The English-language Pokémon anime first premiered in U.S. first-run syndication in 1998.
The localized series began airing in the United States on September 8, 1998, before the North American release of Pokémon Red and Blue. This first-run syndication was different from the later Kids’ WB broadcast, which began nationally in February 1999.
The English adaptation was produced through 4Kids Entertainment, with distribution arranged through a network of local television stations. The localization introduced English names, dialogue, music, and the familiar “Gotta catch ’em all!” marketing slogan to American viewers.
The timing helped connect the television series with the video games and trading-card expansion in North America. The Japanese series had already premiered in 1997, so 1998 refers specifically to the English-language U.S. debut rather than the original Japanese broadcast. The first English season is commonly known as Pokémon: Indigo League.