GAMESTECHNOLOGY

Crunchyroll shared an update about Anime releases for USA 2026

US Street Talk News Desk December 16, 2025
5 min read
Anime Characters Anime Girl
Anime Characters Anime Girl

New York, 16 December 2025: Crunchyroll is a major streaming platform for anime fans, especially for viewers in the USA. However, recently, Crunchyroll gave an unfortunate update, meaning fans will have to bear a financial burden to watch many major anime releases in 2026. This update is about the end of the free ad-supported streaming service, so from the new year, a paid subscription will be required to watch all content.

The end of free ad-supported streaming

Crunchyroll has announced that its free ad-supported streaming service will end on 31 December 2025. From 1 January 2026, a paid subscription will be required to watch all anime series and new episodes on the platform. Previously, fans could watch many popular anime for free with ads, such as series like Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, Vinland Saga, Blue Lock, and My Hero Academia.

This change is part of a strategy to shift towards Crunchyroll’s paid subscription. Previously, in 2022, new episodes were moved to the paid subscription, and now the entire free tier is being removed. The company hasn’t given a clear reason for this, but this change could be aimed at increasing revenue in the anime industry.

Major anime releases of 2026

The year 2026 is super exciting for anime fans because many big series will have new seasons and new anime will be released on Crunchyroll. Some major examples:

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 (Winter 2026)

  • Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 (Winter 2026)
  • Hell’s Paradise Season 2
  • Fire Force final part
  • Witch Hat Atelier (April 2026, after delay)
  • New exclusive series like ROLL OVER AND DIE, Champignon Witch and others

All of this simulcast (released in Japan) was available on Crunchyroll, but now it can’t be watched for free. This has disappointed millions of fans in the USA who relied on the free tier.

The impact on fans

This change is especially unfortunate for fans in the USA, because Crunchyroll is the main platform for anime simulcasts. Since there is no free option:

  • Fans will have to spend $7.99 to $15.99 per month to watch new releases (Fan, Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan plan).
  • People with low income or students might miss out on watching anime.
  • Earlier, fans building digital libraries were shocked by previous changes, and now this new change.
  • Many fans have expressed disappointment on social media because, as anime becomes more mainstream, its accessibility is decreasing.

Alternative streaming platforms

Not all anime are available on Crunchyroll, but there are some options:

You can watch some classic or old anime for free on Tubi, Retro Crush, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel and YouTube.
But, new simulcasts or big series might not be available in Crunchyroll’s library.

There are some anime on Netflix, Hulu or Disney+ too, but most of them are paid.

Crunchyroll subscription plans

The plans for Crunchyroll are as follows:

  • Fan: $7.99/month – ad-free, offline download.
  • Mega Fan: $11.99/month – more devices, offline.
  • Ultimate Fan: $15.99/month – Merchandise discounts, priority support.

These plans will be necessary to see all the major releases in 2026.

Winter 2026 (January to March) major release

  • Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
  • Release date: 8 January 2026
  • This season will adapt the “Culling Game Arc”, featuring a battle royale among sorcerers. The story will continue after the Shibuya Incident. Produced by MAPPA studio. This could be the biggest show of the year for fans.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2

  • Release date: 16 January 2026
  • Frieren’s new travel story will continue. After the success of the first season, this anime will be full of emotion and action. Madhouse studio.

Hell’s Paradise Season 2

  • Release date: 11 January 2026
  • The story of Gabimaru on the island of immortality continues. Dark fantasy and action by MAPPA studio.

Trigun Stargaze

  • Release date: 10 January 2026
  • The new part of the Trigun series will complete Vash’s story.

Sentenced to Be a Hero

  • Release date: 3 January 2026
  • Dark fantasy anime where the hero has to save the world as punishment. Releasing now after a delay.

Fire Force Final Season

  • Final part, the story of the firefighters will be complete.
  • Other notable: A new season of Oshi no Ko or other sequels are also expected.

Spring 2026 (April to June) major release

Witch Hat Atelier

  • Release date: April 2026
  • This is a highly anticipated anime. The story of a girl learning the art of magic. Famous for the manga’s beautiful art style. BUG Films studio. Delayed from 2025, but good for the quality.

Daemons of the Shadow Realm

The author of Fullmetal Alchemist’s new series. Dark fantasy.

Other 2026 release

  • Dr. Stone: Science Future Part 3
  • The story of Dr. Stone continues.

Blue Lock Season 3 (Expected Summer 2026)

  • Soccer anime
  • Other expectations: A new season of Re:Zero, Mushoku Tensei, but the exact date is not confirmed yet.

Availability on Crunchiroll

Most big anime will be simulcast on Crunchyroll (along with Japan). From 2026, the free tier will end, so a paid subscription will be needed.

The anime industry looks really strong in 2026, especially with the sequels. We’ll get to see many amazing stories in the new year! Which is your favorite series?

Conclusion

Although this change by Crunchyroll is part of the commercial development of the anime industry, it is unfortunate for fans. To enjoy many excellent anime releases coming in 2026, you will now need a paid subscription. Still, the excitement in the anime world won’t lessen – it will just be a bit more expensive. Fans should think about subscribing as soon as possible so they don’t miss out on the anime excitement of the new year!