* No Central Tracking: There's no single global organization that tracks anime viewership like there is for movies or TV shows in the US (e.g., Nielsen ratings).
* Diverse Viewing Methods: People watch anime through various methods:
* Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, etc., have their own viewership numbers, but they don't release that data publicly.
* Physical Media: DVD/Blu-ray sales are a factor, but many people have bought these in the past and may have rewatched the series multiple times.
* Illegal Streaming: A significant number of people access anime through illegal streaming sites, making it impossible to track their viewership.
* Global Reach: Fullmetal Alchemist is incredibly popular worldwide, and its fanbase spans many languages and countries, making a truly comprehensive count very difficult.
However, we can gather some information:
* Critical Acclaim and Popularity: Fullmetal Alchemist is widely considered one of the best anime series ever made. It's consistently ranked high in fan polls and has received critical acclaim. This suggests a very large and passionate fanbase.
* Commercial Success: The anime series and its related merchandise have been commercially successful, indicating a large viewership.
* Social Media Presence: The series has a strong online presence with dedicated fan communities, forums, and social media groups.
Conclusion: While we can't know the exact number of people who have watched Fullmetal Alchemist, it's safe to say it boasts a vast and devoted fanbase worldwide.