Crunchyroll has grown significantly from an anime-specific platform into a major global streaming service, with over 15 million paying subscribers and around 120 million registered users worldwide. But exactly when do most fans choose to watch anime? Crunchyroll’s latest report identifies a specific viewing time: 9:00 PM on Sundays.
Robera Fras, Crunchyroll’s marketing director, said Sunday nights at 9:00 PM are the most popular viewing time for Crunchyroll’s global audience. This information comes from a recent report looking at viewer habits, with a particular focus on Brazil, Crunchyroll’s second-largest market globally, right behind India.
Crunchyroll’s growth is supported by Sony, highlighting anime’s move from niche entertainment to mainstream popularity. Crunchyroll has a large library, with over 50,000 episodes in 21 languages, which contributes significantly to its global success.
So, why 9:00 PM on Sundays? The report gives several reasons. Around 85% of Crunchyroll’s viewers are millennials and Gen Z, demographics known for their love of imaginative storytelling and binge-watching. Younger viewers prefer streaming over traditional TV schedules. Sunday evening is ideal for relaxing before the week starts, making it perfect for watching anime.
The convenience of streaming has changed viewing habits, particularly noticeable in Brazil. Brazilian anime fans previously depended on irregular broadcasts on free or pay-TV. Now, services like Globoplay, Netflix, Max, Prime Video, and Crunchyroll provide easy access to anime, transforming the experience for fans in Brazil.
Anime’s popularity goes beyond convenience. The report highlights emotional storytelling, detailed characters, and cultural connections as key reasons for its success. Iconic anime like Saint Seiya (“Os Cavaleiros do Zodíaco” in Brazil) significantly influenced Brazilian viewers, popularizing terms like “otaku” and strongly affecting local fan culture.\
Source: Valor
