Legendary Children’s Channel CITV to Close ‘For Good’ After Over 40 Years – The End of an Era!

ITV's CITV channel has officially closed after 40 years on air.  It was originally launched back in 1983 as an afternoon segment on ITV, before being moved to its own channel in 2006
ITV’s CITV channel has officially closed after 40 years on air. It was originally launched back in 1983 as an afternoon segment on ITV, before being moved to its own channel in 2006

After more than four decades on air, ITV’s iconic children’s channel, CITV, is officially shutting down. The much-loved channel, which first launched in 1983 as an afternoon segment on ITV, has become a cornerstone of British childhood television.

Time to say goodbye: Former cast and crew previously paid tribute and said their goodbyes to the iconic children's channel when its standalone channel closed
Time to say goodbye: Former cast and crew previously paid tribute and said their goodbyes to the iconic children’s channel when its standalone channel closed
It spent four decades on the airwaves, and birthed a slew of legendary children's shows that put its US rivals to shame (Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern on Holly and Stephen's Saturday Showdown on CITV in 2006)
It spent four decades on the airwaves, and birthed a slew of legendary children’s shows that put its US rivals to shame (Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern on Holly and Stephen’s Saturday Showdown on CITV in 2006)

In 2006, CITV was moved to its own dedicated channel, where it remained a vital part of the TV landscape, launching the careers of stars such as Holly Willoughby, Ant and Dec, and Stephen Mulhern. However, despite its enduring legacy, CITV officially closed its standalone channel in 2023 to move all of its children’s content to ITVX, with a newly launched section called ITVX Kids.

Legendary: Art Attack became one of CITVs' most long-running shows hitting the network in 1990 and airing for 17 years, hosted by art guru-turned rock musician Neil Buchanan
Legendary: Art Attack became one of CITVs’ most long-running shows hitting the network in 1990 and airing for 17 years, hosted by art guru-turned rock musician Neil Buchanan
Wacky: Hosted by Dominic Wood, Chris Jarvis and later Michael Underwood, Jungle Run was a CITV fixture for seven years
Wacky: Hosted by Dominic Wood, Chris Jarvis and later Michael Underwood, Jungle Run was a CITV fixture for seven years
But now, media accounts have shared that the CITV block on ITV2 is officially ending on April 10
But now, media accounts have shared that the CITV block on ITV2 is officially ending on April 10
The brand originally closed in 2023 so ITV could move its entire slate of children's programming to its streaming platform ITVX, with a dedicated destination called ITVX Kids
The brand originally closed in 2023 so ITV could move its entire slate of children’s programming to its streaming platform ITVX, with a dedicated destination called ITVX Kids

While a CITV block continued to air on digital channel ITV2, media reports have confirmed that this will officially end on April 10, marking the true end of an era for the channel.

The CITV brand has been a home to some of the UK’s most legendary children’s programming, including shows like Art Attack, Ministry of Mayhem, SMTV Live, and Jungle Run. These shows helped shape British pop culture and entertained generations of viewers, often putting its American counterparts to shame. Shows like Art Attack, hosted by Neil Buchanan, were a huge part of the network’s charm and continued to resonate long after their original airings.

One of CITV’s most beloved shows, SMTV Live, hosted by Ant, Dec, and Cat Deeley, became a Saturday morning institution. Full of chaos, sketches, and music, it became a platform for many young presenters and launched the careers of its original hosts. The show’s popularity lasted until 2003, but it remains a cherished memory for those who grew up watching it.

Despite the nostalgia surrounding CITV, its closure has sparked mixed reactions. Many fans are mourning the loss, with one commenting, “CITV was my childhood. It’s so sad to see it go.” Another wrote, “I remember watching Pokémon and other classic shows on CITV. End of an era!”

In addition to the iconic TV moments, the channel also gave rise to stars like Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, who have since gone on to become household names. As Stephen Mulhern reflected, “CITV started my career in TV, and I’ll forever be thankful for every opportunity it has delivered.”

Now, as CITV bids farewell, its legacy will continue through the programming that has been moved to ITVX Kids, ensuring that new generations can still enjoy the classics.

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