The psychological thriller anime is back with intense mind games, new rivals, and higher stakes as students enter their second year at Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School. Fans have been waiting for this adaptation of the Year 2 light novels, and it’s finally here with a blockbuster premiere.
Release Date and Time
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 premieres on April 1, 2026. The season kicks off in epic fashion with a special 90-minute extended broadcast that covers the first four episodes back-to-back.
Japanese broadcast time is around 8:30 PM JST (which translates to approximately 4:30 AM PDT / early morning in other regions). Subsequent episodes will follow the weekly schedule after the premiere special.
Crunchyroll is handling the simulcast, so international fans can watch new episodes shortly after they air in Japan (with subtitles, and an English dub is also confirmed).
Where to Watch
- Primary Platform: Crunchyroll (simulcast with subs and English dub planned).
- Also available via Crunchyroll Amazon Channel in select regions.
Previous seasons are already streaming on Crunchyroll, making it easy to catch up or rewatch before diving into Year 2.
Episode Count
The season is listed with a total of 16 episodes. The premiere special bundles Episodes 1–4 into one 90-minute block, followed by regular-length episodes. This structure allows the season to adapt key content from the first semester of the Year 2 light novels (likely Volumes 1 through roughly 4.5).
Plot Details
Kiyotaka Ayanokoji and his classmates from Class D (now advancing as second-years) face a whole new set of challenges. The elite school introduces fresh special exams, including high-stakes competitions that pit different school years against each other for the first time.
Expect:
- A deserted island survival exam involving all grades.
- New first-year students who bring their own agendas, alliances, and threats.
- Deeper psychological battles, class warfare, and Ayanokoji’s strategic genius being pushed further as he navigates hidden motives and tougher rivals.
The story continues exploring the meritocratic system where points, promotions, and expulsion hang in the balance. Ayanokoji’s calm, calculating nature contrasts with the chaos around him, while familiar faces like Suzune Horikita and Kei Karuizawa evolve alongside him.
Early previews tease an “assassin from the White Room” and intense confrontations right from the start.
Cast and New Additions
Returning main cast:
- Shōya Chiba as Kiyotaka Ayanokōji
- Akari Kitō as Suzune Horikita
- Ayana Taketatsu as Kei Karuizawa
- Other core voices like those for Honami Ichinose, Yousuke Hirata, and more are expected to reprise roles.
New first-year characters for Season 4:
- Minako Satō as Tsubasa Nanase
- Hiroya Egashira as Kazuomi Hōsen
- Momoko Setō as Ichika Amasawa
- Shinnosuke Tokudome as Takuya Yagami
- Iori Saeki as Sakurako Tsubaki
- Shōgo Sakata as Riku Utsunomiya (also listed as Utomiya in some reports)
Studio Lerche returns for animation, with a team aiming to deliver the sharp tension and character dynamics fans love.
Why Fans Are Excited
After three seasons of escalating class battles, Season 4 shifts gears by mixing years and introducing fresh blood that could force even Ayanokoji to reveal more of his capabilities. The 90-minute premiere promises a strong hook, and the 16-episode count suggests solid coverage of the early Year 2 arc without rushing.
If you’re new to the series, the premise is simple but addictive: an elite high school where every action has consequences, points equal money and power, and “defective” students must outsmart everyone to climb the ranks.
Mark your calendars for April 1, 2026 — the mind games are about to level up.