All You Need To Know About Lazarus

Q: Is Lazarus available on Netflix?

As of now, Lazarus is not available on Netflix. Viewers can stream it on Max, Hulu, Prime Video, and Apple TV.

Lazarus is a 2025 anime series directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, renowned for his work on Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. This sci-fi thriller has garnered attention for its compelling narrative, dynamic action sequences, and a stellar production team. Here’s an in-depth look at everything you need to know about Lazarus.

Table of Contents show

Lazarus Anime Release Date & Availability

Premiere Date: April 5, 2025, on Adult Swim’s Toonami block.
Streaming Platforms:
- Max (formerly HBO Max): Episodes available the next day after airing.
- Hulu: Streaming availability confirmed.
- Prime Video: Episodes accessible for streaming.
- Apple TV: Available for viewing.
Japanese Version: Subtitled episodes debut in the U.S. 30 days after the English-language premiere.

Lazarus Anime Plot Overview

Set in the year 2055, Lazarus unfolds in a world where Dr. Deniz Skinner, a Nobel laureate, introduces a revolutionary painkiller named Hapna. Initially celebrated for its efficacy and lack of side effects, Hapna’s dark secret emerges when Skinner announces that the drug will become lethal within 30 days, threatening billions.

In response, a covert task force named “Lazarus” is assembled to locate Skinner and secure a cure. The team comprises:

Axel Gilberto: A parkour expert and reluctant recruit.
Doug: A seasoned operative.
Christine: A skilled biker with a sharp aim.
Eleina: A teenage hacker prodigy.
Leland: A drone specialist.

Together, they navigate a world on the brink, racing against time to prevent a global catastrophe.

Lazarus Anime Production & Creative Team

Director: Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo)
Animation Studio: MAPPA (Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man)
Action Choreography: Chad Stahelski (John Wick series)
Music Composition:
- Kamasi Washington (Jazz Saxophonist)
- Bonobo (Electronic Musician)
- Floating Points (Electronic Musician)

Watanabe’s vision integrates high-octane action with a rich musical landscape, creating an immersive viewing experience.

Lazarus Anime Episode Guide

Lazarus consists of 13 episodes. As of June 24, 2025, 12 episodes have aired, with the finale scheduled for June 29, 2025.

Notable Episodes:

Goodbye Cruel World: Introduces Axel and sets the series’ tone.
Life in the Fast Lane: Delves deeper into the team’s dynamics.
Long Way From Home: Explores the global impact of Hapna.

Each episode combines intense action sequences with character development, maintaining a gripping narrative throughout.

Lazarus Anime Global Availability

For viewers in India and other regions, Lazarus is accessible through:

Adult Swim: Available via VPN services or platforms offering Adult Swim content.
Max: Episodes stream the day after airing.
Hulu: Streaming availability confirmed.
Prime Video: Episodes accessible for streaming.
Apple TV: Available for viewing.

Ensure to check regional availability and subscription requirements for each platform.

Lazarus Anime Cast & Characters

Main Voice Cast:

Axel Gilberto: Jack Stansbury
Dr. Deniz Skinner: David Matranga
Hersch: Jade Kelly
Christine: Luci Christian
Eleina: Annie Wild
Leland: Bryson Baugus
Doug: Jovan Jackson

The diverse cast brings depth to their characters, enhancing the series’ emotional resonance.

Themes & Inspirations

Lazarus delves into themes of scientific ethics, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the fragility of society. Watanabe draws inspiration from real-world issues like the opioid crisis and environmental degradation, crafting a narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences.

The series also pays homage to classic sci-fi aesthetics, blending futuristic settings with multicultural elements, reminiscent of Blade Runner.

Reception & Reviews

Lazarus has received mixed to positive reviews:

Metacritic Score: 79/100
Rotten Tomatoes: Season 1 holds a “Fresh” rating.
IGN: Rated the first five episodes 5/10, citing pacing issues.

Critics praise the series’ animation quality, musical score, and action choreography, while some note that character development and plot depth could be improved.

Connection to Cowboy Bebop

While Lazarus is not a direct sequel to Cowboy Bebop, it shares thematic and stylistic similarities:

Director: Both series are helmed by Shinichirō Watanabe.
Music Integration: A strong emphasis on music to enhance storytelling.
Character Archetypes: A diverse team of specialists navigating complex missions.

Fans of Cowboy Bebop will find familiar elements in Lazarus, making it a spiritual successor in many respects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lazarus available on Netflix?

As of now, Lazarus is not available on Netflix. Viewers can stream it on Max, Hulu, Prime Video, and Apple TV.

**How many episodes are there in Lazarus?**

The series comprises 13 episodes.

When will the final episode air?

The finale is scheduled for June 29, 2025.

Is there a Season 2 planned?

No official announcement has been made regarding a second season. The series is currently presented as a standalone narrative.

Lazarus stands as a testament to Shinichirō Watanabe’s storytelling prowess, blending action, music, and thought-provoking themes into a compelling anime experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of his work or new to his creations, Lazarus offers a thrilling journey worth undertaking.