After a 15-year hiatus, the irreverent and chaotic Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is returning with a second season, titled New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, set to premiere on July 9, 2025. This cult classic anime, originally aired in 2010, has built a dedicated fanbase thanks to its bold humor, unique animation, and unapologetic style. Here’s everything you need to know about the long-awaited comeback and why it’s shaping up to be worth the wait.
A Brief Recap of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt
Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt follows the Anarchy sisters, Panty and Stocking, two fallen angels tasked with battling “Ghosts” in Daten City, a realm between heaven and hell. Guided by the reverend Garterbelt, the sisters use their divine powers—manifested through Panty’s underwear-turned-weapon and Stocking’s stocking-turned-sword—to fight supernatural threats. The show’s blend of crude humor, vibrant visuals inspired by Western cartoons like The Powerpuff Girls, and a killer soundtrack made it an instant hit.
The first season ended on a bizarre cliffhanger, with Stocking revealing herself as a demon and slicing Panty into 666 pieces. Fans were left hanging, and legal issues surrounding the original studio, Gainax, delayed any follow-up for over a decade.
Why the Long Wait?
The delay for Panty & Stocking Season 2 stemmed from legal and financial troubles at Gainax, the studio behind the original series. After Gainax faced bankruptcy and fraud allegations, the rights to the anime were tied up for years. In 2022, Studio Trigger—formed by former Gainax employees, including director Hiroyuki Imaishi—secured the rights, paving the way for the sequel. This transition ensured the series stayed in the hands of its original creative team, promising a faithful yet fresh continuation.
What to Expect from Season 2
New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is set to deliver the same wild energy as the original while introducing new elements. Here are the key details:
- Release Date: The anime will premiere on July 9, 2025, as part of the Summer 2025 anime season. While it’s confirmed to air in Japan, international streaming details are pending, with speculation pointing to platforms like Crunchyroll or Amazon Prime Video. Posts on X have suggested a possible Amazon Prime exclusive release, though this remains unconfirmed.
- New Characters: Two new angel brothers, Polyester (voiced by Junya Enoki) and Polyurethane (voiced by Yuto Uemura), will join the cast. Their teaser trailer hints at transformation sequences similar to Panty and Stocking’s iconic striptease-style ones, suggesting they’ll be significant players—potentially as allies or rivals.
- Returning Cast and Staff: The core voice cast is back, including Arisa Ogasawara as Panty, Mariya Ise as Stocking, Koji Ishii as Garterbelt, Hiroyuki Yoshino as Brief, and Yuka Komatsu as Scanty. New additions include Akeno Watanabe as Kneesocks and Yuko Natsuyoshi as Fastener, replacing previous actors. Hiroyuki Imaishi returns as director, with Hiromi Wakabayashi co-writing the script and Atsushi Nishigori handling character designs. Studio Trigger’s signature style will ensure vibrant animation and bold storytelling.
- Storyline: While plot details are scarce, the sequel may address the first season’s infamous ending. The trailer shows Panty alive and no major animosity between the sisters, suggesting the demon twist might be retconned or downplayed in favor of the show’s absurdist humor. The introduction of Polyester and Polyurethane could drive the main conflict, with the sisters facing new challenges in Daten City.
- Music and Style: The soundtrack, featuring artists like ☆Taku Takahashi, TeddyLoid, and m-flo, will maintain the high-energy vibe of the original. A vinyl release of the first season’s soundtrack is also planned for 2025, celebrating the series’ iconic music. The animation will retain Trigger’s colorful, exaggerated style, with a mix of crude comedy and action-packed battles.
Why Fans Are Excited
The return of Panty & Stocking is a big deal for several reasons:
- Cult Classic Status: The original’s unique blend of irreverent humor, fanservice, and Western influences made it a standout in the 2010s anime scene.
- Creative Continuity: With Imaishi and other original staff returning, the sequel is poised to capture the same chaotic spirit while updating it for 2025 audiences.
- Resolving the Cliffhanger: Fans hope the new season will address or cleverly sidestep the bizarre ending, offering closure or a fresh twist.
- New Additions: The introduction of male angels Polyester and Polyurethane adds a new dynamic, potentially expanding the show’s signature fanservice and humor.
Where to Watch
The original Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is available on Crunchyroll, making it easy to catch up before Season 2. While no official streaming platform for the sequel has been confirmed, Crunchyroll is a likely candidate due to its history with Studio Trigger and the first season. Keep an eye on official announcements for international release details.
Final Thoughts
New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is shaping up to be a wild, nostalgic return for fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. With Studio Trigger at the helm, a talented voice cast, and a July 9, 2025, premiere, the Anarchy sisters are ready to shake up Daten City once again. After 15 years, the wait is almost over, and it’s clear this sequel will deliver the chaos, humor, and heart that made the original a beloved classic.
Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready for Panty and Stocking to bring their divine chaos back to screens this summer!
