All good things come to an end. However, the story of Classroom Of The Elite anime was left incomplete, and we’re not ready for its end anytime soon. Rumors say that its producers have canceled the series ahead of the debut installment. Yet, the demand for Classroom Of The Elite Season 2 is increasing with every passing day. What’s in the future of the popular thriller anime series? Will it ever return? Here are all the details you are searching for.
Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e, popularly known as Classroom Of The Elite, is a 2015 light novel series by author Shōgo Kinugasa with illustrations by Shunsaku Tomose. The novel began serialization under Media Factory’s MF Bunko J imprint. Kinugasa released the first LN volume in May 2015 and has continued the series for more than five years now. As of today, a total of eleven volumes and three short volumes have been released. Another short volume, Volume 11.75, is expected to come out sometime soon. On the other hand, the writer started writing 2nd Year novel series of Classroom Of The Elite in January 2020. A total of three 2nd Grade edition volumes have been released as of October 2020.
The Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e light novel series reached new heights of popularity with some of its recent outings. It started off as an instant hit series back in the day. Hence, it inspired several adaptations within only a couple of years of its release. Kinugasa began a manga adaptation of his LN series in January 2016. It is currently in the run with a total of ten volumes and illustrations by Yuyu Ichino. Later on, Studio Lerche picked up the television anime adaptation, which aired between July and September 2017.
Classroom Of The Elite Season 2: Canceled Or Renewed?
Studio Lerche’s anime adaptation of Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e LN series became a sensation right after its debut. While it didn’t do much business in Japan, the psychological thriller was an international success. After its official broadcast on Japanese television, Crunchyroll streamed the series worldwide, while Funimation had licensed it for North America. The 12-episode anime became quite popular around the globe and gained itself a dedicated fanbase. Hence, a lot of fans were hoping for a sequel.
However, unfortunately, no new episode was released after the debut installment. The anime will soon complete its fourth anniversary, yet, neither Lerche nor any other producers of the show have plans for Classroom Of The Elite Season 2. Well, it is speculated that one of the main reasons why the creators aren’t renewing the sequel is the anime’s poor performance in Japan. Season 1’s Japanese viewership wasn’t up to the mark, and its source material sales were a little lesser than expected.
On the contrary, some say that Season 1’s overseas performance could become a motivation to renew the sequel. Given that the demand for Classroom Of The Elite Season 2 has increased over the years, the sales might improve with a second installment. Besides, it’s important to note that the studio hasn’t officially canceled the anime. This means that there might still be hope for its return in the future.
LN Author Shōgo Kinugasa Hints Anime Cancellation?
Another heart-wrenching rumor about famous anime says that there might never be a Classroom Of The Elite Season 2. Econotimes points out that a fan disclosed information about the much-awaited sequel. It was revealed that the author of the original novel Shōgo Kinugasa did not like the anime adaptation of his work. Hence, he wouldn’t make more seasons of the television show anymore.
Well, the author of any source material always has a say in the adaptation of his work. Hence, if Kinugasa disapproves of the idea of Classroom Of The Elite Season 2, it might never make it to the screens. However, given that no official source has confirmed his statement, this could turn out to be just a rumor. We will update this article if the author assures the anime’s cancelation himself.
Is There Still Any Hope For The Sequel?
If the above speculation is true, the COTE sequel might never make it to the screens. However, it is only mentioned that the author didn’t like the animation of the adaptation. Hence, if Studio Lerche does a better job in animating Classroom Of The Elite Season 2, Kinugasa might approve the sequel. On the other hand, the problem could be solved if another studio takes up the second season’s animation.
On the other hand, the demands for the second installment are high, which might help change the author’s decision. In recent times, fans play a crucial role in the survival of a show. They have previously changed the minds of many creators. Online petitions and social media posts are quite effective in highlighting fans’ demands. Thus, as long as a noticeable number of people are in support of Classroom Of The Elite Season 2, there will always be hope for its return.
Will Season 2 Ever Happen?
It has already been more than three years since the first season of Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e released. As we near its fourth anniversary, fans have started to worry about the anime’s future. Well, unlike most US television shows, Japanese animated series usually have long gaps between seasons. In fact, some anime series have returned after four to five-year-long hiatuses, which includes popular names like One-Punch Man and Psycho-Pass. Hence, there are chances for the return of Classroom Of The Elite Season 2 for the next few years. However, viewers should consider it canceled if the sequel doesn’t arrive by 2023.
Well, the source material often plays an important role in the future of its anime adaptation. Since anime series are used to promote their respective LN series or manga, their primary source of revenue comes from their sales. Thus, once the source material ends, the adaptations lose most of their revenue. This is one of the major reasons behind the cancelation of anime series. However, fortunately, the Classroom Of The Elite manga is still running and might continue for some more years. Besides, considering that the author has recently released the 2nd Year series of the LN, he might not end his series anytime soon.
Is There Enough Source Material For Classroom Of The Elite Season 2?
Another main concern while renewing an anime adaptation is the amount of source material available. Even popular shows are stalled in lack of content. The Classroom Of The Elite LN series has continued for a total of 14 volumes (including short volumes) as of 2015. Moreover, Kinugasa also began the 2nd Year edition of the light novel, which has already been released in three volumes. Well, Season 1 of Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e anime only covered the first three volumes of its light novel series.
Hence, Studio Lerche or any other animation studio that picks up the sequel has more than enough content for new episodes. In fact, the number of LN volumes left would be enough to create several 12-episode anime installments. Moreover, given that the first season ended on a cliffhanger, the creators can give the story a proper ending.
What Will Be The Plot Of Classroom Of The Elite Season 2?
The story of Studio Lerche’s popular psychological thriller is based in a distant future Japan. It centers around the students of the infamous Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School. The institution is set up by the Japanese government, which fosters the generation of people who are expected to support the country. We visit the titular Elite School from the perspective of Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, a quiet and timid boy that gets admitted as a D-Class student.
The first installment of Classroom Of The Elite ended with the lead character orchestrating events for D-Class to win the survival test on the deserted island. The story of the final arc was brilliantly executed and satisfyingly concluded. Since the first season only adapted the first three LN volumes, Classroom Of The Elite Season 2 might continue the story after its finale. Hence, the sequel will feature the light novel’s plot from the fourth volume. If the installment is 12-episode long like its predecessor, its story might end with Volume 6 or 7.
Hence, the much-awaited sequel will feature the second half of the special summer survival test. The new episodes will begin with the group battles aboard the luxurious cruise ship. Although this time, the students will be separated into 12 different groups based on their respective zodiac signs. However, unlike all other tests, this one will be devilishly difficult as it will not be about just survival. The challenge will test students’ thinking skills, and each group out of the twelve will have to find out the VIP from other groups. Yet, the elites come to know the test’s goal and set out to manipulate the outcome. Even though they’ve survived the island, our favorite characters are not out of hot water yet.
Possibilities Of OVA Episodes, Movie Adaptation, Or Spin-off Series
The anime industry is quite different than most other ones. Here, animated series are often used to promote a kind of source material. They are only renewed as long as they can advertise their respective light novel or manga series. As a result, even the popular shows rarely return for more than one season. However, a lot of such anime at least get some OVA episodes or movie adaptations. If their debut season was successful enough, the creators sometimes produce spin-off series as well.
However, despite its popularity, Classroom Of The Elite never got the chance to return in any form. Even after more than three years of its last release, Studio Lerche has not produced any OVA episodes of the series. Well, it is still possible that the studio might pick up a new Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e project sometime soon. If they renew an OVA episode, it could feature a side or special story from the original LN series. On the contrary, a movie adaptation could continue the anime’s story ahead of Season 1’s finale.
On the other hand, in case Lerche picks up a spin-off series of the anime, it will probably adapt the 2nd Year edition light novel series. As of now, three volumes of the 2nd Grade series have already been released. They might be enough to create a full season. If the Classroom Of The Elite 2nd Year spin-off series gets renewed, it might be 12 episodes like the original anime.
Is There A Trailer For The Upcoming Season?
Neither Studio Lerche nor any other company related to the anime’s production has talked about its return. Hence, fans won’t be able to watch the official trailer until the studio announces the renewal of Classroom Of The Elite Season 2. As discussed before, according to author Shōgo Kinugasa’s wish, if the studios change, the sequel might take even longer to get into productions. Thus, the wait for the PV (production video) might be much longer than we assumed. Until then, here’s a glimpse into the events of the first season.
Classroom Of The Elite Season 2 Release Date: When Will It Come Out?
Given that the anime’s creators haven’t greenlit the sequel, it’s currently hard to say when it will hit the screens. As mentioned above, it has already been almost four years since the first season ended. Hence, there won’t be much hope for a second installment if the renewal isn’t announced in the next few years. If the producers wave the green flag by the end of this year, the productions won’t take any longer than a year to complete. Therefore, if everything goes well, Classroom Of The Elite Season 2 release date might fall around late 2022 or early 2023. We will surely update you with any relevant information about the anime as soon as we get to know.
What were your favorite moments from the first installment? Are you satisfied with the way it ended? What are your views on the renewal of Classroom Of The Elite Season 2? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.