Disney’s Crunchyroll platform brings the dark fantasy anime Sentenced to Be a Hero (Yūsha-kei ni Shosu: Chōbatsu Yūsha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku), which premiered with a special 60-minute first episode on January 3, 2026. Produced by Studio KAI, the 12-episode series follows condemned criminals forced into heroism against monstrous foes in an endless cycle of death and resurrection.
Release Schedule of Sentenced to Be a Hero Episodes
Sentenced to Be a Hero airs weekly on Saturdays at 5:30 a.m. PT / 8:30 a.m. ET on Crunchyroll internationally, following its Japanese TV premiere on Tokyo MX at 10:00 p.m. JST (which is 6:30 p.m. IST). Episode 1 dropped as an extended 60-minute special on January 3, 2026, with Episode 2 on January 15 and subsequent episodes Thursdays in Japan, aligning to weekly Crunchyroll drops for Indian viewers around early morning IST.
Full Release Timeline
Note: Episode titles are yet to be officially revealed and are listed as “TBA” as placeholders. The series spans 12 episodes in one cour/season.
| Episode # | Title | Release Date (Crunchyroll) |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 (Special) | TBA | January 3, 2026 |
| Episode 2 | TBA | January 10, 2026 |
| Episode 3 | TBA | January 17, 2026 |
| Episode 4 | TBA | January 24, 2026 |
| Episode 5 | TBA | January 31, 2026 |
| Episode 6 | TBA | February 7, 2026 |
| Episode 7 | TBA | February 14, 2026 |
| Episode 8 | TBA | February 21, 2026 |
| Episode 9 | TBA | February 28, 2026 |
| Episode 10 | TBA | March 7, 2026 |
| Episode 11 | TBA | March 14, 2026 |
| Episode 12 (Finale) | TBA | March 21, 2026 |
| *Dates follow U.S./international Crunchyroll release; availability aligns globally with slight regional variations for IST viewers. |
Cast
The series features a strong Japanese voice cast led by Yōhei Azakami, with English dub available same-day on Crunchyroll starring David Matranga.
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Yōhei Azakami / David Matranga as Xylo Forbartz
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Mayu Iizuka / Emi Lo as Teoritta
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Shizuka Ishigami / Dawn M. Bennett as Patausche Kivia
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Shun Horie / Joshua Waters as Dotta Luzulas
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Shunichi Toki / Jessie James Grelle as Venetim Leopool
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Yōji Ueda as Noragalle Senridge
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Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Tatsuya
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Jun Fukushima as Tsav
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Yōko Hikasa as Neely
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Yūichi Nakamura as Rhyno
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Saori Ōnishi as Frenci Mastibolt
Plot Overview
Sentenced to Be a Hero adapts the light novels by Rocket Shokai and MEPHISTO, centering on Xylo Forbartz, a former Holy Knight commander convicted of killing a goddess and sentenced to Penal Hero Unit 9004.
Forced to battle the demon king’s monstrous army in a brutal world where death leads only to resurrection and more punishment, Xylo’s fate shifts upon contracting with the mysterious sword goddess Teoritta, sparking a potential rebellion alongside his ragtag squad of criminals.
Directed by Hiroyuki Takashima at Studio KAI with opening theme “Kill the Noise” by Spyair, it blends dark action, humor, and themes of redemption.
Where to Watch Sentenced to Be a Hero?
Stream Sentenced to Be a Hero exclusively on Crunchyroll worldwide, including simulcast subs and dubs starting January 3, 2026, with episodes dropping weekly. In India, access via Crunchyroll’s app/website (available on Jio/Amazon plans in some bundles) or check Hotstar/Prime Video for potential local licensing post-airing; no JioHotstar confirmation yet.
What to Expect From Upcoming Episodes?
The series delivers high-stakes dark fantasy action with Penal Unit 9004’s dysfunctional dynamics, epic battles, and Xylo-Teoritta’s alliance unraveling the hero punishment system. Expect character backstories for squad members like the thief Dotta and berserker Tatsia, escalating demon confrontations, and twists on heroism in a 12-episode arc primed for quality animation from Studio KAI.
