Sep 24, 2021

Netflix Begins Trial of Releasing Animated Episodes Weekly on "Blue Period"

Netflix has acquired the anime "Blue Period." This news is good for fans of the original manga, but it is also important for anime fans and Netflix users in general; Netflix will make an exception and release episodes weekly, rather than releasing episodes all at once.

The show debuts tomorrow on Netflix in Japan and will air on Japanese TV starting October 1; episodes will be available globally on Netflix starting October 9; this is believed to be the first time Netflix has released an anime series weekly in the U.S. (2018 in some regions with "Violet Evergarden," but not in the U.S.)

Because of the one-week time lag, "Blue Period" will not exactly be a "simulcast" - a term referring to a series being broadcast almost simultaneously in Japan and abroad. Not far off, however, anime fans accustomed to simulcasts on platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation are lamenting Netflix's tendency to release entire series. This typically means that Japanese viewers will receive the series months after they have seen the work.

Netflix's traditional model encourages binge-watching, which is central to its sales pitch to viewers. It also gives them time to record multiple voice-overs and develop marketing campaigns. On the other hand, the hype generated by the first broadcast in Japan could cool off among fans before Netflix distributes the film. Delays also invite piracy.

Netflix has not given a reason for changing the distribution of Blue Period. But in doing so, the company is reflecting its own practices in other areas as well as its dedicated animation platform. Meanwhile, other mass-market streamers have already adopted the weekly format: Disney+ has done so for standout series such as Wander Vision and Star Wars: The Bad Batch.

Based on Tsubasa Yamaguchi's manga series of the same name, "Blue Period" tells the story of a talented but bored high school student whose life changes forever when he discovers painting. The series is produced by Seven Arcs; Netflix has not indicated whether it will be subtitled, dubbed, or both, or in what languages.