HIDIVE is expanding its presence in the global anime streaming market through a major new partnership extension with Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS). AMC Global Media has announced that the anime platform has signed its largest content programming deal to date with MBS, giving HIDIVE exclusive worldwide distribution rights outside Asia for a multi-year lineup of upcoming anime titles.
The agreement strengthens the companies’ existing collaboration, which began in 2023 and has already brought several popular anime series to international audiences. Under the new deal, HIDIVE subscribers in regions including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand will gain access to MBS anime releases through exclusive simulcasts.
The first series arriving through this expanded partnership will be Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden, a fantasy action anime based on the long-running light novel series by Umikaze Minamino. The upcoming title will receive its North American premiere at Anime NYC 2026 before joining HIDIVE’s Fall 2026 simulcast lineup.
HIDIVE’s New MBS Deal Expands Global Anime Streaming Rights
The new multi-year output agreement marks the next phase of HIDIVE and MBS’ global distribution alliance. Through the partnership, HIDIVE will stream future MBS anime projects outside Asian markets, allowing international fans to watch new series close to their Japanese broadcast releases.
Since the original partnership launched in March 2023, HIDIVE has delivered several MBS-supported anime titles to viewers worldwide. The collaboration has included series such as My Gift Lvl 9999 Unlimited Gacha, I Parry Everything, The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: from Villainess to Savior, and HELL MODE: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing.
John Ledford, President of HIDIVE, described the agreement as a major milestone for the streaming service. “Our historic anime partnership with MBS has been a resounding success and we are thrilled to extend our global distribution alliance with a new exclusive output deal, now HIDIVE’s largest ever content programming deal to date,” Ledford said.
He added that the agreement reinforces HIDIVE’s position as a major distributor of Japanese anime worldwide, stating that the company is excited to introduce Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden as the first title from the expanded partnership.
Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden will serve as the first anime released under the new agreement. The fantasy action series is adapted from the light novels written by Umikaze Minamino and illustrated by Katana Canata and JISHAKU.
The anime is directed by Motoki Nakanishi, with Haruta Segi serving as assistant director. Gigaemon Ichikawa handles series composition, while Konami Animation is producing the project. Honoka Inoue voices the main character Nia Liston, who will lead the upcoming adventure.
Before its October 2026 streaming debut, HIDIVE will host the North American premiere of Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden at Anime NYC on August 21, 2026. The event will take place from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern in Room 1A15-18 at the Javits Center’s South Javits Level 1.
Mihoko Shibata, Director of Mainichi Broadcasting System, highlighted the importance of the partnership’s international reach. “Over the past three years, our partnership with AMC Global Media and HIDIVE has significantly expanded the global reach of MBS animation, bringing our hit series to dedicated anime fans around the world,” Shibata said.
The remaining anime projects included in MBS’ upcoming programming slate will be revealed at a later date. With MBS’ long history of producing and broadcasting major anime franchises, the expanded HIDIVE partnership could bring more high-profile Japanese animated series to global audiences in the coming years.
