HIDIVE and MBS Expand Multi-Year Anime Partnership: “Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden” on the Way
HIDIVE and Japan's leading broadcaster Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) have signed a multi-year exclusive agreement expanding their anime streaming partnership. The agreement stipulates that selected productions in which MBS is involved in the production process will be streamed exclusively on HIDIVE in certain regions. As the first step of the new collaboration, the license for the production Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden was also announced, thus guaranteeing the title as an exclusive release on the platform.
Operating under AMC Networks, HIDIVE has become a digital platform well known to anime fans, particularly through the Sentai Filmworks catalog and simulcast releases. Osaka-based MBS, on the other hand, is known for its anime block Animeism, which airs in Japan's late-night time slot. This block has hosted major titles such as Kill la Kill, Aldnoah.Zero, and Jujutsu Kaisen, and has been one of the showcases shaping the anime industry. This multi-year agreement is seen as a strategic move that goes beyond licensing, strengthening MBS's international visibility.
Announced under the agreement, Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden draws attention with its title, which can be translated as 'ruthless girl' or 'merciless young woman.' Story and character details have not yet been fully shared, but the series is expected to reach HIDIVE's global audience. MBS's usual participation in production committees for anime projects and HIDIVE's increasing activity in such collaborations indicate that the project is not just a licensing agreement but also a sign of a long-term partnership.
This development is welcome news for anime fans, especially those looking to expand HIDIVE's catalog. The platform has previously worked to bring many anime to audiences simultaneously in both Japan and the world. The exclusive deal with an established broadcaster like MBS could change HIDIVE's 'where to watch this anime' equation. In the coming months, announcements for a trailer, release date, and voice cast for Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden are expected. The anime world is more open to new global partnerships than ever; this agreement is an important step in that direction.
