Straw Hat Crew, Get Ready! The BBC Brings Over 1000 Episodes of One Piece to the UK

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has just made a major announcement that is sure to thrill anime fans across the UK: the broadcaster has acquired the rights to over 1000 episodes of the legendary anime series One Piece. For the first time, the English-dubbed version of this iconic show will be available to UK audiences, exclusively on BBC iPlayer.

One Piece, a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation, is based on Eiichiro Oda's world-renowned manga series of the same name. The manga, which holds the title of the world's best-selling, has surpassed an astonishing 500 million copies sold and boasts over 100 volumes. The anime adaptation has been captivating viewers around the globe since its debut in October 1999 and recently celebrated its milestone of over 1000 episodes. This year, One Piece has claimed the title of IMDB's highest-rated TV show of 2024, holding an impressive user rating of 9.0/10.

The series follows the thrilling adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his loyal crew, known as the Straw Hat Crew. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through the Grand Line, in search of the legendary treasure known as the "One Piece." Luffy's ultimate goal is to become the next King of the Pirates—a dream that drives the narrative through countless battles, mysteries, and encounters with unforgettable characters.

For UK fans, the BBC is now the go-to destination to experience the entire One Piece saga in English. Starting in September, all the series' major arcs will be made available, allowing viewers to follow Luffy's journey from the very beginning in East Blue all the way to the most recent adventures in the Land of Wano.

Fiona Campbell, Controller of Youth Audiences, iPlayer and BBC Three, expressed her excitement about the partnership: "It's a really exciting move to bring the One Piece franchise to UK audiences in the coming months. With its captivating storytelling, rich characters, and global fanbase, One Piece has become a cultural phenomenon, and we're so excited to see how the fanbase will enjoy this huge canon of episodes available in English only on iPlayer."

In a strategic release plan, BBC iPlayer, in collaboration with BBC Three, will roll out all ten major sagas between September and December. The first three sagas, East Blue, Alabasta, and Skypiea, comprising 206 episodes, will drop on 1 September. By the end of the year, all 1085 episodes will be available on the platform, offering fans the opportunity to binge-watch the series to their heart's content.

The full list of sagas that will be available on BBC iPlayer includes:

East Blue

Alabasta

Sky Island - Skypiea

Water Seven

Thriller Bark

Summit War

Fishman Island

Dressrosa

Whole Cake Island

Land of Wano

This marks the first time that UK audiences will have access to dubbed versions of the series, making it a landmark moment for anime fans in the region. Whether you're a long-time follower of Luffy's adventures or a newcomer ready to dive into the world of pirates, the BBC is set to become your new treasure trove of One Piece content.