One Of The Biggest Anime In The World Gets Its Own Channel
Naruto, largely regarded as one of the most popular anime series of all time, will soon be made even more accessible to audiences. As part of Amazon’s Freevee, the show will be granted its own free, ad-supported linear channel.
In a new deal between Viz Media, the local rights holder, and Amazon, Naruto will now be brought into Freevee’s anime library. It will launch as a dedicated linear channel, like that of traditional cable’s scheduled programming, and fans will be able to tune in and watch it around the clock. Recently Hunter x Hunter, Sailor Moon Classic, and Pokemon have all followed similar launches.
One Of The Biggest Franchises In The World
The Naruto franchise, which contains various series, novels, video games, movies, and more, is worth more than $10 billion. In terms of monetary value and fanbase size, it is one of the biggest franchises in the world and sits at the top of the film and manga industry. It’s no big surprise that companies want the rights to publish it on their platforms.
Over 700 Episodes
What started as a best-selling Japanese manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto soon evolved into a full anime series composed of 720 episodes. Following the character of the young mischievous ninja Naruto Uzumaki, the story follows his efforts to earn recognition from his peers, to become the next leader of his village, and to someday be the best ninja in the world.
A Series Split Into Two
The series, like that of the manga, is split into two different parts. The first premiered on TV Tokyo, and was later released to American audiences on Cartoon Network. Part two, Naruto: Shippuden, also premiered on TV Tokyo and would be brought to the West, first through Disney XD and later through Adult Swim. Currently, both parts are available to stream on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video.
Joining The Other Anime Channels
Naruto is just one title contained in this deal with rights holder Viz Media and Amazon’s Freevee. Multiple other famous properties, including JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, K, K: Seven Stories, MEGALOBOX, Reborn, Sailor Moon Crystal, Terraformars, Vampire Knight, and more, are also on the table. As of now, it seems that dedicated FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) channels are the new move for anime titles, bringing us away from streaming and fully circling us back to cable.
Binge With No Subscription
For those who do not want to wait around for Amazon Freevee’s FAST channel launch to watch Naruto, it is already made available to stream on multiple platforms. However, unlike the viewing experience on Freevee, you will have to subscribe to the chosen streaming platform before being able to watch the episodes. So, for those sick of managing multiple subscriptions just to watch a handful of titles, the rise of FAST channels is one you’ll certainly want to watch out for.
As of now, a date for Freevee’s Naruto’s FAST channel launch has yet to be announced. It is also unclear if part two, Naruto: Shippuden, has been included in the deal between Viz Media and Amazon. We will simply have to wait for Viz Media to comment.
