The second Crunchyroll Anime Nights sneak peek showcased five upcoming spring anime series in U.S. and Canadian theatres.
Another Crunchyroll Anime Nights sneak-peek event hit theatres on March 16, 2026, unveiling some of the year’s most anticipated premieres. This inside look at Crunchyroll’s latest spring slate has not even aired in Japan yet and will not be on the streaming site until April, but this was a great opportunity to check out five of the biggest titles of the season a bit early. Four of the five premieres were brand new series: Witch Hat Atelier, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, The Drops of God, and Go For It, Nakamura-kun!. The last showing was the Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 4 premiere. We will primarily provide our impressions of the new anime shows below.
Witch Hat Atelier
Synopsis: In a world where only witches can cast magic, they must avoid being seen by ordinary people while casting. While Coco does her chores, she daydreams of becoming a witch. When a young witch named Qifrey visits her village, Coco uncovers the “absolute secret,” becomes Qifrey’s apprentice, and begins her studies. This is the story of children who encounter despair, yet reach out toward hope.
Impressions: Based on the title of this one, I thought I would not be too high on it because I thought it was going to be heavier on the cozy fantasy side. Thankfully, I was wrong, and I found it as fascinating as Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, where it has some childlike whimsy fused with some darker elements. It was like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun meets Little Witch Academia. The artwork of the pop-up book scenes blew my mind, and I have not really seen an anime play with storytelling style other than Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun.
The protagonist’s goal for this entire series reminded me of some classic shonen stories, such as Naruto or Black Clover, but with a female protagonist instead of the typical male main character. It was a nice change. I do not know if the mangaka Kamome Shirahama was watching Jujutsu Kaisen, but Qifrey just looked like Satoru Gojo. I should not be complaining, but oh man, he was also giving Gojo and Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter vibes. Essentially, if you are into any of the aforementioned series, you will find something to enjoy in Witch Hat Atelier.
Daemons of the Shadow Realm
Synopsis: In a world where certain humans command mighty supernatural duos called Daemons, it is the birthright of “the children who sunder day and night”—twins Yuru and Asa—to rule over these powerful entities. Separated from a young age and unaware of the truth of their birth, brother and sister must fight to make their way back to each other, claim their birthright, and save the world.
Impressions: Without beating around the bush, a new era of peak anime is coming—with Daemons of the Shadow Realm leading the way. First of all, I was shocked last year when I heard Studio Bones, Square Enix, and Aniplex were bringing this story to life. It only makes sense to do the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist justice by letting three big names in anime produce her next major series. Funnily enough, the protagonist, Yuru, just looked like Edward Elric with red eyes. I know artists like ONE with One Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100 like to have their protagonists look almost identical, but this was worth it for the nostalgia and the twist I did not see coming.
Speaking of twists, I did not expect to see much action in a series premiere. While Fullmetal Alchemist used a mix of exposition and trauma to hook audiences, this show just throws you into one world and completely shatters it within one episode. The lore building and character designs all reminded me of the good times of watching Fullmetal for the first time again, just with a completely different setting. This is a must-watch on Crunchyroll’s spring slate this year!
The Drops of God
Synopsis: The award-winning comic about wine that has been a hit not just all over Asia but also in France! Learn about legendary bottles as well as affordable secrets while enjoying a page-turner that’s not about superheroes but people with jobs to keep. When world-renowned wine critic Kanzaki passes away, his will reveals that his fortune of a wine collection isn’t bequeathed as a matter of course to his only son, who, in a snub, went to work sales at a beer company. To come into the inheritance, Shizuku must identify—in competition with a stellar young critic—twelve heaven-sent wines whose impressions the will describes in flowing terms.
Impressions: My knowledge of wine comes from two places: one is from drinking it occasionally, and the other is from a deeply moving and traumatic biography called “Wine Girl: The Trials and Triumphs of America’s Youngest Sommelier” by Victoria James. When I heard the premise of The Drops of God, I knew this was going to be along the lines of Food Wars/Shokugeki no Soma. Yeup, I was somewhat right!
While the characters’ clothes did not burst out from eating the finest cuisine, there was a lot of over-the-top moaning when they tasted different Bordeauxs. This will probably be one of my top contenders for a comedy series this season. The art style and animation were also similar to Food Wars, such as when certain characters are transported into a dream state after tasting a particular wine. To put it simply, if you like Food Wars, this is a bit like that—but make it wine.
Go For It, Nakamura-kun!!
Synopsis: Love at first sight is no myth—just ask Okuto Nakamura. Whenever his dreamy classmate Aiki Hirose enters the room, his heart skips a beat, despite the fact that they’ve never actually spoken. Not to mention, Nakamura is a complete klutz with zero friends. Will he ever break out of the friend zone?
Impressions: Supposedly, this was Crunchyroll’s Brand Manager, LeAlec Murray’s favourite pick. I have to admit that I have not thoroughly followed a queer manga/anime story since watching the live-action adaptation TV show of Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard. While I am rusty in enjoying the drama, I am not as inexperienced in finding love as the title character, Nakamura. Regardless of gender, there are always the overthinkers when it comes to love matchmaking; Nakamura is one of them. This is why this might be one of my favourite rom-com series in Crunchyroll’s spring lineup.
The art style was fairly typical of most high school setting anime shows, but the character designs stood out the most. Particularly, the male teacher looked like Speed Racer, which I was not expecting! Even Nakamura looked a bit like that. Other than that, I found the charm in hearing all of Nakamura’s thoughts and feelings, and then seeing him flub the execution. Go For It, Nakamura-kun is a connective thread for those who were, are, or enjoy shy love confessions. It is truly one of humanity’s greatest humilities and beauties, watching people fall in love this way.
As for Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 4‘s first episode, I decided to take a peek at it even though I am not caught up. The first episode almost felt so far from the first season, but fans of the show will be excited to see the branching lore continue in this latest season. For those looking for new titles, these four above are great ones to jump into in April 2026. Be sure to check back in with us, and stay updated on the official Crunchyroll website.
