Oshi no Ko [Season 2]

Oshi no Ko Season 2: When Revenge Takes the Stage

If you thought Season 1 of Oshi no Ko was wild—with its reincarnation twist, idol drama, and a murder mystery that hit harder than a surprise diss track—Season 2 cranks the chaos to 11. Aired from July to October 2024 by Doga Kobo, this 13-episode rollercoaster dives deeper into the dark underbelly of showbiz, blending psychological thrills with meta-commentary that’ll make you go, “Wait, is this real life or just anime?”

Let’s start with the basics: Aqua Hoshino, the reincarnated doctor-turned-teen actor, is still on a mission to avenge his mom, Ai, the beloved idol killed by a stalker. His twin sister Ruby? She’s chasing her own idol dreams with B Komachi, their mom’s old group. But Season 2 isn’t just about revenge—it’s about the grind. The first half focuses on a stage play adaptation of Tokyo Blade, a manga that’s basically the anime’s version of a Shakespearean tragedy meets Game of Thrones (but with more sparkles).

Fans on MyAnimeList had mixed feelings about the play arc. Some called it “filler,” saying it dragged on without moving the main plot forward. “The 3D play bit didn’t contribute much,” one user ranted, “but the last few episodes saved it.” Others, though, loved the meta angle. “An anime about adapting a manga into a stage play? That’s so meta it hurts,” another joked. And let’s be real—who didn’t cringe when the scriptwriter completely rewrote a character’s personality, only for the mangaka to blow up? It’s like watching your favorite show get a bad live-action remake, but in anime form.

But here’s the tea: the play arc isn’t just fluff. It’s a masterclass in character development. Aqua, who’s always been cold and calculating, finally starts to crack. His panic attacks—triggered by memories of Ai’s death—are raw and gut-wrenching. “Aqua using his anger from his mom’s murder to nail his role? Chills,” a fan gushed. And Akane, the method actress who’s low-key obsessed with Aqua, steals the show. Her rivalry with Kana (the former child star with a chip on her shoulder) is equal parts petty and iconic. When they team up for that climactic sword fight? Chef’s kiss.

The real drama, though, hits in the final episodes. Remember the DNA test Aqua did? Turns out he has a half-brother, Taiki, whose mom died in a murder-suicide. And guess who’s still alive? Their deadbeat dad, who shows up at Ai’s grave like he didn’t ruin everyone’s lives. “That ending had me screaming,” a user wrote. “Who is that guy, and why is he so creepy?” The season wraps with Ruby finding Gorou’s (Aqua’s past self) dead body—yes, the doctor who died protecting Ai—and a mysterious woman watching from the shadows. It’s a cliffhanger that leaves you begging for Season 3 (which is set to drop in January 2026, by the way).

Let’s talk about the production value. Doga Kobo nails the visuals—from the glittering stage lights to the dark, moody scenes of Aqua’s nightmares. The opening theme, “Fatal” by GEMN, is a bop that’ll get stuck in your head for days, even if some fans preferred the original Season 1 OP. And the voice acting? Phenomenal. Aqua’s voice actor, Takeo Otsuka, perfectly captures his quiet rage, while Yurie Igoma (Ruby) brings the right mix of innocence and determination.

But what makes Oshi no Ko Season 2 stand out is its unflinching look at fame. It’s not all autographs and fan meetings—there’s toxic fandom, industry pressure, and the cost of chasing your dreams. When Ruby’s group, B Komachi, struggles to stay relevant, it’s a harsh reminder that even idols have expiration dates. “This show doesn’t sugarcoat anything,” a fan noted. “It’s like a reality check wrapped in anime.”

Is Season 2 perfect? No. The pacing is off—slow in the middle, breakneck at the end—and some subplots feel underdeveloped. But it’s still a must-watch. The character growth, the twists, and the way it blurs the line between fiction and reality make it one of the most talked-about anime of 2024.

So, if you’re into psychological thrillers, idol drama, or just want to see what happens when a reincarnated doctor becomes an actor, Oshi no Ko Season 2 is for you. Just don’t forget to keep a tissue handy—those emotional beats hit harder than a stage prop to the face.

Final Verdict: 8/10. The play arc drags, but the payoff is worth it. Bring on Season 3—we need answers!

P.S. If you’re still confused about the ending, you’re not alone. Let’s just hope Season 3 finally reveals who that creepy woman is.