Here’s the straight-up answer: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 dives into the brutal Culling Game arc and opens with two pivotal mini-arcs—the Itadori’s Extermination and Perfect Preparation arcs. Expect non-stop action, deep character conflict, and a tournament like no other. Let’s break it down.
What Season 3 Covers
Season 3 doesn’t waste time. It begins with the Itadori’s Extermination Arc—Yuji is suddenly declared dangerous and a sorcerer execution order is issued. From there, it flows into the Perfect Preparation Arc before launching into the main attraction: the Culling Game Arc, a deadly tournament orchestrated by Kenjaku.
MAPPA remains at the helm, with Shota Goshozono back as director and Hiroshi Seko handling series composition. This consistent team helps maintain style, storytelling, and animation quality fans trust.
Premiere Timeline & Distribution
The first part of Season 3—Culling Game: Part 1—premiered in early January 2026, with a double-episode start to hook viewers. Episodes air weekly on Crunchyroll every Thursday (12 p.m. ET), a schedule designed to keep fans riveted.
Before the TV release, fans got a cinematic taste of what’s coming through the compilation film Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution—bridging the Shibuya Incident arc and the opening of the Culling Game arc. It debuted in Japanese theaters on November 7, 2025, and rolled out in the U.S. on December 5, in select IMAX and GKIDS cinemas.
Why This Arc Matters
A Tournament with High Stakes
The Culling Game pits sorcerers against each other across cursed territories in Japan. It’s not just about survival—it’s a catastrophic plan by Kenjaku to generate unparalleled cursed energy and manipulate the world’s fate.
Fresh Character Dynamics
The return of Yuta Okkotsu—first introduced in Jujutsu Kaisen 0—throws expectations for a loop. He’s ordered to carry out Yuji’s execution without reservation.
Expect shifting alliances, betrayals, desperate strategies. Characters are pushed to their limits. Some fans say, “The tension’s already so high, we haven’t even tipped into the main arc yet.”
Animation and Storytelling on Full Display
MAPPA’s reputation rides on this. With so many battles and characters, animating this arc is no small feat. Early trailers hint at impressive choreography, emotional highs, and gritty visuals.
Streaming & Global Reach
Crunchyroll leads the global streaming charge, simulcasting episodes weekly in multiple languages. Dubs in languages like Spanish, French, Hindi, and more are rolling out between January and March 2026.
The early theatrical release gave fans a rare cinematic preview. That buzz only amplified anticipation—everyone knew big battles were coming.
A Quick Real-World Comparison
Teams, strategies, betrayals—imagine a dark version of Hunger Games, but steeped in supernatural curse warfare. Alliances shift in an instant, every move could be life or death.
MAPPA’s animation glows brightest when the narrative pushes characters on emotional edges—like they did in the Shibuya Incident. Here, they’re pouring that intensity into a full-blown tournament arc, and it shows. Buzz around this season is high. Data shows Jujutsu Kaisen remains massively in-demand.
“This next arc is going to reshape the series. The Culling Game hits different — mind games, physical battles, everyone’s trapped.”
— A fan at Jump Festa 2026 panel discussing Season 3’s narrative overload.
Conclusion
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 isn’t just a continuation—it’s the escalation. It’s got ruthless strategy, emotional intensity, and that MAPPA animation polish. Starting from Itadori’s Extermination to the brutal Culling Game, each episode raises the bar. With global streaming, theatrical previews, and a powerhouse creative team, fans are set for one of the most compelling arcs yet.
If you’re a fan, buckle up. If you’re catching up, now’s the time to limit your spoilers and dive in.
FAQs
Q: When did Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 start airing?
A: The season premiered on January 8, 2026 with a two-episode drop.
Q: What story arcs are included in Season 3?
A: It includes the Itadori’s Extermination Arc, Perfect Preparation Arc, and launches into the Culling Game Arc.
Q: Where can I watch the new season?
A: Crunchyroll streams it worldwide with weekly new episodes. Dubs in multiple languages are available, rolling out through March.
Q: What’s the theatrical movie Execution about?
A: It’s a compilation film featuring the Shibuya Incident, plus the first two episodes of Season 3’s Culling Game. It premiered in Japan November 7 and in the U.S. December 5.
Q: Who’s directing Season 3 and are there returning staff?
A: Shota Goshozono returns as director, and Hiroshi Seko handles series composition, continuing the creative team behind Season 2.
