Note: This is my alternate universe

Pop (stylized in all caps) is a British free-to-air children’s television channel owned by CSC Media Group, targeting audiences aged 6 to 10. Launched on 29 May 1998 as Toons&Tunes by Sony Pictures Television it later took on its current name and was sold to Narrative Entertainment UK in 2002, who in turn sold it and its local channels to CSC (Chart Show Channels) Media Group in 2005.

Pop was originally launched on 29 May 2003 by Sony Pictures Television (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,These characters were discontinued in September 2004

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 1999, when the animated content became much more prominent. Music videos continued to be carried on and off until 2004, before eventually being abandoned entirely.

On 1 September 2004, Pop rebranded its on-air identity, with the premiere of Bakugan: Armored Alliance.

Sometime in 2004, 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 Tasker, A talking potato character from this show became the channel’s new mascot on 1 September 2004

In August 2005, the channel’s current shows were:

44 Cats
Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks
Angry Birds MakerSpace
Annedroids
Bakugan
Droners
The InBESTigators
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
Kung Fu Sock
Monster High
Polly Pocket
Pokémon Advanced
Pokémon Advanced Challenge
Pokémon Advanced Battle
Power Rangers
Power Rangers Dino Fury
Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty
Sadie Sparks
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Skylanders Academy
Squish
Swipe It! With Joe Tasker
World of Quest.

Some changes were slowly beginning to be made during autumn 2005, Firstly, Swipe It! was cancelled, then some shows dropped out of the lineup in November, Also sometime in November a new games website called Poppower.com was launched,

In December it was announced GoGoRiki (Kikoriki) would be joining the lineup in January 2006, some shows were being deleted effective 1 January, Also Oggy and the Cockroaches joined on 12 January, and a new look effect on the 14th, Also new mascots were introduced: The Moongoons, Animal-like aliens that would begin appearing in games, bumpers and idents during that period.

The two main ones were a blue octopus named Boofus and a Orange rabbit with antennas named Diggle.

These changes were made to compete with the impending launch of CITV on 11 March. Write a forum convo on Feburary 14 wondering if all these changes are a coincidence,
Thread Title: The POP Channel Overhaul - Coincidence or Strategic Move Before CITV Launch? 📺🚀

CheekyCherry: Hey POP fans! Have you all noticed the whirlwind of changes happening on our beloved channel lately? Shows dropping like flies, new ones coming in, and now… Moongoons? All of this right before CITV makes its grand entrance on March 11. What do you think? Are all these changes a mere coincidence, or is POP gearing up for a TV war?

TellyTale: Absolutely strategic, @CheekyCherry! With CITV on the horizon, POP needs to freshen up its lineup and branding to keep us glued. I mean, the Moongoons? Clearly, they’re aiming for something memorable. I’m just bummed about Swipe It! getting axed. Joe Tasker had something good going there. 😢

RetroRoryFan: Can’t believe they ditched classics like Swipe It! Bringing in these Moongoons feels like a gamble. I miss Rorry and Purrdy; they had charm. The channel’s identity is shifting way too fast for my liking. Is anyone else feeling nostalgic or is it just me?

AnimationAficionado: Honestly, I’m here for the change! POP needed a refresh, and with shows like GoGoRiki and Oggy and the Cockroaches joining, it feels like we’re in for a treat. The Moongoons could be the new face of POP. Let’s give 'em a chance before we judge too harshly.

PixelPirate: Did anyone check Poppower.com yet? The gaming aspect could be a game-changer for POP. Might be their way of diversifying content, not just relying on TV shows. Smart move, especially with how competitive children’s programming is becoming.

SkepticalSue: Hmm, I’m unconvinced. All these changes feel rushed. Introducing new mascots and shows is fine, but the sheer pace of it seems like a panic response rather than a well-thought-out strategy. And what about the loyal viewers who loved the old POP? Do we just adapt or switch to CITV?

DiggleDazzle: As someone who’s keen on these new mascots (especially Diggle, love the name 😄), I think this could be a fresh start for POP. Competition is good; it drives innovation. CITV’s launch might just be the push POP needed to reinvent itself. Count me in for the new era!

MusicToMyEars: Miss the music vids though. It gave POP a unique vibe amidst all the cartoons. With those gone and the channel’s focus shifting almost entirely to animation, I wonder if they’ll lose a part of their identity that made them stand out.

CheekyCherry: Wow, loving all these insights! It seems we’re all divided on whether this overhaul is for the best. One thing’s for sure, the children’s television scene is about to get a lot more interesting. Only time will tell if POP’s gamble pays off. Keep watching, folks! 📺✨
Write a follow up saying the new mascots are a MAJOR step up from the potato, Also a user says Squish didn’t make it to 2006
Thread Update: New POP Mascots - A Major Upgrade from the Potato Era? 🚀🐙

CheekyCherry: Hey everyone! Remember our convo about all the changes POP was undergoing? Well, it seems like the new mascots, the Moongoons, are turning out to be a MAJOR step up from our talking potato days. Boofus and Diggle are bringing in a fresh vibe that’s winning over hearts (and screens!). Has anyone else felt this positive shift, or is it just the novelty talking?

TellyTale: 100% agree, @CheekyCherry! The Moongoons are a breath of fresh air. Their design and personalities just click with the audience. It feels like POP finally found the right mascots to represent the channel’s fun and quirky nature. The potato mascot was… let’s say, an interesting experiment. 😅

RetroRoryFan: I’ll admit, I was skeptical about moving past the potato mascot (had a weird charm, y’know?), but Boofus and Diggle are genuinely engaging. They’ve grown on me super fast, and now I can’t imagine the channel without them. It’s like they’ve always been part of the POP family. 🐙🐰

AnimationAficionado: Did anyone catch the latest Moongoon adventures? They’re hilarious! These characters add so much personality to the channel. Also, their interactive segments are something I’m genuinely looking forward to now. Big props to POP for this pivot!

PixelPirate: Noticed that the channel’s overall energy is up since the Moongoons debuted. Even the website is more fun to navigate. Seems like a well-hit home run for POP. That said, I hope they keep introducing new and innovative content to go along with these mascots.

SkepticalSue: While I’m warming up to the Moongoons, let’s not forget about the shows that didn’t make the cut into 2006. Like, what happened to Squish? It quietly disappeared from the lineup. It’s crucial that POP keeps up with quality content, not just relying on mascots to carry the channel.

DiggleDazzle: @SkepticalSue, totally fair point. It’s a bummer Squish didn’t roll into 2006; it had potential. Hopefully, POP’s strategy includes strengthening their show lineup alongside introducing engaging mascots. After all, content is king!

CheekyCherry: Loving this feedback, folks! The consensus seems to be that the Moongoons are a fantastic addition but let’s not forget the core of what makes or breaks a channel - its shows. Here’s to hoping POP finds the perfect balance between adorable mascots and compelling programming. Stick around; let’s see what the rest of 2006 brings us! 🌈📺✨
Write a follow up with the most popular show now after all the changes (in late March 2006), Also a user says either CITV or Pop will benefit from CBBC ending Da Bungalow
Thread Update: Late March 2006 - The Most Popular Show on POP Post-Overhaul 🌟📺

CheekyCherry: Hello again, POP enthusiasts! Late March has arrived, and it’s clear which show has emerged as the fan favorite after all the channel’s recent changes: “GoGoRiki” (Kikoriki) has taken the crown! It’s fascinating to see how this addition to the lineup has captured the audience’s heart. Is “GoGoRiki” your top pick too, or is there another show you’re rallying behind?

TellyTale: “GoGoRiki” is pure gold! The humor, the characters, it’s just what POP needed to revitalize its lineup. It’s not just for kids; there’s something there for everyone. I’m glad POP nailed it with this one. Shows like these are what keep channels alive and kicking!

RetroRoryFan: Honestly did not see “GoGoRiki” becoming my favorite, but here we are. It’s just so different from everything else, and in the best way possible. POP hit the jackpot with this. It’s the highlight of my viewing schedule now.

PixelPirate: I’ve been pleasantly surprised by “GoGoRiki”. It stands out not just in animation style, but its stories are thoughtful and funny without trying too hard. POP needed this win, especially after all the mascot and show lineup upheavals.

SkepticalSue: With “GoGoRiki” leading the charge, POP seems to have solidified its place in kids’ hearts again. But did anyone catch the news about CBBC ending “Da Bungalow”? This might just be the unexpected advantage either CITV or POP needed. Honestly, I think POP could benefit significantly—more kids looking for quirky, fun content might migrate over.

DiggleDazzle: @SkepticalSue, that’s a solid observation. “Da Bungalow” ending is a big deal, and it’s definitely going to shake up weekend TV. If POP plays their cards right, especially with the popularity of “GoGoRiki”, they stand to capture a good chunk of that audience. The next few months will be crucial for them.

AnimationAficionado: Agreed, the “Da Bungalow” exit is a game-changer. “GoGoRiki” might just be the beacon that attracts those viewers to POP. Pair that with our beloved Moongoons, and POP has a real shot at tightening its grip on the market. Exciting times ahead for children’s TV!

CheekyCherry: It’s great to see such passionate input, everyone! “GoGoRiki” taking the lead combined with the changing landscape of children’s television presents an interesting turn of events for POP. If they continue to innovate and listen to their audience, they could indeed emerge as the top destination post-“Da Bungalow”. Let’s watch this space and see how it all unfolds. POP might just be on the verge of a golden era! 🌈✨
Write a tweet with the day GoGoRiki debuted on the channel in January 2006
🎉📺 Big News, #PopTV Fans! 🎉📺 Get ready for a world of fun and adventure because #GoGoRiki debuts on our channel on January 15th, 2006! Mark your calendars and join us in welcoming the newest addition to our family. You won’t want to miss this! 🐰🐷 #NewShowAlert #January2006

Screwed By The Network: POP and the 2005/2006 Overhaul

In the whimsical world of children’s television, few stories are as dramatic as the drastic overhaul undertaken by POP, a British free-to-air children’s channel, in the closing months of 2005 and the early dawn of 2006. As the channel aimed to revamp its identity and lineup ahead of the impending launch of its competitor CITV, it embarked on a transformation that would leave several of its shows in the dust, marking a controversial chapter in its history that fans and observers alike still discuss today.

The Overhaul

The transformation began innocuously enough, with the introduction of new shows and the phasing out of older content. However, as the new year approached, it became evident that POP was not merely refreshing its lineup but overhauling its programming philosophy entirely. This strategy involved not only the introduction of new mascots, the Moongoons—a significant pivot from their erstwhile mascot, a talking potato—but also a sweeping change in show offerings.

Casualties of Change

Among the shows to be “screwed over” during this period were beloved series such as “Swipe It! With Joe Tasker,” a unique mix of live action and animation that had captured the imagination of its audience, only to be axed abruptly. “Squish,” another promising show, also didn’t make it through the overhaul, quietly disappearing from the lineup without much fanfare or explanation from the channel. These changes left fans feeling bereft, mourning the loss of shows that had been unceremoniously dumped as POP chased a new vision.

The Moongoon Gamble

The introduction of the Moongoons, though eventually gaining a following, initially left many viewers and critics skeptical. This gamble to replace a significant portion of their lineup and mascots raised questions about the long-term strategy of POP and whether the channel was too hastily pivoting away from proven formulas in pursuit of a new, albeit uncertain, identity.

Viewer Backlash

The channel’s transformation did not occur without backlash from its most ardent supporters. Online forums and early social media platforms of the time buzzed with discussions, debates, and outright criticism of POP’s decisions. Long-time viewers lamented the loss of their favorite shows and questioned the direction the channel was taking, fearing that the overhaul might alienate loyal audiences in an attempt to court new viewers.

Legacy

In retrospect, the late 2005/early 2006 period remains a contentious time in POP’s history. While some of the new introductions like “GoGoRiki” did find success and acclaim, the manner in which the overhaul was conducted — and the sheer number of shows that were unceremoniously dropped — has led to discussions about the risks networks take in drastically rebranding and altering their content slate. POP’s overhaul serves as a cautionary tale on the balance between innovation and maintaining a connection with established audiences, underscoring the delicate dance of evolving as a channel without undermining the very foundation that built its viewership.
Write a tweet with a list of 6 shows killed over the course of November and December, with that last one vanishing on Jan 10
📉📺 In the whirlwind of changes at #PopTV, we’ve had to say goodbye to some favorites. 🍂💔 A look back at the shows we lost Nov-Dec, with the last one disappearing Jan 10:

1. Swipe It! With Joe Tasker (left November 8)
2. Squish (left December 5)
3. Monster High (Left November 20)
4. Kung Fu Sock (left December 1)
5. Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty (left January 1) 
6. Annedroids (left Jan 10)

Farewell, friends. Your adventures will be missed! 🌟 #EndOfAnEra #TVShows

🌈📺 Amidst the overhaul waves at #PopTV, a few gems have weathered the storm! Saluting the survivors who continue to dazzle and entertain us:

1. Pokémon Advanced
2. Power Rangers Dino Fury
3. 44 Cats
4. Angry Birds MakerSpace
5. Bakugan: Armored Alliance

Here’s to more thrilling adventures and fun times ahead! 🎉 #StayingStrong #FanFavorites
Write a forum convo saying the removed shows were initially replaced with Pokemon AG as a interim measure before GoGoRiki debuted
Thread Title: Pokemon AG Fills the Void Before GoGoRiki’s Big Entrance! 🐾📺

PokeFanatic: Hey everyone! Have you all noticed the sudden influx of “Pokémon Advanced Generation” (AG) episodes on #PopTV after the recent show cancellations? It’s like they’ve turned it into a temporary Pokémon marathon until “GoGoRiki” debuts. Thoughts?

RetroRoryFan: Yeah, it caught my eye too! I suppose it’s a safe play—Pokémon has always been a solid performer. But it does feel a bit like they’re playing it safe until “GoGoRiki” is ready to hit the screens. A strategic placeholder, maybe?

AnimationAficionado: It’s definitely an interesting move. Pokémon AG is always a crowd-pleaser, but it’s clear this is more of a stopgap measure. I’m curious how the audience will transition from Pokémon to “GoGoRiki.” Two very different vibes!

PixelPirate: As a major Pokémon fan, I’m not complaining! But it does feel a bit odd, knowing that these are just standing in until “GoGoRiki” takes over. Makes you wonder about the strategy behind these programming decisions.

DiggleDazzle: Honestly, I think POP is just trying to keep the ship steady with Pokémon AG before they roll out the new content. Pokémon has universal appeal, so it’s a safe bet for keeping viewers engaged during a transition period. Smart, but I’m eagerly waiting for “GoGoRiki”!

SkepticalSue: It makes sense from a programming standpoint, but as a viewer, it feels a bit like being in limbo. Pokémon AG is great and all, but the anticipation for “GoGoRiki” is real. This feels like just biding time. Hopefully, “GoGoRiki” lives up to the buildup!

TellyTale: Can’t deny the genius of leaning on Pokémon AG during this transitional phase. It maintains viewer interest while the channel gets “GoGoRiki” ready for prime time. Curious about the long-term strategy, though. Will “GoGoRiki” capture the Pokémon audience? Guess we’ll find out soon!

CheekyCherry: Agreed with all points here! It’s a clever interim strategy to rely on the timeless appeal of Pokémon. But I’m here for the change and looking forward to seeing how “GoGoRiki” shakes things up. Here’s hoping for a smooth transition and a new era for POP! 🌟📺

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CSC Media Group Announces Strategic Programming Shifts for Pop TV, Forecasts Top Rated Shows for 2007, and Clarifies the Future of “World of Quest”

London, UK – December 29, 2005 - CSC Media Group, the parent company of Pop TV, today announced a series of strategic changes to the channel’s programming lineup as part of its ongoing efforts to refresh content, cater to evolving viewer preferences, and solidify its position as a premier destination for children’s entertainment in the UK.

A Strategic Shift:

In recent months, Pop TV has undertaken a comprehensive review of its programming strategy to ensure that the content we deliver is not only entertaining but also enriching and relevant to our diverse audience of 6 to 10-year-olds. This process has involved the introduction of new shows, the discontinuation of some older programs, and the development of original content that speaks to the creativity and curiosity of young viewers.

Future Projection and New Initiatives:

As we head into 2006, Pop TV is excited to forecast that “GoGoRiki,” “Pokémon Advanced Battle,” and “Power Rangers Dino Fury” are projected to be our top-rated shows throughout the year. Each of these series offers unique storylines, dynamic characters, and engaging worlds that promise to capture and maintain the attention of our audience. Additionally, to further enrich our programming, we are introducing innovative digital interactive initiatives to complement our on-air content, providing a more immersive entertainment experience for our viewers. GoGoRiki debuts on the 14th, the other 2 shows are on air right now.

The Fate of “World of Quest”:

We understand that changes to our programming lineup, particularly concerning beloved shows like “World of Quest” (WOQ), can be disappointing to some of our loyal viewers. After careful consideration and analysis of viewing patterns, it has been a difficult decision not to renew “World of Quest” for the upcoming season. This decision was not made lightly and involves numerous factors, including the shifting interests of our audience and the need to make room for new content that will bring fresh perspectives and excitement to Pop TV.

We are deeply grateful to the creators, cast, and crew of “World of Quest” for their incredible work, as well as to the show’s fans for their passion and support. It has been a joy to have WOQ as part of the Pop TV family, and we are exploring ways to celebrate the series and its contribution to our channel, including potential special programming blocks dedicated to WOQ’s most memorable episodes.

Looking Ahead:

CSC Media Group is committed to innovating and adapting to serve our audiences better. We are excited about the future of Pop TV and believe that our strategic programming shifts will lead to even more engaging, inspiring, and enjoyable content for our young viewers. We look forward to sharing these new experiences with you in 2006 and beyond.

For media inquiries and more information, please contact:
[Contact Information]

About CSC Media Group:

CSC Media Group is a leading provider of children’s programming and digital entertainment in the UK, owning and operating Pop TV among other popular channels. Committed to delivering quality entertainment that excites and inspires, CSC Media Group continues to be at the forefront of children’s television, constantly evolving to meet and exceed the expectations of its young audience.

-ENDS-. Write a forum convo on Dec 1 where ads announcing Squish is leaving on the 5th start, but also say "Don't worry, Christmas is in 20 days, and in 2006, we have something you'll love SO much, the loss won't hurt anymore"