The End of an Era: CITV Channel Closes After Four Decades
In a significant development for British broadcasting, the iconic CITV channel is officially ending for good on April 10, 2026. This marks the conclusion of a television brand that has been entertaining children for over forty-two years since its original launch as Watch It! in 1980.
A Legacy of Beloved Children's Programming
The channel, which later became known as Children's ITV or CITV, was home to numerous cherished shows that defined childhoods across generations. Classic programs including My Parents Are Aliens, Tots TV, Horrid Henry, and Art Attack all found their home on this dedicated children's network.
Media Central UK confirmed the news on social media platform X, stating: 'In TV news, the CITV block on ITV2 is officially ending on 10th April. This really means the end of the iconic CITV brand that's been around for 42 years.'
The Evolution and Decline of Linear Children's Television
CITV's journey reflects broader changes in television consumption patterns. Originally airing in late afternoon slots on ITV, the dedicated programming block was axed in 2006. From that point, CITV content was limited to weekend morning broadcasts and a dedicated Freeview channel, which itself ceased operations in 2023.
The most recent iteration saw CITV programming moved to ITV2, airing from 6am each morning. This final broadcast schedule included classic cartoons like Scooby-Doo! and Looney Tunes, but these will disappear from the channel entirely after next Saturday.
Replacement Programming and Streaming Alternatives
From April 10, the early morning ITV2 slot will feature programming such as Project Bakeover followed by Backyard Builds – content unlikely to appeal to the traditional children's audience. Meanwhile, CITV's programming will be distributed across two platforms: some content will move to CBBC, while the majority will be available through the ITVX Kids streaming hub.
Families will need to access ITVX Kids through smart TVs, streaming devices, casting options from mobile devices, or compatible games consoles and TV boxes. Those without these technologies may be limited to watching on smaller devices, potentially creating accessibility challenges for some households.
Fan Reactions and Industry Concerns
The announcement has generated significant emotional response from viewers who grew up with CITV. Social media user @pheestalgia expressed concern: 'I fear CITV closing for good is gonna be the final nail in the coffin for linear kids TV and I will not take it well istg [I swear to God].'
Industry observers note this closure follows other recent shutdowns in children's television, including POP and Tiny Pop channels which closed before Christmas 2025 after launching in 2003. There are growing concerns about decreasing investment in programming specifically created for younger audiences.
The account @BigHitsTV1 captured the sentiment of many: 'Really feel sad for today's children. Absolutely nothing on for them. When you think we had Children's Ward, Grange Hill, Byker Grove, Press Gang, Art Attack to name a few plus all the best cartoons.'
CITV's Cultural Impact and Talent Development
Beyond entertainment, CITV served as an important platform for developing television talent. The channel helped launch the careers of presenters including Stephen Mulhern, Cat Deeley, and Holly Willoughby during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Notably, the show My Parents Are Aliens featured early writing contributions from Jesse Armstrong, who later created the acclaimed series Succession, along with his writing partner Sam Bain. Social media user @CoffeeJezus praised the show as 'one of the funniest TV shows I've seen' and expressed hope for a complete Blu-Ray release.
The closure of CITV represents more than just the end of a television channel – it signifies the accelerating decline of linear broadcasting for children's content in favor of streaming platforms. As traditional television schedules continue to evolve, this moment marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in British broadcasting history that entertained multiple generations of young viewers.
