Sadness as ITV shuts down CITV for good after 42 years

The channel first launched in 1980 under the name Watch IT before being rebranded as Children’s ITV and later shortened to CITV.

Known for hit shows Art Attack, Fraggle Rock, and Tots TV, the channel once brought in millions of viewers.

But on the morning of Friday, April 10, CITV officially ended its time on TV.

ITV shuts down CITV

In 2006, its late-afternoon slot on ITV1 was axed as it got its own channel on Freeview, but was still available on weekend mornings on ITV channels.

CITV Freeview was later shut down and replaced by the streaming service ITVX Kids Hub on ITVX in 2023, with the weekend showings moving to ITV2.

However, on April 10, the CITV block on ITV2 ended for good, cementing the closure of the channel.

The last moments were marked with the credits of the show, Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! followed by several adverts before the final logo clip of CITV was shown.

Those who grew up watching CITV reacted to the channel’s closure on X, as one viewer wrote: “Can’t believe CITV has ended… I remember watching a lot of children’s TV on CITV. “

Another person said, “After 42 years #CITV has officially ended, marking the end of an era for Children’s TV as we know it.”

A third viewer wrote: “I absolutely loved CITV back in the day. Thank you for many years of fun, laughter and entertainment.”

Recommeded Reading

It was previously claimed by X account, Media Central UK, that CITV would be ending its time on TV for good, sharing: “In TV news, the CITV block on ITV2 is officially ending on 10th April.

“This really means the end of the iconic CITV brand that has been around for 42 years.

“Farewell CITV, this time for real.”

What was your favourite show on CITV? Let us know in the comments below.