Canada’s public broadcaster CBC has just launched a 24/7 commercial-free CBC Kids streaming channel to make it easier for kids to access its family-friendly programming.
Available now on streaming service CBC Gem and within the CBC Kids YouTube channel, the new channel will carry a variety of animated and live-action programming for kids ages two to 10. At launch, its mix includes Hey Duggee, Dino Ranch (pictured), Go Togo and Molly of Denali, as well as CBC originals such as Big Blue, Mittens & Pants and The Bravest Knight. CBC kids says it will add more shows in the coming months, but it will pull from CBC Kids’ existing lineup, and will not be airing channel-exclusive content.
For French-speaking audiences, Radio-Canada also released two always-on French-language streaming channels for kids—La chaîne Jeunesse and La chaîne L’Agent Jean—on ICI TOU.TV.
CBC Gem is available for free and carries more than 700 hours of ad-free content for kids and tweens.
The industry has been increasingly adopting always-on, 24/7 streaming channels since they give families instant and anytime access to content. This type of channel echoes the experience of watching linear TV, but removes long-standing streaming challenges around discoverability and families spending more time deciding what to watch than actually watching. Other media companies currently testing this model include Disney (running Marvel and Star Wars channels) and Moonbug (launched an ad-supported Blippi channel in the US last year).
“The CBC Kids streaming channel strengthens our commitment to serving kids and families across Canada with inspiring, family-friendly and fun content on their preferred platforms,” said Sally Catto, GM of entertainment, factual & sports at CBC. “This new commercial-free channel will offer easy access—all day, every day—to some of the most popular children’s programming that CBC has to offer.”
Updated with statement from CBC on the lineup.











