Due to recent developments, households relying on Sky, Freeview, or Virgin Media for entertainment will soon have fewer options available on the traditional TV guide. Pop and Tiny Pop, two beloved children’s channels, are set to be removed from the lineup starting next month, affecting millions of viewers who enjoy popular programs like Pokémon, LEGO Friends, and other kid-friendly shows throughout the day and night.
The decision to discontinue these channels, scheduled for December 2025, comes as a response to the diminishing commercial viability of the UK kids’ TV market. Paul Dunthorne, Managing Director of Narrative, the company behind the channels, explained that the closure of the linear Pop channel was necessary due to the significant decrease in commercial value over the past decade. While efforts were made to sustain Pop, the lack of public service broadcaster-style funding made it unsustainable to continue offering free-to-air channels for young audiences.
Despite the closure of Pop and Tiny Pop, viewers can still access the content through online platforms known as FAST channels, which require internet-enabled televisions. These services will be available online-only following the channel shutdown. Dunthorne assured that the Pop presence on FAST channels will be maintained in the UK and internationally, as they offer viable commercial opportunities.
In light of these changes, the Pop Player app and website will also be discontinued. However, there is a silver lining as Sky has announced the addition of Disney Jr. to its lineup, catering to children aged 2-6 with a variety of entertaining shows such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, and more. This new channel will debut on November 13 as part of the Sky Kids package, providing access to a range of beloved preschool content.
Disney Jr. will be accessible through the Sky Kids pack via the TV guide or on demand on various Sky devices, including Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and Sky+, as well as the Sky Go app. Additionally, Disney Jr. content will continue to be available for streaming on Disney+, offering viewers a seamless transition to the new programming options.
