WildBrain launches new Pokémon streaming channel after official app closes

Fans have found it hard to watch Pokémon since the official app closed in March 2024. This new channel is free with ads, making it easier for millions of fans to see 20 years of shows.
By Newsroom | Entertainment, Global |

The way people watch Pokémon animation is changing. After the official Pokémon TV app and website closed in March 2024, many fans found it hard to watch their favorite episodes. Recently, two different groups have stepped in to fill this gap. WildBrain, a Canadian media company, has secured rights to launch a new streaming channel. At the same time, independent creators like Ken and Lane are helping fans through a long-running podcast. This move from a single official app to several different platforms marks a new period for the brand.

The closure of official tools has led to a mix of new business deals and fan-made content.

A Timeline of Access and Rights

The history of Pokémon streaming has moved from central control to a more spread-out model.

  • March 2024: The Pokémon Company shuts down the Pokémon TV app. This was the main place where fans could watch the series for free.

  • August 22, 2024: WildBrain announces it has the rights to start a new Pokémon streaming channel.

  • Current Day: The "Gotta Watch'em All" podcast, which began years ago, continues to release weekly episodes, with entries documented as recently as January 2026.

EntityRoleStatus
The Pokémon CompanyOriginal CreatorClosed official free app in early 2024
WildBrainRights HolderLaunching a free, ad-supported channel
Pokémon ProfessorFan MediaIndependent podcast covering lore and news

The Return of Free Streaming

When the official app closed, it became "more difficult" for fans to find episodes. WildBrain aims to solve this by using an ad-supported model. This means the content will be free to watch, but viewers must see commercials. This shift suggests that the brand is moving toward "FAST" (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) channels rather than keeping everything on their own private website.

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"Canadian production company WildBrain has announced that they have secured the rights to launch a new Pokémon streaming channel of their very own."

Independent Commentary and Lore

While WildBrain handles the video, the Pokémon Professor website and the "Gotta Watch'em All" podcast focus on the community. These creators, Ken and Lane, have reviewed almost every episode of the series.

  • They are not part of Nintendo, Game Freak, or The Pokémon Company.

  • They provide a "family-friendly" look at animation styles and voice acting.

  • Their work suggests that there is a high demand for "nostalgic journeys" through the 20-year history of the show.

Questions of Ownership and Identity

The phrase "Gotta Watch 'em All" is now used by both commercial companies and independent fans. This raises an interesting point about who "owns" the experience of being a fan.

  1. Does the move to WildBrain suggest that The Pokémon Company no longer wants to manage its own streaming technology?

  2. Can independent podcasts like the one hosted by Ken and Lane continue to use the "Gotta Watch 'em All" name without official affiliation?

  3. Is the increase in ad-supported streaming a sign that the "dark days" of missing content are truly over?

Expert Analysis

Analysis of the current media landscape shows that the "Gotta Watch 'em All" podcast acts as a bridge. While companies like WildBrain provide the actual video, the podcast provides the context and "lore" that fans enjoy. iHeartMedia has also hosted this content, showing that large audio platforms see value in the Pokémon brand even if they do not own the rights to the anime itself.

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The independence of these creators is a key fact; they explicitly state they are not linked to the official game developers.

Summary of Findings

The evidence shows that Pokémon media is entering a new stage. The loss of the official Pokémon TV app was a major change for the audience. The arrival of WildBrain's new channel offers a commercial solution for watching episodes. Meanwhile, the "Gotta Watch'em All" podcast provides a social and educational way for fans to engage with the series.

Next Steps for Observers:

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  • Watch for the official launch date of the WildBrain channel.

  • Check if other regions besides Canada will have access to these new rights.

  • Monitor how independent creators manage their branding to avoid confusion with official Nintendo products.

Primary Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the official Pokémon TV app close in March 2024?
The Pokémon Company shut down the app as part of a change in how they share their shows. It was the main place to watch for free, so fans had to find new ways to see the episodes.
Q: How will the new WildBrain Pokémon channel work for viewers?
The channel will use a model that is free but has commercials. This means you do not pay a monthly price, but you must watch short ads while you see the show.
Q: Who are Ken and Lane from the Gotta Watch'em All podcast?
Ken and Lane are independent creators who talk about the Pokémon show in their weekly podcast. They are not part of Nintendo, but they help fans understand the history and voice acting of the series.
Q: Is the new Pokémon streaming channel free to use?
Yes, the new channel from WildBrain will be free for everyone to watch. Instead of charging money, the company makes its money by showing advertisements during the episodes.
Q: When did WildBrain announce they got the rights for Pokémon?
WildBrain shared the news on August 22, 2024. They told the public they have the rights to start their own channel to show the famous animation.