In a bombshell move that marks the end of an era for British children's television, ITV is permanently closing its iconic CITV channel after 42 years on air. The final broadcast is scheduled for April 10 on ITV2, leaving many viewers heartbroken and nostalgic for the programming that defined their childhoods.
The End of a Television Institution
CITV, which originally launched as Watch IT before being rebranded as Children's ITV, has been a staple of British broadcasting since its inception. The channel officially closed in 2023 but continued as a programming block on ITV2, allowing viewers to still access classic shows. Now, that remaining block is being shut down for good, signaling the complete demise of the CITV brand.
Launchpad for Television Stars
The channel served as a crucial launchpad for numerous well-known television personalities who have since become household names. Stephen Mulhern, Holly Willoughby, and Cat Deeley all began their careers on CITV programs, with the channel providing their first major exposure to national audiences. Their success stories highlight the channel's significant role in developing British television talent over four decades.
Beloved Programming Legacy
CITV aired numerous much-loved shows that became cultural touchstones for generations of British children. These included:
- Art Attack with Neil Buchanan
- Tots TV
- Horrid Henry
- Wizadora
- Press Gang (created by Doctor Who's Steven Moffat)
- It's a Mystery (hosted by Neil Buchanan)
- My Parents Are Aliens
The channel began as afternoon programming on ITV, strategically timed for children arriving home from school. It evolved into a standalone 24-hour free-to-air channel in 2006 before its initial closure in 2023 and subsequent transition to digital platforms.
Viewer Reactions and Nostalgia
News of the permanent closure has sparked emotional responses from fans who grew up with the channel. One lamented on social media: "That's actually depressing. CITV was my childhood." Another noted: "End of an era... I remember watching the Pokémon movies on this channel." A third commented on the channel's recent programming strategy: "They stopped making original content like 5+ years ago and was just airing shows other places have though."
Programming's New Homes
While the CITV brand disappears completely, some of its content will continue elsewhere. According to announcements, CBBC will acquire select CITV programming, while the remainder will be available through ITVX Kids. This distribution ensures that classic shows remain accessible to new generations of viewers through different platforms.
Historical Significance and Evolution
CITV's journey reflects broader changes in children's media consumption. From its beginnings as afternoon television to becoming a dedicated channel and eventually transitioning to streaming services, the channel adapted to shifting viewer habits. The Press Gang series, focusing on a children's newspaper, developed a cult following among older children and demonstrated the channel's ability to create sophisticated content for young audiences.
Similarly, It's a Mystery blended entertainment with education, exploring unexplained phenomena through a format that engaged young minds. These programs, along with others in the CITV catalog, represented a distinctive approach to children's programming that balanced entertainment with developmental value.
The Final Chapter
A social media announcement captured the sentiment surrounding the closure: "This really means the end of the iconic CITV brand that's been around for 42 years. Farewell CITV, this time for real." The statement acknowledges both the channel's longevity and the finality of this decision, which follows years of gradual transition away from traditional broadcast models.
The closure represents a significant moment in British broadcasting history, marking the end of a channel that entertained millions of children across four decades. As programming moves to digital platforms like ITVX Kids and CBBC, the legacy of CITV's original content and talent development remains embedded in the fabric of British television culture.
