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Season guide

Pokémon: Indigo League

82 episodes Premiered Apr 1, 1997 Updated Jul 18, 2026

The Japanese anime television series Pokemon, also known as Pocket Monsters, premiered on TV Tokyo in April 1997. The series is part of the broader Pokemon media franchise. The story follows Ash Ketchum, who sets out to become a Pokemon Trainer upon reaching his tenth birthday in the Kanto region. His journey begins unexpectedly when he receives a Pikachu instead of a standard first Pokemon. As Ash travels through va

Season overview

The Japanese anime television series Pokemon, also known as Pocket Monsters, premiered on TV Tokyo in April 1997. The series is part of the broader Pokemon media franchise. The story follows Ash Ketchum, who sets out to become a Pokemon Trainer upon reaching his tenth birthday in the Kanto region. His journey begins unexpectedly when he receives a Pikachu instead of a standard first Pokemon. As Ash travels through various regions, he works toward his goal of becoming a Pokemon Master. Throughout his travels, he faces the challenge of winning Gym Badges, which proves to be difficult. He is accompanied by his partner Pikachu and receives support from his friends Brock and Misty, who are former Gym Leaders. Along the way, Ash encounters a variety of new Pokemon companions, including Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander. Pokemon are described as peculiar creatures that possess a wide array of different abilities and appearances. Trainers capture and train these creatures, often with the intent of engaging in battles. The series depicts Ash as he meets new friends and faces various challenges while pursuing his quest. The show was created by Junichi Masuda, Ken Sugimori, and Satoshi Tajiri.

Episodes

S1·E1

Pokémon - I Choose You!

Apr 1, 1997 · 23 min

Meet Ash Ketchum, a 10-year-old boy full of imagination, confidence, and dreams that are almost too big for his village of Pallet Town—plus the desire to become a Pokémon Master!

S1·E2

Pokémon Emergency!

Apr 8, 1997 · 23 min

Ash rushes into Viridian City with his gravely wounded Pikachu. The city's on high alert for Pokémon thieves-thieves like Jessie, James, and Meowth of Team Rocket, a group of bad g

S1·E3

Ash Catches a Pokémon

Apr 15, 1997 · 23 min

Ash discovers and catches a Caterpie—his first Pokémon capture! Though Ash is excited, Misty is grossed out by Bug-type Pokémon, so she is repulsed by its attempts to be friends wi

S1·E4

Challenge of the Samurai

Apr 22, 1997 · 23 min

Misty and Ash continue to wander the Viridian Forest when they spot a Weedle. As Ash battles it, he's distracted by a boy dressed as a samurai and calling himself (naturally) Samur

S1·E5

Showdown in Pewter City

Apr 29, 1997 · 23 min

Jessie, James, and Meowth dig a trap for our heroes, but they end up falling into it themselves! Ash and Misty arrive at Pewter City and meet a curious fellow named Flint, who noti

S1·E6

Clefairy and the Moon Stone

May 6, 1997 · 23 min

Will Team Rocket steal the Moon Stone? Are there other Clefairy lurking about, and do they carry Moon Stones, too? And is the legend of the Moon Stone true?

S1·E7

The Water Flowers of Cerulean City

May 13, 1997 · 23 min

Ash seeks the Cascade badge in Cerulean City—but for some reason, Misty doesn't want to join them. When Ash and Brock show up, the city is buzzing about a break-in that just took p

S1·E8

The Path to the Pokémon League

May 20, 1997 · 23 min

On the way to Vermillion City, Ash meets AJ, a Gym Leader at an unsanctioned Gym who has 98 wins and zero losses. They battle, and Ash is surprised that AJ's Ground-type Sandshrew

S1·E9

The School of Hard Knocks

May 27, 1997 · 23 min

While searching for firewood in the foggy woods, Ash and Pikachu discover a bunch of prep-school kids bullying a classmate named Joe.

S1·E10

Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village

Jun 3, 1997 · 23 min

Ash and Misty, while arguing, discover an Oddish. As Misty's Starmie weakens the Oddish, a Bulbasaur appears and fights Starmie while the Oddish runs off into the woods.

S1·E11

Charmander - The Stray Pokémon

Jun 10, 1997 · 23 min

Our friends, lost, discover an injured Charmander. Pikachu talks to it and learns that it's been waiting a long time for its trainer to return.

S1·E12

Here Comes the Squirtle Squad

Jun 17, 1997 · 23 min

Ash and his friends walk along a path and fall into a hole dug by a batch of mischievous Squirtle. Ash climbs out and tries to battle them, but they scatter when Officer Jenny arri

S1·E13

Mystery at the Lighthouse

Jun 24, 1997 · 23 min

A tremendously large shadow begins to take form in the sea mists, but this possible discovery could be hindered due to the infamous Team Rocket lurking in the background cooking up

S1·E14

Electric Shock Showdown

Jul 1, 1997 · 23 min

Our heroes finally reach Vermillion City, and they discover that the Pokémon Center is filled with Pokémon hurt during battles with Lt. Surge, the Vermillion City Gym Leader.

S1·E15

Battle Aboard the St. Anne

Jul 8, 1997 · 23 min

Ash and his friends board a fancy cruise ship called the St. Anne, thanks to tickets provided by two friendly but familiar-looking people. We soon learn that they're actually Jessi

S1·E16

Pokémon Shipwreck

Jul 15, 1997 · 23 min

The St. Anne has capsized and sunk with Ash, the gang, and Team Rocket trapped inside. Now, both sides must put aside their differences in order to escape.

S1·E17

Island of the Giant Pokémon

Jul 22, 1997 · 23 min

As our heroes and Team Rocket beat the odds by surviving the sinking ship, they are dragged into another potentially deadly situation when they are attacked by the ferocious Pokémo

S1·E18

Beauty and the Beach

Jul 29, 1997 · 23 min

Ash and his friends have finally arrived in Porta Vista, a beach-side tourist town. After destroying an old man's ship, they must help in the old man's business. To attempt to pay

S1·E19

Tentacool & Tentacruel

Aug 5, 1997 · 23 min

Our heroes arrive at Hutber Port, where a ferryboat line runs to the mainland.

S1·E20

The Ghost of Maiden's Peak

Aug 12, 1997 · 23 min

After leaving Acapulco in search of Saffron City, our heroes finally arrive at a small port town in the middle of celebrating a summer festival.

S1·E21

Bye Bye Butterfree

Aug 19, 1997 · 23 min

When the party sees a flock of Butterfree flying above the ocean, Brock, as a Pokémon breeder, explains that it is the Butterfree's egg-laying season.

S1·E22

Abra and the Psychic Showdown

Aug 26, 1997 · 23 min

The party finally arrives in Saffron City where a young girl manages a gym of Pokémon using her psychic powers. If Ash defeats this particular Gym Leader, Ash can earn a gold badge

S1·E23

The Tower of Terror

Sep 2, 1997 · 23 min

In search of a ghost Pokémon, Ash heads immediately for a tower in Lavender Town where they are said to dwell.

S1·E24

Haunter Versus Kadabra

Sep 9, 1997 · 23 min

Unbeknownst to Ash, one of the ghost Pokémon decides to join Ash and friends on their journey and more importantly help Ash battle the powerful Saffron City Gym Leader.

S1·E25

Primeape Goes Bananas

Sep 16, 1997 · 23 min

On their way to Celadon City, our heroes encounter Mankey, a wild Pokémon that if rubbed the wrong way can go into uncontrollable fits. Not realizing its unpredictability, the part

S1·E26

Pokémon Scent-sation!

Sep 23, 1997 · 23 min

The party arrives in Celadon City, a perfectly pleasant town full of large department stores, condominiums, and fancy arcades.

S1·E27

Hypno's Naptime

Sep 30, 1997 · 23 min

Our heroes come to a town in which a great deal of children have recently turned up missing.

S1·E28

Pokémon Fashion Flash

Oct 7, 1997 · 23 min

At Brock's persistent request, our heroes stop by Caesar Street, a town of breeders famous for its Pokémon beauty salons.

S1·E29

The Punchy Pokémon

Oct 14, 1997 · 23 min

In the outskirts of Fuchsia City, our heroes come across Hitmonchan, a fighter-Pokémon. With little thought, Ash attempts to capture it, but he and Pikachu are badly defeated.

S1·E30

Sparks Fly for Magnemite

Oct 21, 1997 · 23 min

As our heroes make their way through the industrial town of Gringy City, Pikachu, perhaps weary from travel, is in a strange state; the electric sacks on his cheeks are continually

S1·E31

Dig Those Diglett!

Oct 28, 1997 · 23 min

Ash, Brock, Misty and Pikachu are lost deep in the mountains. As they press forward on a rough road not even shown on their map, they suddenly hear a large explosion.

S1·E32

The Ninja-Poké Showdown

Nov 4, 1997 · 23 min

Fuchsia Gym, the authorized gym where Ash seeks his next badge, turns out to be a hidden ninja's lair. After finally discovering and entering the gym, he is held up by a complex sy

S1·E33

The Flame Pokémon-athon!

Nov 11, 1997 · 23 min

Our heroes come to a prairie where the Laramies, a family of Pokémon Ranchers live. They learn from a daughter of the Laramie family that a race is held at the ranch once a year to

S1·E34

The Kangaskhan Kid

Nov 18, 1997 · 23 min

Our heroes accompany Officer Jenny into the forest, intent on pursuing the Pokémon poachers in the area.

S1·E35

The Legend of Dratini

Nov 25, 1997 · 23 min

Ash and his friends get challenged by Team Rocket in seeing who can capture the most Pokémon within the Safari Zone, with Ash catching a whole herd of Tauros. As soon as Ash and hi

S1·E36

The Bridge Bike Gang

Dec 2, 1997 · 23 min

Ash and the others happen upon a town that can only be reached by a long bike bridge, but they don't have enough money to rent bikes for the crossing.

S1·E37

Ditto's Mysterious Mansion

Dec 9, 1997 · 23 min

Our heroes take shelter in a cabin that turns out to be the Copycat House of a trainer who has a Pikachu that is a Ditto, the Transform Pokémon.

S1·E38

Cyber Soldier Porygon

Dec 16, 1997 · 23 min

Ash and his friends arrive at Pokémon Center where the PokéBall transfer machine has been causing problems, as the transferred Pokémon never end up at the other side. Ash and his f

S1·E39

Pikachu's Goodbye

Apr 16, 1998 · 23 min

Ash and the others discover a group of wild Pikachu in a secluded area of the woods. How will Pikachu feel seeing others of its kind in the wild?

S1·E40

The Battling Eevee Brothers

Apr 16, 1998 · 23 min

Tracing a path through the woods, the party comes across a tree baited with a plate of food and water. An Eevee is bound to the trunk with string.

S1·E41

Wake Up, Snorlax!

Apr 23, 1998 · 23 min

On empty stomachs, our heroes' search for food brings them to a small village, but find there is no food at the bakery nor at the grocery store; even the town restaurant is out of

S1·E42

Showdown at Dark City

Apr 30, 1998 · 23 min

In the middle of a terrible desert, our heroes inadvertently wandered into Dark City. With no name but Dark, the city has fallen into ruin.

S1·E43

The March of the Exeggutor Squad

May 7, 1998 · 23 min

After discovering there's a traveling carnival nearby, Ash, Misty and Brock join in on the fun of the fair and stumble across a rather dull magic show.

S1·E44

The Problem with Paras

May 14, 1998 · 23 min

Team Rocket never let up with their constant interception, but today something seems strange. The coin on Meowth's forehead is blinking red, indicating overheating.

S1·E45

The Song of Jigglypuff

May 21, 1998 · 23 min

Our heroes trudge along, resigning themselves to the idea of camping out in the desert as the sun slowly sets. Suddenly they see bright lights in front of them: a glamorous city ap

S1·E46

Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon

May 28, 1998 · 23 min

Our heroes approach Grampa Canyon, famous for the beautiful scenery of its valley. As they approach, however, they find wave upon wave of people also heading for Grampa Canyon.

S1·E47

A Chansey Operation

Jun 4, 1998 · 23 min

As our heroes sleep peacefully, Pikachu begins experiencing an unusual sensation. As though it were choking on something, Pikachu's expression grows steadily more and more pained.

S1·E48

Holy Matrimony!

Jun 11, 1998 · 23 min

As our heroes pass the entrance to a small village, they stop in front of a strange sign.

S1·E49

So Near, Yet So Farfetch'd

Jun 18, 1998 · 23 min

As Ash sits on a rock, staring at his Pokédex, it displays Farfetch'd, an odd-looking Pokémon holding a leek.

S1·E50

Who Gets to Keep Togepi?

Jun 25, 1998 · 23 min

When Ash and friends reach a certain Pokémon E. R., Joy informs Ash that a message has arrived for him, from Professor Oak.

S1·E51

Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden

Jul 2, 1998 · 23 min

After Bulbasaur's bulb begins to emit an odd glow, a nurse runs some tests and discovers that Bulbasaur isn't sick: It's getting ready to evolve!

S1·E52

Princess vs. Princess

Jul 9, 1998 · 23 min

Misty and Jessie compete against one another for Queen of the Princess Festival, a day where women rule and the guys have to do whatever the girls tell them.

S1·E53

The Purr-fect Hero

Jul 9, 1998 · 23 min

It's Kids Day, and Ash and friends help the children at a nearby school celebrate the holiday.

S1·E54

The Case of the K-9 Caper!

Jul 16, 1998 · 23 min

Ash enrolls Pikachu in a training school for police Growlithe, but the course is tougher than he imagined, for himself and for Pikachu!

S1·E55

Pokémon Paparazzi

Jul 23, 1998 · 23 min

Ash and friends are being shadowed by Todd Snap, the world's greatest Pokémon photographer.

S1·E56

The Ultimate Test

Jul 30, 1998 · 23 min

Ash signs up to take an exam to be admitted to the Pokémon League.

S1·E57

The Breeding Center Secret

Aug 6, 1998 · 23 min

Our heroes discover a terrible secret about the new breeding center in town.

S1·E58

Riddle Me This (1)

Aug 13, 1998 · 23 min

Ash, Brock and Misty travel to Cinnabar Island where Ash hopes to win his Volcano Badge.

S1·E59

Volcanic Panic (2)

Aug 20, 1998 · 23 min

Ash continues his quest to attain his Volcano Badge once he finally locates the gym that is suspended above a pool of molten lava!

S1·E60

Beach Blank-Out Blastoise

Aug 27, 1998 · 23 min

As Ash and the gang are rushing to catch the last ferry off of Cinnabar Island, they stumble over a rare Pokémon in trouble.

S1·E61

The Misty Mermaid

Sep 3, 1998 · 23 min

One of Misty's water Pokémon is in desperate need of exercise, so the gang decides to take her Horsea to a gym that's run by her sisters in Cerulean City.

S1·E62

Clefairy Tales

Sep 10, 1998 · 23 min

Ash, Brock and Misty get sidetracked on their way to Viridian City when all of their belongings mysteriously disappear.

S1·E63

The Battle of the Badge

Sep 17, 1998 · 23 min

Ash and friends finally make their way to Viridian City where Ash hopes to earn his Earth Badge.

S1·E64

It's Mr. Mime Time!

Sep 24, 1998 · 23 min

On their way back to Pallet Town, Ash, Brock and Misty encounter a runaway Mr. Mime.

S1·E65

Holiday Hi-Jynx

Oct 5, 1998 · 23 min

Ash, Misty, Brock, and their Pokémon must return a lost Jynx to Santa before Christmas, with the help of a Lapras. Meanwhile, Jessie attempts to take revenge on Santa for stealing

S1·E66

Snow Way Out!

Oct 5, 1998 · 23 min

Pikachu is lost in a snowy mountain forest! Can Ash and the gang stay warm while tracking down their missing pal?

S1·E67

Showdown at the Po-ké Corral

Oct 8, 1998 · 23 min

Back in Pallet Town, Ash finds Gary, already there, waiting to partake in the Pokémon League. Always having a bitter rivalry with Gary, Professor Oak tells them both the meaning of

S1·E68

The Evolution Solution

Oct 15, 1998 · 23 min

Ash goes to Seafoam Island to help Professor Oak to discover the mystery of how Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro. There, Professor Westwood V is also trying to solve the mystery. Jess

S1·E69

The Pi-Kahuna

Oct 22, 1998 · 23 min

Ash and the gang take some time off to go surfing. While surfing, however, Ash passes out, but is thankfully rescued by a surfer named Victor and his blue-eyed Pikachu, Puka. Victo

S1·E70

Make Room for Gloom

Oct 29, 1998 · 23 min

Ash goes to a flower garden to get some fertilizer for his mother, but Bulbasaur sniffs the flowers and becomes paralyzed.

S1·E71

Lights, Camera, Quack-tion

Nov 5, 1998 · 23 min

When the gang discovers there is a movie with an all-Pokémon cast being made nearby, Ash and his friends put their Pokémon in for an audition. Misty's Psyduck gets the main role wh

S1·E72

Go West Young Meowth

Nov 12, 1998 · 23 min

Ash and his friends go to Hollywood (although only a small nearby town) to see the premiere of the movie their Pokémon were cast in. Team Rocket follows them to find out that Meowt

S1·E73

To Master the Onixpected!

Nov 19, 1998 · 23 min

After watching Elite Four member Bruno on TV, Ash and his friends decide to do training in the mountains to be as strong as Bruno. However, they meet Bruno and he manipulates them

S1·E74

The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis

Nov 26, 1998 · 23 min

While training, Ash and his friends accidentally uncover the ruins of Pokémopolis, an ancient city. After a bit of research, they find a giant Gengar and a giant Alakazam starting

S1·E75

Bad to the Bone

Dec 3, 1998 · 23 min

Ash and his friends offer to help a trainer that is heading for the Pokémon League to retrieve his stolen gym badges from Team Rocket.

S1·E76

All Fired Up!

Dec 10, 1998 · 23 min

Ash finally reaches the Indigo Plateau, home of the Pokémon League conference. Before the tournament begins, they plan on lighting a ceremonial cauldron with the flame of the legen

S1·E77

Round One - Begin!

Dec 17, 1998 · 23 min

Ash enters his first match of the tournament on the water field against Mandi the Astounding. During the battle against Mandi's Exeggutor, Ash's Krabby evolves into Kingler, who he

S1·E78

Fire and Ice

Dec 24, 1998 · 23 min

For the second round Ash battles in the rock arena. Ash's last Pokémon, Squirtle, defeats his foe's last Pokémon, Nidorino, and he, victorious, moves on to Round 3. In the third ro

S1·E79

The Fourth Round Rumble

Jan 1, 1999 · 23 min

In the 4th round, Ash faces a trainer named Jeanette, who uses a Beedrill, a Scyther, and a Bellsprout. The match ends with Ash victorious, and he moves on to the 5th round, becomi

S1·E80

A Friend in Deed

Jan 7, 1999 · 23 min

Ash meets a new trainer named Richie, who is eerily similar to Ash, including owning a Pikachu. However, Team Rocket makes another attempt to steal Ash's and Richie's Pokémon. Ash

S1·E81

Friend and Foe Alike

Jan 14, 1999 · 23 min

A twist of fate pits Ash and his new friend, Richie, against each other in the fifth round of the Pokémon League Competition. Both are determined to triumph, but who will emerge vi

S1·E82

Friends to the End

Jan 21, 1999 · 23 min

After losing to Richie in the fifth round, Ash is moping around, annoyed that he lost. He is convinced by Misty that he should support Richie who is now in the quarterfinals. Howev