What's in this guide
Anime NYC 2026 runs later this month, and Crunchyroll has revealed its programming slate. Two of the biggest items on it are deliberately unnamed. Here is everything confirmed so far and what to watch for.
Anime NYC 2026 Dates and Venue
Anime NYC 2026 takes place August 20 to 23, 2026 at the Javits Convention Center in New York. It is one of the largest anime conventions in North America, and Crunchyroll traditionally uses it to premiere new series ahead of their streaming debuts.
The Two Mystery Premieres
The most interesting entries on the schedule are the ones Crunchyroll has not named. Premiere Screening 1 and Premiere Screening 2 are both confirmed on the slate, with titles to be revealed as the convention approaches.
Both sessions are reported to showcase multiple upcoming series before they arrive on the platform. Crunchyroll has form here, using convention screenings to launch titles it has not yet announced, so these are the sessions worth tracking.
Magical Buffs World Premiere
The one named premiere is Magical Buffs, which gets its world premiere on August 22 as part of Crunchyroll's screening events.
The series was first unveiled at Anime Expo 2026 in July, making this its first public screening. That is a fast turnaround from announcement to premiere by anime standards.
Anniversary Events
Crunchyroll is running three anniversary celebrations across the weekend:
- The 15th anniversary of Crunchyroll News, with the editorial team on stage discussing how the publication has evolved
- Two anniversary panels for hit anime franchises, alongside cast and staff appearances
- Creator-led discussions spread across the four days
Two unnamed premiere screenings, a world premiere on August 22, and three anniversary panels. Crunchyroll is treating Anime NYC as a launch platform, not a victory lap.
Why Crunchyroll Keeps Expanding at Conventions
This slate continues a clear pattern. Crunchyroll has steadily grown its presence across Anime Expo, CCXP, San Diego Comic-Con and Anime NYC, using each as a venue for announcements rather than just fan engagement.
At Anime Expo in July it revealed a new Solo Leveling film, The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 5, and several new series. Anime NYC is the next scheduled opportunity for that kind of reveal.
Where to Watch What Gets Announced
Everything premiered at Anime NYC is slated for Crunchyroll, included with a standard subscription. Convention screenings are in-person only, so titles will reach the platform on their own schedules afterwards.
What to Watch For
The two mystery screenings are the real story. Crunchyroll naming them closer to the date, or revealing them on the day, is the moment most likely to produce news worth following.
We will update this post as titles are confirmed and after the convention with everything announced.
Anime NYC 2026 FAQ
When is Anime NYC 2026?
August 20 to 23, 2026 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.
What is premiering at Anime NYC 2026?
Magical Buffs gets its world premiere on August 22. Two further premiere screenings are confirmed but the titles have not been revealed yet.
What is Magical Buffs?
A series Crunchyroll unveiled at Anime Expo 2026 in July. Anime NYC will be its first public screening.
Do I need a badge to see the announcements?
For the screenings, yes. But major convention announcements are typically published online within hours, so the news itself reaches everyone.
Where will these anime stream?
Crunchyroll, included with a standard subscription, on each title's own release schedule after the convention.
For more convention coverage, see our Anime Expo 2026 roundup and our San Diego Comic-Con 2026 guide.
