The anime series Pokémon has been on the air since 1997. Now on its 26th season, the beloved TV show is as exciting as ever and doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. Since the premise of the TV series remains simple, both longtime and new fans of the franchise can enjoy a particular season of the show even without watching all the seasons that came before it. All the different seasons of Pokémon are special in their own unique way, but if you want to watch a season that is darker than usual, we recommend that you check out Pokémon: Black & White.
What is Pokémon: Black and White about?
Pokémon: Black & White is the 14th season of the Pokémon anime series and the first and titular season of Pokémon the Series: Black & White. In Pokémon: Black & White, Ash Ketchum and Pikachu journey through the distant Unova region, where they discover new Pokémon, make new friends, and face new challenges.
After the characters of Brock Harrison and Dawn Berlitz left the series at the end of the previous season, Ash is joined by two new traveling companions in season 14: Iris and Cilan. Iris and Cilan are both Pokémon trainers, with the latter also being an A-class Pokémon Connoisseur – someone who is capable of seeing the compatibility and closeness between Pokémon and their trainers.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket members Jessie, James, and Meowth have been promoted.
Below is the official description of Pokémon: Black & White:
“A new land, new rivals, new challenges, and all-new Pokémon make the 14th season of the Pokémon animated series one of the most exciting ones yet! When Ash and his mother accompany Professor Oak to the distant Unova region, Ash discovers Pokémon that he’s never seen before… and that he can’t wait to catch! He may have Pikachu at his side together with new friends Iris and Cilan, but he’ll still need plenty of new Pokémon on his team if he wants to challenge Unova’s expert Gym Leaders. His quest to become a Pokémon Master just got even tougher!”
Pokémon: Black & White has 48 episodes in total. It originally aired in Japan from September 23rd, 2010 to September 15th, 2011 on TV Tokyo channel 7. In the United States, it debuted on February 12th, 2011 on Cartoon Network and ran until January 7th, 2012.
What sets Pokémon: Black and White apart from other Pokémon seasons?
Compare to the seasons before it, Pokémon: Black & White features a darker tone. This is due in part to the fact that the Unova region is a more industrialized and urbanized region than the previous regions explored in the series. This gives the show an opportunity to provide some social commentary on the dangers of technology and the importance of nature.
Where to stream Pokémon: Black and White
All 48 episodes of Pokémon: Black & White are currently streaming on Tubi. The entire season can also be watched on Pokémon TV, which is accessible via Nintendo Switch, the Pokémon TV app, and any web browser. Pokémon TV is a free service, but users will need to create an account to watch videos.
Digital copies of Pokémon: Black & White episodes are also available on Amazon. For fans who are looking for a physical copy, a DVD of the complete season is being sold online at around $45.
The first episode of Pokémon: Black & White is also streaming on The Official Pokémon YouTube Channel.
![In the Shadow of Zekrom! [FULL EPISODE] ???? | Pokémon: Black & White Episode 1](https://geekspin.co/wp-content/cache/flying-press/AupFEoIkSAE-hqdefault.jpg)
Why do you need to watch Pokémon: Black and White?
If you’re still thinking about whether or not to watch Pokémon: Black & White, the following highlights from the season may convince you to watch it.
Pikachu is hit by a lightning
In the episode In the Shadow of Zekrom!, Pikachu is hit by a massive amount of electricity during a sudden storm. Due to the incident, Pikachu becomes unable to use any of its electric-type moves. Watch Pokémon: Black & White to find out whether the incident has something to do with the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom.
Who is Ash’s first partner Pokémon?
The Unova region was the setting of the video games Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version. At the start of those adventures, players could choose Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawott to become their first partner Pokémon. But in the TV series, Ash doesn’t want just one. Determined to catch them all, Ash wastes no time in catching these Pokémon. Oshawott appeared in the season’s first episode, but it doesn’t formally join Ash’s team. Will Ash be able to catch Oshawott later in the season?
The introduction of Pokémon Connoisseurs
In Pokémon: Black & White, Ash is introduced to Pokémon Connoisseurs. These are people who are experts in determining how well a Pokémon Trainer is matched with their Pokémon. If you’re interested in knowing more about Pokémon Connoisseurs, then Pokémon: Black & White is a must-watch.
Ash competes in the Pokémon Club Battle Tournament
If intense Pokémon battles keep you glued to your screen, then you should really add Pokémon: Black & White to your watch list. Toward the end of the season, Ash, Iris, and Cilan join the Pokémon Club Battle Tournament. Sixteen trainers start the tournament, but only one emerges as the winner. The prestigious tournament plays out over the course of four episodes, giving fans lots of action-packed scenes.
Did Meowth leave Team Rocket?
After the Pokémon Club Battle Tournament, Ash, Iris, and Cilan encounter Meowth and discover that the Pokémon was fired from Team Rocket. But with Jessie and James seemingly lurking in the background, it’s not clear whether Meowth’s supposed firing from Team Rocket is just part of a nefarious scheme. Watch Pokémon: Black & White to find out the real tea.