Number Of Episodes In The Black Clover Series

As of 2024, the Black Clover anime series has concluded its original run with a total of 170 episodes. Originally adapted from Yūki Tabata’s manga series of the same name, the anime aired from October 2017 to March 2021. While the anime concluded before the manga reached its final arc, it remains one of the most popular shōnen anime of the late 2010s, praised for its dynamic animation, character development, and high-stakes magical battles. For fans seeking closure or those considering a binge-watch, knowing the exact episode count and how the story unfolds across seasons is essential for planning viewing schedules and understanding narrative pacing.

The series was produced by Pierrot, the studio behind other major franchises like Naruto: Shippuden and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and aired on TV Tokyo in Japan. Its consistent weekly release schedule allowed it to build a strong international following through streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix. With no official announcement of a continuation or sequel series as of mid-2025, the 170 episodes represent the complete animated adaptation available to audiences worldwide.

Season-by-Season Episode Breakdown

Black Clover was structured into five distinct seasons, each corresponding to major arcs in the source material. The distribution of episodes across these seasons reflects the pacing of the narrative, with later seasons condensing certain plotlines due to the ongoing manga serialization at the time of production.

Season	Episodes	Air Dates	Primary Story Arcs Covered
Season 1	51	Oct 2017 – Oct 2018	Introduction, Magic Knights Entrance Exam, Forest of Witches, Royal Knights Infiltration
Season 2	26	Oct 2018 – Apr 2019	Dream Trial, Eye of the Midnight Sun Reveal, Zetten Training
Season 3	27	Apr 2019 – Oct 2019	Heart Kingdom Joint Mission, Elf Reincarnation Plot
Season 4	37	Oct 2019 – June 2020	Invasion of the Heart Kingdom, Spade Kingdom Raid, Return of Licht
Season 5	29	July 2020 – Mar 2021	Final Battle Against the Devil, Conclusion of the Lucius Arc
Total	170	Oct 2017 – Mar 2021	Covers up to Chapter 252 of the manga

This table illustrates not only the episode totals per season but also highlights how the storytelling evolved. Season 1, being the longest, dedicates significant time to world-building, introducing core characters like Asta, Yuno, Noelle, and the members of the Black Bulls. Subsequent seasons accelerate in pacing, particularly in Seasons 4 and 5, where large-scale battles and time skips compress the narrative to keep pace with the manga’s developments.

Definition & Overview of the Black Clover Anime

Black Clover is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga written and illustrated by Yūki Tabata. It belongs to the shōnen genre—a category of manga and anime targeting young male audiences, typically featuring themes of perseverance, friendship, rivalry, and personal growth. Set in a world where magic permeates every aspect of society, the story follows Asta, a rare anti-magic user born without magical ability in a realm where nearly everyone else possesses it. Despite this disadvantage, he aims to become the Wizard King, the highest-ranking magic knight in the Clover Kingdom.

The anime premiered on October 3, 2017, and concluded on March 30, 2021. It spans 170 episodes across five seasons, covering approximately the first two-thirds of the manga's full storyline. Unlike some long-running anime that employ filler episodes (non-canon content), Black Clover remained largely faithful to its source material, adapting major arcs with minimal deviation. This tight adherence helped maintain narrative momentum and earned praise from fans who appreciated the lack of padding.

Key Characteristics of the Series

• Genre: Shōnen, fantasy, action, adventure
• Original Run: October 3, 2017 – March 30, 2021
• Total Episodes: 170
• Episode Length: Approximately 24 minutes each
• Animation Studio: Pierrot
• Manga Source: Serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump (2015–2023)
• Status: Concluded (anime); manga completed in 2023
• Target Audience: Ages 12 and up; recommended for fans of action-oriented fantasy
• Thematic Focus: Determination, equality, destiny vs. effort, found family
• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix (region-dependent)

The series distinguishes itself through its thematic emphasis on overcoming systemic inequality—Asta’s lack of innate magic serves as a metaphor for underdogs everywhere. His relentless work ethic and physical training contrast with more traditionally gifted characters like Yuno, creating a compelling duality central to the show’s identity.

Practical Usage: How to Watch the Black Clover Series

For new viewers or returning fans looking to rewatch, understanding how to approach the 170 episodes efficiently can enhance the experience. Here are actionable recommendations:

1. Watch in Order: Since Black Clover follows a continuous narrative with evolving stakes, watching episodes sequentially is crucial. Skipping ahead may result in confusion about character motivations and power progression.
2. Use Streaming Platforms Strategically: On services like Crunchyroll or Hulu, create a watchlist or playlist to track progress. These platforms often group episodes by season, making navigation easier.
3. Plan Viewing Time: At roughly 24 minutes per episode, completing the entire series requires approximately 68 hours. A realistic viewing plan might involve:
   • One episode daily: ~5.5 months
   • Two episodes daily: ~3 months
   • Weekend binges (10 episodes): ~9 weekends
4. Take Breaks After Major Arcs: Consider pausing after key milestones:
   • End of Season 1 (Episode 51): Completion of the Royal Knights arc
   • Midpoint (Episode 85): After the Dream Trial arc
   • Pre-Final Seasons (Episode 133): Before the Spade Kingdom invasion
5. Supplement with Manga (Optional): Fans interested in the full story should continue with the manga after Episode 170. The anime ends just before the final confrontation with the First Wizard King, which is fully explored in the remaining manga chapters.

Pro Tip: Enable subtitles even if watching a dubbed version. Some magical terms and incantations retain their Japanese pronunciation in both versions, and reading along helps reinforce character names and spell mechanics.

Variants & Types: Related Media and Formats

While the main anime series comprises 170 episodes, several related formats expand the Black Clover universe. These include:

• Manga: The original source material spans 36 tankōbon volumes, concluding in August 2023. It contains additional details, extended fight sequences, and post-anime resolution.
• Light Novels: Two side-story novels explore events outside the main timeline, including alternate perspectives and character backstories.
• Movie – Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King: Released globally on Netflix in 2023, this canon film takes place during a gap in the manga and introduces new abilities for Asta. Though not part of the 170-episode count, it is considered essential viewing.
• Spin-off Manga: Black Clover: Quartet Knights and Black Clover: Grand Magic Games offer supplementary stories but are non-canon.
• Video Games: Titles such as Black Clover: Quartet Knights (PS4/PC) allow players to engage with the world interactively, though they do not contribute to the official episode tally.

Understanding these variants helps clarify what counts toward the \"official\" episode total. Only the 170 episodes of the TV anime are included when referencing the series' length. The movie and light novels serve as enrichments rather than extensions of the episode count.

Comparison with Similar Anime Series

Black Clover is often compared to other contemporary shōnen anime due to shared themes and structural similarities. Below is a comparison highlighting key differences:

Series	Total Episodes	Status	Unique Distinction
My Hero Academia	138 (as of 2023, ongoing)	Ongoing	Superhero-based society; focuses on ethics and legacy
Fire Force	48	Completed	Combines pyrokinetic powers with religious symbolism
Hunter x Hunter (2011)	148	On indefinite hiatus	Complex strategy and psychological depth in battles
Black Clover	170	Concluded	Anti-magic protagonist in a magic-dominated world

Unlike My Hero Academia, which continues beyond its initial popularity peak, Black Clover achieved closure within a defined timeframe. Compared to Fire Force, it offers a longer, more expansive journey across multiple kingdoms and dimensions. While all three feature elite combat organizations and youth-driven narratives, Black Clover stands out for its medieval-fantasy setting and intricate magic system based on grimoires and elemental affinities.

Practical Tips & FAQs

Q: Did the Black Clover anime finish the entire manga story?

A: No. The anime concluded with Episode 170, adapting content up to around Chapter 252 of the manga. The manga continued for another three years, culminating in Chapter 328. The final arcs involving the First Wizard King and the origin of devils were not animated.

Q: Is there going to be a Season 6 of Black Clover?

A: As of mid-2025, there is no official confirmation of a Season 6. Given that the manga has already concluded and no production announcements have been made by Pierrot or Shueisha, a direct continuation is unlikely. However, future projects such as OVAs, specials, or remakes cannot be ruled out.

Q: Should I read the manga after finishing the anime?

A: Yes, especially if you want full narrative closure. The manga provides deeper character resolutions, expanded lore about the World Tree and devils, and the ultimate fate of Asta and Yuno. It also includes revised artwork and refined pacing in later arcs.

Q: Are there any filler episodes in Black Clover?

A: The series contains minimal filler. Most episodes follow the manga closely, with only slight extensions in fight scenes or dialogue. Any deviations are minor and do not introduce standalone plots unrelated to the main story.

Q: What age group is Black Clover suitable for?

A: Recommended for ages 12 and up due to moderate violence, intense battle sequences, and occasional dark themes involving possession and death. Parental guidance is advised for younger viewers.

Q: How long would it take to watch all episodes?

A: At 24 minutes per episode, 170 episodes equal approximately 68 hours of content. Watching two episodes per day would take about 85 days, or just under three months.

Storage Tip: If downloading episodes for offline viewing, ensure sufficient device storage. Each episode averages 200–300 MB in HD, totaling roughly 40–50 GB for the full series.

\"Black Clover proves that heart and hustle can rival even the strongest magic. Its conclusion may not have come with fanfare, but its impact on modern shōnen storytelling endures.\" — Industry analyst, Anime Insider Monthly

Summary & Key Takeaways

The Black Clover anime series consists of exactly 170 episodes, broadcast over five seasons between October 2017 and March 2021. It delivers a complete, self-contained adaptation of the early and middle portions of Yūki Tabata’s manga, ending just before the final confrontation with the First Wizard King. While the anime did not cover the entire manga—leaving the last third unadapted—it remains a fully realized journey with satisfying character arcs and high-octane magical combat.

Key points to remember:

• Total episode count: 170
• No official continuation announced as of 2025
• Minimal filler; highly faithful to the manga
• Best experienced in chronological order
• Complemented by a canonical movie and completed manga series
• Recommended for fans of Naruto, My Hero Academia, and other underdog-centric shōnen stories

Whether revisiting the world of the Clover Kingdom or discovering it for the first time, the 170 episodes of Black Clover offer a robust and rewarding viewing experience. For those seeking the full story, transitioning to the manga after Episode 170 ensures access to the definitive conclusion.

Call to Action: Share your favorite Black Clover moment or character in online forums. Join communities discussing potential future adaptations or fan theories about what might have been included in an unrealized Season 6.