Disney has re-secured broadcast and streaming rights for the Pokémon animated series, with episodes slated to air on Disney Channel and Disney XD beginning August 6 and to appear on Disney+ on August 7, according to the company announcement.
The move returns one of the longest-running animated franchises to Disney platforms and expands the series availability across linear and streaming audiences.
Background and production The Pokémon animated series has been produced by Japanese studio OLM, Inc. since its debut in 1997 and is managed globally by The Pokémon Company, a business entity formed by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures.
The anime has been a consistent element of the Pokémon franchise, which includes mainline video game releases on Nintendo platforms.
Recent console entries for the franchise on Nintendo Switch include Pokémon Sword and Shield, released in 2019, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, released in 2022.
Rewritten announcement text in journalistic language A company statement confirms that Disney has re-acquired U.S. broadcast rights for the Pokémon animated series and will begin airing the show on Disney Channel and Disney XD on August 6, with the episodes then becoming available on Disney+ on August 7.
What this means for viewers and the franchise The addition of the Pokémon anime to Disney Channel and Disney XD will bring the series back to family-oriented cable channels while Disney+ placement ensures immediate streaming access for subscribers.
Disney+ is now a key platform in the distribution landscape for major animated IP, and this acquisition aligns Pokémon with a global streaming audience alongside Disney's broader content catalog.
Industry context The Pokémon franchise remains a significant multimedia property tied closely to Nintendo hardware and software sales.
The Pokémon Company continues to coordinate animation and game releases, leveraging partnerships with broadcasters and streamers to reach global audiences.
For television programmers and streaming services, established properties like Pokémon offer reliable viewership and cross-promotion opportunities with current and future Nintendo Switch titles.
Availability and next steps Viewers should expect Disney Channel and Disney XD to begin broadcast runs on August 6 and Disney+ to add the series on August 7, per the announcement.
For fans tracking regional availability, platform-by-platform rollouts may vary by territory and are typically confirmed by local distributors and The Pokémon Company.
The move returns one of the longest-running animated franchises to Disney platforms and expands the series availability across linear and streaming audiences.
Background and production The Pokémon animated series has been produced by Japanese studio OLM, Inc. since its debut in 1997 and is managed globally by The Pokémon Company, a business entity formed by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures.
The anime has been a consistent element of the Pokémon franchise, which includes mainline video game releases on Nintendo platforms.
Recent console entries for the franchise on Nintendo Switch include Pokémon Sword and Shield, released in 2019, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, released in 2022.
Rewritten announcement text in journalistic language A company statement confirms that Disney has re-acquired U.S. broadcast rights for the Pokémon animated series and will begin airing the show on Disney Channel and Disney XD on August 6, with the episodes then becoming available on Disney+ on August 7.
What this means for viewers and the franchise The addition of the Pokémon anime to Disney Channel and Disney XD will bring the series back to family-oriented cable channels while Disney+ placement ensures immediate streaming access for subscribers.
Disney+ is now a key platform in the distribution landscape for major animated IP, and this acquisition aligns Pokémon with a global streaming audience alongside Disney's broader content catalog.
Industry context The Pokémon franchise remains a significant multimedia property tied closely to Nintendo hardware and software sales.
The Pokémon Company continues to coordinate animation and game releases, leveraging partnerships with broadcasters and streamers to reach global audiences.
For television programmers and streaming services, established properties like Pokémon offer reliable viewership and cross-promotion opportunities with current and future Nintendo Switch titles.
Availability and next steps Viewers should expect Disney Channel and Disney XD to begin broadcast runs on August 6 and Disney+ to add the series on August 7, per the announcement.
For fans tracking regional availability, platform-by-platform rollouts may vary by territory and are typically confirmed by local distributors and The Pokémon Company.
