BLEACH Makes Unusual Broadcast Schedule Change Ahead of Finale

Episode 48 of the popular anime BLEACH’s final arc, BLEACH Thousand Year Blood War: The Calamity, aired on the TV Tokyo network on September 12. With just two episodes remaining until the finale, the broadcast schedule for Episodes 49 and 50 has been changed. Episode 49 will now air at midnight on October 19, while Episode 50 will air at midnight on October 26.

As the story approaches its climax and heads toward its final battle and decisive stage, the series has made the unusual move of changing its broadcast dates and times. The official website explained the reason for the one month delay, stating, “Thank you very much for your continued support of the TV anime BLEACH Thousand Year Blood War. Regarding the broadcast and streaming schedule for Episodes 49 and 50, we have decided to change the broadcast and streaming dates and times in order to improve the quality as we approach the climax and deliver the series to everyone in the best possible form through the final episode.”

It continued with an apology: “In addition, BLEACH Thousand Year Blood War Climax Selection will air on the TV Tokyo network at 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, and at midnight on Monday, October 5 and Monday, October 12, a national holiday. We sincerely apologize to everyone who has been looking forward to the broadcast for making you wait.”

Finally, the statement said, “As we work toward the conclusion of the TV anime BLEACH, the entire staff will continue to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to production. We respectfully ask for your patience until the broadcast and streaming resume.”

Broadcast Schedule

Episode 49 TV Tokyo network: Monday, October 19 at midnight BS TV Tokyo: Tuesday, October 20 at 12:30 a.m.
Episode 50 TV Tokyo network: Monday, October 26 at midnight BS TV Tokyo: Tuesday, October 27 at 12:30 a.m.

Schedules for other broadcasters will be announced once their respective broadcast schedules have been finalized.

Episode 49 Streaming will begin sequentially across various platforms from noon on Tuesday, October 20.
Episode 50 Streaming will begin sequentially across various platforms from noon on Tuesday, October 27.

【第49話および第50話の放送・配信日時につきまして】

TVアニメ『BLEACH… pic.twitter.com/A6LEliwVWa

— 【公式】TVアニメ『BLEACH』 (@BLEACHanimation) September 12, 2026

About BLEACH

BLEACH was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2001 to 2016. The story follows protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki, who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper after meeting Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki, and depicts the adventures of Ichigo and his companions.

The manga has more than 130 million copies in circulation. It has also been adapted into games and a 2018 live action film starring Sota Fukushi, while the TV anime aired from 2004 to 2012. The anime adaptation of the final arc, Thousand Year Blood War, aired its first cour from October to December 2022, its second cour from July to September 2023, and its third cour from October to December 2024. The final cour, BLEACH Thousand Year Blood War: The Calamity, began airing in July 2026.

In BLEACH Thousand Year Blood War: The Calamity, Ichigo learns Uryu’s true intentions and renews his determination to protect the world as a friend who continues to believe in him. Meanwhile, Yhwach has become an existence that surpasses even The Almighty. As the fierce battle over the survival of the three worlds moves toward its conclusion, the story asks whether despair or hope awaits beyond the chaos of calamity, depicting the end of the thousand year blood war between Soul Reapers and Quincies.

• ANIME
• BLEACH
• 2026 Summer Anime