Timeline: 2025 Week 50

A round-up of the week’s stories and observations.

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WED 10TH DEC (8.30PM)
What’s happened to That’s TV channels on Freeview?
WED 10TH DEC (10.30PM)
POP Player disappears with linear closures to follow

Wednesday 10th December

8.30pm What’s happened to That’s TV channels on Freeview?

That’s TV (UK) and That’s TV 2 on Freeview (channels 56 and 65 respectively) have been replaced by a static caption reading “This service is currently not available”.

As we understand it, the channels disappeared on 8th December, without explanation.

EPG data showing the planned programme schedule is still available for both channels.

UPDATE: both channels were reinstated on Freeview on the afternoon of 12th December 2025.

That’s TV put out the following message on social media following the reinstatement of the channels:

“Freeview viewers: thank you for your patience and kind comments whilst we fixed up our shiny new distribution arrangements just in time for the festive season. We’ve been touched by your messages. We’re all set up and ready to go with the most wonderful Christmas season for you!”

10.30pm POP Player disappears with linear closures to follow

Narrative Entertainment has closed down its online POP Player.

In October, Narrative confirmed plans to close its linear TV kids’ channels POP and Tiny POP on satellite, cable and Freeview in December.

Some outlets have previously reported that the linear TV channels will close on 31st December.

However, from today, the following POP-branded offerings on Freeview switch from being traditional linear channels to requiring an internet-connected device to access them:

Freeview channel 205: POP (renamed from POP Max)
Freeview channel 206: Tiny POP

POP Player on Freeview channel 208 closed today.

POP and Tiny POP continue as linear TV channels on Sky and Virgin cable for the moment but are expected to close by the end of the month.

POP and Tiny POP will continue as FAST channels on Smart TV platforms such as Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels.