Pokémon the Series: XYZ facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pokémon the Series: XYZ
Pokémon the Series: XYZ logo
Country of origin	Japan
No. of episodes	47
Release
Original network	TV Tokyo
Original release	October 29, 2015 (2015-10-29) – October 27, 2016 (2016-10-27)

Pokémon the Series: XYZ is the nineteenth season of the Pokémon animated series. In Japan, it's known as Pocket Monsters: XY & Z. This exciting season follows Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie as they continue their journey through the amazing Kalos region.

During their adventures, they meet the mysterious Mega Evolution Trainer, Alain. They also face off against the sneaky Team Flare, who have big, bad plans. A major part of the story involves Ash's Greninja and its unique transformation. The friends also learn about an old prophecy that talks about the Kalos region being destroyed, and how the powerful Legendary Pokémon Zygarde is involved.

The season first aired in Japan from October 29, 2015, to October 27, 2016, on TV Tokyo. In the United States, it aired from February 20, 2016, to January 21, 2017, on Cartoon Network. This was the last Pokémon season to be shown on Cartoon Network, as the next season moved to Disney XD.

The main Japanese opening song for the season is "XY&Z (Let's Go!)" by Rika Matsumoto. The English opening song is "Stand Tall" by Ben Dixon and The Sad Truth.

Exciting Adventures: Episode Highlights

This season is packed with thrilling episodes! Here are some of the most important moments from Ash and his friends' journey:

Discovering Zygarde

A Mysterious New Friend

• From A to Z! (October 29, 2015): Ash and his friends find a strange Pokémon, which Bonnie names "Squishy." They soon realize that a mysterious group wants to capture Squishy, and the friends decide to protect it.
• Meeting at Terminus Cave! (December 24, 2015): Ash and his friends arrive at Terminus Cave. Team Flare attacks them, trying to get another Zygarde Core, which they call "Z2."
• A Cellular Connection! (January 14, 2016): After the battle, Squishy disappears, making Bonnie very worried. The group searches for it to cheer her up.

Ash and Greninja's Special Bond

Unlocking New Power

• The Legend of the Ninja Hero! (December 3, 2015): The group visits a ninja village and gets caught up in a fight when a Ninja Army attacks.
• A Festival of Decisions! (December 10, 2015): Ash's Frogadier evolves into Greninja and gains a mysterious new power while fighting evil ninjas.
• A Meeting of Two Journeys! (February 4, 2016): Ash battles his rival Sawyer, and Greninja transforms. Alain, a Mega Evolution trainer, challenges Ash. Ash realizes how connected he is to Greninja during their battle against Alain's Mega Charizard X.
• The Synchronicity Test! (April 21, 2016): Clemont tries to figure out how Ash and Greninja's special connection works. Alain returns for a rematch with Ash-Greninja, and something surprising happens to Ash during the battle.
• Championing a Research Battle! (May 5, 2016): Champion Diantha battles Ash-Greninja to understand its power. Ash and Greninja's power grows, but Ash passes out before the battle ends.

Serena's Showcase Journey

Aiming for Kalos Queen

• A Dancing Debut! (December 17, 2015): Serena prepares for her next Pokémon Showcase. She hopes to win her third Princess Key with her Eevee, but things don't go as planned.
• Party Dancecapades! (January 28, 2016): Ash and his friends attend a dance party. Serena's Eevee evolves into Sylveon during a tag battle!
• Master Class Choices! (February 25, 2016): Serena aims for her final Princess Key to enter the Master Class. She faces a tough new performer named Amelia. Serena wins her third key but is told she still needs to improve to become Kalos Queen.
• Master Class is in Session! (March 17, 2016): Serena competes in the Master Class. She faces rivals like Miette, Shauna, and Jessie, moving closer to the final round.
• Performing a Pathway to the Future! (March 24, 2016): Serena battles Kalos Queen Aria in the Master Class finals but is defeated. She learns what she needs to do to become a true Queen.

Ash's Gym Battles and the Kalos League

The Final Badge and Big Tournament

• A Full Strength Battle Surprise! (May 12, 2016): Ash battles Sawyer again. Ash-Greninja's special power doesn't activate, and Sawyer wins.
• All Hail the Ice Battlefield! (May 19, 2016): Ash challenges Gym Leader Wulfric at the Snowbelle City Gym. Ash suffers a tough defeat, which makes him doubt himself.
• Seeing the Forest For the Trees! (May 26, 2016): After his loss, Ash goes into the forest alone. A special encounter helps him regain his confidence and master his unique power with Greninja.
• A Real Icebreaker! (June 2, 2016): Ash has a rematch with Wulfric. With his renewed determination and the help of Ash-Greninja, he wins his eighth and final Kalos Gym Badge!
• A League of His Own! (June 30, 2016): The Kalos League tournament finally begins in Lumiose City! Ash, Sawyer, Tierno, Trevor, and Alain all compete.
• Valuable Experience for All! (July 7, 2016): Ash defeats Astrid and moves to the semi-finals. Sawyer also wins his match. Ash decides to bring Goodra back for his team.
• Analysis Versus Passion! (July 21, 2016): Ash and Sawyer's exciting semi-final battle begins!
• A Riveting Rivalry! (July 28, 2016): The intense battle between Ash and Sawyer continues. Ash-Greninja defeats Mega Sceptile, and Ash moves on to the finals against Alain!
• Kalos League Passion with a Certain Flare! (August 4, 2016): Ash prepares for the final match. He meets Lysandre, the boss of Team Flare. Professor Sycamore explains that Ash and Greninja's power is called the "Bond Phenomenon."
• Finals Not for the Faint-Hearted! (August 11, 2016): The final match between Ash and Alain begins! It's a very close battle.
• Down to the Fiery Finish! (August 18, 2016): The Kalos League final continues. In the end, Ash-Greninja is defeated by Mega Charizard X, and Alain becomes the champion. Meanwhile, Team Flare starts their big plan in Lumiose City.

The Team Flare Crisis

Saving the Kalos Region

• A Towering Takeover! (August 25, 2016): Chaos breaks out as Team Flare attacks Lumiose City with Z-2, causing a lot of destruction. Alain's connection to Team Flare is revealed, and Ash and his Pokémon are captured. Squishy transforms into its 50% Form to fight Z-2, showing everyone it's Zygarde!
• Coming Apart at the Dreams! (September 1, 2016): Squishy battles Z-2, but both fall under Team Flare's control. Clemont, Clembot, and Blaziken Mask fight to reach Prism Tower. Serena, Sycamore, Mairin, and Team Rocket try to rescue Chespie. Ash and his Pokémon break free and team up with Alain to fight Lysandre.
• The Right Hero for the Right Job! (September 8, 2016): Ash and Alain continue fighting Lysandre. Clemont and Clembot manage to destroy Team Flare's control machine, but Clembot is damaged. Bonnie's lullaby helps free Squishy from control, and Z-2 is also freed.
• Rocking Kalos Defenses! (September 15, 2016): Ash and Alain defeat Lysandre's Mega Gyarados. A giant "Megalith Zygarde" appears and heads towards Anistar City, threatening to destroy the planet. Ash, his friends, Gym Leaders, and Champions all team up to stop it.
• Forming a More Perfect Union! (September 15, 2016): Ash and Alain rescue Chespie from inside the Megalith Zygarde. Squishy and Z-2 combine with all Zygarde Cells to become the powerful 100% Zygarde Complete Forme. This giant Zygarde destroys the Megalith Zygarde and defeats Lysandre, then repairs the damage to Kalos. Squishy says goodbye to Bonnie before leaving with Z-2.

Saying Goodbye

New Journeys Ahead

• Battling With a Clean Slate! (October 6, 2016): Lumiose City is being repaired. Clemont fixes Clembot, but it has lost its memory. Ash decides to return to Kanto, and Alain decides to help Professor Sycamore.
• The First Day of the Rest of Your Life! (October 13, 2016): Serena hosts a Pokémon Showcase to cheer up the city. Ash helps her decide what to do next in her journey.
• Facing the Needs of the Many! (October 20, 2016): Ash and his friends encounter a remaining vine from Team Flare's attack. Xerosic, a Team Flare scientist, tries to brainwash Clemont but fails and is arrested. Ash decides to leave Greninja with Zygarde to help restore the Kalos region.
• Till We Compete Again! (October 27, 2016): Ash and his friends say their goodbyes at Lumiose Airport. Ash returns to Kanto, and Serena heads to Hoenn for Pokémon Contests. Serena gives Ash a kiss before leaving, showing how much she cares for him. Ash and Clemont have one last battle before Ash flies home, full of amazing memories from Kalos.

Home Media Releases

Viz Media and Warner Home Video released the entire Pokémon the Series: XYZ season on DVD in the United States in 2017 and 2018.

Images for kids

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  Pokémon the Series: XYZ logo