Is the Black Butler Anime Finished?#
If you are wondering whether you can binge-watch Black Butler and reach a definitive conclusion, the short answer is: not yet.
Based on current information, the series is very much ongoing. The anime has expanded over the years with multiple sequels and specific story arcs, including the most recent Public School Arc (2024) and the Emerald Witch Arc (2025). Furthermore, the original manga—which has been serialized since 2006—continues to drive the story forward, with recent news indicating it returned from hiatus in April 2025.
Because the anime is an adaptation of an ongoing manga, viewers who watch only the anime will find themselves needing to buy the Black Butler manga to keep up with the full narrative and eventual conclusion.
What is Black Butler All About?#
Black Butler (also known as Kuroshitsuji) is a compelling blend of action, comedy, mystery, and the supernatural. Set in historical England, it follows the Phantomhive family, specifically a 12-year-old master and his impossibly perfect butler, Sebastian Michaelis.
Sebastian is far more than a typical housekeeper; he possesses flawless manners, mastery of martial arts, and an expert hand with materials—all while brewing the world’s strongest red tea. The appeal of the series lies in the dynamic between the young master and his supernatural servant, woven into a world featuring demons, shinigami, and the aesthetic of bishounen.
Whether you are drawn to the gothic historical setting or the mystery of the supernatural contracts, there is plenty to love. You can even bring a piece of this world home by browsing Black Butler merchandise.
The Definitive Watch Order#
Because Black Butler has a complex series of sequels, side stories, and specific arcs, it can be confusing for newcomers. For a clear visual breakdown of how these series connect, please refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the series as it was aired, follow this path:
- Black Butler (2008)
- Black Butler: His Butler, Performer (Side story, 2009)
- Black Butler II (2010)
- Black Butler: Book of Circus (2014)
- Black Butler: Book of Murder (2014)
- Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic (2017)
- Black Butler: Public School Arc (2024)
- Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc (2025)
Completionist Order#
For those who want every single piece of content, the release order is the best bet, ensuring you don’t miss the side story (His Butler, Performer) or the various movie-length and series-length arcs. You can watch the anime on Prime Video to catch up on the available seasons.
The Manga-Transition Path#
If you don’t mind switching mediums to get the most accurate version of the story, we recommend starting with the initial anime run to get a feel for the characters and then transitioning to the manga. Since the manga is the source material and is still being updated, it is the only way to ensure you are seeing the complete, uncut story as the author intended.
Final Tips for New Viewers#
Black Butler is a long-term commitment with a rich lore. As you dive into the mystery of the Phantomhives, keep an eye on the latest news regarding new dubs and stage musicals (such as the recent Emerald Witch Arc musical) to stay connected with the community.
If you found this guide helpful and want to keep our research going, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi!
Black Butler • manga • 2006-09-16 (serialized in GFantasy)
└─(adaptation)→ Black Butler • anime • 2008-10-02
└─(sequel)→ Black Butler II • anime • 2010-07-01
└─(spinoff)→ Black Butler II • anime • 2010-10-27 to 2011-05-25
└─(sequel)→ Black Butler: Book of Circus • anime • 2014-07-10
└─(sequel)→ Black Butler: Book of Murder • anime • 2014-10-25
└─(sequel)→ Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic • anime • 2017-01-21
└─(sequel)→ Black Butler: Public School Arc • anime • 2024-04-13
└─(sequel)→ Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc • anime • 2025-04-05
└─(side story)→ Black Butler: His Butler, Performer • anime • 2009-09-03
