Anime fans around the world often find themselves comparing two of the most iconic and longest-running anime series: One Piece and Detective Conan (also known as Case Closed). Both of these shows have captivated millions of viewers with their gripping stories, unique characters, and impressive longevity. But when it comes to sheer volume, One Piece and Detective Conan, which anime reigns supreme in terms of episode count? In this article, we will dive deep into the episode counts of both series, their history, and how they compare in terms of length and ongoing production.
One Piece
One Piece is a Japanese anime series based on the manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with the goal of finding the legendary treasure known as the One Piece in order to become the Pirate King. Luffy embarks on a journey filled with grand adventures, forming a diverse crew and encountering powerful foes and mystical mysteries along the way.
The anime first aired in 1999 and, as of 2025, has amassed over 1,000 episodes, making it one of the longest-running anime series in history. With its intricate world-building, engaging character development, and ongoing storylines, One Piece has become a staple of anime culture, and its episodes continue to be produced at a remarkable pace.
Total Episode Count:
As of early 2025, One Piece has aired over 1,060 episodes. The series is still ongoing, with new episodes being released weekly. This episode count includes both the main story arcs and various filler episodes that have been inserted into the show over the years.
Production and Longevity:
The longevity of One Piece can be attributed to the steady success of the manga, which continues to be serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since 1997. With a fanbase that spans multiple generations, One Piece has maintained its popularity and relevance for over two decades. The anime’s continued success has allowed it to maintain its position as one of the longest-running anime series of all time.
Despite the fact that the series is ongoing, the show’s popularity and large-scale production infrastructure make it one of the most successful anime of all time. The number of episodes has also been bolstered by the inclusion of filler arcs, which serve to give the manga time to progress while keeping the anime schedule on track.
Detective Conan
Detective Conan, also known as Case Closed in its English-language release, is another incredibly popular anime that has become a staple in the world of detective fiction. Created by Gosho Aoyama, the series revolves around Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant high school detective who, after being poisoned, is transformed into a child. Under the alias of Conan Edogawa, he continues to solve crimes while attempting to uncover the mystery behind his transformation and find a cure.
The series premiered in 1996 and has been airing ever since, offering a blend of murder mysteries, comedy, and ongoing plotlines that have kept audiences hooked for years. Detective Conan stands out not only for its long history but also for its sheer volume of episodes, which includes an impressive number of television episodes, movies, and specials.
Total Episode Count:
As of 2025, Detective Conan has aired over 1,000 episodes as well. With its continuous production schedule, the show has managed to stay relevant and popular with audiences worldwide. In addition to the television episodes, there are numerous films and special episodes that contribute to the franchise’s expansive reach.
Detective Conan has also seen multiple spinoff series, films, and adaptations, including live-action dramas and films. The series continues to attract a global audience, which helps explain its continued success in terms of episode production.
Production and Longevity:
The success of Detective Conan is due, in part, to its well-established premise and formula. The episodic nature of the show allows for a flexible storytelling style, where each episode features a new mystery to be solved, while still maintaining an overarching plot that progresses slowly over time. This formula has helped the series stay fresh for years, and it remains a beloved anime for both new and returning fans.
The series is also notable for its consistency in production. Unlike many long-running anime, Detective Conan has not experienced significant production breaks, allowing the show to continue airing without losing momentum.
Comparing the Episode Counts
When comparing One Piece and Detective Conan, it’s clear that both shows have achieved remarkable longevity, but the specifics of their episode counts and their ongoing nature differ.
One Piece Episode Count:
- As of early 2025: 1,060+ episodes
- Ongoing weekly episodes
- Includes both main story arcs and filler episodes
Detective Conan Episode Count:
- As of early 2025: 1,000+ episodes
- Ongoing weekly episodes
- Includes multiple spinoffs, specials, and films
While One Piece has a slight edge in total episodes, the difference is marginal. Both shows have managed to maintain a high level of popularity over the years, ensuring that they both continue to produce new content.
Why Are These Shows So Long-Running?
There are several reasons why both One Piece and Detective Conan have been able to last as long as they have. Some of these reasons include:
Consistent Source Material: Both anime series are based on long-running manga, and the continuous availability of new material has allowed the anime adaptations to keep up with the storylines. While One Piece is known for its elaborate world-building and intricate plots, Detective Conan thrives on its episodic nature, with new mysteries to be solved each week.
Strong Fanbase: Both shows have amassed a global fanbase over the years. The appeal of these series is not limited to Japan; they have gained international popularity through streaming platforms and television broadcasts, ensuring a steady demand for new episodes.
Ongoing Storylines and Mystery: The ongoing plots in both series provide a sense of continuity for viewers. One Piece is focused on Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King, while Detective Conan revolves around the slow unraveling of Shinichi’s transformation and the mysterious organization behind it. These ongoing arcs keep fans engaged over long periods.
Filler Episodes and Adaptations: Both series have incorporated filler arcs, specials, and movies, which add to the overall episode count. These additional episodes allow the anime to keep going while the manga material is being developed. The filler episodes often feature side stories or non-canon material that doesn’t directly affect the main storyline but provides entertainment and additional character development.
Which Show Will Reach 2,000 Episodes First?
At this point, both One Piece and Detective Conan are well on their way to achieving 2,000 episodes. With One Piece releasing episodes every week, it is projected to reach this milestone sooner than Detective Conan, which tends to release fewer episodes per year due to its episodic format and the occasional hiatus for films or special events.
Given that both anime are showing no signs of slowing down, it is likely that the competition between the two will continue, with both series vying for the title of the longest-running anime with the most episodes in the coming years.
Conclusion
Both One Piece and Detective Conan are legendary in their own right, having captured the hearts of millions of fans over their long histories. In terms of episode count, One Piece currently leads slightly, with over 1,060 episodes compared to Detective Conan’s 1,000+. However, both shows continue to produce episodes on a weekly basis, making it difficult to predict which one will ultimately emerge as the longest-running anime of all time.
As One Piece nears its final arcs and Detective Conan continues to solve more cases, their episode counts will keep growing, ensuring that both series remain fixtures in the world of anime for years to come.
Related Topics
- Who Is Miyuki Shirogane In Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War?
- Who Is Kaguya Shinomiya In Kaguya-Sama Love Is War?
- The Top 15 Characters In Kaguya-Sama Love Is War