Cartoon Network announced the addition of the immensely popular Pokemon series to its programming line-up. The iconic animated TV show premieres its brand-new ninth season, Pokemon: Battle Frontier, in the U.S. this fall and viewers will be able to watch all-new episodes of the popular series exclusively on Cartoon Network. The series features the tale of Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and their friends as they face some of their biggest adventures yet.

Pokemon: Battle Frontier takes Ash and Pikachu back to the Kanto region to complete the Battle Frontier, seven ultimate tests that will challenge Ash's skills as a Pokemon Trainer. Ash's friend May must also face some stiff competition as she seeks to win Kanto's Pokemon Contests and become a top Pokemon Coordinator. Together, these two Trainers and their friends will recruit more Pokemon, battle powerful opponents, and make new friends, all in this climactic ninth season of Pokemon. In addition, Pokemon Chronicles, never before seen in the U.S., premiered June 3, at 7:00 p.m. (ET, PT) during Toonami. The series stars old friends plus unsung heroes and villains from the hit animated series.

Pokemon is a global pop culture phenomenon celebrating its 10th worldwide anniversary this year. Throughout 2006, Pokemon is providing fans with a variety of different initiatives to celebrate the milestone including a 24-city mall tour -- The Pokemon Journey Across America -- which features local video game competitions culminating in the Pokemon 10th Anniversary Party and Video Game National Championships in August in New York City. The property has major staying power across multiple categories including video games, the Pokemon Trading Card Game, movies and consumer products.