Latest news with #kidsTV
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sky reveals ‘deeply concerning' change to popular kids TV channel
SKY has scrapped plans to make original kids' TV shows — sparking 'deep concern' from experts. UK-based watchdog the Children's Media Foundation (CMF) slammed the move, after Sky confirmed it will stop creating its own content and instead buy in shows from other providers. 2 Recent original titles from Sky include Pip & Posy — co-commissioned with Channel 5's Milkshake! — as well as BooSnoo! and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates. Sky Kids, led by Lucy Murphy, currently has around 150 original titles in its catalogue. Although it will honour content still in production, Sky confirmed it has no plans to greenlight any new original children's programming. The broadcaster also warned that some job losses may follow as a result of the strategy change. Jamie Morris, Sky's executive director of content strategy and performance, said: 'With a strong pipeline of new original shows still to come, we now have a rich slate of content that allows us to evolve our strategy. 'In the future, Sky Kids will focus on acquiring third-party content. "While this means reviewing the number of roles required to deliver the next phase of our offer, we remain committed to bringing the very best in children's entertainment to families across the UK.' The decision comes just over two years after Sky made headlines by launching its own children's linear TV channel — a bold move at a time when many other broadcasters were moving away from traditional channels in favour of digital platforms. But the CMF said the change was 'a depressing and short-sighted decision, which will leave UK children less well-served.' Highlighting that only the BBC and Milkshake! remain as major commissioners of factual and entertainment content for children, the organisation said Sky's exit removes 'healthy competition' in the market and urged the broadcaster to think again. Sky TV remotes have hidden trick that saves you so much time Greg Childs, director of the CMF, said: 'This is not the time to give up on great UK content for UK kids. "Just as we are working with government and platforms like YouTube to help children and young people find more personally and socially valuable content on video-sharing platforms. "Sky is walking away from its kids' needed is fresh thinking about deals and partnerships that take their content to where kids are watching, not a knee-jerk cost-cutting spree which will damage their relationship with their customers and certainly diminish the prospects of quality viewing time for children in their country.' Animation UK also hit out at the decision, calling it a 'significant blow' to the animation sector and those behind Sky's well-received original content. Will more kids TV channels vanish? Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun These latest closures don't come as much of a shock with children largely shifting to digital platforms for entertainment thanks to apps like TikTok and YouTube. Some of the POP's other channels have gone digital-only already. And in September 2023 the CITV channel closed down, switching to a new digital-only streamed channel ITVX Kids on the ITVX app. The BBC have been mulling the closure of CBBC's linear channel and making it digital only via iPlayer too. But it's been granted a temporary reprieve for now. Children's TV boss Patricia Hidalgo told the i paper at the end of 2024 that "currently the numbers don't tell us you have to close it yet", adding: "It's really important to us as public service broadcasters that if children still need us on a linear network, we're going to be there for them." It warned that losing a major commissioner like Sky limits creative opportunity and reduces access to culturally relevant UK storytelling. Kate O'Connor, chair of Animation UK, said: 'Sky has played a valuable role in backing original UK animation and children's programming. "Its decision to step away from commissioning is another signal that the children's content sector needs urgent attention. 'Without intervention, we risk losing the UK's ability to tell its own stories to its youngest citizens and to support our world class content creation sector.' The change to Sky Kids follows a wider shake-up across the broadcaster. Earlier this year, Sky shut down its standalone Sky Mix channel and moved some content to its streaming platform NOW, while also cutting several back-office roles as part of a cost-saving restructure. The group has been gradually shifting its focus toward digital-first content and streamlining services under pressure from increased competition and changing viewer habits. The Sun has reached out to The Children's Media Foundation for further comment.
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Award-winning kids' TV show announces cancellation with heart-wrenching video of lead star sobbing - as fans weep 'this broke my heart!'
An award-winning kids' TV show announced that it has been cancelled with a heart-wrenching video of the lead star sobbing - and fans have weeped 'this has broken my heart!' The Tiny Chef Show - created by Rachel Larsen, Ozlem Aturk and Adam Reid - hit Nickelodeon in 2022. The animated series follows the life of Tiny Chef (voice by Matt Hutchinson), who speaks his very own language, creating a selection of tasty dishes in his tree stump. Over the past three years, the programme has aired 41 episodes over three seasons. But unfortunately that's where it ends as they have decided to cancel the series - and they announced the news with an adorable, yet heartbreaking video of Tiny Chef getting the call. Tiny Chef answers the phone and says: 'Hey Nickelodeon. How are you doing? You ready to cook up some more episodes?! 'I got a million ideas...' Not hearing what is said to him on the other end of the line, Tiny Chef gasps and replies: 'Cancelled? What do you mean cancelled? 'But listen... Ruby's had training and she'll behave on set. I promise. I have ideas that will blow your minds!' He continues: 'But we won an Emmy... and what about Rob? And Jen? Kate? Patty? MK? Leah? All my friends... 'I understand. I love you too. Bye.' The Tiny Chef tries to carry on as normal and continue cleaning, but bursts into tears and goes to sit down on his bed. Many rushed to the comments section on TikTok to share their devastation over the news. 'When tinychef cried, I cried too.' Many rushed to the comments on the TikTok post to share how heartbroken they are that The Tiny Chef won't be returning 'I don't know him but you did not just make him cry like that, you should apologize to him.' 'Nickelodeon - big mistake. HUGE. YOU ARE NOTHING WITHOUT TINY CHEF.' 'Oh this literally broke my heart and it's only 9am.' 'Oh nooooo!! we love you Tiny Chef. Netflix... HELP.' 'omg I'm sobbing over this.' 'That cry at the end.' Netflix's official synopsis reads: 'A pint-sized chef teaches kids the joys of vegetarian cooking and friendship while joking and dancing with his best buddies inside his tree-stump home.' Odessa A'zion, RuPaul, Akan Cumming, Nicole Byer, Amy Sedaris, Rebel Wilson, Michael-Leon Wooley and Alasaid Saunders also play voices on the show. Tiny Chef's official website stated: 'Dear Cheffers! 'Tiny Chef and the team need your help now more than ever! 'The Tiny Chef Show on Nickelodeon has officially been cancelled (WE KNOW!!!) making it impossible to film and share Chef's journey without your support. 'Many of you have said that you would die for Tiny Chef, we don't need all that(!!!) but we do need crowd funding to keep going. 'Please consider joining the Fan Club by clicking the link below.'
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Folivari International Takes Global Rights To ‘Pil's Adventures' Spin-Off Series
EXCLUSIVE: Folivari International will distribute the series spin-off of popular animated movie Pil's Adventures. The Pil's Adventures movie was released theatrically in 2021, going on to sell into 80 territories. It ended the year the second most screened French film internationally. More from Deadline BBC Studios Producer Reveals Why 'Ghosts' Is "Indebted" To 'Friends' - Seriencamp Euro Networks Talk Streamer Levies & "Talk Of The Town" Scripted Co-Productions - Seriencamp Screenwriter Discusses Rush To Bring Prime Video's The Elevator Boys Movie to Life - Seriencamp Ahead of Annecy and the MIFA animation market, France-based animation distributor Folivari has snagged rights and will sell the Pil's Adventure series internationally. It was previously shopped by Federation. Pil's Adventures is produced by TAT Productions, which makes The Jungle Bunch and new animated Netflix series Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight. Commissioned by France Télévisions, it has already sold to SVT in Sweden and Swiss broadcaster RTS. The series will run to 52 episodes of 13-minutes. The first episodes are already available with the remainder delivering next May. Directed by Benjamin Lagard and Jérémie Guneau, the series is based on an original idea by Julien Fournet, who also serves as writer and showrunner. The show, for kids aged 5-to-8-years-old, follows the titular Pil, a spirited girl from the medieval town of Foggyborough. Both a rebel and protector, she defends her fellow citizens with quirky companions Crobar, Rigolin, and three loyal weasels at her side. Melissa Vega, Folivari International's Head of Acquisitions and International Sales, said: 'With its mix of adventure and comedy, Pil's Adventures is set to become a favorite for a new generation of children.' She will be at MIFA with the series. 'It's great to have Folivari International on board to make Pil's Adventures our next hit TV franchise,' added Jean-François Tosti, TAT productions' Co-founder and Producer. 'I'm convinced kids will love these new vibrant characters, and we are confident that we have found the right partner to make it a global phenomenon.' Best of Deadline 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nickelodeon Acquires Animated Kids' Show ‘Mr. Crocodile' From Joann Sfar's Magical Society & Mediawan
Nickelodeon has acquired kids' Series Mr. Crocodile about the friendship between an eight-year-old girl and a talking crocodile. It is adapted from French author and director Joann Sfar's best-selling book Mister Crocodile is Very Hungry (Monsieur Crocodile a Beaucoup Faim), published by Gallimard in France. More from Deadline 'The Amazing Maurice' Producer Cantilever Media & ReDefine Originals Strike Animated Movie Pact Xilam Group & TF1 Team On Animated Kids' Series 'Turbo Twins' Australian Studio Cosmic Dino Involved In 'Bluey' Movie Signs With UTA & Fourth Wall; Unveils Expanded Facilities The series is produced by Sfar's Magical Society and distributed by Mediawan Kids & Family, with the participation of Nickelodeon and France Télévisions. The series will air globally on Nick Jr. channels, and on France Télévisions in France. Mr. Crocodile is the first animated series from Magical Society, the Paris-based company co-founded by Sfar with Aton Soumache, and backed by Mediawan. The company's previous credits include animated features such as The Rabbi's Cat and Little Vampire, which were also adapted from Sfar's best-selling illustrated books. The 52×11 show follows the adventures of its toothy, loveable protagonist reptile and best friend Daisy, as he cheerfully navigates life with boundless enthusiasm and comical misunderstandings due to his instinctive crocodile logic. New to a diverse and lively mobile home community, Mr. Crocodile lives with Daisy, and they split their time between her parents' separate homes. Every day is an adventure as they share an unconditional acceptance of each other 's approach to life. 'Nickelodeon is continuing the legacy of beloved kids' stories with the acquisition of Mr. Crocodile,' said Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships, Nickelodeon. 'This delightful series brings the charm and adventure of Joann Sfar's original book to a new generation of viewers, emphasizing our commitment to delivering engaging and entertaining content for kids. We can't wait for audiences to join Mr. Crocodile and Daisy on their fun-filled adventures.' The show is part of a growing slate of animation shows and features supported by Mediawan Kids & Family, the animation arm of European content group Mediawan. 'We are delighted to collaborate with Nickelodeon to introduce Mr. Crocodile to audiences around the globe,' said Mediawan Kids & Family President Julien Borde 'Joann Sfar's Magical Society has assembled an exceptional international team of passionate talent to bring to life this innovative story, conceived by one of France's most creative and prolific artists. We are confident that the show will captivate and inspire children everywhere.' Magical Society co-founder and producer Soumache noted the significance of Mr. Crocodile for the company. 'Joann and I are thrilled to launch Mr. Crocodile, our first CGI series based on Joann's iconic book, through Magical Society, the studio we founded together,' he said. 'Our teams have done an incredible job adapting Joann's characters and universe into stunning 3D designs, while staying true to his whimsical and mischievous universe. It was deeply moving to see Mr. Crocodile, Daisy, and all their friends come to life for the very first time.' Mr. Crocodile was developed by Simon Nicholson and Sfar, and is directed by Fabien Brandily. Rachel Lipman serves as Executive Producer alongside producers Soumache, Sfar, Lipman, and Cédric Pilot. Max Goodman and Lynsey O'Callaghan serve as the Executives in Charge for Nickelodeon. Best of Deadline 'Stick' Soundtrack: All The Songs You'll Hear In The Apple TV+ Golf Series 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? 'Stick' Release Guide: When Do New Episodes Come Out?
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Brits receive two new TV channels on Freeview that kids will love – exact numbers you need to type in
BRITS are to get wider access to two new Freeview channels for kids this week. A shopping channel will also make a debut in some regions as the Freeview service is updated. 4 Freeview users will be able to access Pop and Tiny Pop this week following a change to the service. The changes are part of May's Freeview channel update with the two new channels available this week on channels 205 and 206. Brits have been advised that they may need to retune their TVs to get access. The two channels, once broadly available as traditional linear channels, will now be streaming-only services. An areal and internet connection will be required to view the two kids channels. They have transferred from local to national coverage meaning they will be much more widely available to viewers. As streaming-only services the children's TV channels require an internet connected TV to be viewed. A terrestrial TV signal will also be required to view the new kids channels. Any standard TV that can access Freeview and has internet connection should be able to watch the new channels. Freeview's website states: "Tiny Pop offers a fun and safe environment for children aged four to six to laugh, learn and grow, with a brilliantly diverse range of programming and fun interactive games. " The two channels are now available to a wider audience after the changes. They were available on Sky and Freeview before the changes but to a smaller audience. SWAP YOUR STREAMS TO SAVE! Here's some bill-slashing advice from The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach... If you're like me, you'll be paying out more than you'd like on subscriptions each month. It's easy to lose track of where all the money goes, and the fear of missing out makes it hard to bin Netflix. But if you're paying for several streaming services, you're making a big mistake. Instead, try something called stream swapping. Cancel all of your TV subscriptions except for Netflix, then burn through all of the telly you want to watch on the app. Then cancel that and sign up for another service, like Disney+. Watch all of the good stuff there and then move on, perhaps to Amazon Video. Do this with three or four apps and then cycle back to Netflix at the start. This way, you get to watch all of the top content on each app but you're not paying for them all at the same time. And you might even get to take advantage of some attractive sign-up offers too. It could save you hundreds each year if you stick to it. Pop is aimed at children aged 5-8 while Tiny Pop is aimed at kids aged 4-6. Pop shows a number of TV programmes including Pokemon and Tiny Pop shows series like Hello Kitty: Super Style!. The kids channels, as well as being available on TV, can also be viewed on various streaming services. YouTube, the Pop Player app and FAST platforms such as Samsung TV Plus can access the channels. As well as introducing two new kids channels the Freeview May changes will see two music channels rebrand. A shopping channel will also be introduced, making its debut in some regions. There are no changes for viewers who receive the reduced line-up of Freeview channels via a relay. There will also be no changes for Freeview viewers in the Channel Islands.
