archytele The Vault

Pokémon 1997

“Gotta catch 'em all!”

Status
Ended
First Aired
April 1, 1997
Last Aired
March 24, 2023
Format
25 seasons · 1,235 eps
Highest Rated Episode
S25E36 "GO FOR DREAM! Go's Road to Mew!!" (★ 10/10)
Networks
TV Tokyo, TV Aichi, TVQ
Where to Stream
Netflix, Hulu
Streaming data from JustWatch
★ TMDB users: 8.0/10 from 2,210 votes TV-Y7 AnimationAction & AdventureSci-Fi & Fantasy 25 seasons · 1235 eps Ended
Community & Your Rating
★ 8.0/10
Where to watch: Tubi TVBBC iPlayerNetflixHuluAmazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesSky GoNetflix Standard with Ads
Get new episode dates in your calendar Sync automatically with Apple, Outlook, or Google Calendar.
📅 Apple / Outlook 📅 Google ⬇ .ics
Advertisement
Quick answer

What is Pokémon?

The television series Pokémon is a Japanese anime television series that premiered on TV Tokyo in April 1997. It is part of The Pokémon Company's Pokémon media franchise.

Type
TV series
Year
1997
Status
Ended
Episodes
1,235
First aired
Apr 1, 1997
Last aired
Mar 24, 2023
Original language
JA
Origin
JP
Networks
TV Tokyo, TV Aichi, TVQ, TV Osaka
Genres
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 8.0/10 from 2,210 votes
Format
25 seasons · 1,235 episodes
Status
Ended
Networks
TV Tokyo, TV Aichi, TVQ, TV Osaka, TVh, TSC
Availability by region

Where to watch in United States

Stream

NetflixHulu

With ads

Tubi TV

Buy

Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play Movies
Check current availability in United States ↗

Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.

Planning tool

How long to binge?

Estimate the schedule using 1,235 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.

Trailer

Overview

The television series Pokémon is a Japanese anime television series that premiered on TV Tokyo in April 1997. It is part of The Pokémon Company's Pokémon media franchise. The series follows the journey of Ash, accompanied by his partner Pikachu, as he travels through many regions, meets new friends and faces new challenges on his quest to become a Pokémon Master. The Pokémon Company has created various content related to the series, including video games, apps, animation, and the Pokédex, which can be found on the official Pokémon website. The series has been released in multiple seasons, with season 0 premiering on October 7, 1997, and featuring various TV specials, shorts, and movie shorts. The series has also been documented on online encyclopedias such as Bulbapedia and Wikipedia, which provide information on the series and its related content. The official Pokémon YouTube channel also features video game, trading card game, and animation content related to the series.

Advertisement

Should you watch it?

“A young trainer and his electric Pokémon buddy chase their dreams across vibrant regions.”

Reasons to watch
  • Iconic characters and creatures that defined a generation
  • Positive messages about friendship, growth, and perseverance
  • Endless rewatchability with over 1,000 episodes of familiar yet fresh adventures
Keep in mind
  • Can feel repetitive due to episodic structure
  • Slow pacing may not appeal to all viewers

You enjoy coming-of-age stories with colorful worlds and lovable animal companions.

Suitable for all ages with mild conflicts and no graphic content.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Pokémon — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is Pokémon worth watching?

Cast

See who else from this cast you know →

Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress

Future titles & recaps blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any item to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by serialized narrative importance. Skip standalone side quests and streamline your binge.

Time Saved 3.5h Skipping 9 filler episodes
92%
Mytharc (88): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (1138): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (9): Standalone / filler
You've watched 0 of 1226 essential episodes, about 919.5 hours left.
Season 1 · 82 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Season 2 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →
Season 3 · 41 episodes Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →
Season 4 · 52 episodes Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →
Season 5 · 65 episodes Open the complete Season 5 guide & lore primer →
Season 6 · 40 episodes Open the complete Season 6 guide & lore primer →
Season 7 · 52 episodes Open the complete Season 7 guide & lore primer →
Season 8 · 53 episodes Open the complete Season 8 guide & lore primer →
Season 9 · 46 episodes Open the complete Season 9 guide & lore primer →
Season 10 · 52 episodes Open the complete Season 10 guide & lore primer →
Season 11 · 52 episodes Open the complete Season 11 guide & lore primer →
Season 12 · 53 episodes Open the complete Season 12 guide & lore primer →
Season 13 · 34 episodes Open the complete Season 13 guide & lore primer →
Season 14 · 48 episodes Open the complete Season 14 guide & lore primer →
Season 15 · 49 episodes Open the complete Season 15 guide & lore primer →
Season 16 · 45 episodes Open the complete Season 16 guide & lore primer →
Season 17 · 48 episodes Open the complete Season 17 guide & lore primer →
Season 18 · 45 episodes Open the complete Season 18 guide & lore primer →
Season 19 · 49 episodes Open the complete Season 19 guide & lore primer →
Season 20 · 43 episodes Open the complete Season 20 guide & lore primer →
Season 21 · 49 episodes Open the complete Season 21 guide & lore primer →
Season 22 · 54 episodes Open the complete Season 22 guide & lore primer →
Season 23 · 48 episodes Open the complete Season 23 guide & lore primer →
Season 24 · 42 episodes Open the complete Season 24 guide & lore primer →
Season 25 · 57 episodes Open the complete Season 25 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

Is this the original Pokémon anime?

Yes, it is the long-running animated series that began in 1997.

Does Ash ever win a Pokémon League?

Ash competes in many leagues but his journey is ongoing with no final victory yet.

Are all episodes connected or can I watch randomly?

Most episodes are standalone though some story arcs span multiple episodes.

Is Pikachu the only Pokémon Ash uses?

Ash catches many Pokémon over time but Pikachu remains his main partner.

How many seasons or regions are there?

The series spans multiple regions with new friends and challenges throughout.

Advertisement

■ Ended / Final Season Complete Renewal tracker

Explore Pokémon

If you like Pokémon

See all similar titles →

What viewers say

No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Pokémon.