New Pokémon Streaming Service Announced for the West: WildBrain to Launch FAST Channels Featuring Classic Anime

Following the closure of Pokémon TV, The Pokémon Company has partnered with WildBrain to introduce a new streaming service dedicated to the Pokémon anime series. This exciting development will see the launch of a free, ad-supported service featuring the original Pokémon animated series.

Service Overview

WildBrain, a leading name in kids’ and family entertainment, has secured the distribution rights for a single-IP FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channel dedicated to Pokémon. This channel will initially launch in the United States, with plans to expand to Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand shortly thereafter. The service will include the first 22 seasons of the Pokémon anime, covering several iconic sagas:

• The Beginning (112 episodes)
• Gold and Silver (157 episodes)
• Ruby and Sapphire (191 episodes)
• Diamond and Pearl (189 episodes)
• Black and White (142 episodes)
• XY (141 episodes)
• Sun and Moon (145 episodes)

WildBrain’s Role

WildBrain will manage and launch these Pokémon FAST channels across major platforms in the listed regions. They will also handle direct advertising sales, providing targeted content in a family-friendly environment. Lara Ilie, VP AVOD and FAST at WildBrain, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, highlighting the importance of FAST channels in reaching broader audiences.

Melissa Pearce, Senior Director of Media Licensing at The Pokémon Company International, shared her excitement about the partnership, noting that WildBrain’s expertise will help introduce Pokémon to new generations of fans.

What to Expect

Fans in Australia will be able to enjoy Pokémon’s classic adventures with this new service. While the exact launch date for Australia is yet to be confirmed, the rollout will follow the US launch, giving Australian viewers an opportunity to relive their favorite Pokémon moments.

This partnership underscores WildBrain’s leadership in FAST channels for kids and family content, with the company managing over 100 FAST channels worldwide. Their expertise in the field will ensure a smooth and engaging viewing experience for Pokémon fans across the globe.

Previous Pokémon Streaming Releases

In the past, Pokémon content has been available through various platforms, including Pokémon TV and Netflix. However, this new service represents a significant shift towards ad-supported streaming, providing fans with a new way to access beloved Pokémon episodes.

Stay tuned for more updates on the service’s launch date in Australia and prepare to dive back into the Pokémon world with all your favorite episodes and sagas!