Russia celebrates the return of Pokémon animation

Free-to-air broadcaster 2X2 signs five-year deal with Pokémon - London, UK—March 11, 2014: In a move that will excite Pokémon fans all over Russia, free-to-air broadcaster 2X2 announced today a flagship five-year deal with The Pokémon Company International for rights to air the popular animated series and feature-length movies.

The programming is scheduled to launch on May 1st with the Pokémon: Black & White season airing first, followed by subsequent seasons until they reach the latest season, Pokémon the Series: XY. Episodes will air in the afternoon, with exact dates to be announced later. Pokémon the Series: XY, will launch in September and will support the Pokémon Trading Card Game : XY expansion, which will hit retailers for the first time ever in Russia later this year.

Regarding the exclusive licensing deal, 2X2 CEO Lev Makarov commented, “We are happy to have Pokémon back in the Russian market as it’s a well-recognised brand in Russia. We have especially scheduled Pokémon at times when adults and children are at home so they have more opportunities to spend time together. We believe that thanks to Pokémon, 2X2 will bring parents and their children closer.”

Emily Arons, Senior Vice President of International Business of The Pokémon Company International, commented, “To be back airing in Russia is an exciting opportunity, and we’re happy to be partnering with a broadcaster like 2X2 as they expand their family offering.”

2X2 have also licensed the following five Pokémon movies to air on their channel this year alongside the animated series:
Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions
Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram
Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom
Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. The Sword of Justice
Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened.

The show will be supported by longtime Pokémon partner Nintendo, who launched the hugely successful Pokémon X and Pokémon Y video games for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems in October 2013.

Besides watching Pokémon animation on 2X2, Pokémon fans in Russia can also watch select episodes on the Pokémon TV app, which launched in December 2013. With more fan-favourite episodes coming soon to the app, fans will have even more opportunities to follow the many adventures of Ash, Pikachu, and their friends in episodes from the animated television series.

The Pokémon TV app is available free on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android devices. Standard data charges will apply when using the Pokémon TV app.

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