The beloved channel that launched many TV careers will officially end its ITV2 block on April 10, with some shows moving to CBBC and ITVX Kids.
Category: Arts & Culture
After 42 years of captivating young audiences, ITV's children's channel CITV is set to close its doors for good, with its final broadcast scheduled for April 10, 2026. Originally launched in 1980 as Watch It!, CITV became a staple of British children's television, introducing a wealth of memorable shows and nurturing the talents of numerous presenters.
CITV, which was rebranded as Children’s ITV, became famous for airing beloved series such as Tots TV, Fraggle Rock, Art Attack, and My Parents Are Aliens. The programming block was particularly popular for its late-afternoon slots, perfectly timed for children returning home from school. Over the years, it helped launch the careers of several well-known personalities, including Holly Willoughby, Cat Deeley, and Stephen Mulhern.
In 2006, CITV transitioned from an afternoon segment on ITV to its own standalone channel, allowing it to reach a wider audience. This channel continued to thrive until 2023, when ITV made the decision to close it and shift its children's programming to the streaming service ITVX, creating a dedicated hub for kids’ content known as ITVX Kids.
Following the closure of the standalone channel, CITV continued to exist as a programming block on ITV2, where it aired classic shows daily. This arrangement, unfortunately, is also coming to an end, as confirmed by a media account on social media. The post stated, “This really means the end of the iconic CITV brand that’s been around for 42 years. Farewell CITV, this time for real.” It also noted that some of CITV’s programming would be transferred to CBBC, with the remaining shows moving to ITVX Kids.
The announcement has sparked a wave of nostalgia and sadness among fans, many of whom took to social media to express their feelings. One viewer lamented, “That’s actually depressing. CITV was my childhood,” highlighting the channel's deep-rooted connection to the formative years of countless viewers. Another fan remarked, “End of an era…. I loved switching it on in the mornings before school; it will be missed.”
Throughout its history, CITV was home to a variety of iconic shows that defined a generation. Art Attack, hosted by Neil Buchanan, became one of the channel's most beloved programs, running for 17 years and featuring creative projects that inspired young artists. The show was known for its grand 'Big Art Attack' creations, which left a lasting impression on viewers.
Another notable series, Press Gang, created by future Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat, focused on the adventures of a group of young journalists at a children's newspaper. This show developed a cult following among older children and is remembered for its clever writing and engaging storylines.
Meanwhile, Horrid Henry and My Parents Are Aliens became household names, with the latter featuring the comedic antics of alien parents who adopted three human children. These shows entertained and addressed relatable themes, making them favorites among young audiences.
As CITV prepares to sign off, many are concerned about the implications for children's television in the UK. The decline of traditional linear channels has raised questions about the future of children's programming, especially as other channels like POP and Tiny Pop have also closed in recent years.
Some fans voiced their worries about the current state of children's television, noting that CITV had ceased producing original content over five years ago and had started airing shows from other networks. One viewer commented, “They stopped making original content like five years ago and were just airing shows other places have. It was such an insult it did not even get a real send-off on ITV either.”
In the face of this closure, many former presenters and industry figures have shared their memories and tributes to CITV. Stephen Mulhern, who began his career on the channel, expressed gratitude for the opportunities it provided him, stating, “CITV started my career in TV; it was an incredibly special time learning the craft of how to present live TV.”
Similarly, Leah Charles-King, another CITV alum, reminisced, “Goodbye #CITV! You launched my TV career almost 25 years ago, and it was a dream to become a presenter and part of your legacy. You’ll be missed.”
As the final broadcast approaches, fans are left to cherish the memories and moments that CITV provided throughout its long and storied history. The channel entertained and educated and inspired countless children, leaving a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.
In a world where children's programming is increasingly moving online, the closure of CITV serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accessible, engaging content for young viewers. As ITV transitions its offerings to platforms like ITVX Kids and CBBC, many hope that the spirit of CITV will continue to live on in the new formats.
With the end of CITV, the television industry is left to ponder the future of children's content in the UK. As children’s programming shifts to streaming services, the challenge remains to create quality content that resonates with young audiences, ensuring that the magic of shows like Tots TV and Art Attack continues to inspire future generations.