Pokémon animated series saying goodbye to Ash Ketchum and Pikachu after 25 years

After 25 years of following Ash Ketchum and his electric pal Pikachu, Pokémon has announced their adventure will be coming to an end in 2023. Following an 11-episode story arc focused on the pair, the popular animated franchise will continue with a focus on new characters, according to a video announcement.

The first of the final 11 episodes of "Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series" focusing on Ash and Pikachu's journey will air in Japan on January 13, 2023. While the iconic duo's journey is in its final chapter, fans will have new characters and Pokémon to follow. 

The show's Twitter account teased an "all-new" series and showed what appeared to be two new characters and three "starter Pokémon."