Crunchyroll Uses ChatGPT? Fans Spot AI-Generated Subtitle in New Anime
Fans tuning in to Crunchyroll for the Summer 2025 anime season noticed something odd while watching Necronomico no Cosmic Horror Show. Specifically, those using the German subtitles for the anime’s first episode were surprised to see this line appear on screen:
Crunchyroll Uses ChatGPT? Fans Spot AI-Generated Subtitle in New Anime
“ChatGPT said: Wenn ich die Welt von hier an weiter genießen kann,” (Translation: “ChatGPT said: If I can continue to enjoy the world from here on out,”) The moment appears at 19 minutes and 12 seconds into Episode 1, and the direct reference to ChatGPT immediately sparked a discussion online.
While only the German subtitles contained the explicit “ChatGPT said” mention, some viewers also noticed inaccuracies and formatting errors in the English subtitles, such as placeholder text like “Translated by: Translator’s Name” bellow:
This discovery led to criticism on social media, with anime fans questioning whether Crunchyroll is relying too heavily on AI rather than using human translators. Some users defended the use of AI as a time-saving tool, while others argued that paying subscribers deserve accurate, professional translations—especially considering Crunchyroll is now owned by Sony.
One popular point among critics: Crunchyroll reportedly does not hire fans of anime as translators, leading to further concern about the platform’s localization quality.
About the Anime: Necronomico no Cosmic Horror Show
The anime at the center of this discussion, Necronomico no Cosmic Horror Show, follows Kurono Miko, a high school graduate who lands her dream job as a streamer. Alongside her childhood friend Mayu Mayusaka and her rival Kanna Kagurazaka, her life takes a turn when they agree to test a mysterious new VR device—with cosmic consequences.
As the debate over whether Crunchyroll uses ChatGPT for translations continues, fans are left wondering what to expect from future anime localization on the platform.
via Você Sabia Anime
