What's Happening?
Neon Genesis Evangelion, the influential anime series directed by Hideaki Anno, is set to premiere on the Criterion Channel on September 1, 2026. This marks the first time the series' English dub will be available on a streaming platform. The Criterion Channel will offer
the original 26-episode series in both Japanese and English dub versions. Additionally, the feature films The End of Evangelion and Evangelion Death (True)² will be included in the lineup. This move expands the Criterion Channel's anime offerings, which already include titles like Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and K-On! The Movie.
Why It's Important?
The addition of Neon Genesis Evangelion to the Criterion Channel is significant for anime enthusiasts and the streaming service alike. For fans, it provides access to a seminal series that has influenced countless works in the genre, now with the convenience of streaming and the option to watch in English. For the Criterion Channel, this move enhances its catalog, attracting a broader audience interested in anime and potentially increasing subscriptions. The availability of the English dub for the first time on a streaming platform could also introduce the series to new viewers who prefer English audio, thereby expanding its fan base.
