For many 90s kids, Pokémon was first a TV show. Before they ever held a Game Boy cartridge or a trading card, they met Ash and Pikachu on weekday afternoons or Saturday mornings. The show turned 151 game monsters into characters with personalities, and it became the engine of the late-90s Pokémania.
Quick answer
The original Pokémon anime premiered in Japan on April 1, 1997, and in the US on September 8, 1998. Its first season, Pokémon: Indigo League, follows Ash Ketchum and Pikachu on their journey to become Pokémon Masters, alongside Misty and Brock, with Team Rocket (Jessie, James and Meowth) always one step behind.
Key takeaways
- Japan premiere: April 1997. US premiere: September 1998.
- The show moved to a major Saturday morning block in February 1999.
- First seasons: Indigo League, Orange Islands, The Johto Journeys.
- The cartoon inspired Pokémon Yellow, where Pikachu follows you.
Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| April 1, 1997 | The anime premieres in Japan |
| December 1997 | An episode with intense flashing lights is pulled; the show takes a short break |
| September 8, 1998 | US premiere in first-run syndication |
| February 1999 | The show moves to a major Saturday morning block |
| 1999 | The Orange Islands season airs |
| November 10, 1999 | Pokémon: The First Movie opens in US theaters |
| 2000 | The Johto Journeys begins |
The main characters
Ash Ketchum
A ten-year-old from Pallet Town who dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master.
Pikachu
Ash's stubborn, loyal partner who refuses its Poké Ball.
Misty
A Water-type trainer who follows Ash after he wrecks her bike.
Brock
The Pewter City gym leader who becomes the group's cook and big brother.
Jessie, James and Meowth
Team Rocket's bumbling trio, always "blasting off again".
Gary Oak
Ash's confident rival and Professor Oak's grandson.
Professor Oak
The Pokémon expert who gives Ash his first Pokémon.
How the US version was made
The English version was adapted for American audiences. Names were changed, some food and cultural references were edited, a few scenes were trimmed and new music was written. The English opening theme, with its "gotta catch 'em all" chorus, became one of the most recognizable TV themes of the decade. Short segments that listed Pokémon names in a rap became playground favorites.
Why the show worked
A simple quest
Catch Pokémon, earn badges and compete in the league: easy for kids to follow.
Lovable characters
Pikachu's stubbornness, Misty's temper and Brock's crushes gave the show humor.
Villains you could laugh at
Team Rocket was more funny than scary, and fans grew to love them.
A link to the games
Every episode introduced Pokémon you could catch in the games and collect in the cards.
Memorable early moments
Pikachu protecting Ash
The first episode set up their bond.
Saying goodbye to Butterfree
One of the first episodes to make kids cry.
Charmander in the rain
A lesson in loyalty.
Pikachu choosing not to evolve
Inspired Pikachu's behavior in Pokémon Yellow.
Team Rocket's motto
Recited in nearly every episode.
Pikachu's refusal to evolve carried over into Pokémon Yellow.
Fun fact: The show was so popular that it moved from syndicated weekday slots to a major Saturday morning lineup within months of its US debut.
Then (90s)
New episodes on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings, with VHS tapes collecting episodes.
Now (2027)
Official streaming and a show that has run for decades with new characters.
How to watch the original Pokémon anime today
Ways to watch
- Official Pokémon streaming platforms
- Streaming services that license the classic seasons
- Digital purchase of classic seasons
- Original VHS and DVD releases for collectors
Conclusion
The original Pokémon anime turned a Game Boy game into a global phenomenon and gave 90s kids characters they still love. Revisit the first season, then explore the original 151 Pokémon and other 90s anime.
Frequently asked questions
When did the original Pokémon anime start?
The Pokémon anime premiered in Japan on April 1, 1997, and in the United States on September 8, 1998, in first-run syndication.
What is the first season of Pokémon called?
The first season is known in English as Pokémon: Indigo League. It was followed by the Orange Islands season and then The Johto Journeys.
Who are the main characters in the original Pokémon anime?
Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu, Misty, Brock, Team Rocket (Jessie, James and Meowth), Ash's rival Gary Oak and Professor Oak.
When did Pokémon move to Kids' WB?
The show moved to the Kids' WB Saturday morning lineup in February 1999, where it became one of the network's biggest hits.
Why was one early Pokémon episode never shown in the US?
A December 1997 episode in Japan featured intense flashing lights that caused health problems for some viewers. It was pulled and never aired in the US, and the anime took a short break.
Where can I watch the original Pokémon anime?
Episodes are available on official Pokémon platforms and some streaming services, depending on your region.
Why did Pikachu stay out of its Poké Ball?
In the first episode, Pikachu refuses to get in its Poké Ball, which became a defining part of its relationship with Ash and inspired Pokémon Yellow.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Pokémon (TV series) (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia: Pokémon: Indigo League (opens in a new tab)
Dates and facts were checked against these references. Release dates can vary by region; we use North American dates unless noted. Spotted an error? Tell us.