Crunchyroll Unveils Exclusive 24/7 Anime Channel with Free Streaming!

Highlights

Crunchyroll, the popular anime streaming service, has announced a new 24-hour anime channel that is free to watch but supported by ads.

The new channel, which targets new audiences interested in anime, currently exclusively streams on LG Channels, Roku Channel, Vizio WatchFree+, and will soon be accessible through Amazon Freevee.

Featuring a curated collection of classic, well-loved anime series in dubbed format, the channel ensures greater accessibility for anime enthusiasts who may be unfamiliar with subtitles.

Streaming services are increasingly replacing television, and new services are constantly being launched. While there are several anime streaming services available, Crunchyroll stands out as the most renowned and popular in many countries worldwide. In an exciting announcement this week, Crunchyroll unveiled a brand-new 24-hour anime streaming channel that is completely free.

The announcement was made at the end of the week and the channel is already available for streaming. This new channel is supported by advertisements, meaning viewers do not have to pay anything, but they will have to occasionally watch advertisements. However, it's important to note that the availability of this channel is currently limited. At present, it can only be streamed through LG Channels, the Roku Channel, and Vizio WatchFree+. In the future, it will also be launched on Amazon Freevee. Additionally, it has been confirmed that this new channel is only available in the United States.

This makes it less accessible than ideal, but it is definitely a first step. The purpose of this free channel is to introduce anime to new viewers who may not have otherwise watched it, especially those who are not willing to pay for access. Instead, curious individuals can watch for free and if they enjoy the anime on this channel, they can subscribe to Crunchyroll for access to its extensive catalog.

The new Crunchyroll channel does not feature everything, but it offers a selection of older, popular anime series including Horimiya, Ranking of Kings, Moriarty the Patriot, Psycho-Pass, Arifureta, Sugar Apple Fairy Tail, To Your Eternity, and Code Geass. All of these shows will be available in dubbed versions as well.

Although not all anime enthusiasts prefer watching the dubbed versions, these versions are more accessible for newcomers to the anime world as they eliminate the obstacle of subtitles. The aim is to provide them with a preliminary introduction to the anime realm and subsequently entice them towards Crunchyroll's broader, premium collection.

The channel, a joint venture between Crunchyroll and Game Show Network (GSN), both owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, has garnered mixed reactions. While some fans are thrilled about the announcement, others remain skeptical due to Crunchyroll's ongoing lawsuit, where they are accused of selling data from American customers to a third party. Speculations arise that this news is an attempt to divert attention from the company's current situation. Regardless, there are individuals eagerly anticipating the channel's release.

The service made its debut on most platforms on October 11th, with Amazon Freebee set to add it on October 17th. As of now, there are no announcements regarding its availability on other services or channels, both within and outside the US. Presumably, Crunchyroll is waiting to evaluate the channel's response from one of its largest audiences before expanding to other regions and platforms if it proves successful.

Source: IGN