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Classroom of the Elite seasons

The anime adapts the light novels by Shōgo Kinugasa, illustrated by Shunsaku Tomose and published under MF Bunko J since 2015. The first-year story ran for 11 main volumes, the second-year story for 12, and a third-year series began in 2025. Studio Lerche has made all four seasons: season 1 in 2017 (12 episodes), season 2 in 2022 (13), season 3 in 2024 (13) and season 4 in 2026 (16). That makes 54 episodes. Seasons 1 to 3 cover the first school year; season 4 begins the second-year story with its first semester.

Season	Premiere	End	Episodes	Studio
Season 1	July 12, 2017	September 27, 2017	12	Lerche
Season 2	July 4, 2022	September 26, 2022	13	Lerche
Season 3	January 3, 2024	March 27, 2024	13	Lerche
Season 4 (Year 2, First Semester)	April 1, 2026	June 24, 2026	16	Lerche

Season 1

Season 1 introduces the school, the monthly points allowance and the shock of Class D learning that its points can drop to nothing. The class faces its first exams, a dispute over a fight involving Sudo, and a survival test on a deserted island during a cruise. It aired from 12 July to 27 September 2017, with 12 episodes, directed by Seiji Kishi and Hiroyuki Hashimoto.

Season 2

Season 2 continues the first year with a group test held on a cruise ship, the school sports festival and the Paper Shuffle exam, where the rivalry with Class C sharpens. It aired from 4 July to 26 September 2022, with 13 episodes, directed by Yoshihito Nishōji under chief directors Kishi and Hashimoto.

Season 3

Season 3 closes the first year with a mixed training camp, a special exam built around a class vote and a final special exam between classes. It was first planned for 2023, then aired from 3 January to 27 March 2024, with 13 episodes, again directed by Yoshihito Nishōji.

Season 4 (Year 2, First Semester)

Season 4, subtitled Year 2, First Semester, opens the second-year story, bringing in a new group of first-year students. It premiered on 1 April 2026 with a 90-minute special covering episodes 1 to 4 and ended on 24 June 2026 after 16 episodes, the longest season so far. Noriyuki Nomata directed it at Lerche.

Next season Announced

Season 5 is confirmed. Kadokawa announced on 24 June 2026, the day season 4 ended, that production of a fifth season had been green-lit, and showed a teaser visual. On 20 October 2026 the official account released a new teaser key visual. As of October 2026 there is no release date, window, episode count or studio announcement for season 5.

FAQ

How many seasons of Classroom of the Elite are there?

There are four seasons with 54 episodes in total: season 1 (2017, 12 episodes), season 2 (2022, 13), season 3 (2024, 13) and season 4 (2026, 16). A fifth season has been announced.

Is Classroom of the Elite season 4 out?

Yes. Season 4 aired in Japan from 1 April to 24 June 2026, with 16 episodes, and Crunchyroll streamed it with subtitles and dubs. It covers the first semester of the second school year.

Will there be a Classroom of the Elite season 5?

Yes. Season 5 was announced on 24 June 2026, right after the season 4 finale, and a new teaser visual followed on 20 October 2026. No release date or window had been given as of October 2026.

What order should I watch Classroom of the Elite in?

Watch the seasons in release order: 1, 2, 3 and 4. Seasons 1 to 3 tell the first school year, and season 4 starts the second year, so skipping ahead would leave out major events.

Who is the main character of Classroom of the Elite?

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, a quiet first-year student placed in Class D who avoids attention. He is voiced by Shōya Chiba in Japanese and by Lucas Almeida in the Brazilian dub.

Classroom of the Elite characters →

Sources

Updated October 23, 2026