Fans of the Pokémon anime can mark their calendars as Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope is set to premiere on Netflix in the U.S. on January 6, 2026. This new installment continues the adventures of protagonists Liko and Roy, along with the heroic Rising Volt Tacklers, as they embark on fresh challenges and uncover new mysteries in the Pokémon world.
A New Era Continues with Rising Hope
Pokémon Horizons: The Series ushered in a new era for the beloved franchise, moving away from long-time protagonist Ash Ketchum to introduce a fresh cast of characters, Liko and Roy, in a more linear, overarching narrative. The initial season saw Liko, a girl with a mysterious pendant, and Roy, a boy with an ancient Poké Ball, join the airship crew known as the Rising Volt Tacklers. Their journey quickly immersed them in a quest to understand the secrets behind their unique items and evade a mysterious organization known as the Explorers.
Previous Adventures: From Paldea to Laqua
The first season of Pokémon Horizons: The Series was divided into two main arcs in Japan: “Liko and Roy’s Departure” and “The Sparkling of Terapagos,” which spanned 45 episodes. This introductory season saw the protagonists exploring the Paldea region and encountering various Pokémon from the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games.
The second season, titled Pokémon Horizons: Season 2—The Search for Laqua, delved deeper into the series’ central mystery. In this season, Liko, Roy, and fellow Rising Volt Tackler Dot attended Naranja Academy to hone their Terastallization skills and battled Gym Leaders. The narrative also focused on their continued search for the legendary adventurer Lucius’s Six Heroes and the mythical land of Laqua, all while being pursued by the enigmatic Explorers. This season concluded on Netflix in September 2025.
What to Expect in Season 3—Rising Hope
Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope, known in Japan as Pocket Monsters: Mega Voltage, marks the twenty-eighth overall season of the Pokémon anime and the third season within the Horizons storyline. This new chapter picks up approximately one year after the events of The Search for Laqua.
Rebuilding the Rising Volt Tacklers and New Allies
The core of Rising Hope will see Liko and Roy, alongside Dot, working to reform the Rising Volt Tacklers. They will be joined by an unexpected new friend and rival, Ult, who will play a significant role in their ongoing journey. The season also highlights the growth of the protagonists, with Roy having befriended a Lucario capable of Mega Evolution.
Unraveling the Pink Mist Mystery
A key plot element for Season 3—Rising Hope involves the Rising Volt Tacklers being tasked with investigating a mysterious pink mist that is affecting Pokémon across multiple regions. This new threat promises to add another layer of intrigue and urgency to their adventures.
The season is structured into three distinct arcs:
- “Mega Voltage”: Covering the first 22 episodes, this arc focuses on Liko and Roy, with Dot and Ult, as they work to rebuild the Rising Volt Tacklers.
- “Episode: Mega Evolution”: Episodes 23 to 25 will delve into the backstories of Roy and Ult, likely exploring their pasts and motivations.
- “Rising Again”: Starting from episode 26, this arc centers on the Rising Volt Tacklers’ mission to destroy “Laquium,” suggesting a continuation or resolution to elements from the previous season’s search for Laqua.
Netflix as the Home for Pokémon Horizons
For North American audiences, Netflix remains the exclusive streaming platform for Pokémon Horizons: The Series. With the consistent rollout of new seasons, fans can continue to follow Liko, Roy, and their companions as they explore new horizons in the Pokémon world.
