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{{Short description|Canadian cable channel}}
:''For the American cable TV broadcaster, see [[ABC Family]]''.
{{Use Canadian English|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox Network |
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2019}}
network_name = ''Family Channel''|
{{Infobox television channel
network_logo = [[Image:Family channel.gif|center|]] |
| name = Family Channel
country = [[Canada]] |
| logo = Family_Channel_(Canadian_TV_channel)_logo.svg
network_type = [[Cable network]] |
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|1988|09|01}}
available = National |
| closed_date= TBA 2026
owner = [[Astral Media]] |
| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[High-definition television|HDTV]]<br>{{small|(downscaled to [[Letterboxing (filming)|letterboxed]] [[480i]] for the [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]] feed)}}
key_people = [[?]], [[President]] |
| owner = [[Western International Communications|Allarcom Pay Television Limited]] (1988–1999)<br>[[Corus Entertainment]] (1999–2001)<br>[[Astral Media]] (1988–2013){{efn|Astral previously owned a 50% stake in the network; it would acquire Corus' shares in 2001.}}<br>[[Bell Media]] (2013–2014){{efn|Bell's ownership would be short-lived due to this company's acquisition of Astral the same year and the channel's divestment to WildBrain the following year.}}<br>[[WildBrain]] (2014–present)
launch_date = [[September 1]], [[1988]] |
| parent = WildBrain Television Inc.
founder = [[?]] |
| country = Canada
past_names = Family Channel (1988-1999) |
| headquarters = [[Toronto]], Ontario, Canada
brand = None |
| language = English
website = [http://www.family.ca family.ca]
| area = Nationwide<br>{{small|(also available in [[Jamaica]]) (previously available in [[the Bahamas]] until September 2020)}}
|}}
| sister_channels = [[Family Jr.]]<br>[[Télémagino]]<br>[[WildBrainTV]]
'''Family Channel''', colloquially now known as '''Family''', is a television service in [[Canada]], owned by [[Astral Media]], geared mainly towards kids and teenagers. Licensed as a [[pay TV]] service by the [[CRTC]], in most respects it now acts as specialty service as are similar services such as [[YTV (Canadian television)|YTV]]. No [[commercials]] are shown on this channel, except for those to [[advertise]] the shows that Family airs in between shows. ''[[Dance Fever (2003 TV series)|Dance Fever]]'', which aired on Family in [[2003]], is the only program to have ever taken commercial breaks during the show. Today, the Family Channel is the only English-language children's network in Canada to have off-air hours, since [[Treehouse TV]] recently expanded their schedule to be run 24/7.
| timeshift_service = Family Channel East<br />Family Channel West
| website = {{URL|http://www.family.ca|Family}}
| online_serv_1 = [[RiverTV]]
| online_chan_1 = [[Over-the-top media service|Over-the-top TV]]
| online_serv_2 = [[Amazon Prime Video|Amazon Prime Channels]]
| online_chan_2 = [[Over-the-top media services|Over-the-top TV]]
}}
'''Family Channel''' (commonly or simply known as '''Family''') is a Canadian English-language [[specialty channel]] owned by WildBrain Television Inc., a subsidiary of [[WildBrain]]. The network primarily airs [[children's television series]], [[teen drama]]s, as well as other programming targeting a family audience. Despite having its own headquarters in the [[Brookfield Place (Toronto)|Brookfield Place]] office in [[Financial District, Toronto|Financial District]], the channel is transmitted from [[Corus Quay]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2014 |title=Corus Transmits Additional Feeds from Corus Quay for Canadian Broadcasters |url=http://www.corusent.com/news/corus-transmits-additional-feeds-from-corus-quay-for-canadian-broadcasters/ |access-date=2016-06-07 |website=Corus Entertainment |archive-date=August 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806053305/http://www.corusent.com/news/corus-transmits-additional-feeds-from-corus-quay-for-canadian-broadcasters/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
Launched on September 1, 1988, it was originally a joint venture between the owners of the [[premium television]] services First Choice (now [[Crave (TV network)|Crave]] and Superchannel, which was later named the [[Movie Central]]); due to the split of [[Western International Communications]], the network became a joint venture between [[Astral Media]] and [[Corus Entertainment]]. By 2001, Astral had acquired full ownership of the network; after the 2013 acquisition of Astral by [[Bell Media]], the network and its sister channels were divested to WildBrain (at the time known as DHX Media) in 2014.
Family airs its own original programming, as well as many series and original movies from [[United States|U.S.]] service [[Disney Channel]], along with some series from [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] and [[ABC Family]]. It also airs theatrical films.
 
From its launch in 1988 until 2015, Family's programming heavily mirrored that of the U.S. cable network [[Disney Channel]], with which Family held a licensing agreement. Family Channel's lineup consisted mainly of domestic and foreign-imported, live-action and animated series from Disney Channel, feature films from the Disney film library, vintage films from other Canadian and U.S. film studios, and specials. Astral also used this relationship to launch Canadian versions of [[Disney Jr.|Disney Junior]] and [[Disney XD]]. After the DHX acquisition, the license agreement ended in 2015; Disney then entered into a new licensing agreement with Corus and launched new [[Disney Channel (Canada)|Canadian versions of Disney Channel]], [[Disney XD (Canada)|Disney XD]] and [[Disney Jr. (Canada)|Disney Junior]]. Since then, Family Channel has acquired programming from other sources.
The network operates two channel feeds, East coast and West coast versions. The East coast feed operates from the [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Standard]] timezone and the West coast feed operates from the [[Pacific Standard Time|Pacific Sandard]] timezone.
 
Family was originally licensed as a premium specialty service, which necessitated that it operate under a commercial-free format, but allowed it to operate [[Multiplex (television)|multiplex feeds]] (particularly the aforementioned Disney Junior, now [[Family Jr.]]). Nevertheless, television providers typically distributed Family as a conventional specialty channel. In 2016, Family was relieved of this mandate after the CRTC transitioned premium specialty services to the standardized ''[[discretionary service]]'' license.
It has been noted that Family tends to run shows out of order, regardless of whether they are in reruns.
 
As of March 2013, Family Channel is available to approximately six million pay-TV households in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1122547/family-channel-disney-junior-and-disney-xd-available-on-free-preview-in-march|title=Family Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD Available on Free Preview in March|date=March 1, 2013|publisher=Newswire.ca|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304082143/http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1122547/family-channel-disney-junior-and-disney-xd-available-on-free-preview-in-march|archive-date=4 March 2013|access-date=August 6, 2014}}</ref> It broadcasts [[Eastern Time Zone]] feeds in both [[standard-definition television|standard definition]] and [[high-definition television|high definition]], and a [[Pacific Time Zone]] feed solely in standard definition.
==Original Programing==
Family Channel gets its shows from ''[[Disney Channel]]'' mostly. But it also airs its own original programing. The original programs are...
 
== History ==
*''[[Life with Derek]]''
*''[[Darcy's Wild Life]]''
*''[[Radio Free Roscoe]]''
*''[[Naturally, Sadie]]''
 
=== Early history ===
==Movies==
<!-- Family Channel.svg: [[ImageFile:Family Channel.JPG|rightsvg|thumb|left|100px|Family Channel's original logo, used from ([[1988]]-[[ to 1999. The "Channel" font was slightly different from 1997 to 1999.]])]] -->
Family Channel was licensed as a [[pay television|premium television]] service by the [[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission]] (CRTC) on December 1, 1987; it was originally operated as a [[joint venture]] between Allarcom Pay Television Limited and First Choice Canadian Communications Corporation (owners of both [[Movie Central|Superchannel]] and [[Crave (TV network)|First Choice]]), with both companies owning a 50% stake in the service.<ref name="Decision">{{cite web|title=Decision CRTC 87-905|date=December 1987|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1987/DB87-905.htm|publisher=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|access-date=April 4, 2009|archive-date=July 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708020007/http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1987/DB87-905.HTM|url-status=live}}</ref>
Family Channel airs movies on Fridays and weekends. It airs three movies on Friday nights, with the first one sometimes being a featured movie, such as ''[[Kim Possible: So the Drama]]'' or ''[[High School Musical]]''. Family shows four movies for Saturdays and Sundays each, with two during the afternoon and two at night, with one of the Sunday afternoon airings sometimes a repeat of Friday's featured movie. Prior to September [[2005]] Family also aired a movie on Mondays-Thursdays nights.
 
{{multiple image
==Programs on Family==
| align = left
This is a list of programs currently airing on The Family Channel, as of July 2006.
| direction = vertical
*''[[@ The Movies]]''
| width = 130
*''[[8 Simple Rules]]
| image1 = Family Channel Logo.svg
*''[[Boy Meets World]]''
| caption1 = Original version of the current logo, used from October 1, 1999 to January 11, 2011.
*''[[Brandy and Mr. Whiskers]]''
| image2 =
*''[[Brotherly Love]]''
| caption2 = An updated version of the network's second logo, used from January 11, 2011 until September 30, 2017.
*''[[The Buzz on Maggie]]
| total_width =
*''[[Darcy's Wild Life]]''
| alt1 =
*''[[Dave the Barbarian]]''
}}
*''[[The Emperor's New School]]''
In October 1999, as part of the split of [[Western International Communications]] (which had bought Allarcom), its stake in Family Channel was sold to [[Corus Entertainment]].<ref name="variety-wicradio">{{cite web|title=Canuck players plan splitting up of WIC|url=https://variety.com/1999/biz/news/canuck-players-plan-splitting-up-of-wic-1117756709/|website=Variety|date=October 18, 1999|access-date=12 March 2016|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312132723/http://variety.com/1999/biz/news/canuck-players-plan-splitting-up-of-wic-1117756709/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2001, in response to concerns from the CRTC over Corus' near-monopoly position in children's specialty channels (accounting for its stakes in [[YTV (Canadian TV channel)|YTV]], [[Treehouse TV|Treehouse]], and Teletoon (now as [[Cartoon Network (Canadian TV channel)|Cartoon Network]])), Corus traded its stake in Family Channel to [[Astral Media]] in exchange for its stake in [[CTV Comedy Channel|The Comedy Network]] for $126.9 million, giving them full ownership.<ref name="variety-wtnbuy">{{cite web|title=Corus sells Family, buys femme web|url=https://variety.com/2001/biz/news/corus-sells-family-buys-femme-web-1117795038/|website=Variety|date=March 9, 2001|access-date=12 March 2016}}</ref>
*''[[Even Stevens]]''
*''[[Filmore!|Disney's: Fillmore!]]''
*''[[Franny's Feet]]''
*''[[Henry's World]]''
*''[[Higglytown Heroes]]''
*''[[Hoze Houndz]]''
*''[[Jojo's Circus]]''
*''[[Katie and Orbie]]''
*''[[Kim Possible]]''
*''[[King (television series)|King]]''
*''[[Life with Derek]]''
*''[[Lilo and Stitch: The Series]]''
*''[[Little Einsteins]]''
*''[[The Little Mermaid (TV series)|The Little Mermaid]]''
*''[[Lizzie McGuire]]''
*''[[Lloyd in Space]]''
*''[[Mentors]]
*''[[Movie Entertainment]]''
*''[[Naturally, Sadie]]''
*''[[Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide]]''
*''[[The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh]]''
*''[[O'Grady]]''
*''[[PB&J Otter]]
*''[[Phil of the Future]]''
*''[[Popular (TV series)|Popular]]''
*''[[Power Rangers Mystic Force]]''
*''[[Radio Free Roscoe]]''
*''[[Recess (TV series)|Recess]]''
*''[[Smart Guy]]''
*''[[Sing Me A Story With Belle]]''
*''[[So Little Time]]''
*''[[Something Else]]
*''[[Spider-Man]]''
*''[[Stanley (TV series)|Stanley]]''
*''[[Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!]]''
*''[[The Secret World of Benjamin Bear]]''
*''[[The Suite Life of Zack and Cody]]
*''[[That's So Raven]]''
*''[[The New Adventures of Winnie The Pooh]]''
*''[[The Proud Family]]''
*''[[The Weekenders]]''
*''[[Wild Grizzly]]''
*''[[W.I.T.C.H.]]''
*''[[Zoey 101]]''
 
On July 1, 2007, Family became the last English-language children's network in Canada to switch to a 24-hour broadcast schedule. On January 11, 2011, Family launched a [[High-definition television|high-definition]] feed, and concurrently introduced an updated logo and on-air presentation.<ref name="2011 logo">{{cite web|title=Family Channel turns on new look|url=http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/media-news/family-channel-turns-on-new-look-21104|publisher=Playbackonline.ca|date=January 11, 2011}}</ref>
==Past Programs on Family==
This is a list of programs that previously aired on The Family Channel, as of July 2006.
*''[[All That]]''
*''[[Are You Afraid Of The Dark?]]''
*''[[Dance Fever]]''
*''[[Disney's Buzz Lightyear of Star Command]]''
*''[[Disney's House of Mouse]]''
*''[[Goof Troop]]''
*''[[Power Rangers Dino Thunder]]''
*''[[Power Rangers Ninja Storm]]''
*''[[Power Rangers SPD]]''
*''[[Power Rangers Wild Force]]''
*''[[Teen Angel (TV series)]]''
*''[[The Amanda Show]]''
*''[[The Little Lulu Show]]''
*''[[You Wish]]''
 
==New= Series ConfirmedSale to AirDHX inMedia 2006 and 2007== =
In March 2013, following the [[Competition Bureau (Canada)|Competition Bureau]]'s approval of [[Bell Media]]'s acquisition of Astral Media, Bell announced that it would divest Family and its sister networks, among other assets, in order to reduce the market share it would hold in the English-language television market following the completion of the sale.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 6, 2013 |title=Astral and Bell Comment on New Acquisition Application to CRTC |url=http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/astral-and-bell-comment-on-new-acquisition-application-to-crtc/1002122078/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002110735/http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/astral-and-bell-comment-on-new-acquisition-application-to-crtc/1002122078/ |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=March 18, 2013 |publisher=Broadcaster Magazine |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The CRTC approved the sale on June 27, 2013,<ref>{{cite web|title=CRTC approves Bell-Astral merger|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/crtc-approves-bell-astral-merger-1.1367433|work=[[CBC News]]|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=July 16, 2013|archive-date=August 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827073723/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2013/06/27/business-bell-astral-crtc-decision.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with Family Channel and its related networks concurrently placed in a [[blind trust]] held by businessman and former [[Montreal Canadiens]] president [[Pierre Boivin]], pending their sale to a third-party.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian Kids Comedy Hits iTunes Before TV, But Not in Canada – UPDATED|url=http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/news/canadian-kids-comedy-hits-itunes-before-tv-but-not-in-canada/1002460414/|work=MediaCaster Magazine|date=July 10, 2013|access-date=July 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003133/http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/news/canadian-kids-comedy-hits-itunes-before-tv-but-not-in-canada/1002460414/|archive-date=December 3, 2013|url-status=usurped|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*''[[Hannah Montana]]'' - Premieres August 4th, 2006
*''[[Cory In the House]]'' - Winter 2007
 
On November 28, 2013, DHX Media (now [[WildBrain]]) announced that it would acquire Family and its sister networks for $170 million. While the company already distributed and produced a large library of children's television series (particularly through its 2012 purchase of the [[Cookie Jar Group|Cookie Jar Entertainment]], which gave it ownership of the program libraries of [[Cookie Jar Group|Cinar]] and [[DIC Entertainment]]), the purchase marked DHX's first foray into broadcasting. DHX has indicated that it would leverage its resources and library to add more original, Canadian-produced programming to Family under its ownership.<ref name=torstar-dhxfamily>{{cite news|title=DHX Media to buy Family, other children's channels|url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2013/11/28/dhx_media_to_buy_family_other_childrens_channels.html|work=[[Toronto Star]]|date=November 28, 2013|access-date=November 29, 2013|archive-date=June 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630052811/https://www.thestar.com/business/2013/11/28/dhx_media_to_buy_family_other_childrens_channels.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=gandm-dhxfamily>{{cite news|title=DHX to acquire Family Channel, three others from Bell Media|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/dhx-to-acquire-family-channel-others-from-bell-media/article15648767/|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|___location=Toronto|date=November 28, 2013|access-date=November 29, 2013|archive-date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511231144/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/dhx-to-acquire-family-channel-others-from-bell-media/article15648767/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dhx-cookie">{{cite news|title=DHX Media to acquire Halifax's Cookie Jar, creating global kids' entertainment superpower|url=http://business.financialpost.com/2012/08/20/dhx-media-to-acquire-cookie-jar-creating-canadas-largest-kids-entertainment-co/|newspaper=[[Financial Post]]|date=August 20, 2012|archive-date=February 12, 2015|access-date=December 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212070758/http://business.financialpost.com/2012/08/20/dhx-media-to-acquire-cookie-jar-creating-canadas-largest-kids-entertainment-co/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=DHX Media expands by buying Cookie Jar Entertainment|url=http://kidscreen.com/2012/08/20/dhx-media-expands-by-buying-cookie-jar-entertainment/|work=KidScreen|author=Etan Vlessing|date=August 20, 2012|access-date=December 26, 2012|archive-date=December 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223000141/http://kidscreen.com/2012/08/20/dhx-media-expands-by-buying-cookie-jar-entertainment/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=DHX grabs Cookie Jar: Canuck kids' entertainment companies combine|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/08/20/dhx-grabs-cookie-jar-canuck-kids-entertainment-companies-combine/|author=Steve Clarke|work=[[Chicago Tribune]] (via [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]])|date=August 20, 2012|access-date=December 26, 2012}}</ref>
==Movies Confirmed to Air in 2006 and 2007==
*''[[The Proud Family Movie]]'' - July 28th, 2006
*''[[Life Is Ruff]]'' - August 18th, 2006
*''[[Inspector Gadget]]'' - August , 2006
*''[[The Cheetah Girls 2]]'' - September 1st, 2006
*''[[Halloweentown: Witch U.]]'' - October 2006
*''[[Read It and Weep]]'' - TBA
*''[[Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior]]'' - TBA
*''[[Jump]]'' - TBA
 
The acquisition of Family Channel and its sister networks by DHX was approved by the CRTC on July 24, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=DHX Media receives CRTC approval on $170M acquisition of Family Channel and three other children's channels|url=http://www.dhxmedia.com/press-room/542-dhx-media-receives-crtc-approval-on-170m-acquisition-of-family-channel-and-three-other-childrens-channels.html|publisher=DHX Media|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=July 26, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402170232/http://www.dhxmedia.com/press-room/542-dhx-media-receives-crtc-approval-on-170m-acquisition-of-family-channel-and-three-other-childrens-channels.html|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=DHX Media approved for Family Channel takeover|url=http://kidscreen.com/2014/07/25/crtc-approves-dhx-media-takeover-of-family-channel/|author=Etan Vessing|website=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=July 26, 2014|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906040812/http://kidscreen.com/2014/07/25/crtc-approves-dhx-media-takeover-of-family-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref> As a condition of the sale, the CRTC imposed licensing conditions requiring that at least 60% of the Canadian programming broadcast by the network on an annual basis be produced by companies other than DHX.<ref name=CRTC-dhxapproved>{{cite web|title=Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2014-388|date=July 24, 2014|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2014/2014-388.htm|publisher=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|access-date=27 July 2014|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513223956/https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2014/2014-388.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The acquisition was finalized on July 31, 2014, with Family and its sister networks becoming part of a newly formed division of the company known as DHX Television.<ref name="dhx-closed">{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1393330/dhx-media-closes-family-channel-acquisition-and-announces-management-changes|title=DHX Media closes Family Channel acquisition and announces management changes|date=July 31, 2014|work=Canada Newswire|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803030351/http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1393330/dhx-media-closes-family-channel-acquisition-and-announces-management-changes|archive-date=3 August 2014|access-date=July 31, 2014}}</ref>
==External link==
*[http://www.family.ca/ Official Site]
 
=== Loss of Disney Channel programming rights and other changes ===
{{Astral Media}}
On April 16, 2015, it was announced that [[Corus Entertainment]] had acquired Canadian rights to Disney Channel's programming library, and that it would launch a [[Disney Channel (Canada)|Canadian version of Disney Channel]] on September 1, 2015. DHX's programming agreement with Disney would end in January 2016.<ref name=fp-corusdisney>{{cite news|title=Corus Entertainment snaps up Disney content from DHX Media, plans to launch Disney channel in Canada|url=http://business.financialpost.com/fp-tech-desk/corus-entertainment-secures-rights-to-disney-channel-content-in-canada?__lsa=0f27-3aec|access-date=17 April 2015|work=Financial Post|archive-date=April 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417055718/http://business.financialpost.com/fp-tech-desk/corus-entertainment-secures-rights-to-disney-channel-content-in-canada?__lsa=0f27-3aec|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of these changes, Disney programming was phased out of Family Channel's lineup throughout the remainder of 2015, and its sister Disney Junior and Disney XD-branded networks were rebranded as [[Family Jr.]], [[Télémagino]], and [[WildBrainTV|Family Chrgd]].<ref name="dhx-mattelpr">{{cite web|title=DHX MEDIA TO EXTEND FAMILY CHANNEL BRAND, FEATURE NEW AND ORIGINAL CONTENT|url=http://www.dhxmedia.com/press-room/726:dhx-extends-family-channel-brand-feature-new-original-content|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427185922/http://www.dhxmedia.com/press-room/726%3Adhx-extends-family-channel-brand-feature-new-original-content|archive-date=27 April 2015|access-date=19 April 2015|publisher=DHX Media}}</ref><ref name="cartt-dhxdisney">{{cite web|title=DHX-Disney Divorce Almost Done|url=https://cartt.ca/article/dhx-disney-divorce-almost-done|access-date=16 April 2015|website=Cartt.ca|date=April 16, 2015|archive-date=April 16, 2015|archive-url=http://archive.today/2015.04.16-165151/https://cartt.ca/article/dhx-disney-divorce-almost-done|url-status=live}}</ref> Corus would also launch new [[Disney Jr. (Canada)|Disney Junior]] and [[Disney XD (Canada)|Disney XD]] channels on December 1, 2015, and they will close on September 1, 2025.<ref name="wsn">{{cite web|title=Disney XD & Disney Junior to Roll Out in Canada Next Month|url=http://www.worldscreen.com/articles/display/2015-11-09-kids-disneyxd-canada-december|access-date=December 1, 2015|website=WorldScreen|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208053422/http://www.worldscreen.com/articles/display/2015-11-09-kids-disneyxd-canada-december|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Along with new and original productions, DHX reached new output deals with [[AwesomenessTV]], [[DreamWorks Animation]] and [[Mattel]] in 2015 for programming based on their properties across its networks.<ref name="fp-corusdisney" /><ref name=variety-dhxawesomeness>{{cite web|title=DHX to Bring AwesomenessTV Shows to Canadian Television|url=https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/dhx-awesomenesstv-family-channel-canada-1201559202/|website=Variety|date=August 7, 2015|access-date=29 August 2015|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002214837/http://variety.com/2015/digital/news/dhx-awesomenesstv-family-channel-canada-1201559202/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=deadline-dwdhx>{{cite web|title=DreamWorks Animation Inks Strategic Content Pact With DHX Media|url=https://deadline.com/2015/12/dreamworks-animation-inks-strategic-content-pact-with-dhx-media-1201658847/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=December 8, 2015|access-date=19 December 2015}}</ref><ref name=gandm-corusdisney>{{cite news|title=Corus gains Canadian rights to Disney Channel content|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/corus-gains-canadian-rights-to-disney-channel-content/article23983642/|access-date=16 April 2015|work=The Globe and Mail|agency=Canadian Press|archive-date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511015758/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/corus-gains-canadian-rights-to-disney-channel-content/article23983642/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Category:Canadian television networks|Family Channel, The]]
 
[[Category:Astral Media|Family Channel, The]]
On June 9, 2015, it was announced that a new incarnation of the ''[[Degrassi]]'' franchise, ''[[Degrassi: Next Class]]'', would premiere on Family in 2016. The show is produced by [[Epitome Pictures]], a studio where DHX acquired in 2014.<ref name=gandm-dhxepitome>{{cite news|title=DHX Media buys Degrassi TV studio|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/dhx-media-buys-degrassi-tv-studio/article17817790/|access-date=9 June 2015|work=The Globe and Mail|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623061617/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/dhx-media-buys-degrassi-tv-studio/article17817790/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=cbc-degrassifamily>{{cite web|title=Degrassi: Next Class to debut on Family Channel, Netflix|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/degrassi-next-class-to-debut-on-family-channel-netflix-1.3105809|website=CBC News|access-date=June 9, 2015|date=June 9, 2015|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815165357/https://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/degrassi-next-class-to-debut-on-family-channel-netflix-1.3105809|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Next Class'' premiered on January 4, 2016 as part of a new primetime block known as "F2N". The F2N block was positioned towards an older teenage audience than the "[[Preadolescence|tween]]" audience that Family has typically targeted; DHX Television senior vice-president Joe Tedesco explained that the company had original series in development for Family in case it ever did lose its output deal with Disney, and that these decisions were based on a goal to build a "strong lineup" of programs, and was not financially motivated. Tedesco went on to explain that the F2N block was meant to create a "meaningful destination" for teens and, in the case of ''Degrassi''—a series that has historically dealt with teen issues, encourage family viewing.<ref name="cartt-justfine">{{cite web|url=https://cartt.ca/article/why-family-going-be-just-fine-without-disney|title=Why Family is going to be just fine without Disney|last1=Vlessing|first1=Etan|website=Cartt.ca|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref name=thr-f2n>{{cite web|title='Degrassi: Next Class' Creator Talks Switch to Netflix: "That's Where the Kids Are"|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/degrassi-next-class-creator-talks-844120|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 30, 2015|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128204037/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/degrassi-next-class-creator-talks-844120|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Category:Commercial-free television networks|Family Channel, The]]
 
As part of the CRTC's "Let's Talk TV" initiative, DHX Media expressed concern that the [[Multichannel television in Canada#Specialty channels|elimination of genre protection]] for Category A specialty channels would put services licensed as premium services at an unfair disadvantage, especially due to their inability to air advertising. On November 2, 2016, the CRTC approved the implementation of new categories for licensed television services, replacing the separate specialty and pay television categories with a single ''Discretionary service'' category using standardized conditions of license, and ruled that current premium services may operate under these deregulated policies effective immediately. This decision allowed Family Channel to begin operating under an advertising-supported format.<ref name="Ad Decision">{{cite web|title=Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2016-436|date=November 2, 2016|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2016/2016-436.htm|publisher=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|access-date=November 3, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104141404/http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2016/2016-436.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="kidscreen ads">{{cite web|last1=Maloney|first1=Val|title=CRTC to allow ads on pay-TV channels|url=http://kidscreen.com/2016/11/03/crtc-to-allow-ads-on-pay-tv-channels/|website=Kidscreen|publisher=[[Brunico Communications]]|access-date=3 November 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104080150/http://kidscreen.com/2016/11/03/crtc-to-allow-ads-on-pay-tv-channels/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tedesco commended the CRTC for the decision, stating that it "represents the next logical step in the implementation of the Let's Talk TV decision, when genre protection was eliminated, and it ensures that pay and specialty channels will now be on a level field."<ref name="cartt-ads">{{cite web|url=https://cartt.ca/article/ads-coming-family-channel|title=Ads coming to Family Channel|website=Cartt|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220160417/https://cartt.ca/article/ads-coming-family-channel|archive-date=20 December 2016|access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref>
 
===Averted sale, planned closure===
On December 18, 2024, WildBrain announced that it would sell a two-thirds majority stake of its television operations—including Family Channel—to IoM Media Ventures, a Halifax-based company founded by former WildBrain CEO Dana Landry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thiessen |first=Connie |date=2024-12-18 |title=WildBrain selling majority stake in TV channels |url=https://broadcastdialogue.com/wildbrain-selling-majority-stake-in-tv-channels/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Broadcast Dialogue |language=en-US |archive-date=December 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218200632/https://broadcastdialogue.com/wildbrain-selling-majority-stake-in-tv-channels/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In April 2025, WildBrain stated that it would be renegotiating aspects of the agreement, citing factors such as a decision by [[Bell Canada]] to not renew its carriage agreements for WildBrain's channels.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2025-04-15 |title=WildBrain and IoM are adjusting their deal terms |url=https://kidscreen.com/2025/04/15/wildbrain-is-back-at-the-negotiating-table-with-iom-over-tv-channels-sale/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=WildBrain's $28m deal to offload TV assets hit by channel carriage dispute with Bell |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/wildbrains-28m-deal-to-offload-tv-assets-hit-by-channel-carriage-dispute-with-bell/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=C21media |language=en-us}}</ref>
 
On August 25, 2025, WildBrain announced that it was unable to renew its carriage agreements with [[Rogers Cable]]. It therefore announced plans to close all of its specialty channels—including Family—in the near future, as the loss of these carriage agreements meant the channels had lost most of their value and were "no longer commercially viable".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuchow |first=Ryan |title=WildBrain to shutter its channels business |url=https://kidscreen.com/2025/08/25/wildbrain-to-shutter-its-channels-business/ |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref>
 
== Programming ==
{{Main|List of programs broadcast by Family Channel}}
Family's current programming is aimed towards children, teenagers and young adults aged 6–25 and encompasses original and acquired [[children's television series]], [[teen drama]]s, [[sitcom]]s, and both [[Feature film|theatrically released]] and [[television film|made-for-television movies]]. Its daytime lineup is aimed at children, youth, and teenagers, while its primetime programs are aimed at an older teenage and family audience.<ref name=cartt-justfine /> The channel airs films on Friday and Saturday evenings and on weekend afternoons.
 
Historically, Family and its spin-offs had been the main Canadian outlets for programming from the American [[Disney Channel]] and its sibling brands; [[Disney Junior]] and [[Disney XD]]. The channel also co-produced the 2010 film ''[[16 Wishes]]'', in association with Disney Channel and [[MarVista Entertainment]]. Family would begin to phase out Disney programming in late 2015, after [[Corus Entertainment]] acquired exclusive rights to Disney Channel and its associated brands in Canada. Since then, Family acquired the bulk of its programming from [[AwesomenessTV]] and [[DreamWorks Animation]],<ref name="cartt-justfine" /> as well as other syndicated and off-network programming targeting a family audience. In the past, the channel had also aired selected live-action [[Nickelodeon]] programs not picked up by [[YTV (Canadian TV channel)|YTV]] (which has typically been the main Canadian carrier of Nickelodeon programming).
 
Family has also co-commissioned programming with the now-defunct U.S. network [[Universal Kids]], owned by DreamWorks' parent company [[NBCUniversal]], which had recently acquired the rights to the Family original series ''[[The Next Step (2013 TV series)|The Next Step]]'' and provided additional funding for its sixth season due to reduced financial commitments by DHX. Family also co-commissioned the children's horror anthology ''[[Creeped Out]]'' with British children's channel [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Why Canada's reputation as a kids' TV production powerhouse is under threat |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-why-canadas-reputation-as-a-kids-tv-production-powerhouse-is-under/ |access-date=2018-11-06 |work=The Globe and Mail |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923173421/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-why-canadas-reputation-as-a-kids-tv-production-powerhouse-is-under/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=2018-04-10 |title=Universal Kids Sets First Original Comedy 'Greenfields' For Fall |url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/universal-kids-greenfields-first-original-comedy-fall-2018-1202361561/ |access-date=2018-11-06 |work=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=June 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617015245/https://deadline.com/2018/04/universal-kids-greenfields-first-original-comedy-fall-2018-1202361561/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Universal Kids, DHX co-commission comedy series |url=http://kidscreen.com/2018/04/10/universal-kids-commissions-six-eleven-medias-greenfields/ |access-date=2018-11-06 |work=Kidscreen}}</ref>
 
As previously mandated for premium services (and consistently with Disney Channel itself), Family did not initially air traditional commercial advertising, besides promotions in between (or sometimes during) programs for its own programming and [[Underwriting spot|sponsored]] contests. It also carried [[Interstitial program|interstitial segments]], such as [[teen pop]] [[music video]]s under the banner "Fam Jam", features on upcoming family films that were produced by [[Crave (TV network)|The Movie Network]], and interstitial series from Disney Channel. After changes in CRTC policies and the network's licensing in November 2016, Family switched to a conventional, commercial-supported format for its non-preschool programs.<ref name="Ad Decision" />
 
=== Notable programming blocks ===
==== Former ====
* '''[[Disney Junior]] on Family''' – "Disney Junior on Family" was Family Channel's version of the [[Disney Jr.|U.S. programming block and cable channel of the same name]] featuring shows targeted at children aged 2–7, that aired Monday through Fridays from 4:30&nbsp;a.m. to 7:00&nbsp;a.m. and 8:45&nbsp;a.m. to 11:00&nbsp;a.m., and weekend mornings from 4:30&nbsp;a.m. to 8:00&nbsp;a.m. EST. The block, which started in November 4, 2002 as "Family Playhouse Fun",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://family.ca/whatson/playhousefun.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060423125743/http://family.ca/whatson/playhousefun.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 23, 2006|access-date=April 23, 2006|title=Playhouse fun – what's on – family.ca }}</ref> then in July 15, 2008 as "Family Jr.", and later "[[Playhouse Disney]]" on September 12, 2009 until being renamed "Disney Junior" on May 6, 2011 as part of a rebranding of Playhouse Disney's program blocks and standalone channels around the world to the Disney Junior brand, primarily targeted preschoolers as Family's usual target audience of older children and teenagers are in school at that time.
*'''[[Jetix]]''' – A Canadian version of the U.S programming block seen on [[Freeform (TV channel)#Sale to Disney and rebranding as ABC Family (2001–06)|ABC Family]] and [[Toon Disney]]. Jetix launched on September 10, 2006, replacing "Power Box".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inner.ro/index.php/en/Inner-Consulting-Group/Channels-in-porfolio/Jetix.html|title=Disney|work=Channels in portofolio|publisher=Inner Consulting Group|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526030720/http://www.inner.ro/index.php/en/Inner-Consulting-Group/Channels-in-porfolio/Jetix.html|archive-date=26 May 2009|access-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref>
* '''F2N''' – Launched on January 4, 2016, the short-lived primetime block was aimed at an older [[Generation Z|teenage audience]], anchored by ''[[Degrassi: Next Class]]'' and eight series' acquisitions from [[AwesomenessTV]].<ref name=cartt-justfine /><ref name=thr-f2n /> The teenage-aimed block aired every night starting at 9:00&nbsp;p.m. EST. It was discontinued in September 2017.
== Related services ==
=== Vrak.TV ===
{{Main|Vrak}}
Along with Family, Vrak launched on September 1, 1988 as '''Le Canal Famillie''', which started as a French-language version of Family Channel and its competitor network, [[YTV (Canadian TV channel)|YTV]]. In 2001, the channel was renamed to Vrak.TV. On July 5, 2013, due to the acquisition of Astral by Bell Media, Vrak.TV was separated from Family. In 2014, it rebranded as Vrak, while launching a new program block called ''Vrak2''. In 2016, the channel changed its demographic to the 13-35 age group due to the success of its ''Vrak2'' block.
 
On August 16, 2023, Vrak and [[Z (TV channel)|Z]] were removed from Vidéotron, the company that made the original channel it was based on over 40 years earlier, whilst Bell removed [[Yoopa]] from all of their TV services a day later. Yoopa shut down on January 11, 2024, and was replaced with a telecast version of its [[Groupe TVA|parent company]]'s QUB Radio channel.
 
Two days later on August 18, 2023, Bell Media announced that the channel would be closing on October 1, 2023, owing to "challenges" in the broadcasting sector, lack of viewers and regulatory affairs deemed "outdated" by Bell Media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/television/bell-media-to-shut-down-vrak-tv-oct-1-after-videotron-stops-distributing-channel|title=Bell Media to shut down Vrak TV after Videotron ends its distribution &#124; Montreal Gazette|access-date=October 19, 2024|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029072931/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/television/bell-media-to-shut-down-vrak-tv-oct-1-after-videotron-stops-distributing-channel|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 25, the CRTC confirmed it had revoked Vrak's licence at the request of Bell Media,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2023/2023-324.htm|title=Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-324|author=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|date=September 25, 2023|access-date=September 25, 2023|archive-date=September 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928003638/https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2023/2023-324.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> with the channel shut down on October 1, 2023.
 
=== Family Jr. and Télémagino ===
{{Main|Family Jr.|Télémagino}}
On November 30, 2007, Family launched '''Playhouse Disney Channel''', a separate channel featuring programming aimed at a [[preschool]] audience, based on Disney's [[Playhouse Disney]] brand. Subject to carriage, the [[Multiplex (television)|multiplex]] channel was made available at no additional charge to television providers and subscribers who receive its parent network.<ref>{{cite web|title=Playhouse Disney splashes out for Canuck launch|url=http://www.kidscreen.com/articles/magazine/20071101/playhouse.html?__b=yes;|publisher=KidScreen|date=November 1, 2007|access-date=January 3, 2011|archive-date=February 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220163827/https://kidscreen.com/2007/11/01/playhouse-20071101/?__b=yes;|url-status=live}}</ref> It was rebranded as [[Disney Junior]] on May 6, 2011, following the launch of the brand in the U.S. earlier that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2011/03/c7649.html|title=Disney Junior launches May 6 with new programs and a nod to Classic Disney Characters and Magic|date=March 3, 2011|publisher=Canada Newswire|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508154935/http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2011/03/c7649.html|archive-date=8 May 2011}}</ref> On September 18, 2015, due to Corus Entertainment's acquisition of rights to Disney's children's programming and brands, the channel was re-branded as Family Jr.<ref>{{cite press release|title=DHX Television's Rebranded Family Jr. and Télémagino Networks Revealed Today|url=http://dhxmedia.com/press-room/851:dhx-televisions-rebranded-family-jr-and-telemagino-networks-revealed-today|publisher=DHX Media|access-date=18 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928132148/http://dhxmedia.com/press-room/851%3Adhx-televisions-rebranded-family-jr-and-telemagino-networks-revealed-today|archive-date=28 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=ksn-familynewnames>{{cite news|last1=Dickson|first1=Jeremy|title=DHX TV reveals fall skeds for rebranded channels|url=http://kidscreen.com/2015/08/21/dhx-tv-reveals-fall-skeds-for-rebranded-channels/|access-date=August 21, 2015|work=Kid Screen|date=August 21, 2015|archive-date=August 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823041353/http://kidscreen.com/2015/08/21/dhx-tv-reveals-fall-skeds-for-rebranded-channels/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
As Family was licensed as a premium service, it is allowed to operate multiplex channels that carry additional programming consistent with its licensing and nature of service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-386|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2002/db2002-386.htm|publisher=Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission|access-date=November 28, 2002|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213082712/http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2002/db2002-386.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
A French-language version of the channel, now known as '''Télémagino''', was launched on July 5, 2010 as Playhouse Disney Télé. Unlike Family Jr., Télémagino operates under a separate [[Category B services|Category B]] license.
 
=== WildBrainTV ===
{{Main|WildBrainTV}}
On June 1, 2011, Family launched a Canadian version of [[Disney XD]] under a separate license. It rebranded as "Family Chrgd" on October 9, 2015.<ref name=Broadcaster>{{cite news|title=DHX Television's Family Chrgd to Go to Air|url=http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/dhx-televisions-family-chrgd-to-go-to-air/1003836236/|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=October 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208151059/http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/dhx-televisions-family-chrgd-to-go-to-air/1003836236/|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="XD 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2011/11/c2095.html|title=Astral Launches Disney XD June 1, 2011 – Kids' Specialty Channel and Multi-Platform Brand to Debut Across Canada|date=March 11, 2011|publisher=Canada Newswire|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706191122/http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2011/11/c2095.html|archive-date=6 July 2011}}</ref> It was renamed once more to [[WildBrainTV]] on March 1, 2022.
 
=== Other services ===
* '''[[Radio Disney]]''' – From October 2011, Family Channel offered a live audio [[streaming media|stream]] of U.S. children's music network Radio Disney through [https://web.archive.org/web/20120120023347/http://www.family.ca/radiodisney/ Family.ca].<ref>{{cite web|title=Radio Disney brings more music to Family.ca|url=http://article.wn.com/view/2011/10/03/Radio_Disney_brings_more_music_to_Familyca/|publisher=Article.wn.com|access-date=December 2, 2013|archive-date=December 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204032958/http://article.wn.com/view/2011/10/03/Radio_Disney_brings_more_music_to_Familyca/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
== References ==
=== Notes ===
{{Notelist}}
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist|2}}
 
== External links ==
* {{Official website|family.ca}}
 
{{Family Channel original series}}
{{Children's television in Canada}}
{{Canadian premium television services}}
{{DHX Media}}
 
{{Authority control}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Family (Tv Channel)}}
[[Category:1988 establishments in Canada]]
[[Category:Commercial-free television networks]]
[[Category:English-language television stations in Canada]]
[[Category:Former Corus Entertainment networks]]
[[Category:Specialty television channels in Canada]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1988]]
[[Category:WildBrain]]
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