Now you can catch Pokémon on the BBC this summer

The Pokémon animation will be heading to the BBC for the first time this August.

The Pokémon Company International has that Pokémon animation is heading to the BBC for the first time this August – with the broadcaster acquiring two complete story arcs from the Pokémon the Series collection for BBC iPlayer, along with the arcs’ associated feature-length Pokémon the Movie films for linear and iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer viewers will be able to check out all episodes of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, at 189 episodes, and Pokémon the Series: Black & White, with 142 episodes.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl will be exclusively available to UK audiences on BBC iPlayer from 2 August, while Pokémon the Series: Black & White will follow this autumn on a non-exclusive basis.

With a total of 331 x 24-minute episodes plus eight feature-length movies, Pokémon fans are set for an animated feast to help them celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic entertainment brand, which launched in Japan in 1996 with two Game Boy titles.

“We are delighted to team up with such a world-renowned broadcaster as the BBC to bring the exciting adventures of Ash, Pikachu, and their friends to their huge UK audience,” commented Emily Arons, svp of licensing at The Pokémon Company International. “In our 25th anniversary year, it gives Pokémon fans old and new even more to celebrate with this wonderful opportunity to revisit or discover the wonderful world of Pokémon in these thrilling animated series.

“In addition, the Diamond and Pearl episodes will provide a great introduction to the fascinating Sinnoh region.”

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