DStv subscribers will lose the preschool channel JimJam on November 11, 2026, after 13 years on the platform, as Canal+ ownership continues to reshape MultiChoice's channel lineup. The removal, confirmed by MultiChoice and Canal+ to veteran broadcast journalist Thinus Ferreira, adds to a growing list of closures affecting entertainment, movies, music, news, and international programming since Canal+ took control in September 2025.
JimJam's 13-Year Run Ends
JimJam, provided by AMC Networks International, first joined DStv in November 2013. Its departure marks the end of a 13-year run and makes it the last remaining AMC Networks International channel on the platform. The broadcaster said the decision was part of its ongoing review to refine its channel lineup but did not specify a reason for dropping the children's channel.
Despite the exit, MultiChoice assured families that preschool entertainment remains available through other channels and services. "DStv continues to invest in preschool children's entertainment, including PlayRoom, which brings together local and international programming," spokesperson Sthembiso Semenya said. The company also pointed to Cartoonito, CBeebies, and DreamWorks as alternatives, depending on subscribers' packages.
However, the change could disappoint families whose young children have grown accustomed to JimJam's programming over the years.
Broader Canal+ Restructuring
JimJam's removal is part of a wider shake-up under Canal+, which completed its takeover of MultiChoice in September 2025. Since the start of 2026, the broadcaster has announced or implemented multiple channel closures across various genres.
In January, MultiChoice removed BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Justice, and CBS Reality. It later discontinued Cinemagic and Magic Showcase on June 30, 2026, describing the move as part of its regular channel review. The company said the process was intended to ensure services continued meeting customers' changing viewing preferences.
In September 2026, MultiChoice announced the closure of M-Net Movies 1, kykNET Lekker, Mzansi Bioskop, and Mzansi Magic. The four channels stopped broadcasting on September 16, although some content remained available elsewhere. The broadcaster also renamed several SuperSport channels in August, saying the adjustments would help customers discover and enjoy their preferred sports more easily.
Indian Package Faces Five More Exits
The restructuring extends to DStv's specialist Add Indian package, which costs R280. MultiChoice confirmed in October that SET Asia, ZEE TV, SET Max, Zee Cinema, and WION would leave the package on October 31, 2026. In a customer email, the company said it was focusing on fewer, stronger channels instead of spreading similar content across multiple outlets.
With JimJam's exit scheduled for November, DStv subscribers face another adjustment to their viewing options as Canal+ continues to streamline the platform. The changes indicate that DStv is reshaping its offering rather than simply removing individual channels, with the company earlier unveiling new colours, a new logo, and fresh subscription tiers at a media event in Randburg, South Africa, on September 7, 2026, with new packages rolling out from September 17.
