The 23rd Pretty Cure series, Star Detective Precure!, has kept fans buzzing throughout 2026, from its title reveal and character announcements to its television premiere. The attention has also introduced even more viewers to the long-running Pretty Cure franchise.
On November 12, 2026, Toei Animation announced that the first ending theme, Why? Mystery?! ANSWER (Naze? Nazo?! ANSWER), had officially surpassed 10 million views on YouTube. Reaching the milestone in just nine months, it is now the fastest Pretty Cure video ever to do so.
Why? Mystery?! ANSWER was already a major hit when the series began, and its view count continued climbing even after the second ending theme, We'll Understand Someday☆We'll Surely Meet (Itsuka Wakaru☆Kitto Aeru), took over.
The first ending won fans over with its adorable animation and upbeat music, but one moment really got people talking: Cure Arcana Shadow, who was still an enemy at the time, happily dancing alongside Cure Answer and Cure Mystique despite their rivalry in the main story. Released on February 1, 2026, the video reached the milestone in just 283 days, or roughly nine months.
CG producer Atsushi Nojima commented, “I’m truly delighted that we can share this joy with everyone and the staff while the series is still airing!”
The official team also released a celebratory illustration, adding, “As a thank-you to everyone, the ending team has prepared a special gift. We hope you enjoy it!” The image features all four Cures and their fairy partners, including Cure Eclair and Shushutan, who did not appear in the first ending animation.
The previous record-holder for the fastest Pretty Cure song video to reach 10 million views was KiraKira Pretty Cure à la Mode's second ending theme, Shubidubi☆Sweets Time. That video took roughly one year and four months to hit the milestone, making the new record a substantial leap forward.
In terms of total views across the franchise's theme songs, however, Shubidubi☆Sweets Time still holds the crown with more than 20 million views.
The success of Star Detective Precure!'s first ending, Why? Mystery?! ANSWER, reflects just how much attention the series has attracted. Its polished character designs and production have also helped keep the momentum going, alongside a steady stream of collaborations.
Star Detective Precure! is now approaching the final stretch of its story, with the next series set to take over in February 2027. The big mystery now is whether its closing chapters can stick the landing.