Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!
Episode 26 · Naruto (2002)
SKIP
Filler or Canon?
No — Naruto Episode 26 is filler. It's anime-original and has no impact on the main story. Safe to skip if you only want canon. The series' first true filler — a clip-show in a press badge. Historically notable only as the template for every recap special that follows.NEXT CANON → NAR EP 27 · The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of Death
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
026 / 220
Status
Filler
Arc
Chunin Exams
CHUNIN EXAMS · EP 20–67 · 48 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 7 OF 48
Episode Summary
A recap with a costume change: framed as a special TV report, this episode replays the written exam's highlights through interviews and analysis, with Konohamaru as roving correspondent grilling the rookies about their cheating methods and first-exam nerves. It adds a few minutes of original fluff — proctor commentary, behind-the-scenes gags — around recycled footage of episodes 23-25. Skippable in the fullest sense, though completionists get one or two jokes and an early look at the series' fondness for fourth-wall holidays.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Chunin Exams arc.
Can I skip it?
Yes, you can safely skip it without missing main story.
Chunin Exams · Ep 20–67 · 48 episodes
020A New Chapter Begins: The Chunin Exam!Mixed Canon/Filler021Identify Yourself: Powerful New RivalsMixed Canon/Filler022Chunin Challenge: Rock Lee vs. Sasuke!Manga Canon023Genin Takedown! All Nine Rookies Face Off!Mixed Canon/Filler024Start Your Engines: The Chunin Exam Begins!Mixed Canon/Filler025The Tenth Question: All or Nothing!Manga Canon
026Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!Filler
027The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of DeathMixed Canon/Filler028Eat or be Eaten: Panic in the ForestMixed Canon/Filler029Naruto's Counterattack: Never Give In!Mixed Canon/Filler030The Sharingan Revived: Dragon Flame Jutsu!S+Mixed Canon/Filler031Bushy Brow's Pledge: Undying Love and Protection!Manga Canon032Sakura Blossoms!Manga Canon033Formation: Team 8!Manga Canon034Akamaru Unleashed! Who's Top Dog Now?Manga Canon035The Kunoichi Showdown: Rivals Take Center Stage!Manga Canon036Sakura's Choice!Manga Canon037The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The PreliminariesMixed Canon/Filler038Narrowing the Field: Sudden Death Showdown!Mixed Canon/Filler039Bushy Brow's Jutsu: Sasuke Styles!Mixed Canon/Filler040The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler041The Nine Tails' ChakraMixed Canon/Filler042The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Manga Canon043The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler044The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler045The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler046The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler047The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler048Gaara vs. Rock Lee: The Power of Youth Explodes!AManga Canon049Lee's Hidden Strength: Forbidden Secret Jutsu!Mixed Canon/Filler050The Fifth Gate: A Splendid Ninja is BornManga Canon051A Shadow in Darkness: Danger Approaches SasukeManga Canon052Ebisu Returns: Naruto's Toughest Training Yet!Mixed Canon/Filler053Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns!Mixed Canon/Filler054The Summoning Jutsu: Wisdom of the Toad Sage!Mixed Canon/Filler055A Feeling of Dread: Orochimaru's Near Presence!Mixed Canon/Filler056Live or Die: Risk it all to Win it all!Mixed Canon/Filler057He Flies! He Kicks! He Prowls! He Toad!Mixed Canon/Filler058Hospital Besieged: The Evil Hand Revealed!Mixed Canon/Filler059The Final Rounds: Rush to the Battle Arena!Mixed Canon/Filler060Byakugan Battle: Hinata Grows Bold!Mixed Canon/Filler061Ultimate Defense: Zero Blind Spot!Manga Canon062A Failure's True PowerManga Canon063Hit it or Deny it: Rock Lee's Explosion!Mixed Canon/Filler064Zero Motivation: The Guy with Ultimate Ninja!Manga Canon065Dancing Leaf, Squirming SandManga Canon066Sasuke's Training: Secret of the Chidori!AMixed Canon/Filler067Late for the Show, But Ready to Go! The Ultimate Secret Technique is Born!AManga Canon720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
Open Filler Guide →