A wave of nostalgia and sadness washed over a generation this week as CITV, the iconic children’s channel, quietly faded to black after 42 years. For many, it wasn’t just a channel; it was a portal to childhood, a vibrant landscape of imagination that shaped countless afternoons.
Launched as Watch It! in the early 1980s, the channel blossomed into Children’s ITV – or CITV, as it became affectionately known. It became a launchpad for shows that defined a generation, from the quirky adventures ofMy Parents are Aliensto the colorful chaos ofTots TVand the mischievous antics ofHorrid Henry.
The end came subtly, a quiet removal of the CITV block from ITV2’s schedule. But the impact was anything but quiet. Social media erupted with heartbroken fans, many sharing memories and lamenting the loss of a cherished part of their upbringing. One fan simply wrote, “This is my childhood,” a sentiment echoed across the internet.
CITV’s journey wasn’t without its shifts. Originally a dedicated afternoon slot on ITV, it moved to weekend mornings and eventually a Freeview channel before finding a temporary home on ITV2. But even as the platform changed, the spirit of CITV – its commitment to fun, creativity, and a little bit of silliness – remained.
Now, the space once occupied by CITV is filled with shows geared towards adults, likeProject BakeoverandBackyard Builds. While ITVX Kids offers a streaming alternative, it lacks the communal experience of tuning in at a specific time, a shared ritual for families across the country.
The closure of CITV isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a larger trend of dwindling investment in dedicated children’s television. Channels like POP and Tiny Pop have already disappeared, raising concerns about the future of original programming for young viewers.
Many are worried about what this means for the next generation. One social media user expressed fear that CITV’s demise signals “the final nail in the coffin for linear kids tv.” Others fondly remembered a golden age of children’s programming, citing classics likeChildren’s Ward,Grange Hill, andByker Grove.
Beyond the shows themselves, CITV served as a proving ground for future stars. Presenters like Stephen Mulhern, Cat Deeley, and Holly Willoughby all honed their skills on the channel, launching careers that would span decades. Even the writers behindMy Parents are Aliens, Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain, went on to create the critically acclaimed seriesSuccession.
The loss of CITV is more than just the end of a television channel; it’s the closing of a chapter in British cultural history. It’s a reminder of a time when children’s television was a priority, a source of joy, and a shared experience that brought families together. The memories, however, will undoubtedly live on.
