90-minute premiere with four episodes is massive start—launching with extended block creates strong momentum for second year arc. Eir Aoi returning to anime openings is exciting; the Sword Art Online vocalist bringing her powerful voice to "MONSTER" generates anticipation. White Room student among first-years raises stakes; discovering another student from Ayanokouji's past creates immediate tension. Director change to Noriyuki Nomata creates uncertainty; replacing the previous director means potential shift in tone and direction.

A brand-new trailer was released for the Classroom of the Elite 2nd Year anime today, revealing a 90-minute premiere on April 1, 2026, encompassing the first four episodes, and previewing the sequel's theme songs.

Crunchyroll previously confirmed it will stream Classroom of the Elite 2nd Year as it airs.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Classroom of the Elite 2nd Year Anime Trailer

Theme Songs

Opening Theme: "MONSTER" performed by Eir Aoi (Sword Art Online)

Ending Theme: "Liar Veil" performed by ZAQ (series regular)

Production Staff (2nd Year)

Director: Noriyuki Nomata (The Case Study of Vanitas episode director) - new

Animation Studio: Lerche (continuing)

Series Composition: Ko Shigenobu

Character Design: Maki Kono (Haikyu!! animation director)

Music: Masaru Yokoyama (Hana-Kimi)

About the Series

Seven Seas Entertainment publishes an official English version of the Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 sequel novels.

The Story

Seven Seas Entertainment describes the story:

As Ayanokouji and his classmates begin their second year at the Advanced Nurturing High School, they're greeted by a fresh gauntlet of exams and a fresh batch of rather unique first-year students. They'll have to get to know each other quickly, because the first special exam pairs the first-years with the second-years on a written test—with only the second-years facing expulsion if their team performs poorly!

Worse yet? It seems one of the new first-years is also from the White Room. Can Ayanokouji avoid expulsion while sussing out the identity of this hidden foe?

Premiere Information

Date: April 1, 2026 Format: 90-minute special (first four episodes) Streaming: Crunchyroll

Are you excited for 2nd Year? What do you think of the 90-minute premiere? Did you watch the first series? Which theme song are you most anticipating? Share your thoughts in the comments below!