A significant change is on the horizon for viewers who rely on Sky, Freeview, or Virgin Media for their entertainment fix. Two popular children’s channels, Pop and Tiny Pop, are set to be removed from the standard TV guide starting in December 2025. This decision will impact millions of households, as these channels currently feature well-liked programs like Pokémon, LEGO Friends, Hello Kitty, Power Players, and Monster High, catering to younger audiences throughout the day and night.
The discontinuation of these channels is attributed to their diminishing commercial viability, as stated by Paul Dunthorne, Managing Director of Narrative. He highlighted the sharp decline in commercial value within the UK kids’ TV market over the past decade, leading to the closure of the linear Pop channel by year-end. Despite efforts to sustain Pop, the lack of public service broadcaster-style funding has made free-to-air channels for this demographic financially unsustainable.
While the closure of Pop and Tiny Pop may disappoint some viewers, there is a silver lining. Following the shutdown, the content will remain accessible on “FAST” platforms, albeit requiring an internet-connected television for online-only viewing. Paul Dunthorne confirmed that the Pop presence will be maintained on FAST channels in the UK on platforms like Freeview, Samsung, LG, and internationally, offering continued commercial opportunities.
Additionally, alongside the channel closures, the Pop Player app and website will also cease operations. However, amid these changes, Sky has exciting news for families with the upcoming launch of Disney Jr., a children’s TV channel featuring shows tailored for kids aged 2-6. Scheduled to debut on November 13 as part of the Sky Kids package, Disney Jr. will introduce new favorites such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, and Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends, as well as popular preschool hits like Bluey, Doc McStuffins, and Sofia the First.
Subscribers to the Sky Kids pack can enjoy Disney Jr. via the TV guide or on demand across various Sky devices, including Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and Sky+, as well as the Sky Go app. Furthermore, Disney Jr. content will continue to be available for streaming on Disney+.
This shift in children’s programming reflects the evolving landscape of broadcast entertainment, offering viewers new options for quality content tailored to young audiences.