Pokémon (1997)
Kernel Score: 87% · 2,126 ratings
Genres: Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
First aired: 1997-04-01
Seasons: 25 · 1235 episodes
Is Pokémon worth watching?
Worth watching. A long-running kids' adventure about Ash and Pikachu on a quest to be a Pokémon Master. It's simple, upbeat and comforting, and mostly aimed at younger viewers and nostalgic fans.
Watch it if you
- grew up with Pokémon
- want an easy show for kids
- like creature-collecting adventures
Skip it if you
- want complex plots
- dislike repetitive episodic stories
Best for: Kids' afternoon
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Pokémon
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Join Ash accompanied by his partner Pikachu, as he travels through many regions, meets new friends and faces new challenges on his quest to become a Pokémon Master.
Pokémon parents' guide: ages 5+
Parents need to know that this TV-Y7 animated adventure follows a young trainer and his creatures on a quest, with mild fantasy battling.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Fantasy creature battles in a tournament format are stylized and bloodless, appropriate to the TV-Y7 rating.
- Products & purchases: Some — Based on a video game and part of a franchise built heavily around collectible creatures and merchandise tie-ins.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-Y7 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like Pokémon
If you liked Pokémon, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Digimon: Digital Monsters (1999) — 85%: Another kids' creature-adventure with monsters and friends.
- Digimon Tamers (2001) — 89%: Thoughtful kids' monster adventure with more depth.
- Hunter x Hunter (2011) — 90%: Adventure about a boy chasing a dream.
- Shaman King (2001) — 88%: Fun action adventure with fighting spirits.
- Bakugan Battle Brawlers (2007) — 87%: Creature battle adventure for younger fans.
- Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023) — 92%: Gentle, thoughtful fantasy journey.
Cast
- Rica Matsumoto as Satoshi (voice)
- Ikue Otani as Pikachu (voice)
- Daiki Yamashita as Gou (voice)
- Kenyu Horiuchi as Narrator (voice)
Pokémon FAQ
Is Pokémon worth watching?
Worth watching. A long-running kids' adventure about Ash and Pikachu on a quest to be a Pokémon Master. It's simple, upbeat and comforting, and mostly aimed at younger viewers and nostalgic fans.
Where can I watch Pokémon?
In the US you can stream Pokémon on Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Tubi and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Pokémon OK for kids?
Pokémon is rated TV-Y7. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 5+. Parents need to know that this TV-Y7 animated adventure follows a young trainer and his creatures on a quest, with mild fantasy battling.
What shows are like Pokémon?
If you liked Pokémon, try Digimon: Digital Monsters, Digimon Tamers, Hunter x Hunter and Shaman King.