For years, the fervent whispers persisted, a cult following yearning for the return of an anime that defied convention, blended animation styles, and redefined irreverence. It was a fifteen-year hiatus that tested the patience of even the most dedicated fans, a chasm of silence since the chaotic angels Panty and Stocking last graced our screens in 2010. But the wait is finally over; the “Bitches Are Back,” and New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT is poised to deliver a season premiere that promises to be as unhinged and unforgettable as its groundbreaking predecessor.
A Long-Awaited Revival: The Journey Back to Daten City
The original Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt series, produced by Gainax, captivated audiences with its unique blend of Western cartoon aesthetics and distinct anime sensibilities, along with its notoriously foul-mouthed and action-packed narrative. After its initial run from October to December 2010, the possibility of a continuation remained uncertain for over a decade, largely due to financial hardships faced by the original studio.
The tide turned when Studio Trigger, formed by several former Gainax employees who were integral to the original series, acquired the rights to the Panty & Stocking intellectual property. This acquisition ignited hope among fans, leading to initial announcements at Anime Expo in 2022 and 2023, where a new project was confirmed. The official title, New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT, solidified the sequel’s place in the anime landscape, confirming its highly anticipated 2025 release.
Premiere Dates and Global Accessibility
The New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT season premiere is scheduled to light up Japanese television screens on July 9, 2025, specifically at 25:00 JST (effectively 1:00 AM JST on July 10). For international audiences, the good news is that the series will be available for global streaming on Prime Video, starting July 9, 2025, with new episodes releasing weekly. This marks a significant move, as Amazon’s Prime Video secures the streaming rights for this much-anticipated anime.
Before its official broadcast and widespread streaming, the series is set to have its world premiere event at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles. This exclusive event will take place on July 4, 2025, at 8:30 PM (local time) at the Peacock Theater. Notably, the Anime Expo premiere will feature an 18+ uncensored version of the new series, with a separate censored screening planned for July 5. This highlights the show’s commitment to its original edgy tone while also catering to different audience considerations.
Creative Minds and Returning Talent
A key factor in the excitement surrounding New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT is the return of much of the original creative team. Director Hiroyuki Imaishi, celebrated for his work on Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill, is back at the helm. He is joined in series composition by Hiromi Wakabayashi, who also serves as a co-director and concept planner for the new anime.
The distinct visual style of the series will also benefit from the return of key designers. Atsushi Nishigori is credited as the original character designer, with Shigeto Koyama, SUSHiO, and Masaru Sakamoto handling character designs for the new series. Shigeto Koyama additionally serves as the art director, and Yoh Yoshinari is listed as a special specialist, ensuring the show’s signature aesthetic remains intact. The original series’ iconic soundtrack, characterized by its eclectic mix, will also see the return of music producers ☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo) and TeddyLoid, joined by a diverse lineup of new composers.
Cast Reunited with New Voices
Fans will be thrilled to hear that the majority of the original Japanese voice cast is reprising their roles, bringing back the familiar voices that define these outrageous characters. Arisa Ogasawara returns as Panty, and Mariya Ise is back as Stocking. Koji Ishii will once again voice Garterbelt, Hiroyuki Yoshino as Brief, Takashi Nakamura as Chuck, and Yuka Komatsu as Scanty.
However, the new season also introduces some changes and additions to the voice cast and character roster. Akeno Watanabe steps in as the new voice of Kneesocks, taking over from Ayumi Fujimura. Similarly, Yuko Natsuyoshi will voice Fastener, replacing Miki Makiguchi. Adding fresh dynamics to Daten City are two entirely new angelic characters: Polyester, voiced by Junya Enoki, and Polyurethane, voiced by Yuto Uemura. Their introduction is anticipated to bring new conflicts and interactions for the Anarchy Sisters.
The Story So Far and What’s to Come
The core premise of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt revolves around the Anarchy sisters, Panty and Stocking, two fallen angels banished from Heaven for their deplorable behavior. Sent to Daten City, a peculiar realm situated between Heaven and Hell, their mission is to eradicate sinister spirits known as “Ghosts” that feed on human desires and resentment. Under the eccentric guidance of Reverend Garterbelt, the sisters transform their lingerie into formidable weapons to battle these supernatural threats, all in a bid to earn enough “Heaven Coins” to return home.
While specific plot details for New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT remain somewhat under wraps, trailers and promotional materials hint at the continued chaotic adventures of the titular angels. The return of villains like Scanty and Kneesocks, alongside the introduction of the new angels Polyester and Polyurethane, suggests an expanded universe and potentially new alliances or rivalries. The series promises to maintain its signature blend of “HYPER-CRAZY, BATTLE-ACTION, HUMAN COMEDY DRAMA,” with a continued emphasis on its unfiltered and genre-bending style. Fans can expect the same bizarre and absurd writing, complemented by the show’s unique visual transitions between goofy and traditional animation styles. Moreover, the revelation of both censored and uncensored versions airing in Japan suggests that the new series might push boundaries even further than the original, promising an even wilder and potentially raunchier experience.
The anticipation for New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT is palpable, not only for its return after a long hiatus but also for the promise of Studio Trigger, with much of the original creative force, delivering a sequel that honors the cult classic while undoubtedly adding its own chaotic spin. The stage is set for an unhinged revival, ready to thrill both long-time devotees and new audiences alike.
