Crunchyroll is under fire again for sloppy AI-generated subtitles.
The issue blew up after Bluesky user Pixel spotted German subtitles on new anime Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show that started with “ChatGPT said…” during a crucial scene. Engadget confirmed the subtitles were AI-made. English subs weren’t much better.
Crunchyroll says a third-party vendor broke its policy by using AI subtitles without permission. 
"We were made aware that AI-generated subtitles were employed by a third-party vendor, which is in violation of our agreement," a Crunchyroll spokesperson told Engadget.
"We are investigating the matter and are working to rectify the error."
Fans are furious. Crunchyroll runs $8 a month and dominates anime streaming outside Japan. Viewers call the AI subs “unwatchable” and are switching to pirated fansubs. Reddit users share similar complaints.
This isn’t the first time Crunchyroll has faced backlash over subtitles. Early last year, the company admitted to experimenting with generative AI for subtitling just months after pulling The Yuzuki Family’s Four Sons first episode due to bad translations.
Crunchyroll initially pushed AI to speed up subtitle releases and fight piracy. Now, that move is backfiring badly.
