EXCLUSIVE: WarnerMedia-owned anime outfit Crunchyroll adds two additional streaming tables for subscription.
The $ 8-a-month core service exceeded 3 million subscribers earlier this summer. It will continue as the ‘Fan’ plan. The new levels will be “Mega Fan,” at $ 10 per month, and “Ultimate Fan,” for $ 15.
Merchandise – a proven draw for anime fans – is an element of both tiers at a higher level.
“Fan” subscribers will have access to Crunchyroll’s anime library of more than 1,000 titles and 30,000 episodes, with instant access to simulcast series day and date with their premiere in Japan.
“Mega Fan” adds offline viewing, four simultaneous streams (compared to only one at the Fan level), and discounts at the Crunchyroll Store. “Ultimate Fan” subscribers receive six simultaneous streams, an annual membership “swag bag”, and exclusive access to member-only markets.
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Crunchyroll will also continue to offer a free, ad-supported streaming service, with episodes available one week after its premiere on other platforms.
The new subscriber offers roll out today, with full availability expected by early September.
WarnerMedia has presented Crunchyroll on HBO Max, the general entertainment service that launched in May. HBO Max came on the market after the company introduced more targeted services like DC Universe and Crunchyroll. The latter originated with Peter Chernin’s Otter Media, which has also cultivated digital brands such as Rooster Teeth and Fullscreen. WarnerMedia parent AT&T was a partner with Chernin in Otter before taking full control in 2018.
Crunchyroll has declined to comment on speculation that it may be for sale. The information reported earlier this month that AT&T – which is carrying $ 153 billion in debt after absorbing Time Warner in 2018 – has held talks with Sony about a possible acquisition. Sony has expertise in anime as the owner of Funimation.
