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Fox Life
Fox Life
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Fox Life, now rebranded as Star Life and FX Life, was an international pay television network, launched by the Fox Networks Group in 2004. The network has been discontinued in several markets over time.

Key Information

The network's scheduling has varied with each version, ranging from traditional entertainment programming, including television series, sitcoms and movies, among others, original programming in certain regions, and instructional and aspirational reality television on some other variations; in North America for instance, the network carried mainly Spanish language dubbed versions of American reality shows and instructional programming. The channel has been owned by International Operations division of The Walt Disney Company since March 2019.

History

[edit]

Fox Life was first launched in Italy on May 13, 2004, in Portugal on May 19, 2005, and Bulgaria on September 8, 2005. For Latin America, it started in July 2006, when it was launched in Brazil. The channel also has versions in other countries around Europe. It launched in the Netherlands and Flanders on September 7, 2009.[8] Fox Life launched in the United States on November 4, 2013.[9]

Flemish version

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As of 22 November 2011, Fox had to change the programming for Fox Life in Flanders due to television rights issues in Belgium. From then on, a separate Flemish version was airing in Belgium. It used to air the Dutch version. The provider of satellite television in the Netherlands, Canal Digitaal, had to replace Fox Life with the Finnish version as well because it shared the Fox Life feed with the Belgium provider of satellite television, TV Vlaanderen Digitaal.[10]

Launch in Southeast Asia

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On 1 October 2017, the Hong Kong and Southeast Asian version of Star World was rebranded to Fox Life.[11][12][13]

Fox Life
CountryHong Kong
Broadcast areaSoutheast Asia/ASEAN, and Hong Kong
HeadquartersKowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong
Programming
LanguageHong Kong English
Picture formatHDTV 1080i
SDTV 576i (downscaled)
Ownership
OwnerFox Networks Group Asia Pacific (Disney International Operations)
History
LaunchedOctober 1, 2017; 8 years ago (2017-10-01)
ClosedOctober 1, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-10-01)

Rebranding/closing in Europe

[edit]

From 22 September 2015, Fox Life has been replaced by 24Kitchen for satellite viewers in the Netherlands. The Finnish Fox Life was rebranded as Fox.[14]

Fox Networks Group Benelux announced that Fox Life would officially close in the Netherlands on December 31, 2016.[15]

Rebranding/closing in Latin America

[edit]

On 27 November 2020, Fox announced that they would be renaming the Fox branded channels in Latin America to Star Life on 22 February 2021.[16] The networks closed on 31 March 2022, along with the American version.[17]

Closing in Southeast Asia

[edit]

From 1 September 2021, FOX Life along with most of The Walt Disney Company channels (Fox Crime, Fox, FX, Disney Junior, Disney Channel, Nat Geo People, Fox Movies, Fox Action Movies, Fox Family Movies, Star Movies China, SCM Legend, and five of its sports channels) ceased transmission on Now TV Hong Kong.[18] The network, along with its other sister channels, ceased across the rest of Asia on 30 September 2021 as Disney focused on direct consumer streaming via Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar.[19]

Closing in the United States

[edit]

Notice of the discontinuation of the American iteration of Fox Life was sent to cable providers by Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution in late December 2021; the channel would be discontinued on March 31, 2022.[20]

Fox Life around the world

[edit]
Channel Country or region' Formerly Launch year Replacement / Rebrand Shutdown / Rebrand date
Fox Life (Italy) Italy May 13, 2004 discontinued July 1, 2020
Fox Life (Portugal) Portugal May 19, 2005 Star Life February 7, 2024
Fox Life (Latin America) Latin America July 1, 2005 February 22, 2021 (as Fox Life)
March 31, 2022 (as Star Life)
Fox Life (Bulgaria) Bulgaria September 8, 2005 October 1, 2023
Fox Life (France) France October 5, 2005 discontinued December 31, 2009[21]
Fox Life (Japan) Japan December 14, 2005 Fox Sports September 30, 2011
Fox Life (Turkey) Turkey November 13, 2006 discontinued January 1, 2021[22]
Fox Life (Poland) Poland January 1, 2007[23] Fox Comedy January 16, 2015[24]
Fox Life Adria Balkans November 9, 2007[25] STAR Life October 1, 2023[5]
Fox Life (Russia) Baltics and CIS April 14, 2008 (Russia, Baltics and CIS)[26]
November 5, 2008 (Estonia)[27]
САПФИР (Russia)[28]
FX Life (Baltics and CIS)
October 1, 2022 (Russia and Belarus)
January 24, 2024 (Baltics and CIS)[6]
Fox Life (Greece) Greece December 1, 2008 FX Life March 15, 2023
Fox Life (Netherlands and Flanders) Netherlands and Flanders September 7, 2009[29] Fox (Flanders)
24Kitchen (Netherlands)
September 22, 2015 (Flanders)
December 31, 2016 (Netherlands)
Fox Life (United States) United States November 4, 2013 discontinued March 31, 2022
Fox Life (India) India Fox Traveller June 15, 2014 March 15, 2025
Fox Life (Spain) Spain Fox Crime[30] October 1, 2014[31] December 31, 2021
Fox Life (Africa) Africa October 3, 2016[32][33] September 30, 2020
Fox Life (Middle East) Middle East September 28, 2017 November 1, 2024
Fox Life (Southeast Asia and Hong Kong) Southeast Asia and Hong Kong Star World October 1, 2017 October 1, 2021

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Fox Life was an international network owned by , specializing in , drama, , and factual entertainment programming aimed primarily at a female audience. Launched on May 13, 2004, in as a spin-off from the brand on the satellite platform, it featured content such as adaptations of international formats like Wife Swap and Nanny 911, alongside shows focused on , weddings, and provincial traditions. The channel expanded rapidly across and beyond, debuting in on May 19, 2005, on September 8, 2005, and in July 2006, where it filled a gap in women's alongside other Fox channels. In , it relaunched as Fox Life in 2017 by rebranding the existing channel to better align with its global lifestyle focus. By 2016, a pan-African version launched on 3, offering localized scripted and non-scripted series like and , available on platforms such as and . Programming emphasized empowering and relatable content, including U.S. hits, original series, and branded initiatives like the refresh with the ethos "Never Stop," which promoted personal growth through shows on , , and self-improvement. In 2013, a U.S. version launched, which operated until March 2022. Following The Walt Disney Company's 2019 acquisition of , Fox Life underwent significant changes; it was rebranded to Star Life in regions including (February 2021), (April 2024), (February 2024), and the MENA region (March 2024, though discontinued there in November 2024), while being discontinued in markets like (September 2020) and (September 2021). These shifts integrated the channel into Disney's broader portfolio, preserving its focus on premium entertainment.

Overview

Concept and programming focus

Fox Life was a network launched by in 2004, serving as a dedicated and channel aimed at modern women seeking inspiration through aspirational content. The network was conceived to provide a blend of engaging stories and practical advice, focusing on themes of personal , relationships, and everyday challenges to resonate with urban female audiences. Following the Company's acquisition of in 2019, Fox Life integrated into Disney's global portfolio of assets. The channel's programming emphasized a diverse slate of genres, including drama series, sitcoms, , cooking shows, programs, content, and feature films, all curated to promote self-improvement and . Representative examples included adaptations of international formats like Wife Swap and Nanny 911, alongside lifestyle shows focused on everyday life, weddings, and provincial traditions. This mix highlighted the network's commitment to content that balanced emotional storytelling with instructional elements, appealing to viewers interested in both and personal growth. Fox Life operated on a 24-hour schedule, featuring a combination of imported U.S. productions, international co-productions, and original regional programming tailored to local tastes while maintaining a core focus on themes. This format allowed for continuous access to empowering narratives and practical tips, positioning the channel as a go-to source for modern women navigating work, family, and in dynamic urban environments. The unique selling point lay in its seamless integration of entertaining with actionable advice, fostering a and aspiration among its audience.

Ownership and corporate structure

Fox Life was established in 2004 by Fox International Channels, the international division of News Corporation's , as part of a strategy to broaden the company's global portfolio of channels focused on and entertainment programming. The channel operated under the oversight of 's international arm, with strategic headquarters located in to coordinate global operations and expansion efforts. Key leadership during this period included David Haslingden, who served as CEO of Fox International Channels for over a decade, guiding the development and distribution of international brands like Fox Life. In December 2017, announced its acquisition of major assets from , including the , in a deal valued at $71.3 billion in cash and stock, which closed on , 2019. Following the acquisition, Fox Life and other international channels were integrated into Disney's International Content and Entertainment division, aligning with the company's emphasis on global content distribution and synergies between linear television and streaming platforms. By 2025, the channel had been rebranded to Star Life in remaining markets or discontinued entirely. Post-acquisition, the corporate structure shifted toward leveraging Disney's ecosystem, with Fox Life maintained as a linear TV brand in select regions to support transitional programming feeds, though resources were increasingly allocated to digital integration and eventual initiatives under Disney's broader portfolio. This integration was overseen by regional leaders such as Rebecca Campbell for , , and , ensuring continuity in international operations while prioritizing streaming efficiencies.

Launch and early development

Origins in Europe

Fox Life was first launched in Italy on May 13, 2004, as the inaugural iteration of the channel, targeting Italian-speaking audiences through dubbed content distributed via the Sky satellite pay-TV platform. This debut marked the initial European rollout of a brand developed by to deliver localized lifestyle-oriented programming derived from the parent company's focus on for women and families. The channel's expansion continued with launches in Portugal on May 19, 2005, and Bulgaria on September 8, 2005, reflecting an early strategy to adapt content for Southern and Eastern European markets while emphasizing localization to appeal to regional viewers.) These introductions positioned Fox Life as a key component in Fox International Channels' efforts to penetrate emerging pay-TV ecosystems across the continent. By September 7, 2009, a Flemish version was introduced in and the as a Dutch-language feed initially shared between the and the of , extending the channel's reach into Northern European territories with tailored linguistic adaptations. Early operations faced significant hurdles, including intense competition from established local broadcasters and channels that dominated free-to-air viewership, as well as EU regulatory requirements under the Television without Frontiers Directive mandating minimum quotas for European content and advertising restrictions that complicated pay-TV strategies. In markets like and , where pay-TV penetration was still nascent, these factors—coupled with antitrust scrutiny over exclusive content licensing—posed barriers to rapid audience growth and required ongoing adjustments to distribution agreements with platform operators.

Initial international expansion

Fox Life's expansion beyond its European origins commenced in Latin America, where it debuted as a pan-regional feed in January 2006, serving Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking audiences across multiple countries, including Brazil. This move marked the channel's entry into high-growth emerging markets, building on the lifestyle and entertainment format established in Europe. The channel extended to North America with its U.S. launch on November 4, 2013, through the rebranding of the existing Utilisima network into Fox Life, aimed at Hispanic viewers with bilingual programming focused on lifestyle content for modern women and families. Available initially through select pay-TV providers, it drew on Fox's established international model to appeal to the growing Latino demographic. Further growth occurred in on October 1, 2017, when the regional version of rebranded to Fox Life in markets including and the , expanding to 15 countries and reaching 98 million households. The rebranding emphasized alignment with the global Fox brand to enhance content accessibility and target a broader audience with localized English-language programming. This initial phase of international expansion reflected Fox Networks Group's strategy to capitalize on its extensive global content library, including original productions and acquired series, to penetrate high-potential television markets outside and establish a unified presence. Early efforts achieved modest penetration, with the channel reaching over 58 million viewers in by the time of the U.S. rollout.

Regional operations

European versions

Fox Life first launched in Italy on May 13, 2004, marking the channel's debut in the European market as a offering on the platform. The Italian version operated for over 15 years, focusing on localized programming until its closure on July 1, 2020, following the expiration of its broadcasting license with and as part of broader post-acquisition restructuring by after its 2019 purchase of assets. In , Fox Life began broadcasting on May 19, 2005, and sustained operations with a mix of international and dubbed content until its to Star Life on February 7, 2024, aligning with Disney's global shift away from the Fox brand in European markets. The feed emphasized and programming tailored to local audiences during its run. The Bulgarian version of Fox Life, which launched on September 8, 2005, maintained a 24-hour schedule dedicated to content and rebranded to Star Life on October 1, 2023, as part of a broader of Fox channels across the to the Star portfolio. In the Benelux region, Fox Life faced early discontinuation; the Dutch feed ceased operations on December 31, 2016, after Fox International Channels Benelux halted distribution, with much of its content shifting to specialized channels like 24Kitchen. Similarly, in Flanders (Belgium), the service was integrated into the main Fox channel by the end of 2016, effectively splitting and niching its lifestyle-focused offerings rather than maintaining a standalone presence. Across these European markets, Fox Life's viewership experienced a gradual decline in the late , influenced by the integration and shifting viewer preferences toward streaming platforms, though specific share metrics varied by country and were not uniformly tracked post-2019.

Latin American and North American versions

The Latin American version of Fox Life operated as a pan-regional channel, launching in with a focus on programming tailored to Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking audiences across the region. It featured a mix of original content produced in by Fox Toma 1, including instructional shows on cooking, , and family life, alongside imported dramas adapted to resonate with local tastes. The channel emphasized bilingual strategies to serve diverse markets like and , incorporating telenovela-style serialized dramas that blended emotional with everyday elements, such as family dynamics and personal empowerment narratives. U.S. imports played a significant role, with series like The Royals dubbed into Spanish to appeal to viewers seeking glamorous, dramatic similar to regional telenovelas. This cross-border adaptation strategy highlighted Fox Life's role in bridging Anglo-American with Latin cultural preferences, prioritizing dubbed formats to maintain accessibility without . On November 4, 2013, launched a dedicated U.S. version of Fox Life, the existing Utilisima channel to target viewers with 100% Spanish-language content. Aimed at modern Latina women, it aired dubbed versions of American reality shows such as of and D.C. Cupcakes, alongside original lifestyle series like Bebés en Adopción and cooking programs featuring chefs Aaron Sanchez and . The channel's programming mirrored the Latin American feed's emphasis on feminine sensibility and practical advice, but with a stronger focus on bilingual appeal for U.S. Latino households, as part of a network reaching over 58 million viewers across and the U.S. through cable distribution. Both versions underwent on February 22, 2021, becoming Star Life under Disney's following the 2019 acquisition of , to align with global streaming initiatives while retaining core lifestyle programming. However, the channels ceased operations on March 31, 2022, as part of Disney's strategic reduction in linear TV assets across the , redirecting resources toward streaming platforms like Star+ in and in the U.S. This closure reflected broader industry shifts, with content migrating to on-demand services to better serve fragmented audiences amid declining cable subscriptions.

Asian and Pacific versions

In and , Fox Life launched on October 1, 2017, via the rebranding of the existing channel, aiming to deliver lifestyle and entertainment programming tailored to a across the region. The channel operated for less than four years before Disney announced its closure effective October 1, 2021, as part of a broader shutdown of 18 linear TV networks in the area to prioritize streaming platforms amid rising and shifting viewer habits. In , Fox Life underwent a to Star Life on April 13, 2024, introducing a vibrant new logo and graphics package designed to appeal to young urban millennials and viewers with content focused on , , and food. This version, available in both standard and high-definition feeds, marked the final elimination of the brand from Star's Indian portfolio. However, due to consistent underperformance and low audience engagement, the channel ceased broadcasting on March 15, 2025, after just 11 months on air. The Middle Eastern feed of Fox Life transitioned to Star Life on March 1, 2024, aligning with Disney's global strategy to consolidate under the Star branding following the acquisition of Fox assets. Star Life ceased operations on November 1, 2024. Across the region, Fox Life versions incorporated adaptations such as multi-language audio options in English, , and to accommodate linguistic diversity, alongside localized programming like regional reality formats to enhance relevance in multicultural markets.

Rebranding and discontinuation

Transitions to Star Life

As part of The Company's ongoing efforts to phase out the brand on linear television following its 2019 acquisition of assets, underwent rebranding to Life in several international markets starting in 2021. This transition aligned the channel with Disney's established branding, originally developed for its Asian operations and later expanded globally to consolidate offerings under a unified identity. The rebranding process featured updated logos, vibrant and colorful on-air graphics, and a refreshed visual style designed to appeal to younger, adventure-seeking audiences while maintaining the channel's core focus. In , the rebrand occurred on February 22, 2021. In the (MENA) region, the switch occurred on March 1, 2024, as part of a comprehensive overhaul converting all Fox-branded channels to Star equivalents across the UAE and surrounding areas. In , Disney revealed the change on March 14, 2024, with the new Star Life identity launching on April 13, 2024, complete with a modern and dynamic graphics package to enhance its , food, and programming. Content from the original Fox Life largely carried over post-rebrand, while integrating select Disney synergies in certain regions to broaden appeal. Affected markets included (rebranded 2021, closed March 31, 2022), key areas in , such as (closed March 15, 2025), and the (closed November 1, 2024), and , notably —where Fox Life became Star Life in November 2023—and , which saw similar shifts on October 1, 2023. These rebrands often led to short-term subscriber upticks due to promotional campaigns, though some versions faced subsequent closures amid Disney's pivot toward streaming.

Other rebrands and full closures

In select markets, Fox Life underwent rebranding to FX Life without significant changes to its programming slate. For instance, in Ukraine, the channel transitioned to FX Life, maintaining its focus on lifestyle and entertainment content. Similarly, in the CIS and Baltics regions, including Russia, Fox Life rebranded to FX Life on January 24, 2024, as part of Disney's efforts to consolidate its international channel portfolio under the FX brand. Several Fox Life operations faced full closures amid Disney's strategic shift toward streaming services. In , the channel ceased operations on July 1, 2020, contributing to broader reductions in linear TV assets following the 2019 acquisition of . In and , Fox Life shut down on October 1, 2021, as one of 18 channels discontinued to streamline resources and prioritize . The U.S. version of Fox Life was discontinued on March 31, 2022, aligning with the closure of the Latin American feed (initially rebranded as Star Life), driven by declining linear viewership and a push to consolidate content on streaming platforms like and . Further closures occurred in the and , with the channel's operations in these regions fully phased out by November 1, 2024, in the , and March 15, 2025, in . These decisions were influenced by economic pressures post-Disney's $71.3 billion acquisition of key Fox assets in , which aimed at cost savings but highlighted the challenges of linear . Linear television revenues for Disney's networks have continued to decline, as seen in a 16% year-over-year drop in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. The pivot to streaming sought to offset these losses, with closures enabling reallocation of resources to platforms where subscriber growth outpaced linear declines. As of November 2025, no active Fox Life channels remain globally, marking the complete phase-out of the brand in favor of integrated streaming ecosystems.

Legacy

Impact on lifestyle television

Fox Life played a significant role in shaping the landscape of international television by introducing dedicated female-centric programming blocks tailored to women aged 25-49. Launched initially in in 2004 and expanded across and beyond, the channel emphasized content focused on lifestyle topics such as , home design, relationships, and personal empowerment, setting a model for targeted women's in non-U.S. markets. The channel's cultural reach extended to promoting diverse representations, particularly through multicultural casts in formats that highlighted varied and identities, fostering greater inclusivity in lifestyle programming. At its peak, Fox Life was available in over 25 countries worldwide, reaching approximately 98 million households in alone as part of its international portfolio. In terms of success metrics, Fox Life contributed to the overall growth of Fox International Channels, which saw affiliate fee revenues increase by 3% in fiscal 2015.

Successor channels

Following the discontinuation of Fox Life in various markets after Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox, several successor channels emerged under the Star and FX brands, adapting the original lifestyle-focused programming to regional preferences while integrating broader Disney content. In India, Fox Life rebranded to Star Life on April 13, 2024, maintaining a significant portion of its lifestyle and entertainment slate, but the channel ceased operations on March 15, 2025, as part of JioStar's consolidation of underperforming niche networks. In the Middle East, the rebrand to Star Life occurred on March 1, 2024, preserving core lifestyle programming alongside family-oriented additions, though the channel shut down on November 1, 2024, amid broader portfolio rationalization. In Europe, Star Life continues to operate in select countries including Portugal and Bulgaria, where it retains original lifestyle content while incorporating Disney animations and family series to appeal to diverse audiences. In and , Fox Life transitioned to FX Life on January 24, 2024, shifting toward broader programming that includes dramas and comedies, while keeping core shows from the Fox Life era intact to ensure continuity for viewers. Much of Fox Life's content library has migrated to streaming platforms, integrating into dedicated hubs on and , where lifestyle series and originals are available on-demand. In , former Star Life programming was folded into the bundle, which merged with in June 2024, providing access to enhanced on-demand libraries that include localized versions of key shows. By October 2025, replaced the Star tile on international services, further centralizing this content under a unified . Successor channels diverge from Fox Life by prioritizing video-on-demand delivery over traditional linear , enabling greater flexibility for viewers and reducing reliance on scheduled programming. Additionally, these platforms foster region-specific content like dubbed series and co-productions to boost engagement in post-linear ecosystems.

References

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