In a surprising turn of events for anime enthusiasts, Toonami has revealed its latest programming schedule, which includes the return of two iconic series: Sailor Moon and Naruto. These beloved shows are set to rejoin the lineup this month, bringing a wave of nostalgia and excitement to long-time fans and new viewers alike. The announcement follows the cancellation of the Toonami Rewind block, which previously aired these series in the latter half of 2024.
The Return of Classic Anime
Following several weeks of marathons, Toonami’s regular schedule is set to resume on January 11, 2025. The schedule changes include swapping Mashle: Magic and Muscles with Invincible Fight Girl. While the premiere episodes of Mashle will kick off the block, reruns will commence with Invincible Fight Girl at 12:30 AM, followed by Blue Exorcist at 1 AM.
One Piece continues its long run at 1:30 AM with new episodes from the Dressrosa saga. Dragon Ball Z Kai will follow at 2:00 AM, continuing the Frieza saga. The most exciting news, however, is the return of Naruto at 2:30 AM, marking its comeback to Saturday night Toonami since Shippuden ended in August 2024. Unlike Shippuden, which aired all 500 episodes, Toonami will be re-airing the original Naruto series from the beginning.
Sailor Moon’s Return
Adding to the excitement, Sailor Moon will also be making its return on January 25, 2025, at 3:00 AM. This comeback follows its run on the now-canceled Toonami Rewind block, where it aired the Viz Media English dub. The return of Sailor Moon to Toonami is a significant event for many fans who grew up with the series and is expected to garner attention from new viewers.
A Look Back: Toonami Rewind
Toonami Rewind, a Friday night block dedicated to airing retro anime, had previously featured Sailor Moon, Naruto, and Dragon Ball Z Kai. The block, which began on May 31, 2024, aimed to recapture the essence of the original Toonami programming from before its 2012 revival. The cancellation of Toonami Rewind in December 2024 left many fans disappointed but has paved the way for the return of these classic shows to the main Saturday night lineup.
Toonami’s History
Toonami initially launched as a weekday afternoon block on Cartoon Network in 1997, targeting older children and adolescents. It became known for its action-oriented programming, particularly Japanese anime, which gained popularity with American audiences. The block featured a space-themed aesthetic, anime music videos, a unique soundtrack, and a robot host named T.O.M.
Toonami transitioned to a Saturday evening schedule in 2004 and eventually concluded its original run in 2008. The block was relaunched as a late-night program on Adult Swim in May 2012, where it continues to air every Saturday, maintaining its focus on anime and action animation.
What to Expect from the Relaunch
The new Toonami lineup balances nostalgia with more recent hits. The block will feature a mix of classic anime and newer series. The schedule for January 25, 2025, includes:
- 12:00 AM – Mashle: Magic and Muscles
- 12:30 AM – Invincible Fight Girl
- 1:00 AM – Blue Exorcist
- 1:30 AM – One Piece
- 2:00 AM – Dragon Ball Z Kai
- 2:30 AM – Naruto
- 3:00 AM – Sailor Moon
This schedule showcases a blend of action-packed series, including long-running favorites and newer shows. Sailor Moon will be the final series in the block, concluding the lineup at 3:00 AM EST, which is effectively Sunday morning.
Why This Matters
The return of Sailor Moon and Naruto to Toonami is not just a programming change, it’s a cultural event for anime fans. These series were foundational in introducing anime to Western audiences and helped shape the landscape of animated entertainment. Sailor Moon, in particular, represents a milestone, as it is one of the shows that ushered in the initial wave of anime popularity in the 1990s.
The Legacy of Sailor Moon and Naruto
Sailor Moon, based on the manga by Naoko Takeuchi, is a magical girl anime that follows the story of Usagi Tsukino, a cheerful schoolgirl who transforms into the titular heroine. Along with her fellow Sailor Guardians, she defends Earth from evil forces, making the series a staple of the magical girl genre. Viz Media’s release of Sailor Moon Stars, the fifth and final season, marked the first time the season received a home video release in North America. The anime spawned several feature films and theatrical shorts.
Naruto, on the other hand, tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with a dream of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. The original anime series, along with its sequel Naruto Shippuden, has garnered a global following for its engaging characters and storytelling. The original Naruto anime has never fully aired on either Cartoon Network or Adult Swim, making this a significant opportunity for viewers to experience the complete series from the beginning.
What the Future Holds
The return of these iconic anime series is a significant move for Toonami, highlighting the block’s commitment to its roots while also embracing new content. As these shows return to airwaves, it will be fascinating to watch their impact on current anime fans and new viewers. Fans can look forward to reliving classic anime moments while also engaging with new series that are shaping the future of the medium.
With the return of Sailor Moon and Naruto, along with other classic and new anime series, Toonami is poised to captivate viewers and continue its legacy as a premier destination for anime programming in the United States.
