Ash and Pikachu To Depart From the 'Pokémon' Anime Series After 25 Years
New main characters are replacing the iconic duo.
Millennials, it’s time to say goodbye to a key part of your childhood. It’s been announced Ash and Pikachu are officially departing from the Pokémon anime series, which debuted in 1997. The show will continue on; however, new main characters are replacing the iconic duo.
Liko and Roy, as seen in a new trailer for the all-new Pokémon series, will be taking over. “Join 2 new characters and 3 Paldea starter Pokémon as they adventure through the Pokémon world! Plus, commemorate Ash’s journey with special episodes concluding Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series,” the official Twitter for Pokémon announced.
Additionally, Sarah Natochenny, who voiced Ash for nearly two decades, shared a message regarding his departure from the show. “It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years,” she tweeted. “No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. I’ll keep him present for all of us in every way I can.”
The all-new Pokémon series, consisting of an 11-episode arc, premieres in January 2023. Watch the trailer above.
