If you were around in the 90s, chances are you lived through the Pokemon craze. Pokemon is the biggest franchise in the world, and it started in Nintendo video games. They became immensely popular, and it wasn’t long until they expanded into other media forms. The most prominent one was the Pokemon anime inspired by the games. Over time, it evolved into new forms, but the original show never vanished.
The Games That Started It All
Originally called Pocket Monsters in Japan, Pokemon started with Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. They created the concept for a monster collecting and trading game in the early 90s. The idea was inspired by Tajiri’s childhood when he collected insects and tadpoles. He and Sugimori pitched the idea to Nintendo, and despite initial doubts, it passed. They worked with Nintendo game director Shigeru Miyamoto to make the first two games, Pokemon Red and Green released in 1996 for Game Boy.
Red and Green showcased the player character traversing the land and capturing the unique monsters. As they did so, the player must choose the strongest and train them for combat. The battles featured in the games were turn-based, like the ones in Final Fantasy. This aspect ties into the main story of competing in the renowned Pokemon League. It also correlated with the subplot of stopping the criminal organization, Team Rocket.
A Global Phenomenon Begins
Red and Green became highly popular practically overnight, selling millions of copies. Gamers grew obsessed with capturing all 150 monsters at the time. The games also promoted socializing since players had to trade over the version-exclusive creatures. Their notoriety led to Pokemon: Blue, an upgraded version with new creature sprites. It eventually prompted Game Freak to make Pokemon: Yellow, which offered a unique twist.
The Pokemon games later found their way to the United States in 1998. Red, Green, and Blue became the Red and Blue Version for American localization. Yellow arrived a year later as Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition. Nevertheless, these video games started a worldwide sensation that expanded beyond limitations. Their success led to countless spin-offs and the beloved trading card game. The most prominent result of these games was the forever-loved anime.
The Anime That Rocked the 90s
Premiering in 1997, the anime featured the adventures of Ash Ketchum ( Satoshi in Japan). He would travel across the land, dreaming of becoming a Pokemon Master. His companions, Pikachu, Misty, and Brock, accompanied him on his journey. Most episodes involved the characters encountering new characters and Satoshi/Ash competing in intense battles. They also had to deal with a pair of Team Rockets criminals and their Meowth. Yellow Version takes inspiration from the show, and both cemented Pikachu as the franchise’s mascot.
The anime arrived in the United States on September 8, 1998, dubbed by 4Kids Entertainment. It premiered before the American release of Red and Blue Version. The series aired on various channels, but its home was the Kids’ WB viewing block. Its popularity led to merchandise like lunchboxes, clothing, board games, and food items. The first three movies also collaborated with Burger King for promotional reasons. You couldn’t take two steps without seeing something Pokemon-related somewhere.
Pokemon TV’s New Home
The original series of the Pokemon anime ended in 1999. However, the overall show continued as new generations of games appeared. New characters and creatures debuted, though Ash and Pikachu remained the same. Every new installment is memorable, while the original is top tier amongst fans. Its memory has stayed alive thanks to home media and streaming services.
Pokemon TV was the newest attempt at bringing the old into the modern age. It featured the Indigo League and Orange Island seasons and some newer iterations. Another big draw was the inclusion of side series like Pokemon Evolutions and Pokemon: Origins. Unfortunately, the streaming app shut down in March, and the original series disappeared. The good news is Pokemon TV returned as a YouTube channel last week. It often uploads multiple episodes of the first season, bringing 90s nostalgia to all.
Final Thoughts
Pokemon TV returning to YouTube as a channel is excellent! This way, older episodes are available to all at no price. What makes it better is modern kids can witness this gem of Japanese anime. It contains iconic characters, memorable and often touching stories, and heart-pounding action. Longtime fans can even share this show with their children to enhance the moment.
I’ve been a massive fan since the franchise’s golden days throughout the late 90s. Some of my fondest memories include watching it during weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings. My all-time favorite episode is Charizard Chills from the Orange Island season. Hopefully, it and the rest of the original series will appear on Pokemon TV. Seeing these older episodes again fills me with an indescribable joy. I can’t wait to relive another classic adventure with Ash and his friends!
