Crunchyroll’s recent decision for the majority of the One Piece episodes marks the end of an era for anime streaming for global audiences.
SUMMARY
Crunchyroll has recently made shocking announcement that has left the One Piece fans disappointed.
While the first 206 episodes will remain free, accessing the subsequent episodes will be difficult for viewers who cannot afford the paid subscription.
For over two decades, One Piece has been an essential pillar of anime culture as fans have followed the Straw Hats across a vibrant world of pirates and mysteries. One of the largest anime streaming platforms, Crunchyroll has played a crucial contribution in making this journey accessible, offering hundreds of episodes for free to fans around the globe. However, it seems like this era of accessibility is about to change.
Straw Hats from One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation
Crunchyroll has recently announced a significant shift that has left many One Piece fans concerned about the future of anime streaming. By the end of February 2025, the platform will move most of its One Piece library behind its Premium Membership paywall. While the move ensures some free content will still remain, it fundamentally alters the availability that fans have relied on for years.
Crunchyroll’s Announcement on One Piece
Crunchyroll has confirmed via X (formerly, Twitter) that starting in late December 2023, One Piece episodes will be moved to its Premium Membership tier. While the first 206 episodes; covering the East Blue to Sky Island arcs, will remain free, all episodes beyond this point will require a subscription starting at $7.99 per month.
The rollout will occur in three phases. At first, episodes from the Water 7 to Fishman Island arcs move behind the paywall on December 23. Episodes from the Punk Hazard to Whole Cake Island arcs, along with six special episodes, will transition to Premium on January 20. And finally, the Reverie, Wano Country, and Egghead Island arcs will join the Premium tier on February 17.
Gear 5 Luffy | Credit: Toei Animation
However, the move will specifically affect casual viewers who may revisit specific arcs or episodes of One Piece sporadically. By locking these episodes behind a subscription, Crunchyroll risks alienating a major portion of its audience that values flexibility.
Implications for the Anime Streaming Landscape with Crunchyroll’s Announcement
For a decade, Crunchyroll has offered One Piece episodes for free with ad support; making it one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the series in a legal way. This model has allowed new fans to jump into the anime without financial obstacles and provided longtime viewers with a reliable platform to revisit their favorite moments of the series.
Monkey D. Luffy | Credit: Toei Animation
The transition to a Premium-only model for most of the series creates a significant barrier for fans, especially those who may not be able to afford a subscription. With over 1000 episodes in the series, One Piece requires a considerable time investment, and the removal of free access could increase piracy due to the easy accessibility of the contents.
While some fans understand the business motives behind the decision, others have expressed frustration and disappointment. Social media platforms are rife with discussions about the return of piracy as a means to access the series.
While this shift might make financial sense for Crunchyroll, it raises questions about the accessibility of anime for global audiences. By moving a significant portion of One Piece behind a paywall, Crunchyroll risks driving fans toward unofficial platforms, undermining efforts to combat piracy. As Eiichiro Oda‘s One Piece continues its legendary journey, fans may need to decide whether to set sail with Crunchyroll’s Premium Membership or explore alternative seas.
One Piece is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll
