Pokémon Says Goodbye To Ash and Pikachu

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In the twenty-five years since the Japanese media franchise Pokémon launched in the US, it has become a staple of American culture — from trading cards to t-shirts, from action figures to videogames, from Oreo cookies to McDonald's Happy Meals. And of course, the animated series.

Since the launch of that series the biggest stars have undoubtedly been aspiring Pokémon Master Ash Ketchum and his adorable pocket monster sidekick Pikachu. But now fans must say goodbye to these iconic heroes as the series moves on without them.

We hear reactions from fans who have grown up with the series and from Sarah Natochenny, who has voiced Ash since 2006. And host Scott Detrow talks to Izzie Ramirez, culture writer for Vox Media, about the legacy of the sh ow and the future of the Pokémon franchise after Ash and Pikachu.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Marc Rivers. It was edited by Jeanette Woods. Our executive producer is Adam Raney.