Beginning with episode 9 of season 3, new The Legend of Korra episodes were first distributed online rather than broadcast on television.
Book Three: Change began its U.S. run on Nickelodeon on June 27, 2014. However, after leaked episodes and declining ratings, Nickelodeon stopped airing the season after episode 8. Episodes 9 through 13 were then released weekly through Nickelodeon's website and digital download platforms.
This change made The Legend of Korra an early example of a major animated series shifting from scheduled television distribution to an online-first release. The move was not a planned format for the entire season: the first eight episodes had already been televised, while the final five were moved online.
The season contains 13 episodes and follows Korra's efforts to confront the Red Lotus, led by the airbender Zaheer. It also explores the unexpected return of airbending around the world and takes place shortly after the events of Book Two: Spirits.