Pokémon the Series: The Beginning Now Streaming on Disney+ in US and Canada

17 October 2026
General
6 min.
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Pokémon the Series: The Beginning Now Streaming on Disney+ in US and Canada

Summary:

Pokémon the Series: The Beginning, the original Ash and Pikachu episodes, has arrived on Disney+ in the United States, Canada and select markets following a new global distribution deal between Disney+ and The Pokémon Company International. That means fans can relive the Kanto-era adventures on a major streaming platform, rather than hunting DVDs or scattered services. This update makes it easier than ever to binge the early episodes, catch up on iconic moments, and introduce younger players to the classic Pokémon world. NintendoReporters is keeping an eye on how many episodes are available regionally and what other Pokémon series might join Disney+ next.

Pokémon the Series: The Beginning landed on Disney+ and why it matters

The original series known as Pokémon the Series: The Beginning – the show that started Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s long running journey – is now streaming on Disney+ in the US, Canada and other select markets. This matters because it consolidates one of gaming and anime history’s most recognizable franchises onto a major family-friendly streaming platform, giving easy access to nostalgic episodes that shaped many players’ childhoods. Instead of tracking down physical media or fragmented streams, fans can find the early Kanto adventures in one place when available in their region. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, that means simpler rewatching, teaching younger viewers about the origins of popular Pokémon lore, and a ready reference for classic battles and characters they still quote today.

Where and when you can watch

Disney+ announced a global distribution agreement with The Pokémon Company International on August 28, 2026, and the rollout put Pokémon the Series: The Beginning onto Disney+ in the US, Canada and select international markets shortly after. Availability varies by country, so you may see different episode counts or regional release timing depending on your Disney+ catalog. In some places the original episodes began airing on Disney XD around the same time, with Disney+ showing the series for streaming viewers. If you’re in the United States or Canada and have a Disney+ subscription, search the platform for the title and look under the anime or family sections to start watching. Keep in mind that libraries are updated regionally, so episode counts can change as rights are expanded.

What to expect from the episodes and how many are initially available

Expect the classic 1997-1998 run that introduces Ash, Pikachu, and the Kanto region’s familiar faces and gym battles. Early Disney+ listings indicate the show carries the original release window 1997-1998 and that initial availability may include a portion of the season rather than every episode at once, depending on your market. That’s common when streaming platforms acquire legacy series – they often stagger releases or roll out partial catalogs while finalizing broader rights. For viewers this means you’ll likely see the most iconic episodes and story beats first, and more episodes may follow. If you’re aiming for a full rewatch, check Disney+ periodically for updates and keep an eye on announcements about additional episode drops.

How this fits into Disney’s wider Pokémon deal

The Disney+ arrangement is part of a broader global distribution partnership announced at the end of August 2026, which also covers a new Aardman-produced stop-motion series called Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu slated for 2027. Disney’s deal expands their kids and family catalog while giving Pokémon a large, consistent home across Disney platforms in certain territories. For the franchise, the partnership offers another avenue to reach younger viewers and broaden exposure beyond traditional broadcast or niche streaming deals. From a viewer perspective this means Disney is positioning itself as a go-to place for select Pokémon programming, starting with the beloved original series and later adding new, family-friendly entries that bring fresh artistic takes to the Pokémon universe.

Why Nintendo fans should care

Nintendo fans care because Pokémon is one of the company’s flagship franchises and the animated series is a cultural touchstone that ties into many game releases, collectible drops and fan conversations. Having the original episodes more widely available on a mainstream streaming service helps players reconnect with storylines, characters and moments that shaped the games’ community – and it can spark interest in related Nintendo titles. If you follow Nintendo-focused coverage on sites like NintendoReporters, this shift makes it easier to reference episodes alongside game guides or retro retrospectives. It also helps preserve the series’ legacy – when fans can watch the source material easily, it fuels conversations, theories, and nostalgia-driven content that keep the franchise active between big game announcements.

Tips for catching up and where else Pokémon content lives

If you’re planning a binge, start with the earliest episodes and use Disney+ playlists or your watchlist to track progress. Remember that catalog availability differs across regions – if you spot only part of the season, be patient and check back for additional episodes. Beyond Disney+, Pokémon’s library has historically appeared on other platforms and its own Pokémon TV service, so older seasons may also surface elsewhere depending on regional licensing. For news, episode lists, and deeper Nintendo-related coverage, visit the Nintendo news section at Nintendo News. When watching, pay attention to original opening sequences, localized names and edits – some streaming versions keep original content intact, while others may show remastered or slightly altered prints for modern viewers.

Community reaction and the nostalgia factor

The reaction from fans has leaned heavily into nostalgia – people love revisiting the early days of Ash’s journey and the show’s simple, adventurous tone. Social feeds and discussion boards quickly lit up when the availability news rolled out, with many commenters sharing memories of first-time Pokémon moments and which episodes they’d rewatch first. For parents, the move makes it easy to pass the series to a new generation without dealing with physical media or fragmented streaming access. For collectors and long-time fans, it’s a fresh reason to host watch parties or make episode-themed content like listicles, reaction videos, and commentary. Expect a steady stream of nostalgia-driven posts and community conversations as more markets see the series appear on Disney+.

What’s next – the new stop-motion series and future releases

Alongside the original series, Disney’s deal includes the Aardman stop-motion series Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, set to debut on Disney XD and Disney+ in 2027. That series promises a different visual style and tone while keeping the Pokémon spirit intact – a nice complement to classic episodes for viewers who want both retro and new content. Keep an eye on official announcements for exact release windows and watch for news about additional Pokémon seasons joining Disney+ as the partnership expands. As licensing deals evolve, the streaming landscape for Pokémon will continue to shift – that means more opportunities to catch different eras of the anime in one place over time.

Conclusion

Pokémon the Series: The Beginning arriving on Disney+ is a welcome move for fans who want simple access to Ash and Pikachu’s early adventures. The Disney+ partnership adds a major platform to the franchise’s distribution, making classic episodes more convenient to watch in supported regions. Whether you’re revisiting the Kanto region for nostalgia or introducing the original series to someone new, Disney+ gives you a central place to start. Keep an eye on regional catalogs and official announcements for episode rollouts and new Pokémon entries that may follow under this deal.

FAQs
  • Is Pokémon the Series: The Beginning available everywhere on Disney+?
    • Availability varies by country. The series launched on Disney+ in the United States, Canada and select markets – check your local Disney+ library for episode counts and regional rollout details.
  • Do I need a Disney+ subscription to watch it?
    • Yes. If Pokémon the Series: The Beginning is available in your region, you will need an active Disney+ subscription to stream the episodes on that platform.
  • Are all episodes from 1997-1998 on Disney+ right away?
    • Not necessarily. Some regions may receive a partial catalog initially, with more episodes added over time as rights and localization are finalized.
  • Will new Pokémon series also come to Disney+?
    • Disney+’s agreement includes upcoming series like Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu arriving in 2027. Future additions will depend on the scope of the distribution deal and regional arrangements.
  • Where can I find updates about Pokémon on Disney+?
    • Follow official Disney+ announcements, The Pokémon Company International updates, and Nintendo-focused news outlets for the latest availability and release information.
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