Today, AMC Global Media announced the largest content programming deal to date for HIDIVE and an expansion of the major partnership between the popular anime streaming service and Japan’s Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS). Under this exclusive global pact, HIDIVE will distribute MBS’ upcoming multi-year series line-up around the world in all markets outside Asia; titles under the new agreement will be simulcast exclusively on HIDIVE as they are released over upcoming seasons and available to its subscribers throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as in key overseas markets including U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
The new multi-year output deal builds upon the success of the ongoing alliance between the companies, which originally launched in March 2023 and has provided exclusive worldwide rights to distribute part of MBS’ future anime programming in all territories outside of Asia. Through their collaboration, HIDIVE has already delivered numerous fan-favorite series to viewers, including 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.
To celebrate the continued partnership, HIDIVE unveiled Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden as the inaugural MBS title — revealing not only the fantasy action series’ official English trailer but also that the streamer will present the show’s North American premiere on August 21 at 4 p.m. (Room 1A15-18) at Anime NYC 2026. As previously announced by MBS in January, Nia Liston will debut this October, and so, will stream as part of HIDIVE’s Fall 2026 Simulcast Season.
Adapted from the long-running light novel series written by Umikaze Minamino and illustrated by Katana Canata and JISHAKU, Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden is directed by Motoki Nakanishi and assistant director Haruta Segi, with series composition by Gigaemon Ichikawa and production by Konami Animation. Honoka Inoue (Kaoruku in The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity) stars as the protagonist, Nia Liston.
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Synopsis: Death was supposed to be Nia Liston’s fate, until a mysterious man gave her a second chance. Reborn with the soul of an undefeated hero, Nia must master chi to overcome a devastating illness and restore her body’s strength. But alongside her new power comes an unquenchable desire for combat and adventure. As Nia explores the world, her search for worthy opponents sparks unexpected battles, unforgettable encounters, and plenty of chaos. Will anyone be strong enough to defeat the hero who has never lost?
The deal’s remaining titles from MBS’ upcoming programming slate will be announced in the future.
“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,” said John Ledford, President of HIDIVE. “This expansive multi-year agreement reinforces HIDIVE’s bona fides with both fans and industry as one of the world’s most established and leading distributors of the best new genre-spanning anime that Japan has to offer. We are excited to premiere the deal’s inaugural title Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden later this month at Anime NYC, ahead of its debut this October as part of HIDIVE’s Fall 2026 Simulcast Season.”
Mihoko Shibata, Director of Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc., commented, “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. We are thrilled to extend this successful alliance through our new multi-year output deal. Beginning with Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden, we look forward to continuing to deliver our most anticipated new titles to international audiences and growing the global anime community together.”
