How long does CN intend to keep Pokemon for?

[CyberCubed]

This is something I'm wondering, how long does CN plan to keep Pokemon?

Pokemon lasted 8 seasons on KidsWB, and its currently gone on for 3 seasons on CN (not counting when they aired reruns of old seasons, of course), so as a whole the show is currently in its 11th season.

Does CN plan to keep Pokemon for the rest of the shows run? Nobody really knows how long yet the show will go on for, so what do you think will happen? Will CN continue to air the show until it ends?

[Mickialla]

Pokemon stays as long as it gets ratings. In fact, ANYTHING stays as long as it gets ratings, with a few exceptions hither and thither.

[chdr]

Until it stops making money.

[Taoku]

Most likey until Nintendo stops making the games.

[Red]

Until it stops making money.


Most likey until Nintendo stops making the games.

I'd like to question if Cartoon Network will even be around then.

I like it on Cartoon Network. I mean, where else could it go? Back to CW4Kids I guess, but there are no reruns at all, which kinda sucks.

Disney XD is another option, but I could just see it getting lost in the shuffle over there, and it's obviously not as watched as Cartoon Network. So I think CN should attempt to keep the show as long as it does well. Really, I think they should be doing more with it, I mean, look at how many episodes of the show there are. If anything they are mistreating it, but nobody else could do better.

[Mr. Ralph]

i've been wondering this as well, especially since they're not even advertising it anymore:sad::sad: i'd really hate for them to stop airing it due to failing ratings

[Raidon Makoto]

If they try to kill Pokemon, Nintendo will just bribe them to stop.

[Mugsy]

Im not a fan of the series or the franchise so if it goes I'm not heartbroken, but if it pulls good ratings then I guess it should stay....

[Starbro]

Pokemon will remain on CN as long as it's profitable for CN. Simple as that.

[Racattack!Force]

For as long the series continue to make money, and they get a cut of it, Cartoon Network will keep it.

[CyberCubed]

How much money has Pokemon made CN?

[DarthGonzo]

They'll probably keep Pokemon as long as the video games keep selling well.

[peterg14]

As long as it gets ratings and continues to make money, it'll still be here as long as CN keeps renewing the contract to air the show.

[Dr.Pepper]

Until its an unprofitable franchise, but I think we will all die before that happens:D .

[Blackstar]

Cartoon Network will continue to air Pokemon as long as the show continues to put butts in seats.

[Light Lucario]

Pokemon will remain on CN as long as it's profitable for CN. Simple as that.

Exactly. I thought about this every now and then myself, but it always comes back to how Pokemon will stay on CN as long as it stays a profitable franchise, which means that CN will get a cut of the profits from the ratings, and I don't see Pokemon, as a whole franchise, becoming unprofitable anytime soon.

If for some reason CN does stop airing the series one day, I would imagie that it would have no trouble finding a new place to day, considering Pokemon is such a huge cash cow. It would probably go on Disney XD if that ever happens since I think that they aired some of the movies on Toon Disney before. I'm not sure if it could air on the CW4Kids for some reason though. Still, I don't think we have to worry about Pokemon not airing on CN any time soon.

[CyberCubed]

How are Pokemon's ratings on CN compared to its last years on KidsWb?

I'd assume they're lower because of the switch to a cable channel, but I wonder.

[yoshirider13]

You know Ive always wondered this because Pokemon was a part of CN's last Era. Which they are wiping clean of but Pokemon seems to be consistantly staying on the schedule. The Morning weekday slot is actually pretty good for the kids that wanna watch something before they have to go off to school.

I wish we could rewind back to when DP was pretty new and we got an hour of classic pokemon in prime time along with DP episodes =/

[peterg14]

How are Pokemon's ratings on CN compared to its last years on KidsWb?

I'd assume they're lower because of the switch to a cable channel, but I wonder.

I know that it usually gets 2.0-2.2 on CN, but I'm not sure what it got on CN. And even if they did dump it, Pokemon would always have a home somewhere.

[CyberCubed]

I wish we could rewind back to when DP was pretty new and we got an hour of classic pokemon in prime time along with DP episodes =/

I never understood why CN/PUSA doesn't legally stream all the older seasons of Pokemon online somewhere.

The series has almost 600 episodes, most of these eps will probably never re-air on television again otherwise. Its actually a shame when you realize so many of these eps most people will never get to watch again unless you buy the DVDs.

[Dudley]

I forgot there were that many episodes. They really should air them weekly, then.

[CyberCubed]

I forgot there were that many episodes. They really should air them weekly, then.

Most of which will never re-air on TV again.

[Raidon Makoto]

I never understood why CN/PUSA doesn't legally stream all the older seasons of Pokemon online somewhere.
http://toonamijetstream.com

[Light Lucario]

How are Pokemon's ratings on CN compared to its last years on KidsWb?

I'd assume they're lower because of the switch to a cable channel, but I wonder.

I think it's really hard to compare Pokemon's ratings on those two channels. CN is a cable channel, but Kids' WB was available to those without cable. There would be a difference in numbers simply because of that change and because of that difference, it would also feel pointless to really compare them. But that's just how I see it.


I never understood why CN/PUSA doesn't legally stream all the older seasons of Pokemon online somewhere.

The series has almost 600 episodes, most of these eps will probably never re-air on television again otherwise. Its actually a shame when you realize so many of these eps most people will never get to watch again unless you buy the DVDs.

Well, rust has already mentioned Jetstream, which did show some of the classic Pokemon episodes and it is currently showing Master Quest and Battle Frontier seasons. In all honesty, I'm not sure if I would use the term shame for describing most of those episodes not airing on TV again. While Pokemon does have a huge amount of episodes to air and it is too bad that some of these episodes won't air on TV, I'm not sure if too many channels would watch to air so much of the older episodes, outside of something like a marathon or a weekday afternoon block like what CN did with it in the past.

Since the series is meant to promote the games and the more recent episodes do that more than the old ones, that's why I think CN has tend to focus on the more recent episodes. Though I obviously wouldn't mind it if they did have a weekday slot for older Pokemon episodes of course.

I also don't see what's so bad about having the episodes only available on DVD. That is a good means of showing those episodes since it allows people to watch the episodes whenever they want to and without commerical breaks. Besides that, most places I've seen carry the box sets and the single discs for Pokemon at a good price.

[D Dubbs]

How are Pokemon's ratings on CN compared to its last years on KidsWb?

I'd assume they're lower because of the switch to a cable channel, but I wonder.

Yes, they're lower. During its final days on Kids' WB, it would get between around 1.5 and 2.0, and on CN, it gets between 2.0 and 3.0, which translates to roughly between 1.0 and 1.5 on broadcast terms.

[CyberCubed]

I wonder if the ratings will hold consistent. If CN does cancel Pokemon and the show isn't over yet, where could it go?



Well, rust has already mentioned Jetstream, which did show some of the classic Pokemon episodes and it is currently showing Master Quest and Battle Frontier seasons. In all honesty, I'm not sure if I would use the term shame for describing most of those episodes not airing on TV again.

And yet, if someone wanted to rewatch through the entire Pokemon series again, there's no way to (legally) do it since not all the seasons are out on DVD yet.

A show having 600 episodes means it would honestly take forever to watch through it all, and not having them all available so you can skip some of the more pointless fillers is pointless in itself.

[Racattack!Force]

Yes, they're lower. During its final days on Kids' WB, it would get between around 1.5 and 2.0, and on CN, it gets between 2.0 and 3.0, which translates to roughly between 1.0 and 1.5 on broadcast terms.To be fair, less people get cable, while everyone can get local/network channels.

[Light Lucario]

I wonder if the ratings will hold consistent. If CN does cancel Pokemon and the show isn't over yet, where could it go?

Well, I still doubt that CN would get rid of it since Pokemon is still a huge cash cow. If that did happen though, I could see it airing on Disney XD, if that becomes a part of the Digital Cable, or maybe Nicktoons, thought that feels more like a long short. I still have a feeling we don't have to worry about that right now though.


And yet, if someone wanted to rewatch through the entire Pokemon series again, there's no way to (legally) do it since not all the seasons are out on DVD yet.

A show having 600 episodes means it would honestly take forever to watch through it all, and not having them all available so you can skip some of the more pointless fillers is pointless in itself.

It would be hard to rewatch the entire series since it still is techincally continuing in Diamond and Pearl. Granted, Pocket Monsters, Advance Generation and Diamond and Pearl are treated as different series, but they all work well in terms of grouping it as one large series.

They can't really release every season that fast anyway. It depends really on the company's planned release dates. So far, Viz has the first season, the Orange Island season, Master Quest, Advance, Battle Frontier and almost all of Diamond and Pearl available in box sets. They also have all of Advance Challenge and Advance Battle on single discs as well. That's a pretty good chuck of what has aired in the US so far. Granted, Master Quest and the single discs might be harder to find for those who can't order online, but they're still available.

The only seasons that are really hard to find right now are Johto Journies and Johto League Champions, which I hope will be released in a box set when they finally finish releasing Diamond and Pearl. I also hope that Advance Challenge and Advance Battle get a box set at some point since I loved those seasons of Advance.

My point is that while not every season so far has been released on DVD, there are plenty of seasons already out there that would be enough to satisfy most people's desire to rewatch Pokemon.


To be fair, less people get cable, while everyone can get local/network channels.

That is true. That's why trying to compare the ratings on Kids' WB and those of CN is kind of pointless. Since more people get local channels and not everyone gets cable, comparing each channel's ratings is like comparing apples with oranges.

[CyberCubed]

My point is every season should be streamed legally online somewhere.

I find it mind blowing that Pokemon.com, the official site, does not even do this.

600 episodes and most of them will never air again. Might as well pretend most of the show never happened.

[yoshirider13]

Im pretty sure Nintendo Probably bribes CN into airing the episodes.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

My point is every season should be streamed legally online somewhere.

I find it mind blowing that Pokemon.com, the official site, does not even do this.

600 episodes and most of them will never air again. Might as well pretend most of the show never happened.

Because goodness forbid they expect people to buy the DVDs for episodes ten years old. That last paragraph is overly melodramatic.

[CyberCubed]

Because goodness forbid they expect people to buy the DVDs for episodes ten years old. That last paragraph is overly melodramatic.

Maybe a little, but its still bothersome that out of a 600 episode series only the newest season is available on TV.

I don't care if CN airs reruns of old eps or not, but to this date the entire show is still not out properly on DVD or legally streamed online somewhere.

For people who want to get into Pokemon again, its almost impossible for them to do so because they have no way to (legally) watch through the series in order.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Maybe a little, but its still bothersome that out of a 600 episode series only the newest season is available on TV.

I don't care if CN airs reruns of old eps or not, but to this date the entire show is still not out properly on DVD or legally streamed online somewhere.

For people who want to get into Pokemon again, its almost impossible for them to do so because they have no way to (legally) watch through the series in order.

I'm sure Pokemon.com or Viz would like it if you sent them a letter expressing your dislike of the situation.

[Light Lucario]

My point is every season should be streamed legally online somewhere.

I find it mind blowing that Pokemon.com, the official site, does not even do this.

600 episodes and most of them will never air again. Might as well pretend most of the show never happened.

While I see advantages of having the series legally streamed online, I honestly don't it as a something that huge of an issue either. Perhaps not enough of Pokemon's target audience, children usually under the age of twelve, aren't demanding the same thing. If kids Pokemon generally target at wanted this too, then I'm sure PUSA would have already done it now. Even so, I still don't see it being such a problem since a good chuck on the series is out on DVD.

And yes, I also feel that your last sentence is definitely melodramatic. Not to be a nitpicker, but the series hasn't technically reached its 600th episode yet in Japan. They're really close at 576, but I wouldn't constantly say that it's a 600 episode series yet since they're going past that number as well.

And pretending that most of the series didn't happen thing is really inaccurate. If that was the case, then why would Viz and PUSA bother to release the first and second seasons on DVD box sets? They have been lately releasing the more recent seasons, Battle Frontier and Diamond and Pearl, but that makes sense because they reached a point of time where they could do that with the recent seasons. I also think that Jacob had a good point with how old the episodes are. Pokemon is over ten years old and I'm not sure if its suppose to be expected for those episodes to be aired on TV when they can be easily found on DVD.


Maybe a little, but its still bothersome that out of a 600 episode series only the newest season is available on TV.

I don't care if CN airs reruns of old eps or not, but to this date the entire show is still not out properly on DVD or legally streamed online somewhere.

For people who want to get into Pokemon again, its almost impossible for them to do so because they have no way to (legally) watch through the series in order.

Considering that the series is there to promote the video games and the newest season does promote the Diamond and Pearl games, I don't see how that's so bothersome. Besides that, CN did run repeats of Battle Frontier over the fall and had Diamond and Pearl in the morning slots recently. Granted, those are more recent seasons, but they're not the newest season either.

As for the entire series not being properly released on DVD yet, I still say that's kind of hard to do considering the series is still going on. When I hear entire series, it makes me think of everything from the start to the end of the series. Since Pokemon doesn't have an ending, I feel like it's hard to get the whole thing out.

I also don't think you noticed what I said earlier about how a good chunk of the series is out on DVD. In terms of box sets, there are season one, the Orange Islands, Master Quest, Advance, Battle Frontier and almost all of Diamond and Pearl. All of Advance Generation is out on single discs at least so people who want those seasons and don't want to wait for any box sets could go that route. The only seasons I see as being hard for people to find legally are Johto Journies and Johto League Champions. Even so, there's almost six whole seasons out in box sets right now that are easy to find.

I also don't see why it's important to have the series released in order so that people could get back into watching the series. People don't necessarily have to watch from the start in order to get back into the series. Kids today obviously don't have to watch season one in order to enjoy watching Diamond and Pearl. There are plenty of Pokemon seasons out on DVD for people to find at store, order from the stores or find them online. I'm still hoping that they'll eventually put out the first two seasons of Johto and the last two seasons of Advance on DVD box sets in the future, but there's no shortage of older Pokemon episodes finding home on a DVD.

If you feel this strongly about the situation, you could easily send PUSA or Viz a letter, like Jacob mentioned. It's at least more proactive than complaining about it on a forum to people who are outside of the target range of the series.

[Lazerboy5000]

In my opinion, I think CN will be able to hold onto Pokemon for the rest of the series (which could be for a very long time). Kids WB kind of fizzled out and CN picked it up. So as long as CN doesn't die completely, then I think Pokemon should be able to last on the network.

[TheKingofCN]

This is something I'm wondering, how long does CN plan to keep Pokemon?

Pokemon lasted 8 seasons on KidsWB, and its currently gone on for 3 seasons on CN (not counting when they aired reruns of old seasons, of course), so as a whole the show is currently in its 11th season.

Does CN plan to keep Pokemon for the rest of the shows run? Nobody really knows how long yet the show will go on for, so what do you think will happen? Will CN continue to air the show until it ends?


Pokemon will stick around CN as long as it remains profitable and maintains a fanbase that watches the show. I am sure this current incarnation of Pokemon wont last forever but they will probably premier a new Pokemon chapter within the next year or two if this series remains a ratings pull. Personaly I am not a fan but if it helps CN to have this show ait then I hope it remains on saturday mornings for a good long time. :o)

[Old Guy]

Pokemon is like Power Rangers. Most people don't care about the actual show, but it sells toys and video games so it stays on. It's basically a 30 minute commerical.

[Rolling Cloud]

Pokemon is like Power Rangers. Most people don't care about the actual show, but it sells toys and video games so it stays on. It's basically a 30 minute commerical.

...

That couldn't be more wrong. >_>

[Light Lucario]

Pokemon is like Power Rangers. Most people don't care about the actual show, but it sells toys and video games so it stays on. It's basically a 30 minute commerical.


...

That couldn't be more wrong. >_>

Yes, I agree that it's definitely wrong. Old Guy is right in the fact that Pokemon is pretty much a commercial for the video games and toys. I don't think anyone could deny that. However, I do disagree completely with the statement regarding how most people don't care about the actual show. That statement disregards the fans, both in and outside of the target audience, who enjoy watching the series. I'm sure that there are some people out there who simply enjoy the series and may not care at all about the toys or video games.

In general, the statement feels like it ignores the fans for both Pokemon and Power Rangers. There are some shows that I don't really care for, but I do my best to respect other people's tastes and feelings toward the show as well.

[Old Guy]

...

That couldn't be more wrong. >_>

I think I have proof in the ratings. Do Pokemon or Power Rangers even crack the top 20 kids shows? Is Pokemon even in the list of the 5 most popular CN shows? And CN is already a 3rd place channel to begin with.


I do disagree completely with the statement regarding how most people don't care about the actual show. That statement disregards the fans, both in and outside of the target audience, who enjoy watching the series. I'm sure that there are some people out there who simply enjoy the series and may not care at all about the toys or video games.

But how big is the fanbase? For the show anyway? It's not big at all. I'd estimate that 1 out of every 10 kids is a Pokemon fan. While 1 out of every 50 teen (or adult) is a Pokemon fan. So...when I said that "most" people didn't care then I was correct.

This isn't Star Wars. If you were to have a Pokemon convention I'm sure the amount of people showing up would be less than 100. I remember in 2007 there was a Power Rangers convention and like 30 people showed up.

[Mr. Ralph]

i think the show's improved a lot since it's early days and has become a lot less of a 30 minute commercial. yeah the show's still pretty kiddy but it does have its moments and it's enough to keep an adult like me watching every week!!

[pokefiend]

I think I have proof in the ratings. Do Pokemon or Power Rangers even crack the top 20 kids shows? Is Pokemon even in the list of the 5 most popular CN shows? And CN is already a 3rd place channel to begin with.

Unfortunately, I'm not familar with such lists so I couldn't say. Even so, do most kids shows on CN or other networks break such lists? In fact, do most animes break such lists? hmmm...

Almost every week, Pokemon DPBD is one of DAS' highest watched shows, and lets not forget the blockbuster ratings CN receives everytime the network airs a new Pokemon film. (Pokemon 10's ratings is evidence enough)


But how big is the fanbase? For the show anyway? It's not big at all. I'd estimate that 1 out of every 10 kids is a Pokemon fan. While 1 out of every 50 teen (or adult) is a Pokemon fan. So...when I said that "most" people didn't care then I was correct.

I didn't realize that people can nowadays simply guesstimate a franchise's correct fanbase. That's amazing! What else can you do?


This isn't Star Wars. If you were to have a Pokemon convention I'm sure the amount of people showing up would be less than 100. I remember in 2007 there was a Power Rangers convention and like 30 people showed up.

lol less than 100 people showing up at a pokemon convention? If it's held in Montana, sure.

[Old Guy]

lol less than 100 people showing up at a pokemon convention? If it's held in Montana, sure.

Did you see the turn out for that Power Rangers convention in 2007? It was basically a hotel conference room with 30 people. And that was in L.A. Pokemon wouldn't be any different. Most people don't care about the show. They may play the video games and maybe even buy the merchandise but Pokemon the show hasn't been relevant since...atleast 2001. The ratings speak for themselve, man.

I know TZ is a CN fanboy website, but don't let your love for the channel blind you from the reality. Kids, even boys, don't care enough to make the show a top competitior. And if you asked the average teen or `20-something the response would be the same as with Power Rangers, "wait...that show is still on?"

[PC!]

Heck, I'd go to a Pokemon convention just to duke it out with other players' Pokemon teams. That gimmick alone would probably bring in hundreds of fans to a con.

[pokefiend]

Did you see the turn out for that Power Rangers convention in 2007? It was basically a hotel conference room with 30 people. And that was in L.A. Pokemon wouldn't be any different. Most people don't care about the show. They may play the video games and maybe even buy the merchandise but Pokemon the show hasn't been relevant since...atleast 2001. The ratings speak for themselve, man.

I know TZ is a CN fanboy website, but don't let your love for the channel blind you from the reality. Kids, even boys, don't care enough to make the show a top competitior. And if you asked the average teen or `20-something the response would be the same as with Power Rangers, "wait...that show is still on?"

I can't believe I'm hearing this. You keep mentioning ratings as proof but have you even seen their Saturday morning ratings recently?

http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=197297&page=21

Pokemon Diamond & Pearl Battle Demensions consistently score between a 1.8-2.4 depending on how well the DAS block does on a whole.

Mighty Morphing Power Ranger's recent show--Jungle Fury can't reach above a 0.5 rating.

You're probably accurate about Power Ranger's current commercial status, but I don't know where you get off making baseless assumptions that Pokemon's anime is experiencing anything similar to that.

[Old Guy]

Pokemon Diamond & Pearl Battle Demensions consistently score between a 1.8-2.4 depending on how well the DAS block does on a whole.

Based on that link you posted it got beaten by the entire Nick block and a movie on Disney channel. So...the ratings aren't that impressive.

[Racattack!Force]

Based on that link you posted it got beaten by the entire Nick block and a movie on Disney channel. So...the ratings aren't that impressive.Nick will always beat Cartoon Network. You know that. And the DC movie isn't on at the same time Pokemon is on.

[Old Guy]

Nick will always beat Cartoon Network.

True, but it wasn't even the highest rated show on CN. Ben 10, Transformers, Bakugan, and Robotboy got higher viewership. So...you can't brag about ratings when the show placed 5th in the 3rd place network. Pokemon overall was 17th most watched program that morning. It even got beat by Little Einsteins which got a 2.0. Like I said...you can't be #17 overall and #5 on the channel and claim good ratings.

[Rolling Cloud]

But how big is the fanbase? For the show anyway? It's not big at all. I'd estimate that 1 out of every 10 kids is a Pokemon fan. While 1 out of every 50 teen (or adult) is a Pokemon fan. So...when I said that "most" people didn't care then I was correct.

I'm curious, what're you using as a source? Random people out in the street? Pokemon is still as popular as it was before (hence, the balloon in the Macy's parade and the Platinum game coming out soon) & it does still have a fanbase. If it didn't, boards such as Bulbagarden & Serebii wouldn't still be around.


Kids, even boys, don't care enough to make the show a top competitior. And if you asked the average teen or `20-something the response would be the same as with Power Rangers, "wait...that show is still on?"

And yet, there're still places like Rangerboard & HJU conversing with cast members & going to places like Morphicon. Plus, kids today are getting into it. "What fanbase", indeed?

[Old Guy]

what're you using as a source? Random people out in the street?

What are yours? The internet? Going to sites where you know fans are gonna be at?

The world outside the internet is the best source. How many people do you actually know that care about Pokemon? I know one, a casual viewer, and he's 7. All the other kids in my family don't watch the show. As for friends...all of them are in the "wait...this show is still on" category and non of their siblings or cousins watch the show.

And the fan websites...atleast some of them are honest. I've never been to a Pokemon fan site, but I used to frequent RangerTalk back in 2006 and 2007 and a good amount of them were not only honest about being in the minority but some even said that they were embarrased to admit to their friends and family that they still watched the show.

[yoshirider13]

What are yours? The internet? Going to sites where you know fans are gonna be at?

The world outside the internet is the best source. How many people do you actually know that care about Pokemon? I know one, a casual viewer, and he's 7. All the other kids in my family don't watch the show. As for friends...all of them are in the "wait...this show is still on" category and non of their siblings or cousins watch the show.

And the fan websites...atleast some of them are honest. I've never been to a Pokemon fan site, but I used to frequent RangerTalk back in 2006 and 2007 and a good amount of them were not only honest about being in the minority but some even said that they were embarrased to admit to their friends and family that they still watched the show.Explain how the 10th pokemon Movie scored more then a million viewers last year.

[Old Guy]

Explain how the 10th pokemon Movie scored more then a million viewers last year.

A million is cool and all, but it's not High School Musical 2's 17 million viewers. Again...you gotta look at the big picture. Pokemon does decent numbers but compared to everything else it's nothing special. If Pokemon is at the bottom of the top 20 on Saturday morning just imagine where it can be once you add in Disney's top shows. At the end of the day Pokemon is probably the 29th most watched kids show. Perhaps even lower. And this show was once the #1 kids show in America. Kinda sad if you think about it.

[pokefiend]

A million is cool and all, but it's not High School Musical 2's 17 million viewers (With all due respect, that movie made cable history in viewership). Again...you gotta look at the big picture. Pokemon does decent numbers but compared to everything else it's nothing special. If Pokemon is at the bottom of the top 20 on Saturday morning just imagine where it can be once you add in Disney's top shows. At the end of the day Pokemon is probably the 29th most watched kids show. Perhaps even lower. And this show was once the #1 kids show (source please?) in America. Kinda sad if you think about it.

Not when you realize that most dubbed animes have gone down in popularity in america nowadays. In fact, the Pokemon anime has survived very well. It holds today a loyal fanbase, viewership that beats a majority of other kid shows--especially audiences outside the US, and its movies earn great commercial success. Unlike its video games, the show may no longer be the juggernaut it used to be, but it certainly isn't no...


Pokemon is like Power Rangers. Most people don't care about the actual show, but it sells toys and video games so it stays on. It's basically a 30 minute commerical.

[Light Lucario]

But how big is the fanbase? For the show anyway? It's not big at all. I'd estimate that 1 out of every 10 kids is a Pokemon fan. While 1 out of every 50 teen (or adult) is a Pokemon fan. So...when I said that "most" people didn't care then I was correct.

Where on earth are you getting these figures? No offense, but it sounds like you're just pulling numbers out of a hat and they have no actual proof of how many people are Pokemon fans.


This isn't Star Wars. If you were to have a Pokemon convention I'm sure the amount of people showing up would be less than 100. I remember in 2007 there was a Power Rangers convention and like 30 people showed up.

Have you seriously ever been to a Pokemon convention? If you haven't, I suggest not to act like you know how many people would show up. I've been to some and I've read about them online. There are much more than a hundred people there. The lines to get toys and those special tickets to get legendary Pokemon on their video games. Shoot, there was a large crowd to watch new episodes of the series and play a mini-tournament on XD Gale of Darkness.


Did you see the turn out for that Power Rangers convention in 2007? It was basically a hotel conference room with 30 people. And that was in L.A. Pokemon wouldn't be any different. Most people don't care about the show. They may play the video games and maybe even buy the merchandise but Pokemon the show hasn't been relevant since...atleast 2001. The ratings speak for themselve, man.

I know TZ is a CN fanboy website, but don't let your love for the channel blind you from the reality. Kids, even boys, don't care enough to make the show a top competitior. And if you asked the average teen or `20-something the response would be the same as with Power Rangers, "wait...that show is still on?"

Why are you comparing the turnout for a Power Rangers' convention with that of a convention for Pokemon? Other than both being commercials for toys and both having come from Japan, I don't see any other similarities between the two franchises. And just because this Power Rangers convention supposedly had a low amount of people there, that doesn't mean that's necessarily the standard for a convention on either Pokemon or Power Rangers. The fact that you seem to be assuming all of this information regarding Pokemon's current state simply shows ignorance.

Yes, the series hasn't been hugely popular for years now. It still has good ratings on DAS, but they aren't like what they were back in Pokemon's heyday. But that doesn't mean that most people don't care about the show. Some kids have grown out of the show and less people have been able to see the series since not everyone gets cable. Besides, I don't see any clear evidence saying that Pokemon's ratings have been anything poor. They're not huge like they were back in the day, but they're still doing quite well.

And I'm still wondering why you're still bringing in Power Rangers into this when it has nothing to do with the topic at hand. Of course, nothing that has been mentioned throughout the last page has really been on the original topic, but these things happen quite quickly.


Based on that link you posted it got beaten by the entire Nick block and a movie on Disney channel. So...the ratings aren't that impressive.

I'm not sure I understand why it's really necessary to compare Pokemon's ratings to other channels and then say that they're not impressive. Nick will always beat out CN, as Tednut already mentioned, and the Disney channel movie wasn't even on at the same time. Besides that, if you simply look at the ratings for the whole block of DAS, Pokemon seems to be doing fine. If you compare all of the ratings on CN like this, then almost every time, if not all the time, they will be beaten out by Nick and Disney.


What are yours? The internet? Going to sites where you know fans are gonna be at?

My sources are ratings for the show, how Diamond was the most sold game of 2007, how the TCG is the top sold card game in the U.S. and reading different articles in newspapers online saying how many kids are playing Pokemon, which usually is either the video games or the card game. Still, they usually mention the show and how long it's been running in these articles as well.


The world outside the internet is the best source. How many people do you actually know that care about Pokemon? I know one, a casual viewer, and he's 7. All the other kids in my family don't watch the show. As for friends...all of them are in the "wait...this show is still on" category and non of their siblings or cousins watch the show.

So let me see if I understand this. You're claiming that most people don't care about the show anymore because you only know one casual viewer and the rest of your friends and children in your family are simply amazed that the show is still on, right? No offense, but that's a pretty small pool to make such a large statement. I don't think you've really proven anything with this at all, other than the fact that you aren't in a position to back up your claims with reliable sources.

Just because the people around you don't really know much about the show doesn't mean that most people don't. If you did a large study on the matter and interviewed many, maybe a few hundred or so, children and adults in your area, I think you would come up with a much more logical result regarding who still likes Pokemon or not. Even so, that would be counting the people in that particular area, not the U.S. or all of North America. As of now, I think you have no real facts to back up your claims.


And the fan websites...atleast some of them are honest. I've never been to a Pokemon fan site, but I used to frequent RangerTalk back in 2006 and 2007 and a good amount of them were not only honest about being in the minority but some even said that they were embarrased to admit to their friends and family that they still watched the show.

Trust me, I've been to Pokemon fan sites and there people there who do feel the same way. In all honesty, so do I. I'm not ashamed of loving Pokemon. It's more like I'm too nervous to really show my interest to people since I've had bad experiences when I was little regarding how much I enjoy Pokemon.


A million is cool and all, but it's not High School Musical 2's 17 million viewers. Again...you gotta look at the big picture. Pokemon does decent numbers but compared to everything else it's nothing special. If Pokemon is at the bottom of the top 20 on Saturday morning just imagine where it can be once you add in Disney's top shows. At the end of the day Pokemon is probably the 29th most watched kids show. Perhaps even lower. And this show was once the #1 kids show in America. Kinda sad if you think about it.

Again, why do we have to compare the ratings for the tenth movie with High School Musical 2's ratings? I don't think that they were even airing on the same night when the Darkari movie premiered. I know that you said that we should look at the big picture and I understand that. My point is that compare most of, if not all of, CN's shows and you'll find how it being beaten out by Nick and Disney. I also don't see how exactly you get Pokemon as the 29th most watched kid show, unless you don't have any actual facts to back up your claim again.

It was number one in its heyday, the pick of its popularity, but the fact that it isn't anymore shouldn't really be sad. Things that get so popular so quick cool down over time and, if lucky, they remain successful. Considering the fact that Pokemon's ratings are still quite well and the different parts of its franchise, mainly the games, toys and cards, still earn a large amount of profits, I believe that Pokemon has become lucky enough to remain as successful as it is.

After finishing this ridiculously long post, I just wanted to say that I've made my 3000th post and it's obviously Pokemon related. All right!

[CyberCubed]

Pokemon is nowhere near what is was in the fad years of 1998-2001, but its still decently popular in terms of the anime.

The Johto seasons were basically geared toward the 10 and under crowd in an almost parody-type setting, but since then the show has gotten better with arcs and characters.

[XDogg]

Nick will always beat Cartoon Network. You know that. And the DC movie isn't on at the same time Pokemon is on.I know tednut isn't loosing fate in CN.:sad:

[Old Guy]

have no actual proof

I never said proof. I said estimate.


The lines to get toys and those special tickets to get legendary Pokemon on their video games. Shoot, there was a large crowd to watch new episodes of the series and play a mini-tournament on XD Gale of Darkness.

It sounds like they were there mostly for the video games which I agree that is still popular.


They're not huge like they were back in the day, but they're still doing quite well.

They are doing okay-ish. The show is basically at the bottom of the top 30. It may not even be in top 30. So, that's not really...well. It's simply okay.


I'm not sure I understand why it's really necessary to compare Pokemon's ratings to other channels and then say that they're not impressive.

Because that's how you judge a show's popularity. Just cause a show does well on a channel doesn't mean it's doing well overall. The fact that Pokemon is barely in the top 30 proves that it's not a popular show. It just says that it has a small but loyal audience. That's all.



I also don't see how exactly you get Pokemon as the 29th most watched kid show, unless you don't have any actual facts to back up your claim again.


It's simple math. The link provided by Pokefiend clearly stated that Pokemon was the 17th most watched show on Saturday morning. A Saturday morning that included Nick's top shows like Spongebob and FOP but none of Disney's top shows. Once you include Disney shows like Hannah Montana and Wizards it's easy to conclude that Pokemon is most likely the 29th most watched kids show.

[veemonjosh]

Because that's how you judge a show's popularity. Just cause a show does well on a channel doesn't mean it's doing well overall. The fact that Pokemon is barely in the top 30 proves that it's not a popular show. It just says that it has a small but loyal audience. That's all.

Listen, the new episodes of Pokemon are barely, if ever promoted anymore. The fact that it still gets these ratings is impressive in and of itself.

Plus, you compared an anime movie airing on Cartoon Network (the third-place channel) on a Sunday evening (a low ratings night, making the million viewer rating really impressive) to friggin High School Musical 2. There's no way anything can compare to the most popular thing of this current kid generation.

[Old Guy]

Listen, the new episodes of Pokemon are barely, if ever promoted anymore. The fact that it still gets these ratings is impressive in and of itself.

Like I said earlier...it has a small but loyal fanbase.

[veemonjosh]

Like I said earlier...it has a small but loyal fanbase.

Another thing to consider is that the ratings only cover the Neilson kids. There's probably hundreds of thousands of kids that still tune in every Saturday morning to watch Pokemon, and the DVD sales seem to be strong enough to support that theory.

[Old Guy]

Another thing to consider is that the ratings only cover the Neilson kids. There's probably hundreds of thousands of kids that still tune in every Saturday morning to watch Pokemon, and the DVD sales seem to be strong enough to support that theory.

True, but Pokemon still isn't more popular than Spongebob, Fairly Oddparents, iCarly, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life, Total Drama Island, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Chowder to name a few. So...regardless...I wouldn't call it a popular show per say. It has its loyal audience but that's about it.

[Jave]

To say that Pokemon is not popular is stupid. Yes, is not as popular as it used to be, but that doesn't mean that it's not a recognizable name. Even if fans have outgrown the show, the newer generations have been introduced to it. It's a cycle.

In the past couple of years, Cartoon Network has gotten rid of many things from the past to renew its image. Why haven't they gotten rid of Pokemon? That's right, because it's popular with their target audience. What other reason could CN have to keep it on the air outside of ratings? CN doesn't see a penny out of the merchandise.

Oh, and there's the fact that there's only around five months between the Japanese and American airings of the series. Have you seen another anime get such a treatment? I think Digimon was the only other one, but other than that, there's not much.

Pokemon IS popular. I don't know how can anyone say it's not. It's usually among the highest rated in its block, and while it doesn't beat Nick and Disney, the ratings clearly reflect that it's popular enough to stay on the air.

If the show was nothing but a small, loyal fanbase, you bet it would have been taken off the air by now.

[Old Guy]

CN doesn't see a penny out of the merchandise.

Yea...but Japan pays CN some cash on the side. They need someone to air their 30 minute ads. ;)

[Daxdiv]

Yea...but PUSA pays CN some cash on the side. They need someone to air their 30 minute ads. ;)


Fix'd just so you know since PUSA handles Pokemon in the USA, not Japan. I mean if you're going to pull stuff out of air, make sure you get the distributor right.

[Old Guy]

Fix'd just so you know since PUSA handles Pokemon in the USA, not Japan. I mean if you're going to pull stuff out of air, make sure you get the distributor right.

It was a joke, man. But seriously, like I said before...Pokemon may do well for CN (like it has been stated in almost every post by you guys) but just cause it does well for CN doesn't mean it's doing well overall. CN is a 3rd place channel. A million viewers is good news for them. And again...all you have to do is look at the ratings. The show is barely in the top 30. That doesn't equal popular. The games may be popular but the show is a different story.

[Daxdiv]

It was a joke, man.

Stuff like that ruins your credibility, just an FYI so you know.


But seriously, like I said before...Pokemon may do well for CN (like it has been stated in almost every post by you guys) but just cause it does well for CN doesn't mean it's doing well overall. CN is a 3rd place channel. A million viewers is good news for them. And again...all you have to do is look at the ratings. The show is barely in the top 30. That doesn't equal popular. The games may be popular but the show is a different story.

Still doesn't change the fact that CN will always be 3rd, The anime will still continue as long as there is a new handheld system from Nintendo, and a new game. Sure it might not be CN highest rating show or break the top 30 shows, but if it gives CN a reason to air, it would have been taken off like Jave said before. Case in point, look at One Piece and how it stopped airing on CN US, Naruto maybe, since they seem to throw darts to see if it airs on Saturday or not.

[Old Guy]

Still doesn't change the fact that CN will always be 3rd

Not really. They always have a shot at the top. It won't happen over night, of course, but it's possible. And...I think that's why fans are so defensive. You guys fear the day CN will actually make it and pull the plug on the show cause they no longer need it. It's the reason I keep comparing to Power Rangers. The PR fans live in fear that Disney will someday say, "why are we airing this show again" and pull the plug.

I understand. It sucks to lose a beloved show but it has had a good run so if it ever happens no reason to freak out.

[veemonjosh]

Personally, I'm not too worried about Pokemon's future on CN. Heck, I figure that, even if they do start to question why they air it, Nintendo has enough cash to wave in front of them and change their minds.

But still, did you see how much CN promoted the hell out of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon special that aired in September? They had an ALL DAY MARATHON leading up to it. I don't know of any other anime that has gotten an all day marathon to lead up to a half-hour episode, besides the Hundo. And, IIRC, they had an entire THREE DAY marathon the previous September with nothing but Pokemon airing to lead up to the 90 minute premiere of the tenth season.

It might not get on the Top 30, but the only CN shows I've ever heard of being on there in recent years are two or three Naruto episodes ("The Death of Naruto" and the final Toonami broadcast), Clone Wars, and Total Drama Island.

[Racattack!Force]

Crap, when did this thread take a turn for the worst? Pokemon is one of the most popular shows on a 3rd place channel, yes. But there is always a chance that CN will get higher up. It was a 2nd place channel back in the day, and in some countries overseas its number one. Pokemon is still popular, but not as popular as back in the day.

[Light Lucario]

I never said proof. I said estimate.

I can see that now. But usually an estimate has some strong facts supporting its claim. So far, I haven't seen strong facts in your claims. No offense, but you've been comparing ratings when the series isn't even playing at that the time and based on a small group of people that you know.


It sounds like they were there mostly for the video games which I agree that is still popular.

I think you ignored a part where a large crowd of kids were watching the premier episode to a new season, Advance Battle to be exact. The video games are still popular, which we both can agree with, but there were people for both the video games and the series. There were kids on stage singing the Advance theme song as well.


They are doing okay-ish. The show is basically at the bottom of the top 30. It may not even be in top 30. So, that's not really...well. It's simply okay.

As others have mentioned before, Pokemon has been doing quite well in its block, usually being one of, if not the highest, rated programs on the block. The series barely has any promos for the new episodes so the fact that the ratings are still doing well enough is a sign that people do still care.

It may not be breaking records with its ratings, but that doesn't mean that Pokemon is not popular anymore. It isn't hugely popular anymore, but it still does well enough for CN to still air the series. The


Because that's how you judge a show's popularity. Just cause a show does well on a channel doesn't mean it's doing well overall. The fact that Pokemon is barely in the top 30 proves that it's not a popular show. It just says that it has a small but loyal audience. That's all.

I don't see how a show doing well on its channel doesn't mean that it's doing well overall. We all agree that Pokemon isn't super popular like it was back in the day, but it still is popular. Like Jave mentioned, new generations are introduced to it like a cycle. That's how the series has always been like. Some of their audience leaves as they grow older and new kids are old enough to watch TV and might enjoy it too.

I'm also surprised that you can claim how it has a small and loyal audience when I don't think you recognize how new kids are introduced to the series as time moves on. Not to mention the fact you seem to not have any source for your estimates regarding Pokemon's popularity.


True, but Pokemon still isn't more popular than Spongebob, Fairly Oddparents, iCarly, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life, Total Drama Island, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Chowder to name a few. So...regardless...I wouldn't call it a popular show per say. It has its loyal audience but that's about it.

I'm still surprised that you're comparing Pokemon with some of the more recent fads for this generation of kids. That didn't make sense with High School Musical 2 either, especially since they didn't air at the same time to begin with. Pokemon has been around for over ten years, while most of these shows, mainly Spongebob and Fairly Oddparents, are relatively new and are at a peak of popularity. As I mentioned before, Pokemon's popularity cooled down a few years ago and is now at a point where it is still popular and well known, but it isn't huge. Nearly all of the shows you mentioned here are either Disney or Nick shows, which usually have the most popularity among tweens, and I honestly don't see how you can compare Pokemon with these shows, considering the differences in how long they've been running.


It was a joke, man. But seriously, like I said before...Pokemon may do well for CN (like it has been stated in almost every post by you guys) but just cause it does well for CN doesn't mean it's doing well overall. CN is a 3rd place channel. A million viewers is good news for them. And again...all you have to do is look at the ratings. The show is barely in the top 30. That doesn't equal popular. The games may be popular but the show is a different story.

Let's see. The show is doing well on CN, which is important, and the DVD sales for both the series and the movies support the theory that kids still like Pokemon. Just because a show doesn't have huge ratings doesn't mean that it isn't popular. Some shows have poor ratings and yet are still popular. That's not to say that Pokemon's ratings are poor. I was just usuing an example.

I'm still surprised that you're saying that show isn't popular just because it isn't huge like a lot of Disney and Nick shows. Like I said, a show can be popular without mega huge ratings. Since you don't seem to really understand the Pokemon fanbase, I'm surprised that you're acting like you know so much of it.


Not really. They always have a shot at the top. It won't happen over night, of course, but it's possible. And...I think that's why fans are so defensive. You guys fear the day CN will actually make it and pull the plug on the show cause they no longer need it. It's the reason I keep comparing to Power Rangers. The PR fans live in fear that Disney will someday say, "why are we airing this show again" and pull the plug.

I understand. It sucks to lose a beloved show but it has had a good run so if it ever happens no reason to freak out.

Personally, I couldn't care less on whether or not CN beats Nick or Disney in ratings. I care more about enjoying a program rather than seeing who beats who in ratings.

Again, I'm surprised that you're acting like you know the people who are a part of the Pokemon fanbase feel and how large it is without having any real understanding of it. I've never been too worried about Pokemon's future on CN either. The thought has crossed my mind before, but I just figure that CN will keep it on as long as it remains profitable for them. I also think that Nintendo could easily make them air it if they ever had the idea to get rid of it. If for some odd reason they do take it off their schedule one day, given how Pokemon is such a huge cashcow and is such a recognizable franchise, I doubt that Nintendo would have a problem with finding a new place for it to air.


But still, did you see how much CN promoted the hell out of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon special that aired in September? They had an ALL DAY MARATHON leading up to it. I don't know of any other anime that has gotten an all day marathon to lead up to a half-hour episode, besides the Hundo. And, IIRC, they had an entire THREE DAY marathon the previous September with nothing but Pokemon airing to lead up to the 90 minute premiere of the tenth season.

That's a good point. In the rush of this argument, I forgot about the two big marathons that Pokemon has had on CN. I totally loved that three day marathon they had back in 2007. Nothing but Pokemon for three whole days. The fact that they were able to have both marathons for Pokemon should be proof enough that it is still popular, but not like hugely popular, many people still like it and that it doesn't have a small but loyal fanbase. I haven't heard of too many shows with small but loyal audiences to have a three day marathon event.

[CyberCubed]

Does anyone find it funny that even though CN hates anime, Pokemon manages to survive?

[J!!!]

Does anyone find it funny that even though CN hates anime, Pokemon manages to survive?
Considering that I see signs of them trying to kill Pokemon no.:sweat:

[Racattack!Force]

Does anyone find it funny that even though CN hates anime, Pokemon manages to survive?It's one of their best-rated shows. The new movie that aired last week got amazing ratings, and beat out every other channel with K6-11 and T9-14 for those two hours. :sweat: Taking the show off the schedule would be shooting themselves in the foot. :shrug:

[chdr]

Considering that I see signs of them trying to kill Pokemon no.:sweat:On the contrary, Pokemon has been given really great treatment as of late.

[The Huntsman]

Does anyone find it funny that even though CN hates anime, Pokemon manages to survive?Cartoon Network doesn’t hate anime, and did you really need to bump this thread just to say that? Generally, you should only bump threads if you actually add something to the discussion, and even then you shouldn’t bump the really old threads. Please keep that in mind in the future.

[J!!!]

It's one of their best-rated shows. The new movie that aired last week got amazing ratings, and beat out every other channel with K6-11 and T9-14 for those two hours. :sweat: Taking the show off the schedule would be shooting themselves in the foot. :shrug:
Yeah that is true it did get high ratings on Friday the 13th:sad:

On the contrary, Pokemon has been given really great treatment as of late.
I know just some little signs that are a little crazy anyway.

[Freak]

How are Pokemon's ratings on CN compared to its last years on KidsWb?

I'd assume they're lower because of the switch to a cable channel, but I wonder.

http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,667692,00.html

They got better ratings then Spongebob! But that was in 2000 when Pokemon was popular if it was still on the air on Kids WB I think It would get about 3 million.

[Lazerboy5000]

Considering that I see signs of them trying to kill Pokemon no.:sweat:
Why do you say that. Pokemon has been on the block very consistently. It get a weekday morning slot, and a Saturday morning new episode. And it's been that way for the past year or so. If CN was trying to kill Pokemon then it would have gotten rid of the weekday morning slot.

And plus, last week CN showed 4 pokemon movies leading up to the Movie 11 premire. And what about the all day marathon on Monday? I'm sure if CN was trying to kill it, then it wouldn't have gotten an all day marthon.

It's one of their best-rated shows. The new movie that aired last week got amazing ratings, and beat out every other channel with K6-11 and T9-14 for those two hours. :sweat: Taking the show off the schedule would be shooting themselves in the foot. :shrug:
So how good were the number exactly?

[J!!!]

Why do you say that. Pokemon has been on the block very consistently. It get a weekday morning slot, and a Saturday morning new episode. And it's been that way for the past year or so. If CN was trying to kill Pokemon then it would have gotten rid of the weekday morning slot.

And plus, last week CN showed 4 pokemon movies leading up to the Movie 11 premire. And what about the all day marathon on Monday? I'm sure if CN was trying to kill it, then it wouldn't have gotten an all day marthon.
But it did take a long time for it to earn that weekday slot

[chdr]

So how good were the number exactly?Usually in the 2-3 range. Good for CN's standards, and the highest rated show on CN's SatAM lineup.

[Lazerboy5000]

Usually in the 2-3 range. Good for CN's standards, and the highest rated show on CN's SatAM lineup.
That just goes to show you how good anime is... even if it pokemon, it still does better then their other shows. W00t! :anime: :D

[chdr]

That just goes to show you how good anime is... even if it pokemon, it still does better then their other shows. W00t! :anime: :DPokemon =/= All Anime

[Light Lucario]

Does anyone find it funny that even though CN hates anime, Pokemon manages to survive?

As The Huntsman already pointed out, CN does not hate anime. While they don't have as much anime on their lineup as they used to, I don't think that's the same thing as hating anime. I wish that this whole CN hating anime issue wouldn't continue to drag threads off-topic. Pokemon survives because it is one of their best shows, the new movie got great ratings and the new episodes on Saturday also still do fairly well in their ratings.


Considering that I see signs of them trying to kill Pokemon no.:sweat:

I also don't see much of any signs of CN trying to kill off Pokemon. They premiered the newest movie, gave it two repeat slots, promoted the premier of the movie, had different Pokemon movies during last week, has had a weekday repeat slot in the morning for awhile, had a day long marathon on Monday and they promote the new Saturday episodes with that Crushzone promo. I really don't see any signs of CN trying to get rid of Pokemon here.


But it did take a long time for it to earn that weekday slot

Not really. I do remember that Pokemon didn't have a weekday slot for awhile sometime last year, but then they gave Battle Frontier two slots in the afternoon. After they went through that season, they put on Diamond and Pearl during the morning a couple of weeks or so later. They continued to air that season and went right on into Battle Dimensions. While it would be cool if they gave the series another slot or two, for older and the most recent episodes, they're still giving Pokemon pretty darn good treatment for a weekday slot.

[Lazerboy5000]

Pokemon =/= All Anime
Well, ok. But just for reference, how well does does Pokemon stack up to the other blocks on CN, like YAH and HHT.

[chdr]

Well, ok. But just for reference, how well does does Pokemon stack up to the other blocks on CN, like YAH and HHT.Not much. HHT and YAH generally do better, and I assume the main reason why Pokemon does so well is because there isn't as much competition at its timeslot.

[Lazerboy5000]

Not much. HHT and YAH generally do better, and I assume the main reason why Pokemon does so well is because there isn't as much competition at its timeslot.
Fair enough.

[batman_cool]

Not much. HHT and YAH generally do better, and I assume the main reason why Pokemon does so well is because there isn't as much competition at its timeslot.
Actually, the Spongebob episodes at 9 & 9:30AM on SAT are usually among the highest rated shows of the week. Pokemon has been facing tough competition for years.

[chdr]

Actually, the Spongebob episodes at 9 & 9:30AM on SAT are usually among the highest rated shows of the week. Pokemon has been facing tough competition for years.But that's pretty much the only main competition on SatAM. Primetime is where Nick and Disney really pull all the stops.

[batman_cool]

But that's pretty much the only main competition on SatAM. Primetime is where Nick and Disney really pull all the stops.
You consider Spongebob a weak competitor? Spongebob alone can make a lot of shows off to oblivion.

[TheTerror]

You consider Spongebob a weak competitor? Spongebob alone can make a lot of shows off to oblivion.

That does not mean that the show is good, thats a matter of personal taste. I personaly hate Spongebob and could care less about how many people watch it, so in that respect it's a weak competitor.

[Jack_6428]

Does anybody know how is it looking with season 12 ? I know there are like 9 or 10 episodes of Battle Dimension left to air in the US...but i thought of asking...will CN air the twelth season aswell or will there be a pause ?

[Racattack!Force]

Well, ok. But just for reference, how well does does Pokemon stack up to the other blocks on CN, like YAH and HHT.YAH and HHT can usually get more viewers when they have premieres.

[Lazerboy5000]

That does not mean that the show is good, thats a matter of personal taste. I personaly hate Spongebob and could care less about how many people watch it, so in that respect it's a weak competitor.
I would also take Pokemon over Spongebob anyday, but to the average viewer, it's the other way around. And the ratings, more times than not, reflect that.

Does anybody know how is it looking with season 12 ? I know there are like 9 or 10 episodes of Battle Dimension left to air in the US...but i thought of asking...will CN air the twelth season aswell or will there be a pause ?
Yeah, you're right, there are only 10 episodes left in the season, but I don't know if CN will pause. I don't think Japan did, so my best guess is that there will not be a pause, but I could easily be wrong.

[Terror of Death]

Yeah, you're right, there are only 10 episodes left in the season, but I don't know if CN will pause. I don't think Japan did, so my best guess is that there will not be a pause, but I could easily be wrong.

I seriously hope there's no pause. :( As long as CN shows one episode per week, catching up with Japan wont pose a problem.

[Jack_6428]

I seriously hope there's no pause. :( As long as CN shows one episode per week, catching up with Japan wont pose a problem.

True. But the other problem may be lack of episodes since Season 12 has so far only about 22 of them...from which 11 aired in Japan uptil now...hopefully more are produced and it wont be the end of Pokémon

[Terra Branford]

True. But the other problem may be lack of episodes since Season 12 has so far only about 22 of them...from which 11 aired in Japan uptil now...hopefully more are produced and it wont be the end of Pokémon

Which won't be a problem if they continue to air one episode a week.

[Lazerboy5000]

I seriously hope there's no pause. :( As long as CN shows one episode per week, catching up with Japan wont pose a problem.
I don't know if CN is trying to get any closer, that's not a big deal. Right now, I think the US is 20 episodes behind (I think). And they can't get too close, becuase then PUSA won't be able to dub the episodes fast enough, and the quality might become a little more sloppy.

What was the closest the US ever got, was it 11 episodes or something like that?

[Terror of Death]

Does anyone know if PUSA takes breaks or do they dub episodes all year round?

[Terra Branford]

Does anyone know if PUSA takes breaks or do they dub episodes all year round?

If I remember correctly, they take breaks after all of their seasons.

[bklien]

I never understood why CN/PUSA doesn't legally stream all the older seasons of Pokemon online somewhere.

The series has almost 600 episodes, most of these eps will probably never re-air on television again otherwise. Its actually a shame when you realize so many of these eps most people will never get to watch again unless you buy the DVDs.

Are Pokemon and Power Rangers the longest running children's franchises ever-episode-wise?

[Terra Branford]

Are Pokemon and Power Rangers the longest running children's franchises ever-episode-wise?

Ms. Suzae has 2000 episodes.

[chdr]

Are Pokemon and Power Rangers the longest running children's franchises ever-episode-wise?Actually, the 1979 Doraemon series ended in 2005 with 1,095 episodes.

And then there's Sazae-san with 1,980 episodes and counting.

[Light Lucario]

Does anybody know how is it looking with season 12 ? I know there are like 9 or 10 episodes of Battle Dimension left to air in the US...but i thought of asking...will CN air the twelth season aswell or will there be a pause ?

There most likely will be a break so that more episodes can air in Japan and PUSA can have more time to dub them. That's how it's been for the past three seasons and I can't see them doing anything different like that. It will probably be only for a few months anyway.


I seriously hope there's no pause. :( As long as CN shows one episode per week, catching up with Japan wont pose a problem.

No offense, but I don't see the point in catching up with the Japanese airings. We're already about twenty episodes behind them, which is pretty darn close. I think at one point U.S. airings were thirteen episodes behind the Japanese airings. I think that it would be just too expensive for PUSA to try to do that. It's less expensive to rent a studio for a few weeks here and there than to dub the series all year round. Besides that, I think that they need to have a gap between the two versions because of the games.

[Terror of Death]

No offense, but I don't see the point in catching up with the Japanese airings. We're already about twenty episodes behind them, which is pretty darn close. I think at one point U.S. airings were thirteen episodes behind the Japanese airings. I think that it would be just too expensive for PUSA to try to do that. It's less expensive to rent a studio for a few weeks here and there than to dub the series all year round. Besides that, I think that they need to have a gap between the two versions because of the games.

Sorry, I worded that last sentence wrong. What I meant to say was CN wont have to worry about taking a break because they cant catch up with Japan by airing one episode a week. And since they always order 52 episode seasons of Pokemon every year they can show new episodes every week of the year without fail. Minus the occasional weeks that CN likes to show 2 or 3 new episodes instead of one.

Battle Dimension premiered April 12 2008 and if CN continues to show one new episode per week the season will conclude on April 25. They can premiere season 13 in May but I doubt they'll do that. Season 11 premiered two months after season 10 ended so we likely wont be seeing 13 until early or mid summer.

[Light Lucario]

Sorry, I worded that last sentence wrong. What I meant to say was CN wont have to worry about taking a break because they cant catch up with Japan by airing one episode a week. And since they always order 52 episode seasons of Pokemon every year they can show new episodes every week of the year without fail. Minus the occasional weeks that CN likes to show 2 or 3 new episodes instead of one.

Battle Dimension premiered April 12 2008 and if CN continues to show one new episode per week the season will conclude on April 25. They can premiere season 13 in May but I doubt they'll do that. Season 11 premiered two months after season 10 ended so we likely wont be seeing 13 until early or mid summer.

Oh, okay. Now I understand what you're saying. Sorry about the confusion there. I also doubt that PUSA would be ready with season 13 by May. I could see June, July or August at the lastest, but they'll probably want to wait until some more episodes air in Japan so that they have more episodes to work on.

[Daxdiv]

Sorry, I worded that last sentence wrong. What I meant to say was CN wont have to worry about taking a break because they cant catch up with Japan by airing one episode a week. And since they always order 52 episode seasons of Pokemon every year they can show new episodes every week of the year without fail. Minus the occasional weeks that CN likes to show 2 or 3 new episodes instead of one.



Well with Battle Frontier I heard that there were less episodes than 52, and with Diamond and Pearl they lost one episode, more like 46 or 47, 46 got dubbed since one was a clip show. That one I can understand from DP since we missed the clip show.

Yeah Normally they do order 52 episodes, I'm just wonder with Battle Frontier, who was doing the math that day?

[CyberCubed]

Does anyone think Pokemon might end sooner than we predict?

We are currently in Season 11, I can't really see Pokemon lasting 20 years. If it does it will have gone on for as long as Simpsons.

[Terra Branford]

As long as the games keep selling it will continue, I mean, that's what the show is for. All we have to do is wait for Gen. 5. :sweat:

[J!!!]

Does anyone think Pokemon might end sooner than we predict?

We are currently in Season 11, I can't really see Pokemon lasting 20 years. If it does it will have gone on for as long as Simpsons.
If it's popular it will continue believe it or not there are anime's that have lasted longer than the simpsons.

[CyberCubed]

If it's popular it will continue believe it or not there are anime's that have lasted longer than the simpsons.

There will always be an anime, but I mean Ash's adventure.

I imagine one day the current continuity will be wrapped up with Ash's final ep, and a new continuity would start with an entirely new cast after.

[J!!!]

There will always be an anime, but I mean Ash's adventure.

I imagine one day the current continuity will be wrapped up with Ash's final ep, and a new continuity would start with an entirely new cast after.
Again if the simpsons with out Homer is what would happen

[Lazerboy5000]

Oh, okay. Now I understand what you're saying. Sorry about the confusion there. I also doubt that PUSA would be ready with season 13 by May. I could see June, July or August at the lastest, but they'll probably want to wait until some more episodes air in Japan so that they have more episodes to work on.
My guess would probably be June, about the start of summer, but that's just my guess.

Does anyone think Pokemon might end sooner than we predict?

We are currently in Season 11, I can't really see Pokemon lasting 20 years. If it does it will have gone on for as long as Simpsons.
Perhaps. 20 years sure seems like a long time, plus wouldn't it be kind of weird if after 20 years, Ash is still not even grown up (not even a little bit). I think a rule of thumb is that each season is about 1/2 a year in the Pokmeon world, which would be Ash at age 15/16. Which that's resonable, but after 20 years, he would be age 20, so tp speak, but that doesn't seem pausable.

I can easily see 15 season though, but the D/P arc might just be finishing up. So my guess is that after D/P, there might be one final generation, but it would have some more closure than the previous one, so (hopfully) Ash will have to do something different, Team Rocket (the real one) will have more of a presence, and maybe some kind of National Championship will enter the scene. Afterall, Wallace is a Contest Master, I guess that could be an indication of a National Champion.

Sorry, but my imagination runs wild sometimes. :p :sweat:

[macattack]

Well, with Naruto being progressively tortured to death with random episodes on random Saturday night airings until the rights expire this September (unless Warner, who now has a stake in Naruto, drops bricks on the feet of the CN execs), the only third-party anime left is Pokemon. If PK goes down, the only Japanese animation on the network will be Bakugan.

Wow.

If Pokemon gets the Naruto treatment, how will you react? PK's holding up fine in the ratings, but then again, so did Blue Dragon.

[CyberCubed]

If Pokemon gets the Naruto treatment, how will you react? PK's holding up fine in the ratings, but then again, so did Blue Dragon.

That's what I wonder too.

Pokemon lasted 8 years back on KidsWB, which was an amazing run, and so far on CN its lasted 3 years.

But will CN really keep the show for the entire duration of the rest of its run? Nobody really knows how long Pokemon will still go on for, so it really makes you wonder.

[Dudley]

The Pokemon anime's link to the game is stronger than any game-inspired anime I've ever seen.

If anything, all that needs to occur for the anime to end is the ratings. The game can continue without. And they could make specials instead. The signs to show that the anime is ending is when they stop making the movies.

That's pretty much what happened to Digimon Frontier.

[Light Lucario]

There will always be an anime, but I mean Ash's adventure.

I imagine one day the current continuity will be wrapped up with Ash's final ep, and a new continuity would start with an entirely new cast after.

I still doubt that. No offense, but to get rid of all of their characters may seem like too much of a gamble for the writers. Sure, they replace the female character with every new generation since R/S/E, but I don't think that the writers would want to get rid of the Ash and Pikachu formula, which has always been successful. As for the idea of just giving a new character a Pikachu, since I believe that you have mentioned that before in other threads on this matter, it still wouldn't really work out.

Ash and Pikachu have been a part of the series for too long to really replace them now. They could have done that back when Johto started, taking a move from how Pokemon Adventures handles things and replace the characters with each new set of games, but they obviously didn't want to do that. Now, I just think that it would be too late to do that.


Well, with Naruto being progressively tortured to death with random episodes on random Saturday night airings until the rights expire this September (unless Warner, who now has a stake in Naruto, drops bricks on the feet of the CN execs), the only third-party anime left is Pokemon. If PK goes down, the only Japanese animation on the network will be Bakugan.

Wow.

If Pokemon gets the Naruto treatment, how will you react? PK's holding up fine in the ratings, but then again, so did Blue Dragon.

Well, to be fair, Pokemon is a bigger hit than Blue Dragon was. I seriously doubt that Pokemon will go down anytime soon. They're making more money from the series with its ratings than I would think they did with Blue Dragon.


That's what I wonder too.

Pokemon lasted 8 years back on KidsWB, which was an amazing run, and so far on CN its lasted 3 years.

But will CN really keep the show for the entire duration of the rest of its run? Nobody really knows how long Pokemon will still go on for, so it really makes you wonder.

As long as Pokemon is successful enough for CN, they'll keep on airing. Plain and simple.

[CyberCubed]

Ash and Pikachu have been a part of the series for too long to really replace them now. They could have done that back when Johto started, taking a move from how Pokemon Adventures handles things and replace the characters with each new set of games, but they obviously didn't want to do that. Now, I just think that it would be too late to do that.

But all things come to an end eventually. Do you really think in the year 2020, which is 11 years from now, the Pokemon anime will still be airing with Ash/Pikachu?

Its even more unrealistic to assume the anime will always be about Ash, because 40 years from now this series won't be on the air, or at least it won't have Ash.


As long as Pokemon is successful enough for CN, they'll keep on airing. Plain and simple.

What happens if it doesn't? The eps stop being dubbed? CN never said they're going to keep the show forever...

[Light Lucario]

But all things come to an end eventually. Do you really think in the year 2020, which is 11 years from now, the Pokemon anime will still be airing with Ash/Pikachu?

Its even more unrealistic to assume the anime will always be about Ash, because 40 years from now this series won't be on the air, or at least it won't have Ash.

It is quite possible. There have been other anime series that have gone longer with more episodes than Pokemon. Some of which have been mentioned in this thread. No offense, but I think that you're focusing too much on the series ending rather than just enjoying it now. I never said that it would go on forever. I don't want to think eleven or fourty years ahead from now. Just thinking about finishing my undergraduate work in less than three years from now scares me. Rather than continuing to focus on the future of the series, I think its more important to just relax by enjoying the series and not constantly ask these short of questions.


What happens if it doesn't? The eps stop being dubbed? CN never said they're going to keep the show forever...

Well, when Kids' WB didn't air the series anymore, they didn't stop dubbing the episodes. They went right on to CN. I also never said that they would keep the show forever. Please don't put words in my mouth. All I said was that they'll keep it as long as it remainds successful enough for them, they'll keep airing the series. That's completely different. Besides that, if at any point CN does stop airing the series, which I can't see happening anytime soon, either another channel would start airing the seires or Nintendo will give CN enough money to make them continue airing the series.

[Jave]

I don't see why people get so paranoid over this. The last movie did great, the series still pulls good ratings, and there's a new game (Platinum) coming out this year that will likely get some more people into the series as a whole.

The series is not leaving anytime soon. Some of you are freaking out over nothing.

[TheTerror]

I don't see why people get so paranoid over this. The last movie did great, the series still pulls good ratings, and there's a new game (Platinum) coming out this year that will likely get some more people into the series as a whole.

The series is not leaving anytime soon. Some of you are freaking out over nothing.

I have said it before and I will say it again, If Pokemon is making money for CN and pulling in a good viewer base then I am all for it sticking around even though it isn't my cup of tea. I do like the fact that they aired the 11th movie because many people in the U.S have not seen it and it was a great way to attract viewers.

[macattack]

I don't see why people get so paranoid over this. The last movie did great, the series still pulls good ratings, and there's a new game (Platinum) coming out this year that will likely get some more people into the series as a whole.


You know, word for word except for "Platinum" that applies (or applied, maybe) to Naruto too, you know. That's why people are getting paranoid.

[CyberCubed]

It is quite possible. There have been other anime series that have gone longer with more episodes than Pokemon.

As far as I know there are only two other anime that have gone on longer than Pokemon, and they're not action/adventure series like this.

Pokemon has a structure that will likely have a climax someday. As said, there will always be an anime to advertise the games, but the current 11 year continuity we've been watching should get closure someday.

[Light Lucario]

I don't see why people get so paranoid over this. The last movie did great, the series still pulls good ratings, and there's a new game (Platinum) coming out this year that will likely get some more people into the series as a whole.

The series is not leaving anytime soon. Some of you are freaking out over nothing.

I completely agree. I don't understand why this sudden fear for Pokemon's spot on CN in the future came up. I don't see it leaving anytime soon either since it is still a huge cashcow after over ten years.


You know, word for word except for "Platinum" that applies (or applied, maybe) to Naruto too, you know. That's why people are getting paranoid.

While I can see and understand where you're coming from, I also think that Naruto's success is different from Pokemon's overall success as a franchise. Unless I see some clear signs of CN not wanting to air Pokemon, I don't see the need to get paranoid or worked up over nothing.

[Lazerboy5000]

I still doubt that. No offense, but to get rid of all of their characters may seem like too much of a gamble for the writers. Sure, they replace the female character with every new generation since R/S/E, but I don't think that the writers would want to get rid of the Ash and Pikachu formula, which has always been successful. As for the idea of just giving a new character a Pikachu, since I believe that you have mentioned that before in other threads on this matter, it still wouldn't really work out.
Well, if it ain't broke, then don't fix it. And right now, Pokemon isn't broken. The Ash and Pikachu formula has been working out just fine, and it is fine for now. I don't see the writers changing anything any time soon. But sometimes, you just got to wonder, 10/20 years down the road, will this formula still be working? I'm not 100% sure. But if the writers bring this series to a close, then where will they go next? Would that be it for the series, or will a new set of younger characters be introduced. And if so, I would guess that another Pikachu would play an important roll. Pikachu is, afterall, the icon of the eitire franchise.

But this is all speculation, of course. We are still VERY far off from the end of Ash and Pikachu, so if you don't like it, then that's too bad, beucase I don't think that's going to change for at least another 10 years, if that.

[CyberCubed]

The show as a whole almost has 600 episodes now and 12 movies, its probably not going to go on THAT much longer.

Does anyone honestly think Pokemon will reach 1000 episodes, with Ash at the helm?

I figure one day Ash's story will close and the writers will give us a new series with a clean slate.

[Lazerboy5000]

The show as a whole almost has 600 episodes now and 12 movies, its probably not going to go on THAT much longer.

Does anyone honestly think Pokemon will reach 1000 episodes, with Ash at the helm?

I figure one day Ash's story will close and the writers will give us a new series with a clean slate.
I think it's possible Ash could star 1000 episodes, but I think by that time, the series has to be coming to a close. There are only so many ideas the writers can come up with, and hopfully, they will use some really cool, badass ideas (Team Rocket taking over, Ash finally meeting his dad, ect.) that will finally bring closure to the series.

But I do think they could start a new slate with a new main character. I'm thinking that during that journey, Ash would be a Champion, or something like that. An icon, or idol to this new trainer, prehaps.

....lol, my imagination is running away again, :sweat:

[yoshirider13]

You know, word for word except for "Platinum" that applies (or applied, maybe) to Naruto too, you know. That's why people are getting paranoid.But Pokemon has Nintendo by its side. Nintendon probably pays CN to air it to sell more games.

[Terror of Death]

I know its a successful formula and I'm still enjoying the show very much but I sort of what Ash and Pikachu's journey to come to a close before the 5th gen starts. Ash beating Paul in the final match of Sinnoh league would be an awesome ending imo. If the staff feels scared they will lose their previous audience they could have the show be in the same continuity and thus have Ash and previous chacters make cameos every now and then.

By using Ash, Brock, and Team Rocket as main characters all the time I feel the writers are restricting themselves from exploring new oppurtunities and expanding the Pokemon world. They could also make the show slightly less predictable.

Furthermore, its not like the people who buy the Pokemon video games and card games buy them because Ash and co are in them. They buy them because they are still enjoyable. I think they can afford to take a chance with a new cast. This is just one example but the Yu-Gi-Oh tcg and video games are still popular even though the ratings arent as good as the original series.

[CyberCubed]

Agreed. If people can adjust to a new girl character joining the show every 4-5 years, it just goes to show you the entire cast can be replaced just as easily.

Ash is only ONE guy traveling, there are millions of other trainers just like him. Its a shame the male heroes from the games have always been ignored because Ash is here.

Pokemon has been going on the same continuity for 11+ years, 600 episodes, and 12 movies, I'd love to see this get a proper ending someday.

[Gonzales]

What I think a lot of people in this thread are forgetting is that Pokémon isn't designed to tell a story. It's not made to have interesting characters, well-detailed plots, or even amusing dialogue. It's a complement. A part of a much larger entity. Ash is a mascot basically for Pokémon products worldwide, so do you really think they'll replace him?

I think you guys are expecting Pokémon to be something it was never meant to be.

[Light Lucario]

Well, if it ain't broke, then don't fix it. And right now, Pokemon isn't broken. The Ash and Pikachu formula has been working out just fine, and it is fine for now. I don't see the writers changing anything any time soon. But sometimes, you just got to wonder, 10/20 years down the road, will this formula still be working? I'm not 100% sure. But if the writers bring this series to a close, then where will they go next? Would that be it for the series, or will a new set of younger characters be introduced. And if so, I would guess that another Pikachu would play an important roll. Pikachu is, afterall, the icon of the eitire franchise.

But this is all speculation, of course. We are still VERY far off from the end of Ash and Pikachu, so if you don't like it, then that's too bad, beucase I don't think that's going to change for at least another 10 years, if that.

I agree that the saying if it isn't broke, don't fix it applies to Pokemon, but I actually haven't really thought of if the Ash and Pikachu formula will always work. I just try to focus on one day at a time or at least not that far ahead in the future since doing that, especially with something like Pokemon that I love and enjoy, would be too stressful and nervous for me.


Furthermore, its not like the people who buy the Pokemon video games and card games buy them because Ash and co are in them. They buy them because they are still enjoyable. I think they can afford to take a chance with a new cast. This is just one example but the Yu-Gi-Oh tcg and video games are still popular even though the ratings arent as good as the original series.

While you do bring up a good point about how the people buy the games and stuff not because of Ash, but because they're still enjoyable, that wasn't exactly the point I was trying to make. I was saying how the writers may not be too comfortable with starting over with a new slate of characters just because they've had great success with the characters they have already. Besides that, I think after over ten years it would be a tad hard with replacing the main character.

You also have a good example with Yu-Gi-Oh! changing its cast with each new series. Though, to be fair, there is more of a structured plot with the Yu-Gi-Oh! series than there is in Pokemon. And that's coming from someone who loves both shows.


CyberCubed Agreed. If people can adjust to a new girl character joining the show every 4-5 years, it just goes to show you the entire cast can be replaced just as easily.

Ash is only ONE guy traveling, there are millions of other trainers just like him. Its a shame the male heroes from the games have always been ignored because Ash is here.

Pokemon has been going on the same continuity for 11+ years, 600 episodes, and 12 movies, I'd love to see this get a proper ending someday.

While you do have an interesting point with how a new girl can join the show every few years, I don't think that's the same thing as replacing the entire cast. That's just one character, not six, including Team Rocket. As for the other male heroes, the one from G/S got his own special and the other two male trainers got cameos so I don't think that's really the same thing as ignoring them. Besides that, the reason they don't focus more on them is because they do have Ash. I don't really see that as much of a bad thing, especially since the other male trainers do kind of look like Ash to me, at least the second and fourth generation male trainers.

I don't know if it's just me, but I don't like to focus on the end of a series so much. Not just with Pokemon, but in general since I would rather focus on the enjoyment I have with the current episodes than constantly worry about its conclusion. Though, to be perfectly honest, when I think of Pokemon, proper conclusion does not come to mind, mainly because of how long its been going on and its general purpose to promote the games. Besides that, I don't think that the writers, when they're working on new episodes, are keeping the people who have watched since the beginning in mind as much as the target audience.

Anyway, all I'm trying to say is that, while I can understand why some would really like a sense of conclusion after all this time, I think it's important to just enjoy the series right now, instead of just thinking when it will end since that just feels kind of depressing for me. No offense to anyone here though.

[Gonzales]

10/20 years down the road, they probably won't even be making Pokémon anymore, so it really doesn't matter. But Pokémon will stay the same as long as it's being produced.

[Terror of Death]

What I think a lot of people in this thread are forgetting is that Pokémon isn't designed to tell a story. It's not made to have interesting characters, well-detailed plots, or even amusing dialogue. It's a complement. A part of a much larger entity. Ash is a mascot basically for Pokémon products worldwide, so do you really think they'll replace him?

I think you guys are expecting Pokémon to be something it was never meant to be.

I disagree. While its true the anime is a complement for the entire franchise its not like the staff puts minimal effort into making worthwhile storytelling. Almost everyone cartoon is made in order to sell lots of merchandise but that doesn't prevent them from having interesting characters, amusing dialogue, and well detailed plots. Pokemon is no exception. I don’t think the anime would be as popular as it is if it didn’t have all of those elements.

I know Pokemon isn’t a series that was meant to have a clear conclusion planned out but I still think it would be nice to see the show progress a little. There's a lot they can do with the show to make it more fresh and interesting. As long as the merchandise still sells I don’t think they have to worry about changing status quo. I could be wrong but I doubt people are going to suddenly stop by Pokemon products and profits will plummet just because the main characters in the show are phased out. People are aware the Pokemon franchise is more than just Ash and Pikachu. And being phased out of the show doesn't mean the characters suddenly stop existing. They will still be a presence regardless.

[Lazerboy5000]

I know its a successful formula and I'm still enjoying the show very much but I sort of what Ash and Pikachu's journey to come to a close before the 5th gen starts. Ash beating Paul in the final match of Sinnoh league would be an awesome ending imo. If the staff feels scared they will lose their previous audience they could have the show be in the same continuity and thus have Ash and previous chacters make cameos every now and then.
I think since this Generation already has the same formula as the rest of them, I would like to see Ash's journey finish in the 5th Generation, but that Generations story line will be much different than the standard formula.

But think about it. The regions are based on the regions in Japan, and they still could fill in about 3 more regions, so maybe that's going to be the final judgment, once they run out of regions, maybe that's when the series will come to an end.


By using Ash, Brock, and Team Rocket as main characters all the time I feel the writers are restricting themselves from exploring new oppurtunities and expanding the Pokemon world. They could also make the show slightly less predictable.
Agreed! Or at the very least come up with some brand new ideas that will knock people's socks off.


Furthermore, its not like the people who buy the Pokemon video games and card games buy them because Ash and co are in them. They buy them because they are still enjoyable. I think they can afford to take a chance with a new cast. This is just one example but the Yu-Gi-Oh tcg and video games are still popular even though the ratings arent as good as the original series.
That's a great argument. Ash isn't in any of the games (arguable for Yellow Version only) but they still sell great. Most people don't care about the series anymore, but many people do care about the games. And the games don't have any continuity, so I think at some point the writers should take a chance and change up the characters at some point down the road. But the only thing is that it would be a huge gamble. One they change, they won't be able to go back. So that's why it's not going to happen for awhile becuase the current formula is doing just fine. So again, if it's not broken don't fix it. But I do like your argument.

[CyberCubed]

I just truly wonder if CN will ever get bored with the show. CN has canceled shows with good ratings before, so you never know.

[Jave]

I just truly wonder if CN will ever get bored with the show. CN has canceled shows with good ratings before, so you never know.You know, that's really just your own problem. Personally, if any network airs something I like, I'll enjoy the moment instead of torturing myself with the thought that this might be the last time I see it.

Really, it's not worth it. None of us know when is Pokemon going to go off the air. It could be next week, it could be next month, it could be fifty years from now. Just enjoy it while it's on, and worry about it being off when that actually happens. Worrying about that now is completely pointless.

[Lazerboy5000]

I just truly wonder if CN will ever get bored with the show. CN has canceled shows with good ratings before, so you never know.
I highly doubt it. Pokemon is a Nintendo franchise, so the show serves a great purpose than to just get ratings. It's to advertise the games/cards/merchendice. So I highly doubt that CN will get rid of it out of spite.

[Light Lucario]

You know, that's really just your own problem. Personally, if any network airs something I like, I'll enjoy the moment instead of torturing myself with the thought that this might be the last time I see it.

Really, it's not worth it. None of us know when is Pokemon going to go off the air. It could be next week, it could be next month, it could be fifty years from now. Just enjoy it while it's on, and worry about it being off when that actually happens. Worrying about that now is completely pointless.

Thank you. That's how I've been feeling in the past few pages in this thread. It just doesn't make sense to me to constantly worrying about what if a show goes off the air, especially when there are no signs of that happening anytime soon. All that does is make one waste their energy with constantly worrying about that or focusing on conclusion all the time. It makes more sense to simply enjoy it right now and deal with the future when it happens, not now.

Besides, I also think that worrying about Pokemon's future all the time, or any show's future really, makes people unable to enjoy what's happening right now, thus watching the show kind of pointless with that kind of mindset.

[CyberCubed]

If Pokemon gets canceled before it ends in Japan, I hope that Pokemon.com legally streams online episodes or puts them direct to DVD.

No other channel would want Pokemon if CN cancels it. Although I'd find it ironic and hilarious if 4kids puts it on their Saturday morning block...haha.

[Terra Branford]

Wouldn't Disney XD be a possible airing channel if it were to get canceled before it finishes its run?

[J!!!]

Wouldn't Disney XD be a possible airing channel if it were to get canceled before it finishes its run?
Well Pokemon is one of XD's sponsers so yeah.

[Racattack!Force]

Well Pokemon is one of XD's sponsers so yeah.It sponsors a show on the channel? Which one?

[The Huntsman]

It sponsors a show on the channel? Which one?It sponsors roughly 20% of the network, from what I’ve seen. Commercials air all of the time and there are even special messages before several animated programs reminding people about Pokémon trading cards. Disney XD revealed Pokémon as one of their key sponsors in a press release.

[yoshirider13]

The Pokemon Movies used to air on Jetix too. I wouldn't be surprised if a few popped up on XD.

[Light Lucario]

If Pokemon gets canceled before it ends in Japan, I hope that Pokemon.com legally streams online episodes or puts them direct to DVD.

No other channel would want Pokemon if CN cancels it. Although I'd find it ironic and hilarious if 4kids puts it on their Saturday morning block...haha.

As I have mentioned before, and will probably have to do so again, there isn't any sign of CN canceling the U.S. airings of Pokemon. So I don't really see why this should be an issue right now. I'm also not sure if PUSA would stream the episodes online. There is a lot of episodes, of course, but I'm not sure if their target audience, i.e. kids generally under the age of twelve or so, would be that interested in that. Besides that, I think that they're more interested in putting the seasons on DVD box sets and considering how they do sell pretty well, I think that's a good idea.

I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that no other channel would want Pokemon if CN ever does stop airing it. Pokemon, as a whole franchise, is still going quite strong after over ten years so it isn't like it wouldn't do well on another channel. While I would be pretty interesting if it landed on the CW4Kids, I think that it would more likely to air on Disney XD, considering that they did air some of the movies before when it was Toon Disney.

I would hope that it would become a basic cable channel if that ever happened, but I don't think anyone has to worry about this at all right now since CN isn't showing any signs of not wanting Pokemon anymore.

[J!!!]

It sponsors a show on the channel? Which one?
What Hunts said but I mostly see them during Phieneas and Ferb and Kid vs Kat.

[Lazerboy5000]

Well Pokemon is one of XD's sponsers so yeah.
Really?! Well, then if CN does decid to stop airing it for some reason, then I'm sure Disney XD will pick it up, but I don't think CN intends to drop it.

But then I won't be able to watch Pokemon live any more becuase I don't get XD (I just get standard cable)...... BUT again, CN probably isn't going to get rid of Pokemon (usless they really do and truly hate anime, which isn't the case)

[Jack_6428]

i dont see any sign of Pokemon being dropped off by CN at all, but as i mentioned there arent many Season 12 episodes yet (just about 22 so far), so i really dont know what the situation around Pokemon will be..
but Season 12 is scheduled to air in the US this year so far, sometime around summer i reckon, so lets wait and see...but i do hope Pokemon continues, although it would be at the same time good to end it (this story of Ash, Brock, Dawn, etc. - perhaps they will make a spin-off)

[FTPC]

Look I am a fan of the Series So I hope it stays around for a long time. here is idea Move up the time slot and please don't put it on at 8 am on weekdays..

[Lazerboy5000]

Look I am a fan of the Series So I hope it stays around for a long time. here is idea Move up the time slot and please don't put it on at 8 am on weekdays..
I actually liked that time slot, becuase last year I would watch it before school. But no, I just don't seem to have the time to watch TV before class anymore.

[CyberCubed]

Pokemon has already been going on for 11 years, I really don't see it going on for 20 like Simpsons.

Most likely Ash's story will end, and then a new series with a new cast will advertise the next game.

[Jave]

Pokemon has already been going on for 11 years, I really don't see it going on for 20 like Simpsons.

Most likely Ash's story will end, and then a new series with a new cast will advertise the next game.While this is certainly possible, I wouldn't worry about it until it actually happens.

Seriously, enjoy it while it's on.

[Light Lucario]

i dont see any sign of Pokemon being dropped off by CN at all, but as i mentioned there arent many Season 12 episodes yet (just about 22 so far), so i really dont know what the situation around Pokemon will be..
but Season 12 is scheduled to air in the US this year so far, sometime around summer i reckon, so lets wait and see...but i do hope Pokemon continues, although it would be at the same time good to end it (this story of Ash, Brock, Dawn, etc. - perhaps they will make a spin-off)

I'm sure that there will be a break after they finish airing the rest of the Battle Dimension episodes in order to work on more episodes, as well as to have more episodes air in Japan so that they have more episodes to work with.


Look I am a fan of the Series So I hope it stays around for a long time. here is idea Move up the time slot and please don't put it on at 8 am on weekdays..

I think that the time slot for its new episodes works fine. From what I understand, Pokemon still does pretty well there in terms of ratings. I also don't mind a weekday repeat slot at 8am since many kids could watch some episodes before they head off to school. Although, I definitely wouldn't mind an afternoon repeat slot either.


Pokemon has already been going on for 11 years, I really don't see it going on for 20 like Simpsons.

Most likely Ash's story will end, and then a new series with a new cast will advertise the next game.

This reminds me of something I've thought of before.

Did anyone think that when Pokemon started that it would be this much of a hit and last for over a decade? I certainly didn't. I really thought that they would end the series after Ash competed in the Indigo League. Ironically, that's where it was originally intended to end, but it was such a hit that they continued with it. I doubt that anyone thought that the Simpsons would last for over twenty years either when it started.

My point is that no one knows how long Pokemon will last. My guess is as long as the video games sell well enough, they'll continue with the series since it is there to promote the games. I don't think that they'll get rid of Ash anytime soon. I still think that if isn't broken, don't fix it and that applies well for this situation. By broken, I'm referring to making the people in charge of the series/franchise money.

I really don't understand the problem with having Ash as the main character for the entire series. Yes, he has a lot of Pokemon, but I personally think that's a good thing. That way, the writers could use them not only for his more intense battles, but also as a way to make some references to previous generations. I don't think that they would be able to do that with a new main character, at least not for awhile and I still don't think that they're willing to get rid of Ash anytime soon to find that out.


While this is certainly possible, I wouldn't worry about it until it actually happens.

Seriously, enjoy it while it's on.

I definitely agree with you. I still find it too emotionally consuming to focus so much on a show's future. I personally find that doing that takes away a lot of the enjoyment of just appreciating the show while it's on. Let the future take its course and just try to focus on the moment sounds better to do for me.

[CyberCubed]

I really don't understand the problem with having Ash as the main character for the entire series.

Because as a videogame franchise, Pokemon is going to go on for decades to come. Mario and Zelda have lasted 25 years, we'll get to that point with Pokemon.

However as an anime, I can't see Ash still being the main character in the year 2020 or 2030, its entirely unrealistic.

Most likely the writers will have to wrap up Ash's story, and then they'll start over with a new cast to advertise the game.

You cannot honestly say it'll be the year 2020 and we'll still see Ash/Pikachu and TR still doing what they do today. I have a feeling the writers realize this as well, which is why they're going to make an effort to give us an ending and start over fresh.

[Tay the Cat]

You get rid of Ash and Pikachu and you kill the series' main draw.

It's not going to happen.

[Light Lucario]

Because as a videogame franchise, Pokemon is going to go on for decades to come. Mario and Zelda have lasted 25 years, we'll get to that point with Pokemon.

However as an anime, I can't see Ash still being the main character in the year 2020 or 2030, its entirely unrealistic.

Most likely the writers will have to wrap up Ash's story, and then they'll start over with a new cast to advertise the game.

You cannot honestly say it'll be the year 2020 and we'll still see Ash/Pikachu and TR still doing what they do today. I have a feeling the writers realize this as well, which is why they're going to make an effort to give us an ending and start over fresh.

I see your point and I respect it. However, I'm also reminded of the point I made in my last thread. Did anyone expect Pokemon to be this strong and last for over a decade? Did anyone expect that Ash would still be the main character for over ten years during season one? Considering that Ash has been the main character for over ten years, I don't see how it's so unrealistic for him to be the main character for another ten years or for however Pokemon lasts at all.

If the writers really wanted to wrap up Ash's story, then he could have taken that position at the Battle Frontier and then they would have focused on different characters for D/P. They could have also replaced Ash back when Johto started, when Red, the character he's based on, wasn't the main character in the game anymore, but they didn't. I really don't see why they would do that now after over ten years of having him as the main character.

While I don't have any more knowledge of how the writers think than you do, I still don't think that they're get rid of Ash anytime soon. Similar to what Syaoran Li mentioned, getting rid of Ash and Pikachu would pretty much the basic formula that the writers have found success with. No offense, but I don't understand why you're so caught up with getting Ash replaced. As I've mentioned before, I think its better to just focus on the series where it is right now than worry about the future. I think that if a person focuses too much on the future of a show, or much of anything for that matter, one loses a lot of enjoyment of the present moment. In other words, I suggest to just enjoy the show while it's on and how it is instead of always thinking about its future.

[CyberCubed]

You get rid of Ash and Pikachu and you kill the series' main draw.

It's not going to happen.

So...you honestly think the show will be going on in the year 2020, which is exactly 11 years from now with the same main character?

[Tay the Cat]

So...you honestly think the show will be going on in the year 2020, which is exactly 11 years from now with the same main character?

They'll have to end it sometime; but they won't get rid of Ash and Pikachu.

[The Huntsman]

So...you honestly think the show will be going on in the year 2020, which is exactly 11 years from now with the same main character?Why not? The world isn’t exactly finite. I’m sure they can keep making more Pokémon for him to catch and more locations for him to visit. Admittedly, I haven’t watched Pokémon since the first season, but back then, I liked the series in part because I wanted to see Ash “catch ‘em all”, if I may borrow from that old slogan. I doubt that day will ever happen, but if they can keep his journey going that long, I see no reason why it would be such a bad thing. Ash doesn’t need to be replaced.

[CyberCubed]

Why not? The world isn’t exactly finite. I’m sure they can keep making more Pokémon for him to catch and more locations for him to visit. Admittedly, I haven’t watched Pokémon since the first season, but back then, I liked the series in part because I wanted to see Ash “catch ‘em all”, if I may borrow from that old slogan. I doubt that day will ever happen, but if they can keep his journey going that long, I see no reason why it would be such a bad thing. Ash doesn’t need to be replaced.

Because the longer the show goes on, the harder it is to say that the 11 year history of the show is all part of the same continuity. Pokemon has nearly 600 episodes now, which is insane, I don't think it'll go on to 1000 eps.

I think its best if the show is given closure at some point, and they just start fresh with new heroes to advertise whatever the next game is.

[Daxdiv]

Why not? The world isn’t exactly finite. I’m sure they can keep making more Pokémon for him to catch and more locations for him to visit. Admittedly, I haven’t watched Pokémon since the first season, but back then, I liked the series in part because I wanted to see Ash “catch ‘em all”, if I may borrow from that old slogan. I doubt that day will ever happen, but if they can keep his journey going that long, I see no reason why it would be such a bad thing. Ash doesn’t need to be replaced.

The only problem I can see at the moment are the Pokemon Gimmicks. If you don't know what I'm talking about... They made Pokemon God! The main complaint I see in the fanbase is this: "Okay they created Pokemon God.... NOW WHAT?" I think it might be hard to make a new legendary on that grounds unless they bring in Polytheism into the games.

It would be hard to get rid of Pikachu since he is the official mascot of Pokemon, being SSB series rep for the past 3 games, and catchable in all the portable main series games.

[Lazerboy5000]

This reminds me of something I've thought of before.

Did anyone think that when Pokemon started that it would be this much of a hit and last for over a decade? I certainly didn't. I really thought that they would end the series after Ash competed in the Indigo League. Ironically, that's where it was originally intended to end, but it was such a hit that they continued with it. I doubt that anyone thought that the Simpsons would last for over twenty years either when it started.

My point is that no one knows how long Pokemon will last. My guess is as long as the video games sell well enough, they'll continue with the series since it is there to promote the games. I don't think that they'll get rid of Ash anytime soon. I still think that if isn't broken, don't fix it and that applies well for this situation. By broken, I'm referring to making the people in charge of the series/franchise money.

I really don't understand the problem with having Ash as the main character for the entire series. Yes, he has a lot of Pokemon, but I personally think that's a good thing. That way, the writers could use them not only for his more intense battles, but also as a way to make some references to previous generations. I don't think that they would be able to do that with a new main character, at least not for awhile and I still don't think that they're willing to get rid of Ash anytime soon to find that out.
Exactally. I don't think I would have ever imanaged Pokemon lasting more than 10 years when it first started, and look now. Pokemon has just started it's 12th season, and can easily go 15 in my opinion. Now will they hit 20, maybe. But so far in the future, it's pointless arguing about it now. So, like Jave said, just enjoy the series. Ash is going to be the main character, and is going to stay the main character for quite some time. How long? No one knows, and the writers don't even know at this point. So just relax and enjoy it while it's still here becuase when it's gone, we will all be sad. :crying:

[CyberCubed]

But now that Pokemon has 600 episodes, its impossible to sit through it anymore.

That's why older fans who stopped watching feel intimidated to get back into it. They say, "600 episodes? I'm not sitting through that!" and for the younger kids, they missed out on the older seasons and never saw Ash's earlier adventures.

Let's face it, who has the time to sit through 600 episodes of Pokemon, especially with all the other shows you watch? It's gotten impossible.

Nobody can do a "complete rewatch" of the show anymore. That's why some people are just sticking to the first season, it was only 81 episodes and easy to get through.

I hate to say it but if Pokemon never does get an ending it'll feel like we wasted our time watching it all these years, as if it was all for nothing.

Does anyone else get what I mean? The show needs closure, its not like Simpsons or whatever where it could go on forever.

[Tay the Cat]

But now that Pokemon has 600 episodes, its impossible to sit through it anymore.

That's why older fans who stopped watching feel intimidated to get back into it. They say, "600 episodes? I'm not sitting through that!" and for the younger kids, they missed out on the older seasons and never saw Ash's earlier adventures.

Let's face it, who has the time to sit through 600 episodes of Pokemon, especially with all the other shows you watch? It's gotten impossible.

Nobody can do a "complete rewatch" of the show anymore. That's why some people are just sticking to the first season, it was only 81 episodes and easy to get through.

I hate to say it but if Pokemon never does get an ending it'll feel like we wasted our time watching it all these years, as if it was all for nothing.

Does anyone else get what I mean? The show needs closure, its not like Simpsons or whatever where it could go on forever.
I must vehemently disagree with you there.

[CyberCubed]

I must vehemently disagree with you there.

I can only think of several hardcore Pokemon fans that will actually sit through all 600 episodes and 12 movies again.

Everyone else doesn't have the time or patience. And as I said, the new younger kids first getting into Pokemon now missed out on the older seasons, so they have no idea what happened to Ash on his old journies or his older pokemon or characters.

[peterg14]

I think I said this before, but you don't have to. You don't HAVE to watch the old movies, you don't HAVE to watch the old episodes. You might want to someday, so just buy the DVDs, but you don't HAVE to watch the episode Ash caught Charmander if you don't want to.

Really, I think your being OCD about this, Pokemon is safe on CN, but even if it goes, it's Pokemon. It's going somewhere.

[CyberCubed]

I think I said this before, but you don't have to. You don't HAVE to watch the old movies, you don't HAVE to watch the old episodes. You might want to someday, so just buy the DVDs, but you don't HAVE to watch the episode Ash caught Charmander if you don't want to.

But if you want to, its too time consuming. I don't get why people don't rewatch old shows, but its something I do with all the shows I watch.

The way I see it there's no point in following a show you like if you don't plan to re-visit the early seasons and do a rewatch of them. There are a lot of great episodes from the past I'd like to watch again, as well as some funny fillers, etc.

But given Pokemon has gone on for so long, its gotten hard and harder to do that. It's actually gotten to the point where I wonder if the writers intend for us to consider Pokemon one big continuity anymore, or if the older seasons have been retconned.

[Jave]

But now that Pokemon has 600 episodes, its impossible to sit through it anymore.

That's why older fans who stopped watching feel intimidated to get back into it. They say, "600 episodes? I'm not sitting through that!" and for the younger kids, they missed out on the older seasons and never saw Ash's earlier adventures.

Let's face it, who has the time to sit through 600 episodes of Pokemon, especially with all the other shows you watch? It's gotten impossible.

Nobody can do a "complete rewatch" of the show anymore. That's why some people are just sticking to the first season, it was only 81 episodes and easy to get through.

I hate to say it but if Pokemon never does get an ending it'll feel like we wasted our time watching it all these years, as if it was all for nothing.

Does anyone else get what I mean? The show needs closure, its not like Simpsons or whatever where it could go on forever.I think the problem is that you're assuming that people HAVE to rewatch the entire series to get into it. First of all, 90% of the episodes are one-shots. The series is designed so that anyone can catch a random episode and enjoy it on its own. There's the occasional two-parter and the League story arcs that take place during the end of each season, but those aren't exactly common. If Pokemon was like DBZ where every episode starts exactly where the last one left off, then I believe you'll have a stronger case.

There's very little stuff in Pokemon that carries over. Anyone with half a brain can write off Ash getting a new pokemon or gaining a new medal as something that "happened in a previous episode". New fans of the show may have missed Ash's early adventures, but this doesn't they can't enjoy the news ones. The show hardly references the early adventures anyway, so it's not like you're missing much if you didn't watch those episodes.

If you really feel that way about Pokemon, though, then maybe you just need to stop watching. Really, why torture yourself so much with it if you obviously can't enjoy it?

[Lazerboy5000]

I can only think of several hardcore Pokemon fans that will actually sit through all 600 episodes and 12 movies again.

Everyone else doesn't have the time or patience. And as I said, the new younger kids first getting into Pokemon now missed out on the older seasons, so they have no idea what happened to Ash on his old journies or his older pokemon or characters.
I think that if I could, I would watch all 12 movies at once, but maybe not all 600 episodes. Perhaps all the non-filler episodes, but not every single episode.

[Light Lucario]

So...you honestly think the show will be going on in the year 2020, which is exactly 11 years from now with the same main character?

I think that it's possible that Pokemon could last that long. As I've mentioned before, I doubt anyone thought that Pokemon would last this long so another eleven years with Ash being the main character doesn't sound like that much of a weird idea to me.


Because the longer the show goes on, the harder it is to say that the 11 year history of the show is all part of the same continuity. Pokemon has nearly 600 episodes now, which is insane, I don't think it'll go on to 1000 eps.

I think its best if the show is given closure at some point, and they just start fresh with new heroes to advertise whatever the next game is.

Considering that the anime series still does well in both Japan and the U.S. and that the games still sell like hotcakes, I can see it reaching 1000 episodes. It's already had almost 600 episodes and another 400 doesn't sound crazy to me either. I definitely say that it's at least possible.


Exactally. I don't think I would have ever imanaged Pokemon lasting more than 10 years when it first started, and look now. Pokemon has just started it's 12th season, and can easily go 15 in my opinion. Now will they hit 20, maybe. But so far in the future, it's pointless arguing about it now. So, like Jave said, just enjoy the series. Ash is going to be the main character, and is going to stay the main character for quite some time. How long? No one knows, and the writers don't even know at this point. So just relax and enjoy it while it's still here becuase when it's gone, we will all be sad. :crying:

Thank you. I never thought that Pokemon would be this strong when it first started and I'm really glad that it has. I could see the series lasting for a really long time, but I never really think of how long. I just figure that as long as the games sell well enough, the anime will continue since it is there to promote the games. I definitely agree that it feels so pointless to argue about this now since it's so far ahead in the future. Just enjoy the ride and relax. Constantly stressing about the future of any show can't be really that good to do so much or so often.


But now that Pokemon has 600 episodes, its impossible to sit through it anymore.

That's why older fans who stopped watching feel intimidated to get back into it. They say, "600 episodes? I'm not sitting through that!" and for the younger kids, they missed out on the older seasons and never saw Ash's earlier adventures.

Let's face it, who has the time to sit through 600 episodes of Pokemon, especially with all the other shows you watch? It's gotten impossible.

Nobody can do a "complete rewatch" of the show anymore. That's why some people are just sticking to the first season, it was only 81 episodes and easy to get through.

I hate to say it but if Pokemon never does get an ending it'll feel like we wasted our time watching it all these years, as if it was all for nothing.

Does anyone else get what I mean? The show needs closure, its not like Simpsons or whatever where it could go on forever.

I respect your opinion, but I also really disagree with you on your points.

I agree with Jave's point on how you're assuming that people absolutely have to watch the older episodes. Anyone could watch Pokemon in the middle of a season and not really be too confused about what's going on. Pokemon doesn't have a deep plot that would be best understood by watching the early episodes. Kids could start watching in D/P, which I'm sure they have in both Japan and U.S., and still enjoy the series. They wouldn't have to watch the older seasons in order to like the series.

In all honesty, I think that you're putting way too much importance on watching the whole series from the start. While the idea of watching the series from the start to the current season sounds like fun and I would give it a shot if I had all of the DVDs/box sets for those seasons, it really isn't required at all in order to understand the current season. That's probably why Ash has started off with only Pikachu since AG so that it would be easier for kids to get into it.

As for the movies, I don't see why it would be a problem to watch eleven movies. Movie 12 hasn't even been released in Japan so I wouldn't count that one yet. Those could be watched in a matter of days, depending on how many movies are watched in a whole day. I would probably just watch one movie a day, just like I watch one episode in one of my Pokemon box sets every weekday.

Besides, D/P has made some references to past seasons before so it isn't like they're pretending that Ash's old adventures didn't happen. If that was the case, then we wouldn't have seen his older Pokemon during the Battle Frontier season. I also agree with Jave that it really doesn't sound like you enjoy the series anymore. While I do respect that if that is the case for you, I also don't see why you continue watching it if you are so unhappy with the current state and future of the series.

[CyberCubed]

If we're not intended to watch the bulk of the episodes from each saga, (even skipping some of the worst or useless filler), then what is the point of the show, honestly? Its not like the older seasons are locked in some vault somewhere, anyone can go back and watch an older arc of Pokemon very easily even if it doesn't air on CN.

I didn't get into Pokemon because I wanted it to go on for 20 years. I got into Pokemon because I thought we would see Ash travel through a couple of regions, and then give us a decent conclusion.

[D Dubbs]

If we're not intended to watch the bulk of the episodes from each saga, (even skipping some of the worst or useless filler), then what is the point of the show, honestly?

To sell Pokemon games and merchandise.

[Tay the Cat]

If we're not intended to watch the bulk of the episodes from each saga, (even skipping some of the worst or useless filler), then what is the point of the show, honestly? Its not like the older seasons are locked in some vault somewhere, anyone can go back and watch an older arc of Pokemon very easily even if it doesn't air on CN.

I didn't get into Pokemon because I wanted it to go on for 20 years. I got into Pokemon because I thought we would see Ash travel through a couple of regions, and then give us a decent conclusion.
I got into Pokemon because it looked cool, and still does.

For this type of anime, the plot really isn't important. The whole point of the anime is to sell the games and has always been that way.

[CyberCubed]

To sell Pokemon games and merchandise.

They can do that and give us a proper conclusion to Ash's 11-year and 600 episode story too, you know. I have no delusions of Pokemon getting a major plot or whatever, I just want proper closure.

[Tay the Cat]

They can do that and give us a proper conclusion to Ash's 11-year and 600 episode story too, you know. I have no delusions of Pokemon getting a major plot or whatever, I just want proper closure.
Oh good grief.

Why on god's green earth do you want closure for a series that's nothing but a 30-minute toy advertisement?

[CyberCubed]

Oh good grief.

Why on god's green earth do you want closure for a series that's nothing but a 30-minute toy advertisement?

Because as someone who started watching the show back in 1998 when it first started, and following it for 10 years now, I'd like to see a conclusion to the show I got into when I was a kid.

This show has been going on for a decade, for the fans who have been with it since the beginning, it would be nice to see the show get a satisfactory ending instead of it being endless.

And as said, they can advertise the next game with new protagonists in a new series.

[Tay the Cat]

Because as someone who started watching the show back in 1998 when it first started, and following it for 10 years now, I'd like to see a conclusion to the show I got into when I was a kid.

This show has been going on for a decade, for the fans who have been with it since the beginning, it would be nice to see the show get a satisfactory ending instead of it being endless.
Looking around other sites, I honestly believe you're the only person that feels this way.


And as said, they can advertise the next game with new protagonists in a new series.
In all honesty, if they did that, I'd quit watching.

[CyberCubed]

Looking around other sites, I honestly believe you're the only person that feels this way.

What do you mean? I've seen many people wish Ash's story was brought to a close and see a new show with new protagonists.

This is a long show now. 600 episodes, 12 movies, 4 major regions, etc. As I said, nobody has the time to sit through a show of this length anymore.

I'd rather the show get proper closure than to see them just bring in a new girl every 4-5 years and rehash Brock and Team Rocket into every region.


In all honesty, if they did that, I'd quit watching.

But at least we'd finally get to see Ash's story get closure, become a Pokemon Master, defeat Giovanni and maybe meet Ho-oh. And his friends will all probably get closure too.

[Jave]

Because as someone who started watching the show back in 1998 when it first started, and following it for 10 years now, I'd like to see a conclusion to the show I got into when I was a kid.

This show has been going on for a decade, for the fans who have been with it since the beginning, it would be nice to see the show get a satisfactory ending instead of it being endless.

And as said, they can advertise the next game with new protagonists in a new series.But what about the countless people who want more Ash and Pikachu? It wouldn't be fair for them, now would it?

[CyberCubed]

But what about the countless people who want more Ash and Pikachu? It wouldn't be fair for them, now would it?

But they have 600 episodes of him already. And if the writers are so concerned about there being a Pikachu in the anime, why don't they give the new female character her own Pikachu? Why do people act as if Ash is so important to the franchise? He's not in any of the games and they do fine, and they already tried those specials without him. Really the 5th gen region should star the new boy/girl of that saga.

The DP series would be an excellent sendoff to Ash's story, especially with the foreshadowing of him challenging the Elite 4 after Sinnoh.

Do you guys really want to be in your 30's and still see Ash's journey going on?

[DarthGonzo]

Do you guys really want to be in your 30's and still see Ash's journey going on?

People should be allowed to watch cartoons no matter how old you are. I'll be 30 in a couple on months and I still have no problem watching Spongebob.

That said, by the time someone is in their 30's the fact that a show like Pokemon doesn't have closure shouldn't even by on the radar when it comes to things to be concerned about. If you're in your thirties and you're losing sleep over Ash and Pikachu...I think that'd be something to be concerned about.

[CyberCubed]

That said, by the time someone is in their 30's the fact that a show like Pokemon doesn't have closure shouldn't even by on the radar when it comes to things to be concerned about. If you're in your thirties and you're losing sleep over Ash and Pikachu...it think that'd be something to be concerned about.

I meant that do you want to be older and older and the show not have any closure or reboots, and to see it go on?

For example the kids who were 10 when Pokemon first started are now 20.

If you were 15 when Pokemon started in 1998, you're now 25.

Now that this show has gone on for 11 seasons, most of the people who were kids when it started are now in their 20's or later.

I'd really hate it if this show becomes another Simpsons, going on for 20 years with no proper conclusion. The difference is Simpsons is a comedy series with no long-running plot, but Pokemon continues from episode to episode over the course of 600 episodes and 11 years.

It's just a shame the show will never get a proper ending at this rate.

[DarthGonzo]

Simpsons is one thing, but at a certain point most just grow out of childrens shows like Pokemon, save for the hardcore fans. The show has lasted so long because people get into it, move on and are always followed by new Pokemon fans. It goes in cycles. No one in charge of this show is expecting one audience to religiously watch it for 11+ years.

I mean, I've been a Peanuts fan my entire life. Am I upset because the strip ended before every character had closure? Of course not.

(don't take that last part seriously - :p)

[Lazerboy5000]

To sell Pokemon games and merchandise.
Yep. Each individual episode usually features a different pokemon and it's just basicly advertisment, if anything.


Now I just want to say, that I enjoy the series very much. Would I like to see some closure eventually? Yes. But do the writers need to rush to a conclusion? No. Jave said to just enjoy the series, and that's just what I'm doing. All the future speculation is just in the back of my mind. Sure, I like to think about how the series end, and what turns the series will take in order to get the closure this series deserves. But when I'm watching the series on Saturday mornings (or sometimes later in the week when I'm busy) I never think about how the entire series is going to end. It's just one step at a time. For one, we still have to finish the D/P saga, and then we will need at least one more generation to get the closure we need, but if Ash keeps competing in new regions, getting new gym badges, then whatever, the series continues. It's meant to be a series where you can easily jump into. Because if that wasn't the case, then Pokemon would have never gained new fans, and it would have lost almost all of them by now (except for the very loyal ones). So, in all, I do wish the series will eventually take the nessarry steps to bring clourse to the series, but it doesn't need to be now. I wouldn't care if it were 10 years from now either. Just as long I live longer than the series does, then I'm fine with that.

[D Dubbs]

Simpsons is one thing, but at a certain point most just grow out of childrens shows like Pokemon, save for the hardcore fans. The show has lasted so long because people get into it, move on and are always followed by new Pokemon fans. It goes in cycles. No one in charge of this show is expecting one audience to religiously watch it for 11+ years.

Yeah, most Pokemon fans move on eventually, but there's always new fans to replace them. The writers basically start the show over every four or five years with each main arc and re-introduce the main ideas to new viewers. The previous 500 episodes don't really matter, as far as the writers are concerned.

[CyberCubed]

But as we can see, there are some older fans who are still with the show since the beginning. Granted some people missed certain parts of the show because people come and lose interest, but there's still that older fanbase that were once kids when it originally came out.

That being said, the writers don't pretend the older arcs never happened. There are often flashbacks and tributes to things that happened back in Kanto or Hoenn, or they bring up old events. Ash's old Pokemon get brought back for his major battles every so often and the older main characters like May, Gary and Misty make re-appearances, etc.

If the kids of today don't recognize these characters, the writers of the show are obviously doing it because they know some people have been around from the older arcs.

[Lazerboy5000]

But as we can see, there are some older fans who are still with the show since the beginning. Granted some people missed certain parts of the show because people come and lose interest, but there's still that older fanbase that were once kids when it originally came out.

That being said, the writers don't pretend the older arcs never happened. There are often flashbacks and tributes to things that happened back in Kanto or Hoenn, or they bring up old events. Ash's old Pokemon get brought back for his major battles every so often and the older main characters like May, Gary and Misty make re-appearances, etc.

If the kids of today don't recognize these characters, the writers of the show are obviously doing it because they know some people have been around from the older arcs.
I couldn't agree with you more here. It is ture that most of the episodes prior to a new generation don't matter, but it's not like they never exsisted. Rather, it's just more or less the important stuff over the pervious seasons. Like Ash does have some very experienced pokemon, has he still has some friends in different regions that he just hasn't seen in awhile. And bringing those older pokemon and characters is kind of a plesent suprise for older fan like ourselves.

[Light Lucario]

If we're not intended to watch the bulk of the episodes from each saga, (even skipping some of the worst or useless filler), then what is the point of the show, honestly? Its not like the older seasons are locked in some vault somewhere, anyone can go back and watch an older arc of Pokemon very easily even if it doesn't air on CN.

I didn't get into Pokemon because I wanted it to go on for 20 years. I got into Pokemon because I thought we would see Ash travel through a couple of regions, and then give us a decent conclusion.

The point of the series has always been to sell the games and other Pokemon merchandise. I'm sorry, but that's really not that hard to figure out. I got into Pokemon because it did seem pretty cool and fun to me and I still think that it is. As I've mentioned before, I've never thought of Pokemon and the term proper conclusion in the same sentence. With the way that Pokemon is handled, I really don't see the how they could give proper conclusion since the whole point is just a thirty minute toy commercial. I don't see anything wrong with that, obviously, but I just don't see proper conclusion out of something like Pokemon.

If the writers really wanted to give a conclusion to Ash's story, then they could have had him take that Battle Frontier position at the end of that seasons. But they didn't. I think that says something there.


Because as someone who started watching the show back in 1998 when it first started, and following it for 10 years now, I'd like to see a conclusion to the show I got into when I was a kid.

This show has been going on for a decade, for the fans who have been with it since the beginning, it would be nice to see the show get a satisfactory ending instead of it being endless.

And as said, they can advertise the next game with new protagonists in a new series.

I have heard of something like this before from other people on Pokemon forums. However, I really don't think that when the writers are working on the new episodes that they're thinking of the people who have watched from the start. They're thinking about their target audience, which constantly changes as time moves on. As others have mentioned, some kids grow out of Pokemon and then there are new kids that can get into it. The writers have mentioned some events from past sagas every now and then and we do see some of Ash's old Pokemon sometimes too, but that's probably not because of older fans. One could see that as throwing a reference for the older fans, but its more like something to show the new kids what happened in the past.

As for showing the series with new protagonists, I'm not sure how that would work for a lot of people. Sure, some people would like to see Ash's story be done with, but they aren't in the target audience. Since we're older than what Pokemon generally targets at, I doubt that our opinions matter that much to the writing staff.

Besides, I still think that the writers wouldn't want to change that much out of their Ash and Pikachu formula since that's been working so well for them for so long. Plus, after seeing the show with Ash for so long, I wouldn't want to see him get replaced. There are still people, both in and outside of the target audience I would imagine, who still like Ash.


But they have 600 episodes of him already. And if the writers are so concerned about there being a Pikachu in the anime, why don't they give the new female character her own Pikachu? Why do people act as if Ash is so important to the franchise? He's not in any of the games and they do fine, and they already tried those specials without him. Really the 5th gen region should star the new boy/girl of that saga.

Well, to be honest, I don't think replacing Ash and just giving the new main character a Pikachu is really that easy. As I've mentioned before, the writers don't see to worry too much about giving Ash a sense of closure. Of coruse, there is the whole Ash and Pikachu formula thing since that has been useful for the series thus far. Since the series is still successful, I don't see why they would just replace him now. Yes, he isn't in the games, but the series and the games aren't exactly the same things either.


The DP series would be an excellent sendoff to Ash's story, especially with the foreshadowing of him challenging the Elite 4 after Sinnoh.

Just because there is some foreshadowing of him challenging the Elite 4 doesn't mean that it will happen. Don't get me wrong here. I wouldn't mind it if he did challenge them since that would allow for some excellent battles to happen. However, since he hasn't even come close to winning a game-related region league yet, I'm not holding my breath for that to happen.


Do you guys really want to be in your 30's and still see Ash's journey going on?

I don't see what's so wrong about that. I'm already twenty and I never expected Pokemon to be this strong when I was nine. So being in my 30's and Ash still continuing his journey doesn't sound that weird to me. I agree with what DarthGonzo on how you can enjoy cartoons no matter how old you are. Besides, I also think that worrying about Ash's journey continuing for another ten years is kind of pointless. Let the future happens when it happens and just enjoy the series.


It's just a shame the show will never get a proper ending at this rate.

I think it's only a shame if you put so much importance on endings. If you just accept what the show is, nothing more, nothing less, then it probably wouldn't be so upsetting for you.


Yep. Each individual episode usually features a different pokemon and it's just basicly advertisment, if anything.


Now I just want to say, that I enjoy the series very much. Would I like to see some closure eventually? Yes. But do the writers need to rush to a conclusion? No. Jave said to just enjoy the series, and that's just what I'm doing. All the future speculation is just in the back of my mind. Sure, I like to think about how the series end, and what turns the series will take in order to get the closure this series deserves. But when I'm watching the series on Saturday mornings (or sometimes later in the week when I'm busy) I never think about how the entire series is going to end. It's just one step at a time. For one, we still have to finish the D/P saga, and then we will need at least one more generation to get the closure we need, but if Ash keeps competing in new regions, getting new gym badges, then whatever, the series continues. It's meant to be a series where you can easily jump into. Because if that wasn't the case, then Pokemon would have never gained new fans, and it would have lost almost all of them by now (except for the very loyal ones). So, in all, I do wish the series will eventually take the nessarry steps to bring clourse to the series, but it doesn't need to be now. I wouldn't care if it were 10 years from now either. Just as long I live longer than the series does, then I'm fine with that.

I agree with you. I don't really think too much about Pokemon's ending since I just want to enjoy the series. I've loved it ever since it started and I don't have any plans on stopping anytime soon. The fact that there has been a reboot with every region since AG has allowed for new fans to have an easier time to get into the series than if it was one of those series that's better understood from the beginning. I'm still content with how the series is and that makes me happy.

To be honest, I'm thinking about closing this thread. Not only has this thread gone off topic for a few pages, but I'm not sure how much discussion we'll be able to get out of it. Even with the original intent of this thread, it was nothing but future specluation and I'm not sure how would work for a thread. Besides that, I feel like we're just going to go around in circles with this. I'll think about it for a few more mintues.

[CyberCubed]

Well let me ask one more question before this thread ends, do you think the dub of Pokemon will get cancelled on CN before it ends in Japan?

[J!!!]

Well let me ask one more question before this thread ends, do you think the dub of Pokemon will get cancelled on CN before it ends in Japan?
Nah, but as I stated earlier Pokemon is one of Disney XD's sponsers so if it leaves CN it could go there.

[Tay the Cat]

Well let me ask one more question before this thread ends, do you think the dub of Pokemon will get cancelled on CN before it ends in Japan?
As long as CN gets a cut of the merchandise revenue, not anytime soon.

[Light Lucario]

Well let me ask one more question before this thread ends, do you think the dub of Pokemon will get cancelled on CN before it ends in Japan?

I think that you've already asked this question before earlier in this thread. That or you were just worrying about that happening. I don't think that will happen anytime soon since Pokemon is still such a hit after over ten years on the air. Not to mention CN still gets some merchandise revenue from airing the series too. So, as many people have mentioned here before, there is so sign of CN dropping Pokemon anytime soon. There is no need to worry over this at all.

I think that I'll go ahead and close this thread. It just doesn't seem like a good source for discussion for the thread to be focusing on nothing but the far distant future. Not to mention all of this worrying for CN when there aren't any signs at all of them losing interest in Pokemon. If it wasn't for that, I would keep this thread open, but I'll just go ahead and close it since I think that we'll just go around in cirlces with this topic.