Kids

According to a report published by Médiamétrie’s international department Glance at MipJunior, as children’s television continues to evolve, originality and meaningful content are becoming key drivers of viewership across diverse markets. This shift reflects an increasing emphasis on programming that resonates with young audiences, as noted by Candice Alessandra, Client & Research Director at Glance. She highlights that "new trends reflect an increasing emphasis on originality and meaningful content, driving viewership across diverse markets and increasing audience on children’s channels."

Rising Viewership Across Key Markets
Children's television channels experienced a positive shift in viewership during the first half of 2024 across several major European markets. Germany, Spain, and Italy all saw notable gains in audience shares compared to the first half of 2023. Germany led the way with a 1.6 percentage point increase, followed by Spain with 2.1 points, and Italy with 0.6 points. In France, the audience share remained steady, while the UK saw a slight decline.

In France, one significant development has been the TFOU children’s programming block, which now airs on both TF1 and TFX. The expansion of its airtime has contributed to an increased audience for children's content in the region.

New Shows and Original Content Leading the Way
A major trend in 2024 has been the success of new and original children’s programming. In the first half of the year, 21 new children’s shows were launched, with over half of them being original creations. Notable examples include 1000 Bornes Challenge on TF1, Mystery Lane on Rai Gulp, and Vida the Vet on CBeebies, all of which have resonated strongly with young audiences.

Familiar favorites have also maintained their popularity. Among top-rated programs for children, The Loud House led viewership with 46.8 million hours watched, while Bluey followed closely with 44.3 million hours. Paw Patrol held the third spot, with 40.5 million hours watched, a 3.6 million-hour increase from the first half of 2023. On SVOD platforms like Disney+, Bluey continued to dominate, amassing 59.3 million viewed hours among households with children.

Emerging Programming Trends in 2024
Three major programming trends have defined the children's content landscape this year: environmental awareness, heritage and self-discovery, and reinvention of classic themes.

1. Environmental Awareness and Citizenship
Shows promoting environmental consciousness and social responsibility have seen growing popularity. Programs like Audrey’s Shelter (France 4) and Vida the Vet (CBeebies) encourage young viewers to care for the environment, while shows like Groep 8 aan de macht in the Netherlands and De raad van Soekie in Belgium focus on themes of democracy and community responsibility, increasing audience shares among their target age groups.

2. Heritage and Self-Discovery
Programs that explore identity and cultural heritage are also resonating strongly with audiences. Netflix’s Brazilian series Luz follows the journey of an adopted girl discovering her roots, while Canada’s Gangnam Project centers on a young Canadian-Korean girl reconnecting with her heritage in Korea. Italy’s Clan on Rai Play explores a character’s struggle to escape a criminal environment, capturing attention with its authentic storytelling.

3. Reinventing the Classics
Classic themes and brands are being refreshed to appeal to modern viewers. The Spanish toy-related series SuperThings Rivals of Kaboom continues its media expansion on Clan, while Max and the Midknights, adapted from the popular books by Lincoln Peirce, brings a comedic adventure to life with a unique soundtrack. These new spins on familiar brands have helped diversify children’s programming, offering fresh storytelling angles to attract young audiences.

The Future of Children’s Television
As children’s programming continues to evolve, the focus on original content, cultural diversity, and meaningful narratives is set to remain a driving force. With successful launches of new shows and the sustained popularity of established programs, 2024 is proving to be a year of growth and innovation in children’s television across Europe and beyond.