Think for a moment about how anime fans before the current generation of fans got their hands on the latest series. First generation fans watched anime on VHS from local fans in Japan. Second generation fans were able to watch the anime dubbed in English right on their TVs. Then the third generation of fans got to watch a new episode as soon as it premiered online.
With the popularity of anime higher than ever, there are more legal ways to watch anime on a PC or on TV through a streaming device. Here are some ways to find where to watch the best anime series.
streaming services
Fans are turning to online streaming to watch their favorite shows without having to download multiple files that require various video codecs. There are streaming services like Crunchyroll that offer recent and current season anime shows for free and paid subscribers. Paid users are offered new episodes just hours after they air in Japan, where free users will have to wait a week to catch up. One advantage of streaming services like Crunchyroll is that most shows on offer are subtitled only, where there are a growing number of general streaming sites, like Hulu, that offer both subtitles and dubbing.
on demand
On-Demand through a local cable or satellite provider is another option for finding new and popular shows. The on-demand model shows on a rotating basis, which means viewers have a limited time to watch earlier or later episodes. Most of the episodes are free for customers, but they are also offered for payment. It is a secondary option for those who are willing to find a new series on their TV by chance in a short period of time.
digital rentals
Even with the entrenched desire for more digital media, there will always be a demand for physical media. But when no one wants physical or digital versions, there are things like rentals. Stores like Amazon for PC and Mac users, and the respective stores for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 users, offer digital rentals of movies and TV shows, including a growing library of anime titles. When a movie or episode is rented, the user has a limited time to watch it before it expires, usually within 48 hours. The concept is similar with most On-Demand content as well.
Despite the given options, streaming is the best option to watch a good anime series. Of course, it makes the series more enjoyable to buy the entire series on DVD after finishing it online. Watching anime through online streaming is better as no money is wasted buying a series that turns out to be no good.
If a particular anime series is not offered through legal means, avoid watching it on sites that offer free streaming or downloads. Not only is it illegal, but it doesn’t benefit distributors who work with major services to bring the next best anime series for years to come.