Netflix Teams with Pokémon for the Stop-Motion Animated Series Pokémon Concierge

Netflix reveals our first look at Pokémon Concierge.

The streaming giant Netflix has teamed with the animated phenomenon that is Pokémon for a new stop-motion series titled Pokémon Concierge. The series has officially been announced via the official Netflix YouTube channel, which finds a lone Psyduck waddling along the beach before revealing “here is the story…of the resort’s concierge.” You can check out the first look at Pokémon Concierge below.

Brought to audiences by Netflix and The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Concierge tells the story of Haru, a concierge at the Pokémon Resort, and her interactions with Pokémon and their owners who visit as guests. Stepping away from catching them all and the fighting that is so often the focus of anything and everything Pokémon related, Pokémon Concierge will find the creatures and their trainers resting and relaxing at a resort. All while telling funny, whimsical, heart-warming stories, no doubt.

“We have a group of experts here in Japan who are passionate about finding and developing original stories here in Japan that will excite audiences all over the world,” Minyoung Kim, who oversees all local language film and scripted and unscripted series for Asia Pacific (excluding India) for Netflix, said of the series. “And we are dedicated to adapting fan-favorite stories and manga into extraordinary shows.”

Pokémon Concierge is expected to debut on the streaming platform later this year, and comes courtesy of Dwarf Studios, the animation studio behind Netflix’s stop-motion anime Rilakkuma and Kaoru. The series follows Kaoru and her unexpected new roommate, Rilakkuma, a bear with a zipper on its back that spends each day just lazing around. Met with critical acclaim (Rilakkuma and Kaoru holds a perfect rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes), we can no doubt expect the same delightfully soft touch from the studio when exploring the Pokémon world and bringing the beloved Pocket Monsters to stop-motion life in Pokémon Concierge.

Pokémon Concierge does not yet have a release date but will debut on Netflix.

RELATED: Pokémon: The Most Emotional Episodes, Ranked

Netflix is Now Developing a Live-Action Pokémon Show

Not only will Netflix tell Pokémon tales in the medium of stop-motion animation, but the streaming giant is also planning a live action series as well. The live action Pokémon series is now in early development, with Lucifer showrunner and executive producer Joe Henderson reportedly attached to both write and produce the series for Netflix.

While it is currently unknown if they will be connected, the live action Pokémon series is expected to look like something akin to 2019’s big screen outing, Detective Pikachu. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Suki Waterhouse, Omar Chaparro, Chris Geere, Ken Watanabe, and Bill Nighy, Detective Pikachu finds teenager and aspiring Pokémon trainer, Tim, teaming up with an intelligent talking Pikachu to solve the mysterious disappearance of Tim’s father, Harry.

Met with solid reviews from both critics and audiences alike, a sequel to Detective Pikachu has yet to materialize, though the project is reportedly still in active development. Meaning there will be plenty for Pokémon fans to enjoy over the next few years.