Pluto TV expands its anime strategy with new dubs, channels and simulcasts

Pluto TV is doubling down on anime, and it is doing so with the most persuasive weapon in streaming: more things to watch without another monthly bill. The free, ad-supported platform is expanding its US anime line-up in September with new catalogues, broader English-dub access, two linear channels and a new simulcast programme.

What’s actually going on: Pluto TV says One Punch Man and Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple will arrive on the service with English dubs, which the company describes as a first for free streaming. The September expansion also adds Inuyashiki: Last Hero and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress.

Existing Pluto TV titles including Naruto, Sailor Moon, InuYasha, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead and Captain Tsubasa are also receiving broader dub access. The platform says its recent anime additions included English-dubbed and subtitled versions of Vinland Saga and Dororo.

Two new linear channels will join the service in September. It’s Anime will focus on English-dubbed programming, current series, catalogue favourites and new simulcasts from Japan. Big A Anime will carry a curated selection of acclaimed series and films, including Vinland Saga, Dororo and titles from Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, alongside fan-focused programmes such as Anime Showdown and event specials.

Pluto TV says more than 1,300 hours of programming will be added across its on-demand and linear channel line-up. Other named additions include Vampire Knight, Terror in Resonance, Mononoke and Hikaru no Go.

The company says anime is a growing part of its appeal to adults aged 18–34, its fastest-growing audience. Pluto TV cites Nielsen data showing more than 45 billion minutes of anime were streamed in the US during 2025. The platform says adults aged 18–34 account for nearly half of its anime viewing hours, while anime viewers spend nearly three times as many hours on Pluto TV as viewers across the wider service.

Why you should care: free streaming anime has often meant choosing between a limited catalogue, adverts or a dub that may not exist. Pluto TV’s strategy attacks all three frustrations at once, although the exact availability of channels, episodes, dubs and simulcasts can vary by territory and may change.

The announcement concerns Pluto TV’s US service. It does not confirm that the same September line-up, English dubs or channels will be available in the UK or elsewhere.

Our opinion

Pluto TV is making a smart play. Anime fans are already used to juggling services like a sleep-deprived librarian, so a genuinely useful free catalogue is welcome — adverts and all. The key question is whether Pluto TV can keep the good stuff arriving consistently, rather than treating a strong September line-up as a one-off sugar rush.