Crunchyroll’s New Winter 2026 Anime Is The Perfect My Hero Academia Replacement

My Hero Academia Is Over, But Sentenced to be a Hero Could Replace It

• Crunchyroll’s New Winter 2026 Hit Is Already Making Waves

With My Hero Academia having concluded, fans who have been following this anime for a decade now are wondering what else they could turn to.

My Hero Academia’s premise is very interesting as it follows the main character, Izuku Midoriya, on his quest to become the greatest hero in a world centered around pro Heroes and their fight against villains.

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Interestingly enough, Crunchyroll has a new series that also focuses on Heroes and that is none other than Sentenced to be a Hero. This anime just began in January 2026, and, undoubtedly, it has proven to be a major hit already. Sentenced to be a Hero had a one-hour special episode premiere and fans are already hooked to this series, especially as Studio Kai has gone all out for it. Many believe this new series, even with its differences from My Hero Academia, could come to replace it as the biggest new hero anime.

Sentenced to be a Hero Takes a Whole Different Spin on Being a Hero

• Becoming a Hero Is A Punishment
• A Unique Twist On My Hero Academia

While both My Hero Academia and Sentenced to be a Hero focus on Heroes, they both take very different spins on the topic.

In My Hero Academia, being a pro-hero is a prestigious honor. Kids dream of going to a hero school in the hope of one day becoming a pro-hero themselves. Deku’s own dream at the beginning of My Hero Academia was to be a Hero despite being born without a Quirk.

In Sentenced to be a Hero, however, it’s completely the opposite. People don’t want to become a Hero, but they are forced into it, and the Hero position is not a prestige, but a punishment. Instead of being executed, the main character Xylo Forbartz is forced to become a Hero.

Sentenced to Be a Hero Is a Must Watch on Crunchyroll

• The Series Will Have 12 Episodes In Total
• Airs Every Thursday

As far as Winter 2026 anime go, Sentenced to be a Hero is a must-watch at the moment and it has been the rage all over the anime community. Fans already know that the anime will go on to have a total of 12 episodes, which means an exciting run is up ahead for them.

Of course, the first episode was longer than average, being a one-hour special, but the rest of the episodes are going to be the normal length. Fans can catch new episodes of Sentenced to be a Hero every week on Crunchyroll, every Thursday. With its level of initial success, fans are sure this anime is going to be renewed for a second season very soon. It’s definitely different from My Hero Academia, but an interesting spin on the concept of Heroes that fans should tune in for weekly.

My Hero Academia Still Has More In Store Despite Its Anime Conclusion

• More MHA Projects Are coming in 2026

As far as My Hero Academia goes, fans know that the series concluded officially in 2025. However, there is more in store for fans of the story. My Hero Academia has one more episode confirmed to be coming in May 2026. This episode, titled “More,” will be the true ending of the story, and fans are excited to see what it could look like. As manga readers know, this episode will cover the final chapter of the manga, Chapter 431.

It doesn’t stop there, as right now, a My Hero Academia sequel is actually airing alongside Sentenced to be a Hero. This sequel, as fans know, is My Hero Academia Vigilantes, which is now officially back for its second season. While the story was not written by the original creator of My Hero Academia, it’s still an exciting ride worth checking out.

My Hero Academia is a story of Heroes in a world where special powers, called Quirks, are bestowed upon people at birth. In a world where Heroes and villains fight, Deku aims to become the greatest Hero of all time like his idol, All Might. The My Hero Academia manga concluded with 431 chapters for fans to read. All these chapters can be found on Manga Plus. My Hero Academia is also airing its final season, which will consist of 11 episodes in total. The series can be watched on Crunchyroll.