Pokémon in the United Kingdom

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Pokémon in United Kingdom
Pokémon logo English.png
United Kingdom Flag.png
Flag of the United Kingdom
Language English
Continent Europe
Original anime airdates
EP001 29 March 1999
AG001 6 June 2004
DP001 4 February 2008
BW001 27 February 2011
4 June 2011
XY001 19 October 2013
5 April 2014
SM001 20 November 2016
11 April 2017
JN001 25 May 2020
1 September 2020
HZ001 1 December 2023
4 December 2023

The Pokémon franchise first reached the United Kingdom in 1999 with the release of Pokémon Red and Blue Versions and the airing of the anime dub, both in English.

Pokémon games

All Pokémon games that have been released in the United States have also been released in the UK, with the exception of Hey You, Pikachu!. Additionally, English-language versions of Pokémon Tetris and Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure have been released in the UK, despite these titles having never been released in North America. Prior to release dates becoming globally simultaneous, the UK release dates tended to be some time after those of North America, with the exception of Pokémon Dash, PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure and Pokémon Black and White, which were released in the UK before North America. The Generation I games, as well as their spin-offs, released during that time were handled by John Menzies (through THE Games), Nintendo's UK distributor until 2001.

Games that are released in the UK are inconsistent with British English spelling. For example, spelling variations such as color and center are not changed for the UK releases. This is due to most games using a single English translation as localised by The Pokémon Company International in North America. However, the English translation of Pokémon Sword and Shield does contain some localised words such as "rubbish", "mum" and "chaps", as the Galar region is based on the UK.

Event Pokémon

Prior to Generation IV, event Pokémon were sporadically released in the UK. An event in 2005 known as "The Hunt for Deoxys" was held at Vue cinemas for two days each across the country, where players of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Emerald were able to download the AuroraTicket. The introduction of Wi-Fi events in Generation IV has allowed UK players access to many events, including previously unavailable event Pokémon; prior to this, very few event Pokémon were made available to UK players, and when events at malls and other stores were held, many parts of the country were overlooked. Since Generation V, in-store events have become much more widespread across the country.

Pokémon anime

Sky One

 
Sky One logo since 2020

Sky One was a British pay television channel owned and operated by Sky, a subsidiary of Comcast,[1] that first began broadcasting on 26 April 1982 and served (along with sister channel Sky Atlantic) as the flagship channel for Sky UK and Sky Ireland. The channel ceased broadcast on 31 August 2021 and was replaced with two new channels; Sky Showcase and Sky Max.

Season one of the anime first began airing on Sky One[2] on 29 March 1999, on weekday mornings at 9am. Sky One was the first-run and main broadcaster for the Pokémon anime for the first seven seasons.

In May 2004, Sky One's first-run pay rights to the first three seasons expired, with 4Kids Entertainment signing a third-window deal with Cartoon Network to also air the seasons on the Toonami channel in addition to Sky One. Sky One retained the rights to first-run season seven.[3]

In 2005, 4Kids' deal with Cartoon Network was extended, which fully moved the pay-rights to new episodes of the Pokémon anime to Toonami starting from season eight.[4] Despite this, Sky One continued to rerun older episodes on weekends until the channel's removal of all remaining children's programs following it's rebrand at the end of August 2008.

Sky Replay

Sky Replay (originally Sky One Mix, then Sky Mix and Sky Two) is a British pay television channel operated by Sky as a sister channel to Sky Showcase, Sky Max and Sky Witness, and repeats programmes from these three networks.

The channel launched in December 2002, and between then and the anime moving to Toonami, episodes were aired on Sky One Mix on an irregular basis.

ITV

 
ITV channel logo until 14 November 2022

ITV is a British free-to-air television network first launched on 22 September 1955.[5] The network is split into 14 regional licences and a "national breakfast time" licence. These licences were originally awarded to separate companies that would produce local programming for their region as well as sharing programmes across the network. However, these companies eventually merged and by 2015[6] the network was made up of three channels owned by two companies; ITV1 and UTV owned by ITV plc and STV owned by the STV Group (with the UTV channel being fully absorbed into the ITV channel in 2020). The two channels broadcast largely the same content, although there continue to be local news broadcasts in the 14 regional areas.

From 1999 to 2001 and in 2003, the Pokémon anime aired as part of the program SM:TV Live, a Saturday-morning children's television programme which aired between 29 August 1998 and 27 December 2003 across the ITV network. Between 1999 and 2001, the Who's That Pokémon? segment of anime episodes was replaced by former SMTV hosts Ant & Dec (and often other celebrity guests) performing a "PokéRap"[7] or "Pokéfight"[8] sketch instead.

GMTV

Between 1 January 1993 and November 2009, the "national breakfast time" licence was held by GMTV (who were then acquired by ITV plc).

Between September 1999 and April 2003, GMTV aired the Pokémon anime as part of it's Sunday Up on the Roof block, airing episodes from season one, two, three, and four.

On 6 June 2004, the anime returned to Up on the Roof when season six began airing, with one new episode every week. The series was removed from the block by mid-October, reaching up to the episode Brave the Wave. This was due to the news of the block being axed alongside it's sister Diggin' It in favor of a newly-merged block.[9]

 
CITV logo since 2013

CITV

CITV (short for Children's ITV) was a late afternoon children's television block on the ITV network from 3 January 1983[10] until late 2006.

Beginning in 1999, Pokémon aired regularly during the block, starting with season one and two, mainly within the SMTV Live programme.

On 11 March 2006, CITV launched as a separate channel,[11] owned and operated by ITV plc, that broadcasts from 6am to 6pm daily, until 22 February 2016 when the channel extended its on-air hours to 9pm. Between 2006 and July 2010, the CITV channel (including Pokémon episodes) was often simulcast on ITV 4 during that channel's GMTV2 block.

Since its launch, the CITV channel has shown the terrestrial premiere of season nine and was the main British broadcaster for Pokémon the Series: Black & White, Pokémon the Series: XY and Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, including their respective movies. In the mid-2010s, CITV also reaired Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl and Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, alongside their respective movies, and aired Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness.

Between 27 May 2014 and 30 May 2014, all four episodes of Pokémon Origins aired on the channel and on 9 April 2016, to mark the beginning of series 19, a mini-marathon including the Mega Evolution Specials, movie three and movie 18 aired. On 1 January 2019, the channel held the UK television premiere of movie 21.

On 23 April 2020, it was announced that season 23 of the anime would air exclusively on rival channel POP[12] from 1 September 2020. With this, the show no longer broadcasts on CITV.

The CITV channel closed down on 1 September 2023, in favour of an upcoming children's hub on ITVX, called ITVX Kids, which launched in July 2023. On 2 September 2023, the children's block was moved to feature every morning on ITV2 during breakfast time, 05:00 to 09:00. Shows broadcast are from ITVX Kids, featured on the streaming service ITVX. This block retains the CITV branding after the channel's closure.

ITV X

 
ITVX logo

ITVX (formerly ITV Hub, and originally known as ITV Player) is an ad-supported streaming video on demand service, owned and operated by ITV plc, that launched as a unified service on 5 December 2008.[13] The service offers programmes shown on the ITV network and its sister channels (including CITV). The service is available via the ITV website and dedicated apps for iOS, Android or Smart TV devices.

Episodes of the Pokémon anime were available on the service for up to 30 days after their broadcast on the CITV channel. On 1 September 2020, season 23 began airing on POP, and Pokémon stopped being available on ITV Hub shortly thereafter.

Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (commonly abbreviated as CN) is a British pay television channel aimed at children that airs animated programming targeting children and young aged 6 to 12. It is run by Warner Bros. Discovery under its EMEA division.

During the time of its parent company holding pay-rights to the anime, Cartoon Network broadcast the UK premiere of season nine and the UK premieres of the films Lucario and the Mystery of Mew and Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea.

Cartoon Network Too
 
Cartoon Network Too logo until May 2012
Main article: Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network Too was a children's channel owned and operated by Turner Broadcasting System Europe (a subsidiary of WarnerMedia) that aired between 24 May 2007 and 1 April 2014 (having previously been broadcasting as Toonami since September 2003).

In May 2004, Toonami began re-airing the first three seasons of the anime as part of a new third-window deal with 4Kids Entertainment.[3]

Pokémon Chronicles held its world premiere on Toonami UK, airing between 11 May 2005 and 5 October 2005[4] and then broadcast the UK premieres of season eight[14] and ten. The channel later began to re-broadcast all other existing episodes of the anime as well.

In 2008 season 11 premiered on rival channel Jetix, although Cartoon Network Too continued to show repeats of older seasons until late 2010.

Disney XD

 
Disney XD logo
Main article: Disney XD

Disney XD (UK) was a British children's channel owned and operated by Disney Channels Worldwide that aired between 2 October 1996 and 1 October 2020.[15] Originally named Fox Kids, the channel was rebranded as Jetix in January 2005[16] and then as Disney XD in August 2009.[17]

Beginning in late 2008, season 11 premiered on Jetix as part of a global deal between Jetix Europe and Pokémon USA, Inc. The anime continued to be broadcast on the rebranded Disney XD up until season 17 in 2014, with the channel also airing movies 10 - 16 during this time. The series was then dropped by the channel and CITV became the exclusive home of season premieres until season 23.

POP

 
POP logo
 
POP Player logo

POP and sister channel POP Max, are children's television channels owned and operated by Narrative Capital. POP launched on 1 October 2002 as Toons & Tunes before rebranding in May 2003. POP Max launched as Kix! on 19 May 2008 before rebranding in August 2017. Both channels were launched by CSC Media Group, which was acquired by Sony Pictures Television on 15 August 2014.[18] On 25 May 2021, Sony Pictures Television sold its UK channels to Narrative Capital.[19]

On 1 January 2018, POP Max began airing episodes from Pokémon the Series: Black & White, and from 29 October 2018, episodes from Pokémon the Series: XY. These seasons were also shown on POP, and beginning on 4 March 2019, POP and POP Max started airing Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl followed by the original series in May 2019. In May 2020, POP began airing Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, while POP Max re-aired Pokémon the Series: XY.

The POP website features a Pokémon Picture Puzzler sliding puzzle game based on Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon,[20] as well as a page about the Pokémon 25th Anniversary.[21]

On 23 April 2020 it was announced that POP would gain the exclusive first-run rights to the Pokémon anime,[12] and on 25 May 2020 the first four episodes of season 23 aired on the channel as a preview. On 1 September 2020, the season premiered on the channel.

POP Player

POP Player is streaming video on demand service, owned and operated by Narrative Capital that launched on 4 December 2017. The service features shows from Tiny Pop, POP and POP Max and is available via dedicated apps for iOS, Android, PlayStation 4 and other Smart TV platforms.[22]

POP Player features recently broadcast episodes of season 23 as well as a selection of ten episodes each from seasons 17 - 21.

BBC

The British Broadcasting Corporation is the world's oldest national broadcaster, having been founded on 1 January 1927, and is the primary public service broadcaster in the UK.[23] The BBC, and its subsidiary BBC Studios, operate several national and international television and radio services, extensive online services, and its BBC News division is the world's largest broadcast news organisation.

On 20 July 2021, the BBC acquired rights to Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl and Pokémon the Series: Black and White for BBC iPlayer and the rights to air the eight movies linked to those series on the CBBC channel as well as iPlayer.[24]

In July 2022, the BBC acquired rights to Pokémon the Series: Sun and Moon and the respective movies to the series.

On 9 November 2023, it was announced that CBBC and BBC IPlayer would become the official new home for the Pokémon anime when they acquired the rights to Pokémon Horizons: The Series for a December air schedule.

BBC iPlayer

 
BBC iPlayer logo as of 2022

BBC iPlayer is a video on demand service, owned and operated by the BBC, that launched on 25 December 2007.[25] The service is available to television licence holders, offers programmes shown on the BBC's channels in the last 12 months, archived content, shows from Welsh language broadcaster S4C and programmes exclusively made or acquired for the platform.

Since the acquisition of the Anime, seasons and films have been added to iPlayer on a periodic basis.

Season/Film name Premiere Date
Season 10 2 August 2021
Season 11 2 August 2021
The Rise of Darkrai 2 August 2021
Giratina and the Sky Warrior 2 August 2021
Season 12 22 October 2021
Arceus and the Jewel of Life 22 October 2021
Season 13 3 December 2021
Zoroark: Master of Illusions 3 December 2021
Season 14 3 December 2021
Black—Victini and Reshiram 3 December 2021
White—Victini and Zekrom 3 December 2021
Season 14 18 February 2022
Season 15 18 February 2022
Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice 18 February 2022
Genesect and the Legend Awakened 18 February 2022
Season 20 14 July 2022
I Choose You! 14 July 2022
The Power of Us 14 July 2022
Season 21 11 November 2022
Season 22 30 January 2023
Season 17 1 November 2023
Season 18 1 November 2023
Season 19 1 November 2023
Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction 1 November 2023
Hoopa and the Clash of Ages 1 November 2023
Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel 1 November 2023
Pokémon Horizons: The Series 1 December 2023

CBBC

 
CBBC logo as of 15 March 2023

CBBC (short for Children's BBC) is a children's television channel owned by the BBC. The channel launched on 11 February 2002,[26] and broadcasts from 7am to 7pm daily. Between 1985 and 2013, CBBC was also a block on the BBC One and BBC Two channels with BBC Two briefly reviving the block in 2017 and 2022 respectively.

Initially, CBBC was only intended to broadcast the movies but later began airing the television series as well.

On 26 May 2022, the BBC announced plans for CBBC and BBC Four to be discontinued as a linear television service in 2025 as part of cutbacks and other changes focusing on creating a "digital-first" BBC. Under the plan, CBBC would exclusively operate as a content hub on iPlayer.[27][28]

Film Premiere Dates
Film name Premiere Date
The Rise of Darkrai 7 August 2021[29]
Giratina and the Sky Warrior 14 August 2021[30]
Arceus and the Jewel of Life 23 October 2021
Zoroark: Master of Illusions 11 December 2021
White—Victini and Zekrom 18 December 2021
Black—Victini and Reshiram 21 December 2021
Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice 23 February 2022
Genesect and the Legend Awakened 24 February 2022
I Choose You! 30 July 2022
The Power of Us 27 August 2022
Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction 17 November 2023
Hoopa and the Clash of Ages 1 December 2023
Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel 16 December 2023
TV series premiere dates

The first four episodes of Season 10 premiered on CBBC on 1 January 2022, as part of a mini-marathon with Black—Victini and Reshiram. Two episodes aired on the channel's morning schedule every Saturday afterwards.

Season 11 began airing on 14 February 2022, with two episodes airing every weekday during the half term. The season has since aired in random blocks on the network.

Season 20 premiered on CBBC on 25 July 2022, with episodes airing every weekday during the summer holidays. Season 21 followed on 31 December 2022, and Season 22 on 13 February 2023.

Season 17 premiered on CBBC on 25 November 2023.

Pokémon Horizons premiered on CBBC on 4 December 2023.

Other digital distribution

The Pokémon anime is also available on Pokémon TV, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, the iTunes Store and Now in the UK.

Service Available content
 
Pokémon TV
See: Pokémon TV
 
Prime Video
See: List of digital home video releases of Pokémon anime
 
iTunes Store
 
Google Play
 
YouTube
 
Netflix
See: Netflix
 
Now
Anime

Movies

Pokémon movies

The first three Pokémon movies, Mewtwo Strikes Back, The Power of One and Spell of the Unown: Entei, as well as the 20th, I Choose You! and 21st, The Power of Us were released in theatres accompanied by the same TCG promotions as in the North America. Mewtwo Strikes Back was released on 14 April 2000, to coincide with the two week Easter school holidays, The Power of One on 22 December 2000, Spell of the Unown: Entei on 6 April 2001 and The Power of Us on 24 November 2019. The first three movies were released on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray while the 20th and 21st only DVD and Blu-ray.

Every movie after the first three would be released on an irregular basis. Both the 4th, Celebi: The Voice of the Forest and 5th, Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias movies were released directly to DVD in 2003 and 2005 respectively, while the 6th movie, Jirachi: Wish Maker was released on DVD in 2006. In the same year, the 8th, Lucario and the Mystery of Mew and 9th movies, Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea aired on Cartoon Network, but would not make video releases until 2015 when they were released on iTunes. In 2008, the 10th movie, The Rise of Darkrai was released on DVD. All Pokémon movies from the 11th, Giratina and the Sky Warrior onward would be aired on both CITV and Disney XD a short time after being aired in North America. In 2012, seven years after the North America release, the 7th movie, Destiny Deoxys, finally appeared in the UK when it was released on DVD.

Additionally, the special episode Mewtwo Returns, marketed as a direct-to-video movie outside of Japan, saw a UK release on VHS. It is unknown why a DVD version was never released.

POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, the live-action movie filmed in London, was released in the UK on 10 May 2019.

The 22nd movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution was released in the UK on Pokémon Day, 27 February 2020, while the 23rd, Secrets of the Jungle was released in the UK on 8 October 2021.

Movies 20 - 23 and Detective Pikachu are available for download on Netflix (Subscription required).

Pokémon manga

Pokémon manga licensed and translated into English is distributed in the UK by VIZ Media, including Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure! and the popular Pokémon Adventures series.

Pokémon Trading Card Game

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is sold throughout the UK, with the same release dates as in North America.

When it was first released, the game was very popular among children worldwide. In many countries, the TCG was eventually banned in most schools, because it became a "classroom distraction". Conflict between students when trading also resulted in the cards being banned from some schools. Its popularity soon began to fade, to be replaced by other popular crazes like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Game Boys, although it does see a periodic resurgence with the release of each new card set or video game.

In 2000, the Base Set fourth print run mirrored the Unlimited print, with the only difference being the copyright date, which reads "1999-2000". The English version was released exclusively in the UK and in 2020, Pokémon Futsal was also released exclusively in the UK.

Pokémon merchandise

 
Cover artwork of the first issue of the 2004 Pokémon Official Magazine available in the UK

The UK sees a lot of the same Pokémon merchandise that is available in North America, such as plush toys from many major department stores, though merchandise given away in fast food restaurants has seen a decline. Some collectibles, such as the Pokémon Advanced Action Cards, were sold throughout Europe but not in North America. The Pokémon brand remains as popular as ever and merchandise that can't be found in stores, such as ASDA, GAME or W H Smith, can be acquired online.

In 2001, a promotional CD-ROM was released in the Daily Express. When played in a CD player, it would play a sample of the song Gotta Catch 'Em All by 50.Grind. When played in a computer, additional features could be accessed, such as desktop wallpapers, the music video to Gotta Catch 'Em All and other content.

First published in 2000, Pocket World, originally launched as Pokémon World, did not exclusively cover Pokémon, being made up of several other franchises that involve 'cartoon brands starring monsters' (such as Moshi Monsters, Bakugan and Redakai). It finished in 2015 with Issue 174.

In 2004, Pokémon Official Magazine was launched. It was intended to have a quarterly release schedule, but was cancelled after its second issue due to poor sales.

In February 2013, Future Publishing announced that it would begin publication of Official Pokémon Magazine from March that year with a publishing schedule of 13 issues per year. It was cancelled after 13 issues.

In March 2017, Immediate Media Company began publishing Pokémon Magazine.[38] Each issue includes information on the anime, TCG and video games, and comes with posters and free gifts. The magazine is published monthly, and is still in publication as of April 2023.[39]

Pokémon fan Lisa Courtney holds the Guiness World Record for having the largest collection of Pokémon memorabilia, over 17 thousand items.[40]

Events

An eight-city tour was held in the UK in commemoration of the Pokémon 10th Anniversary. Ten event Pokémon were distributed at the events — Charizard, Pikachu, Articuno, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Latias and Latios. These ten Pokémon were chosen by Nintendo of Europe following a popularity poll earlier in the year. Other activities at the events included Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Trading Figure Game stations and anime episode screenings.

Date Location
14-15 October 2006 Southampton, West Quay
21-22 October 2006 Manchester, Trafford Centre
23-24 October 2006 Newcastle, Metro Centre
26-27 October 2006 London, Lakeside
28-29 October 2006 Cardiff, Capitol
4-5 November 2006 Glasgow, Buchanan Galleries
11-12 November 2006 Milton Keynes, The Centre
18-19 November 2006 Birmingham, The Bull Ring

Between 18 October and 15 November 2019, a temporary Pokémon Center opened at the Westfield London mall in White City, London[41] to celebrate the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield games.[42]

2022 World Championships

Main article: 2022 World Championships

The 2022 World Championships were held in ExCeL London, at Royal Victoria Dock, from 18 to 21 August 2022. It was the seventeenth invitation-only championships for Pokémon Trading Card Game players, the twelfth for Pokémon video games players, the fifth for Pokkén Tournament players and the first for players of Pokémon GO and Pokémon UNITE.

Initially intended to be held in August 2020, they were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, first moved to August 2021,[43][44] subsequently moved to 2022.[45]

A pop up Pokémon Center was opened during the 2022 World Championships.[46]

2023 Pokémon Europe International Championships

The 2023 Pokémon Europe International Championships were held in ExCeL London, at Royal Victoria Dock, from 13 to 16 April 2023.  

Trivia

External links

References

  1. Comcast completes Sky deal - Financial Times (retrieved 20 May 2020)
  2. POKEMON sold to Europe - Animation World Network (April 2, 1999)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3rd window UK deal for Pokemon - C21 Media (retrieved 18 September 2021)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4Kids in New U.K. Pokémon Deal - World Screen (archived from the original 14 March 2006; retrieved 22 February 2021)
  5. On This Day - 1955: New TV channel ends BBC monopoly - BBC News (retrieved 20 May 2020)
  6. ITV buys Irish broadcaster UTV for £100m - The Independent (retrieved 20 May 2020)
  7. B*Witched - PokéRap - SM:TV Live 2000 - VHS-Portal (YouTube) (retrieved 20 May 2020)
  8. Bryan Westlife Pokemon- Ant & Dec - Julesy83 (YouTube) (retrieved 20 May 2020)
  9. Up On The Roof Axed! - PKMN.NET (retrieved 20 May 2020)
  10. CITV set for classic kids TV weekend - BBC News (retrieved 21 May 2020)
  11. CITV to launch on Sky in May - Media 247 (archived from the original 1 March 2006; retrieved 21 May 2020)
  12. 12.0 12.1 The Pokémon Company International Reveals New Animation Trailer and Details for Pokémon Journeys: The Series - The Pokémon Company International (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  13. ITV's Catch Up rebranded ITV Player - Campaign (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  14. Toonami UK snags Pokémon: Advanced Battle - Bulbanews (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  15. Disney is eliminating Disney Channel in the UK, moving titles to Disney Plus - The Verge (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  16. ABC Cable Networks Group, Fox Kids Europe And Fox Kids Latin America Launch Jetix As New Global Action-adventure Kids Programming Business - Jetix Europe (archived from the original 22 February 2015; retrieved 22 February 2021)
  17. Jetix to become Disney XD - Digital Spy (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  18. Sony closes CSC deal, ups Kate Marsh - Television Business International (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  19. Sony Pictures Television U.K. Channels Sold to U.S. Investment Firm Narrative Capital - Variety (retrieved 21 June 2021)
  20. Pokémon Picture Puzzler - POP (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  21. Pokémon Day | Celebrate the 25th anniversary - POP (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  22. POP Player - POP (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  23. History of the BBC - 1920s - BBC (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  24. Pokémon is heading to the BBC for the first time as iPlayer catches series and movies - Licensing.biz (retrieved 18 September 2021)
  25. 5 years on: How the BBC iPlayer sparked a TV revolution - TechRadar (retrieved 18 September 2021)
  26. CBBC digital channels go live on Monday 11th February 2002 - BBC Press Office (retrieved 18 September 2021)
  27. BBC to move CBBC and BBC Four online - BBC News (retrieved 19 November 2023)
  28. BBC To Close CBBC & BBC Four As Linear Channels; 1,000 Jobs At Risk As Public Broadcaster Begins Its "Digital First" Push - Deadline (retrieved 19 November 2023)
  29. Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai - CBBC (retrieved 18 September 2021)
  30. Giratina and the Sky Warrior - CBBC (retrieved 18 September 2021)
  31. Watch Pokemon-Diamond And Pearl - Now TV (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  32. Watch Pokemon: Arceus And The Jewel of Life - Now TV (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  33. Watch Pokemon the Movie: White-Victini - Now TV (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  34. Watch Pokemon The Movie: Black-Victini - Now TV (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  35. Watch Pokemon The Movie: Kyurem Vs. The Sword of Justice - Now TV (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  36. Watch Pokemon The Movie: Genesect And The Legend Awakened - Now TV (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  37. Watch Pokemon Detective Pikachu - Now TV (retrieved 22 February 2021)
  38. Immediate launches Pokémon Magazine - InPublishing (archived from the original 3 August 2021; retrieved 6 July 2021)
  39. Pokémon magazine - GamesMags.com (archived from the original 3 April 2023; retrieved 3 April 2023)
  40. The largest collection of Pokémon memorabilia - Guinness World Records (archived from the original 16 March 2015; retrieved 3 April 2023)
  41. A Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store Opens in London This October - Pokemon.com (archived from the original 13 August 2019; retrieved 22 February 2021)
  42. We Interview Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori about Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield - Pokemon.com (archived from the original 14 June 2019; retrieved 22 February 2021)
  43. 2020 Pokémon Championship Series Canceled - Pokemon.com (archived from the original 3 April 2020; retrieved 20 March 2023)
  44. Play! Pokémon 2021 Championship Series Information - Pokemon.com (archived from the original 2 July 2020; retrieved 20 March 2023)
  45. Next Pokémon TCG, Video Game, and "Pokkén Tournament DX" World Championships Moved to 2022 in London - Pokemon.com (archived from the original 9 February 2021; retrieved 20 March 2023)
  46. Pokémon World Championships in London - Pokémon Center UK Official Site (archived from the original 20 March 2023; retrieved 20 March 2023)
  47. X Factor star’s One Direction revealed as ambassadors for Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version - TTKN (archived from the original 29 April 2011; retrieved 20 March 2023)
  48. The Saturdays become Nintendo ambassadors in latest TV campaign - Nintendo Insider (archived from the original 30 July 2021; retrieved 20 March 2023)


The Pokémon franchise around the world
The Americas: BrazilCanadaLatin AmericaUnited States
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HungaryIcelandIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaNetherlandsNorth MacedoniaNorwayPoland
PortugalRomaniaRussiaSerbiaSlovakiaSpainSwedenUkraineUnited Kingdom
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Oceania: AustraliaNew Zealand


  This article is part of Project Globe, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon franchise around the world.