In a notable development for anime enthusiasts, the iconic series Naruto is set to make a significant return to the small screen. Following a new agreement between VIZ Media and Amazon, the original Naruto anime will be available 24/7 on a dedicated free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel on Amazon Freevee. Additionally, episodes will be accessible on-demand through Prime Video.
This strategic move aligns with a growing trend of popular anime series receiving their own dedicated channels in the U.S. VIZ Media’s collaboration with Amazon reflects a broader push to enhance the visibility of anime content and drive engagement with dedicated fan bases. This development follows similar recent initiatives by other streaming platforms, such as Crunchyroll, which have launched FAST channels to broaden anime accessibility before encouraging viewers to opt for subscription-based services.
JP Villanueva, Senior Director of Digital Distribution at VIZ Media, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “With the introduction of a dedicated linear channel and VOD offerings, fans can now immerse themselves in the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki around the clock. This addition not only expands Freevee’s anime library but also offers an exciting new way for fans to engage with one of the most celebrated anime franchises.”
Amazon Freevee, accessible via its standalone app or through Amazon Prime Video, joins the ranks of popular platforms in the anime streaming space. The move mirrors recent trends where beloved series like Pokémon and Sailor Moon have also secured dedicated FAST channels. Notably, Naruto will join Pokémon, which recently received its own FAST channel for its first 22 seasons, and Sailor Moon on Pluto TV, which boasted a substantial 80 million subscribers in 2023.
Until the new channel’s official launch, fans can continue to enjoy both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden on Crunchyroll and Hulu, with Hulu confirming that all 500 episodes of Shippuden will be available by early 2025. The series continues to captivate audiences with its narrative of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, where a young ninja, Naruto Uzumaki, bears the spirit of a fearsome Nine-tailed Fox sealed within him.
For anime fans, this new streaming opportunity promises round-the-clock access to one of the genre’s most enduring classics, enhancing the availability and reach of Naruto for viewers across the globe.