Naruto Shippuden’s Dub Finally Arriving on Streaming Platforms After Years

Naruto: Shippuden enthusiasts have recently caught wind of a tantalizing hint suggesting that the beloved English dub of the series may finally make its debut on streaming platforms. For years, fans have only been able to enjoy the dub via Adult Swim, the network that began airing the anime series in 2014 following its initial run on Toonami. In a significant turn of events, Adult Swim aired the last episode of Shippuden’s dub in August 2024, marking the end of an era for faithful viewers.

Until now, the latter part of Naruto’s iconic story arc has primarily been accessible through select on-demand live TV providers, such as Hulu’s Live TV and Spectrum On Demand. Unfortunately, those who rely on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, or others have been left without options. Moreover, even within Hulu, the English dub was not available for on-demand streaming. However, a recent observation has sparked hope among fans of Naruto’s English dub.

Emergence of Possibilities: Naruto: Shippuden’s Absence from Adult Swim’s Listings

The Iconic Series Seems to Have Vanished

A notable observation has emerged among the Naruto fanbase suggesting that Adult Swim may have lost the rights to Naruto: Shippuden. Curious fans have noted that the show’s dedicated page is now nonexistent, leading to a perplexing 404 error. While it might seem like a clever ruse—much like the series’ ninja antics—it is more plausible that the absence indicates a relinquishment of rights. Additionally, platforms where limited seasons were still available, such as Spectrum On Demand, have also removed the series.

The uncertainty surrounding the licensing of Naruto: Shippuden’s dub has left fans cautiously optimistic. Although no official announcements have been made, the potential for the series to grace popular streaming services in the near future remains alive. This would be particularly significant for platforms like Crunchyroll, which currently offers a plethora of Naruto: Shippuden, albeit only in its subbed format. Given the nostalgic value that Naruto’s English dub holds, many fans are hopeful for its return to these platforms.

Celebrating the Iconic Nature of Naruto’s Dubs

Naruto Joins the Ranks of Other Beloved Franchises with Adored Dubs

For many, the emotional connection to Naruto: Shippuden’s dub can be traced back to the earlier installments. Similar to other iconic series like Evangelion, Dragon Ball Z, and Cowboy Bebop, Naruto has long enjoyed significant airtime and a dedicated fanbase, thanks to its exemplary English dub. The character development and evolved performances in Shippuden only enhanced this legacy, with new characters like those from the Akatsuki bringing fresh energy to the cast.

While some fans might hold reservations about Shippuden’s dub, especially with its darker themes compared to the original Naruto, past experiences suggest that the English voice acting has maintained a high standard. Today’s series, like Dandadan, demonstrate how dubs have improved, yet Naruto and its sequel were pivotal in shaping the perception of quality English adaptations.

With hundreds of episodes in Naruto: Shippuden, the convenience of watching without needing to read subtitles is sure to appeal to many fans. Should streaming services like Crunchyroll and Netflix align to bring back the English dub, it could reignite enthusiasm among longtime supporters and new viewers alike.

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