On March 24, 2025, ABEMA announced the mid-term rankings for new winter anime, showcasing viewer engagement and popularity for this season’s lineup. Topping the chart was the eagerly awaited second season of The Apothecary Diaries, which has maintained a strong fanbase since its debut.
Ranking second was the unique series A Skill Called 《Cooking Master》~, which has captured audiences with its entertaining premise. This series continues to generate buzz and high viewership numbers, reinforcing the strong public interest.
Nipping at their heels in third place was Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World Season 3, a continuation of a beloved franchise that has proven to be a strong contender among fans. Following closely in fourth place was SAKAMOTO DAYS, which benefits from its innovative storytelling and unique character arcs, solidifying its position as a fan favorite.
Fifth in the lineup, I Level Up Alone Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-, continues to garner attention, showcasing the popularity of isekai genres among the current audience.
The rankings were compiled based on viewing data collected from the first episodes of these series, up until the week of February 17, 2025. ABEMA focused on real-time viewing and on-demand streaming metrics to evaluate popularity, reflecting a modern approach to audience engagement.
Not only did ABEMA rank these series by viewer counts, but they also compiled comment counts underlining the interactive aspect of the platform. For instance, during episodes of BanG Dream! Ave Mujica, a new series that ranked first in comment numbers, viewers expressed their thoughts and excitement in real-time. One enthusiastic comment noted, "This anime, the tempo is good; this could be the reigning champion this year." Such climactic engagement hints at a deeply invested audience eager for plot developments.
Additionally, Akuyaku Reijou Tensei Ojisan positioned well in the comment count rankings by offering humor in its unique plot twist of an older man reincarnating as an antagonist in a girl’s game setting. The viewers, in response to this hilarity, have left vibrant commentary reflecting their joy and anticipation for future episodes.
This mid-term ranking is particularly noteworthy as it indicates trends among audiences and helps shape future anime programming choices. Genres such as isekai seem to dominate viewer preferences, reaffirming the trend observed in previous seasons.
A key takeaway from the rankings suggests that programming decisions must consider viewer participation alongside ordinary ratings to fully appreciate the popularity scale. Digital platforms like ABEMA are increasingly melding traditional viewership data with interactive audience experiences. This evolving landscape of anime broadcasting continues to redefine audience connections with the series.
As the winter anime season reaches its apex, audience anticipation for how these rankings might impact upcoming episodes is palpable. The outstanding performances of shows like The Apothecary Diaries and the rise of new titles like Sakamoto Days and A Skill Called 《Cooking Master》~ promise to keep anime enthusiasts engaged.
While ABEMA continues to innovate in their presentation and interaction with viewers, the implications for producers and creators in the industry become clear—audience engagement is as crucial as the content itself. Only time will tell which series will solidify their standing as the season progresses, but one thing's for sure: the animated storytelling landscape is alive and thriving.
For anyone unfamiliar with the current hits, now is the perfect opportunity to dive into the animated series streaming on ABEMA, as audiences are buzzing with excitement over the latest offerings from this winter’s anime slate. With impressive viewer feedback and trending momentum, fans are encouraged to catch these series while they are hot!
