The summer 2026 anime season delivered a surprise hit with Goodbye, Lara, an original series from the acclaimed studio Kinema Citrus. As the first six episodes unfurl Lara’s journey from mermaid princess to modern-day resurrection, fans are already speculating about Goodbye, Lara season 2. While a Goodbye, Lara season 2 renewal hasn’t been officially greenlit, the show’s bold reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” and its cliffhanger-laced storytelling make a continuation all but inevitable. Below, we compile everything you need to know about the potential second season, from release date forecasts to plot theories and where to watch.
What Is Goodbye, Lara and Why Is It So Popular?
Goodbye, Lara (Japanese: さよならララ, Sayonara Rara) is an original anime television series created by Kinema Citrus for the studio’s 15th anniversary. It was first announced in May 2024 at Anime Central in Chicago, with the series premiering on July 6, 2026, on Tokyo MX and other networks. The anime is a modern reimagining of “The Little Mermaid,” set primarily in Shiga Prefecture—director Takushi Koide’s hometown—and centered on Lake Biwa.
The story follows Lara, a mermaid princess who once fell in love with a human prince, gave up her voice for a pair of legs, and ultimately dissolved into sea foam after being rejected. Two centuries later, she is resurrected in Lake Biwa by the banished sea witch Grace (also her aunt) as part of a trial: rediscover true love and save her fallen underwater kingdom. Lara moves in with Mari Otsu, a high school boxing champion who teaches her how to navigate the modern world.
The show has resonated with audiences for several reasons:
- A fresh take on a classic fairy tale that continues where the original story ended.
- Deep character arcs—Lara’s confusion, Mari’s slow-burn empathy, and Lisa’s trauma from captivity.
- Stunning production by Kinema Citrus, with traditional cel animation used in the opening.
- Local flavor from Shiga, including authentic dialects and real-world locations.
Goodbye, Lara Season 1: Current Status and What’s Happened So Far
As of August 13, 2026, Goodbye, Lara is still airing its first season. Six episodes have been broadcast, and the show is licensed internationally by Crunchyroll. The opening theme “Sayonara Lara” is performed by Ikimonogakari, while the ending “Hearts Glow” is sung by Hana Hope.
Season 1 Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Studio | Kinema Citrus |
| Director | Takushi Koide |
| Series Composition | Anna Kawahara |
| Character Designer | Shiori Tani |
| Music | Yuma Yamaguchi |
| Premiere Date | July 6, 2026 |
| Total Episodes (Aired) | 6 (season ongoing) |
| Streaming | Crunchyroll (worldwide), Tokyo MX, BS Asahi, ytv, AT-X (Japan) |
| Genre | Fantasy, Drama, Romance, Slice-of-Life |
The first episode received a special screening at Otsu City Hall on June 30, 2026, and was also shown at Anime Expo 2026. The casting of Nana Kawaishi as Mari, a voice actress from Shiga Prefecture, was a deliberate choice to ground the series in authentic local life.
Episode Guide (First 6 Episodes)
| Ep. | Title (Japanese) | Air Date | Brief Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | “Sayonara Rara” | July 6, 2026 | Lara resurrects in Lake Biwa 200 years later; meets Mari Otsu and begins adjusting to human life. |
| 2 | “A Boxer’s Home” | July 13, 2026 | Mari reluctantly lets Lara stay; Lara encounters Luca, a boy who resembles her past prince. |
| 3 | “The Fish Named Gon-chan” | July 20, 2026 | Grace reveals herself as Mari’s pet fish and explains the conditions of Lara’s trial. |
| 4 | “Lisa’s Lament” | July 27, 2026 | Lara’s older sister Lisa appears in human form, still scarred by years of captivity in a museum. |
| 5 | “The Anglerfish’s Promise” | Aug 3, 2026 | Kota, Lisa’s mysterious companion, claims to know Lara; Mari’s boxing match draws the family closer. |
| 6 | “Foam and Fire” | Aug 10, 2026 | Flashbacks reveal Lara’s original tragedy; present-day tensions rise as Grace’s true motives surface. |
Has Goodbye, Lara Season 2 Been Announced?
As of today, no official announcement has been made regarding Goodbye, Lara season 2. The series is an original work, not based on a manga or light novel, so there is no source material to measure progress against. However, several factors point toward a strong likelihood of renewal:
- Original anime with a planned narrative arc – Director Takushi Koide stated at Anime Expo 2026 that Goodbye, Lara was a passion project he had long wanted to create. The story’s open-ended trial structure (Lara rescuing her kingdom) suggests a multi-season blueprint.
- Kinema Citrus’s track record – The studio has produced sequels to original works before, and this 15th-anniversary title is a high-profile showcase.
- Positive early reception – Crunchyroll’s streaming numbers and social media engagement have been healthy, and the prefecture-backed promotional events (like the Otsu City Hall screening) indicate strong local support.
- Unresolved plot threads – The fate of the Sea King Rowan, the full extent of Grace’s curse, and Lisa’s nyctophobia are all arcs that require more than a single cour.
While the production committee will likely wait until the season finale before making a call, fan demand for Goodbye, Lara season 2 is already building, and online petitions and hashtag campaigns are circulating.
When Could Goodbye, Lara Season 2 Release?
Without official confirmation, any release date for Goodbye, Lara season 2 is purely speculative. However, we can look at typical production timelines for original anime sequels to make an educated guess.
| Scenario | Estimated Release Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate greenlight after Season 1 | Late 2027 – Early 2028 | If the show is already being planned as a split-cour or a second season, production could begin before the first season ends. |
| Standard production cycle | Mid-2028 | A 2-year gap between seasons is common for original anime that require scripting, storyboarding, and animation from scratch. |
| Delayed due to studio schedule | 2029 or later | Kinema Citrus juggles multiple projects; if resources are stretched, a longer wait is possible. |
Fans should keep an eye on the official website and Crunchyroll’s news section for any Goodbye, Lara season 2 announcements. The show’s home media sales and international streaming data will be key indicators.
What Could Goodbye, Lara Season 2 Be About?
Given the story’s progression through the first six episodes, a second season would likely expand the world and deepen the mythology. Here are some possible directions:
- Lara’s quest to restore her kingdom: The central trial set by Grace is far from over. Lara must find true love, but the definition of “true love” is being reinterpreted—possibly shifting from romantic love to familial or self-love.
- The Sea King’s wrath: Rowan, Lara’s father, harbors a deep hatred for humans. A confrontation between the merfolk and the surface world could be a major arc.
- Grace’s hidden agenda: The sea witch has her own vendetta. Season 2 might reveal Grace’s banishment story and her ultimate goal for Lara.
- Lisa and Kota’s past: Lisa’s nyctophobia and Kota’s strange origins (transforming from an anglerfish to a human via stolen potion) hint at untold secrets.
- Mari’s growth: As Lara’s guide, Mari’s boxing career and family dynamics could intersect with supernatural events, perhaps forcing her to choose between normal life and the mermaid world.
Season 1 vs. Season 2 (Speculative Comparison)
| Aspect | Season 1 | Potential Season 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Story Focus | Lara’s resurrection and adaptation to modern Japan; setting up the trial. | Restoring the fallen kingdom; confronting Rowan and Grace’s true plan. |
| Character Development | Lara learns to be human; Mari opens up; Lisa’s trauma introduced. | Lisa’s healing; Kota’s identity revealed; Mari’s role in the magical world deepens. |
| Themes | True love as romantic ideal; alienation; sisterhood. | Redefinition of love; forgiveness; bridging two worlds. |
| Tone | Bittersweet drama with slice-of-life levity. | Higher stakes, darker fantasy elements, possible merfolk-human conflict. |
| New Characters | Mari’s family, Luca, Kota. | The Sea King in full, other mermaid sisters, human antagonists. |
Where to Watch Goodbye, Lara and Get Season 2 Updates
Currently, Goodbye, Lara is streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll in both subbed and dubbed formats. The English dub features a strong cast including Brianna Knickerbocker as Lara, Anairis Quiñones as Mari, and Tiana Camacho as Grace. For the latest news straight from the source, here are the best places to check:
Official Streaming & Information Sources
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Worldwide streaming of Season 1; likely to pick up any future seasons. Keep an eye on their news section. |
| Official Anime Website | sayonara-rara.com (Japanese) – posts character reveals, cast interviews, and production updates. |
| Tokyo MX / BS Asahi | Japanese broadcasters; their schedules will list any season 2 announcements. |
| Anime News Network | Comprehensive database entry for Goodbye, Lara with episode reviews and news aggregation. |
For the initial announcement behind the series, you can read Crunchyroll’s 2024 coverage of Kinema Citrus’s original works. This outlines the studio’s vision and the early stages of Goodbye, Lara as a project.
If Goodbye, Lara season 2 is confirmed, the same distribution channels will almost certainly carry it. Crunchyroll has a strong partnership with Kinema Citrus, so international viewers can expect a simulcast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goodbye, Lara Season 2
Will there be a Goodbye, Lara season 2?
As of August 2026, no official confirmation exists. However, the original anime’s open-ended narrative, strong studio pedigree, and positive fan reception make a Goodbye, Lara season 2 highly probable. The production committee typically waits until the first season concludes before announcing a sequel.
How many episodes will Goodbye, Lara season 1 have?
The first season is still airing, and the total episode count has not been officially announced. Based on the pacing and typical anime cour lengths, it is likely to run for 12 or 13 episodes. If the story is told in a single cour, a cliffhanger ending could directly set up Goodbye, Lara season 2.
Where can I watch Goodbye, Lara season 2 when it releases?
If greenlit, the second season will almost certainly stream on Crunchyroll for international audiences, and air on Tokyo MX, BS Asahi, and other Japanese networks. The official website and anime news outlets will provide simulcast details.
What is the English voice cast for Goodbye, Lara?
The English dub cast includes Brianna Knickerbocker as Lara, Anairis Quiñones as Mari, Tiana Camacho as Grace, Cat Protano as Lisa, and Kieran Regan as Luca. Should Goodbye, Lara season 2 materialize, the same cast is expected to return.
Is Goodbye, Lara based on a manga or light novel?
No. Goodbye, Lara is an original anime created by Kinema Citrus. It is not an adaptation of any existing source material, which gives the creators complete freedom to shape the story—and makes the possibility of a second season entirely dependent on the original production team’s plans and fan demand.