Crunchyroll has stripped the ability for fans to comment on its anime streamer and news site in order to combat a recent wave of review bombing and anti-LGBTQ+ comments that flooded the platform in reaction to new anime series Twilight Out of Focus and the quality of subtitles on My Deer Friend Nokotan (which some fans speculated were AI-generated, due to their poor quality). 

“This change helps us reduce harmful content, prevent misinformation, and improve overall user experience,” according to a statement from Crunchryoll’s support team. And the following explainer was posted in the “help” section of the company’s website: “At Crunchyroll, we prioritize creating a safe and respectful community environment. To maintain this standard, we are removing all existing user-generated content, including comments, across all our platforms and experiences. The user rating system will, however, remain, allowing you to express your opinions through star ratings.” 

Part of Sony Pictures’ Funimation Global Group and available worldwide, Crunchyroll is home to more than 45,000 episodes (1,400 series and films). Its current programming lineup offers licensed kids and YA anime series such as Dragon Ball Z (pictured), Digimon, One Piece and My Hero Academia. Crunchyroll had around 13 million subscribers in January 2024 (which is the most recent data available from Statista), and its base has grown significantly in recent years from five million in 2021. It also runs a free ad-supported tier, as well as an anime news website and a direct-to-consumer store.

Crunchyroll has undoubtedly benefited from the big anime boom that’s continuing to play out in the global market, and it has become a go-to fandom hub for this entertainment genre. In the wake of the shutdown, users have taken to social media sites like Reddit and X to share their hurt and frustration over not being able to connect with other fans through the comments feature anymore to share their thoughts and opinions about their favorite shows. Many would have preferred the comments section be moderated, and not removed completely. 

This move echoes YouTube’s 2019 decision to drop the comment feature on its kids & family videos following concerns that predators were using it to connect with children.