A wave of nostalgia and sadness is washing over a generation as news breaks: CITV, the iconic children’s channel, is officially ending after 42 years. For many, it wasn’t just a channel; it was a vibrant portal to childhood, filled with laughter, adventure, and characters that felt like friends.
Launched in 1980 as Watch It!, and later reborn as Children’s ITV, the channel became a cornerstone of Saturday mornings and after-school entertainment. It was a place where imaginations ran wild, fueled by shows likeMy Parents are Aliens,Tots TV, and the wonderfully chaoticArt Attack.
The announcement, shared by Media Central UK, marks the final chapter for a brand that adapted over the years. From its original ITV slot to weekend mornings and a Freeview channel, CITV continually found ways to reach young viewers. But now, the familiar block on ITV2 is disappearing on April 10th.
The shift means beloved cartoons likeScooby-Doo!andLooney Tuneswill vanish from the early morning schedule, replaced by adult-focused programming likeProject BakeoverandBackyard Builds. While content will still be available through the ITVX Kids hub, the linear television experience is fading away.
For those who grew up with CITV, the loss feels profound. One fan on X lamented that this could be “the final nail in the coffin for linear kids tv,” expressing a deep concern for the future of dedicated children’s programming. The closure follows similar fates for channels like POP and Tiny Pop, raising industry-wide worries about investment in content for young audiences.
The channel wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a launching pad for talent. Stars like Stephen Mulhern, Cat Deeley, and Holly Willoughby all honed their skills on CITV, captivating young audiences with their energy and charm. Even the creators of the critically acclaimed seriesSuccession, Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain, got their start writing forMy Parents are Aliens.
Fans are fondly recalling the shows that shaped their childhoods, remembering the unique humor ofMy Parents are Aliensand the creative inspiration ofArt Attack. The outpouring of memories highlights the lasting impact CITV had on a generation, a testament to the power of quality children’s television.
The end of CITV isn’t just the end of a channel; it’s the closing of a chapter in television history. It’s a reminder of a time when dedicated children’s programming thrived, fostering creativity and bringing joy to millions of young viewers. The memories, however, will undoubtedly live on.
