ball for some time. What he stated might become true, however followers should not maintain their breath.

Whether or not or not a brand new Dragon Ball film, anime, or saga drops in 2026 stays unsure. And whereas followers wait, on the very least they’re going to have the ability to spend 2026 rewatching Kai and reliving a few of the sequence’ finest moments.

Supply: X