The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Anime›Steins;Gate
Entertainment • Anime

Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is a Japanese science-fiction anime television series based on the 2009 visual novel of the same name by 5pb.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Steins;Gate is a Japanese science-fiction anime television series based on the 2009 visual novel of the same name by 5pb. and Nitroplus. Produced by White Fox, it first aired in 2011 and follows Rintaro Okabe and his friends after they discover a way to send messages to the past. The series is part of the Science Adventure franchise.

Premise

The story follows Okabe and his friends in Akihabara after they accidentally discover a method of time communication. Their experiments lead to major changes in the present and draw them into a struggle over alternate timelines.

Production

Steins;Gate was produced by White Fox and adapted from the 2009 visual novel by 5pb. and Nitroplus. It was broadcast in Japan in 2011 as a 24-episode television series.

Reception and legacy

The series is widely known as a prominent time-travel anime and became one of the best-known entries in the Science Adventure franchise. Its story later expanded into additional media, including a sequel series and a feature film.

Key facts

  • The series adapts the 2009 visual novel created by 5pb. and Nitroplus.
  • It centers on Rintaro Okabe, who leads the Future Gadget Laboratory with his friends.
  • The plot involves sending text messages to the past and the consequences of changing timelines.
  • The anime originally aired for 24 episodes in 2011.
  • It is part of the broader Science Adventure franchise, alongside titles such as Chaos;Head and Robotics;Notes.
🍁
Canadian context

The series has been distributed in North America, including Canada, through English-language licensing and streaming channels, and it has a substantial Canadian anime fanbase.

Frequently asked questions

What is Steins;Gate?
Steins;Gate is a Japanese anime television series based on a 2009 visual novel. It follows a group of friends whose time-travel experiments alter their timeline.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Rintaro Okabe, a self-described mad scientist who helps lead the Future Gadget Laboratory.
How many episodes does the anime have?
The original television series has 24 episodes.
When did Steins;Gate first air?
It first aired in Japan in April 2011 and ran through September 2011.
What franchise is it part of?
It is part of the Science Adventure franchise.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steins;Gate_(TV_series)
    Supports: Series identity, studio, episode count, original run, premise, franchise membership
  2. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=11770
    Supports: Genres, themes, plot summary, production background
  3. MyAnimeList — https://myanimelist.net/anime/9253/Steins_Gate
    Supports: Airing dates, episode count, source material, production credits
  4. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction — https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/steins_gate
    Supports: 2011 anime series, source material, episode count, sequel film and sequel series