Is the Disney Channel Shutting Down in the US? What We Know

The Disney Channel has shut up shop in a number of countries as its parent company continues to focus on its streaming service, Disney+.

The children-focused cable channel launched in 1983 and helped make household names of many of its stars, including Miley Cyrus, Ryan Gosling, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez and Hilary Duff.

The Disney Channel’s lineup of content ranges from live-action series and films to animated shows and shorts, which have been hits among kids and adults alike. Some of its most popular shows have included That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Phineas & Ferb and Lizzie McGuire.

But the cable network, and its stablemate Disney Junior, which focuses on programming for two to seven-year-olds, will no longer operate in a number of countries, including France, Spain and Brazil. Disney said its decision was “in response to the transformations in the local media and entertainment landscape and to ensure we continue to evolve and meet the needs of our consumers with agility and innovation,” according to Inside the Magic, a website dedicated to Disney news.

Is the Disney Channel Leaving the U.S.?

The kids’ cable network is not going anywhere back at home, and Disney bosses have said it has already planned a slate of productions through to the end of 2026.

“We look forward to continuing to offer this best-in-class programming that kids love,” a Disney spokesperson told USA Today.

Where Is the Disney Channel Shutting?

Certain Disney cable offerings, including the Disney Channel, have already stopped operating in Australia, Southeast Asia, Italy, the U.K. and South Korea.

Over the first couple of months of 2025 the Disney Channel and other Disney offerings will stop airing in a number of major markets.

From January 1, Disney Channel and Disney Junior will cease working in France and on January 7 Disney Channel will no longer operate in Spain.

In South America, a number of Disney cable channels will cease operations in Brazil. From February 28, Disney Channel, National Geographic, Star and FX will not be available to watch.

However, Disney fans will still be able to watch their favorite shows on Disney+.

Is Disney + Affected?

Despite a shaky start, Disney+ has finally turned a profit for the House of Mouse, according to its most recent quarterly earnings call, and bosses have vowed it is not going anywhere.

Disney+ had been costing Disney millions of dollars in losses for years, and after much restructuring, the streaming service saw an increase in subscribers and recorded an operating income of $321 million in its fiscal fourth quarter, alongside Disney’s other streaming networks, Hulu and ESPN. That compares to the same time last year when they cost Disney $387 million.

During the quarterly call, Disney+ was referred to as a “significant growth-driver for the company.”