Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series’ will reunite Ash’s old friends

Ash has been busy lately. In the past year, he won the Pokémon World Coronation Series and will also be retiring as the protagonist of the Pokémon anime. For those who grew up with him, it’s a bittersweet transition — but we’ll hopefully get some closure in a reunion with his old pals: Misty and Brock.

Rather than a movie or special, Ash’s adventure will end with a season-ending run of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series Episodes. A trailer shows the return of his long-time friend Misty as she fishes, as well as the adorable legendary dragon Pokémon, Latias. We don’t see Brock in the trailer, but an earlier release confirmed he will also return for the concluding episodes.

The Pokémon anime series regularly mixes up its staple characters since the original anime depicted Ash’s first journey in the Kanto region. For a short time, episodes were filmed in the Orange Islands. It all started with Tracey Sketchit replacing Brock. Brock and Misty reunited to explore the Johto Region. However, Misty’s journey was overtaken by May and Max. Brock left Ash when he entered the Unova Region. However, the original trio continued to make occasional appearances as nods to their earlier journeys.

Episodes will be broadcast in Japan on January 1, but no English release date has been confirmed. Generally speaking, Pokémon episodes come in bulk to Netflix, so there tends to be a delay in getting new episodes in the U.S.

We don’t have too many details on the next adventure once Ash completes his. Liko, and Roy will take over the iconic duo Ash and Pikachu. We don’t know a whole lot about the two, but their designs were shown alongside the starter Pokémon from the Paldea region.