The world of anime is buzzing as Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 officially kicks off the high-stakes “Culling Game” arc. However, fans heading into the new episodes on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix have noticed a major change: the series’ most popular character, Satoru Gojo, is nowhere to be found in the current action. This absence is a direct result of the shocking conclusion to the Shibuya Incident, where Gojo was successfully outmaneuvered and trapped inside the Prison Realm by Kenjaku.
The Impact of the Prison Realm on the Story
By removing the “World’s Strongest Sorcerer” from the board, the series has entered its most dangerous era. Without Gojo to act as a deterrent, the balance of power has collapsed, allowing Kenjaku to launch the Culling Game—a deadly battle royale involving ancient sorcerers and cursed spirits. For the first time, the main cast including Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro cannot rely on Gojo to save them, making every battle in Season 3 feel significantly more lethal and unpredictable.
New Heroes Step Into the Spotlight
Even though Gojo is sidelined, Season 3 introduces several powerful characters to fill the void. Fans will finally see the debut of Kinji Hakari, a third-year student with a complex gambling-based technique, and Hiromi Higuruma, a lawyer whose Domain Expansion focuses on the concept of justice. Most importantly, Yuta Okkotsu returns to the main series in a major way, taking on the burden of being the strongest active sorcerer while the quest to unseal Gojo becomes the ultimate goal of the season.
When Can Fans Expect Gojo to Return
If the anime follows the manga source material, Gojo’s return is not something that will happen early in Season 3. The Culling Game is a massive, sprawling arc that focuses on growth and survival for the remaining students. While Gojo remains the heart of the franchise’s marketing, his actual screen time in this arc is minimal. Viewers should prepare for a season that focuses on the grit and strategy of the younger generation as they struggle to find a way to break the seal on the Prison Realm.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: Episode Release Schedule (Part 1)
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 has made a massive splash with its special one-hour premiere on January 8, 2026. Following the dark and tragic events of the Shibuya Incident, the new season, titled The Culling Game: Part 1, is set to run for 12 episodes in its first half.
For fans in India, episodes air every Thursday at 10:30 PM IST on Crunchyroll, with Netflix releases typically following on Fridays. Below is the confirmed release schedule for the first cour:
| Episode Number | Title | Release Date (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | “Execution” | January 8, 2026 |
| Episode 2 | “One More Time” | January 8, 2026 |
| Episode 3 | “About the Culling Game” | January 15, 2026 |
| Episode 4 | TBA | January 22, 2026 |
| Episode 5 | TBA | January 29, 2026 |
| Episode 6 | TBA | February 5, 2026 |
| Episode 7 | TBA | February 12, 2026 |
| Special Recap | “Interlude” | February 19, 2026 |
| Episode 8 | TBA | February 26, 2026 |
| Episode 9 | TBA | March 5, 2026 |
| Episode 10 | TBA | March 12, 2026 |
| Episode 11 | TBA | March 19, 2026 |
| Episode 12 | Season 3 Part 1 Finale | March 26, 2026 |
Where to Watch Season 3 in India
Indian viewers have two main options for streaming the latest episodes. Crunchyroll is the primary destination, offering the simulcast directly from Japan with English subtitles. Netflix also carries the season in India and select Asian territories, though episodes generally arrive about 24 hours after the Crunchyroll premiere.
What to Expect in Part 1
The first phase of Season 3 covers the immediate aftermath of Shibuya, focusing on the “Itadori’s Extermination” and “Perfect Preparation” arcs. While Satoru Gojo remains sealed, the story shifts its focus to Yuta Okkotsu’s return and the desperate scramble to set the rules for the Culling Game. Part 2 of the season is expected to follow later in 2026, bringing the total episode count to approximately 24-26.
