The Ghost in the Shell Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Release?

The Ghost in the Shell is finally back with a brand-new anime, giving fans another chance to dive into one of the most influential cyberpunk stories ever created. This time, Science SARU is taking a fresh approach by staying much closer to Masamune Shirow’s original manga while introducing a new version of Major Motoko Kusanagi and Public Security Section 9.

The anime kicked off on July 7, 2026, with a special one-hour premiere featuring its first two story chapters. Now, the series is settling into a weekly release schedule on Prime Video. If you’re wondering when the next episode will be released, here’s the complete The Ghost in the Shell release schedule, along with the latest release dates, global release times, and where you can watch every episode.

The Ghost in the Shell Episode Release Schedule

The Ghost in the Shell officially premiered on July 7, 2026, on Fuji TV and Kansai TV’s Ka-Anival!! programming block at 11 PM JST, before becoming available on Prime Video shortly after its Japanese television broadcast from 11:30 PM JST (via the official website). Adapting the manga’s fast pacing, the first episode seamlessly combined two connected story chapters, “Prologue” and “Super Spartan I,” introducing Motoko Kusanagi, Daisuke Aramaki, and the creation of Public Security Section 9 (via the official website).

Motoko Kusanagi from The Ghost in the Shell anime. | Credit: Science SARU

Unlike many streaming anime that release an entire season at once, The Ghost in the Shell is following a weekly release schedule. The total number of episodes has not been officially announced yet, so we’ll keep updating this guide as more episode titles and release dates are confirmed.

Prime Video is expected to release every new episode at 7:30 AM Pacific Time. Unless Amazon announces any changes, fans can expect a new episode every Tuesday. Here are the expected release times for major time zones.

The release times above are based on Prime Video’s current simulcast schedule. If the streaming platform announces any changes during the season, we’ll update this guide.

What to Expect in The Ghost in the Shell

The story is set in the year 2029, where advanced technology has changed almost every part of daily life. People can replace parts of their bodies with cybernetic enhancements, information travels instantly through massive digital networks, and cybercrime has become one of the world’s biggest threats.

The premiere begins with Public Security officer Daisuke Aramaki, who is investigating a corrupt government official suspected of helping cover up the assassination of Japan’s previous Prime Minister. Before Aramaki can make an arrest, the mysterious cyborg Motoko Kusanagi steps in and carries out the late Prime Minister’s final orders. Afterward, Kusanagi suggests creating a secret government unit that can deal with dangerous cases beyond the reach of regular law enforcement. That decision leads to the formation of Public Security Section 9.

The second half of the premiere follows Kusanagi and her newly formed team on their first mission. They investigate an orphanage suspected of using illegal Ghost-control technology to manipulate children. What starts as a simple surveillance operation soon turns into a dangerous battle involving military-grade weapons, mind-control devices, and hidden government secrets. The mission also gives fans a first look at how Section 9 operates in the field.

Episode 2, reportedly titled “Super Spartan II + Junk Jungle I” (via @thegits_animeEN on Twitter/X), is expected to continue Section 9’s early missions as the team uncovers more cyber threats and conspiracies in this futuristic world. Fans can also expect Science SARU to deliver beautiful animation, fast-paced action, and a version of The Ghost in the Shell that stays closer to Masamune Shirow’s original manga than many previous anime adaptations.

Where to Watch The Ghost in the Shell Online?

The Ghost in the Shell is streaming exclusively on Prime Video globally (via the official website). New episodes arrive shortly after their Japanese television broadcast, allowing fans around the world to watch them on the same day.

A still from the new The Ghost in the Shell anime. | Credit: Science SARU

Since Prime Video has the exclusive streaming rights, the anime is not available on Crunchyroll or Netflix. You’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch new episodes as they are released every Tuesday.

Now the big question: Which episode of The Ghost in the Shell are you most excited to watch? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Ghost in the Shell is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video.