Disney+ has expanded availability of Pokémon the Series: The Beginning to additional territories, bringing the original Ash Ketchum and Pikachu episodes to more subscribers.
The move follows an earlier rollout in the United Kingdom and now makes the classic animated adventures accessible to audiences in the United States, Canada and other regions via a Disney+ subscription.
Background and context
Pokémon the Series: The Beginning refers to the early season run of the long-running Pokémon anime, which follows protagonist Ash Ketchum and his partner Pikachu.
The anime is produced by OLM, Inc., and the Pokémon media franchise is managed by The Pokémon Company, which coordinates with partners including Nintendo and developer Game Freak on the broader games and brand.
While the Pokémon franchise is best known in gaming for entries on Nintendo platforms — including Nintendo Switch releases such as Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022) — the animated series remains a core element of the brand’s global reach.
Availability and what to expect
Subscribers can stream episodes of Pokémon the Series: The Beginning on Disney+.
As with other licensed television content on the service, availability is subject to regional rights and the user’s Disney+ subscription.
The addition of the original series complements the franchise’s presence across digital storefronts and platforms: Pokémon games continue to be distributed through the Nintendo eShop for Switch, while animated content is licensed to streaming partners.
Fan reaction (reworded)
Viewers have reacted positively to the arrival of the classic episodes.
One brief comment simply called the news "cool," while another praised the platform choice, saying it makes more sense to make the series available via streaming rather than relying on physical discs.
Why this matters
Bringing early Pokémon episodes to a major streaming service helps preserve and extend access to the franchise’s origins for both longtime fans and newcomers.
For the gaming industry, maintaining a cross-media presence — from Nintendo Switch titles on the eShop to streaming anime on services like Disney+ — supports ongoing engagement with one of the industry's most enduring franchises.
Where to watch
Episodes of Pokémon the Series: The Beginning are available on Disney+ in the territories where the catalog has rolled out.
Check the Disney+ app or website for current availability in your region and subscription details.
The move follows an earlier rollout in the United Kingdom and now makes the classic animated adventures accessible to audiences in the United States, Canada and other regions via a Disney+ subscription.
Background and context
Pokémon the Series: The Beginning refers to the early season run of the long-running Pokémon anime, which follows protagonist Ash Ketchum and his partner Pikachu.
The anime is produced by OLM, Inc., and the Pokémon media franchise is managed by The Pokémon Company, which coordinates with partners including Nintendo and developer Game Freak on the broader games and brand.
While the Pokémon franchise is best known in gaming for entries on Nintendo platforms — including Nintendo Switch releases such as Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022) — the animated series remains a core element of the brand’s global reach.
Availability and what to expect
Subscribers can stream episodes of Pokémon the Series: The Beginning on Disney+.
As with other licensed television content on the service, availability is subject to regional rights and the user’s Disney+ subscription.
The addition of the original series complements the franchise’s presence across digital storefronts and platforms: Pokémon games continue to be distributed through the Nintendo eShop for Switch, while animated content is licensed to streaming partners.
Fan reaction (reworded)
Viewers have reacted positively to the arrival of the classic episodes.
One brief comment simply called the news "cool," while another praised the platform choice, saying it makes more sense to make the series available via streaming rather than relying on physical discs.
Why this matters
Bringing early Pokémon episodes to a major streaming service helps preserve and extend access to the franchise’s origins for both longtime fans and newcomers.
For the gaming industry, maintaining a cross-media presence — from Nintendo Switch titles on the eShop to streaming anime on services like Disney+ — supports ongoing engagement with one of the industry's most enduring franchises.
Where to watch
Episodes of Pokémon the Series: The Beginning are available on Disney+ in the territories where the catalog has rolled out.
Check the Disney+ app or website for current availability in your region and subscription details.
