This January 7th, Google searches skyrocketed with the questions: “Why is Disney Channel closing?” and “What happened to Disney Channel?“. Nostalgia took over the internet as the closure of a channel that marked the childhood and adolescence of many generations in Spain was confirmed.

This farewell is not an isolated event but a reflection of a deep transformation in how we consume audiovisual content. Below, we break down the reasons behind this closure and its implications for the future of children’s entertainment.

Why did Disney Channel close in Spain?

The simple answer to the question is: Disney+. The entertainment giant, The Walt Disney Company, decided to go all-in on its streaming platform, focusing its resources and efforts on enhancing it.

On January 6th, Disney Channel ended its broadcasts on pay television in Spain, marking the end of an era. The company stated that the decision was due to the growing preference of audiences for digital platforms, a phenomenon that has accelerated in recent years.

“We thank the fans in Spain for their support and will continue to invest both in direct-to-consumer distribution (OTT) and in linear businesses to offer our viewers multiple entry points to our content and brand,” the company said in a statement.

What factors influenced the decision to close Disney Channel?

In addition to the rise of Disney+, other factors contributed to the closure of Disney Channel in Spain:

• Low viewership: The channel recorded an average monthly audience share of 0.7% in 2024, falling behind competitors like Boing (0.8%) and Neox (1.9%). This figure reflected a decline in interest in traditional television, especially among younger audiences.
• Changes in consumption habits: New generations prefer the flexibility and ability to choose what to watch, when to watch it, and where to watch it—something streaming platforms offer without restrictions. Linear television, with its fixed programming and set schedules, no longer meets these new demands.
• Consolidation strategy: Centralizing content on Disney+ allows The Walt Disney Company to optimize its resources and offer a more cohesive user experience. Additionally, it strengthens its position against growing competition in the streaming market.

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What shows defined Disney Channel’s history?

Series like “High School Musical,” “Phineas and Ferb,” “KC Undercover,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “The Suite Life on Deck,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and “Hannah Montana” became cultural phenomena, defining the childhood and adolescence of many.

The channel bid farewell to its Spanish audience with special programming on its closing day, including the final two episodes of its most iconic series, along with two installments of the “High School Musical” trilogy.

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What will happen to Disney Channel in Mexico and Latin America?

The big question following the closure in Spain is: What will happen to Disney Channel in Mexico and Latin America? So far, there is no official confirmation of any closures in LATAM.

Disney Channel has undergone significant changes in Latin America and worldwide in recent years, primarily due to the rise of streaming platforms. Disney Plus has become a major player in the video streaming industry since its launch, reaching approximately 153.8 million subscribers globally by the end of 2024.

In Latin America, Disney+ has achieved significant penetration. It is projected that by 2026, Disney+ will account for 25% of video-on-demand (SVOD) subscribers in the region, while Netflix will maintain 40% of the market.

Disney+’s growth in Latin America has been remarkable, although it faces strong competition from other services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and local platforms. Brazil and Mexico stand out as key markets for Disney Plus in the region.

Despite the success of Disney+ in streaming, traditional television channels like Disney Channel have lost relevance. The company has shifted its strategy toward digital content and theme park experiences to maintain its position in the entertainment market.

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