While the popular streaming service Crunchyroll has consistently maintained its brand name, the corporate entity overseeing it underwent a significant transformation. Funimation Global Group, LLC is the old name for the corporate entity that was renamed and merged into Crunchyroll, LLC.
Understanding Crunchyroll's Name and Evolution
Crunchyroll, as a streaming platform dedicated to anime, manga, and J-drama, has always been known by its current name since its inception. However, its path to becoming the dominant force in anime streaming involved the strategic consolidation of several other major services and their parent companies.
On March 1, 2022, a significant industry shift was announced, leading to the consolidation of multiple streaming services under the Crunchyroll banner. This move aimed to create a unified platform for anime fans worldwide.
Corporate Renaming and Brand Consolidation
The most direct answer to the "old name" query, particularly concerning the corporate structure behind Crunchyroll, involves Funimation. Funimation Global Group, LLC, which operated the Funimation streaming service, was officially renamed and merged into Crunchyroll, LLC. This means that while the Crunchyroll brand itself did not change its name, the company that now operates it was formerly known as Funimation Global Group, LLC.
This consolidation effort brought several key services and their brands under the unified Crunchyroll identity:
- Funimation: The Funimation streaming service, a long-standing competitor in the anime streaming space, was consolidated into Crunchyroll. Its brand is currently being phased out in favor of Crunchyroll.
- Wakanim: This European-focused anime streaming service also became part of the unified Crunchyroll platform.
- VRV: A streaming service that aggregated various niche channels, including Crunchyroll, was also consolidated, directing its subscribers to the main Crunchyroll service.
The table below illustrates the key entities and services involved in this consolidation:
| Former Entity / Service | Current Status / Consolidated Into | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Funimation Global Group, LLC | Crunchyroll, LLC | The corporate entity was renamed and merged. |
| Funimation (streaming service) | Crunchyroll | Service consolidated; brand being phased out to unify under Crunchyroll. |
| Wakanim (streaming service) | Crunchyroll | Service consolidated into Crunchyroll. |
| VRV (streaming service) | Crunchyroll | Service consolidated into Crunchyroll, directing users to the main platform. |
The Unified Crunchyroll Brand
The strategic decision to phase out brands like Funimation in favor of Crunchyroll aimed to create a single, comprehensive destination for anime content. This ensures a streamlined experience for users and consolidates the vast library of titles previously spread across multiple platforms into one central hub—Crunchyroll.
