What Happened to Disney XD? Is Disney XD Coming Back?
by Harini
Updated Jun 08, 2023
What Happened to Disney XD?
Disney XD, which was created through the merger of Jetix and Toon Disney, used to be available worldwide. However, starting from 2019, most of the international Disney XD networks were shut down due to the introduction of Disney+.
The closure of Disney XD began on January 6, 2019, in Australia and New Zealand, where its programming was moved to Disney Channel for its final year before being incorporated into Disney+. In India, the channel was rebranded as Marvel HQ on January 9, 2019. On October 1, 2019, Disney XD closed in Italy after its agreement with Sky was not renewed.
Subsequently, the Spanish and German versions of Disney XD closed on April 1, 2020, followed by the French network a week later. XD in Singapore ceased on June 1, 2020, and the domestic feeds for the UK & Ireland and continental Africa closed on October 1, 2020. Along with this, the Southeast Asian, Scandinavian, and Middle Eastern feeds also closed on December 31, 2020. The Japanese and Turkish channels followed suit on January 31, 2021.
The most recent closure took place in Latin America on March 31, 2022. As of April 1, 2022, outside of North America, Disney XD only has two sister networks: one in Poland as a full-time network, and another in the Netherlands as a time-share arrangement with Veronica TV.
Is Disney XD Coming Back?
Starting from March 31, 2022, only four Disney XD channels will continue to be active. These channels will be available in specific countries, namely the United States, Canada, Netherlands, and Poland.
In December 2004, the channel was launched as the Indian counterpart of Toon Disney and also featured the Jetix block in India. However, both brands underwent a rebranding and were replaced by Disney XD in November 2009. The channel was later renamed as Marvel HQ in January 2019 and then transformed into Super Hungama on March 1, 2022.
What is Disney XD?
Disney XD is a television network in the United States that is owned by The Walt Disney Company. It is part of the Disney–ABC Television Group division and serves as the sister channel to the main Disney Channel. The programming on Disney XD primarily consists of action-oriented animated series for children, along with some live-action shows and movies targeted towards viewers aged 6 to 14.
The channel features original content such as Zeke and Luther, Kickin' It, I'm in the Band, and Pair of Kings. It also showcases popular programming from Disney Channel, including both recent and archived original series like The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Phineas and Ferb, as well as made-for-TV movies.
Disney XD provides Spanish language audio options, which can be accessed through a separate channel as part of a Spanish language network package offered by cable and satellite providers. Alternatively, viewers can choose a separate audio track with the SAP (Second Audio Program) option, depending on their system. Additionally, the channel offers a video-on-demand service to digital cable and IPTV subscribers, providing free programming.
Is Disney XD Shutting Down?
Disney XD, another product of a combination between Jetix and Toon Disney, was formerly available worldwide. Because of the launch of Disney+, most overseas Disney XD networks have been shut down as of 2019.
Apart from The Disney Channel, there are several other channels that will remain accessible on cable or satellite services. On average, there are dozens, if not over a hundred, cable channels offered. In the unlikely event that Disney XD goes off the air in the United States, channels like Disney Junior and other existing Disney-related channels would likely continue to be available, unless they were also discontinued simultaneously.
Disney XD India
When Disney was introduced in India in July 2004, it faced infrastructure challenges. However, it provided Indian children with access to English content, which was exciting at the time since such content was limited. The channel continued to air shows for an extended period and began incorporating content from other countries, including popular anime series like Doraemon, Shinchan, and Pokemon, along with Disney XD content.
As the popularity of Disney grew, other channels like Pogo emerged, which aired shows like Chota Bheem non-stop. Some viewers started gravitating towards Pogo due to its wider accessibility and availability through smaller cable operators. Around 2010, Disney, recognizing its established presence in India, decided to dub their older English programs into Hindi. This led to the creation of Hindi versions of shows like "Good Luck Charlie" (Best of Luck Nikki) and "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" (The Suite Life of Karan & Kabir), which became hits.
However, when Shinchan was unbanned and gained popularity again, some parents raised concerns, similar to what happened in 2008. In response, Indian producers supported the parents' complaints, resulting in a reduction of Shinchan and other older Disney programs. Disney then introduced its own shows, like "Selfie with Bajrangi" and "Life of Samosa," which focused on characters indulging in specific activities like eating samosas.
Following Disney's lead, channels like Hungama and Nickelodeon also started producing indigenous cartoons, which some may perceive as lacking in quality. The playtime of older cartoons and shows decreased as younger kids began watching the newer content, making it financially profitable. This shift was driven by the profit motives of Indian producers, rather than any other reason.
What Happened to Disney XD -FAQ
Disney XD has undergone several changes and closures in various regions. Many international Disney XD networks have been shut down since 2019 due to the launch of Disney+.
As of now, there is no information suggesting that Disney XD is making a comeback. The channel's status and future plans have not been announced.
The Indian version of Toon Disney was launched in December 2004.
Yes, the channel carried the Jetix block in India alongside Toon Disney.
The rebranding from Toon Disney and Jetix to Disney XD occurred in November 2009.