Crunchyroll is the latest to launch a 24/7 free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel, offering viewers the option to tune in and watch select anime programming at any time and for free.
Crunchyroll is already available as a standalone streaming service. A subscription costs between $7.99 to $14.99 a month and unlocks access to the Crunchyroll library, including new episodes shortly after their release in Japan. For those that don’t want to pay for a subscription, it is possible to watch a limited selection of content for free.
Alternatively, it is now also possible to tune in to the new Crunchyroll channel and watch for free. Running 24 hours a day, the new Crunchyroll channel provides access to a variety of popular shows, including Horimiya, Ranking of Kings, Moriarty the Patriot, PSYCHO–PASS, Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest, Sugar Apple Fairytale, To Your Eternity, and Code Geass.
Crunchyroll has also confirmed the availability of English-dubbed programing on the channel at launch.
While the new channel won’t act as a replacement for a Crunchyroll subscription, it does offer a way for fans to watch select content without having to download an additional app. Not to mention, a route for Crunchyroll to attract new users to its content and platform.
As to be expected with the launch of a new channel, device support is a little limited at the moment. At present, the new Crunchyroll channel is only accessible via Amazon Freevee, LG Channels, The Roku Channel, and Vizio WatchFree+. However, it is expected that the channel will gain support for other platforms and services in due course.
According to Crunchyroll, the new channel has launched in partnership with Game Show Network (GSN). Both Crunchyroll and Game Show Network are owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment.
