 Logo used since 2018 | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Nationwide Europe Australia Southeast Asia Middle East Africa Russia New Zealand South Asia |
| Headquarters | 230Park Avenue South New York City,New York, U.S. |
| Programming | |
| Language | English |
| Picture format | 1080iHDTV (downscaled to480iletterboxed for theSDTV feed) |
| Ownership | |
| Parent | Warner Bros. Discovery Networks |
| Sister channels | List
|
| History | |
| Launched | June 1, 1996; 29 years ago (1996-06-01) |
| Links | |
| Website | animalplanet.com |
| Availability | |
| Streaming media | |
| Affiliated Streaming Service(s) | HBO Max andDiscovery+ |
| Service(s) | DirecTV Stream,Hulu + Live TV,Philo,YouTube TV |
Animal Planet (stylized inall lowercase since 2018) is an American multinationalpay television channel focusing on the animal kingdom owned by theWarner Bros. Discovery Networks unit ofWarner Bros. Discovery. First established on June 1, 1996,[1] the channel is primarily devoted to series and documentaries about wild animals and domestic pets.[citation needed]
The channel was originally a joint venture withBBC Worldwide, and primarily focused onnature documentaries surrounding wildlife, targeting a family audience. In 2008, Animal Planet rebranded with a more mature programming direction, with a greater emphasis on aggressive and predatory portrayals of animals, as well as an increase inreality series following personalities involved in animal-related occupations and investigations. Animal Planet rebranded again in October 2018, pivoting away from its more aggressive branding.
As of November 2023[update], Animal Planet is available to approximately 70,000,000 pay television households in the United States-down from its 2011 peak of 98,000,000 households.[2] Discovery has also established or licensed international versions of the channel in various regions.
Animal Planet was launched on June 1, 1996; it was created byDiscovery Communications in cooperation withBBC Worldwide. On January 1, 1997, Animal Planet's distribution grew as a result of Advance Entertainment Corporation selling the satellite transponder slot belonging to theWWOR EMI Service (a nationalsuperstation feed ofSecaucus, New Jersey/New York City'sWWOR-TV, that was implemented following the 1989 passage of theSyndication Exclusivity Rights Rule by theFederal Communications Commission) to Discovery Communications, replacing the feed with Animal Planet outright.[3]
In late 2005, as part of a multi-million dollar expansion, theNational Aquarium in Baltimore opened an exhibit called "Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extreme". Animal Planet and the National Aquarium in Baltimore announced a multi-year partnership the year prior, which produced an original orientation film that gives Aquarium visitors background on the Australian area which inspired the new exhibit and a dedicated area inside the expansion where visitors can learn about Animal Planet's conservation efforts and other programming. The partnership also allowed the possibility of future productions of television programs about the National Aquarium in Baltimore's research and exhibits.[4]
In 2006, BBC Worldwide sold its 20% interest in the flagship Animal Planet U.S. network back to Discovery Communications.[5] The BBC maintained its 50% ownership in Animal Planet's European, Asian and Latin American channels, as well as a minority interest in Animal Planet Japan and Animal Planet Canada until November 15, 2010,[6] when BBC Worldwide sold 50% interest in Animal Planet andLiv to Discovery Communications for $156 million.[7] Animal Planet is additionally an associate member of the Caribbean Cable Cooperative.[8]
During the late 2000s, Genius Products announced a U.S. distribution agreement involving Animal Planet andTLC.Jakks Pacific also entered into a licensing agreement to develop Animal Planet-branded pet products.
On February 3, 2008, amidst declining average viewership, Animal Planet underwent a major revamp in its programming and branding. The new lineup placed a larger focus on series portraying animals as "characters" in their own right, and more "aggressive" and story-based entertainment series targeting mature viewers 13-49 (such asEscape to Chimp Eden and the reality documentary seriesWhale Wars), as opposed to traditionalnature documentaries and family viewing. The network also adopted a new logo, replacing its previous "elephant and globe" emblem with a stylizedwordmark, and the new slogan "Same Planet, Different World". Network president Marjorie Kaplan explained that Animal Planet had been too "soft" and family-oriented, and that it was aiming to be "more aggressive and tapping into the instinctual nature of compelling animal content."[9][10][11]
In April 2010, Animal Planet introduced a new slogan and marketing campaign, "Surprisingly Human," as an evolution of the 2008 rebranding. The slogan reflected Animal Planet's increasing number of personality-based series following animal-related investigations and occupations, such asRiver Monsters.[12]
In April 2012, Animal Planet's entertainment-oriented direction was criticized after it broadcastMermaids: The Body Found—afictional documentary suggesting thatmermaids were real. Despite its fictitious content, the documentary was widely viewed, and a follow-up entitledMermaids: The New Evidence set an all-time ratings record for the channel.[13][14]
On October 15, 2018, Animal Planet unveiled a new logo, featuring a symbol of a jumping elephant resembling the original logo. The new branding symbolizes a new mission of "keeping the childhood joy and wonder of animals alive by bringing people up close in every way." The new branding coincided with the October 28 premieres ofCrikey! It's the Irwins (a new series following the family ofSteve Irwin) andAmanda to the Rescue, and the premiere ofBig Cat Stories the following night.[15][16]
On January 23, 2019, Animal Planet was launched in France, along with Discovery Turbo, Discovery World and TLC.
Additions to the channel in the late 2000s, such asMeerkat Manor andOrangutan Island, reflected its shift toward "predation programming" and more immersive storytelling. Animal Planet intended the new direction to help revitalize stagnating ratings, after primetime viewership of the network dropped by 9% in 2007.[11] Animal Planet addedpseudo-scientific documentary, reality television, and sitcom shows to its line-up.
Animal Planet is also well known for thePuppy Bowl, an annual special featuring puppies at play inside afootball-themed setting. The special airs on the afternoon prior to theNFL'sSuper Bowl, and was originally narrated by commentator andNFL Films narratorHarry Kalas before his death.[17]
On October 29, 2022, months after the merger ofDiscovery, Inc. andWarnerMedia into Warner Bros. Discovery, it was announced thatPit Bulls & Parolees would air its final season,[18] while other shows likeLone Star Law andLouisiana Law moved to Discovery Channel. With the exception ofPuppy Bowl XIX that aired on the network February 12, 2023,[19] the latest programming moves left Animal Planet to air reruns of the network's programming as well as other shows from other Discovery properties pre-WBD merger.
D.C. Thomson & Co. partnered with Discovery to publishAnimal Planet Magazine in the United Kingdom. The magazine's first issue was published on February 16, 2011.[20]
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| The Cartoon Network, Inc. |
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| Defunct and former ventures |
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