Pop (stylized as PoP or POP) is a British free-to-air children's television channel owned by Narrative Entertainment UK Limited, targeting audiences aged 6 to 10.[1] Launched on 29 May 2003 as Toons&Tunes by Chart Show Channels (CSC) Media Group, it later took on its current name and was sold to Sony Pictures Television, who in turn sold it and its local channels to Narrative Entertainment UK Limited in 2021.

History
Pop was originally launched on 29 May 2003 by Chart Show Channels (CSC) Media Group as Toons&Tunes.[2] Toons&Tunes was then later rebranded as its current name, Pop (formerly stylized as pop and POP!) in the following month. In September 2003, a timeshift sister network - Pop Plus, was launched.[3] Originally, the network focused on music videos with animated programming also part of the schedule, but with the numerous music video network options on British television at the time, this focus was quickly abandoned in 2004, when the animated content became much more prominent. Music videos continued to be carried on and off until 2010, before eventually being abandoned entirely.[citation needed] Initially, the channel broadcast animated content sourced from Granada Media's programming library under a six-month non-exclusive deal, before transitioning to content sourced mainly from DIC Entertainment and Nelvana.

In the channel's early years, links were presented by Rorry, formerly known as Tricky, an animated lime green dragon who used to host a Saturday morning show in the autumn of 1997, but was repurposed for the Pop channel. Tricky spoke with a northern English dialect, while Rorry spoke in a different voice with a Scottish accent, both versions were animated live through computer cues. He was accompanied by Purrdy, a dragon/cat hybrid who also appeared in the original Tricky programme on ITV, it was sometimes followed by a programme known as "The Cheeky Monkey Show" which features the live links of the animated coloured monkeys known as "The Cheeky Monkeys".

In July 2004, Pop Plus was rebranded as Tiny Pop with the channel's pre-school shows being moved over, alongside the Cheeky Monkeys.

On 10 August 2007, a one-hour timeshift service - Pop +1 was launched on Sky, alongside Tiny Pop +1. On 11 October, the channel was launched on Virgin Media, alongside Tiny Pop.[4]

On 19 May 2008, Pop +1 ceased broadcast and was replaced with a new sister network - Kix!.

On 1 February 2011, Pop was removed from Virgin Media to make way for the cable launch of True Entertainment.[5]

Between 2012 and 2015, the mascots were the MoonGoons, a group of animal appearing aliens

On 20 March 2014, Pop was launched on Freeview.[6] Prior to April 2016, Pop was only available in areas where there is a local TV channel. On 14 July, Pop +1 was relaunched on Sky, replacing Kix +1.

On 1 April 2016, Pop moved to a wider coverage nationwide freeview mix, becoming available to over 90% of the country.[7] The capacity vacated by Pop on the local multiplex was used to transmit Kix from 7 April 2016. Pop +1 moved to LCN channel 128, to release 127 for use by Kix, but was otherwise unaffected, continuing to broadcast locally to Manchester only until its eventual withdrawal from Freeview.

On 1 September 2020, Pop rebranded its on-air identity, with the premiere of Bakugan: Armored Alliance.[8] And on the same day, starting with Pokémon Journeys: The Series, the network became the new British home of the Pokémon anime, moving from its previous broadcasters, ITV1 and CITV, of over 20 years.[9]

On 9 November 2022, Narrative Entertainment announced the launch of a new FAST channel, Pop Kids, to stream on Samsung TV Plus, the new FAST network airs shows from Pop and Tiny Pop.[10]

Sometime in 2022, Pop began to branch into original content for the first time, as they approached Joe Tasker for a new show called Swipe It! With Joe Taker.

On 19 July 2023, Pop reverted to broadcasting on the local-TV multiplex, switching places with sibling film channel Great! Romance.[11] In September 2023, it was announced that Pop Kids would split into two FAST channels, with Tiny Pop getting its own channel, and with Pop replacing the current FAST channel.[12]

On 7 February 2024, Pop and other Narrative Entertainment channels were removed from Freesat to make way for the closure of the linear variant of Tiny Pop,[13] however it was relaunched in 21 August in the same year, but not on Freesat.

In December 2024, Pop's website was closed down and was replaced by Pop Player.

On 1 December 2024, Pop and Tiny Pop got turned into a hybrid streaming channel on Freeview (UK) but it continues to be a linear channel on Sky UK and Virgin Media. [14]

Live action presenters:
Joe Tasker (2022-2023)
Jamie Rickers (2025-)
Anna Williamson (2025-)

Current programming
Pop
The channel sources its programming from multiple production and distribution studios. Programming includes original shows such as Swipe It! With Joe Tasker, and acquired programming such as Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir and Pokémon. The channel also includes movies and such as the Barbie television films, Pokémon and Monster High.[1]

Upcoming programming
Mermicorno: Starfall (early 2025)[2]
Kikoriki [2] [4]
The Hollow [4]
Phineas and Ferb [2] [4]
Original programming
Swipe It! With Joe Tasker[3]
Acquired programming
44 Cats[4][5]
Annedroids[6]
Battle for Dream Island [4]
Bakugan[4]
Bakugan: Geogan Rising[4]
Bakugan: Evolutions[4]
Bakugan: Legends[4]
Barbie: A Touch of Magic[4][7]
Barbie: It Takes Two[4][8]
Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot[4]
Droners[4][9]
Grizzy & the Lemmings (also on Boomerang, CBBC and BBC iPlayer)[4][10]
The InBESTigators[4][11]
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts[4][12]
Kung Fu Sock[4][13][14]
Lego City Adventures (also on Nickelodeon)[4][15]
Lego Dreamzzz: Trials of the Dream Chasers (also on ITVX)[4][16]
Lego Friends: Girls on a Mission[4][17]
Lego Friends: The Next Chapter[4][18]
L.O.L. Surprise! House of Surprises![4][19]
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (also on Disney+)[4][20]
Moley[4]
Monster High (also on Nickelodeon)[4][21][22]
My Goldfish is Evil! [4]
Polly Pocket[4][23]
Pokémon[4][24]
Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series[4][25]
Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series[4]
Power Players[25]
Power Rangers
Power Rangers Dino Fury[4][26]
Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty[4][27]
Sadie Sparks[4][28]
Shasha & Milo[4]
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power[4][29]
Skylanders Academy[4][30]
Squish[4][31]
Team Jay[32]
Total DramaRama[4][33] (also on CBBC and BBC iPlayer)
Unicorn Academy
Films and specials
Barbie: Princess Adventure
Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday
Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams
Barbie: Mermaid Power
Master Moley By Royal Invitation
Miraculous World: New York, United Heroez
Miraculous World: Shanghai, The Legend of Ladydragon
Monster High: The Movie
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (also on CBBC and BBC iPlayer)
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (also on CBBC and BBC iPlayer)
Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (also on CBBC and BBC iPlayer)
Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (also on CBBC and BBC iPlayer)
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You![a] (also on CBBC and BBC iPlayer)
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us[a] (also on CBBC and BBC iPlayer)
Tiny Pop
Tiny Pop airs preschool programs such as Gabby's Dollhouse, Super Wings and PJ Masks.[34]

Original programming
DinoCity
Acquired programming
Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe[35]
Apollo's Tall Tales[36]
Baby Born
Barbie: A Touch of Magic[37]
Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures[38]
Billy the Cowboy Hamster[39]
Care Bears: Unlock the Magic[36][40] (2019–present)
Caring For Each Other
Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck[36]
Cookie's Crumby Pictures
Dino Ranch
Ella, Oscar & Hoo[36]
Elmo and Tango's Mysterious Mysteries
Elmo's World[36]
Esme & Roy[36]
Gabby's Dollhouse[41]
Gigantosaurus[36][42] (2020–present)
Go! Go! Cory Carson[43]
Grizzy & the Lemmings (also on Boomerang, CBBC and BBC iPlayer)[44]
Gus – The Itsy Bitsy Knight
Hello Kitty: Super Style![45]
Jeremy & Jazzy
Little Bear (English dub of Pompon Ours)[46][47]
Masha and the Bear (also on Cartoonito)[36][48]
Mighty Express (2022–present[49])[50][51]
Molang[36][52] (2018–present)
Monchhichi[36]
Mush-Mush and the Mushables
My Little Pony: Pony Life[36] (2020–present)
Petronix Defenders (2022–present[49])[53]
Pikwik Pack
PJ Masks[36][54] (2017–present)
Remy & Boo[36]
Simon[36]
Smart Cookies[36]
Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City (2022–present)[55]
Super Grover 2.0
Super Wings[36][56] (2017–Present)
Trotties[57]
Yeti Tales[36]
Pop Max
Pop Max mainly airs TV shows from sister channel Pop, such as Pokémon, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir and Grizzy & the Lemmings. Pop Max airs movies and specials similar to Pop, but it is mostly limited to Pokémon movies.[58]

Annedroids
Bakugan[59]
Bakugan: Evolutions
Dragon Ball Super
Droners[4][60]
Ethan Gamer Plays Roblox
Grizzy & the Lemmings
Generator Rex [4]
The InBESTigators[4][61]
Kipo and The Age of Wonderbeasts
Kung Fu Sock
Legion of Superheroes [4]
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Monster Buster Club
Monster High (also on Nickelodeon)[4][62][63]
My Goldfish is Evil! [4]
Nate Is Late[64]
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Pokémon Journeys: The Series[65]
Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series[25]
Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series
Power Players[25]
Power Rangers Dino Fury
PocketWatch Ultimate MishMash
Art For Kids Hub[66]
Denis[67]
LankyBox[67]
The Sensibles [4]
Skylanders Academy[68]
Shasha & Milo[4]
Shasha & Milo: Shorts
She-Ra: Princess of Power
Space Chickens in Space[69]
Squish[70][4]
Skatoony [4]
Swipe It! With Joe Tasker[71]
Talking Tom & Friends[72]
The Strange Chores[73]
The Secret Saturdays [4]
Xiaolin Showdown [4]

Info about some of the more obscure shows:

The Sensibles - a series of short, humorous films produced by Jetix, 12foot6 and STANGA, The films tell the story of the Sensibles, who work for the GNN Galactic News Network. They are a team observing the lives of the inhabitants of Earth. They observe everyday objects that are obvious to Earthlings.

Characters
Oi – the voice and presenter of space news. His red wig has always caused him problems, especially before going on air.
Bzzz – the chief of reporters. Equipped with an antenna and microphones. Locates the reporters' target.
Zzoom – cameraman. Observes and photographs given objects.
Blerah - has an incredibly large tongue. It licks objects and scans their taste. It is thanks to information from Blerah that Oi guesses what a given object is.
Cosmic Viewers – watch GNN's Galactic News and express their fear or admiration.

My Goldfish is Evil - The series follows the adventures of 11-year-old Beanie, and his pet goldfish, Admiral Bubbles. The superintelligent goldfish has dreams of bringing a reign of terror on the city and of world domination. Frequently, he escapes from his bowl in his attempts at mischief. With Beanie's mother always failing to believe him, Beanie has to deal with him

Kung Fu Sock - Eight-year-old Tee Zeng finds an unusual sock that is actually a Kung Fu master named Kung Fu Wa from another world. Wearing the sock transforms Tee Zeng into super heroine Kung Fu Girl. She and Kung Fu Wa must complete missions and protect their home, Starry Island. Write a conversation where apparantly Pop Max will be replacd with a revival of Disney XD UK


Title: Pop Max’s Future: A Conversation About Its Potential Replacement by Disney XD UK

Characters:

Sam - A media enthusiast
Jess - A TV channel manager
Setting: A café near the TV network office, where Sam and Jess are having a casual meeting.

Sam: So, Jess, I've been hearing some buzz about changes coming to Pop Max. Any truth to the rumors that it might be replaced with Disney XD UK?

Jess: Well, the talk has been circulating for a while now. With Disney looking to re-establish its presence in the UK children’s market, Pop Max's fate seems to be part of that conversation.

Sam: That'd be quite a shift! Pop Max has its own set of loyal viewers with shows like Pokémon and Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, but Disney XD has a lot of nostalgic appeal and brand recognition.

Jess: Exactly. Disney XD UK could potentially draw in a broader audience with their original programming. Kids have grown up with classic Disney shows, and reviving Disney XD could bring back some fan-favorites, thereby reigniting interest.

Sam: I can see that! What do you think would happen to the current programming on Pop Max if a switch were to happen?

Jess: If Disney XD takes over, I anticipate they might keep some of the popular acquired shows like Miraculous but also push for their original series and exclusives. It’s all about what they believe can capture the kids’ attention today.

Sam: Interesting! That might mean some newer series that are trending could replace the existing lineup on Pop Max. Do you think they'd do any collaborations with Disney films?

Jess: It’s highly likely! Disney often ties in with their real-world properties. Imagine themed programming around their latest animated films; that would definitely draw in viewership from families.

Sam: That sounds exciting! But I wonder how fans of Pop Max would react? They’ve had a solid roster for years now.

Jess: Change can be tough. Some viewers might be resistant initially, but if Disney delivers quality programming, that could win them over. They’ve done a fantastic job engaging audiences globally. Old fans might come back, and new ones would definitely join.

Sam: If they plan to phase out Pop Max, I hope they have some clever strategies for marketing the transition.

Jess: For sure. They might do nostalgia-driven promotions, perhaps even featuring some beloved characters from the past. It’s all about creating a bridge between Pop Max's loyal audience and Disney's new offerings.

Sam: Honestly, it'll be interesting to see how the consumption of children's media continues to evolve. If Disney XD comes back, it might set a trend that others will follow.

Jess: Absolutely! The kids’ network landscape is constantly shifting, and with streaming services, it’s more dynamic than ever. This development could bring us even more exciting programming across the board.

Sam: Well, here’s hoping we hear some official announcements soon. I’d love to see where Pop Max’s journey takes them next!

Jess: Me too! Let’s keep an eye on those industry updates over coffee.

(They clink their coffee cups together and continue discussing the media landscape as the scene fades.)

End Scene

This conversation captures the excitement and speculation surrounding the potential shift from Pop Max to a revival of Disney XD UK, touching on various aspects of viewer loyalty, programming transitions, and the future of children's television.


Write a forum conversation where 8 shows are carried over


Forum Thread: Disney XD UK Revival - Which Shows Should Carry Over from Pop Max?

Thread Title: Disney XD UK Revival - Which Shows Should Carry Over from Pop Max?

User 1: CartoonFan99
Hey everyone! With the rumors swirling about the revival of Disney XD UK, I'm curious which Pop Max shows you think should carry over. What do you all think?

User 2: AnimeLover101
Great thread! I’d love to see Pokémon be one of the carryover shows. It's such a classic and has a massive following; it makes sense to keep it!

User 3: PikaPals
Absolutely! Pokémon should definitely stay. I also think Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir deserves a spot. The show's popularity has skyrocketed, and its unique storyline is perfect for Disney XD's audience.

User 4: MasterOfAnimation
For sure! Grizzy & the Lemmings is another one I'd suggest. It has that quirky humor that fits well with Disney XD’s vibe. Plus, kids love slapstick comedy!

User 5: RetroKid
I’d like to see Bakugan carried over as well. It has a loyal fan base, and with the popularity of toys and gaming, it makes sense to keep it in the lineup.

User 6: TVJunkie
I agree, but let’s not forget Total DramaRama! The humor and format are very aligned with Disney XD's style, and it’s a fun series that kids really enjoy.

User 7: CreatorsClub
Yes to Total DramaRama! And Power Rangers Dino Fury could be a great addition too. The nostalgia factor is strong for both kids and old-school fans alike, and it's perfect for action-packed programming.

User 8: ZanyViewer
What about Kung Fu Sock? It’s unique and engaging for the younger crowd. The action and comedy blend make it a fun series that I think kids would love on Disney XD!

User 1: CartoonFan99
Great suggestions, everyone! So, to recap, we should carry over:

Pokémon
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Grizzy & the Lemmings
Bakugan
Total DramaRama
Power Rangers Dino Fury
Kung Fu Sock
Would any of you want to add more or change your picks?
User 2: AnimeLover101
I'm happy with this list! It spans a variety of genres, which is important for capturing the interests of different kids.

User 3: PikaPals
Same here! I really hope they consider these shows. Carrying these over could create a great lineup for the revival!

User 4: MasterOfAnimation
I wonder if they'll also include original programming or just stick to what’s proven. Having a mix could really strengthen the channel’s appeal.

User 5: RetroKid
Agreed! A good mix of familiar shows and exciting new content would definitely make Disney XD UK a hit again!

User 1: CartoonFan99
Looking forward to seeing what happens! Let’s keep this thread alive with any news or updates we find.

User 6: TVJunkie
Absolutely! Can’t wait to see if we get our wish list! 🌟

(The conversation continues, with more users joining in and sharing their thoughts on the potential revival of Disney XD UK and which shows from Pop Max they’d like to see made a part of the new channel lineup.)


Write a follow up confirming, also the following 12 seasons of Pokemon are airing


Forum Update: Disney XD UK Revival - Confirmed Shows and Pokémon Seasons!

Thread Title: Disney XD UK Revival - Confirmed Shows and Pokémon Seasons!

User 1: CartoonFan99
Hey everyone! Exciting news on the Disney XD UK revival front! It looks like the channel will officially be bringing over several shows from Pop Max, including our favorites:

Pokémon
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Grizzy & the Lemmings
Bakugan
Total DramaRama
Power Rangers Dino Fury
Kung Fu Sock
And more!
User 2: AnimeLover101
Yes! This is amazing! I'm especially hyped about Pokémon, but do we have any information on which seasons will be airing?

User 3: PikaPals
I just saw the announcement! It confirms that the following 12 seasons of Pokémon will be airing on Disney XD UK:

Pokémon: The Original Series
Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands
Pokémon: Johto Journeys
Pokémon: Johto League Champions
Pokémon: Master Quest
Pokémon: Advanced
Pokémon: Advanced Challenge
Pokémon: Advanced Battle
Pokémon: Battle Frontier
Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl
Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Battle Dimension
Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Galactic Battles
It’s a treasure trove for fans of the series!

User 4: MasterOfAnimation
Wow, that’s a fantastic selection of seasons! It’s great they’re including such a wide range of the series. This will appeal to both new fans and those nostalgic for the early seasons!

User 5: RetroKid
I love that they're embracing the classic seasons! It will definitely bring back fond memories for older viewers while introducing new fans to the roots of Pokémon.

User 6: TVJunkie
This revival is shaping up to be really epic! Having a mix of classic and contemporary shows will definitely make the channel more appealing across the board.

User 1: CartoonFan99
Totally agree! This will be a great way for Disney XD UK to attract a diverse audience of kids and nostalgic adults alike. Let's keep discussing what else we hope to see on the channel!

User 2: AnimeLover101
I can't wait! Plus, I'm hoping they announce some exclusive Pokémon specials or events for the channel—imagine a Pokémon movie night!

User 3: PikaPals
That would be awesome! Let's stay tuned for more updates. It looks like Disney XD UK is on track to make a big splash with this revival!

(The conversation continues with users expressing their excitement and speculating additional programming and events associated with the new channel lineup.)


Write a reply with the 8th survivor, which we didn't expect to see live


User 4: MasterOfAnimation
Wow, everyone! I just came across some more exciting news regarding the Disney XD UK revival! It appears that Total DramaRama and the other shows we confirmed are only the beginning.

User 5: RetroKid
No way! What’s the new scoop?

User 4: MasterOfAnimation
Get this—Kung Fu Sock is not the only show that’s making waves! The 8th show that's being added to the lineup is a surprise: The InBESTigators! I honestly didn't expect to see it live on Disney XD UK!

User 6: TVJunkie
The InBESTigators! That's awesome! It’s such a clever show with its mix of humor and mystery. It’s great to see it getting that recognition.

User 7: AnimeLover101
I totally agree! The way the kids solve mysteries is super engaging, and I think it will resonate well with the channel's target audience.

User 8: PikaPals
This is fantastic news! The InBESTigators has such a unique style, and I think it’ll fit perfectly alongside the other confirmed titles. It’s great to see Disney XD taking some risks with their programming!

User 4: MasterOfAnimation
Exactly! This lineup is going to bring such a variety of content to the channel. I can’t wait to see how they promote these shows together.

User 1: CartoonFan99
I’m pleasantly surprised about The InBESTigators! This revival just keeps getting better. Here’s hoping for more surprises as we get closer to the launch!

(The conversation continues with users expressing their excitement about the unexpected inclusion of The InBESTigators and sharing their thoughts on how this unique show will enhance the overall programming lineup for Disney XD UK.)


Write a conversation listing all 24 shows airing (most of which are Disney XD shows)