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HBO Kids
HBO Kids
from Wikipedia
HBO Kids
Final logo used from 2016 to 2024
NetworkHBO Family
LaunchedAugust 26, 2001; 24 years ago (2001-08-26)
ClosedFebruary 29, 2024; 20 months ago (2024-02-29)
Country of originUnited States
OwnerHome Box Office, Inc.
(Warner Bros. Discovery)
Formerly known asJam (2001–2016)
Sister networkMagnet (2001–2005)
Running time6 am-3 pm (2001–04)
6 am-1:30 pm (2004–05)
6 am-9 am (2005–06, then again 2020–21)
6 am-12:00 pm (2006–07)
6 am-8 am (2007–2011)
4 pm-5 pm (formerly)
6 am-11 am (2011–20)
6 am-10 am (2020)
6 am-8 am (2021—24)
Original languageEnglish

HBO Kids (formerly Jam) was an American preschool/children's television morning programming block operated by Home Box Office, Inc. (HBO), a division of Warner Bros. Discovery. The block ran on HBO Family, HBO's sister station that targets children and families.[1]

The block ran from 6:00 am to roughly 8:00 to 9:00 am (ET) on weekdays; the block's programs were not shown in a standard half-hour timeslot. In the mid-2010s, the block had a weekday 4 pm timeslot, which was filled with The Electric Company. The block also aired on weekends until October 2020.

History

[edit]

In 2001, HBO Family launched two children's programming blocks: Jam in the morning, and Magnet on weekday afternoons. Programming for both blocks was developed in coordination with CINAR Animation, Nelvana Limited, Sony Entertainment, Sandpaper Films, Scholastic, Devine Entertainment, S4C, HiT Entertainment, Golden Egg Entertainment, Poseidon Pictures, Cuppa Coffee Studios, Curious Pictures, Hyperion Pictures, and Planet Grande.[1] Starting in 2007, with a new set of CGI bumpers for the block, HBO began to slowly remove the block's acquired programming, exclusively focusing on HBO's original children's series. For several years, no new programs were produced or acquired for the block, focusing exclusively on reruns of HBO's own children's programs.

On August 13, 2015, HBO announced a deal with Sesame Workshop to move first-run Sesame Street episodes on HBO.[2] New episodes of Sesame Street began premiering on the network on January 16, 2016, alongside reruns of other Sesame Workshop-produced programming, including The Electric Company and Pinky Dinky Doo.[3] Jam would later rebrand as HBO Kids. On November 12, 2020, first-run Sesame Street episodes moved to HBO Max starting with its 51st season.

On August 18, 2018, the animated series Esme & Roy, also produced by Sesame Workshop, premiered.[4] HBO removed all Sesame Workshop shows from its HBO Family channel by January 2021, reverting the block back to HBO's original children's series. However, most of the acquired shows from Sesame Workshop remained available on the HBO Max streaming service until January 2, 2021, with only Sesame Street, Esme & Roy, and any Sesame Workshop show made exclusive for the streaming service still being available. From that point, the block's schedule featured four of HBO's original children's programs, followed by a children's television special, before airing one more program, then starting one of the channel's circulated movies or specials.[5]

On February 29, 2024, the block ended; no explanation was given, although HBO and its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery chose to focus less on children's programming as they had low viewership on Max; Eventually, the block's parent channel HBO Family closed on August 15, 2025.[6][7]

Programming

[edit]

Final programming

[edit]
  • 1 = Aired occasionally.

Original programming

[edit]
Title Original run HBO Kids run Source(s)
A Little Curious February 1, 1999 – May 1, 2000 August 26, 2001 – February 29, 2024 [note 1]
Crashbox1 February 1, 1999 – April 1, 2000 January 2005 - February 2024 [note 2][note 3]
Kindergarten1 August 26, 2001 – September 7, 2001 August 26, 2001 – February 29, 2024
HBO Storybook Musicals1 November 18, 1987 – December 8, 1993
Classical Baby1 May 14, 2005 – 2017 May 14, 2005 – 2024

Former programming

[edit]
Title Original run HBO Kids run Source(s)
El Perro y El Gato1[note 4] 2004 – 2011 2008 – February 29, 2024 [note 5]
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child1 March 12, 1995 – July 18, 2000 August 26, 2001 – February 29, 2024 [note 6][note 7]

Former acquired programming

[edit]

Reruns of ended Sesame Workshop series

[edit]
Title Original network Original run HBO Kids run Now on Source(s)
The Electric Company PBS Kids Go!
PBS Kids
January 23, 2009 – April 4, 2011 January 17, 2016 – November 1, 2020 Hulu [3]
Pinky Dinky Doo Noggin
Nick Jr. Channel
April 10, 2006 – June 17, 2010 January 17, 2016 – January 2, 2021 Knowledge Kids [3]

Short-form programming

[edit]
  • 30 by 30: Kid Flicks (1999–2001)
  • HBO Family: 411 (1999–2016)
  • Who Knew? (1999–2016)
  • Smart Mouth (1999–16)
  • Jammin' Animals (2001–16)
  • My Favorite Book (2001–16)
  • The Way I See It (2001–16)
  • El Perro y El Gato (2004–16)
  • Just Wondering (2009–16)
  • Sesame Street Shorts (January 17, 2016 – November 1, 2020)
  • And Now You Know
  • Eat 5
  • I Want to Be
  • Matters of Fact
  • Lisa
  • When I'm...

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
HBO Kids was a commercial-free children's programming block and digital content section operated by on its HBO Family channel and streaming platforms, targeting preschoolers and young children with educational and entertaining shows. Launched on January 16, 2016, at 9 a.m. ET across HBO's app and television networks, the initiative expanded daily from January 17 with an 8 a.m. morning block on HBO Family, featuring hundreds of ad-free episodes including new seasons of (35 episodes annually), , and . This programming stemmed from a five-year licensing agreement with announced in August 2015, which allowed to premiere Sesame Street episodes nine months before their PBS airing and included spinoff development to bolster 's family appeal amid shifting kids' viewing habits toward streaming services like and . Kids incorporated and a "Kids Lock" feature for safe viewing, accessible via HBOKids.com, positioning to compete in the growing family entertainment market. It operated within the broader context of HBO Family, a 24-hour multiplex channel launched in December 1996 and relaunched with enhanced kids' originals in February 1998, focusing on G- and PG-rated theatrical movies alongside series like and produced by partners such as and Scholastic. In December 2024, (HBO's parent company) declined to renew the deal for new episodes, though the existing library remains on Max through 2027, signaling a reduced emphasis on original kids' content. The HBO Kids block was discontinued on February 29, 2024. ceased broadcasting on August 15, 2025, as part of 's multiplex consolidation strategy.

Overview

Concept and Purpose

HBO Kids served as a dedicated morning programming block on HBO Family, designed to deliver commercial-free, high-quality content tailored for and young school-age children. The block emphasized a mix of original and acquired series focused on and , aiming to foster creativity, curiosity, and family co-viewing experiences within HBO's premium cable ecosystem. By prioritizing ad-free viewing, HBO Kids positioned itself as a premium alternative to broadcast and basic cable kids' blocks, offering diverse narratives that encouraged early learning without commercial interruptions. The core purpose of HBO Kids was to broaden 's appeal to families amid the rise of streaming services, by curating content that balanced fun with developmental benefits such as literacy, social skills, and imaginative play. This strategy was particularly evident in its flagship partnership with , which brought the iconic educational series to starting in 2016, enabling the production of higher-budget episodes to enhance school readiness and cognitive growth for viewers aged 2 to 6. The block's launch aligned with 's goal to compete in the "streaming wars" for young audiences, using trusted educational programming to drive subscriptions and position the network as a family-friendly destination. Evolving from the Jam branding introduced in 2001, HBO Kids represented a rebranding tied to the Sesame Street deal, shifting emphasis toward original HBO-produced series while maintaining a commitment to collaborative content development with educational partners. This evolution underscored HBO's response to increasing demand for sophisticated, learning-oriented kids' media in the premium space.

Broadcasting Details

The HBO Kids block aired exclusively on the HBO Family channel throughout its run, serving as a dedicated morning programming slot for preschool and children's content, airing daily (weekdays and weekends) until October 2020. The block typically aired in the morning from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 8:00–9:00 a.m. ET, with minor adjustments over the years to programming needs and audience patterns. Consistent with HBO's premium cable model, the block was entirely commercial-free, providing uninterrupted viewing for young audiences. Format elements included non-standard program lengths that did not adhere to rigid half-hour slots, along with CGI-animated bumpers introduced in to transition between shows and promote upcoming content. In later years, the block often integrated family-oriented movies and specials immediately following its conclusion, extending the morning viewing window. From its launch until 2005, HBO Kids was complemented by an afternoon block named on HBO Family, targeted at older children and tweens with content airing in the afternoons before discontinuation. Starting in 2020, select HBO Kids programming extended to streaming on HBO Max, allowing on-demand access to episodes and specials alongside the linear broadcast. The block was presented primarily in English, though some acquired international series incorporated multilingual audio options or subtitles for broader accessibility.

History

Launch as Jam (2001–2015)

HBO's efforts in children's programming predated the Jam block, with earlier initiatives such as the series, which aired animated adaptations of classic children's books from to 1993. The Jam block launched on August 26, 2001, as a dedicated morning programming segment on targeting preschool audiences, airing from 6 a.m. to approximately 9 a.m. ET, while the complementary block occupied weekday afternoons from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for pre-teens. This introduction marked 's structured entry into daily children's blocks on its family-oriented channel, building on prior sporadic specials and series. In its early years, Jam featured a balanced mix of original HBO-produced series and acquired content sourced from key partners, including and Devine Entertainment, alongside animation studios like CINAR Animation and Limited. These collaborations enabled a diverse lineup that combined in-house developments with externally produced educational and entertaining fare, emphasizing age-appropriate themes for young viewers. CINAR Animation contributed to animated segments with its expertise in character-driven stories, while Limited provided high-quality production support for multiple episodes and specials, ensuring consistent creative output during the block's formative phase. A significant development occurred in 2007 with the introduction of new CGI-animated bumpers, which refreshed the block's visual identity and featured updated versions of the mascot character Jammie interacting with live-action children. This redesign coincided with a strategic shift, as HBO gradually phased out acquired programming in favor of exclusive reliance on its own originals, resulting in schedules increasingly dominated by reruns by the mid-2010s. Original productions largely ceased after the early 2000s, with the block relying on repeats of established series such as Crashbox and A Little Curious to fill airtime, reflecting a period of stagnation in new content creation.

Rebranding and Sesame Partnership (2016–2020)

In August 2015, HBO entered into a five-year agreement with , granting the network exclusive first-window rights to new episodes of for seasons 46 through 50, beginning in fall 2016, while also securing reruns of other productions such as and . This deal enabled to nearly double its episode production from 18 to 35 per season, funding expanded educational content and additional series development. The partnership marked a significant shift for the preschool programming block, previously known as , which rebranded as on January 17, 2016, coinciding with the HBO premiere of first-run episodes the previous day. The rebranding elevated the block's profile, integrating as its cornerstone alongside the new reruns and continuing selections from the Jam era, all airing within the established HBO Family schedule. This collaboration boosted content volume and visibility for HBO Kids, attracting broader family audiences through high-quality, ad-free educational programming while reinforcing 's entry into the competitive children's media space. Over the subsequent years, the block expanded with the premiere of the original animated series on August 18, 2018, produced in partnership with and , alongside the addition of Sesame Street Shorts as interstitial content to fill programming gaps. By late 2020, the partnership evolved with the shift of first-run episodes to Max for season 51, debuting on November 12, 2020, as streaming platforms gained prominence in children's viewing. Despite this transition, the Kids block on HBO Family sustained its enhanced lineup through the end of the initial agreement, maintaining increased educational depth and appeal.

Decline and Shutdown (2021–2024)

Following the peak expansion period, the HBO Kids block entered a phase of contraction beginning in 2021, marked by content reductions and a strategic pivot by away from extensive children's programming on linear television. In August 2022, HBO Max removed nearly 200 episodes of as part of broader content purges to manage licensing costs and inventory, reflecting early signs of de-prioritization for kids' content on the streaming platform that had previously bolstered the block's offerings. This move extended to other family titles, such as , underscoring a shift toward more profitable adult-oriented material amid financial pressures post the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger. By late 2024, the decline accelerated with Warner Bros. Discovery's decision not to renew the long-standing output deal with for new Sesame Street episodes on and Max, ending nearly a decade of collaboration that had integrated the show into the ecosystem supporting . The company cited a strategic refocus on adult and family programming, noting that children's content had lower viewership and was less central to Max's growth objectives. Consequently, the block on HBO Family simplified its schedule, concluding daily with children's specials before transitioning to family films, relying on reruns of legacy originals to fill airtime without new investments. The block ultimately ceased operations on February 29, 2024, with no official announcement from , aligning with the broader de-emphasis on low-viewership linear kids' programming in favor of streaming consolidation. This closure marked the end of the dedicated morning block model, as remaining family content migrated to Max, though even there, kids' offerings continued to shrink. Following the block's end, Family itself shut down on August 15, 2025, driven by declining linear TV audiences and 's efforts to streamline its multiplex channels amid the industry's trends. The move eliminated the channel after nearly 30 years, redirecting resources toward Max's evolving content strategy. Following the non-renewal, secured a new licensing deal with in May 2025 for first-run episodes of season 56 onward, with the existing library remaining on Max through 2027.

Programming

Original Productions

HBO's original productions for its children's programming block prioritized innovative, educational content designed to foster curiosity and learning through high-quality , live-action elements, and . These in-house developments often featured diverse formats, from musical adaptations and puzzle-based games to bilingual vocabulary builders, emphasizing and early elementary audiences with a focus on and cultural representation. One of the earliest series, (1987–1993), consisted of animated half-hour specials adapting classic into musical tales, such as "" and "," promoting literacy and imagination through song and visuals. This anthology format served as a foundational pilot for HBO's commitment to quality animation, influencing later productions by blending narrative storytelling with artistic expression. Building on this tradition, Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1995–2000) reimagined classic fairy tales like "" and "" with a multi-ethnic cast of animated characters, narrated by , to highlight diversity and moral lessons in 39 episodes. The series utilized vibrant 2D animation to make timeless stories accessible and inclusive for young viewers. In the late 1990s, (1999–2000) introduced an object-based learning approach for preschoolers through a hybrid of and live-action, where quirky characters like Squeezy the toothbrush and Pad the cloud explored everyday concepts in 43 short episodes, with reruns continuing into later years to support ongoing educational scheduling. Produced by , it encouraged interactive curiosity by breaking down simple ideas like light and dark into relatable segments. Crashbox (1999–2000), a puzzle-solving animated in a surreal, box-themed world, aired 52 episodes featuring brain-teasers on , , and math, hosted by eccentric characters like Captain Bob and the EarTwisted Sisters to promote problem-solving skills. Its fast-paced, interactive format combined comedy with education, making learning feel like an adventurous challenge for school-age children. Kindergarten (2001), a 13-part live-action documentary series, followed 23 real kindergarten students through a school year, capturing milestones like first days and holidays to illustrate social and emotional growth in authentic settings. Filmed in a New York classroom, it provided unscripted insights into early education without narration, emphasizing observational learning. Classical Baby (2005–2017), an Emmy-winning animated anthology, introduced toddlers to , , , and across six specials, such as "The Music Show" featuring works by Tchaikovsky and "The Poetry Show" with verses from Shakespeare, using soothing visuals and gentle narration. Produced by MaGiK World Animation, it focused on sensory appreciation through minimalist paired with renowned artistic pieces. El Perro y El Gato (2004–2011), a bilingual animated series, followed an energetic and laid-back teaching preschoolers vocabulary in English and Spanish through everyday adventures in five half-hour episodes, incorporating humor and repetition for . Its simple, colorful design highlighted cultural bilingualism, making it a staple for diverse young audiences. These productions evolved from the musical pilots of the and into the block's core educational staples by the , showcasing 's emphasis on hybrid formats that integrated live-action realism with animated creativity to deliver impactful, age-appropriate content.

Acquired Series

HBO Kids featured a selection of acquired series from international partners, emphasizing diverse animated content to complement its educational focus. These programs were licensed from production companies such as and , providing first-run or limited-window airings of non-HBO originals that highlighted global and character-driven adventures. One prominent example was , a Canadian animated series produced by CINAR (later ) based on Michael Bond's books, which aired on HBO Family from February 1999 to 2004. The show followed the polite bear's mishaps in , promoting themes of curiosity and kindness through lighthearted animal adventures. It was acquired as part of HBO's push into preschool animation, running in regular rotations during the Jam block era. Babar, the Nelvana-produced adaptation of Jean de Brunhoff's classic elephant tales, debuted on in April 1989 and featured in various runs through the early . This series explored dynamics and explorations, airing episodes that blended whimsy with moral lessons on and . Its acquisition underscored 's interest in established international properties for broad appeal. Anthony Ant, a 1999 HiT Entertainment series co-produced for YTV and , depicted the everyday challenges of a young in a world, airing its single 13-episode season from 1999 to 2003. Drawing from Graham and Lorna Philpot's books, it emphasized problem-solving and community among insects, serving as a short-run acquisition to diversify insect-themed narratives. Animated Tales of the World, a from Children's Television Trust International, premiered on HBO Family on February 11, 2001, and ran through 2008 with episodes retelling folk stories from cultures like , , and . Acquired to promote , it featured standalone global fairy tales with educational undertones, airing in themed blocks to introduce preschoolers to international heritage. A major acquisition was seasons 46 through 50 of , under a 2015 multi-year deal with that brought first-run episodes to from 2016 to 2020. These seasons, totaling over 100 new episodes, integrated during the rebranded HBO Kids block alongside the Sesame partnership, focusing on social-emotional learning through segments on bedtime routines, animals, and kindness. Esme & Roy, a 2018 co-production with Sesame Workshop and Nelvana, aired from 2018 to 2020 on HBO Kids, following a girl and her monster friend as babysitters in a fantastical world. This limited-window acquisition highlighted mindfulness and emotional regulation in monster-themed adventures, bridging educational narratives with imaginative play.

Reruns and Interstitials

Reruns of concluded children's series played a key role in filling the HBO Kids schedule, particularly after 2007 when they became the dominant format for weekday mornings to ensure reliable, educational content for preschool and early elementary audiences. These repeats often featured Sesame Workshop productions that had ended their original runs, such as The Electric Company (2009–2011), which aired in cycles on HBO Family until its removal in 2021 amid the evolving partnership between HBO and Sesame Workshop. Similarly, Pinky Dinky Doo (2005–2009), originally from Noggin and Nick Jr., received extensive reruns on HBO Kids from 2016 to 2021, supporting daily lineups with story-focused episodes aimed at building literacy skills. Another example was Fraggle Rock (1983–1987), the Jim Henson Company's classic puppet series, which saw remastered reruns on HBO Family starting in 2016, drawing on its 1980s HBO premiere to appeal to intergenerational viewers. HBO originals also circulated in reruns, with A Little Curious (1999–2000) continuing post-2000 through cycles that emphasized sensory exploration for toddlers; half of its episodes remained in rotation on HBO Kids until at least 2016.) By 2021, however, many Sesame-related reruns, including those from The Electric Company and Pinky Dinky Doo, were phased out as the block shifted focus amid declining linear viewership. Interstitials provided short-form transitions between programs, typically lasting 2–5 minutes to maintain educational flow without commercial interruptions. 30 by 30: Kid Flicks (1999–2001) showcased user-generated short films by children on topics affecting young lives, airing as 30-minute blocks of curated content that encouraged creativity and received a Peabody Award nomination for its innovative format. The animated HBO Family 411 (1999–2000) featured claymation segments with a dog and mouse exploring everyday concepts like dictionary use or breakfast routines, with reruns persisting until 2016 to bridge show gaps.) From 2016 to 2020, Sesame Street Shorts offered brief, character-driven clips on HBO Kids, focusing on themes like shapes and emotions to complement full episodes during the HBO-Sesame partnership. These elements helped pad the block's runtime while reinforcing learning objectives.

References

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