Netflix Revives JoJo Fridays with New *Steel Ball Run* Opening

Netflix has revived the weekly release model for Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, marking the return of "JoJo Fridays" with a new opening theme, "Spin" by Kroi. The second episode premieres on September 25, following fan frustration over the platform’s previous release strategy for the franchise.

New Opening Theme and Return of JoJo Fridays

Netflix has released a new opening theme, "Spin," performed by Kroi, for the anime adaptation of Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, according to Gizmodo. The track accompanies the return of weekly episodic drops, dubbed "JoJo Fridays," which begin this fall.

The second episode of Steel Ball Run is set to premiere on Netflix on September 25, continuing the story of Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic jockey, and his enigmatic companion, Gyro Zeppeli. The first episode, released in March, was both one of the year’s highest-rated and most controversial episodes.

Fan Reactions and Netflix’s Release Strategy

Fans of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure had previously expressed frustration with Netflix’s handling of the Stone Ocean season, according to Gizmodo. The season was released in batches without promotion, which fans felt undermined the show’s momentum. This led to a social media campaign demanding better communication and a return to the weekly release format.

The controversy surrounding Stone Ocean also marked the end of "JoJo Fridays," a weekly release phenomenon that had cultivated strong fan engagement. Netflix and Warner Bros. Japan announced the revival of this model on April 6, 2026, responding to fan demands.

New Characters and Fan Engagement

A new trailer for Steel Ball Run introduces several newcomers to the series, including Mountain Tim, Funny Valentine, and Hot Pants, as reported by Gizmodo. These characters join Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli in a cross-country horse race that blends supernatural elements with high-stakes competition.

Fan engagement has been a hallmark of the JoJo franchise. Nico Bellisario, a musician, created a fan-made opening for Steel Ball Run titled "Holy Steel," reflecting the community’s enthusiasm. Fans have also speculated about the potential inclusion of a Western song as the outro, such as America’s "A Horse With No Name" or Lil Nas X’s "Old Town Road."

Background on Steel Ball Run

Steel Ball Run is the seventh installment of Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga series. The story follows Johnny Joestar, a former jockey left paraplegic, who joins a cross-country horse race in the American frontier. His motivation is not prize money but the mysterious Gyro Zeppeli, whose steel balls temporarily restore Johnny’s ability to walk.

The anime adaptation is produced by David Production, which also handled previous seasons of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The studio is known for its faithful renditions of Araki’s distinctive character designs and dynamic storytelling.

What this means

LazyFounders analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Steel Ball Run’s return to Netflix—and the revival of "JoJo Fridays"—highlights a few key lessons for startups and operators in the entertainment and streaming space.

First, fan engagement is a powerful force. Netflix’s decision to revert to weekly releases for Steel Ball Run was likely influenced by the backlash over Stone Ocean’s batch release. For founders, this underscores the importance of listening to your audience, especially in communities as passionate as anime fandoms. Ignoring their preferences can lead to frustration and reputational damage, while responsiveness can rebuild goodwill and drive engagement.

Second, nostalgia and ritual matter. "JoJo Fridays" tapped into the shared experience of weekly episodic releases, a format that predates streaming. For startups, creating or reviving rituals—whether through release cadences, interactive content, or community events—can foster loyalty and anticipation. This is particularly relevant for platforms or products targeting niche audiences, where emotional connections often drive retention.

Finally, transparency and communication are critical. Netflix’s initial silence after the first episode of Steel Ball Run frustrated fans, who took to social media to demand clarity. For operators, this is a reminder that proactive communication—even when plans change—can mitigate backlash and maintain trust. In an era where algorithms and automated responses dominate, human-centric engagement can set a brand apart.

Key takeaways

• Netflix’s Steel Ball Run adaptation is the seventh part of Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga series.
• The first episode, released in March, was both highly rated and controversial.
• Netflix and Warner Bros. Japan have revived the weekly release model, "JoJo Fridays," starting September 25.
• Fan frustration over Netflix’s previous release strategy for Stone Ocean led to a social media campaign.
• The new opening theme, "Spin" by Kroi, and a fan-made opening, "Holy Steel," reflect strong fan engagement.

FAQ

What is Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure?

Steel Ball Run is the seventh part of Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga series. The story follows Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic jockey, as he joins a cross-country horse race in the American frontier, accompanied by the enigmatic Gyro Zeppeli.

When does the second episode of Steel Ball Run premiere?

The second episode of Steel Ball Run premieres on Netflix on September 25.

What is the new opening theme for Steel Ball Run?

The new opening theme is titled "Spin" and is performed by the musician Kroi.

Why did fans criticize Netflix’s release strategy for Stone Ocean?

Fans criticized Netflix for releasing Stone Ocean in batches without promotion, which they felt undermined the show’s momentum. This approach also ended the weekly "JoJo Fridays" release model, which had fostered strong fan engagement.

What is "JoJo Fridays"?

"JoJo Fridays" refers to the weekly release schedule for episodes of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The format was popular among fans for its ritualistic, communal viewing experience, akin to traditional television releases.

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