The End of an Era: CITV Channel Ceases Broadcast After 42 Years
In a significant development for British broadcasting, the iconic CITV channel has officially ended its transmission after an impressive 42-year run. Originally launched in the early 1980s as Watch It!, the channel later rebranded as Children's ITV, becoming a beloved fixture in countless childhoods across the nation.
A Legacy of Iconic Programming
The channel served as home to numerous cherished children's shows that defined generations. Classic programs like My Parents Are Aliens, Tots TV, Horrid Henry, and Art Attack found their television home on CITV, creating lasting memories for viewers. The channel also served as an early career platform for presenters including Stephen Mulhern, Cat Deeley, and Holly Willoughby during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Notably, the creative team behind CITV's programming included future industry luminaries. Succession creator Jesse Armstrong and his writing partner Sam Bain contributed to early CITV shows, demonstrating the channel's role in nurturing television talent.
The Gradual Decline of Linear Broadcasting
CITV's journey to its final closure followed a pattern common to traditional television channels in the streaming era. The channel initially aired in afternoon slots on ITV until 2006, when this programming was discontinued. Subsequently, CITV content was limited to weekend morning broadcasts and a dedicated Freeview channel.
In 2023, the CITV Freeview channel ceased operations, with weekend programming moving to ITV2. The final blow came on April 10, 2026, when the CITV block on ITV2 officially ended, marking what media observers describe as "the end of the iconic CITV brand that's been around for 42 years."
Fan Reactions and Industry Concerns
The announcement prompted emotional responses from viewers who grew up with the channel. One fan on social media platform X lamented: "This is my childhood." Another user expressed broader concerns: "I fear CITV closing for good is gonna be the final nail in the coffin for linear kids TV."
Industry observers note that CITV's closure follows similar shutdowns in children's broadcasting. POP and Tiny Pop channels closed before Christmas in 2025 after launching in 2003, raising questions about investment in children's programming. One media account commented: "Really feel sad for today's children. Absolutely nothing on for them."
The New Landscape of Children's Television
With CITV's linear broadcast ending, children's programming has migrated to digital platforms. Content previously airing on CITV is now available through two primary avenues:
- CBBC will host some former CITV programming
- ITVX Kids hub will serve as the main destination for remaining content
The traditional Saturday morning lineup on ITV2, which previously featured classic cartoons like Scooby-Doo! and Looney Tunes, has been replaced with programming such as Project Bakeover and Backyard Builds. Families can access ITVX Kids through smart TVs, streaming devices, casting options from mobile devices, or certain games consoles and TV boxes.
This transition reflects broader shifts in media consumption, with linear television channels increasingly giving way to on-demand streaming services. While some viewers may lament the loss of scheduled programming, the move represents television's adaptation to changing viewer habits in the digital age.
