Korie Heartz has fond memories growing up watching the Family Channel, a beloved Canadian television network that has been a staple for children and families since its inception in 1988. Inspired by her own mother’s experiences with the channel, Korie expressed a desire for her children to carry on the tradition. However, recent developments have cast doubt on that hope. WildBrain, a media and entertainment company based in Toronto, recently announced the closure of several channels, including the Family Channel and its counterparts, Family Jr., WildBrainTV, and Télémagino—upsetting long-time viewers like Korie. The company’s decision follows Rogers Communications’ notice to discontinue the channels, citing significant viewership declines as a deciding factor.
With regards to this change, Korie expressed her feelings of devastation during a visit to Oshawa Town Centre with her mother. The Family Channel had played a formative role in shaping the childhoods of many Canadian youth by blending both domestic and imported educational content and entertainment. Over the years, it became a communal space for families to share in programming that offered both laughs and life lessons. Shows like “Dog With A Blog,” which Korie loved, represented the blend of humor and family dynamics, further solidifying the channel’s presence in the hearts of its young audience.
The decline in viewership has been dramatic, with data from Numeris indicating an 85 percent drop in people watching WildBrain’s channels between 2018 and 2024. This trend is not isolated; a similar decision by Bell earlier in the year to remove channels has influenced WildBrain’s assessment that the Family Channel is no longer commercially viable. WildBrain’s commitment to adapt to changing viewing habits echoes wider trends in the entertainment industry, as younger audiences gravitate towards digital platforms over traditional cable.
Erin Gilbert, another devoted viewer, shared her disappointment upon learning about the network’s closure. She fondly recalled spending a decade enjoying various sitcoms like “Life with Derek,” “Hannah Montana,” and “Shake it Up.” Such nostalgia resonated with many who grew up with the Family Channel, reflecting a collective sense of loss as they realize their children may not experience the same programming that shaped their own childhoods. Despite the changing landscape, some adults, like Jonniemay Goody, still find time to indulge in the shows of their youth, mourning the fact that their future children will not share in the same viewing experiences.
Jonniemay lamented the prospect of not being able to share her favorite childhood shows with her own kids, expressing a deep-rooted connection to the Family Channel. Korie Heartz’s sentiments mirror this, showcasing how television series can create strong bonds across generations. WildBrain’s CEO, Josh Scherba, reiterated the company’s pride in its legacy as a trusted destination for Canadian children and their families, emphasizing the impact the Family Channel has had over the decades.
In his statement, Scherba acknowledged the closure’s minimal impact on WildBrain’s overall business strategy, which is shifting to align with the changing consumer landscape—particularly as more viewers turn to on-demand and digital platforms. As nostalgic fans grapple with these changes, it becomes clear that traditional television networks face a crucial crossroads, questioning whether they can adapt and remain relevant in a landscape dominated by streaming services and evolving viewer preferences. The conclusion of the Family Channel marks not just the end of an era, but highlights an ongoing cultural shift in how families consume entertainment in Canada.
