WildBrainTV: Difference between revisions – Wikipedia

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{{Short description|TV channel in Canada (formerly Disney XD and Family CHRGD)}}

{{Short description| }}

{{About|a Canadian television channel formerly known as [[Disney XD]] that is operated by WildBrain and launched on June 1, 2011|the defunct Canadian television channel that used the Disney XD name|Disney XD (Canadian TV channel)}}

{{About|a Canadian television channel formerly known as [[Disney XD]] that is operated by WildBrain and launched on June 1, 2011|the defunct Canadian television channel that used the Disney XD name|Disney XD ()}}

{{Infobox television channel

{{Infobox television channel

| name = WildBrainTV

| name = WildBrainTV

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| closed_date = {{end date and age|2025|10|23}}

| closed_date = {{end date and age|2025|10|23}}

| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]<br /><small>(downscaled to [[letterboxed]] [[480i]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)</small>

| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]<br /><small>(downscaled to [[letterboxed]] [[480i]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)</small>

| owner = [[Astral Media]] (2011–2013)<br>[[Bell Media]] (2013–2014){{efn|Bell’s ownership was short-lived, like with its sister channels.}}<br>[[WildBrain]] (2014–2025)

| owner = [[Astral Media]] (2011–2013)<br>[[Bell Media]] (2013–2014){{efn|Bell’s ownership was short-lived, with its sister channels.}}<br>[[WildBrain]] (2014–2025)

| country = Canada

| country = Canada

| area = Nationwide

| area = Nationwide

| headquarters = [[Toronto]], Ontario

| headquarters = [[Toronto]], Ontario

| former_names = [[Disney XD (Canadian TV channel)|Disney XD]] (2011–2015)<br />Family CHRGD (2015–2022)

| former_names = [[Disney XD ()|Disney XD]] (2011–2015)<br />Family CHRGD (2015–2022)

| sister_channels = {{unbulleted list|[[Family Channel (Canada)|Family Channel]]|[[Family Jr.]]|[[Télémagino]]}}

| sister_channels = {{unbulleted list|[[Family Channel (Canada)|Family Channel]]|[[Family Jr.]]|[[Télémagino]]}}

| online_serv_1 = [[RiverTV]]

| online_serv_1 = [[RiverTV]]

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”’WildBrainTV”’ is a outgoing Canadian English language [[Discretionary service|discretionary]] [[specialty channel]] owned by [[WildBrain]]. WildBrainTV broadcasts live-action and animated [[Children’s television series|children’s programming]] aimed towards audiences ages 6–15.<ref name=Broadcaster/> Its name comes from its owner, WildBrain.

”’WildBrainTV”’ is a outgoing Canadian English language [[Discretionary service|discretionary]] [[specialty channel]] owned by [[WildBrain]]. WildBrainTV broadcasts live-action and animated [[Children’s television series|children’s programming]] aimed towards audiences ages 6–15.<ref name=Broadcaster/> Its name comes from its owner, WildBrain.

The channel first launched on June 1, 2011, under the ownership of [[Astral Media]]. It initially operated as a localized version of [[Disney XD]], under license from [[Disney Channels Worldwide]], as a sister network to [[Family Channel (Canadian TV channel)|Family Channel]]. Following the acquisition of Astral Media by [[Bell Media]], Disney XD was divested to [[WildBrain|DHX Media]] (now WildBrain) in 2014.

The channel first launched on June 1, 2011, under the ownership of [[Astral Media]]. It initially operated as a localized version of [[Disney XD]], under license from [[Disney Channels Worldwide]], as a sister network to [[Family Channel ()|Family Channel]]. Following the acquisition of Astral Media by [[Bell Media]], Disney XD was divested to [[WildBrain|DHX Media]] (now WildBrain) in 2014.

In 2015, [[Corus Entertainment]] acquired the rights to programming from [[Disney Channel]] and its siblings (later launching a new [[Disney XD (Canadian TV channel)|Canadian Disney XD channel]]), resulting in DHX’s existing Disney XD channel being rebranded as ”’Family”’ ”’ CHRGD”’—a [[brand extension]] of Family Channel with a similar positioning—in October 2015. The channel adopted its current branding on March 1, 2022, and it will close on October 23, 2025.

In 2015, [[Corus Entertainment]] acquired the rights to programming from [[Disney Channel]] and its siblings (later launching a new [[Disney XD ()|Canadian Disney XD channel]]), resulting in DHX’s existing Disney XD channel being rebranded as ”’Family”’ ”’CHRGD”’ [[brand extension]] of Family Channel with a similar October 2015. The channel adopted its current branding on March 1, 2022, and it will close on October 23, 2025.

==History==

==History==

===As Disney XD (2011-2015)===

===As Disney XD ()===

[[File:2009 Disney XD logo.svg|thumb|left|200px|Disney XD logo used from June 1, 2011 to October 9, 2015]]

[[File:2009 Disney XD logo.svg|thumb|left|200px|Disney XD logo used from June 1, 2011 to October 9, 2015]]

In April 2009, [[Astral Media]], via its subsidiary [[Family Channel (Canadian TV channel)|The Family Channel Inc.]], was granted [[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|CRTC]] approval for a new [[Category B service|category 2 service]] under the working name “Family Extreme”. The new service would feature “programming from around the world devoted to entertainment, humour, travel, games, science and technology and targeted toward children aged 6 to 17 years and their families”.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-04-24 |title=Family Extreme – Category 2 specialty service |url=https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2009/2009-215.htm |access-date=2022-03-05 |website= |publisher=CRTC}}</ref> Astral later announced that it would launch a Canadian version of [[Disney XD]] on June 1, 2011. Operating under the Family Extreme license, the service expanded upon Family’s relationship as a licensee of [[Disney Channel]] programming.<ref name=bhc>{{cite web|last=Wedge|first=Pip|title=Disney XD|url=http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/programming/television/programming_popup.php?id=2365|work=programming|publisher=Canadian Communications Foundation|access-date=February 24, 2014}}</ref>

In April 2009, [[Astral Media]], its subsidiary [[Family Channel ()|The Family Channel Inc.]], was granted [[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|CRTC]] approval for a new [[ service|category 2 service]] under the working name “Family Extreme”. The new service would feature “programming from around the world devoted to entertainment, humour, travel, games, science and technology and targeted toward children aged 6 to 17 years and their families”.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-04-24 |title=Family Extreme – Category 2 specialty service |url=https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2009/2009-215.htm |access-date=2022-03-05 |website= |publisher=CRTC}}</ref> Astral later announced that it would launch a Canadian version of [[Disney XD]] on June 1, 2011. Operating under the Family Extreme license, the service expanded upon Family’s relationship as a licensee of [[Disney Channel]] programming.<ref name=bhc>{{cite web|last=Wedge|first=Pip|title=Disney XD|url=http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/programming/television/programming_popup.php?id=2365|work=programming|publisher=Canadian Communications Foundation|access-date=February 24, 2014}}</ref>

In 2012, the channel premiered its first original series, ”[[Slugterra]]”. After the [[Competition Bureau]] approved [[Bell Media]]’s takeover of Astral, Bell announced on March 4, 2013, that Disney XD, as well as its sister networks and Astral’s French-language [[Elle Fictions|MusiquePlus]] and [[Max (Canadian TV channel)|MusiMax]] would be divested.<ref name=”crtc-bellastraltrust”>{{cite web|last=Biblic|first=Mirko|title=Re: Voting Trust Agreement between BCE Inc. and Pierre Boivin, the trustee Application No. 2013-0243-9–Approved|date=27 June 2013|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2013/lb130627.htm|publisher=CRTC|access-date=July 5, 2013}}</ref> On October 27, 2013, the channel premiered its first original movie, ”[[Bunks (film)|Bunks]]”, produced by [[Fresh TV]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Disney XD and Disney Junior Commission Original Canadian Series|url=http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/disney-xd-and-disney-junior-commission-original-canadian-series/1001451986/|work=Daily News|publisher=Broadcaster Magazine|access-date=July 9, 2012|date=June 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402132404/http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/disney-xd-and-disney-junior-commission-original-canadian-series/1001451986/|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2012, the channel premiered its first original series, ”[[Slugterra]]”. After the [[Competition Bureau]] approved [[Bell Media]]’s of Astral, Bell announced on March 4, 2013, that Disney XD, as well as its sister networks and Astral’s French-language [[Elle Fictions|MusiquePlus]] and [[Max (Canadian TV channel)|MusiMax]] would be divested.<ref name=”crtc-bellastraltrust”>{{cite web|last=Biblic|first=Mirko|title=Re: Voting Trust Agreement between BCE Inc. and Pierre Boivin, the trustee Application No. 2013-0243-9–Approved|date=27 June 2013|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2013/lb130627.htm|publisher=CRTC|access-date=July 5, 2013}}</ref> On October 27, 2013, the channel premiered its first original movie, ”[[Bunks (film)|Bunks]]”, produced by [[Fresh TV]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Disney XD and Disney Junior Commission Original Canadian Series|url=http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/disney-xd-and-disney-junior-commission-original-canadian-series/1001451986/|work=Daily News|publisher=Broadcaster Magazine|access-date=July 9, 2012|date=June 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402132404/http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/disney-xd-and-disney-junior-commission-original-canadian-series/1001451986/|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On November 28, 2013, [[WildBrain|DHX Media]] announced that it would acquire Disney XD and its sister networks for $170 million.<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|access-date=November 29, 2013|date=November 28, 2013}}</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|access-date=November 29, 2013|location=Toronto|date=November 28, 2013}}</ref> The acquisition was approved by the CRTC on July 24, 2014,<ref>{{cite web |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 |title=DHX Media receives CRTC approval on $170M acquisition of Family Channel and three other children’s channels |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|url=http://kidscreen.com/2014/07/25/crtc-approves-dhx-media-takeover-of-family-channel/ |title=DHX Media approved for Family Channel takeover|last1=Vessing|first1=Etan|website=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications|date=July 24, 2014 |access-date=July 26, 2014}}</ref> and closed on July 31, 2014.<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|work=Canada Newswire|date=July 31, 2014|access-date=July 31, 2014|archive-date=August 3, 2014|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|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On November 28, 2013, [[WildBrain|DHX Media]] announced that it would acquire Disney XD and its sister networks for $170 million.<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|access-date=November 29, 2013|date=November 28, 2013}}</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|access-date=November 29, 2013|location=Toronto|date=November 28, 2013}}</ref> The acquisition was approved by the CRTC on July 24, 2014,<ref>{{cite web |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 |title=DHX Media receives CRTC approval on $170M acquisition of Family Channel and three other children’s channels |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|url=http://kidscreen.com/2014/07/25/crtc-approves-dhx-media-takeover-of-family-channel/ |title=DHX Media approved for Family Channel takeover|last1=Vessing|first1=Etan|website=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications|date=July 24, 2014 |access-date=July 26, 2014}}</ref> and closed on July 31, 2014.<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|work=Canada Newswire|date=July 31, 2014|access-date=July 31, 2014|archive-date=August 3, 2014|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|url-status=dead}}</ref>

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In that same year, Disney XD premiered the pilot for ”[[Fangbone!]]”, in May, and a new original series, ”[[Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage)]]”, in November.<ref>{{cite web|title=DHX Television Commissions Radical Sheep’s Animated Comedy Action Series Fangbone!|url=http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/dhx-television-commissions-radical-sheeps-animated-comedy-action-series-fangbone-517338281.html|work=Newswire|access-date=September 14, 2015|date=March 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Disney XD gets its game on with the premiere of Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage) November 16|url=http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/disney-xd-gets-its-game-on-with-the-premiere-of-gaming-show-in-my-parents-garage-november-16-516306281.html|work=Newswire|access-date=September 14, 2015|date=November 5, 2014}}</ref>

In that same year, Disney XD premiered the pilot for ”[[Fangbone!]]”, in May, and a new original series, ”[[Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage)]]”, in November.<ref>{{cite web|title=DHX Television Commissions Radical Sheep’s Animated Comedy Action Series Fangbone!|url=http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/dhx-television-commissions-radical-sheeps-animated-comedy-action-series-fangbone-517338281.html|work=Newswire|access-date=September 14, 2015|date=March 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Disney XD gets its game on with the premiere of Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage) November 16|url=http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/disney-xd-gets-its-game-on-with-the-premiere-of-gaming-show-in-my-parents-garage-november-16-516306281.html|work=Newswire|access-date=September 14, 2015|date=November 5, 2014}}</ref>

===As Family Chrgd/WildBrainTV (2015–2025)===

===As Family /WildBrainTV (2015–2025)===

[[File:Family Chrgd logo.svg|thumb|right|Family Chrgd logo, which was used from October 9, 2015, to March 1, 2022]]

[[File:Family Chrgd logo.svg|thumb|right|Family logo, which was used from October 9, 2015, to March 1, 2022]]

On April 16, 2015, it was announced that [[Corus Entertainment]] had acquired Canadian rights to [[Disney Channel]]’s program library; alongside the launch of a [[Disney Channel (Canadian TV channel)|Canadian version]] of [[Disney Channel]], Corus stated that it would launch other “Disney branded kids linear television offerings” in the future, which eventually included a new [[Disney XD (Canadian TV channel)|Disney XD]]. In anticipation for this transition, DHX concurrently announced that its Disney-branded networks would be rebranded as spin-offs of Family Channel by November 2015, with Disney XD tentatively being rebranded as ”’Family XTRM”’.<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=April 16, 2015|work=The Globe and Mail|agency=Canadian Press}}</ref><ref name=cartt-dhxdisney>{{cite web|title=DHX-Disney Divorce Almost Done|url=https://cartt.ca/article/dhx-disney-divorce-almost-done|website=Cartt.ca|date=16 April 2015|access-date=April 16, 2015}}</ref>

On April 16, 2015, it was announced that [[Corus Entertainment]] had acquired Canadian rights to [[Disney Channel]]’s program library; alongside the launch of a [[Disney Channel ()|Canadian version]] of [[Disney Channel]], Corus stated that it would launch other Disney branded in the future, which eventually included a new [[Disney XD ()|Disney XD]]. In anticipation for this transition, DHX concurrently announced that its Disney-branded networks would be rebranded as spin-offs of Family Channel by November 2015, with Disney XD tentatively being rebranded as ”’Family XTRM”’.<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=April 16, 2015|work=The Globe and Mail|agency=Canadian Press}}</ref><ref name=cartt-dhxdisney>{{cite web|title=DHX-Disney Divorce Almost Done|url=https://cartt.ca/article/dhx-disney-divorce-almost-done|website=Cartt.ca|date=16 April 2015|access-date=April 16, 2015}}</ref>

On August 20, 2015, DHX announced the fall lineups for its networks, revealing the final branding for Disney XD as ”’Family Chrgd”’ (stylized as ”’Family CHRGD”’).<ref name=ksn>{{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}}</ref> Its lineup was to feature new seasons of the network’s existing original series, in addition to new shows produced by DHX subsidiaries and other studios (such as the aforementioned ”Fangbone!”), as well as new program supply agreements with [[Mattel]],<ref name=ksn/> and later in the year, [[DreamWorks Animation]].<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=8 December 2015|access-date=December 19, 2015}}</ref> The re-branding took place 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 7, 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}}</ref><ref name=gandm-corusdisney/>

On August 20, 2015, DHX announced the fall lineups for its networks, revealing the for Disney XD as ”’Family CHRGD”’.<ref name=ksn>{{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}}</ref> Its lineup was to feature new seasons of the network’s existing original series, in addition to new shows produced by DHX subsidiaries and other studios (such as the aforementioned ”Fangbone!”), as well as new program supply agreements with [[Mattel]],<ref name=ksn/> and later in the year, [[DreamWorks Animation]].<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=8 December 2015|access-date=December 19, 2015}}</ref> The 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 7, 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}}</ref><ref name=gandm-corusdisney/>

On March 1, 2022, Family Chrgd rebranded as WildBrainTV, with no change in programming.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breaking News…CHRGD is CHNGNG to WildBrainTV! |url=https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=1537187228e40fcecac1011c0&id=293ec56c10 |access-date=2022-03-05 |website= |publisher=WildBrain Television}}</ref>

On March 1, 2022, Family rebranded as WildBrainTV, with no change in programming.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breaking News…CHRGD is CHNGNG to WildBrainTV! |url=https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=1537187228e40fcecac1011c0&id=293ec56c10 |access-date=2022-03-05 |website= |publisher=WildBrain Television}}</ref>

===Averted sale and closure (2025)===

===Averted sale and closure (2025)===

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>

On December 18, 2024, WildBrain announced that it would sell a two-thirds majority stake of its television Family 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]] not to 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>

In April 2025, WildBrain stated that it would be renegotiating aspects of the agreement, citing factors such as a decision by [[Bell Canada]] not to 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 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> It was eventually confirmed that the network would shut down on October 22.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Channel lineup changes October 22 |url=https://www.sasktel.com/wps/wcm/connect/content/home/tv/channel-news-previews/channel-lineup-changes-oct22 |access-date=2025-09-24 |website=SaskTel}}</ref> The last show to air on this channel will be the new, ”[[Johnny Test]]”.

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 in the near future, as the 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> It was eventually confirmed that the network would shut down on October 22.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Channel lineup changes October 22 |url=https://www.sasktel.com/wps/wcm/connect/content/home/tv/channel-news-previews/channel-lineup-changes-oct22 |access-date=2025-09-24 |website=SaskTel}}</ref> The last show to air on this channel will be ”[[Johnny Test]]”.

==Programming==

==Programming==

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====As Disney XD (2011–2015)====

====As Disney XD (2011–2015)====

Programs in bold indicate that programming were moved to the new incarnation of [[Disney XD (Canadian TV channel)|Disney XD]].

Programs in bold indicate that programming were moved to the new incarnation of [[Disney XD ()|Disney XD]].

{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}

{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}

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{{div col end}}

{{div col end}}

====As Family Chrgd (2015–2022)====

====As Family (2015–2022)====

{{Div col}}

{{Div col}}

* ””'[[The 7D]]””’ (2014–2015)

* ””'[[The 7D]]””’ (2014–2015)

Canadian pay television channel

This article is about a Canadian television channel formerly known as Disney XD that is operated by WildBrain and launched on June 1, 2011. For the defunct Canadian television channel that used the Disney XD name, see Disney XD (Canada).

Television channel

WildBrainTV is a outgoing Canadian English language discretionary specialty channel owned by WildBrain. WildBrainTV broadcasts live-action and animated children’s programming aimed towards audiences ages 6–15.[1] Its name comes from its owner, WildBrain.

The channel first launched on June 1, 2011, under the ownership of Astral Media. It initially operated as a localized version of Disney XD, under license from Disney Channels Worldwide, as a sister network to Family Channel. Following the acquisition of Astral Media by Bell Media, Disney XD was divested to DHX Media (now WildBrain) in 2014.

In 2015, Corus Entertainment acquired the rights to programming from Disney Channel and its siblings (later launching a new Canadian Disney XD channel), resulting in DHX’s existing Disney XD channel being rebranded as Family CHRGD (a brand extension of Family Channel with a similar positioning) in October 2015. The channel adopted its current branding on March 1, 2022, and it will close on October 23, 2025.

As Disney XD (2011–2015)

[edit]

Disney XD logo used from June 1, 2011 to October 9, 2015

In April 2009, Astral Media, through its subsidiary The Family Channel Inc., was granted CRTC approval for a new category 2 service under the working name “Family Extreme”. The new service would feature “programming from around the world devoted to entertainment, humour, travel, games, science and technology and targeted toward children aged 6 to 17 years and their families”.[2] Astral later announced that it would launch a Canadian version of Disney XD on June 1, 2011. Operating under the Family Extreme license, the service expanded upon Family’s relationship as a licensee of Disney Channel programming.[3]

In 2012, the channel premiered its first original series, Slugterra. After the Competition Bureau approved Bell Media‘s acquisition of Astral, Bell announced on March 4, 2013, that Disney XD, as well as its sister networks and Astral’s French-language MusiquePlus and MusiMax would be divested.[4] On October 27, 2013, the channel premiered its first original movie, Bunks, produced by Fresh TV.[5]

On November 28, 2013, DHX Media announced that it would acquire Disney XD and its sister networks for $170 million.[6][7] The acquisition was approved by the CRTC on July 24, 2014,[8][9] and closed on July 31, 2014.[10]

In that same year, Disney XD premiered the pilot for Fangbone!, in May, and a new original series, Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage), in November.[11][12]

As Family CHRGD/WildBrainTV (2015–2025)

[edit]

Family CHRGD logo, which was used from October 9, 2015, to March 1, 2022

On April 16, 2015, it was announced that Corus Entertainment had acquired Canadian rights to Disney Channel‘s program library; alongside the launch of a Canadian version of Disney Channel, Corus stated that it would launch other Disney branded channels in the future, which eventually included a new Disney XD. In anticipation for this transition, DHX concurrently announced that its Disney-branded networks would be rebranded as spin-offs of Family Channel by November 2015, with Disney XD tentatively being rebranded as Family XTRM.[13][14]

On August 20, 2015, DHX announced the fall lineups for its networks, revealing the official rebranding for Disney XD as Family CHRGD.[15] Its lineup was to feature new seasons of the network’s existing original series, in addition to new shows produced by DHX subsidiaries and other studios (such as the aforementioned Fangbone!), as well as new program supply agreements with Mattel,[15] and later in the year, DreamWorks Animation.[16] The rebranding occurred on October 9, 2015.[1][13]

On March 1, 2022, Family CHRGD rebranded as WildBrainTV, with no change in programming.[17]

Averted sale and closure (2025)

[edit]

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.[18]

In April 2025, WildBrain stated that it would be renegotiating aspects of the agreement, citing factors such as a decision by Bell Canada not to renew its carriage agreements for WildBrain’s channels.[19][20]

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 in the near future, as the decline in these carriage agreements meant the channels had lost most of their value and were “no longer commercially viable”.[21] It was eventually confirmed that the network would shut down on October 22.[22] The last show to air on this channel will be Johnny Test.

Canadian productions

[edit]

Acquired programming

[edit]

As Disney XD (2011–2015)

[edit]

Programs in bold indicate that programming were moved to the new incarnation of Disney XD.

As Family CHRGD (2015–2022)

[edit]

As WildBrainTV (2022–present)

[edit]

  1. ^ Bell’s ownership was short-lived, as with its sister channels.
  1. ^ a b c d “DHX Television’s Family CHRGD to Go to Air”. October 7, 2015. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  2. ^ “Family Extreme – Category 2 specialty service”. CRTC. 2009-04-24. Retrieved 2022-03-05.
  3. ^ Wedge, Pip. “Disney XD”. programming. Canadian Communications Foundation. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  4. ^ Biblic, Mirko (27 June 2013). “Re: Voting Trust Agreement between BCE Inc. and Pierre Boivin, the trustee Application No. 2013-0243-9–Approved”. CRTC. Retrieved July 5, 2013.
  5. ^ “Disney XD and Disney Junior Commission Original Canadian Series”. Daily News. Broadcaster Magazine. June 12, 2012. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  6. ^ “DHX Media to buy Family, other children’s channels”. Toronto Star. November 28, 2013. Retrieved November 29, 2013.
  7. ^ “DHX to acquire Family Channel, three others from Bell Media”. The Globe and Mail. Toronto. November 28, 2013. Retrieved November 29, 2013.
  8. ^ “DHX Media receives CRTC approval on $170M acquisition of Family Channel and three other children’s channels”. DHX Media. July 24, 2014. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
  9. ^ Vessing, Etan (July 24, 2014). “DHX Media approved for Family Channel takeover”. Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
  10. ^ “DHX Media closes Family Channel acquisition and announces management changes”. Canada Newswire. July 31, 2014. Archived from the original on August 3, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  11. ^ “DHX Television Commissions Radical Sheep’s Animated Comedy Action Series Fangbone!”. Newswire. March 5, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  12. ^ “Disney XD gets its game on with the premiere of Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage) November 16”. Newswire. November 5, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  13. ^ a b “Corus gains Canadian rights to Disney Channel content”. The Globe and Mail. Canadian Press. Retrieved April 16, 2015.
  14. ^ “DHX-Disney Divorce Almost Done”. Cartt.ca. 16 April 2015. Retrieved April 16, 2015.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g Dickson, Jeremy (August 21, 2015). “DHX TV reveals fall skeds for rebranded channels”. Kid Screen. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  16. ^ “DreamWorks Animation Inks Strategic Content Pact With DHX Media”. Deadline Hollywood. 8 December 2015. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  17. ^ “Breaking News…CHRGD is CHNGNG to WildBrainTV!”. WildBrain Television. Retrieved 2022-03-05.
  18. ^ Thiessen, Connie (2024-12-18). “WildBrain selling majority stake in TV channels”. Broadcast Dialogue. Archived from the original on December 18, 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
  19. ^ “WildBrain and IoM are adjusting their deal terms”. Kidscreen. 2025-04-15. Retrieved 2025-04-24.
  20. ^ “WildBrain’s $28m deal to offload TV assets hit by channel carriage dispute with Bell”. C21media. Retrieved 2025-04-24.
  21. ^ Tuchow, Ryan. “WildBrain to shutter its channels business”. Kidscreen. Retrieved 2025-08-25.
  22. ^ “Channel lineup changes October 22”. SaskTel. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  23. ^ “Carmen Sandiego | WildBrainTV”. YouTube. 24 October 2022.
  24. ^ a b c d “WildBrainTV – YouTube”. www.youtube.com.
  25. ^ “WILDBRAIN TELEVISION CELEBRATES CANADIAN CREATIVITY WITH NEW GREENLIGHTS ACROSS ANIMATION AND LIVE-ACTION, OFFERING PROGRAMMING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY TO ENJOY”. WildBrain. Retrieved 2022-10-25.
  26. ^ “Watch”.
  27. ^ “ESCAPE TO THE WILDERNESS WITH NEW ACTION-PACKED REALITY SERIES SURVIVALISTS ON FAMILY CHANNEL”. WildBrain. Retrieved 2022-10-25.
  28. ^ a b c “Watch”.
  29. ^ “Watch”.
  30. ^ a b “Family CHRGD East TV Listings, TV Shows and Schedule–Zap2it”. Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-22.
  31. ^ “Just Like Mom & Dad – CHRGD.ca”. www.chrgd.ca. Archived from the original on 2020-06-04.
  32. ^ “My Side of the Sky”. DHX Media. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
  33. ^ “9 Story licenses Nature Cat to DHX TV”.
  34. ^ “Troll Hunters: Tales of Arcadia”. DHX Media. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  35. ^ “Dawn of the Croods”. DHX Media. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  36. ^ “Watch”.

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