Bell Media has announced that E! Entertainment will officially shut down its Canadian operations on December 31, 2026. The move ends the channel's presence in the country, which began in 2010 when CTV launched the service following the acquisition of its operating license.

Where will the shows go?

While the dedicated channel is disappearing, viewers may not lose access to all their favorite content immediately. A spokesperson for Bell Media stated that "some E! programming will still be aired through other Bell Media platforms," although the company has not yet specified which shows will move or where they will be hosted.

Certain sister networks will remain unaffected by this transition. Specifically, the company noted that programming for USA Network and Oxygen True Crime will continue without interruption.

A look at the channel's history

Since its inception in Canada, E! has served as a primary destination for reality television, celebrity news, and red carpet coverage. The channel's history in the Canadian market includes:

  • 2010: Launched by CTV (formerly known as Star!) after acquiring the Canadian operating license.
  • 2011: Became part of the Bell Media portfolio following the acquisition of CTV.
  • Content highlights: Popular domestic and international programming included Celebrity Style Story and the reality series Brave New Girls.

The changing media landscape

Bell Media has not provided a specific reason for the decision to discontinue the E! brand in Canada. This shift comes at a time when the media landscape is facing significant changes, as many consumers struggle with the growing number of streaming services.

Recent data suggests that Canadians are feeling the weight of choice fatigue. A survey conducted by Rogers and Angus Reid found that 86 per cent of respondents feel there is an overwhelming number of streaming platforms available today. Furthermore, many viewers express a desire to find all available shows and movies in one easy-to-use location.

As companies consolidate content, the availability of niche entertainment channels often shifts toward larger, multi-service digital platforms. Watchers should monitor Bell Media's upcoming schedules to see how their preferred pop culture content is redistributed across other networks.