Catch ‘Pokémon’ on the BBC this summer
Skwigly
The Pokémon Company International has announced that Pokémon animation is heading to the BBC for the first time this August as the broadcaster acquires 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.
Pokémon (The Pokémon Company)
BBC iPlayer viewers can delight in the adventures of Ash and Pikachu with 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, launched in Japan in 1996 with two Game Boy™ titles.
Global phenomenon Pokémon is one of the world’s most popular and successful entertainment properties. Its anime began in 1997 and now spans 24 series, with over 1000 episodes, and accompanying movies, which have aired in 176 different countries and regions in over 30 languages. Following Ash Ketchum, a young Pokémon Trainer, and his partner Pokémon Pikachu, they trace his journey toward his ultimate goal of being a Pokémon Master. With the help of his many friends, he searches the world for new Pokémon, battling rivals and meeting Legendary Pokémon along the way—while trying to avoid Team Rocket and other nefarious organisations.
The Diamond and Pearl story arc heads for the Sinnoh region, where beautiful cities, passionate Gym Leaders, mysterious legends of time and space, cruel villains, and of course, a multitude of Pokémon await Ash. Joining him are his best buddy Pikachu and old friend Brock, as well as a new friend, Dawn, who wants to become a top Pokémon Coordinator just like her mother. Standing in her way are tough competitors like Zoey and Jessilina, as well as her own inexperience. As for Ash, with his friends at his side and the right Pokémon to train and battle with, he’s confident he’ll make it to the Sinnoh League—that is, if his new rival Paul doesn’t get there first!
Ash and Pikachu are off to the distant Unova region for the Black & White story arc, where they’ll encounter new friends, new rivals, new challenges, and all-new Pokémon. Upon arrival, Ash meets aspiring Dragon Master Iris, full of spirit and determination, and Pokémon Connoisseur Cilan, who is always available to lend his expertise. Following Ash’s every move is the criminal trio of Team Rocket, with sinister new schemes and a fresh resolve to catch Pikachu! Then there’s the mysterious N…is he a friend or a foe, and what is his connection with the secret organization known as Team Plasma? And what is Team Plasma planning to do with one of the Legendary Pokémon of the Unova region? Once this adventure starts, the excitement won’t stop!
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. 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.
-Emily Arons (SVP of Licensing, The Pokémon Company International)
Season 10: Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl (51 x 24’) will be available on iPlayer on 2 August, followed by Season 11: Pokémon: DP Battle Dimension (52 x 24’), Season 12: Pokémon: DP Galactic Battles (52 x 24’) and Season 13: Pokémon: DP Sinnoh League Victors (34 x 24’). The associated movies 10 to 13, Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai, Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior, Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life, and Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions, will air on CBBC and BBC iPlayer.
Season 14: Pokémon: Black & White (48 x 24’) will air on BBC iPlayer this autumn, followed by Season 15: Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies (49 x 24’) and Season 16: Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond (45 x 24’). The associated movies 14 to 16, Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom, Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram, Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. The Sword of Justice, and Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened, can be seen on CBBC and BBC iPlayer from the autumn.