Fans of the classic Pokémon anime have a reason to celebrate: Pokémon TV is officially returning this December as a dedicated YouTube channel. Originally launched in 2010 as part of the official Pokémon website, Pokémon TV later became a mobile app in 2013 and eventually made its way to the Nintendo Switch eShop in 2021. This service provided fans with free access to episodes spanning the beloved anime’s long history, offering availability across platforms like the Apple App Store, Google Play, Roku Channel Store, and Amazon Appstore.
However, earlier this year, Pokémon TV was discontinued. The app was delisted from all platforms on January 8 and shut down entirely by March 31. Fans were left to navigate various streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video to enjoy episodes of the iconic anime.
Now, The Pokémon Company has announced that Pokémon TV will relaunch as a YouTube channel, as reported by Pokémon news site Serebii. The new channel will go live on December 6, 2024, bringing back Ash and Pikachu’s adventures for fans to enjoy.
What to Expect
According to the channel’s description, viewers can “explore the world of Pokémon with Ash and Pikachu,” indicating a focus on the original series. This marks a nostalgic return for fans following the departure of Ash and Pikachu from the anime last year. The current series, Pokémon Horizons: The Series, introduced new protagonists Liko and Roy, set in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games’ Paldea region.
While details remain scarce, the channel appears dedicated to revisiting Ash and Pikachu’s 25-season journey, delighting fans with episodes from the classic Pokémon anime. The announcement dispels previous speculation that The Pokémon Company might launch a new streaming service to replace the original Pokémon TV. Instead, this move to YouTube provides an accessible, centralized hub for Pokémon fans worldwide.
Stay tuned as Pokémon TV prepares to upload its first episodes starting December 6, marking the beginning of a nostalgic journey back into the world of Pokémon.
