Viewers who rely on Sky, Freeview, or Virgin Media for their entertainment will soon have fewer options available through the traditional TV guide. Two popular children’s channels, Pop and Tiny Pop, are set to be removed starting next month, impacting millions of households that tune in to these free-to-view services. These channels currently showcase a range of beloved children’s programs like Pokémon, LEGO Friends, Hello Kitty, Power Players, and Monster High throughout the day and night.
The decision to discontinue Pop and Tiny Pop has been made due to commercial viability concerns, with the shutdown scheduled for December 2025. Paul Dunthorne, Managing Director of Narrative, explained that the diminishing commercial value in the UK kids’ TV market has led to the closure of the linear Pop channel by the end of the year.
While the channels will no longer be available on standard TV, the content will still be accessible on online platforms known as FAST channels. However, viewers will need internet-enabled devices to access these online-only services once the channels go off-air.
In addition to the channel closures, the Pop Player app and website will also cease operations. Despite this setback for families seeking content for younger audiences, Sky has announced a new addition to its lineup with the introduction of Disney Jr., a kids’ TV channel featuring a variety of shows tailored for children aged 2-6.
The Disney Jr. channel, set to launch on November 13 as part of the Sky Kids package, will offer popular programs such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, and Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends, along with well-known preschool favorites like Bluey, Doc McStuffins, and Sofia the First. Viewers can access Disney Jr. content through the Sky Kids pack on various Sky devices and the Sky Go app, as well as on Disney+ for streaming.
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