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{{Short description|American pay television channel}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Animal Planet
| logo = 2018 Animal Planet logo.svg
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2018
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|1996|06|1}}
| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[High-definition television|HDTV]]<br />(downscaled to [[480i]] [[letterboxed]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)
| country = United States
| language = English
| parent = [[Warner Bros. Discovery Networks]]
| area = [[Nationwide]]<br>[[Europe]]<br>[[Australia]]<br>[[Southeast Asia]]<br>[[Middle East]]<br>[[Africa]]<br>[[Russia]]<br>[[New Zealand]]<br>[[South Asia]]
| headquarters = 230 [[Park Avenue South]]<br>[[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.
| former_names =
| replaced =
| replaced_by =
| sister_channels = {{collapsible list|
* [[Adult Swim]]
* [[American Heroes Channel]]
* [[Boomerang (TV network)|Boomerang]]
* [[Cartoon Network]]
* [[Cartoonito (American programming block)|Cartoonito]]
* [[Cinemax]]
* [[CNN]]
* [[Cooking Channel]]
* [[Destination America]]
* [[Discovery Channel]]
* [[Discovery en Español]]
* [[Discovery Family]]
* [[Discovery Familia]]
* [[Discovery Life]]
* [[Food Network]]
* [[HBO]]
* [[HGTV]]
* [[HLN (TV network)|HLN]]
* [[Investigation Discovery]]
* [[Magnolia Network]]
* [[Motor Trend (TV network)|Motor Trend]]
* [[Oprah Winfrey Network]]
* [[Science Channel]]
* [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]]
* [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]]
* [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]]
* [[Travel Channel]]
* [[TruTV]]
* [[Turner Classic Movies]]
}}
| website = {{url|https://www.animalplanet.com/|animalplanet.com}}
| online_serv_1 = Affiliated Streaming Service(s)
| online_chan_1 = [[HBO Max]] and [[Discovery+]]
| online_serv_2 = Service(s)
| online_chan_2 = [[DirecTV Stream]], [[Hulu + Live TV]], [[Philo]], [[YouTube TV]]
}}
'''Animal Planet''' (stylized in [[all lowercase]] since 2018) is an American multinational [[pay television]] channel focusing on the animal kingdom owned by the [[Warner Bros. Discovery Networks]] unit of [[Warner Bros. Discovery]]. First established on June 1, 1996,<ref>{{cite news |title=Cable is there for kids |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-08-12-OCR-Page-0035.pdf |access-date=August 8, 2021 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |date=August 12, 1996 |page=35}}</ref> the channel is primarily devoted to series and documentaries about wild animals and tame animals with domestic pets.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Vargas |first=Jason Edward |date=February 16, 2016 |title=Love What You Do and Do What You Love |journal=Frontiers in Pediatrics |volume=3 |page=119 |doi=10.3389/fped.2015.00119 |pmid=26909341 |pmc=4754387 |issn=2296-2360 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
The channel was originally a joint venture with [[BBC Studios|BBC Worldwide]], and primarily focused on [[nature documentary|nature documentaries]] surrounding wildlife, targeting a family audience. In 2008, Animal Planet rebranded with a more mature programming direction, with a greater emphasis on aggressive and predatory portrayals of animals, as well as an increase in [[Reality television#Professional activities|reality series]] following personalities involved in animal-related occupations and investigations. Animal Planet rebranded again in October 2018, pivoting away from its more aggressive branding.
{{As of|2023|11}}, Animal Planet is available to approximately 70,000,000 pay television households in the United States-down from its 2011 peak of 98,000,000 households.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wrestlenomics.com/u-s-cable-network-households-universe-1990-2023-nielsen-data/|title=U.S. cable network households (universe), 1990 – 2023|website=wrestlenomics.com|date=May 14, 2024|access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref> Discovery has also established or licensed international versions of the channel in various regions.
==
Animal Planet was launched on June 1, 1996; it was created by [[Discovery Communications]] in cooperation with [[BBC Worldwide]]. On January 1, 1997, Animal Planet's distribution grew as a result of Advance Entertainment Corporation selling the satellite transponder slot belonging to the [[WWOR EMI Service]] (a national [[superstation]] feed of [[Secaucus, New Jersey]]/New York City's [[WWOR-TV]], that was implemented following the 1989 passage of the [[syndication exclusivity|Syndication Exclusivity Rights Rule]] by the [[Federal Communications Commission]]) to Discovery Communications, replacing the feed with Animal Planet outright.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121105151531/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-19193323.html Paikert, Charles. "Discovery dogs WWOR; Animal Planet gets leg up on Open Slots"], ''[[Multichannel News]]'', January 6, 1997. </ref>
In late 2005, as part of a multi-million dollar expansion, the [[National Aquarium in Baltimore]] opened an exhibit called "Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extreme". Animal Planet and the National Aquarium in Baltimore announced a multi-year partnership the year prior, which produced an original orientation film that gives Aquarium visitors background on the Australian area which inspired the new exhibit and a dedicated area inside the expansion where visitors can learn about Animal Planet's conservation efforts and other programming. The partnership also allowed the possibility of future productions of television programs about the National Aquarium in Baltimore's research and exhibits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aqua.org/news_pr_australiapartners.html |title=Aquarium Announces Partners in Australia Exhibit |work=National Aquarium in Baltimore |date=June 17, 2004 |access-date=April 30, 2011}}</ref>
In 2006, BBC Worldwide sold its 20% interest in the flagship Animal Planet U.S. network back to Discovery Communications.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreviews/review2006/BBCWWAnnual%20Review2006.pdf |title=BBC Worldwide Annual Review 2005/06 |work=BBC Worldwide |date=March 31, 2006 |access-date=April 30, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503215455/http://www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreviews/review2006/BBCWWAnnual%20Review2006.pdf |archive-date=May 3, 2011}}</ref> The BBC maintained its 50% ownership in Animal Planet's European, Asian and Latin American channels, as well as a minority interest in Animal Planet Japan and Animal Planet Canada until November 15, 2010,<ref>[https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1320482/000095013407004374/0000950134-07-004374-index.htm EDGAR Filing Documents for 0000950134-07-004374<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> when BBC Worldwide sold 50% interest in Animal Planet and [[Liv (Latin American TV channel)|Liv]] to Discovery Communications for $156 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2010/11_november/discovery_bbc.shtml |title=BBC and Discovery Communications announce new partnership and BBC Worldwide sells its interest in joint venture to Discovery |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=November 15, 2010}}</ref> Animal Planet is additionally an associate member of the Caribbean Cable Cooperative.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cctvcoop.com/listChannels.aspx |title=Member channels of the Caribbean Cable Cooperative |work=CCTVCoop.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816125823/http://www.cctvcoop.com/listChannels.aspx |archive-date=August 16, 2011}}</ref>
During the late 2000s, Genius Products announced a U.S. distribution agreement involving Animal Planet and [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]]. [[Jakks Pacific]] also entered into a licensing agreement to develop Animal Planet-branded pet products.
===2008 rebranding===
[[File:Animal Planet.svg|thumb|left|140px|Animal Planet logo used from February 3, 2008 to October 14, 2018]]
On February 3, 2008, amidst declining average viewership, Animal Planet underwent a major revamp in its programming and branding. The new lineup placed a larger focus on series portraying animals as "characters" in their own right, and more "aggressive" and story-based entertainment series targeting mature viewers 13-49 (such as ''[[Escape to Chimp Eden]]'' and the reality documentary series ''[[Whale Wars]]''), as opposed to traditional [[nature documentary|nature documentaries]] and family viewing. The network also adopted a new logo, replacing its previous "elephant and globe" emblem with a stylized [[wordmark]], and the new slogan "Same Planet, Different World". Network president Marjorie Kaplan explained that Animal Planet had been too "soft" and family-oriented, and that it was aiming to be "more aggressive and tapping into the instinctual nature of compelling animal content."<ref name="PR Week">{{cite news |url=http://www.prweekus.com/Animal-Planet-presents-new-face-to-the-world/article/104257 |title=Animal Planet presents new face to the world |work=PR Week |date=January 16, 2008 |last=Brune |first=Adrian |access-date=February 2, 2008}}</ref><ref name="BC">{{cite web |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/animal-planet-changes-its-stripes/84207 |title=Animal Planet Changes Its Stripes |work=Broadcasting & Cable |last=Becker |first=Anne |date=January 14, 2008 |access-date=February 2, 2008}}</ref><ref name="NYT">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/business/media/14animal.html |title=After Ratings Slip, Animal Planet Turns to Its Wilder Side |work=The New York Times |date=January 14, 2008 |last=Stelter |first=Brian |access-date=July 8, 2012}}</ref>
In April 2010, Animal Planet introduced a new slogan and marketing campaign, "Surprisingly Human," as an evolution of the 2008 rebranding. The slogan reflected Animal Planet's increasing number of personality-based series following animal-related investigations and occupations, such as ''[[River Monsters]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ew.com/article/2010/04/08/animal-planets-new-tagline-surprisingly-human/ |title=Animal Planet's new tagline: 'Surprisingly Human' |work=Entertainment Week |date=April 8, 2010 |last=Bierly |first=Mandi |access-date=July 8, 2012}}</ref>
In April 2012, Animal Planet's entertainment-oriented direction was criticized after it broadcast ''[[Mermaids: The Body Found]]''—a [[fictional documentary]] suggesting that [[mermaid]]s were real. Despite its fictitious content, the documentary was widely viewed, and a follow-up entitled ''Mermaids: The New Evidence'' set an all-time ratings record for the channel.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2012/05/mermaids-embodies-the-rotting-carcass-of-science-tv/ |title=Mermaids Embodies the Rotting Carcass of Science TV |last=Switek |first=Brian |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=March 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=http://ew.com/article/2013/05/28/mermaids-animal-planet-ratings/ |title=Mermaid hoax drowns Animal Planet's ratings record |last=Hibberd |first=James |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=May 28, 2013 |access-date=March 12, 2018}}</ref>
===2018 rebranding===
On October 15, 2018, Animal Planet unveiled a new logo, featuring a symbol of a jumping elephant resembling the original logo. The new branding symbolizes a new mission of "keeping the childhood joy and wonder of animals alive by bringing people up close in every way." The new branding coincided with the October 28 premieres of ''[[Crikey! It's the Irwins]]'' (a new series following the family of [[Steve Irwin]]) and ''Amanda to the Rescue'', and the premiere of ''Big Cat Stories'' the following night.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/animal-planet-global-susanna-dinnage-new-look-steve-irwin-family-show-1202981235/ |title=Rebranded Animal Planet Under Susanna Dinnage Goes Global |last=Clarke |first=Stewart |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=October 16, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/big-cat-talesanimal-planet-rebrand-logo-crikey-its-the-irwins-1202483841/ |title=Animal Planet Rebrands with New Logo, Look & Mission |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=October 16, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref>
On January 23, 2019, Animal Planet was launched in France, along with Discovery Turbo, Discovery World and TLC.
==Programming==
{{main|List of Animal Planet original programming}}
Additions to the channel in the late 2000s, such as ''[[Meerkat Manor]]'' and ''[[Orangutan Island]]'', reflected its shift toward "predation programming" and more immersive storytelling. Animal Planet intended the new direction to help revitalize stagnating ratings, after primetime viewership of the network dropped by 9% in 2007.<ref name="NYT" /> Animal Planet added [[pseudo-scientific]] documentary, reality television, and sitcom shows to its line-up.
Animal Planet is also well known for the ''[[Puppy Bowl]]'', an annual special featuring puppies at play inside a [[American football|football]]-themed setting. The special airs on the afternoon prior to the [[National Football League|NFL]]'s [[Super Bowl]], and was originally narrated by commentator and [[NFL Films]] narrator [[Harry Kalas]] before his death.<ref name="PB">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/arts/television/02bark.html |title='Just Fine as Tackles, but They Can't Pass |last=Ryzik |first=Melena |date=February 2, 2008 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
On October 29, 2022, months after the merger of [[Discovery, Inc.]] and [[WarnerMedia]] into Warner Bros. Discovery, it was announced that ''[[Pit Bulls & Parolees]]'' would air its final season,<ref>[https://www.distractify.com/p/why-is-pitbulls-and-parolees-ending 'Pit Bulls and Parolees' Has Announced {{sic|I|t's|nolink=y}} Final Season — But Why Is It Ending?] - ''Distractify'' (published October, 29, 2022)</ref> while other shows like ''[[Lone Star Law]]'' and ''Louisiana Law'' moved to Discovery Channel. With the exception of ''Puppy Bowl XIX'' that aired on the network February 12, 2023,<ref>[https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/meet-the-players-of-puppy-bowl-xix- Meet the Players of Puppy Bowl XIX] - (accessed December 13, 2022)</ref> the latest programming moves left Animal Planet to air reruns of the network's programming as well as other shows from other Discovery properties pre-WBD merger.
==''Animal Planet Magazine''==
[[D.C. Thomson & Co.]] partnered with Discovery to publish ''Animal Planet Magazine'' in the United Kingdom. The magazine's first issue was published on February 16, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.licensing.biz/news/6723/DC-Thomson-teams-with-Discovery-for-Animal-Planet-mag |title=DC Thomson Teams with Discovery for Animal Planet Mag |last=Loveday |first=Samantha |work=Licensing.biz |date=February 11, 2011 |access-date=October 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530092939/http://www.licensing.biz/news/6723/DC-Thomson-teams-with-Discovery-for-Animal-Planet-mag |archive-date=May 30, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[Animal Planet (UK & Ireland)]]
*[[Animal Planet (Canadian TV channel)|Animal Planet (Canada)]]
*[[Animal Planet Nordic]]
*[[Animal Planet (Australia and New Zealand)]]
*[[Animal Planet Germany|Animal Planet (Germany)]]
*[[Animal Planet Europe]]
*[[Animal Planet Poland|Animal Planet (Poland)]]
*[[Animal Planet (Indian TV channel)|Animal Planet (India)]]
*[[Animal Planet (Southeast Asian TV channel)|Animal Planet (Asia)]]
*[[List of programs broadcast by Animal Planet]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*{{Official website|www.animalplanet.com}}
{{Warner Bros. Discovery}}{{Warner Bros. Discovery Networks}}
[[Category:Animal Planet| ]]
[[Category:Television networks in the United States]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1996]]
[[Category:English-language television stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. Discovery networks]]
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