CITV Is Shut Down: What Happened And Alternatives
CITV, ITV's children's TV brand since 1983, ends linear broadcasts forever after Apr 10 final ITV2 block (Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!). No closedown—just credits to ads. Already lost standalone channel in 2023; now streaming-only on ITVX Kids amid kids' viewing shift (linear -62% since 2019). Fans gutted: "end of era."
Status
Shut Down
Estimated timeline
Apr 10, 2026
Category
Services
What is happening?
After four decades of delighting generations with cartoons, adventures, and educational fun, CITV—the UK's beloved children's television brand—has broadcast its final episode. Launched on January 3, 1983, as the Children's ITV afternoon block, it grew into a standalone digital channel in 2006, airing hits like Horrid Henry, The Aquabats! Super Show!, and Fireman Sam on platforms including Freeview and Sky.
The decline began with ITV's 2023 pivot to streaming: the main CITV channel shuttered on September 1, 2023, after ITVX Kids launched on July 22, handing over a vast library to the ad-free hub. A slimmed-down morning block lingered on ITV2 (6-9am), but on April 10, 2026, it signed off for good—its slot now filled by adult programming.
Driving this closure: plummeting linear viewership among 4-15-year-olds (down 62% since 2019), rising streaming dominance, and cost-cutting amid ad restrictions. ITV emphasized "digital-first" to future-proof content, with programs relocating to ITVX Kids or rival CBBC.
Nostalgic fans flooded social media with tributes, calling it "devastating" and the "demise of UK kids' TV." While the brand vanishes from airwaves, its spirit endures online—reminding us how streaming has rewritten childhood screens forever.
Best alternatives
BBC's free linear and streaming channel for kids 6-12, featuring live shows like Danger Mouse and Newsround.
Free BBC service for under-6s with educational programs like Hey Duggee and interactive play-along content.
Official CITV successor; free streaming hub with 1,000+ hours of shows like Mr Bean and Sooty.
Cable channel/streaming with SpongeBob, Paw Patrol; available via Sky/Virgin packs.
Warner Bros. channel for cartoons like Gumball and Adventure Time, on Sky/Virgin and streaming.
Subscription service (£4.99+/mo) packed with Disney, Pixar, Marvel kids' content and parental controls.
Ad-free streaming (£4.99+/mo) with originals like Bluey, Peppa Pig, and family profiles.