TV SERIES
Pokémon and Netflix announce new animated series
Pokémon will release its next addition to the franchise, ‘Pokémon Concierge’, a series that follows guests at a beachside resort.
The Pokémon Company is teaming up with streaming giant Netflix for a new series set in the Pokémon universe, though with a different presentation than fans were expecting.
The new original series, ‘Pokémon Concierge’, is a stop-motion animated show, rather than using the original Pokémon hand-drawn animation distinct to anime, and will follow the storyline of Haru, the concierge of the Pokémon Resort, who interacts with “Pokémon and their owners who visit as guests.”
The show introduces new characters as well, with newcomers Liko and Roy, taking leading roles to replace Ash and Pikachu — though Captain Pikachu will be debuting to maintain the role of the series’ mascot.
Pokémon and Netflix collaboration
After rumors of a Pokémon and Netflix collaboration for a live-action series circled in 2021, the two companies have announced there will indeed be a new Pokémon show.
According to Kotaku, Netflix and The Pokémon Company have had a longstanding relationship, as the streaming company has provided the English dubbing of the anime, starring characters such as Ash and Pikachu for subscribers.
During the recent Pokémon Presents showcase, the company debuted a short trailer for ‘Pokémon Concierge’.
The teaser video features palm trees and a Psyduck waddling along a sandy, white beach. Birds chirping and the rolling waves of the ocean are heard in the background.
“This is the Pokémon Resort. Pokémon are the guests here,” the narrator says. “Here is the story of the resort’s concierge.”
Netflix VP excited for new Pokémon project.
The Vice President of Netflix Content in Asia, Minyoung Kim, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the new Pokémon project.
“Netflix is looking forward to delighting fans in Japan and around the world with ‘Pokémon Concierge,’ Kim said. “An entirely new visual and storytelling experience featuring ground-breaking stop-motion animation set in the Pokémon world in close collaboration with The Pokémon Company,”
“We’re also excited to reveal this new series on Pokémon Day and provide fans with even more things to look forward to on this special holiday celebrating the popular franchise.”
Pokémon new direction
The new Pokémon series has moved away from the storylines of battle and will focus on the more serene setting of the Pokémon hotel instead.
Kotaku notes that this is the latest trend in the franchise, illustrating the point with the examples of ‘Detective Pikachu’, a show “spotlighting parts of the world that have nothing to do with becoming the very best like no one ever was.” There is no sequel on the horizon for ‘Detective’.
Yet there is hope for Pokémon Concierge, as the show’s efforts to try new things is “filling that particular void”.