Crunchyroll Launches Free Streaming Channel Aimed at ‘Anime-Curious’ Viewers
Believe it or not, anime has been one of the dominant entertainment genres for years, with viewers of all ages around the world tuning in to watch the stylized animated titles in record numbers. Now, fans will have a new way to stream hits as the world’s leading anime streaming service Crunchyroll has teamed up with GSN to launch an around-the-clock free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) anime channel.
- Crunchyroll launches 24/7 streaming anime channel.
- The network will feature Japanese animated hits dubbed in English.
- The channel will be available on multiple free streaming platforms, including Freevee and the Roku Channel.
“With the launch of the Crunchyroll channel, we can immediately complement our growing subscription streaming platform by attracting more viewers and fans into our anime ecosystem,” Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini said. “We’re making it easier than ever to reach anime-interested and -curious viewers to show them the wonderful world of anime. This new venture allows viewers to scratch the surface of our library that complements the full access available to Crunchyroll subscribers.”
What Will Be on Crunchyroll’s New Free Streaming Channel?
The new network debuts on Wednesday, Oct. 11 and will initially be available on Freevee, [LG Channels], The Roku Channel, and VIZIO WatchFree+. The channel is designed to be an on-ramp for “anime-curious” audiences as it will feature a schedule of fan-favorite anime hits. The series available at launch include “Horimiya,” “Ranking of Kings,” “Moriarty the Patriot,” “PSYCHO–PASS,” “Arifureta,” “Sugar Apple Fairytale,” “To Your Eternity,” and “Code Geass.”
In addition to these beloved fan favorites, the network will also feature themed programming blocks, promotional titles, and more that will help expose viewers to the wide range of anime being created in Japan. If fans like what they see on the new FAST channel, they will still be able to access new and premium anime content on Crunchyroll’s traditional subscription platforms.
What Is Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll is a worldwide streaming service that aims to connect anime and manga fans across more than 200 countries and territories with the content and experiences that they love. In addition to free ad-supported and subscription streaming content, Crunchyroll serves the anime community across events, theatrical, games, consumer products, collectibles, and manga publishing.
Via the streamer, anime lovers are able to access one of the largest collections of the genre’s titles in the world, which has been translated into multiple languages. Viewers are also able to watch simulcasts of some of the most popular anime series immediately after they air in Japan.
“GSN is thrilled by the massive response from our platform partners for this channel, which is a testament to Crunchyroll’s brand and library,” GSN EVP Tim Carry said. “We are grateful to bring this channel to market.”
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a subscription video streaming service catering to fans of anime with over 30,000 episodes. Viewers can see new episodes of shows one hour after they air in Japan, and read hundreds of chapters across dozens of manga titles. Some of their more popular titles are Dragon Ball Super, Attack on Titan, and Fire Force.