The Super Sentai brand’s Gozyuger series might be the final installment of the long-running franchise. According to Kyodo News, the current series, which began airing on February 16, is expected to officially close the brand after nearly 50 years.
Known for its colorful heroes battling giant monsters, the franchise appears to be nearing its end due to declining profits. Kyodo and The Sankei Shimbun report that revenue from events, merchandise, and films no longer covers production costs, leading to the decision to end the project.
So far, Toei and TV Asahi have not officially commented on rumors about Super Sentai’s conclusion.
Gozyuger Celebrates 50 Years of the Franchise
Super Sentai Gozyuger is Toei’s 49th series, produced to mark the 50th anniversary of the franchise. To celebrate, the All Super Sentai Exhibition is touring multiple cities across Japan. The tour started in Tokyo in August and continues to other locations including Nagoya and Sendai.
NHK also conducted a special survey to commemorate the 50 years, highlighting the cultural significance Super Sentai still holds in Japan.
The Super Sentai series began with legendary manga creator Shōtarō Ishinomori, who also created Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009. He collaborated with Toei on the first two series: Himitsu Sentai Gorenger in 1975 and JAKQ Dengekitai in 1977. Marvel Comics later co-produced two more seasons, helping to establish the genre.
Over the years, Super Sentai has become one of the most iconic brands in Japanese pop culture, inspiring numerous series, films, merchandise, and multimedia projects.
TV Asahi Responds to Rumors
Mantan Web, part of Mainichi Shimbun, reached out to TV Asahi for comment on Kyodo’s report. The broadcaster simply stated, “We do not comment on upcoming broadcasts,” leaving the future of the series and Gozyuger uncertain.
Although there are rumors that Super Sentai Gozyuger might end the series, no official confirmation has been made. The lack of statements from Toei and TV Asahi has fueled fan speculation, with many hoping the franchise will continue.
If confirmed, this would close a historic chapter for one of Japan’s most important pop culture series, which has inspired generations and left a lasting legacy.
Japanese fans have also reacted to the news, sharing comments such as:
– It’s sad, but I’m grateful for their 50 years.
– It’s unacceptable for TV Asahi to end a 50-year show so carelessly!
– They should just rerun the original. Adults will watch and kids will enjoy it.
– Kamen Rider and Ultraman continue airing on other channels, so Super Sentai could too.
Super Sentai Gozyuger also symbolizes the possible end of the series that inspired Power Rangers, the Western adaptation launched in 1993 in the United States. Since then, Power Rangers has become a global phenomenon.
The latest Power Rangers series, Dino Fury, premiered in 2021 on Nickelodeon. Its second season was released on Netflix in 2022, followed by Power Rangers Cosmic Fury in 2023. That same year, Netflix streamed Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always, a special celebrating 30 years.
However, some broadcasters note that 2024 marks the first year in the franchise’s history without any new or re-edited episodes.
In March, TheWrap reported that Disney+ and 20th Century TV are negotiating with Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, the showrunners of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, to develop a new live-action Power Rangers series.