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What is an anime simulcast?

A simulcast is a new anime episode released outside Japan at the same time as its Japanese TV broadcast, or within a few hours, usually with subtitles. On Crunchyroll, each seasonal show gets one weekly slot, so fans worldwide can watch the day it airs.

See this week's simulcast calendar for the 49 episodes on Crunchyroll right now, or learn how to watch seasonal anime together with friends.

The word combines "simultaneous" and "broadcast". Before simulcasts, international fans waited months for an official release or watched unofficial fan subs. Today most new TV anime reaches licensed streaming services in the same week it airs in Japan.

Sub vs dub timing

A simulcast is almost always the subtitled version. English dubs follow one of two patterns, and which one a show uses decides when a dub-watching group can meet.

When each version of a new anime episode arrives
ReleaseWhen it arrives
Japanese TV broadcastThe episode airs in Japan, usually late at night Japan time.
Subtitled simulcastStreams outside Japan at the same time or within a few hours, on a fixed weekly slot.
Same-day dubAn English dub that streams alongside the sub, at the same time every week.
Later dubStarts a few weeks after the sub, then keeps a weekly pace. On Crunchyroll this is usually about 2 episodes behind.

This week on Crunchyroll, 7 of 19 English dub episodes are same-day. The Crunchyroll dub schedule lists each dub's time and how far it trails the sub.

Simulcasts on Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is the largest simulcast service for anime and streams most seasonal series within hours of their Japanese broadcast. Seasons start in January, April, July and October, and each show releases one episode a week for roughly 12 to 24 weeks. A show's slot is tied to Japan time, so it moves an hour on your clock when daylight saving starts or ends where you live.

Other services carry some simulcasts too, including HIDIVE and, for select titles, Netflix, which sometimes holds episodes back and releases them in batches.

Why simulcasts matter for watch parties

A weekly slot gives a group a natural meeting time: everyone watches the new episode together, reacts live and talks theories until next week. With Plus or Pro, including during a trial, you can create an AniDachi room in desktop Chrome and invite friends for free. Everyone needs their own access to the episode on Crunchyroll.

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Published April 23, 2026 · Updated October 20, 2026 · By AniDachi · Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

What does simulcast mean in anime?

A simulcast is a new anime episode released to viewers outside Japan at the same time as its Japanese TV broadcast, or within a few hours of it, usually with subtitles. Seasonal shows simulcast one episode a week.

What is a simulcast on Crunchyroll?

On Crunchyroll, a simulcast is a current-season show whose new subtitled episodes appear on the service shortly after they air in Japan. Crunchyroll lists them on its simulcast calendar, one slot per show each week.

Is a simulcast subbed or dubbed?

Usually subbed. Some English dubs stream at the same time as the sub (same-day dubs), but most start later. This week 7 of 19 English dubs on Crunchyroll are same-day; most of the rest trail the sub by about 2 episodes.

Why do simulcast times change on my clock?

Simulcast slots follow the broadcast in Japan, which has no daylight saving time. When your clocks change, the same episode unlocks an hour earlier or later in your local time.

Can I watch simulcast episodes with friends using AniDachi?

Yes. A Plus, Pro or trial host creates an AniDachi room once the episode is out on Crunchyroll. Friends join free with their own Crunchyroll access, in desktop Chrome. Anyone who misses the session watches on their own before the next one.