The Ghost in the Shell: Season 1 (2026)

The Ghost in the Shell (2026 TV series)

Original title: 攻殻機動隊 THE GHOST IN THE SHELL (Kōkaku Kidōtai THE GHOST IN THE SHELL)

Year of release: 2026

Genre: Anime, Science fiction, Cyberpunk, Action

Studio: Science SARU

Platform: Amazon Prime Video (worldwide premiere), Fuji TV, Kansai TV (TV premiere in Japan)

Plot

The series is a new adaptation of the original manga by Masamune Shirow, which ran from 1989 to 1991. The story takes place in 2029 in Niihama City, a technologically advanced metropolis where cybernetic implants have become commonplace. The main character is Motoko Kusanagi, a fully cyborgized agent who leads an elite unit called "Shell Squad." Together with her team, she is recruited by Daisuke Aramaki to work in Public Security Section 9, a specialized unit for combating cybercrime and terrorism. During an investigation of an international conspiracy, they encounter a mysterious hacker named "Puppet Master."

Production

The anime is produced by Science SARU, known for the series "Dandadan" and "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off." The director is Toma Kimura. The studio confirmed that no generative artificial intelligence was used in the creation of the series. The series was selected for an official premiere at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in June 2026.

Chronology of the Ghost in the Shell franchise

The Ghost in the Shell franchise includes numerous anime series, films, and games. Below is the chronology of the main anime projects in order of release:

• Ghost in the Shell (1995) — feature-length anime film directed by Mamoru Oshii. The plot is based on the manga but has significant differences. Duration: 83 min.
• Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004) — sequel to the 1995 film, also directed by Mamoru Oshii. Duration: 100 min.
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002–2003) — television series with 26 episodes, telling about Section 9 in an alternate universe.
• Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG (2004–2005) — second season of Stand Alone Complex, 26 episodes.
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society (2006) — television film that concludes the Stand Alone Complex storyline.
• Ghost in the Shell: Arise (2013–2014) — series of OVAs (4 parts), which is a reboot of the franchise and tells about the formation of Motoko Kusanagi.
• Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie (2015) — feature-length film that continues the Arise storyline.
• Ghost in the Shell (2017) — live-action film starring Scarlett Johansson (not part of the anime canon).
• The Ghost in the Shell (2026) — new anime series, which is the most faithful adaptation of the original manga.

Where to watch

• Amazon Prime Video — worldwide premiere on July 7, 2026 (available in over 240 countries, except China, Russia, and Vietnam). Link to Prime Video
• Fuji TV / Kansai TV — TV premiere in Japan on July 7, 2026.
• Official website: theghostintheshell-anime.jp

> Note: For Ukrainian viewers, the series is available on Amazon Prime Video with Ukrainian subtitles or dubbing (depending on the region).