Explanation for the Absence of Bleach TYBW on Crunchyroll

The first episode of Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War (TYBW) Part 3 debuted on October 5, 2024, sparking excitement among fans eager to find legal streaming options for this sequel. While the prequel series can be watched on Crunchyroll, which is available globally, the sequel is currently not found on that platform.

This exclusion stems from a significant change in streaming rights, with the sequel reportedly switching from Crunchyroll to Disney+. Though the exact reasons for this transition remain undisclosed, sources indicate a ‘bidding war’ took place between the two streaming services, with Disney+ ultimately emerging victorious, as Crunchyroll might not have had sufficient resources to compete given its extensive licensing of seasonal anime.

Understanding the Absence of Bleach TYBW on Crunchyroll

Ichigo from the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War is not currently available on Crunchyroll, a prominent streaming service, because Viz Media, which is the licensed distributor of the Bleach sequel, has transferred these rights to Disney+. As the primary licensor, VIZ Media dictates the platforms on which the series is available.

The initial part of the anime adaptation of Tite Kubo’s work was streamed on Crunchyroll, but for the sequel detailing the Thousand Year Blood War arc, VIZ Media chose to go with Disney+. While the specific motives for this decision have not been released, it is reasonable to deduce that Crunchyroll faced a disadvantage in the bidding competition against Disney+.

Typically, prior to the commencement of an anime season, various streaming platforms compete for popular series. Following the announcement of Bleach TYBW, multiple services sought the rights to stream it.

Given its reputation for offering a wide array of anime, Crunchyroll also placed a bid for this series. However, with Crunchyroll hosting a vast number of anime titles every season, the likelihood is that they were outbid by Disney+, which typically takes on fewer titles per season.

Where to Find Bleach TYBW

As mentioned, fans of Bleach can access the Thousand Year Blood War sequel exclusively on Disney+ (excluding countries in Asia). Viewers in the U.S. can also enjoy it on Hulu, which is subsidiary to Disney.

For viewers located in Asia, the series is available via Netflix and the Ani-one Asia YouTube channel. Other regional options exist as well; for example, Indian fans can catch the sequel on Jiocinema. However, it is important to note that Crunchyroll does not offer this series.

About Bleach TYBW

Yhwach from the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War serves as the continuation of the Bleach anime series, which was unveiled a decade after the conclusion of its predecessor. The sequel is structured in four parts, with two parts already aired. The first part ran from October 11, 2022, to December 27, 2022, while the second part aired between July 8, 2023, and September 30, 2023.

The latest installment, Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 3 (The Conflict), premiered on October 6, 2024. Notably, the animation team transitioned from Studio Pierrot to Pierrot Films. The latter is a subsidiary of Studio Pierrot, both of which are part of Pierrot Co., Ltd.

Conclusion

While the fandom expressed dissatisfaction over Disney+ obtaining the streaming rights to their cherished anime, fearing it may not cater to anime enthusiasts, the reception for the series has been overwhelmingly positive. This may be attributed to the show’s enduring popularity and effective marketing by the streaming service.

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