Crunchyroll Announces First Streaming Bundle for U.S. Subscribers
Crunchyroll has announced its first-ever streaming bundle, partnering with Starz to offer subscribers access to both services for $16.99 per month. The bundle is exclusively available through Prime Video’s Channels feature, representing an unconventional pairing in the crowded streaming landscape.
According to the announcement, the bundle delivers a 23% discount compared to purchasing the services separately. Based on pricing details, the offer appears to bundle Crunchyroll’s standard “Fan” tier—typically priced at $9.99 per month—with Starz’s standalone plan, which costs $11.99 monthly. The combined pricing reflects a modest savings that may appeal to subscribers interested in both services.
The Crunchyroll and Starz partnership is notable for the perceived mismatch between the two offerings. Crunchyroll specializes in anime content, while Starz focuses on premium drama, films, and Power franchise spinoffs. The two services have historically served distinct audiences, with limited overlap between anime enthusiasts and viewers seeking prestige television drama like Outlander. Unlike competitors such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+, Starz has not invested significantly in anime content development.
Starz’s recent catalog has been comparatively sparse, with programming centered on established franchises including Blood of My Blood, an Outlander spinoff, and Power Book III: Raising Kanan. The bundle’s exclusive availability through Prime Video adds another layer to the arrangement, requiring subscribers to access both services specifically through Amazon’s ecosystem rather than through the platforms’ own websites.