Crunchyroll, one of the world’s leading anime streaming platforms, has announced significant delays to the English dubbed releases of several popular anime series. The delays, impacting multiple highly anticipated episodes, are due to severe weather conditions in the Dallas, Texas area, a major hub for anime dubbing. This has disrupted recording sessions, forcing a postponement of the release schedule.
Weather Disrupts Dubbing Process
The recent bout of severe winter weather, including snow and freezing temperatures across Texas and the southern United States, has caused major disruptions to numerous industries, including the anime dubbing sector. Crunchyroll’s primary in-house dubbing studio, along with many voice actors, are located in the Dallas area which has been severely impacted by the storm. This has made in-person recording sessions, which Crunchyroll primarily shifted to after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, impossible.
The streaming service confirmed the delays via a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the safety of their staff is paramount. While specific rescheduled release dates have not yet been confirmed, the platform has assured fans that the delayed episodes will be released as soon as conditions allow.
Which Anime Episodes are Delayed?
The delays affect a substantial number of series and episodes, impacting several of the most popular titles on Crunchyroll. The following English dubbed episodes have been delayed:
- Blue Lock Season 2, Episode 11
- MF Ghost Season 2, Episodes 11 and 12
- Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7, Episodes 11 and 12
- Arifureta Season 3, Episodes 10 and 11
- You are Ms. Servant Episodes 11 and 12
- Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest Episodes 23 and 25
- I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History Episodes 12 and 13
- Shangri-La Frontier Season 2, Episodes 10-12
- The Prince of Tennis II U-17 World Cup Semifinal Episode 12
- Demon Lord 2099 Episodes 11 and 12
- Trillion Game Episodes 13-15
This extensive list highlights the severity of the weather-related disruptions, affecting a diverse range of anime genres. The delay impacts the English dub versions, with the original Japanese releases remaining unaffected.
Impact on Anime Fans
The delays have understandably caused disappointment among anime fans, many of whom eagerly await the release of new dubbed episodes. Crunchyroll has built a solid reputation as a go-to platform for streaming the latest anime, and the delays mark a rare setback for the service.
However, the understanding of the circumstances has been widespread among the fan community. Many users have expressed support for the platform’s decision, acknowledging that the safety and well-being of the staff should be prioritized above release schedules. The impact of the weather on the anime industry and the dubbing process has also been noted, with fans hoping for a quick resolution to the situation.
Crunchyroll’s Winter 2025 Lineup
Despite the unforeseen delays, Crunchyroll remains a major platform for anime enthusiasts. The Winter 2025 season has already begun with a host of new and returning series, including:
- Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE
- Dragon Ball DAIMA (English Dub exclusively on Crunchyroll)
- The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
- Link Click: Bridon Arc (New to schedule)
- Momentary Lily
- Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast
- Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2
- The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You Season 2
These shows, along with many others, are part of Crunchyroll’s extensive catalog, showcasing the breadth and depth of their anime offerings. The platform is known for offering simulcasts, allowing viewers to watch episodes at the same time as their Japanese release.
Crunchyroll has been making moves to enhance the user experience, also announcing the launch of a new manga app in 2025, aiming to make reading manga online easier and more accessible.
Looking Ahead
While the recent weather-related delays have disrupted the release schedule for several English dubbed anime episodes, Crunchyroll has yet to announce a concrete release date. The platform has not confirmed the specific impact of the recent California wildfires on its operations. However, the majority of the delays are attributed to the severe weather in Dallas, Texas, which has directly impacted the dubbing process.
Fans can stay updated through the platform’s social media channels and official website for the announcement of new release dates. With a strong lineup for the Winter 2025 season, Crunchyroll remains a major player in the anime streaming industry.
