Pop was originally launched on 29 May 2003 by Chart Show Channels (CSC) Media Group as Toons&Tunes. Toons&Tunes was then later rebranded as its current name, Pop (formerly stylized as pop and POP!) in the following month.

In the channel’s early years, links were presented by Rorry, a lime green dragon with a Scottish accent, who was animated live. He was accompanied by Purrdy, a dragon/cat hybrid who also appeared in the original Tricky programme on ITV1, 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,” that was later known by appearing on its sister channel Tiny Pop until its retirement at the end of June 2009.

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, In 2010, Pop had several popular shows, such as The Smurfs, GoGoRiki, Oggy and the Cockroaches, etc.

In 2012, Pop introduces semi-mascots known as the MoonGoons, These are animal-like aliens, with the 2 main ones being a blue squid named Boofus and an orange rabbit named Diggle, These were gone by the time of the channel’s next rebrand in 2015, Also in 2014 CSC Media Group had folded into Sony.

On 1 September 2020, Pop rebranded its on-air identity, with the premiere of Bakugan: Armored Alliance. 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. The channel was also sold by Sony to Narrative Entertainment

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.

Sometime in 2022, Pop began to branch into YouTube content, as they approached Joe Tasker for a new show called Swipe It! With Joe Taker, they would later acquire from content creators to use on their channel, including LankyBox, Denis and EthanGamer (the latter exclusively airing on Pop Player).

By 2023 Alvin & the Chipmunks, Squish, Miraculous Ladybug and Pokemon were among the channels popular shows,

Now here is when things start to diverge from the real world, In June 2023 (in my alternate universe) the channel was sold to UKTV, In September the channel introduced Toonattik, a revival of the CITV programming block of the same name, Write a blog post where at the end of a Toonattik show on November, Jamie and Anna are saying to come back tomorrow for Squish, when they hear chittering noises, Jamie says “Pop got rid of them years ago?” A orange feather falls down, A narrator says “All will be revealed at 7:25am tomorrow, when you come back for more Toonattik”

“Squish and his ameoba adventures will be back tomorrow. but now its time for Swipe It! with Jo-, Huh, Anna, do you hear that, It sounds like chittering” ANNA: “Yes I do” Chittering intensifies and a orange feather falls down A blue tentacle is briefly seen before dissappearing JAMIE: “Pop got rid of them years ago, How, They, UKTV Why don’t you send cleaners to the Toonattik studio, You only care about Gold, Dave, Eden and W, but not Pop, Get your priorities straight” NARRATOR: “What are the weird creatures doing in the attic, Can Jamie and Anna keep their sanity untill tomorrow, All will be revealed at 7:25am tomorrow, when you come back for more Toonattik”, The mysterious creatures are eventually revealed to be the MoonGoons, During Saturdays show, several small hints were left throuoght the episode, with the first one being Jamie hearing farting and then blames it on Anna who says she didn’t, They both get confused and then just assume it was the wind and carry on with the show, Later on in the show they hear a radio turn on and hear “If you’re trying to listen to Greatest Hits Radio, it’s no longer available on this frequency” Jamie says “Who’s listening to the radio now,” Anna says she doesn’t know, The station starts flicking between stations before settling on Dance Monkey by Tones and I, The radio eventually breaks, and then the show continues, but with Jamie and Anna getting suspicious, And of course eventually at the end of the show, the chittering.

Farting, listening to the radio and chittering and slowly revealing themselves were all small hints towards the presence and return of the MoonGoons.

Title: The MoonGoons Return to Toonattik: A Nostalgic Twist with GoGoRiki

It was a Saturday morning like any other, with children’s laughter echoing through homes as families gathered around the television for a dose of animated fun. Toonattik was in full swing on Pop, animated adventures rolling one after the other, but today was set to be different, set to be special. No one could have guessed that an old chapter from Pop’s storied book was about to be reopened.

As the clock wound down on the morning’s showing of “Swipe It! With Joe Taker,” a familiar sound pierced through the attic studio. The playful chittering noise that had caught Jamie and Anna off guard the day before was back. Only this time, it brought with it a visual cue – the fluttering of an orange feather from the ceiling.

Jamie, initially perplexed, could not hide his surprise. “Pop got rid of them years ago,” he murmured, disbelief in his voice. Anna, always the more pragmatic of the pair, tried to offer a logical explanation, only to be interrupted by more lively chittering and a fleeting glimpse of a blue tentacle snaking back into the shadows.

The show had to go on, but the mood had shifted from scheduled programming to spontaneous sleuthing. The viewers, too, were swept up in curiosity, eager for answers to the mysterious happenings in Toonattik’s attic. Phones buzzed and screens glowed with the rampant speculation and excitement spilling over from social media.

The Narrator’s voice, a source of mysterious promises, cut through the tension. “All will be revealed at 7:25 am tomorrow, when you come back for more Toonattik,” it teased, signifying that answers lay just beyond the horizon of today’s broadcast.

Speculation ran wild overnight. Forums and fan groups dissected every frame of that final moment, piecing together theories and sharing their nostalgic memories of the MoonGoons, Boofus, and Diggle.

Sunday’s show began with Jamie and Anna, who wore knowing smiles as they greeted the eager audience. Kids and parents alike were buzzing with anticipation, eyes glued to the screen for the big reveal.

As the attic door swung wide, the truth finally came to light. The MoonGoons, those beloved characters of yesteryear, were back. Boofus’ tentacles and Diggle’s fluffy orange ears signaled more than just a surprise return; they heralded a fresh chapter for Pop, one that lovingly embraced its past even as it looked forward.

The joyous laughter and playful banter of Boofus and Diggle echoed through the attic as the characters danced around the presenters. Jamie and Anna couldn’t help but join in, as the lively energy of the MoonGoons was contagious.

“Looks like we’ve got our own Squish-worthy pair right here,” Jamie joked, as Boofus playfully wrapped a tentacle around him. Anna grinned, celebrating the return of Toonattik’s unexpected guests.

But the MoonGoons weren’t the only surprise of the day. Anna revealed that the much-loved show GoGoRiki would be returning to the lineup, delighting fans with a blast from the past. The announcement was met with applause and cheers, as nostalgia and excitement for new episodes blended in perfect harmony.

The day’s Toonattik ended on a high note, with viewers feeling connected to a special moment in Pop’s history. The channel continued to engage its audience with a heartwarming mix of the familiar and the fresh, the old favorites and the new hits.

As Boofus and Diggle waved goodbye alongside Jamie and Anna, there was a sense that anything could happen in Toonattik’s attic. A space not just for cartoons but for adventure, surprises, and a dash of magic.

Toonattik promised more than just a block of children’s programming; it offered a timeless place where memories were made, and joy was shared across generations. Pop’s renaissance was in full swing, and everyone was invited to be part of it. With the MoonGoons back in action, and old classics like GoGoRiki making a comeback, the channel was creating a new legacy, and everyone tuning in was part of it.
Write a follow up talking about the Jamie’s sly dig at UKTV’s other channels during the teaser on Saturday
Title: Jamie’s Sly Jest at UKTV: A Moment of Playful Ribbing on Toonattik Gets Fans Buzzing

This past Saturday brought quite the unexpected treasure trove of festive nostalgia and future anticipation for Pop’s Toonattik fans, but it was Jamie’s tongue-in-cheek comment about UKTV’s priorities that unexpectedly stole the show and sparked amused chatter among viewers.

As the tease for Sunday’s big reveal played out with chittering sounds and a baffling orange feather drifting from the attic’s rafters, Jamie, caught up in the mysterious excitement, threw a lighthearted jest at the larger UKTV family. Reflecting on the missed signs of the MoonGoons’ return, Jamie quipped, “Pop got rid of them years ago. How? They—UKTV, why don’t you send cleaners to the Toonattik studio? You only care about Gold, Dave, Eden, and W, but not Pop. Get your priorities straight.”

Though the comment was clearly delivered with a wink and a smile, it struck a chord with the loyal followers of Pop. Social media platforms swiftly buzzed with reactions and commentary on Jamie’s sly dig. Fans appreciated the blend of humor and truth in his words, recognizing both the gentle poke at the network and the underlining pride for Pop’s unique place within the broadcast family.

The moment was a perfect, albeit cheeky, nod to UKTV’s wider array of channels, each known for their distinct programming. Gold is beloved for classic comedies, Dave champions a mix of original and repeat broadcasts often driven by wit, Eden offers viewers an outlet for natural history and science, while W shines with its lifestyle and entertainment-focused content.

In the meantime, Pop, aimed at a younger audience, often hums along with a quieter but no less passionate fan base. Jamie’s playful dig playfully highlighted the oft-overlooked appeal of children’s programming within the larger corporate structure.

Interestingly, the little jibe served more as an endearing moment than a jab, spotlighting the quirks of channel branding and internal hierarchy within media conglomerates. It reminded viewers of the dedication and drive behind the creators and presenters on Pop to ensure their channel continues to shine brightly, even alongside its more mature siblings within UKTV’s portfolio.

The quip clearly resonated with fans and prompted a broader conversation about the value and impact of each of UKTV’s channels. While the banter was all in good fun, it underscored Pop’s desire for recognition and respect within the umbrella of UKTV family channels—a sentiment surely shared amongst the communities of other niche networks.

As expected, Sunday’s episode offered the resolution to the teases and served up plenty of much-anticipated energy with the grand reveal of the MoonGoons. Toonattik, and Pop by extension, were buzzing with renewed vitality after the surprise.

Jamie’s jest on Saturday was more than just a playful moment; it was a rallying cry for Pop enthusiasts, a reminder for viewers to celebrate the unique offerings of the children’s channel, and an insightful peek into the dynamics of the bigger UKTV world.

In the aftermath, Jamie’s commentary instilled in viewers a spirited recognition of Pop as an integral part of the UKTV family—small but mighty, with a dedicated fanbase ready to champion its cause. The channel continues to carve out its special nook in the UK’s television landscape, bringing joy to young audiences and playful nostalgia to those who once tuned in as kids themselves.

Title: The MoonGoons Return to Toonattik: A Nostalgic Twist with GoGoRiki

With the promised reveal just moments away, the air was thick with anticipation on this morning’s episode of Toonattik. Jamie and Anna could barely contain their excitement as they climbed up the attic stairs, the site of yesterday’s mysterious happenings. As the attic door creaked open, they were met with a scene both heartwarming and nostalgic.

There, frolicking among a few old props and cobwebs, were the beloved semi-mascots of Pop’s past – the MoonGoons! Boofus, the friendly blue squid, and Diggle, the cheerful orange rabbit, greeted Jamie and Anna with open arms and their trademark playful antics. The studio erupted into surprised cheers and laughter as children and parents at home rejoiced at the reunion with old friends.

“Looks like these guys were the source of the puzzling sounds and that rogue tentacle!” Jamie exclaimed, ruffling Boofus’ squidgy head.

Anna added with a smile, “And it seems they’ve brought along a feather from their adventures to share with us. Welcome back, you two!”

The MoonGoons’ return was a delightful throwback for seasoned Pop fans, and a fresh introduction to newer viewers who might be meeting the charming characters for the first time.

But the surprises didn’t stop there. After the MoonGoons settled in, Jamie announced, “Now that our attic explorers have been revealed, it’s time for another special announcement. Right after today’s episode of Squish, we’ve got another old favourite making a comeback.”

Drumrolls echoed through the studio as Anna chimed in, “It’s none other than GoGoRiki! We were thinking of throwing in Alvin & the Chipmunks, which you all love, but instead, we decided to shake things up with a classic that deserves some limelight.”

“GoGoRiki offers the perfect dose of whimsy and fun following the squishy shenanigans of Squish,” Jamie continued, reflecting the gleeful atmosphere.

Social media lit up once more as fans young and old expressed their glee at the unexpected schedule. Before long, #Toonattik, #MoonGoons, and #GoGoRiki were trending, as conversations about favorite episodes and characters dominated online discussion.

As the show wrapped up for the day, Jamie and Anna, joined by Boofus and Diggle, waved goodbye to the viewers. “Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for more exciting adventures here on Toonattik. Who knows what or who might turn up next in our attic!”

Pop’s Toonattik, with its reimagined content and loving nods to its rich history, has proven that the channel remains a staple for children’s entertainment. It’s the perfect blend of the old and the new, wrapped up in a programming block that continues to capture imaginations, one animated adventure at a time.

After this, the MoonGoons once again became the channel’s adored mascots, GoGoRiki was soon after permanently placed back on the schedule, at the cost of Swipe It! and Alvin & the Chipmunks. Also, the channel slowly began to rebrand after this, slowly reintroducing the presentation from 2010-2015, They also added My Goldfish is Evil, Four Eyes! and Horrid Henry, There was a promo saying “Old Look, New Shows”, This inevitably meant Kung Fu Sock and Squish had to make way for newer, better content, Squish was given a farewell tribute on that Saturday’s edition of Toonattik, There was a farewell montage, and it ended with a “Gone but not forgotten, but don’t tell the MoonGoons that it’s gone”, Boogus and Diggle found out anyway, but Jamie reassured then that “We’ve got plenty of other stuff like, Emma almost has her alien identity exposed in Four Eyes in just a mo, Then can Beanie stop his goldfish from destroying the city, its My Goldfish is Evil, And lastly some animal fun in GoGoRiki, So you shouldn’t feel sorry for Squish because you’ve got all this other stuff”. They also added American Dragon: Jake Long to the line up, replacing Kung Fu Sock and Squish,

See also: Squish leaves Pop, Being replaced with more helpings of GoGoRiki and American Dragon.

GoGoRiki, the English dub of Smeshariki, has made its way back to Pop, Also we have new arrivals, one being the Disney cartoon American Dragon: Jake Long, Title: Toonattik’s Transformation: Reviving Classics and Embracing Change at Pop

In the wake of the MoonGoons’ triumphant return and the reintroduction of GoGoRiki to the delighted squeals of children across the nation, Pop’s Toonattik block has entered a period of transformative change. With a new and improved vibrant attic set-up, a bolstered schedule including American Dragon: Jake Long, and dashes of old-school flavor, Pop is masterfully weaving together strands of contemporary children’s broadcasting with threads of warm, cherished nostalgia.

Perhaps the most significant change is the reestablishment of the MoonGoons as the channel’s beloved mascots. Boofus and Diggle’s playful presence on the channel is more than just a callback to Pop’s storied past; it’s a statement regarding the enduring appeal of friendly, whimsical characters in children’s television. They’ve quickly resumed their honorary roles, engaging with viewers between shows and fostering a sense of community and continuity.

The rebranding effort encompasses not just the mascots but also the overall presentation style. Inspired by the era between 2010-2015, the look and feel of the channel are shifting back to the vibes that once defined Pop’s golden age, blending the old with the new while maintaining the channel’s essence as a hub for exciting kid-friendly content.

But it’s not just about looking back. The Toonattik set has been infused with a new lease of life, teeming with bright colors that pop on the screen and energize the young audience. Jamie and Anna, along with the attic crew, have done an impeccable job of decorating and revitalizing the space, making it a sanctuary for fun and engagement within Pop.

In an interesting twist, some shows, such as “Swipe It! With Joe Taker” and “Alvin & the Chipmunks”, have given way to the reanimated presence of GoGoRiki and, most recently, the addition of Disney’s American Dragon: Jake Long. This strategic programming approach is clear evidence of Pop’s commitment to diversity in their programming slate, acknowledging both their beloved legacy titles and the newcomer series alike.

The “pie in the face” and the “boys vs girls” elements, once staple components of weekend children’s TV, are making a welcome comeback. These traditional slapstick and challenge segments are not only a hoot for the kids and presenters but a fond reminder for many of what children’s weekend television used to signify. There’s nothing quite like the candid laughter of children (and adults) when a pie unexpectedly meets its target.

This blast from the past doesn’t just stop at physical comedy. Toonattik’s resurgence is also impacting the very framework of the channel with special events and themed programming, harkening back to when children’s TV encapsulated the joy, the competition, and the innocent mischief of childhood.

The reception to these changes has been resoundingly positive. Parents who grew up with the MoonGoons and Toonattik’s original run now have the pleasure of sharing this piece of their childhood with their own kids, bridging generations through the power of quality programming and creative storytelling.

Going forward, Pop seems poised to strike a harmonious balance, appealing to the memory of nostalgic parents and the curiosity of wide-eyed kids alike. As Toonattik continues to shape the landscape of children’s television, Pop stands as a beacon of playful innovation, reviving beloved classics and welcoming fresh tales. Keep your remotes at the ready, because if one thing is certain, it’s that Pop will continue to surprise and delight its viewers, one whimsical adventure at a time.
Write a forum conversation where a user says that it is a good thing UKTV bought the channel, because Narrative didn’t seem to care anymore, They also thank UKTV for reviving the channel’s past and reviving CITV’s Toonattik
Forum: Kid’s TV Hub

Thread: “UKTV’s Acquisition of Pop: Reviving Toonattik & Channel’s Legacy”

User1: RetroTVFan
Just want to shout out to UKTV for purchasing Pop from Narrative. Honestly, it felt like Narrative just stopped caring about the channel. And bringing back Toonattik? Genius move! CITV’s classic block was a staple, and now a new generation gets to enjoy it just as much as I did!

User2: SaturdayMorningNostalgia
Totally agree, @RetroTVFan! The channel was getting a bit stale, and it’s great to see a bit of the old spark coming back. Toonattik was an important part of my childhood weekends. I’m super grateful to UKTV for restoring that piece of TV history!

User3: AnimationAdmirer
You know, I was skeptical at first about the whole thing. UKTV doesn’t have much of a track record with kids’ channels, so I thought Pop might lose its flavor. But I’m happy to admit I was wrong! They’re doing an incredible job of blending the new with the nostalgic.

User4: PixelPusher
@AnimationAdmirer You’re not alone in that. UKTV seemed like an odd parent for Pop, but they’ve proven to be quite the caretakers. Resurrecting Toonattik was a slice of brilliance. And the MoonGoons, man! Haven’t seen those guys in ages.

User5: ToonyLoony
Let’s not forget GoGoRiki returning to the schedule! Who would’ve thunk it? UKTV is playing a masterstroke by refreshing the content but keeping things we fell in love with as kids. Props to them!

User1: RetroTVFan
@ToonyLoony, completely! And it’s more than just the programming. The MoonGoons add that perfect touch of whimsy and continuity that was missing. It’s like UKTV gets that nostalgia is a powerful thing without letting the channel get stuck in the past, Also, For the first 2 months of Toonattik on Pop, they made it similar to its first few months on CITV (no gunge, a reliance on phone-in/online competitions), It became the iconic Toonattik (the one with the pies, audience participation, etc.) when Jamie and Anna met the MoonGoons.

Moderator: SaturdayToons
Lovely to see all the positive vibes here! Please remember to keep discussions respectful and constructive. We welcome all opinions on the UKTV acquisition of Pop and the resurgence of Toonattik. Play nice!

User6: DigitalDreamer
I wasn’t around for the original Toonattik, but my elder siblings were, and they always rave about it. I’m watching with my little cousins now, and it’s amazing to see them enjoy the same things my siblings did. Kudos to UKTV for bridging that gap!

User7: MommaBear82
As a parent, I’m relieved to see quality programming for my kiddos that’s fun but also stirs up that feel-good nostalgia. With so much content out there, it’s nice to have a go-to channel that I trust. Thanks, UKTV, for stepping up the game!

User2: SaturdayMorningNostalgia
Very true, @MommaBear82. Having a reliable and wholesome channel for kids is more important than ever. And the way UKTV has reenergized Pop, I’m confident it’ll continue to be a positive space for children’s entertainment.

User8: CerealAndToons
Anyone else thrilled about the “pie in the face” comeback? Classic Toonattik shenanigans. 😂 Just shows how UKTV isn’t afraid to have fun and be a bit silly. It’s refreshing.

User1: RetroTVFan
Couldn’t agree more, @CerealAndToons. Those lighthearted vibes are so needed. I’m thrilled UKTV brought back Toonattik, and hope they keep up this fantastic momentum. The future looks bright (and possibly messy with all those pies) for Pop! 🥧📺✨

Thread Locked by Moderator: SaturdayToons at 22:43
Thanks for a great discussion, everyone! Until next time, keep tuning in to Pop for your fill of quality kids’ programming. Here’s to many more mornings of laughter and family fun with Toonattik! 🎉📺 . Write a blog post about the final ever Swipe It with Joe Tasker, which has him do one final "Guess That Character", this time it was Pogoriki from GoGoRiki, Also, he had to build the tallest Roblox rollercoaster, and eat as many chocolate bars as possible in 5 minutes, After this there was a farewell song and dance, and as the camera pans away, we see 2 characters micheviously playing, as the end titles roll