What Are Simulcasts and SimulDubs?

Before diving into access methods, it’s helpful to understand exactly what Funimation’s simulcast service offers. A simulcast episode is a new installment of an ongoing anime series that becomes available to stream outside Japan within a few hours—sometimes as little as 30 to 60 minutes—after its original television broadcast in Japan. This near-instant delivery eliminates the weeks or months of waiting that fans endured in the past and keeps the global community on the same page.

Funimation not only provides subtitled simulcasts (often called “simulcasts”) but also pioneered the SimulDub format. A SimulDub is an English-dubbed version of an episode that releases mere weeks after the Japanese broadcast, with the entire dubbing process accelerated without sacrificing quality. For many English-speaking viewers, this combination of quick subtitled releases and fast turnarounds for dubbed episodes is what sets the service apart.

The Funimation-Crunchyroll Merger: What It Means for Simulcasts

Anime streaming took a significant step forward when Sony Group Corporation—which owns Funimation Global Group—acquired Crunchyroll and later unified the two platforms. As of early 2024, the vast majority of new simulcasts and SimulDubs that previously debuted on Funimation now premiere exclusively on Crunchyroll. The dedicated Funimation app and website still carry legacy content, but the company is actively transitioning its library and ongoing simulcast schedule to Crunchyroll.

For existing Funimation subscribers, this means you can migrate your account over to Crunchyroll to continue receiving the latest episodes without interruption. New viewers simply need a Crunchyroll account to access the same simulcast titles. While the “Funimation” brand name remains on home releases and the Funimation Shop, the streaming focus has shifted. This guide will show you how to reach those coveted latest episodes quickly using the current primary platform, Crunchyroll, while also covering the steps for those who still use the legacy Funimation app.

Step-by-Step: How to Access Simulcast Anime on Crunchyroll

1. Create and Set Up Your Account

To watch new episodes the moment they drop, you must first create a Crunchyroll account. Visit crunchyroll.com and click “Join” in the top-right corner. You can sign up using an email address, or link your existing Google, Apple, or Facebook account. After verification, you’ll have a free account that grants limited access—enough to check if the platform suits you, but simulcasts are typically reserved for premium tiers.

2. Choose the Right Premium Plan

Simulcast episodes are a premium perk. Crunchyroll offers three main tiers:

  • Fan: Grants full access to the entire library, ad-free, and includes simulcast titles one week after their Japanese broadcast. This works if you don’t mind a slight delay.
  • Mega Fan: Unlocks same-day simulcasts—you can watch new episodes as soon as they are published. Additional perks include offline downloads and the ability to stream on up to four devices at once.
  • Ultimate Fan: Adds an annual swag bag, exclusive discounts in the Crunchyroll Store, and an extra offline download slot. Same-day simulcasts included.

For fastest possible access, select the Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan plan. Both provide new episodes roughly one hour after they air in Japan. You can subscribe directly on the website, through in-app purchases on mobile devices, or via linked platform stores like Roku, Amazon, or Apple TV.

3. Navigate the Simulcast Section Efficiently

Once subscribed, head to the “Simulcasts” hub. On the Crunchyroll website, find it under the “Browse” menu or use the dedicated Simulcast Calendar. The calendar view is particularly helpful—it lays out all incoming episodes by day and time so you never miss a premiere. You can filter by subbed or dubbed, and even by specific season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall).

For mobile, the Crunchyroll app (iOS and Android) shows a “New This Season” or “Simulcast” row on the home screen. Tap any series to view its episode list; newest episodes appear at the top. The app also allows you to add shows to your Watchlist, which collates all your followed series and surfaces new episode alerts right on your dashboard.

Accessing Legacy Funimation Simulcasts on the Funimation App

If you still use the dedicated Funimation app or website, the process remains similar but with some limitations, since new content is being phased out. To check availability:

  1. Log in with your existing Funimation account. If you haven’t migrated yet, you can continue to access your purchased digital copies and select catalog titles.
  2. Look for the “Simulcast” or “SimulDub” tab in the main navigation. While new series may no longer be added, certain older ongoing shows still receive SimulDub episodes within two to four weeks of broadcast.
  3. Enable notifications in the app settings to receive push alerts when an episode you follow drops. This is especially useful for catching SimulDub releases that might not be front and center on the dashboard.

For the best experience, however, the company recommends migrating your Funimation profile to Crunchyroll. You can initiate the transfer by visiting funimation.com/account/migration and following the prompts. Your watch history and queue will be carried over, and you’ll immediately gain access to all active simulcasts and dubs.

Tips for Lightning-Fast Access to New Episodes

Getting the episode the second it’s available requires more than just a subscription. The following strategies help you click play with minimal friction.

Master the Release Time Zones

Japanese television schedules are the starting point. Most primetime anime air between 10:00 PM and 1:00 AM Japan Standard Time (JST). Crunchyroll typically publishes the simulcast stream 60–90 minutes after the TV broadcast ends. That means if a show airs at 11:30 PM JST, the stream may go live around 12:30–1:00 AM JST (which is 8:30–9:00 AM Pacific, 11:30 AM Eastern, or 4:30 PM UK time). Bookmark the Simulcast Calendar and note your local conversion. Setting a recurring alarm can ensure you’re ready the moment the video becomes available.

Enable Push and Email Notifications

Inside the Crunchyroll app, navigate to Settings > Notifications and turn on alerts for “New Episodes” and “Simulcast Start.” The alerts often arrive within minutes of the episode going live. You can also follow official social channels (Twitter/X, Instagram) for real‑time announcements. For Funimation legacy app users, the same notification toggle exists under Account Notifications.

Optimize Your Internet and Device Setup

Buffering can steal precious minutes. Use a wired connection or a strong 5 GHz Wi‑Fi network, and close bandwidth‑heavy applications on your device. Crunchyroll’s video player adapts to your connection; you can manually select a lower quality (480p or 720p) to start streaming faster. If you plan to watch on a smart TV or gaming console, ensure the Crunchyroll app is updated to the latest version, as older builds sometimes take longer to load new content.

Keep Apps and Firmware Updated

An outdated app can cause search delays, missing interface elements, or even prevent new episodes from appearing. Turn on automatic updates for Crunchyroll on your phone, tablet, streaming box, and gaming console. Similarly, keep your device’s operating system current. A seamless experience often hinges on these small maintenance tasks.

Use the Simulcast Calendar Wisely

The Simulcast Calendar displays not only the day but often the exact time in your local time zone. Add series directly to your Watchlist from the calendar, and use the “Upcoming” filter to plan your week. Some third‑party sites like LiveChart aggregate anime schedules with countdown timers, offering an additional reference.

Troubleshooting: When Episodes Don’t Show Up

Sometimes the new episode is there, but you can’t see it. Here’s how to fix common issues.

Region Restrictions and Licensing

Simulcasts are subject to licensing agreements that vary by country. An episode available in the US may not appear in the UK, Canada, or Australia until later. Crunchyroll usually displays a “Not available in your region” message when you attempt to access a geo‑blocked title. Using a VPN to circumvent these restrictions violates the terms of service and may lead to account suspension. Instead, check Crunchyroll’s regional content guide to see what’s accessible where you live.

Subscription Tier Limitations

If you’re on the Fan plan, the newest episode won’t be available for one week. Double‑check your subscription status under Account > Membership. Upgrading to Mega Fan instantly unlocks same‑day access. If you’ve just upgraded and still see a lock icon, log out and back in refresh the session token.

App Cache and Stale Data

On mobile and smart TV platforms, the app can cache an older version of the show page. Clear the app cache (Settings > Apps > Crunchyroll > Clear Cache) or restart the device. For web browsers, a hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R or Cmd+Shift+R) often solves the problem. If the episode still doesn’t appear, check Crunchyroll’s status page for any server‑side delays.

Payment and Billing Hiccups

A failed payment can silently downgrade your account to a free tier, removing simulcast access. Review your billing history under Account > Payment Methods. Update your card details and retry the payment. Once the premium subscription reactivates, you should regain immediate access to new episodes.

Enhancing Your Simulcast Experience

Beyond just watching, a few practices can transform your weekly anime routine into an organized, social, and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Build a Robust Watchlist

Use the Watchlist feature to track every series you follow. Sort by “Recently Updated” to see which shows just got a new episode. Crunchyroll automatically rearranges the list whenever a new simulcast drops, so the latest content always sits at the top. For legacy Funimation users, the “Queue” function works similarly—add titles and they’ll appear on your home screen when updated.

Offline Viewing for On‑the‑Go Fans

Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan subscribers can download episodes to their mobile devices. Tap the download icon next to the newest episode and wait for the process to finish. Downloads typically become available a few minutes after the episode streams online. This is perfect for commuting or watching during a lunch break without relying on a mobile connection. Remember that downloaded episodes expire after a set period unless you reconnect to the service to refresh the license.

Join Community Discussions Safely

One of the joys of simulcast viewing is the shared real‑time reaction. Platforms like Reddit’s r/anime host weekly discussion threads just minutes after an episode airs. Follow along, but be mindful of spoiler tags. Crunchyroll’s own news section and social media pages also provide episode highlights and behind‑the‑scenes content that can deepen your appreciation.

Explore SimulDub Alerts

If you prefer English dubs, keep a separate watchlist for SimulDubs. Crunchyroll typically announces the dub cast and release schedule after the subtitled version has started. Shows under the “SimulDub” tag in the calendar will notify you when a new dubbed episode is ready, usually two to four weeks after the sub. You can switch between audio tracks on the video player, so you never lose your progress.

Alternate Ways to Stay Current Beyond Streaming

While streaming is the fastest method, there are a few supplementary avenues to never fall behind on your favorite series.

  • Crunchyroll News: The official news blog posts weekly simulcast line‑ups and any schedule changes. Bookmark the News section and check it each Monday.
  • Anime News Network: This independent site tracks broadcast delays and provides episode guides. It’s a reliable backup if you suspect a title has been delayed.
  • MyAnimeList / AniList: While these are primarily database and tracking tools, they also indicate the next episode’s estimated airing time. Many users combine them with Crunchyroll’s calendar for a second layer of alerts.
  • Funimation Shop: If you collect physical media, Funimation still releases Blu‑ray and DVD sets with episodes that have finished their simulcast run. Though not “fast,” it’s a way to own and rewatch the episodes you first caught via simulcast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch simulcasts for free?

Free accounts on Crunchyroll do not include same‑day simulcasts. You typically must wait at least one week after the Japanese broadcast, and you’ll experience advertisements. To get episodes within hours, a premium plan (Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan) is required. The legacy Funimation free tier also placed SimulDub episodes behind a premium paywall.

Why does the episode say “English Dub Coming Soon”?

SimulDubs are produced shortly after the subtitled version airs. Depending on the complexity of the show and studio schedule, the English dub can take anywhere from two to six weeks to appear. Check the SimulCast calendar for an entry tagged “Dub” to see the estimated date.

Will my Funimation subscription automatically transfer to Crunchyroll?

No, the migration is not fully automatic. You must visit the dedicated migration page and follow the steps to transfer your watch history and queue. Billing will switch to Crunchyroll once you complete the process, and you’ll receive a prorated credit or complimentary time depending on your existing Funimation plan.

How can I find out the exact time an episode drops in my time zone?

Add the show to your Crunchyroll Watchlist and enable notifications. The app and website will then display a countdown timer for the next episode. Additionally, the Simulcast Calendar on Crunchyroll’s website automatically converts airing times to your computer’s local time zone when you are logged in.

Putting It All Together

Staying on top of the latest anime episodes through Funimation’s simulcast legacy—now largely absorbed by Crunchyroll—boils down to a few deliberate steps. Create a premium account on Crunchyroll, curate your Watchlist, rely on the Simulcast Calendar for precise timing, and keep your apps and notifications finely tuned. Migrate existing Funimation data if you hold a grandfathered account, and be mindful of regional licensing quirks.

By integrating these practices into your weekly routine, you’ll routinely be among the first to experience the newest twists, battles, and emotional moments in anime—often within an hour of their Japanese debut. The global anime community now moves at a breakneck pace, and with the right setup, you’ll never miss a single frame.