TV Series

Death Note

Anime Information

TypeTV Series
StatusOngoing
GenreAnimation, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural
SourceManga
DirectorTetsurō Araki
WriterToshiki Inoue
StudioMadhouse
Original CreatorTsugumi Ōba and Takeshi Obata
CountryJapan
LanguageJapanese
Seasons3
Episodes37
Episode Duration24 min
First Air DateApr 10, 2006

Voice Cast

Light Yagami

Light Yagami

Mamoru Miyano

L Lawliet

Kappei Yamaguchi
Ryuk

Ryuk

Shidō Nakamura

Misa Amane

Aya Hirano

Soichiro Yagami

Naoya Uchida
Light Yagami

Light Yagami

Mamoru Miyano

L Lawliet

Kappei Yamaguchi
Ryuk

Ryuk

Shidō Nakamura

Misa Amane

Aya Hirano

Soichiro Yagami

Naoya Uchida

Seasons & Episodes

Kira Investigation

Season 1 - Kira Investigation

2006
★ 8.6/10

Episodes 1-12 introduce Light Yagami, the Death Note, Ryuk, L, Misa, and the original Kira investigation. The season establishes the central battle of intelligence and morality between Light and L.

#EpisodeAir DateRatingDuration
1 Oct 4, 2006 ★ 8.4 24 min
2 Oct 11, 2006 ★ 9.0 24 min
3 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.4 24 min
4 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.8 24 min
5 Nov 1, 2006 ★ 8.5 24 min
6 Nov 8, 2006 ★ 8.2 24 min
7 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 9.2 24 min
8 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.4 24 min
9 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.6 24 min
10 Dec 6, 2006 ★ 8.2 24 min
11 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.7 24 min
12 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.3 24 min
Yotsuba Investigation

Season 2 - Yotsuba Investigation

2007
★ 8.5/10

Episodes 13-25 expand the Kira mystery through Misa, the Yotsuba Group, and the investigation led by Light and L. The conflict reaches a major turning point by the end of the arc.

#EpisodeAir DateRatingDuration
13 Jan 10, 2007 ★ 8.3 24 min
14 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.2 24 min
15 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.9 24 min
16 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.3 24 min
17 Feb 7, 2007 ★ 8.0 24 min
18 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 7.3 24 min
19 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 7.6 24 min
20 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 7.3 24 min
21 Mar 7, 2007 ★ 7.8 24 min
22 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.2 24 min
23 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.9 24 min
24 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 9.4 24 min
25 Apr 4, 2007 ★ 9.6 24 min
Near & Mello

Season 3 - Near & Mello

2007
★ 7.8/10

Episodes 26-37 begin after a major time jump and introduce Near and Mello. The investigation becomes an international conflict that builds toward the final confrontation with Kira.

#EpisodeAir DateRatingDuration
26 Apr 11, 2007 ★ 7.0 24 min
27 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 7.2 24 min
28 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 7.3 24 min
29 May 2, 2007 ★ 8.0 24 min
30 May 9, 2007 ★ 7.6 24 min
31 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 7.6 24 min
32 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 7.8 24 min
33 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 7.1 24 min
34 Jun 6, 2007 ★ 7.2 24 min
35 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.0 24 min
36 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 9.0 24 min
37 Apr 9, 2026 ★ 8.8 24 min

Anime Review

Death Note is a psychological thriller that stands out for its intelligent storytelling, complex characters, and constant battle of wits. The story follows Light Yagami, a highly intelligent high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written inside it. Believing that he can create a better world by eliminating criminals, Light takes on the identity of “Kira” and begins his journey toward becoming the world’s self-proclaimed god of justice.

What makes Death Note especially compelling is the conflict between Light and L, the brilliant detective determined to uncover Kira’s identity. Their confrontation is built almost entirely around intelligence, manipulation, deduction, and psychological pressure. Rather than relying only on physical action, the series keeps the tension alive through mind games, hidden motives, carefully planned strategies, and the constant possibility that either side could make one wrong move.

The supporting characters also play an important role in the story. Misa Amane adds another unpredictable element to Light’s plans, while Ryuk provides a detached and often darkly humorous perspective on the events unfolding around him. Characters such as Soichiro Yagami and the members of the Kira investigation help show the human consequences of Light’s actions and make the conflict feel more personal.

The series also explores interesting questions about justice, morality, power, and what happens when an individual is given the ability to decide who deserves to live or die. Light’s transformation is one of the strongest aspects of the anime, as his original intentions gradually become overshadowed by his ambition, ego, and desire for complete control.

The first major portion of the story, particularly the battle between Light and L, is where Death Note reaches its strongest level. The Yotsuba investigation introduces a different style of mystery and gives the characters new challenges, while the later storyline involving Near and Mello expands the conflict and brings the Kira investigation toward its conclusion.

Overall, Death Note remains a memorable anime because of its unique premise, intelligent writing, psychological tension, and morally complicated protagonist. Although some viewers may find the later portion less impactful than the earlier Light vs. L storyline, the series still delivers a satisfying and thought-provoking experience. It is an excellent choice for viewers who enjoy mystery, psychological battles, supernatural concepts, and stories where intelligence can be more powerful than physical strength.