CITV to Close After 42 Years as ITV Ends Iconic Children's TV Brand
CITV, the beloved children's television brand that launched generations of British youngsters into the world of television, will permanently end its presence on ITV2 on Thursday, 10 April 2026, marking the final closure of a brand that has been part of British life for 42 years.
The announcement, confirmed on Saturday, 4 April, brings to an end a chapter of British broadcasting history that began in 1980 under the name "Watch It!" before being rebranded as Children's ITV in 1983. The brand's content will transition to the ITVX Kids streaming service, with some programming moving to CBBC.
Background
CITV has undergone several transformations throughout its history. It began as a late-afternoon programming block on the ITV network, featuring in-vision continuity links and beloved presenters. In 2006, it launched as a standalone digital channel, primarily showing repeated ITV content and acquisitions. In September 2023, the dedicated CITV channel ceased broadcasting, with its content migrating to ITVX Kids, and a morning block under the CITV brand began airing on ITV2.
The brand served as a launchpad for many well-known television personalities, including Stephen Mulhern, Holly Willoughby, and Cat Deeley, and was home to beloved shows such as Art Attack, Tots TV, Horrid Henry, Press Gang, and My Parents Are Aliens.
Key Developments
The closure of the CITV block on ITV2 reflects a broader shift in children's media consumption, with content increasingly moving towards streaming and on-demand platforms. ITV has confirmed that the ITVX Kids service will continue to carry CITV content, ensuring that classic shows remain accessible to viewers, while some programming will be acquired by CBBC.
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of nostalgia from viewers who grew up with the channel, with many taking to social media to share memories of their favourite shows and presenters. The closure marks the end of an era for British children's television, as linear broadcasting continues to give way to streaming.
Why It Matters
CITV's closure is emblematic of the wider transformation of British broadcasting. For decades, the afternoon CITV slot was a fixture of after-school life for millions of children across the UK, providing a shared cultural experience that transcended generations. Its disappearance from linear television signals the accelerating shift away from scheduled broadcasting towards on-demand viewing, particularly among younger audiences.
The brand's legacy, however, is secure. The shows it championed — from Art Attack to Horrid Henry — remain fondly remembered, and many will continue to be available through ITVX Kids and CBBC.
What's Next
ITV has not announced any plans to revive the CITV brand in a new format. The focus for children's content will be on ITVX Kids, which ITV hopes will attract younger audiences in the streaming era. For fans of classic CITV programming, the ITVX Kids platform and CBBC will be the primary destinations going forward.
Read more at Metro.
