Black Butler (2008)
A darkly elegant Victorian anime where a demon butler serves a young noble lord — and waits patiently to claim his soul.
Black Butler - Series Information
- Original Title: 黒執事
- First Air Year: 2008
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 70
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 2, 2008 (United States - TV-MA), October 2, 2008 (Canada - 18+), October 2, 2008 (United Kingdom - 15), October 2, 2008 (Germany - 16), October 2, 2008 (France - 12), October 2, 2008 (India - A), October 2, 2008 (Australia - MA 15+), October 2, 2008 (Brazil - 16), October 2, 2008 (Mexico - C), October 2, 2008 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: MBS, AT-X, Gunma TV, Tokyo MX, BS11, Tochigi TV
- Alternative Titles: 黑執事 寄宿學校篇 (TW), 黒執事 -緑の魔女編- (JP), Демон-дворецкий (RU), Le Majordome Noir (FR), 黑执事 马戏团篇 (CN), Black Butler: Public School Arc (US)
- Production Companies: A-1 Pictures, CloverWorks, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, Aniplex, Square Enix, movic, MBS, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, YOMIKO Advertising, Crunchyroll
- Production Countries: Japan, United States of America
Black Butler - Plot
In Victorian London, 12-year-old business magnate Ciel Phantomhive thwarts dangers to the queen as he's watched over by his demon butler, Sebastian.
Black Butler - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the gothic world of Black Butler come to life:
Where to Watch Black Butler
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Black Butler - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Daisuke Ono
- Maaya Sakamoto
- Yukari Tamura
- Hisayoshi Suganuma
- Jun Fukuyama
- Junichi Suwabe
- Yuki Kaji
- Koji Yusa
- Emiri Kato
- Shunji Fujimura
Writers
- Mari Okada
- Hiroyuki Yoshino
- Tatsuto Higuchi
- Toshizo Nemoto
- Riko Murakami
Executive Producers
- Hideo Katsumata
- Nobuyuki Kurashige
- Tomonori Ochikoshi
- Masuo Ueda
Black Butler - FAQs
Where can you stream Black Butler online?
Black Butler is available to stream on Hulu and Crunchyroll in the United States. It can also be accessed through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. For purchase or rental, episodes are available on Amazon Video and the Apple TV Store. Check JustWatch for regional availability.
Is Black Butler based on a manga?
Yes, Black Butler is directly adapted from the manga series Kuroshitsuji by Yana Toboso, serialized in Square Enix's Monthly GFantasy magazine since 2006. The anime adapts various story arcs from the manga, including the Circus, Public School, and Emerald Witch arcs.
Who are the main voice actors in Black Butler?
The principal cast includes Daisuke Ono as the demon butler Sebastian Michaelis and Maaya Sakamoto as young lord Ciel Phantomhive. Other key performers include Jun Fukuyama as Grell Sutcliff, Junichi Suwabe as the Undertaker, and Yukari Tamura as Elizabeth Midford.
How many seasons does Black Butler have?
Black Butler has 5 main seasons plus a specials collection. These include the original Season 1 (24 episodes), Black Butler II (12 episodes), Book of Circus (10 episodes), Public School Arc (11 episodes), and the ongoing Emerald Witch Arc (13 episodes), totalling 70 episodes overall.
What is Black Butler about?
Set in Victorian London, Black Butler follows 12-year-old nobleman Ciel Phantomhive, who made a Faustian pact with a demon named Sebastian to avenge his family's murder. Sebastian serves as Ciel's impossibly skilled butler while collecting his soul as payment — blending dark comedy, supernatural intrigue, and gothic mystery.
Is Black Butler still ongoing or cancelled?
Black Butler is currently a returning series and remains in active production. The most recent arc, the Emerald Witch Arc, began airing in 2025, confirming the franchise's continued expansion. New seasons are tied to ongoing arcs in the source manga by Yana Toboso.
What content rating does Black Butler carry?
Black Butler holds a TV-MA rating in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. The series contains dark themes, violence, and gothic horror elements. International ratings vary: the UK rates it 15, Germany 16, France 12, and Australia MA 15+.
Did Black Butler win any notable awards?
Black Butler has earned strong recognition within the anime community, particularly for Daisuke Ono's acclaimed performance as Sebastian Michaelis. The series has been consistently praised for its animation quality, gothic aesthetic, and darkly comedic tone, maintaining a dedicated global fanbase across its multi-arc run since 2008.
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