Understanding the episode count is easier when you break the series into its two major story arcs:

Here's a breakdown of the episodes:

: 12 core volumes, plus a 13th "How to Read" guidebook.

In an era of anime where shows either get cancelled after 12 episodes or stretched indefinitely with filler, Death Note stands out as a remarkably complete, self-contained story. From the moment the notebook falls from the sky to the final, haunting shot of a sunset, the series uses its 37 episodes efficiently, telling a complete tragedy of ambition, intellect, and hubris.

The anime series was produced by Madhouse and consists of one season with 37 episodes. There is also a spin-off film, "L: Change the World," which serves as a prequel to the series.