Short answers, pulled from the story.
Crunchyroll launched in mid-2006 as an unlicensed website distributing Japanese anime without legal permission. The site operated as a hub where fans uploaded subtitled versions of East Asian shows for free viewing before securing any official licenses.
The Chernin Group acquired a controlling stake on the 2nd of December 2015, while AT&T formed Otter Media with them in April 2014 to develop subscription services. By the 1st of July 2018, Otter Media purchased the remaining 20% from TV Tokyo before AT&T completed its acquisition of Otter Media later that month.
Sony announced the consolidation of Funimation, Wakanim, and VRV into a single platform called Crunchyroll on the 1st of March 2022. This merger eliminated competing brands and phased out the Funimation name entirely to create a unified anime subscription experience.
Crunchyroll shifted dubbing operations back to physical studios primarily hiring Texas-based actors due to right-to-work state laws in May 2022. The Coalition of Dubbing Actors alleged this move aimed to thwart union organization among voice talent following these operational changes.
On the 7th of January 2025, Crunchyroll introduced a dedicated digital manga application available as a premium add-on on iOS and Android devices. This new app launched first in English within the United States and Canada before expanding to other languages.