WildBrain has reached an agreement with The Pokémon Company International to become the exclusive distributor of the single-IP Pokémon FAST Channel (free, ad-supported television).

Distribution will begin in the US, followed by Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. As part of the partnership, WildBrain will secure and launch new single-IP FAST channels with leading platforms in these regions for 22 seasons of the iconic original animated Pokémon series featuring Ash Ketchum and his partner Pokémon Pikachu.

Fans can follow the duo’s adventures as they attempt to achieve Ash’s goal of becoming the world’s greatest Pokémon Trainer in multiple storylines, including “The Beginning” (112 x 22′), “Gold and Silver” (157 x 22′), “Ruby and Sapphire” (191 x 22′), “Diamond and Pearl” (189 x 22′), “Black and White” (142 x 22′), “XY” (141 x 22′), and “Sun and Moon” (145 x 22′). WildBrain will also sell select direct advertising inventory for the Pokémon channels through its Media Solutions team.

Lara Ilie, VP AVOD and FAST at WildBrain, said: “We are excited to offer Pokémon to FAST audiences as a single-IP channel for the first time. FAST is an important part of an omnichannel strategy to amplify brands and reach fans wherever they watch. As a leader in audience engagement for kids and families, we look forward to leveraging our FAST expertise to reach the ever-growing Pokémon community.”

Melissa Pearce, Senior Director of Media Licensing at The Pokémon Company International, added: “We are always striving to bring the joy of Pokémon to more fans around the world, and WildBrain is the perfect partner to bring the beloved Pokémon animations to a new generation of Trainers. FAST provides the Pokémon brand with an ideal platform to reach a wider audience, offering accessible and curated content in a family-friendly environment.”

This partnership with Pokémon underscores WildBrain’s position as a pioneer in FAST channels for kids. With more than 100 multi-brand FAST channels now launched on major platforms worldwide, WildBrain is the world’s leading expert in leveraging FAST for kids content. Since launching its FAST strategy, WildBrain has accelerated the growth of its channels to 7.5 billion minutes viewed in 2023, up from 502 million in 2019.

Through direct partnerships with all major platforms including Samsung, LG, Roku, Tubi and Pluto, and using the three largest integrators Wurl, Xumo and Amagi, WildBrain operates FAST channels for more than 20 brands including Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Caillou, Inspector Gadget, Degrassi, Slugterra, Sonic, Super Mario and more. Additionally, WildBrain’s own Media Solutions team provides strategies for advertisers and brands to reach kids and families across FAST, AVOD and gaming. WildBrain provides partners with the expertise, operational infrastructure and insights needed to leverage and optimize FAST and non-YouTube AVOD opportunities for their brands.