For U.S.Pokémonfans who rely on Netflix for their anime fix, September 10 is shaping up to be a rough day. On that date, four major entries in Ash Ketchum’s final adventure arc, includingPokémon Journeys, Master Journeys, Ultimate Journeys, and the conclusion miniseriesTo Be a Pokémon Master, are all set to leave the streaming platform.
This isn’t just any batch of episodes disappearing, it’s the saga that took Ash through the Galar region, expanded his horizons beyond traditional Gym battles, and ultimately gave fans a heartfelt goodbye to a character who’s been on-screen for over two decades.But thanks to Netflix’s unpredictable licensing patterns, thesePokémonseasons are facing yet another removal deadline.
The Frustrating On-Again, Off-Again Netflix Pokémon Saga
Netflix’s relationship with thePokémonanime has been anything but consistent. The sameJourneysseasons were previously set to leave in September 2024, only for that date to be pushed to October, then November, before the shows were renewed. Now, fans are back where they started, wondering if these episodes will disappear for good or resurface down the road.
Part of the frustration comes from the fact that Netflix is currently the only place to stream these episodes legally in the U.S. While olderPokémonseries are available on other platforms or physical media, theJourneyssaga has been locked behind Netflix’s exclusive deal, making its removal a much bigger blow for fans.
What’s even more puzzling is Netflix’s mixed approach to the franchise. While cutting off access to newer Ash episodes, the service has simultaneously brought back earlier seasons like thePokémon XYtrilogy, which returned in June 2025 after being removed just two months earlier. This back-and-forth has left many viewers scratching their heads.
What the Future Holds for Pokémon on Netflix
Despite the removal news,Pokémon’spresence on Netflix isn’t disappearing entirely. The platform remains the exclusive U.S. home forPokémon Horizons, the latest mainline series following new protagonists Liko and Roy. The most recent batch of episodes forHorizonsseason 2 dropped in June 2025, and more are expected in the coming months.
Netflix is also doubling down on originalPokémonprojects, such as the critically acclaimed andreturning to streaming soon stop-motion seriesPokémon Concierge. With new episodes confirmed, the show’s cozy, slice-of-life charm has become a bright spot for the franchise on the platform, holding an impressive 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Given Netflix’s history withPokémonlicensing, it’s possible that theJourneyssaga could return at some point, much like theXYseasons did earlier this year. However, fans who don’t want to risk missing Ash’s final chapters may need to binge-watch them before September 10, just in case this farewell ends up being permanent.
