Boruto, the successor to the legendary Naruto series, has faced significant controversy since its debut. Many fans were disappointed, feeling that it didn’t live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor. Despite the backlash, Boruto continues to maintain a strong following, with memorable moments featuring iconic characters like Naruto and Sasuke. The series has also faced challenges, including an extended hiatus that has left fans questioning its future.
The reason for Boruto’s hiatus traces back to an overwhelming number of filler episodes. The anime, known for its large filler content, became dominated by these episodes, leading to a drop in quality and engagement. On March 26, 2023, episode 293 marked the last airing, with no official word on when the series will return. Fans have speculated that the hiatus was a direct result of the filler episodes, with Studio Pierrot taking time to reassess its production strategy.
The Impact of Filler Episodes and Studio’s Decision
Boruto’s filler problem has been well-documented, with many fans expressing frustration over the ratio of filler to canon material. While filler episodes are common in long-running anime, the sheer number in Boruto made up a significant portion of the episodes, more than the actual story arcs. Animators have spoken out about how these filler episodes negatively impacted both their motivation and the anime’s quality.
Despite the criticism, it is not entirely within Studio Pierrot’s control to prevent filler episodes, as these decisions often come from higher management. However, it is within the studio’s power to reduce the number of fillers, which would help maintain the show’s quality. Some animators have even suggested that Pierrot could have declined to produce such a high volume of filler episodes, which might have helped prevent the series from going off-air.
Uncertainty Surrounding Boruto’s Return
As of now, there is no clear timeline for when Boruto will return to the screen. Fans are holding out hope that the studio will return to a more structured approach, possibly reducing the filler content in favor of more manga-based episodes. One potential solution could be transforming Boruto into a seasonal anime, which would allow for more time to work on the content and help alleviate the filler issue. However, for now, fans must wait patiently for updates on the anime’s status.
For those eager to catch up on the series, plenty of Boruto episodes are still available for streaming. Fans can watch the anime on Crunchyroll and enjoy the available episodes. For those looking to stay ahead of the anime, the Boruto manga is being published on Manga Plus, providing an alternative for readers who want to continue following the story as it develops.
