Classroom of the Elite: Is It Worth Watching in 2026?
Our verdict — 7.5/10, worth watching
In short: Yes, if you like mind games. Ayanokoji, a quiet student hiding his genius, is placed in the lowest class of an elite school where classes compete in ruthless tests for points that decide everything. Season 1 (2017) is loose with the novels; Seasons 2 and 3 (2022, 2024) finish Year 1 faithfully, and Season 4 (April to June 2026, 16 episodes) began Year 2.
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Worth it, especially from Season 2. The school-as-battleground premise is addictive, and Ayanokoji, a protagonist who manipulates everyone while seeming indifferent, is a fascinating lead. Season 1 is the weakest, so push through it.
The premise
Advanced Nurturing High School promises its graduates any university or job they want. Inside, students are ranked into classes A to D and paid in points that rise or fall with class performance in exams and special tests. Ayanokoji, in bottom-ranked Class D, hides his abilities while quietly steering his classmates, and his rivals, toward the outcome he wants.
Season by season
- Season 1 (Lerche, July to September 2017, 12 episodes).
- Season 2 (July to September 2022, 13 episodes).
- Season 3 (January to March 2024, 13 episodes). Ends the first year.
- Season 4 (April 1 to June 24, 2026, 16 episodes). Year 2, first semester, directed by Noriyuki Nomata.
Who it suits
If you liked Kaguya-sama's battles of wits, Death Note's cat-and-mouse or Kakegurui's high-stakes games, this is for you. If you want a protagonist you can easily root for, Ayanokoji's coldness may put you off.
Frequently asked questions
Is Classroom of the Elite faithful to the light novels? Season 1 rearranges and cuts a lot. Seasons 2 to 4 follow the novels much more closely, which is why many fans say the show gets better after Season 1.
Should I read the light novels? If you enjoy the anime, yes. Shōgo Kinugasa's novels have far more inner monologue and detail about each test.
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