The youth-focused television network formerly known as PBS Kids Sprout (later renamed Sprout), which transformed into a channel catering to a broader age group in 2017, is closing down according to EbMaster’s confirmation. It appears the network will cease operations on March 6, with a subsequent screen message directing viewers towards other platforms for their content.
The news indicates that Universal Kids will not join the group of television networks that will transform into the newly managed company, SpinCo, overseen by Mark Lazarus. This new entity will encompass MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, Oxygen, E!, Syfy, and Golf Channel.
NBCUniversal continues to stand firm with its dedication towards creating family-friendly entertainment, encompassing renowned labels like Illumination and Dreamworks Animation, along with children’s content available on Peacock, according to their official announcement.
It’s uncertain what will happen with Universal Kids, as NBCU announced they are spinning off most of their cable networks (except for Bravo), but the press release didn’t mention it among the channels that will be part of the new company, which is currently being called “SpinCo.
To boost Universal Kids, NBCU aimed to link the network more closely with DreamWorks Animation, a company they acquired for around $3.8 billion in August 2016. From 2019 onwards, they mostly ceased creating original shows that weren’t connected to DreamWorks properties; their last collection of unique content featured DreamWorks’ “Dragons: Riders of Berk” and “DreamWorks’ Where’s Waldo.
Additionally, the network broadcasted several preschool shows such as “Noddy Toyland Detective” and “Masha and the Bear”. At present, it seems their programming is primarily focused on these types of shows.
This past year, Universal Kids typically attracted about 20,000 viewers during primetime hours, marking a 5% decrease compared to the year before. However, it’s important to note that all kids-focused TV networks have experienced a decline over the last ten years due to the fact that young audiences are increasingly moving away from traditional television viewing habits.
In 2005, PBS Kids Sprout made its debut – a year before YouTube significantly transformed children’s television – as a collaborative effort between Comcast, PBS, Sesame Workshop, and HIT Television Ventures. Later in December 2012, NBCUniversal acquired Sesame Workshop’s share of the channel. The following year, all other owners also sold their stakes, leading to a rebranding of the channel as just Sprout.
In 2017, the network switched over to Universal Kids, marking a shift towards creating children’s spin-offs from well-known NBCU series like “American Ninja Warrior Junior” and “Top Chef Junior.
Over the past few years, NBCUniversal has shown a particularly bold approach among traditional cable network proprietors, opting to close down underachieving channels such as Style, G4, Esquire, Cloo, Chiller, and NBCSN when they failed to meet expectations.
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2025-01-14 04:46