Cowboy Bebop Creator’s Latest Anime Series Lands New U.S. TV Run

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The sci-fi thriller Terror Live, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (known for Cowboy Bebop), first aired in April 2025. Now, about a year later, the series is coming back to Toonami for another showing on U.S. television.

The anime series Lazarus marks the first original project directed by Watanabe since Carole & Tuesday in 2019. It’s produced by the renowned Studio MAPPA, known for hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Recently, the fan account @Swimpedia shared an updated schedule for Toonami, the anime programming block that airs on Saturdays from 12 a.m. to 3:50 a.m.

Although the schedule was later changed to feature Ninja Kamui instead of Lazarus, Lazarus is still planned to be re-aired sometime in 2026.

Cartoon Network’s Lazarus Anime Returns to Toonami in 2026

Lazarus, the writer behind the original Cowboy Bebop TV series, created a story set in the future. It centers on Dr. Skinner, a Nobel laureate, who invents Hapna – a drug that initially appears to eradicate all pain and illness. Years later, Dr. Skinner reveals a shocking truth: Hapna is actually a slow-acting poison, and anyone who takes it will die within three years.

Dr. Skinner believes humanity is unsavable and issues a challenge: find him and the cure, or face extinction. The U.S. government quickly forms a covert team – including a hacker, a military strategist, and a parkour expert who previously escaped from prison – to track down Skinner and save the world. The anime’s exciting action scenes were created with the help of Chad Stahelski, the director of John Wick, who brought his unique cinematic style to Watanabe’s original concept.

Lazarus Is Not a Cowboy Bebop Revival Despite Anime Similarities

Although Watanabe has said Lazarus is different, the two shows share many similarities. Both feature a diverse musical score, showcasing Watanabe’s love for jazz, blues, and soft rock. Plus, Lazarus, like its predecessor, brings together a quirky group of characters with interesting personalities and histories.

The English dub of Lazarus features several well-known voice actors. Jack Stansbury, who plays Axel Gilberto, also voices Aquamarine Hoshino in Oshi no Ko. Luci Christian, as Christine, is famous for her role as Nami in the long-running One Piece series. David Matranga (Dr. Skinner) is best known as Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia. Bryson Baugus, who plays Leland, also voices Bell Cranel.

Toonami’s New March Lineup Brings a Treat for Dandadan Anime Fans

Besides Lazarus, Toonami has announced that fans of Shonen Jump will also be able to watch the second season of Dandadan, the anime based on Tatsu Yukinobu’s manga, produced by Science Saru.

Dandadan is a thrilling blend of sci-fi and supernatural elements. The story centers on high school students Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura, who face off against aliens, giant monsters, and Japanese spirits. The second season first aired in July 2025, with 12 episodes concluding in September 2025.

If you’re not a fan of late nights, you can also watch Lazarus on HBO Max. Dandadan is now available to stream on both Netflix and Crunchyroll.

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2026-03-22 02:40