Netflix has just strengthened its catalog for anime fans in Brazil with hot content: the platform made available, this Wednesday (January 7, 2026), the first 12 episodes of Pokémon Horizons: Season 3 — Rising Hope. This release follows the streaming giant’s strategy of regularly feeding its Japanese animation section, especially with titles from iconic franchises that have a legion of fans in the country. The new batch of episodes arrives to maintain the pace of the series, which introduced a new generation of protagonists and has already won over the audience.
The third season, titled “Rising Hope,” continues to follow the completely original adventures of protagonists Liko and Roy, moving away for the first time from Ash Ketchum’s journey. The duo embarks on missions alongside Professor Friede and the charismatic Captain Pikachu, forming a dynamic team that promises many battles and discoveries. Additionally, the series maintains its strong connection with the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games, featuring the starters Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, as well as a rare appearance of the legendary Rayquaza in its Shiny form, a real treat for collectors.
Behind the scenes and connection with the games
The animation’s success is no accident, as it features a heavyweight team behind the scenes. The direction was handled by Saori Den, while Daiki Tomiyasu, an experienced creative from previous Pokémon series, serves as creative director. The scripts are supervised by none other than Dai Satō, renowned for his work on classics such as Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. This combination of talents ensures an engaging narrative and spectacular action, worthy of the franchise that has been a global phenomenon for decades.
The anime, which premiered in Japan in 2023, is already in its fourth narrative arc, even exploring the Kitakami region, present in the “The Teal Mask” expansion of the Nintendo Switch games. This synchronization between the series and the games is a smart move, as it keeps the universe cohesive and offers more depth for fans who consume both media. With the recent release of Pokémon Legends Z-A last October, the Pokémon ecosystem is experiencing a moment of high productivity, and Netflix positions itself as the main home to follow the new animations in Brazil.
