Family Channel, a staple of Canadian kids’ TV for decades, will close after broadcasters drop it, parent company WildBrain confirms.
Iconic Kids’ Network to Go Dark
After nearly four decades on air, Canada’s beloved Family Channel is set to shut down in the coming months. Toronto-based WildBrain announced that Family Channel, along with Family Jr., WildBrainTV and Télémagino, will cease broadcasting after major carriers declined to renew distribution agreements.
Company Confirms Closure
In a statement this week, WildBrain called the channels “no longer commercially viable.” President and CEO Josh Scherba acknowledged the channel’s legacy: “For nearly four decades, Family Channel has been a trusted destination for Canadian kids and families. We’re incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built — thanks to our loyal viewers, dedicated television employees and the many talented Canadian producers we’ve partnered with.”
The closure comes after Rogers and Bell decided to drop the channels from their lineups. WildBrain said the shutdown will take effect once Rogers officially stops carrying them. An exact date has not yet been announced.
Cultural Impact Across Generations
Launched in 1988, Family Channel shaped childhoods across Canada with a mix of Disney favourites — including Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody — and Canadian originals like Life With Derek and The Next Step.
Actor and director Michael Seater, who starred in Life With Derek, recalled the channel’s influence: “I really understood that Family Channel was a completely different beast. Those were the glory days.” The network also spearheaded social campaigns such as its Stand Up anti-bullying initiative, which sent stars into schools to connect with young audiences.
A Unique Canadian Platform
Former producer Adrienne McDonnell noted that Family Channel offered more than just television: mall tours, concerts and interactive events brought fans face-to-face with their favourite stars. She added that the channel’s strong support of Canadian content made it stand out. “It was much bigger than just sitting down in front of the TV,” she said, calling the closure a worrying loss for Canadian creators.
Changing Media Landscape
Industry experts say the move reflects wider struggles in children’s television. Ryan Tuchow, senior reporter at Kidscreen Magazine, said the economics of kids’ broadcasting have become “stark and depressing, but not wholly surprising.”
WildBrain indicated the shutdown will have “minimal” impact on its overall business, pointing to its growing focus on streaming platforms and YouTube, where its channel has over 11 million subscribers. Still, some Family Channel shows could disappear entirely from Canadian screens.
Broader Shift Away from Kids’ TV
The shutdown follows Corus Entertainment’s recent decision to wind down five of its own youth-oriented channels, including Nickelodeon, Disney Jr. and ABC Spark, effective Sept. 1. With so many networks gone, traditional cable options for Canadian kids are dwindling.
Tuchow noted that YouTube has now overtaken streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ as the top entertainment platform for children globally. “There’s really not much left for kids without these channels,” he said.
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