The BBC has just made a huge move by acquiring the UK rights to over 1,000 episodes of the legendary anime series, One Piece. This means that fans in the UK can now watch the English dubbed versions of this epic adventure on BBC iPlayer.
One Piece is not just any anime; it’s a global phenomenon. Based on Eiichiro Oda’s incredibly popular manga, which has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, One Piece has been capturing hearts since it first aired in October 1999. With over 1,000 episodes, it’s one of the longest-running and most beloved anime series in the world. In fact, One Piece has become the highest-rated TV show on IMDB in 2024, with an impressive 9.0/10 rating.
So, what’s One Piece all about? It follows the thrilling adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, known as the Straw Hat Crew. Together, they sail the Grand Line, facing dangerous foes and overcoming incredible challenges, all in search of the mythical treasure called the “One Piece.” Luffy’s ultimate goal? To become the King of the Pirates!
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The BBC is now the only place in the UK where you can watch these dubbed episodes. Starting on September 1, BBC iPlayer will release the first three sagas: East Blue, Alabasta, and Skypiea. That’s a whopping 206 episodes to start with! But don’t worry, all 10 sagas, totaling 1,085 episodes, will be available on BBC iPlayer by the end of the year.
Fiona Campbell, Controller of Youth Audiences, iPlayer, and BBC Three, shared her excitement about bringing One Piece to UK audiences. She mentioned how the series’ captivating storytelling, rich characters, and global fanbase make it a cultural phenomenon. Fiona also expressed her eagerness to see how fans in the UK will enjoy having all these episodes available in English on iPlayer.
The sagas that will be available include:
- East Blue
- Alabasta
- Sky Island – Skypiea
- Water Seven
- Thriller Bark
- Summit War
- Fishman Island
- Dressrosa
- Whole Cake Island
- Land of Wano
