Crunchyroll stopped routinely offering new and continuing seasonal simulcast episodes free with ads starting in Spring 2022. Select titles had a short-lived exception: their first three episodes were free through May 31, 2022. That policy change did not mean every older episode or every free offering disappeared at once. Separately, GamesRadar+ reported in December 2025 that ad-supported streaming would end on December 31, 2025; an official Crunchyroll confirmation was not located, so treat that broader cutoff as reported rather than confirmed.
What changed in Spring 2022
Before the change, new seasonal simulcasts could receive free, ad-supported episodes after a delay. Beginning with the Spring 2022 season, Crunchyroll ended that routine free release for new and continuing simulcasts. Viewers seeking those episodes on demand generally needed Premium access.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pok#mon: The Movies 1-3 Collection (Blu-ray) | $14.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sailor Moon Three-Film Collection (Blu-ray) | $19.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Elfen Lied Complete Collection [Blu-Ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sYmcL3fgL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Elfen Lied Complete Collection [Blu-Ray] | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
![Digimon the Movies 4-6 Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BavV0Z0TL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Digimon the Movies 4-6 Collection [Blu-ray] | $23.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Digimon The Movies 1-3 Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51A6WUi9P+L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Digimon The Movies 1-3 Collection [Blu-ray] | $24.59 | Buy on Amazon |
The change concerned access to new seasonal simulcasts, not every title in Crunchyroll’s catalog. Contemporary reporting said episodes published before the Spring 2022 change remained free at that time; that did not guarantee that future episodes of those series would also be free. Engadget’s March 2022 coverage explains the policy and its limits.
A temporary sampler, not a delayed release promise
For select Spring 2022 titles, the first three episodes were available free through May 31, 2022. This was a time-limited sampler. It did not establish a general rule that the rest of each series would become free later.
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Why the change followed Crunchyroll’s library transition
On March 1, 2022, Sony announced that library and simulcast content previously exclusive to Funimation would begin moving to Crunchyroll. Sony said new Spring series would stream only on Crunchyroll, while Funimation would continue adding episodes of current series. Sony’s announcement provides that transition context; it is distinct from the later decision to stop routine free ad-supported simulcasts.
Crunchyroll also announced the Funimation content transition in March 2022. Its announcement describes the move of content into Crunchyroll’s service.
Rank #2
What happened to the broader free ad-supported tier?
A separate development was reported in December 2025: GamesRadar+ said ad-supported streaming would end on December 31, 2025. The report is not the same policy change as the Spring 2022 simulcast decision, and an official Crunchyroll notice confirming this broader shutdown was not located. Accordingly, the reported date should not be presented as an independently confirmed company announcement. GamesRadar+’s December 9, 2025 report is the source for that date.
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Check the exact episode and region
Free access has depended on title, episode, date, and region. Look up the particular series and episode in your own Crunchyroll account rather than assuming that an older free episode means the whole series is free on demand.
Rank #3
- Elfen Lied Complete Collection [Blu-Ray]
Use Premium for on-demand library access
Crunchyroll’s Premium page advertises ad-free library viewing and new episodes shortly after their release in Japan. Benefits differ by plan and region, so check the live page for the offer available where you are, including price and features such as downloads or simultaneous streams. Crunchyroll Premium lists its current terms.
Crunchyroll’s help page says its free trial lasts seven days and automatically continues as a paid membership unless canceled before the trial ends. Trial eligibility and terms can change; review the current information before starting one. Crunchyroll’s free-trial help page provides the details.
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Try the curated Crunchyroll Channel
Crunchyroll describes Crunchyroll Channel as a free, curated, 24/7 anime service available on selected platforms, including Roku and Amazon Freevee. It is a linear channel, not a way to unlock a specific new simulcast episode on demand. Availability may vary by platform and region. Crunchyroll’s channel help page describes the service.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- English dubbed, Japanese language, English subtitles
How to choose an option
- You want a particular new episode near its Japan release: check whether it is included with a Premium plan in your region.
- You want to watch without paying: check the exact episode’s availability, or see whether the curated Crunchyroll Channel is available on your platform. Neither option guarantees free on-demand access to a new simulcast.
- You do not need the latest release: verify whether the older episode you want remains available free; past availability does not guarantee access to every episode or title.
- You want to own a specific series: licensed manga or home-video editions may be alternatives, but availability depends on the title and market.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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