For decades, the Pokémon anime was essentially a sitcom. Ash Ketchum never aged, the status quo rarely shifted, and if you missed three months of episodes, you could jump back in without losing the thread. Pokémon Horizons finally breaks that loop. It’s a serialized adventure with a legitimate plot that moves forward every week.
If your kid is used to the "monster of the week" formula, this might be a slight adjustment, but it’s a rewarding one. There is a real mystery involving a floating airship, an ancient pendant, and a crew called the Rising Volt Tacklers. It feels less like a long-running commercial and more like a modern fantasy epic.
A protagonist who actually thinks
The biggest vibe shift is Liko. Unlike Ash, who was pure confidence and "I love Pokémon" energy, Liko starts the series as a relatable, slightly anxious kid who overthinks everything. Her internal monologue makes her feel like a real person navigating a big world. When she meets her partner—a Sprigatito that critics have rightly called a very good cat—the bond feels earned rather than automatic.
Roy eventually joins the mix to provide that classic high-energy Pokémon spirit, but the dual-protagonist dynamic keeps the show from feeling one-note. If you’re trying to decode your child's anime obsession, Horizons is a perfect example of how the genre has evolved from simple "good vs. evil" stories into something with more emotional weight.
The 30th Anniversary context
Writing this in 2026, we’re right in the middle of a massive franchise resurgence. Between the latest game releases and the Pokémon 30th anniversary hype, there is more "stuff" to buy and play than ever. Horizons serves as the narrative glue for all of it. It’s the show that introduces the new creatures and mechanics your kid is likely seeing on their cards or their Nintendo Switch.
The animation is a significant step up from the previous series. The battles are choreographed with more style, and the world looks vibrant and lived-in. It doesn’t feel like a budget production; it feels premium.
If they liked the old show, will they like this?
There is always a risk when a franchise replaces its mascot. If your kid is a die-hard Pikachu loyalist, they might be skeptical at first. However, the show handles the transition brilliantly by keeping a version of Pikachu on screen (Captain Pikachu, who wears a hat and runs the airship) while letting the new characters shine.
It’s the best entry point for a new fan in years because it doesn’t require knowing 25 years of backstory. It’s a fresh start that respects the audience's intelligence. If your household is already deep into collecting cards or playing the games, Horizons is the best way to see those characters actually doing something interesting on screen instead of just standing in a stadium.
It’s fun, it’s fast-paced, and for the first time in a long time, the Pokémon anime is must-watch TV rather than just background noise.
