Why is Bleach Not on Crunchyroll? Why Was Bleach Removed From Crunchyroll? Where to Watch Bleach?
by Abinaya | Updated Jul 27, 2023
Why is Bleach Not on Crunchyroll?
Bleach, a popular anime known for its intense action and gore, is not available on Crunchyroll due to the acquisition of streaming rights by another company. Crunchyroll, over the years, has established itself as one of the leading Western anime streaming platforms, offering a wide selection of anime series to its dedicated fanbase.
The absence of Bleach on Crunchyroll stems from a business decision involving the licensing and distribution of the anime. It is not uncommon for anime licenses to change hands, and in this case, the rights to stream Bleach were obtained by a different streaming company. Such licensing agreements are typically done for a specific duration and under certain terms, and it is possible that the contract with the previous licensor expired or was not renewed by Crunchyroll.
The specific company that acquired the rights to Bleach might have chosen to offer the anime on their platform exclusively, thereby making it unavailable on Crunchyroll. These exclusivity arrangements are often made to attract subscribers to a particular platform and strengthen the content library of the company in question.
Fans who were accustomed to watching Bleach on Crunchyroll may have been disappointed by this change, as they would need to subscribe to the new streaming service if they wish to continue following the series. However, such developments are part of the dynamic nature of the anime streaming industry, where different platforms compete for exclusive content to attract and retain their user base.
Additionally, the complaint about the possible mellowing down of the gory and bloody action scenes in Bleach might have played a role in the decision-making process. Streaming companies might have different policies regarding content that includes excessive violence, and this could have influenced the choice to distribute the anime on a different platform where such scenes are more acceptable or well-suited to the target audience.
Why was Bleach Removed From Crunchyroll?
Bleach's removal from Crunchyroll occurred due to the acquisition of the streaming rights by another company. Specifically, in October 2022, it was announced that Funimation Global Group, which is now owned by Disney, had obtained the rights to stream Bleach. As a consequence of this acquisition, all episodes of Bleach were taken down from Crunchyroll.
The shift in streaming rights led to concerns among fans about the potential for censorship and alterations to the anime's translation when it migrated to Funimation's platform. However, Funimation has addressed these worries by assuring fans that they will remain faithful to the original Japanese version of the anime.
This commitment aims to preserve the essence of the show and provide viewers with an experience that aligns closely with the source material. Currently, Bleach can be found on various platforms after its removal from Crunchyroll. Fans can watch the anime on Funimation, Hulu, and Tubi.
Furthermore, for those who prefer owning physical copies, the series is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. As with many anime series, licensing agreements are subject to change, leading to shifts between streaming platforms. While Bleach may no longer be on Crunchyroll, fans can still access the anime on other platforms, thanks to the efforts of the companies involved in securing the streaming rights.
Where to Watch Bleach?
The iconic anime "Bleach" was available for streaming on various platforms, providing fans with multiple options to enjoy the captivating world of Soul Reapers and their thrilling battles. Here are some of the platforms where you could watch "Bleach":
Bleach
"Bleach" is a compelling Japanese anime television series that originates from the manga of the same name, created by Tite Kubo. The anime was produced by Studio Pierrot and helmed by director Noriyuki Abe. It first aired on TV Tokyo in October 2004 and concluded in March 2012, boasting a total of 366 episodes.
The series captivates audiences with its engaging narrative and action-packed scenes. The plot centers around the protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki, who undergoes a life-changing event after acquiring the powers of a Soul Reaper—a being responsible for guiding departed souls to the afterlife, akin to the Grim Reaper.
This newfound responsibility compels Ichigo to protect humanity from malevolent spirits, embarking on thrilling adventures in the process. His fateful encounter with another Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki serves as the catalyst for his transformation into a defender of the living and the departed. The anime remains true to its manga source but also incorporates original storylines and characters not present in the manga, enriching the overall viewing experience.
This amalgamation of elements ensures both manga readers and anime-only viewers are treated to a captivating and well-rounded narrative. The popularity of "Bleach" extended beyond Japan, as Viz Media secured foreign television and home video distribution rights for the anime in March 2006. The series was brought to American audiences through the Adult Swim programming block, airing from September 2006 until November 2014.
Following the conclusion of the initial series, fans were delighted with the announcement of "Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War," a sequel series. This installment covers the final story arc of the manga and was animated by Studio Pierrot, with direction by Tomohisa Taguchi. The first 13-episode cour of the sequel aired on TV Tokyo from October to December 2022, followed by the second cour, which premiered in July 2023.
Bleach Series Plot
"Bleach" is an enthralling anime series that adapts Tite Kubo's manga, incorporating the main story arcs while introducing anime-exclusive ones. The narrative commences in Karakura Town, where high school student Ichigo Kurosaki's life takes a dramatic turn after encountering Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who protects him from Hollow, malevolent spirits.
Despite initial reluctance, Ichigo assumes Rukia's responsibilities as a substitute Soul Reaper. Throughout the series, he and his friends discover classmates with their own spiritual awareness and unique powers. The story unfolds with Rukia's sentencing to death in the Soul Society, leading Ichigo to join forces with exiled Soul Reapers Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin to save her. It is unveiled that Sōsuke Aizen, an ex-squad captain, orchestrated Rukia's predicament and is conducting illicit experiments on Soul Reapers and Hollows.
Aizen seeks to harness the power of the Hōgyoku, a legendary substance capable of transforming Hollows into half Soul Reapers, with the ambition of conquering the Soul Society. After facing numerous challenges, including Aizen's escape to Hueco Mundo, the realm of Hollows, Ichigo and his allies are compelled to confront powerful Arrancars, Hollows with Soul Reaper abilities, serving under the elite Espadas and the cunning Aizen.
The series further explores anime-exclusive arcs, such as the Bount arc, where a group of immortal spiritual humans seeks to steal souls for their longevity, and the Amagai arc, focusing on Soul Reaper Captain Shūsuke Amagai's quest for revenge against Captain Yamamoto.
The intriguing Zanpakutō arc introduces the vengeful spirit Muramasa, seeking retribution for the Soul Society's actions. Lastly, the Reigai arc features modified copies of Soul Reapers in Reigai bodies, orchestrated by Kagerōza Inaba in an attempt to fuse with Nozomi Kujō.
Why is Bleach not on Crunchyroll - FAQ
"Bleach" is not on Crunchyroll because the streaming rights were acquired by another company, specifically Funimation Global Group (now owned by Disney) in October 2022.
"Bleach" can be streamed on Netflix and Hulu.
Fans had concerns about possible censorship when the anime moved to Funimation, but the company has assured viewers that they will remain faithful to the original Japanese version of the anime.
"Bleach" follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who becomes a substitute Soul Reaper after receiving powers from Rukia Kuchiki. Together, they protect humans from evil spirits and navigate through various challenges in the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo.
Yes, "Bleach" includes anime-exclusive arcs, such as the Bount, Amagai, Zanpakutō, and Reigai arcs, introducing unique storylines and characters not found in the manga.