Launched November 30, 2007 Country Canada | Slogan Let's Play! Language English | |
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Family Jr. is a Canadian English-language specialty channel owned by DHX Media. Launched on November 30, 2007, the service broadcasts programming aimed at preschool-aged children. Family Jr. is operated as a multiplex channel of its parent network, the Category A-licensed Family Channel, under CRTC regulations allowing channels licensed as premium television services to operate additional feeds consistent with their overall licensing. The channel was previously operated under Disney's preschool television brands, including Playhouse Disney and later Disney Junior, but the channel was later rebranded as a preschool spin-off of Family Channel in 2015, following the acquisition of Canadian rights to Disney's children's programming library by Corus Entertainment and the subsequent launch of a new Disney Junior-branded network.
Contents
- As Playhouse Disney and Disney Junior
- As Family Jr
- Upcoming programming
- Former programming
- Originals
- Acquired programming in Reruns
- Family Jr HD
- Family Jr On Demand
- Family Jr Go
- References
Along with its French-language counterpart, Télémagino, it is available in over 4 million Canadian households as of 2013.
As Playhouse Disney and Disney Junior
The channel originally launched as Playhouse Disney on November 30, 2007; as Family is licensed as a premium service which allows for the addition of multiplex channels that are consistent with the network's licence (which dictates that it provide a service with programming aimed at youth aged 17 and younger), no additional licence was required to launch the service, and the channel would be offered at no additional charge to television providers who already carry Family Channel.
A French-language version, originally known as Playhouse Disney Télé, was launched on July 5, 2010. Unlike the English version, it operates under a separate Category B license.
On May 6, 2011, the networks were re-launched under Disney's new preschool television brand Disney Junior.
Following the sale of Astral Media to Bell Media, the two Disney Junior services and their sister networks were put up for sale to relieve concerns over Bell's market share following the merger. On November 28, 2013, DHX Media announced it would acquire the two Disney Junior services and their sister networks for $170 million, pending CRTC approval. On July 24, 2014, the CRTC approved DHX's purchase of the networks, and the deal was closed on July 31, 2014.
As Family Jr.
On April 16, 2015, it was announced that Corus Entertainment had acquired rights to Disney's children's television library and brands, succeeding a previous license agreement with DHX. Corus stated that following the launch of a Canadian version of Disney Channel, it would re-launch Disney's other linear children's television brands in Canada in the future. In anticipation for this transition, DHX concurrently announced that its Disney-branded networks would be re-branded as spin-offs of Family Channel; Disney Junior was re-branded as Family Jr. on September 18, 2015. On December 1, 2015, Corus launched a replacement Disney Junior-branded channel.
Upcoming programming
Former programming
Some shows are now airing on the resurrected Disney Junior channel in Canada.
Note: The shows PJ Masks and Rolie Polie Olie did not air due to Disney Junior being rebranded.
Originals
Acquired programming in Reruns
The following acquired shows are also airing on the resurrected Disney Junior channel in Canada:
Family Jr. HD
On May 1, 2013, a high definition simulcast of Family Jr.'s (as Disney Junior) standard definition feed was launched. It is available on Eastlink, Rogers Cable, Shaw Direct, and Telus Optik TV.
Family Jr. On Demand
Family Jr. On Demand is a video on demand service featuring programming from Family Jr, available to subscribers of Family and Family Jr.. Family Jr. (as Disney Junior) launched its own On Demand channel on May 6, 2011.
Family Jr. Go
Family Jr. Go is a service available on the App Store and Google Play Store. It is available to television customers of Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct. It shows new and old episodes of Family Jr. programming and is part of the Family app.