Freeform (TV channel)

Television channel

Freeform

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Type
Country	United States
Broadcast area
Network
Stations
Transmitters
Affiliates
Headquarters	Burbank, California

Freeform is an American basic cable channel owned by the Walt Disney Television division of The Walt Disney Company. The channel primarily broadcasts programming aimed at teenagers and young adults, with some programming skewing towards young women in the 14–34 age range. Its programming includes contemporary off-network syndicated reruns and original series, feature films, and made-for-TV original movies.

History

Freeform was originally launched on April 29, 1977, as the CBN Satellite Service, an extension of televangelist Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network. The channel was initially focused on religious programming but gradually expanded its content to include family-oriented entertainment.

In 1981, the channel was rebranded as the CBN Cable Network. By 1988, it was known as The Family Channel, reflecting its broader programming focus. In 1998, the channel was sold to Fox Kids Worldwide, a joint venture between News Corporation and Saban Entertainment, and was rebranded as Fox Family Channel.

In 2001, The Walt Disney Company acquired Fox Family Worldwide, including the channel, and rebranded it as ABC Family. The channel underwent another rebranding in January 2016, adopting the name Freeform to better reflect its target audience of "Becomers," a term coined by the network to describe viewers in the 14–34 age range.

Programming

Freeform's programming strategy focuses on original series, acquired series, and feature films. The channel is known for its "31 Nights of Halloween" and "25 Days of Christmas" programming blocks, which feature themed movies and specials.

Original Series

Freeform has produced several popular original series, including:

• Pretty Little Liars
• The Fosters
• Shadowhunters
• Grown-ish

Acquired Series

The channel also airs reruns of popular series such as:

• The Office
• Family Guy
• The Simpsons

Audience and Impact

Freeform targets a demographic known as "Becomers," which includes teenagers and young adults transitioning into adulthood. The channel's programming often addresses themes relevant to this audience, such as identity, relationships, and social issues.

Also see

• The Walt Disney Company
• ABC Family
• Fox Family Channel
• Pat Robertson
• Television in the United States