Children’s channel Tiny Pop returns to Sky’s TV platforms next week as GREAT! Real closes after less than six months on air.
- Tiny Pop went streaming only in March, but will return on 21st August.
- GREAT! Real’s reality programmes transition to GREAT! action.
It was a move designed to reflect the fact that more children stream TV services rather than watch on traditional TV platforms.
Tiny Pop was removed in the spring by its owner Narrative Entertainment to make way for new reality factual channel GREAT! Real, which launched on both Sky and Freeview. Now that move is set to be reversed as Tiny Pop returns and GREAT! Real closes.
Home to popular TV shows and characters such as Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck, Hello Kitty: Super Style! and Masha and the Bear, Tiny Pop expanded its reach on streaming services, including Samsung TV Plus, LG and Netgem. On Freeview, Tiny Pop transitioned from over-the-air broadcasts to a hybrid streaming channel, available on connected smart TVs.
Sky has now confirmed Tiny Pop will re-launch on Wednesday 21st August. The channel will launch on satellite channel 618, with its +1 channel appearing on channel 629. Sky Glass/Stream viewers will be able to watch on channel 214 (GB), channel 215 (ROI and NI), where the channel will be available in HD.
GREAT! Real closes
Meanwhile, short-lived reality channel GREAT! Real will leaves the platform after just five months on air. The reality factual channel, which featured shows including Island Medics, Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport and Paddington Station 24/7 launched in March on channel 189 (Stream channel 168 UK/161 ROI). The Narrative Entertainment-owned channel was meant to boost the GREAT! Networks portfolio of channels as it diversified away from movies.
The channel is due to be delisted on Tuesday 20th August.
Ahead of the closure of GREAT! Real, a number of its reality factual shows including Coast Guard Alaska and Cops Uncut have moved to GREAT! action. This means GREAT! action is no longer a pure movie channel, although it’s still listed as such on Sky’s channel list.
The changes appear to coincide with next week’s monthly Freeview channel update, which is due to complete at midday on Wednesday 21st August. However, the Freeview channel guide continues to list GREAT! Real programmes through next week. RXTV has reached out to Narrative Entertainment for comment.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Sky