NBCUniversal Is Shutting Down Its Universal Kids Cable Network

NBCUniversal’s linear children’s channel Universal Kids will shut down on March 6, as the company reduces its exposure to pay-tv cable in the era of cord-cutting. The news was first reported by Cord Cutter News.

The network originally launched in 2005 as a joint venture between PBS, Comcast, Sesame Workshop, and HIT Entertainment. In 2009, it was rebranded as Sprout, and in 2016 (when Comcast’s NBCUniversal had taken over ownership of the network), Sprout attempted to revive interest, tied to Universal’s acquisition of Dreamworks Animation, by presenting titles such as Dragons: Riders of Berk, Where’s Waldo? and Norman Picklestripes.

In 2017, the network rebranded as Universal Kids and offered titles such as the kids’ reality shows American Ninja Warrior Junior and Top Chef Junior, but viewership dwindled as competition for preschool programming boomed on Youtube and other streaming services.

Two years later, following a 73% decline in viewership, Universal Kids announced that it would no longer develop original content. The network in recent years has been airing acquisitions like Masha and the Bear and Floogals and content from its sister company Dreamworks Animation like Trolls: The Beat Goes On! and The Adventures of Puss in Boots.

An NBCU spokesperson has confirmed the closure to various trades, saying, “NBCUniversal remains committed to family entertainment, including award-winning brands Illumination and Dreamworks Animation, as well as kids-focused programming on Peacock.”

NBCUniversal’s theme park division is currently building Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, and is eyeing a 2026 launch date. The park, which will not be tied to the network, will have themed lands based on Trolls, Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Despicable Me.