End of an Era: CITV Closes After 42 Years as ITV Moves Children's TV Entirely to Streaming
CITV, the beloved children's television brand that launched generations of British youngsters on a diet of Art Attack, Horrid Henry, and Ant and Dec, has broadcast its final programme, ending 42 years of linear television history as ITV moves all children's content to its ITVX streaming platform.
The last remaining CITV programming block on ITV2 — which had been airing every morning from 6am to 9am — ceased broadcasting on Thursday 10 April 2026, drawing an outpouring of nostalgia from viewers who grew up with the channel. All children's content from ITV will now be available exclusively through the ITVX Kids hub on the ITVX streaming service.
Background
CITV's history stretches back to 29 December 1980, when ITV launched a children's programming block called "Watch It!". It was rebranded as Children's ITV on 3 January 1983, becoming a fixture of British after-school television for children aged 6 to 12. In 2006, CITV launched as a standalone digital channel on Freeview, though the original afternoon slot on the main ITV network was axed at the same time.
The channel's dedicated standalone service closed in September 2023, when ITV launched ITVX Kids as its streaming replacement. A morning programming block on ITV2 continued under the CITV branding until this week's final closure.
Key Developments
The closure marks the complete end of CITV's presence on linear broadcast television. ITV confirmed that all children's content will now be consolidated on ITVX Kids, which offers programming categorised for different age groups. Some former CITV programming is expected to be picked up by the BBC and made available on iPlayer and the CBBC channel.
The reaction from viewers has been one of widespread nostalgia. CITV was home to some of the most fondly remembered British children's shows, including Sooty, Tots TV, My Parents Are Aliens, and Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids. The channel also helped launch the careers of presenters including Holly Willoughby, Ant and Dec, and Stephen Mulhern.
Why It Matters
The closure of CITV reflects a broader shift in how British children consume television. Linear broadcast viewing among young audiences has declined sharply as streaming platforms have become the dominant mode of content consumption. ITV's decision to consolidate children's content on ITVX mirrors moves by other broadcasters, though critics have raised concerns about the accessibility of streaming services for families without reliable broadband or smart devices.
What's Next
ITV has not announced any plans to revive a linear children's channel. ITVX Kids will continue to expand its content library, and ITV has indicated that some programming may move to CBBC. For many viewers, however, the end of CITV marks the passing of a distinctly British institution — one that shaped childhoods for more than four decades.
Full coverage is available via Metro.
