A major era comes to an end with Pokemon for more than one reason. Not only will Ash be getting a redesign, but the new anime, Pokemon Sun and Moon, will air on Disney XD instead of Pokemon. Here's everything you need to know about this move.
While major network deals happen more often than not, this is a bigger one. Although not since day one, the majority of Pokemon's lifespan aired on the Time Warner networks. Kids WB is where the show scored in ratings big time. It soon moved to Cartoon Network once it became clear that Saturday mornings were not the place to be anymore. Reruns soon after began airing on Boomerang even during the classic cartoon days. It seemed like an obvious move for Pokemon as Cartoon Network had major successes with anime they acquired for Toonami including Sailor Moon and Dragonball Z. The series evolved over the years, but up until now, Time Warner assured the rights to air Pokemon over their networks. Seeing them move to Disney XD is major as a result.
The deal includes the new Sun and Moon, the movies, and all previous 19 seasons. In other words, nearly anything related to Pokemon will no longer air on the Time Warner networks and will move to Disney XD.
Disney XD has had some anime on in the past during its ownership of Saban, but recent success came about with Doreamon and even bigger with Yo-Kai Watch. While it will seem strange watching Pokemon on a Disney network, it may fit right at home thanks to the other anime success. Not to mention Disney XD is more of a male oriented network. This isn't a Disney Princess network/Mickey Mouse network. Rather it is Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls, etc. Considering Pokemon's demographics, it will work for them.
We don't know why this event is taking place. I have two theories. 1. Pokemon's popularity and value has gone back up since Pokemon Go launched back in July. Could the result have been Pokemon asking for more money from Time Warner as a result.......who knows. 2. Time Warner is going through a merger with AT&T right now. Mergers means cutting costs, and Pokemon may be one of them since it's broadcasting rights.
Lastly, this is NOT a major Disney acquisition like they did with Marvel and Lucasfilms. This is strictly television rights for one network, Disney XD. As far as I know it will not be airing on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Freeform, or ABC. Viz Media continues to hold the DVD/streaming rights to the series as well as theatrical rights should they decide to screen any of the movies (as they have with Pokemon the First Movie). Nintendo still holds on video game rights to previous and upcoming games, and the card games/merchandise will continue to be handled by The Pokemon Company. A major buyout is possible (because this is Disney after all), but at the moment, Disney does NOT own Pokemon.
Regardless of your opinions, this is a major changing of the guard and should be treated as such. However, whatever happens, this move should not alter you're enjoyment of the anime and movies.
Got any questions for anything not covered? Comment below.
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