ITV axes an iconic children’s TV channel after 17 years on screens in huge uproar
One of TV’s most beloved children’s channels is about to disappear from screens after 17 years.
ITV has revealed that its special children’s channel CITV is closing in September after entertaining young viewers for almost two decades.
Before launching as an exclusive channel in 2006, CITV was the brand used to broadcast children’s afternoon shows, and was first used in 1983.
The channel has been home to iconic shows such as Jungle Run, The Worst Witch, and Art Attack.
But now ITV has moved all its children’s programming to its new streaming platform ITVX Kids, which launched in July.
RIP: One of TV’s most iconic channels has disbanded after 17 years, with ITV revealing its dedicated children’s channel CITV will close in September after entertaining young viewers for nearly two decades
Moving on: ITV has moved its entire range of children’s programming to its new streaming platform ITVX Kids which launched in July
According to TV Zone UK, the channel will stop broadcasting at 9pm on September 1.
Craig Morris, editor in chief of ITVX said: ‘We are very excited to launch this special destination for kids on ITVX, where there will be a wealth of content including new series, recognizable brands and existing favorites for a range of ages, all in one child-safe space , with editorial curation to guide viewing.’
Explaining their decision, ITV bosses revealed that the average number of children’s TV broadcasts watched by 4-15 year olds per week has fallen by 62% since 2019.
Ratings on streaming numbers are up 30% over the same period.
ITV has confirmed that the platform will feature a range of brand new shows, as well as classic episodes from nostalgic series such as Bob the Builder and Mr Bean.
However, ITV will continue to show the LittleBe pre-school segment and will offer some early morning children’s content on ITV2 from September.
Since its inception 17 years ago, CITV has been home to shows, including Dave Spud and Horrid Henry’s animated shows The Rubbish World.
More recently, the channel has rebooted its iconic HOW program hosted by Vick Hope, Sam Homewood and Frankie Vu.
Blast from the past! Started in 2006, the channel has been home to iconic shows such as Jungle Run, The Worst Witch and Art Attack, but the CITV brand started in 1983
CITV also launched the careers of much-loved TV stars, with Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern fronting weekend show Ministry Of Mayham.
One of the best remains Jungle Run, which aired from 1999 to 2006, and focused on a team of kids navigating a mythical jungle ruled by the Jungle King, where the goal is to win treasures.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly also hosted SMTV: Live with Cat Deeley when CITV shows aired on ITV, fronting the iconic program from 1998 to 2001.