Crunchyroll just announced the Crunchyroll Channel, a new 24/7 TV channel for select providers in the US. The service launches on October 11, 2023, for The Roku Channel, VIZIO WatchFree+, and LG Channels users. The channel will be accessible for Amazon Freevee users on October 17. Initial anime offerings are Horimiya, Ranking of Kings, Moriarty the Patriot, PSYCHO–PASS, Arifureta, Sugar Apple Fairytale, To Your Eternity, and Code Geass. The channel will include the English dub at launch.
Crunchyroll announces that within the 24/7 service, there will be certain programming blocks scheduled for promotional content, themes, and different genres. The Crunchyroll Channel is described as a “collaboration between Crunchyroll and Game Show Network (GSN)”, both owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment. The President of Crunchyroll, Rahul Purini commented on the announcement:
“The Crunchyroll channel is a gateway to the world of anime where we will guide viewers to discover new worlds, new stories and new characters. And thanks to our distribution partners at launch, millions of fans have easy access to the medium that is taking the world by storm!“
At the initial launch, the Crunchyroll Channel will require an internet connection. It’s unclear whether Sony and cable service GSN plan further expansion into cable TV. Crunchyroll also states that new and premium anime content will remain on its on-demand platforms – the app and website.
The Crunchyroll Channel continues the streaming giant’s expansion in recent times, with the announcements of over fifty anime coming to their on-demand service in the current Fall 2024 anime season and the acquisition of the popular online store, Right Stuf.
Source: Press Release
