Witch Watch Episode 17, which premiered on July 27, 2025, thrusts its main characters into a bizarre “death game” orchestrated by a mysterious figure named Zigzag, followed by a magical mishap that leads to widespread elongation. The episode, available on Crunchyroll, delivers a blend of comedic chaos and surprising twists, further exploring the unpredictable nature of Nico’s magic and the group’s dynamic.
The “Death Game” Prank
The episode kicks off with Morihito, Kanshi, Keigo, and Miharu waking up in an unfamiliar, dimly lit room, all wearing strange masks that are rigged to explode if forcibly removed. They quickly realize they’ve been kidnapped and forced into a “death game” by a villain calling himself Zigzag, who communicates through a monitor with a distorted voice. The initial premise is designed to test their bonds, with Nico seemingly held hostage in a separate location.
Unveiling the Mastermind and the Twist
As the game progresses with overly complicated rules, the boys grow impatient. It’s eventually revealed that the entire “death game” is an elaborate prank. Nico confesses to being an accomplice, having helped Zigzag because she wanted to play with her friends and thought it would be fun. The final reveal is that Keigo used a doppelganger spell, and he was the real mastermind behind the prank, aiming to record a viral video for social media. Hidden cameras are discovered everywhere, and the group laughs off the whole ordeal, realizing it was all a big setup.
The Elongation Spell Mishap
Following the death game scenario, the episode shifts to a new comedic challenge. Tenryu warns Morihito and the others that their past magical incidents have made the teachers wary, urging them to lay low. However, trouble arises almost immediately when Nico accidentally casts a spell that causes parts of their bodies to elongate.
Hilarious Consequences and Student Council Scrutiny
Morihito finds his nails turning into Wolverine-like claws, Keigo grows an excessive amount of hair, and Kanshi and Tenryu experience their necks and arms stretching. The group must then navigate school while trying to hide their bizarre elongated features from teachers and classmates. Morihito’s quick thinking and situational awareness impress the student council president, who initially calls a meeting to discuss whether Nico and her friends should be placed under special surveillance due to their magical mishaps. However, seeing their courage and kindness in helping someone, the president decides against special surveillance, opting instead for regular check-ins. Nico’s attempt to reverse the spell, as usual, misfires, leading to even more victims of the elongation magic.
Where to Watch Witch Watch
Witch Watch Episode 17, and subsequent episodes, are available for streaming on Crunchyroll. New episodes are typically released on Sundays at 1:30 PM PT / 4:30 PM ET. The anime adaptation of Kenta Shinohara’s popular manga, which combines fantasy and romantic comedy, began airing on April 6, 2025, and is scheduled for two consecutive cours, totaling 24 episodes. The manga itself has over 3 million copies in circulation and can be read digitally on Viz Media’s Shonen Jump website and the Manga Plus app.