If you’re asking Goodbye, Lara how many episodes are there, you’ve come to the right place. The original anime series Goodbye, Lara has a total of 6 episodes, making it a compact but highly anticipated single-cour series. Knowing the exact episode count is crucial for planning your watch, especially if you’re catching up mid‑season on Crunchyroll.
Announced as part of Kinema Citrus’ 15th‑anniversary celebrations, Goodbye, Lara (Japanese: さよならララ, Sayonara Rara) is a modern reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” The series premiered on July 6, 2026, and is currently airing. With its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and Shiga‑based slice‑of‑life, the show has quickly become a standout of the summer 2026 anime season.
Goodbye, Lara Episode Count: The Straight Answer
The answer to the question Goodbye, Lara how many episodes is straightforward: the anime consists of 6 episodes. According to official listings and the Anime News Network encyclopedia, the series is a one‑cour production that started on July 6, 2026, and is expected to conclude its initial run in August 2026. This total includes all episodes of the first (and possibly only) season, though details about a potential second season remain unconfirmed as of August 13, 2026.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Episodes | 6 |
| Premiere Date | July 6, 2026 |
| Status | Currently airing (as of August 2026) |
| Studio | Kinema Citrus |
| Genre | Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life |
| Streaming | Crunchyroll (worldwide outside Asia) |
| Japanese Networks | Tokyo MX, BS Asahi, ytv, AT‑X |
Because the episode count is small, the story moves at a brisk pace, blending Lara’s past fairy‑tale tragedy with her present‑day resurrection in Lake Biwa. The tight 6‑episode structure allows the creative team to deliver a focused narrative without filler.
Release Schedule and Where to Watch
If you’re tracking Goodbye, Lara how many episodes remain, the release schedule is simple. The series airs weekly, with new episodes typically dropping late Sunday nights in Japan (effectively Monday mornings in JST). Crunchyroll simulcasts the episodes shortly after the Japanese broadcast, making it the go‑to platform for English‑speaking audiences.
| Platform | Availability | Subtitles/Dub |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Worldwide (select regions) | English subtitles & English dub |
| Tokyo MX | Japan (TV broadcast) | Original Japanese audio |
| BS Asahi / ytv / AT‑X | Japan (additional networks) | Original Japanese audio |
The first episode was also screened at a special event in Otsu City Hall on June 30, 2026, and later at Anime Expo 2026, giving fans early access. The English dub features Brianna Knickerbocker as Lara, providing an accessible option for those who prefer dubbed anime.
For the most up‑to‑date episode schedule, visit the official Anime News Network entry for Goodbye, Lara, which tracks airdates and episode counts.
Characters and Voice Cast
The compact 6‑episode run means every character counts. Below is a comprehensive table of the main cast and their voice actors in both Japanese and English. The voice work adds depth to the reimagined fairy tale, with authentic Shiga dialect used for local characters.
| Character | Role | Japanese VA | English VA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lara | Mermaid princess resurrected 200 years later | Hana Hishikawa | Brianna Knickerbocker |
| Mari Otsu | High‑school boxer, Lara’s host | Nana Kawaishi | Anairis Quiñones |
| Grace / Gon‑chan | Banished sea witch, Lara’s aunt | Rica Fukami | Tiana Camacho |
| Lisa | Lara’s older sister, searching for her | Minami Tsuda | Cat Protano |
| Kota | Lisa’s friend, former anglerfish | Kazutomi Yamamoto | Jonathon Ha |
| Luca | Boy resembling Lara’s past prince | Ayumu Murase | Kieran Regan |
| Yoshiya Otsu | Mari’s older brother | Tomohiro Ōno | John Patneaude |
| Makoto Otsu | Mari’s father, photographer | Mitsuaki Madono | Bill Millsap |
| Ema Otsu | Mari’s grandmother, pastor | Nanae Sumitomo | Tara Sands |
| Rowan | Sea King, Lara’s father | Masaki Terasoma | Brook Chalmers |
Nana Kawaishi, who voices Mari, was specifically chosen because she is from Shiga Prefecture, the real‑world setting of the anime. Her local dialect adds authenticity to the modern‑day scenes set in Ōtsu.
Theme Songs and Music
The music of Goodbye, Lara is as memorable as its story. The opening and ending theme songs are performed by well‑known Japanese artists, and the opening animation even incorporates traditional cel animation techniques.
| Theme | Song Title | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening | “Sayonara Lara” (さよならララ) | Ikimonogakari | Portions of the opening use traditional cel animation. |
| Ending | “Hearts Glow” | Hana Hope | Complements the series’ emotional tone. |
| Background Music | Composed by Yuma Yamaguchi | Original score by the rising composer. |
The music ties together the emotional beats of the 6‑episode journey, making the experience even more immersive for viewers.
How Goodbye, Lara Reimagines The Little Mermaid
While the Andersen tale traditionally ends with the mermaid turning into sea foam, Goodbye, Lara picks up where the fairy tale left off. The story begins with Lara’s tragic transformation into foam after the prince rejects her, followed by the collapse of her underwater kingdom. Two hundred years later, she is resurrected in Lake Biwa by the sea witch Grace, who is actually her aunt, and given a second chance to find true love to restore her kingdom.
The modern‑day setting in Shiga Prefecture—director Takushi Koide’s hometown—allows the anime to explore themes of self‑discovery, cultural displacement, and the meaning of love beyond romantic ideals. Lara’s relationship with Mari, a national‑level boxer who lost her mother, becomes central to the story, teaching Lara how to live as a human in the contemporary world. The 6‑episode format keeps the narrative tight, focusing on character growth rather than extended subplots.
Key Story Elements
- Lara’s trial: She must find true love again or face permanent disappearance.
- Grace’s role: The sea witch has her own agenda, having taken the form of Mari’s pet fish “Gon‑chan.”
- Lisa’s trauma: Lara’s sister was held captive as a museum exhibit, giving her a deep fear of humans and the dark.
- Luca’s mystery: A boy who looks exactly like the prince Lara once loved, raising questions about fate and reincarnation.
The series carefully balances the fantastical mermaid elements with grounded, everyday life in Ōtsu, making the 6‑episode count feel both satisfying and complete.
How to Binge Watch the 6 Episodes
If you’re looking to catch up on Goodbye, Lara how many episodes you need to watch, here’s a simple timeline. Since the show airs one episode per week, you can plan a binge once all episodes are out in late August 2026. Crunchyroll’s on‑demand catalog will have all episodes available shortly after the broadcast.
| Episode | Approximate Air Date | Key Plot Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 6, 2026 | Lara’s resurrection and meeting Mari |
| 2 | July 13, 2026 | Lara adjusts to modern life, flashbacks to her past |
| 3 | July 20, 2026 | Introduction of Lisa and her tragic history |
| 4 | July 27, 2026 | Grace’s true motives begin to surface |
| 5 | August 3, 2026 | Lara encounters Luca, the boy who resembles the prince |
| 6 | August 10, 2026 | Climax: Lara’s trial and the fate of the kingdom |
(Note: Episode titles are not officially released in English yet; the above is a plot‑based summary reconstructed from community reports and official synopses.)
Why the 6‑Episode Format Works
When Goodbye, Lara how many episodes is the burning question, the answer might surprise those accustomed to 12‑ or 24‑episode seasons. However, the 6‑episode length is a deliberate choice by Kinema Citrus. Shorter original anime are becoming more common, allowing studios to focus on high‑quality animation and storytelling without filler. For Goodbye, Lara, the limited run means every scene serves a purpose, whether it’s advancing Lara’s emotional arc or deepening the mystery around Grace.
The format also mirrors the pacing of a feature film split into chapters, making it easy to watch in one sitting. Fans of the studio’s previous work, like Made in Abyss and The Rising of the Shield Hero, will recognize the same attention to visual detail and emotional weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in Goodbye, Lara?
Goodbye, Lara how many episodes? The anime has 6 episodes. It premiered on July 6, 2026, and is currently airing, with all episodes expected to be available on Crunchyroll by late August 2026.
Where can I watch Goodbye, Lara?
The series is streaming worldwide (outside Asia) on Crunchyroll, with both English subtitles and an English dub. It also airs on Tokyo MX, BS Asahi, ytv, and AT‑X in Japan.
Is Goodbye, Lara a complete story in 6 episodes?
Yes, the 6‑episode arc is designed to tell a complete story, resolving Lara’s trial and the fate of her kingdom. While a second season hasn’t been announced, the ending is expected to be conclusive.
What is Goodbye, Lara about?
It’s a modern reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” where the mermaid princess Lara is resurrected in modern‑day Japan 200 years after her tragic death. She must find true love again to restore her fallen kingdom, all while learning what it means to be human.
Who created Goodbye, Lara?
The anime is an original project by Kinema Citrus, directed by Takushi Koide, with series composition by Anna Kawahara and music by Yuma Yamaguchi.
For ongoing updates on Goodbye, Lara how many episodes and the latest news, keep an eye on the Anime News Network database and Crunchyroll’s line‑up. Whether you’re a fan of classic fairy tales or original anime, this 6‑episode gem is worth every minute.