Cartoon Network Secures Exclusive Rights to New Pokémon Season

ATLANTA, June 15: The ninth season of Pokémon is to air exclusively on Cartoon Network in the U.S., following the series’ long run on Kids’ WB!

Pokémon : Battle Frontier launches this fall, as Ash and Pikachu go back to the Kanto region to complete the Battle Frontier, seven ultimate tests that will challenge Ash’s skills as a Pokémon Trainer.

The deal follows Cartoon Network’s pickup of the Pokémon Chronicles, which launched June 3 as part of the Toonami block.

"We’re thrilled to be the new home of Pokémon  in the U.S. and to be bringing first-run, never-before-seen episodes of this tremendous series to our audience," said Bob Higgins, the senior VP of programming and original animation for Cartoon Network. "We’re looking forward to working with Pokémon USA to grow Battle Frontier into a top television destination for boys and girls of all ages."

Akira Chiba, the president and CEO of Pokémon USA, added, "For us, Cartoon Network is a perfect fit because we want to be where the kids are and to give our fans what they want, which is Pokémon throughout the week."

Pokémon is celebrating its 10th worldwide anniversary this year with events such as a 24-city mall tour featuring local video game competitions.