What is A Channel?#
A Channel (also known as Aチャンネル or A頻道) is a lighthearted series that focuses on the everyday lives of high school students. If you enjoy the “comfort food” of anime—specifically the comedy and slice of life genres with a strong school theme—this series is designed for you. It captures the mundane yet charming interactions of friendship and school life.
If you’re looking to start the series, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to see if the vibe fits your current mood.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When asking “Is A Channel finished?”, the answer depends on whether you are looking at the animation or the original source material.
The anime has seen multiple releases over several years, including a sequel that aired in 2017. While slice-of-life series often don’t have a dramatic “grand finale” in the traditional sense, the anime provides a consistent experience of the characters’ lives.
For those who want a definitive end to the story, the source material provides the final word. According to recent reports, the A Channel high school slice-of-life manga officially ended in September 2020. Therefore, if you wish to see the complete journey of the characters from start to finish, you may want to buy the manga to supplement your viewing.
Who Should Watch A Channel?#
This series is best suited for viewers who want to relax. Because it focuses on school-based slice-of-life comedy, there are no high-stakes battles or complex mysteries. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the chemistry between the characters. It is a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys atmospheric, low-stress storytelling.
If you love the characters and want to bring a piece of the show home, you can buy A Channel merchandise here.
Recommended Watch Order#
Navigating the releases of A Channel can be slightly confusing due to the mix of main series, side stories, and sequels. To make it easier, we have provided a detailed relationship tree below this article. However, here are the general guidelines:
Release Order#
If you want to experience the show as it was originally broadcast, follow the release dates:
- A-Channel (2011)
- A-Channel: +A-Channel (2011)
- A-Channel + smile (2012)
- A-Channel (2017 sequel)
Completionist Order#
For those who want every single piece of content, we recommend following the release order but ensuring you include the side stories (+A-Channel and + smile). Additionally, keep an eye out for the Blu-ray Disc Box releases, as some versions include new video anime content that wasn’t part of the original TV broadcasts.
Source Material Order#
If you don’t mind reading, starting with the manga is a great way to build a foundation before diving into the adaptations. Since the manga is now finished, you can read the entire story chronologically without waiting for new chapters.
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A Channel • manga • 2008-08-28 to 2008-09-27 (guest chapter in Manga Time Kirara Carat, Oct-Nov 2008)
└─(adaptation)→ A-Channel • anime • 2011-04-07
└─(side story)→ A-Channel + smile • anime • 2012-03-21
└─(sequel)→ A-Channel • anime • 2017-09-27
└─(side story)→ A-Channel: +A-Channel • anime • 2011-05-25
