Disney XD, Disney Jr & Disney French To Close In Canada
Over the past decade, we’ve seen massive changes to the linear television business, especially with younger audiences who are shifting over to streaming services in record numbers, as the idea of a television channel doesn’t make any sense to a kid who can watch what they want, when they want, without having to wait for a specific time.
Across the world, Disney has been slowly closing down many of its linear channels, and it looks like the future of some of the Disney channels in Canada could be at risk.
Corus has revealed that on September 1st, 2025, it will be removing Disney XD, Disney Jr., Disney French (La Chaine Disney), Nickelodeon, and ABC Spark. All of these channels are being removed to cut costs.
A Corus spokesperson told Cartt in a statement:
“Corus regularly reviews its portfolio of channels to ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of our audiences and distribution partners. Following a comprehensive review we have decided to cease distribution of the ABC Spark, Nickelodeon, Disney French (La Chaine Disney), Disney XD and Disney Jr. channels. These channels will no longer be available as of September 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. ET.”
Corus will continue to offer some children’s channels, including the main Disney Channel, in addition to other channels such as Teletoon, Nelvana, Boomerang, YTV, Treehouse, and the Cartoon Network.
The original deal between Corus and Disney was signed ten years ago, to acquire long-term, Canadian multi-platform rights to distribute Disney Channel’s programming library and associated brands.
The shows that are available to stream on these Disney channels will still be available via Disney+.
Roger’s Take: This shouldn’t come as a big surprise, kids aren’t watching television in the same way anymore, and Corus isn’t going to be able to continue broadcasting channels at a loss. Internationally, Disney has shown it isn’t interested in linear television in the same way, which is why so many channels have closed down, with Disney+ becoming the main way to consume Disney programming. While many Canadians may be upset over the closure of these kids’ channels, they are no longer viable due to low viewership.
What do you think of these Disney channels closing down in Canada? Let me know on social media!
