The Pokémon Company International has announced that the BBC will broadcast Pokémon Horizons: The Series in December, introducing fans in the U.K. to the newest adventure in Pokémon animation. The first six episodes will air next month on iPlayer and CBBC. The U.K. will be one of the first international markets to debut the new series, which premiered in Japan in April.
It is the first time the BBC will broadcast a brand-new series of the franchise, following Pokémon’s BBC debut in 2021, when the corporation acquired a celebratory slate 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 and 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 follows 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 U.K. viewers, free to air,” said Emily Arons, SVP of International Business for The Pokémon Company International. “We know that Pokémon’s massive U.K. 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, commented, “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 U.K. and just in time for the festive season!”
Pokémon animation is broadcast in more than 160 countries and regions in more than 30 languages. The first 25 seasons spanned more than 1,200 episodes and 25 full-length movies.
