Netflix Pokémon Streaming Curse Strikes Again in New Anime Update

Netflix's complicated relationship with the Pokémon anime franchise continues as the platform's licensing curse appears to have struck again. Several seasons of the anime, which chronicle Ash Ketchum's adventures through the Galar region, are once again scheduled to be removed from the streaming service.

The series slated currently for removal include Pokémon Journeys: The Series (2021), Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series (2022), Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series(2023) and the finale miniseries, Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master: Ultimate Journeys: The Series (2023). These seasons are scheduled to leave the platform in the U.S. on Sept. 10. This is the latest in a series of confusing updates for fans, as these same seasons were previously scheduled for removal in September 2024, which was then pushed to October 2024 and later to early November 2024 before being renewed. This on-again, off-again licensing situation will likely cause issues for fans trying to keep track of the franchise on Netflix.

Pokémon Anime's 'Journey' on Netflix May Finally Be Coming to an End

The potential departure of the Journeys saga is especially puzzling given Netflix's recent moves to expand its Pokémon library. While these recent seasons face removal, Netflix has simultaneously been bringing back older, popular installments of the show, raising questions about the streamer's strategy for the franchise outside of its exclusive hold on the new Pokémon Horizons series.

Netflix had recently re-added the entirety of Ash's adventures in the Kalos region. On June 1, 2025, Pokémon the Series: XY, Kalos Quest and XYZ all returned to the streaming platform's U.S. library. These three seasons, which make up Seasons 17-19 of the anime, brought 145 episodes back to the platform. Interestingly, both Pokémon XY and Kalos Quest had previously been on Netflix before being removed in April 2025, only to return two months later. It needs to be seen if Journeys saga too will get a similar treatment in the future.

Beyond bringing back classic seasons, Netflix remains the exclusive streaming home for the franchise's current mainline series. A new batch of episodes for Pokémon Horizons Season 2: The Search for Laqua Part 3 started streaming on the platform in June 2025. It followed the release pattern of the first two parts, with a batch of 11 new episodes expected to continue the journey of new protagonists Liko and Roy.

Furthermore, Netflix is also expanding its original Pokémon content with more episodes of the critically acclaimed stop-motion series, Pokémon Concierge. The Pokémon Company confirmed in February 2024 that Netflix Animation and Dwarf Studios are producing new episodes. The first season, which was praised for its cozy and feel-good atmosphere, became a massive hit with fans and critics alike, gaining a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.