Yuri on Ice May Be Cancelled, But Its Anime Successor Is On the Horizon

If Yuri on Ice is any indicator, figure skating anime has a special way of captivating audiences with the grace and art of the sport. Few series have managed to capture the same beauty of the show that not only broke down barriers but also set new stands for the future of sports anime. The choreography, narrative, and growth between relationships made fans fall in love with Yuri on Ice, and its cancelation broke the hearts of many.

Luckily, figure skating isn’t completely absent from anime and manga. A new anime, airing in 2025, will once again share the beauty of figure skating with fans. While it may not share Yuri on Ice’s popularity just yet, this new series will bring a new perspective on the sport and hook a new generation of fans.

Yuri on Ice Was One of a Kind, but a New Series Could Help Fill the Void

Medalist Is a New Take On the Figure Skating Genre That’s Gaining an Adaption in 2025

Yuri on Ice left a memorable impression on anime fans, breaking ground in both storytelling and representation. The story and connection between Yuri Katsuki and Viktor Nikiforov left audiences wanting to devour more and watch as they learned about themselves and each other. The skating sequences were animated with artistry and precision, creating a new standard for how sports can be portrayed in anime. The show’s success resonated with not just anime fans but resonated with real-world skaters, earning praise from professional figure skaters.

Yuri on Ice proved that anime could explore niche genres and still gain universal appeal by making it relatable and authentic with engaging drama that kept viewers hooked. It’s no wonder that the anime remains beloved by global fans years after its release. Even so, as devastating as it is, the show will not be receiving a sequel, and the movie fans had been looking forward to was ultimately canceled. The cancelation of the movie fans had been waiting for years for was shocking and upsetting, leaving fans longing for more of their favorite anime.

While Yuri on Ice left a massive impact and nothing could truly take its place, there is a new anime on the horizon that shares the same spirit and passion that made Yuri on Ice so popular. Medalist is a manga series that is getting an anime adaptation in 2025 and is set in the world of figure skating. Like Yuri on Ice, it follows the characters’ struggles, triumphs, and connections to the sport and those who help them along the way.

Medalist Brings a Fresh Take On Figure Skating to Anime and Manga Fans

The First Look At Medalist Is Eye-Catching and Beautiful and Creates Excitement Surrounding Its Release

Medalist distinguished itself by focusing on characters who feel they may have missed their chance. Unlike the polished professionals shown in Yuri on Ice, Medalist focuses on Inori Yuitsuka, a young girl who was told she missed her chance but continues to practice in secret, and Tsukasa Akeuraji, her equally flawed yet passionate coach. The story follows their uphill journey to reach their dreams despite being told the odds are stacked against them.

Medalist will resonate with fans who appreciate a good underdog story that’s grounded in realism with animation that is fluid and artistically beautiful. Like Yuri’s hard-won journey to achieve his goals, Medalist also depicts the hard training and harsh realities of competition, making new fans root even more for the cast. The storytelling and exploration of similar themes to Yuri on Ice would appeal to longtime fans who enjoyed the intensity and grace of the sport and the spirits of the characters who made the anime so memorable.

Medalist Deserves To Be the Next Big Thing in Sports Anime

The Animation and Themes in Medalist Promise a Beautiful Anime Release

Medalist has everything it needs to become the next standout sports anime. With interesting characters, each with relatable flaws that make them feel authentic, and a realistic portrayal of figure skating with animation that supports it all position Medalist in high standing. At its core, the series is about resilience and embracing imperfections while still fighting to achieve their goals. The unconventional pairing of Inori and Tsukasa creates a narrative that explores different ideologies and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to succeed.

The expressive art style of Medalist brings fluidity and vibrancy to the screen, making the choreography come to life. From the trailer alone, it’s clear that the anime will have unforgettable sequences and breathtaking performances. Medalist has the potential to become a spectacular sports anime that stands beside Yuri on Ice rather than being overshadowed by it.