After close to four decades on the air, the renowned children’s TV network Family Channel, known for popular shows like “Life With Derek,” “The Next Step,” and “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” is preparing to close down in the upcoming months. The Toronto-based company WildBrain recently announced the closure of four of its channels, including Family Channel, Family Jr., WildBrainTV, and Télémagino, citing their lack of commercial viability.
WildBrain’s president and CEO, Josh Scherba, expressed pride in the legacy of Family Channel, acknowledging the support of loyal viewers, dedicated staff, and talented Canadian producers over the years. The decision to shut down the channels came after Rogers informed WildBrain of its intention to cease distribution due to unsuccessful negotiations for a new broadcasting agreement. Additionally, Bell had previously removed the four channels, prompting the final decision to shutter them completely.
While an exact end date has not been specified, WildBrain stated that the channels would cease broadcasting once Rogers discontinues carrying them. The legacy of Family Channel, cherished by Millennial and Gen Z viewers, includes being a hub for popular Disney channel shows like “Hannah Montana” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” as well as beloved Canadian productions such as “Life With Derek” and “The Next Step.”
Former Family Channel stars and producers reflected on the network’s impact, reminiscing about the memorable events and campaigns it championed, such as the Stand Up anti-bullying initiative. The network’s commitment to addressing important issues and promoting Canadian content set it apart in the industry.
The decision by WildBrain to close the channels reflects broader challenges facing the broadcast TV industry, especially in children’s programming. With the shift towards digital platforms, WildBrain’s move away from broadcast aligns with industry trends. Although WildBrain remains optimistic about minimal business impact, the closure of the channels raises concerns about accessibility to the content for Canadian viewers.
As the landscape of kids’ entertainment on traditional cable diminishes with the closure of channels like Family Channel and others, industry experts foresee a shift towards digital platforms like YouTube. The transition to online streaming platforms is increasingly favored by young audiences, as highlighted in a recent report by parental control software company Qustodio, emphasizing YouTube’s dominance in the kids’ entertainment sector.
