Fans of the acclaimed volleyball anime Haikyu!! can now enjoy the English dubbed versions of its first two seasons, Haikyu!! and Haikyu!! 2nd Season, streaming on Crunchyroll. This new addition allows viewers to follow Shoyo Hinata’s inspiring journey from the very beginning in their preferred language.
The announcement from Crunchyroll provides another entry point for both new and returning fans to delve into the high-energy world of Karasuno High’s volleyball team. While other language dubs, such as Latin American Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese, have been available for these seasons, the English dub had previously seen limited availability on Crunchyroll.
Reliving Karasuno’s Ascent
The first season of Haikyu!!, which originally aired from April to September 2014, introduces protagonist Shoyo Hinata and his rivalry with Tobio Kageyama, leading to their unexpected partnership at Karasuno High. The second season, which followed from October 2015 to March 2016, continues their development, featuring the team’s rigorous “Tokyo Expedition” training camp and the intense Spring High Preliminary arcs. Both seasons are pivotal in establishing the team’s dynamics, individual character growth, and their aspirations to reach the national stage.
The Journey of Shoyo Hinata
Haikyu!! centers on Shoyo Hinata, a short but fiercely determined middle schooler who falls in love with volleyball after seeing the “Little Giant” play. Despite a crushing defeat in his first and last middle school tournament against the formidable Tobio Kageyama, Hinata vows to surpass him. His unexpected reunion with Kageyama as a teammate at Karasuno High sets the stage for their dynamic partnership and the team’s revival.
Key Arcs Covered in Seasons 1 & 2
- Season 1: Focuses on the Karasuno High Team Formation Arc (Episodes 1-14) and the Interhigh Arc (Episodes 15-25), showcasing the team’s initial struggles, their unique offensive strategies, and their first major tournament challenges.
- Season 2: Explores the Tokyo Expedition (Episodes 1-11), where Karasuno trains with powerful Tokyo teams, and the continuation of the Spring High Preliminary (Episodes 11-25), featuring critical matches and further character development.
Broader Haikyu!! Availability on Crunchyroll
Beyond the newly added English dubs for Seasons 1 and 2, Crunchyroll offers a comprehensive collection of the Haikyu!! anime franchise. This includes Haikyu!! 3rd Season, Haikyu!! TO THE TOP, and various movies and OADs (Original Animation DVDs), all available in Japanese with English subtitles. The popular theatrical film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle is also available for streaming on the platform.
The Enduring Popularity of Haikyu!!
Haikyu!!, based on Haruichi Furudate’s manga serialized from 2012 to 2020, has achieved immense popularity both in Japan and internationally. The series is celebrated for its compelling characters, stunning animation, and its ability to make even non-volleyball fans invested in the sport. It has been recognized as a top-selling manga and continues to influence fans and even real-life athletes. The franchise’s continued success is evident in high manga sales, successful stage plays, and the strong performance of its recent cinematic releases. Its detailed portrayal of volleyball, coupled with themes of teamwork, perseverance, and growth, resonates deeply with a wide audience.
