Recently, Crunchyroll surprised its users by completely removing the comments section from its platform. This means viewers can no longer post new comments on shows or access previously posted ones.
So, why did this happen?
According to Crunchyroll, the decision was driven by a need to maintain a “safe and respectful community environment,” as stated in their Support & Customer Service section. Despite this change, the star-rating system remains intact.
On the Crunchyroll subreddit, a user shared their experience after noticing their comment disappeared shortly after posting it on an episode they had just finished. After contacting Crunchyroll support, they were informed that the removal of all new and existing comments was a deliberate decision. Crunchyroll justified this move as a means to reduce harmful content, combat misinformation, and enhance the overall user experience.
Users have speculated that recent incidents, particularly on shows like Twilight Out of Focus in the boys’ love genre, may have influenced this decision. Some users reportedly review-bombed the comments section with one-star ratings and posted derogatory remarks about the anime’s homoerotic themes. Similarly, another anime, My Deer Friend Nokotan, garnered attention when viewers criticized its inaccurate subtitles, suggesting they were generated by AI.
Unsurprisingly, Crunchyroll users have expressed disappointment over losing the ability to comment and read others’ insights after watching episodes. Many saw the comments section as a distinguishing feature of Crunchyroll, fostering a sense of community unlike other platforms such as Hidive. One user lamented that the comments were invaluable for understanding intricate details and hidden aspects of shows.
Others criticized Crunchyroll’s decision as hasty and unprofessional, believing that instead of removing the feature entirely, the platform could have improved moderation to curb trolling and spamming. For many, the comments section was a vital aspect of their enjoyment and engagement with Crunchyroll.
Since the announcement, users have actively voiced their feedback, urging Crunchyroll to reconsider their decision and reinstate the comments section. Whether Crunchyroll will heed these requests remains to be seen, leaving fans uncertain about the future of this once vibrant feature on the platform.
