Pokémon Shock
December 16, 1997 - It was on this night that one of the most infamous cartoons of all time aired on Japanese television. "Electric Soldier Porygon," the 38th episode of the animated series Pokémon sent as many as 12,000 viewers into fits of dizziness and nausea. 685 children sought medical treatment, and 2 fans were hospitalized for more than 2 weeks.
The trouble came about twenty minutes into the story when Pikachu was using a thunderbolt attack to ward off incoming missiles. The strobing flashes from the visual effects were so rapid and intense that many children fell ill with seizures and convulsions.
The incident helped raise awareness about photosensitive seizures, which can be triggered in approximately 3% of people with epilepsy.
The episode has never been officially aired since. Here's a short clip of the seizure-inducing scene. Watch at your own risk:
