Funimation is one of the go-to streaming platforms for old and new anime for most international regions, alongside Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. As part of Funimation's merger with Crunchyroll, the streaming platform's app and website will soon cease operation. So, why is Funimation shutting down in the first place?
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Why Is Funimation Shutting Down? Relevant Events to Remember Before Service Ends
Back in 2017, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) acquired Funimation’s service and parent company.
In December 2020, SPE entered into an agreement with AT&T Inc. regarding the acquisition of AT&T’s Crunchyroll anime business through Funimation Global Group, LLC. It was completed in 2021.
In March 2022, SPE confirmed that a merger would happen between Funimation and Crunchyroll. As soon as it was announced, a large majority of Funimation’s catalog was transferred to Crunchyroll.
Despite this, Funimation remained active in distributing its originally licensed anime titles.
However, Funimation slowly rolled back its features, leading to the announcement in December 2023 that they would not be supporting content downloads and offline viewing anymore.
As part of Funimation’s merger with Crunchyroll, the streaming platform will end its service for good.
In a press release, Funimation states that it’s sunsetting to provide everyone "an exceptional streaming experience and access to the largest anime library in the world."
When Is Funimation Shutting Down?
As announced, Funimation will shut down on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Both the Funimation app and the website will sunset on the said date.
What Happens After Funimation Shuts Down?
Crunchyroll assures that the transition will be smooth sailing and will not have an impact on everyone’s access to the anime catalog available on its platform.
At this point, most of Funimation’s content has been migrated to Crunchyroll, while everyone’s Funimation subscription will be “automatically transferred to Crunchyroll.”
Funimation subscribers with no prior Crunchyroll account will have their Watch Lists and Watch History also transferred, while those who already have a Crunchyroll account will have to confirm the changes first.
Unfortunately, subscribers will not be able to keep the digital copies they purchased from Funimation after the transition, and the streaming platform has yet to address this growing concern.
Moreover, Crunchyroll will also increase its subscription prices starting next year.
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