Tired of Streaming Price Hikes? This Beloved '90s Franchise Is Completely Free to Watch
For many families tired of seeing the prices of Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV, and other favorite streaming apps keep rising, Pluto TV's kid-friendly programming is sure to bring a sigh of relief. The streaming app, which already has an impressive number of free, ad-supported channels, also has Pokémon and Pokémon Español, two channels dedicated to everyone's favorite fictional creatures.
Both channels show Pokémonmovies and episodes from the anime series 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, they feature the same programming, with Pokémon Español airing everything in Spanish. Considering Pokémon the Series began in 1997, and the franchise has produced two anime films and one live-action movie, there is plenty of content to choose from.
Beat Rising Streaming Costs with Pluto TV's Free Programming
Other free, kid-friendly channels include Nickelodeon, Transformers TV, Strawberry Shortcake and Friends, LEGO, and Garfield and Friends. There are also ten channels dedicated to anime. Kids and nostalgic adults alike can watch shows like Yu-Gi-Oh!, Naruto, Sailor Moon, and One Piece.
While Pluto TV also airs more mature films like The Godfather and Gangs of New York, the streaming platform has definitely become a favorite among families struggling to pay for the various streaming services. In 2025, Disney+ raised its monthly ad-supported plan by an additional $2 per month, while Peacock and Apple TV raised theirs by $3 per month. 2026 saw Netflix and Paramount Plus raise theirs by $1.
The History of Pokémania: Where It All Began
Pokémon first began as a Nintendo video game in 1996. Soon, it spawned Pokémon trading cards, and by April 1997, the anime series Pocket Monsters premiered. A year and a half later, it debuted in North America simply as Pokémonthe Series. By 1999, Pokémania officially began, with the show becoming the highest-rated kids' show in North America.
The protagonist of Pokémon is Ash Ketchum, a boy who is trying to become a Pokémon trainer. The Pokémon Pikachu becomes his sidekick. Ash travels around the world, discovering and catching the 151 different Pokémon species with something called a Poké Ball. After successfully catching them, he trains them to battle against other Pokémon.
In 2023, Ash and Pikachu's story ended after 25 years together, as Ash finally reached his goal of becoming the No. 1 Pokémon trainer. Season 26 marked the beginning of a new story titled Pokémon Horizons, featuring protagonists Liko and Roy and their Pokémon.
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 11:50 AM.