Reports circulating on social media have caused quite a stir among anime enthusiasts as several highly anticipated debut episodes slated for the Spring 2024 season on Crunchyroll have been leaked online.
What initially started as the leaking of the long-awaited KonoSuba Season 3, set to air on April 10, 2024, has escalated with the revelation of additional leaked episodes from other beloved series.
According to these reports, not only has KonoSuba Season 3’s premiere episode been leaked ahead of schedule, but the debut episode of Sound! Euphonium Season 3, scheduled for April 7, has also fallen victim to the leak. Joining these highly anticipated releases are three other series:
The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases (April 2), Astro Note (April 5), and As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I’ll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World (April 7). All five series have seen their debut episodes surface online prematurely, much to the dismay of fans eagerly awaiting their official premieres.
Adding to the complexity, Crunchyroll has already listed two episodes of The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases on their platform, despite the Japan version being scheduled for its second episode on April 9. Fans have also reported leaks from this series as early as March 30, suggesting a significant breach in the release schedule.
As the anime community reels from these leaks, anticipation, and concern mingle as viewers grapple with the consequences of this early exposure to their favorite shows.
Crunchyroll’s Anime Leaks May Stem From Convention Official Pre-Screenings
Speculation is rife within the anime community regarding the source of Crunchyroll’s recent leaks, with many pointing fingers at recent convention pre-screenings. While unverified, there’s a prevailing belief that the leaks may have originated from screenings at events like Sakura Con or Puerto Rico Comic Con (PRCC).
Notably, PRCC’s schedule featured Crunchyroll’s lineup of premieres, including all the leaked titles. If these events were indeed compromised, it’s conceivable that other highly anticipated releases like Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers and Date A Live V could also find their way online prematurely.
Among the leaked titles are some of the most hotly anticipated anime of the Spring 2024 season. KonoSuba Season 3, for instance, clinched the top spot in the Animate Times’ poll, indicating a fervent fanbase eagerly awaiting its return.
Similarly, Sound! Euphonium’s third season promises to deliver the emotional depth and stunning visuals synonymous with Kyoto Animation, particularly notable considering the long hiatus since Season 2, spanning over seven years.
The battle against piracy remains an ongoing struggle for legal streaming services. These leaks represent a significant setback, especially in light of recent victories such as Japan’s prosecution of an overseas anime piracy site—a first in its history—and the shutdown of several manga leakers associated with popular titles like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen following arrests.
