Pokémon heads to the BBC with first look of new series

The UK will be one of the first countries or regions in the world to premiere the eagerly awaited new Pokémon series – Pokémon Horizons: The Series – on the BBC in December.

The first six episodes of Pokémon Horizons: The Series – pitched as a journey that explores new wonders and makes new discoveries about the Pokémon world – will air in December on iPlayer and CBBC. It originally debuted in April in Japan.

It is the first time the BBC will broadcast a new series of the Pokémon franchise, following Pokémon’s BBC debut in 2021, when the corporation acquired a fantastic fest of Pokémon animation for fans in the brand’s 25th anniversary year – all 189 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, 142 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Black & White for iPlayer, 145 episodes of Pokemon the Series: Sun & Moon along with eight feature-length movies for iPlayer and CBBC.

All previous 25 seasons of Pokémon animation have focused on the adventures of Ash and Pikachu, but now that Ash has finally become a World Champion, the stage is set for a new journey in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, which features Liko and Sprigatito along with Roy and Fuecoco.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the world-renowned BBC to bring this hugely anticipated new season to UK viewers, free to air,” commented Emily Arons, senior vice president of international business for The Pokémon Company International. “We know that Pokémon’s massive UK fanbase can’t wait to catch their first glimpse of the enthralling new story arc, and we hope that the BBC’s huge audience will enjoy uncovering the mysteries of the Pokémon world along with Liko and Roy.”

Sarah Muller, senior head of commissioning for CBBC, continued: “We know families love the world of Pokémon and we can’t wait to bring this all-new Pokémon animated adventure to the home of children’s programming in the UK and just in time for the festive season.”

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