‘As children’s television continues to evolve, we are seeing a strong interest in original and meaningful content that stimulates and revitalizes the audience for children’s channels’, Candice Alessandra, Director of Studies and Client Relations at Glance.
Children’s TV channels experienced positive growth in viewership during the first half of 2024 in several major European markets. In Germany, Spain, and Italy, kids’ channels saw their audience shares increase among the youngest viewers (preschoolers) compared to the first half of 2023, with gains across the board: +1.6 points in Germany, +2.1 points in Spain, and +0.6 points in Italy. In France, the channels maintained a stable audience share, while a decline was noted in the United Kingdom.
Another remarkable development this year was the expansion of the youth programming block TFOU in France, which now airs on both TF1 and TFX, increasing its airtime and broadening its audience.
New Programs and Original Content Lead Successful Launches
In the first half of 2024, 21 new children’s programs were launched successfully, with more than half being original creations*. Among the standout shows were *Mille Bornes Challenge* on TF1, Mystery Lane on Rai Gulp, and Vida the Vet on Treehouse. These original programs resonated with young audiences, further driving the demand for fresh, innovative content.
On the broadcaster side, the top-ranked programs during this period were familiar and beloved by young viewers. The Loud House led with 46.8 million viewing hours, followed by Bluey with 44.3 million hours. Paw Patrol ranked third with 40.5 million viewing hours, marking an increase of 3.6 million hours compared to the first half of 2023.
On SVoD platforms in households with children, Bluey remained the most-watched show, with 59.3 million viewing hours on Disney+.
2024 Trends: New Themes in Kids’ Content
Three major trends in kids’ content are emerging this year, reflecting shifts in the types of stories that captivate young audiences.
Environmental Awareness and Citizenship
Programs like Audrey’s Shelter (France 4) and Vida the Vet (Treehouse) encourage environmental awareness. Groep 8 aan de macht in the Netherlands and The Council of Soekie in Belgium inspire viewers with themes of democracy and community responsibility, showing notable increases in audience share among target age groups.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Shows exploring identity and heritage are resonating strongly with young audiences. For instance, the Brazilian series Luz on Netflix tells the story of an adopted girl searching for her roots. In Canada, Gangnam Project follows Hannah, a young Korean-Canadian who travels to South Korea to teach English to K-pop stars while reconnecting with her cultural origins. In Italy, Clan on RaiPlay portrays a young man’s journey to escape a criminal environment. The original cultural aspects of these programs are engaging the audience.
Reinterpretation of Classics
Familiar brands and themes are being revisited, with shows like SuperThings Rivals of Kaboom, a cartoon based on a toy line that continues to succeed on Clan in Spain, or Max and the Midknights, adapted from Lincoln Peirce’s comedic work, which features an original soundtrack. These programs help diversify established brands by offering new storytelling angles, attracting young viewers while refreshing classic comedies.
