DStv to drop JimJam on November 11 after 13 years

DStv will remove preschool channel JimJam on November 11, 2026, ending a 13-year run on the pay-TV platform. The channel joined DStv in November 2013 and is the last AMC Networks International channel still distributed on DStv.

MultiChoice and Canal+ confirmed the planned removal to veteran broadcast journalist Thinus Ferreira. The broadcaster said the decision is part of a review and refinement of its channel lineup but did not give a specific reason for dropping the children’s channel.

Alternatives remain for families

MultiChoice spokesperson Sthembiso Semenya said families will still have preschool entertainment after JimJam leaves. “DStv continues to invest in preschool children’s entertainment, including PlayRoom, which brings together local and international programming,” Semenya said.

The company also named Cartoonito, CBeebies and DreamWorks as alternative options, depending on subscribers’ packages. JimJam’s exit may still disappoint families whose young children have grown used to its programming over the years.

Wider Canal+ shake-up

JimJam’s removal comes as Canal+ pushes changes across DStv’s channel portfolio after taking over MultiChoice in September 2025. Since the beginning of 2026, the broadcaster has announced or implemented multiple channel closures affecting entertainment, movies, music, news and international programming.

In January, MultiChoice removed BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Justice and CBS Reality from its lineup. It later discontinued Cinemagic and Magic Showcase on June 30, 2026, describing the move as part of its regular review of channels. The company said the process was meant to ensure its 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 of their content remained available elsewhere. The broadcaster also introduced changes to its SuperSport channel names in August, saying the adjustments would help customers discover and enjoy their preferred sports more easily.

Add Indian package also affected

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.

DStv is also undergoing its biggest package and content shake-up in more than two decades. It unveiled a new visual identity, fresh subscription tiers and major channel lineup changes at a media event at its Randburg headquarters in South Africa on Monday, September 7, 2026. The new packages were scheduled to roll out from September 17.

For Nigerian subscribers, the JimJam exit adds to a growing list of viewing adjustments on DStv. Families with young children will need to move to PlayRoom, Cartoonito, CBeebies or DreamWorks, depending on their packages, while the broader Canal+ review signals more changes in the pay-TV lineup.