Unveiling the Epic Evolution of Anime Cable Networks

Highlights

During the era of dedicated anime channels, avid fans were provided with a multitude of options to fulfill their craving for anime. Streaming services may have ushered in a golden age of accessibility and affordability, but it was through these specialized channels that enthusiasts sought to satisfy their insatiable appetite for animated content.

The International Channel played a crucial role in broadcasting unedited subtitled anime, effectively bridging the gap for immigrant communities in the US. Although not solely dedicated to anime, it significantly contributed to this aspect. On the other hand, the Anime Network and Funimation Channel were trailblazers in expanding the audience for anime through cable and satellite TV. However, with the emergence of online platforms, they eventually transitioned their focus to digital streaming.

Streaming has revolutionized the way we consume media, and anime enthusiasts have greatly benefited from this innovation. With the increased affordability and accessibility provided by streaming services, anime aficionados can now indulge in their favorite pastime like never before. In the past, we have extensively covered the experiences of watching anime on platforms like Toonami or renting from Blockbuster. However, there was a notable period when anime had gained enough popularity for a handful of companies to experiment with creating dedicated 24/7 anime channels. What became of these channels? What was their nature, and what factors contributed to their eventual downfall? Join us as we delve into this intriguing chapter in the history of anime distribution in America.

What is a Cable Network Channel?

Characteristics of cable network channels encompass:

Diverse Content

Nationwide Availability

Advertising Revenue

Original Programming

Niche Focus

CNN (news), ESPN (sports), National Geographic (documentaries and science), Cartoon Network (cartoons), and many other cable network channels are well-known examples. Considering this, it is foreseeable that anime would eventually have dedicated channels. Looking back at these channels reveals their accomplishments and shortcomings, which adds to the intrigue.

The International Channel

Although not exclusively focused on anime, The International Channel deserves recognition. This U.S. cable television network, which began broadcasting in the early 1980s, primarily featured programming in multiple languages from various international sources. Its main aim was to connect immigrant and expatriate communities in the United States with their home countries.

At one time, the channel became renowned for airing anime in the evenings (well before Toonami was launched on Cartoon Network). It was also the first channel in the U.S. to showcase uncut subtitled anime. Unfortunately, the channel underwent various ownership and branding changes before eventually merging with other networks.

The Anime Network

The Anime Network, a cable and satellite television network, was established in 2002 as the first American network solely dedicated to broadcasting anime programs. ADV Films, a prominent anime distributor in North America, launched the network, providing a wide range of Japanese animated series that were either dubbed in English or presented with English subtitles. Initially, The Anime Network functioned as a video-on-demand service and later evolved into a full-fledged cable channel available 24/7.

Over time, as online streaming platforms gained popularity and traditional TV viewership declined (alongside the dissolution of ADV Films), The Anime Network shifted its focus to digital streaming. The network experienced several changes in content delivery methods before eventually discontinuing its cable and satellite television operations. Eventually, the assets were acquired by Sentai Filmworks, established by former members of ADV Films, and their online services were replaced by HiDive in 2017. In 2022, AMC Entertainment purchased Sentai, along with HiDive, as part of an effort to enhance its online streaming lineup.

Funimation Channel

Despite having a small but loyal audience, Funimation Productions decided to create their own anime channel, the Funimation Channel, due to their extensive collection of licenses. Launched in 2005, the channel aimed to bring anime to a wider audience through cable and satellite television, while also generating ad revenue from the licensed content. Similar to The Anime Network, the Funimation Channel featured a wide range of anime series and movies in both English dubbed and original Japanese versions with English subtitles. It catered to diverse tastes within the anime fandom, offering genres such as action, fantasy, romance, and drama. However, like The Anime Network, the Funimation Channel faced challenges as the media landscape shifted with the emergence of digital streaming platforms. As a result, the channel was eventually phased out and replaced by Funimation Now, a direct-to-consumer streaming site. Although Funimation Now still operates, the company's acquisition by Sony indicates that eventually, all their anime will be integrated into Crunchyroll.

TOKU

Although Funimation Channel is not a 24/7 anime channel, it has undergone a transformation and is now known as TOKU. TOKU is dedicated to broadcasting anime, live-action Asian films, and entertainment content, specifically from the tokusatsu genre. Olympusat operates TOKU, making it the closest thing we have to a cable channel dedicated to anime. Additionally, TOKU has expanded its reach through digital streaming platforms, allowing a wider audience to access their content. While anime may not be the sole focus, it is important to recognize TOKU as the only cable channel that continues to allocate significant resources to anime.

Neon Alley

Although not officially recognized as a cable channel, it is important to mention Neon Valley. Developed by Viz Media, Neon Alley was a digital anime streaming service that debuted in October 2012. It initially presented itself as a 24-hour programmed channel accessible on gaming consoles such as PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, setting it apart from other streaming platforms by following a linear, TV-like schedule.

Neon Alley's main focus revolved around providing viewers with dubbed versions of anime, offering the opportunity to watch English-dubbed premieres of popular series shortly after their original Japanese broadcasts. The creation of this service perplexed many, as it not only functioned as a typical cable network without actually being on cable TV, but it also went against the benefit of digital platforms that allowed viewers to enjoy entertainment on demand without the constraints of a TV schedule.

Someone must have taken notice of the changes, as in 2014, VIZ Media made an announcement regarding the alteration of Neon Alley's format. Instead of maintaining its status as a 24-hour programmed channel, the decision was made to transform it into a more conventional on-demand streaming service. Eventually, the Neon Alley brand was gradually phased out and its content was seamlessly integrated into VIZ Media's primary website and streaming platforms. Presently, the majority of VIZ Media's content can be readily accessed on popular platforms such as Hulu, Tubi, and PlutoTV.

Final Thoughts

While other cable channels attempted to dedicate significant airtime to anime, it was these services that truly embraced the concept of making anime a 24-hour business on television. However, in the present day, there isn't any cable channel that continues to broadcast anime non-stop, seven days a week. Though channels like Cartoon Network, TOKU, and SyFy still feature a decent amount of anime programming, viewers now have to patiently wait for their favorite shows to air.

PlutoTV stands out by offering a variety of dedicated online channels solely focused on anime, including popular shows like One Piece and Sailor Moon. In this way, PlutoTV continues the tradition of these channels. However, the availability of on-demand services like Crunchyroll, HiDive, and Tubi, which offer a wider selection of anime at a more affordable price and through a more convenient delivery system, makes it unlikely that another company will attempt to create an all-anime cable network. Nevertheless, Crunchyroll is taking a step towards meeting this demand by launching a 24/7 free anime channel on platforms such as Amazon's Freevee, LG Channels, VIZIO, and The Roku Channel. If you missed your chance to watch any of these channels, it seems you'll soon have the opportunity to experience them again!