Television networks Sun Television and Teletama recently aired the first new episode of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya since July 2, 2006. The episode ran as part of the anime's renewed run, in which the series is re-airing on smaller networks.

The new episode, titled Sasa no Ha Rhapsody (Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody), is the next story in the Haruhi light novel series. Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody was directed and storyboarded by Yasuhiro Takemoto (Lucky Star, Full Metal Panic!). Fumihiko Shimo (Clannad, Kanon) wrote the episode's script.

A new ending theme song titled Tomare! was used for the episode. Tomare! was performed by Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara, and Yuko Goto. A CD-single of the song will hit Japanese retailers on August 26.