Fans are worried about the Disney Channel’s future as it shuts down in several countries. But don’t worry, it’s not going away in the U.S. Instead, Disney is focusing on its streaming platform, Disney+.
Where Disney Channel is Closing
The Disney Channel, beloved by kids for decades, is disappearing in many places as Disney shifts to digital platforms. In regions like Australia, Southeast Asia, Italy, the UK, and South Korea, Disney channels are already gone. This is all part of Disney’s strategy to move content to Disney+.
In France, Disney Channel and Disney Junior will stop broadcasting on January 1, 2025, after their contract with Canal+ ends. Similarly, in Spain, Disney Channel will close on January 7, 2025, ending its 27-year run on Spanish TV.
Disney’s Move to Streaming
This change reflects a bigger trend in the industry: companies are preferring streaming over traditional TV. Disney is committed to growing its Disney+ platform, which has a massive library of movies, series, and original content. By focusing on Disney+, the company aims to provide viewers with greater flexibility and on-demand access.
Disney channel will stop airing for good January 2025 after 27 years of history. 🥹💔 pic.twitter.com/eNm2shsyl7
— solé (@layxsnv) December 2, 2024
All the shows and movies that were on Disney Channel will still be available on Disney+. So, while it marks the end of an era for traditional TV, fans can still enjoy their favorite content online.
Goodbye Disney Channel Spain
Spain’s Disney Channel will close after 27 years, making a significant moment in the network’s history. Starting as a pay-TV channel in 1998, Disney Channel became a household name in Spain. In 2008, it became the first Disney Channel worldwide to broadcast free-to-air, bringing hits like Hannah Montana, High School Musical, and The Wizards of Waverly Place to Spanish audiences.
The channel also created original Spanish content like Art Attack and Cambio de Clase. But with streaming services rising, viewership declined, leading to the channel’s closure. Disney Channel Spain’s audience share dropped to around 0.7%-0.8% in recent years, far from its peak of 2.4% in the early 2010s.
Still Going Strong in the U.S.
Despite closures around the world, Disney Channel isn’t shutting down in North America. Rumors about its closure in the U.S. are unfounded. The channel remains a key part of Disney’s brand in its home market, continuing to air popular shows.
While Disney+ raises questions about the long-term future of Disney Channel in the U.S., for now, it’s here to stay, offering both nostalgic and new content to American viewers.
