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Pop Max (previously Kix! and then Kix) was a British free-to-air children's television channel in the United Kingdom, owned by Narrative Entertainment UK Limited.[1] As of June 2014, it broadcast cartoons, sci-fi, action and adventure series and anime on Sky and on Freeview. Its target audience was 6 to 15-year-old boys.[2]

Key Information

History

[edit]

At 6am on 19 May 2008, Pop +1 ceased broadcast and was directly replaced on-air with Kix. Kix was the fourth dedicated kids' channel to be launched by CSC: its three sister channels are Pop which was launched on 29 May 2003,[3] and shows cartoons and pop music videos for a mixed audience; Tiny Pop, which was launched in 26 July 2004, [citation needed] and shows cartoons for young children and pre-schoolers; and Pop Girl, a defunct channel launched on 6 August 2007.[citation needed]

In August 2008, Kix! launched onto Freesat.[4] The exclamation mark in its name was dropped in May 2013, though remained in some branding such as Sky's programme guide until the next year.[5]

Kix has broadcast on Freeview since April 2016, following the earlier addition of Pop and Tiny Pop to the service. In August 2017, Kix rebranded as Pop Max without any changes in its schedule.[6] A stream of the channel was added to POP Player's Freeview Play app in early 2022.[7] On 25 May 2022, Pop Max was replaced on Freeview with the Pop Player channel.[8]

Closure

[edit]

On 7 February 2024, Pop Max and other Narrative Entertainment channels were removed from Freesat a month before the closure the Tiny Pop linear channel,[9] however it was relaunched in 21 August on Freeview and Sky in the same year. On 10 December 2024, Pop Max was dropped from Freeview.

On 17 April 2025, Sky confirmed that Pop Max would be removed from Sky providers on 22 April 2025.[10] The channel closed on 22 April 2025, and its programming continues to be seen through the Pop Player.[11][12]

Kix Power

[edit]

In July 2013, Kix launched a Power Rangers-exclusive channel known as Kix Power, replacing Pop Girl's hour-behind timeshift feed, which varied between this channel and Kix's own timeshift channel for several years, depending on school holidays.[citation needed]

Programming

[edit]
Main article: List of programmes broadcast by Pop and sister children's television channels

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Pop Max

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Pop Max was a British children's targeted at viewers aged 6 to 10, featuring action-packed animated series and live-action shows such as and . Launched on 19 May 2008 as Kix! by , it initially focused on content appealing to boys with themes of adventure, sports, and superheroes, and operated as a 24-hour service available on platforms including Freeview, , and . The channel ceased linear broadcasting in stages, departing Freeview on 10 December 2024 and platforms on 22 April 2025, before its content was integrated into the related Pop Player streaming service and the main Pop channel; by November 2025, Pop Max had been fully discontinued as part of broader closures affecting the Pop brand. Originally branded as Kix! and later shortened to Kix, the channel underwent a significant to Pop Max on 30 August 2017 under Networks, aligning it more closely with sister channels Pop and while expanding its appeal to a broader young audience without altering its core programming slate. Ownership transitioned multiple times: founded and operated it until 2014, when acquired the portfolio for approximately £107 million, integrating Kix into its kids' network alongside 15 other channels. In May 2021, U.S.-based Capital Partners—led by former CSC executive Remy Minute—purchased Sony's entire channels business, including Pop Max, in a deal whose financial terms were not publicly disclosed, the owner as Entertainment . Throughout its run, Pop Max emphasized high-energy entertainment with a mix of imported and licensed content, including franchises like and Bakugan, positioning it as a key player in the UK's competitive children's TV market before the shift toward streaming diminished demand for linear kids' channels. Its closure reflected industry trends, with citing evolving viewer habits and the rise of on-demand platforms as factors in winding down operations.

History

Launch as Kix!

Kix! was launched on 19 May 2008 by , a British broadcaster specializing in channels, as a free-to-air children's television service targeting boys aged 6 to 9. The channel replaced the Pop +1 timeshift service on Sky's electronic programme guide (channel 627), marking it as the fourth dedicated kids' network in CSC's lineup, following Pop (2003), Tiny Pop (2007), and (2007). At launch, it broadcast from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, emphasizing high-energy animated content to appeal to its young male audience with fast-paced adventures and competitions. Programming focused primarily on action cartoons and anime, with representative examples including Beyblade, Dragon Ball Z, and Rabbids Invasion, which highlighted themes of heroism, battles, and teamwork. To broaden its appeal, Kix! also incorporated non-animated elements such as extreme sports highlights and music videos featuring energetic tracks suitable for children. This mix aimed to provide an exciting, multifaceted viewing experience distinct from CSC's other channels, which catered more to general or female audiences. Availability was initially limited to Sky digital satellite and cable platforms, but expanded to on 8 August 2008 (channel 606), increasing accessibility for viewers. The launch positioned Kix! as a niche offering in the competitive children's TV market, filling a gap for boy-centric content amid growing demand for specialized programming.

Rebrandings and expansions

Pop Max originated as the children's Kix, which launched in 2008 targeting boys aged 7-12 with action-oriented programming. In 2013, a spin-off channel called Kix Power was introduced to complement the main service by focusing on high-energy content for a similar demographic. The channel launched as Kix! but underwent a minor rebranding in May 2013, dropping the exclamation mark from its name and logo. A significant occurred on 30 August 2017, when Networks (SPTN) renamed Kix to without altering its programming schedule. This change aimed to align the channel more closely with SPTN's existing Pop and networks, evolving the overall kids' portfolio to better appeal to a broader young audience aged 7-12, including both boys and girls, through refreshed branding featuring vibrant, modern idents. The rebranded became available across Freeview, , and platforms, marking an expansion in carriage to enhance accessibility for viewers. Further expansion came in early 2022, when a live stream of Pop Max was integrated into the POP Player app on Freeview Play, allowing on-demand and catch-up access via connected TVs and broadening its digital footprint. Following a period of closure in April 2025, Pop Max was relaunched on 20 August 2025 exclusively on Freeview as a (FAST) channel on position 212, representing a shift to internet-delivered content while maintaining its focus on family-friendly entertainment for children. This relaunch emphasized ad-supported distribution to sustain operations amid changing broadcast landscapes.

Ownership transitions

Pop Max, originally launched as Kix! on 19 May 2008, was initially owned and operated by , a British broadcaster that specialized in music and channels. In June 2014, acquired from its majority shareholders, private equity firm Veronis Suhler Stevenson, gaining full ownership of its portfolio of 16 ad-supported channels, including Kix!. This transition integrated Kix! into Sony's growing networks division, which already included related children's channels like Pop and . Under Sony's stewardship, the channel underwent a to Pop Max on 30 August 2017, aligning it more closely with Sony's Pop family of brands while expanding its programming focus. In May 2021, Sony Pictures Television sold its entire channels portfolio—including Pop Max, Pop, , and four Sony-branded movie channels—to Narrative Entertainment Limited, a media company backed by U.S.-based investment firm Capital. The deal, valued undisclosed but described as significant for the free-to-air market, allowed Narrative to take operational control of Pop Max starting later that year. Narrative Entertainment UK Limited has retained ownership of Pop Max through its subsequent format shifts, including a transition to a FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) channel on Freeview following the linear version's closure in April 2025.

Closure

Pop Max ceased broadcasting on linear television platforms on 22 April 2025, marking the end of its 17-year run as a dedicated children's channel. The closure followed a phased withdrawal from distribution platforms, beginning with its removal from on 7 February 2024 and Freeview on 10 December 2024, before departing platforms on 22 April 2025. The decision was made by owner Narrative Entertainment UK, which acquired the channel in 2021 as part of the Pop portfolio. This shutdown aligned with broader industry shifts toward streaming services, with Pop Max's content transitioning to the on-demand Pop Player platform for continued availability. The closure affected all associated feeds, including Pop Max +1, and eliminated the channel's presence on , Sky+HD, and other satellite services. However, Pop Max was relaunched as a FAST channel on Freeview on 20 August 2025 and remains operational as of November 2025.

Programming

Overview and target demographic

Pop Max was a British free-to-air digital television channel operated by Narrative Entertainment UK, specializing in children's programming with a focus on comedy, animation, and action-oriented content. Launched in 2008 as Kix and rebranded to Pop Max in September 2017, the channel emphasized high-energy shows designed to engage young viewers through humor and adventure narratives. It broadcast on platforms including Sky, Freeview, and Freesat until its closure on April 22, 2025, after 17 years of operation. The channel's content primarily featured animated series, live-action comedies, and adventure programs, including titles like , Teen Titans Go!, and , which highlighted fast-paced storytelling and relatable characters. This programming mix aimed to deliver "cheeky comedy" in a fun format, distinguishing it from broader children's networks by prioritizing entertainment value for its core viewers. Pop Max targeted boys aged six to ten, focusing on content that appealed to their interests in action, humor, and heroism without overt exclusivity in . This demographic was selected to fill a niche for high-impact, boy-centric programming in the children's TV market.

Notable programmes and blocks

Pop Max primarily aired animated action, adventure, and comedy series aimed at children aged 6 to 10, with a focus on heroic and fantastical narratives. Among its most prominent programmes were the Pokémon series, particularly Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl, which followed Ash Ketchum's journeys and battles in the Sinnoh region, becoming a flagship title that drew significant viewership during its run on the channel. Similarly, showcased a team of rangers combating villains in a high-stakes treasure hunt, exemplifying the channel's emphasis on live-action content adapted for younger audiences. The channel also featured The Spectacular Spider-Man, an animated series depicting Peter Parker's dual life as a teenager and web-slinging hero, noted for its dynamic storytelling and appeal to fans of Marvel properties. In later years, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir emerged as a key offering, following two Parisian teens transforming into superheroes to protect their city from supernatural threats, blending romance, action, and mystery elements. Other standout animated series included Grizzy and the Lemmings, a comedic tale of a grizzly bear's chaotic attempts to claim a cabin from mischievous lemmings, and , a spin-off preschool parody of featuring exaggerated adventures among toddlers. Additional notable programmes available through Pop Max's ecosystem, such as the POP Player app, encompassed , continuing Goku's interstellar battles against powerful foes, and , where navigates multiversal chaos to save his friends. The channel's scheduling typically grouped these shows into themed slots emphasizing action and comedy, though no distinct named programming blocks were prominently featured beyond standard daily rotations for after-school and weekend viewing.

Kix Power

Kix Power was a temporary pop-up digital television channel in the , operated as a spin-off from the Kix children's network by (later ). Targeted at boys aged 6 to 11, it specialized in high-energy action programming, with an initial emphasis on the Power Rangers franchise. The channel operated on an ad-hoc basis, primarily during school holiday periods to provide extended viewing options. The channel launched on 22 July 2013 on Sky Digital channel 629, replacing the Pop Girl +1 timeshift feed. Its debut programming consisted of a six-week "Power Rangers Month" marathon, airing episodes from multiple seasons non-stop: Power Rangers Wild Force in the first week, followed by Power Rangers S.P.D., Power Rangers Jungle Fury, Power Rangers Mystic Force, Power Rangers Dino Thunder, and a mixed selection including Power Rangers Operation Overdrive in the final week. This summer holiday special aimed to capitalize on the popularity of the franchise among young viewers. Subsequent runs of Kix Power replaced the Kix +1 timeshift channel during major holidays, such as and , allowing for focused blocks of action content. While early iterations were dedicated almost exclusively to , later appearances incorporated additional series like and to broaden appeal within the action genre. The channel's intermittent scheduling helped boost engagement during peak family viewing times without committing to a permanent slot. In December 2016, Kix Power expanded to on channel 738, initially featuring only Power Rangers programming. Following the rebranding of the main Kix channel to Pop Max in August 2017, this service was renamed Pop Power, maintaining a similar focus on action-oriented shows for children.

Pop Max +1

Pop Max +1 was a British free-to-air digital children's television channel operated as a one-hour timeshift service of the main Pop Max channel, owned by Narrative Entertainment UK. It broadcast the same lineup of programming targeted at children aged 6 to 10, including animated series such as Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir and Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, but delayed by one hour to accommodate viewer schedules. The channel launched in following the of its predecessor Kix to Pop Max by Networks, inheriting the format previously used by Kix +1. It was primarily available on Sky platforms, including , Sky+HD, Sky Glass, and Sky Stream, where it occupied channel position 628 from August 2024 onward after a repositioning from 618. Unlike the main Pop Max channel, Pop Max +1 was not widely carried on Freeview, limiting its accessibility to and cable subscribers. Pop Max +1 ceased broadcasting on all platforms on 22 April 2025, alongside the main Pop Max channel, as part of Entertainment's strategic shift amid declining linear TV viewership for children's content. Following closure, archived programming from the service remained accessible via the free POP Player streaming app until the closure of Pop Player in December 2025.

Availability

Platform carriage

Pop Max was initially launched as a channel targeting older children and was distributed across multiple platforms in the , including Freeview, , , and . On Freeview, it occupied channel 212 following its nationwide availability expansion in 2023, after previously being limited to certain regions on the G-MAN multiplex since 2019. The channel was accessible via the Freeview Play platform for streaming, allowing on-demand access alongside live broadcasts until its removal. On the Sky platform, Pop Max was carried on channel 615 for standard definition, with an HD variant on channel 215 (or 216 in and ) and a +1 timeshift service on channel 628. It was also available on Freesat at channel 604, providing satellite access to non-subscription households. Virgin Media subscribers could access Pop Max as part of its kids' lineup, though specific channel numbering varied by package and was not consistently documented in public guides prior to closure. The channel's carriage underwent significant reductions starting in early 2024. Pop Max was discontinued from Freesat in February 2024 as part of Narrative Entertainment's scaling back of linear distribution. It was removed from Freeview on 10 December 2024 and from Virgin Media and Sky platforms (including HD and +1 feeds) on 22 April 2025, marking the end of its traditional linear availability across major platforms. Following these closures, Pop Max was temporarily relaunched as a FAST channel on Freeview channel 212 on 20 August 2025. As of November 2025, it remains available in this format, alongside integration of its programming, such as animations from Transformers and Talking Tom and Friends, into the main Pop channel and the Pop Player service. However, on 4 November 2025, Narrative Entertainment announced the closure of Pop Max along with other Pop linear channels and the Pop Player app effective 1 December 2025.

Technical specifications

Pop Max was broadcast in standard definition (SD) format across its available platforms, utilizing the PAL video standard common to UK terrestrial and satellite television. The channel's video resolution was 720 × 576 pixels in interlaced 576i50 mode at 25 frames per second, with a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. Video encoding employed the MPEG-2 codec (Main Profile at Main Level 2.0) with 4:2:0 chroma subsampling, ensuring compatibility with legacy digital set-top boxes and televisions. Audio transmission followed standard digital television practices, using MPEG-1 Layer II stereo at a typical bitrate of 192 kbit/s, delivered in English without multi-language options or surround sound support. On Freeview (DVB-T/T2), the channel adhered to the UK's Digital TV Group specifications for SD services, including forward error correction and multiplexing within multiplexes like COM4 (SDN) before its initial removal in December 2024. Satellite distribution via Astra 28.2°E (for Sky and Freesat) used DVB-S modulation with QPSK, a symbol rate of 27.500 kSym/s, and FEC 5/6, remaining unencrypted as a free-to-air service until its cessation in April 2025. An HD variant was offered on IP-based Sky platforms such as Sky Glass and Sky Stream, aligning with its positioning as a children's channel focused primarily on . Bitrates varied by platform but generally prioritized , with video around 3-5 Mbit/s to accommodate multiple channels in shared multiplexes.

References

  1. https://www.freeview.co.uk/get-freeview-play/channels/pop-max
  2. https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/21/beloved-childrens-tv-channel-shutting-16-years-22945187/
  3. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2025/04/22/pop-max-shuts-after-17-years/
  4. https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/pop-kids-channels-axed-freeview-sky-vm/
  5. https://www.c21media.net/news/narrative-entertainment-to-shutter-pop-linear-channels-and-app-next-month/
  6. https://www.c21media.net/news/sonys-kix-to-become-pop-max/
  7. https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/sony-pictures-launch-new-kids-channel
  8. https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/sony-to-buy-britain-s-csc-media-group-in-tv-network-push-idUSKBN0F11DG/
  9. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021/05/16/narrative-capital-buys-sony-uk-channels/
  10. https://variety.com/2021/tv/global/sony-channels-uk-sold-narrative-1234972645/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls526593324/
  12. https://toyworldmag.co.uk/narrative-entertainment-uk-officially-closes-pop-max/
  13. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-14634621/pop-max-kids-tv-channel-shuts-17-years.html
  14. https://identsandpresentation.com/uk/pop-max/
  15. https://www.tvchannellists.com/w/List_of_line-up_changes_on_Freesat_%28UK%29_in_2008
  16. https://ultraverse.fandom.com/wiki/Kix_%28UK_and_Ireland_TV_channel%29
  17. https://worldscreen.com/tvkids/sony-rebrands-kix-launches-channel-on-freeview-sky-freesat/
  18. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Pop_Max
  19. https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/freeview-august-2025-update/
  20. https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/9664498
  21. https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/News/Press/201406/14-0626E/
  22. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/sony-pictures-television-acquire-uk-715071/
  23. https://www.c21media.net/news/narrative-acquires-sonys-uk-channels/
  24. https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/beloved-children-s-tv-channel-is-shutting-down-today-after-17-years/ar-AA1DjVdZ
  25. https://www.the-sun.com/tech/15450307/freeview-is-shutting-down-two-popular-channels/
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  27. https://animeblurayuk.wordpress.com/2024/02/08/pop-pop-max-and-tiny-pop-uk-tv-channels-end-broadcast-on-freesat/
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  29. https://tv24.co.uk/channel/pop-max/2019-10-19
  30. https://fandubdb.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_programs_broadcast_by_Pop_Max
  31. https://dubdb.fandom.com/wiki/The_Spectacular_Spider-Man
  32. https://www.dvber.co.uk/POP%2BMAX/Dragon%2BBall%2BSuper
  33. https://ultimatepopculture.fandom.com/wiki/Pop_Max
  34. http://www.nickalive.net/2013/06/uks-kix-announces-plans-to-launch-brand.html
  35. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Kix_Power
  36. https://helpforum.sky.com/t5/What-s-On/Changes-to-the-Sky-TV-Guide-August-2024/m-p/4707445
  37. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/29995734/sky-free-channel-upgrade-tiny-pop/
  38. https://www.advanced-television.com/2025/04/22/sky-drops-pop-max/
  39. https://animeblurayuk.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/pop-pop-max-tiny-pop-tv-channels-and-pop-player-service-to-be-discontinued-next-month/
  40. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2023/07/05/great-network-expands-multiplex-reach/
  41. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/02/pokemon-is-taking-over-uk-freeview-channel-pop-max-this-month
  42. https://www.the-sun.com/tech/14127433/sky-tv-virgin-media-channel-changes-list-may-2025/
  43. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/34579220/sky-tv-guide-channel-closures-changes-april-2025-list/
  44. https://www.freesatdirectory.ie/channel-list
  45. https://rxtvinfo.com/2025/sky-confirms-removal-of-childrens-channel/
  46. https://www.freeview.co.uk/help/updates-alerts/channel-updates-20-august-2025
  47. https://competition-api.pop.co.uk/pop-max/
  48. https://www.satindex.de/channeleng/30181/
  49. https://getmedigital.com/blog/freeview-channel-changes-20-08-2025/
  50. https://helpforum.sky.com/t5/What-s-On/Changes-to-the-TV-Guide-April-2025/m-p/4947483
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