Pokémon, the global entertainment phenomenon, has secured a new partnership with WildBrain, a leader in children’s and family entertainment, to stream the first 22 seasons of the beloved Pokémon anime series. This move comes after Pokémon TV, the former streaming service for Pokémon content, ceased operations on devices and browsers earlier this year. The collaboration marks an important chapter for Pokémon as it aims to maintain and expand its reach among audiences in various regions including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Previously available through Pokémon TV, the animated series followed the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his trusty Pikachu. Viewers could watch their quest across the Pokémon world, aspiring to become the top Pokémon Trainer. However, with the service’s discontinuation, fans of the series were left wondering about the future availability of these beloved episodes. WildBrain now steps into this gap as the exclusive distributor of the new "single-IP Pokémon FAST (free ad-supported television) channel".
WildBrain’s plan includes securing and launching new single-IP FAST channels that will feature comprehensive collections from the Pokémon series. This includes various story arcs like The Beginning, Gold and Silver, Ruby and Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl, Black and White, XY, and Sun and Moon. Each of these seasons has been broken down into episodes of roughly 22 minutes each, capturing numerous thrilling Pokémon battles and adventures.
Furthermore, this collaboration is not just about broadcasting. WildBrain is also set to manage direct advertising sales for these Pokémon channels through its Media Solutions team. This indicates a strategic approach to monetize the content while keeping it free for viewers.
The partnership highlights WildBrain’s commitment and expertise in launching and managing FAST channels, specifically tailored for children’s content. The company has significantly expanded its reach and viewership numbers over recent years. Since adopting the FAST strategy, WildBrain has seen its channel viewership grow from 502 million minutes watched in 2019 to a staggering 7.5 billion minutes in 2023. This rapid growth underscores the increasing popularity of FAST platforms as a primary media consumption source, particularly for kid-friendly content.
The news about this partnership has been positively received by Pokémon fans who were concerned about accessing the extensive archive of Pokémon series following the closure of Pokémon TV. The move is expected to satisfy nostalgic older fans as well as attract new viewers, creating a solid viewer base for the Pokémon FAST channel.
With this strategic partnership, Pokémon ensures that its rich storytelling and engaging content continue to capture the hearts of old and new fans alike, delivering excitement and adventure through accessible platforms. As the specific release dates for these FAST channels in each region are yet to be announced, Pokémon enthusiasts are advised to stay tuned for further updates, which will likely detail more about the availability and any special features that might accompany the launch.
You must be logged in to post a comment!
