Crunchyroll Shifts One Piece to Premium Tier—What It Means

Crunchyroll is initiating a significant transition by moving hundreds of One Piece episodes from its free, ad-supported tier to the premium tier in a phased rollout from December 23 to February 17. Initially, 206 episodes will remain available for free while the rest, totaling 1,122, will eventually require a subscription to access. The rollout will involve three phases, with key arcs like Water 7 and WANO KUNI being impacted. PRicing for Crunchyroll starts at $7.99 a month, although some tiers saw price adjustments earlier this year. This change aims to enhance the streaming experience while still offering some accessibility for fans of the long-running anime series.

The shift may limit access for fans who rely on the free tier, compelling them to subscribe for continued viewing of a beloved series. However, Crunchyroll ensures that supplying premium content also provides a higher quality viewing experience for those who choose to upgrade.

One Piece, the longest-running animated series, has captivated audiences since its debut in 1999. It tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew on a quest for the elusive One Piece treasure. The series has garnered a massive fanbase globally, making the decision to shift episodes to a premium model a notable change in the accessibility of anime for many viewers.