Due to recent developments, households relying on Sky, Freeview, or Virgin Media for entertainment will soon have a reduced selection of programs available through the traditional TV guide. Pop and Tiny Pop, two popular children’s channels, are set to be removed starting December 2025. These channels currently offer a range of well-liked shows like Pokémon, LEGO Friends, Hello Kitty, Power Players, and Monster High, catering to young audiences throughout the day and night.
The decision to discontinue these channels stems from their lack of commercial viability in the current market. Paul Dunthorne, the Managing Director of Narrative, which manages the Great! channel portfolio, explained that the UK kids’ TV market’s commercial value has drastically decreased over the past decade, prompting the closure of the linear Pop channel by year-end.
While this may sound disappointing, the content from these channels will still be accessible via online platforms known as FAST channels. However, viewers will need an internet-enabled television to access these online-only services. Dunthorne also mentioned that the Pop presence will be maintained on FAST channels in the UK on platforms like Freeview, Samsung, and LG, as well as internationally, to continue offering commercial opportunities.
In addition to the channel shutdown, it has been confirmed that the Pop Player app and website will also be discontinued. Despite the loss of these channels for younger viewers, there is some positive news on the horizon. Sky has announced the upcoming launch of Disney Jr., a children’s TV channel aimed at kids aged 2-6. The channel, featuring popular shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, and Bluey, will be added to the Sky Kids package on November 13.
Disney Jr. will be accessible through the TV guide and on-demand on various Sky devices, including Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and Sky+, as well as the Sky Go app. Additionally, Disney Jr. content will remain available for streaming on Disney+.