TV Guide Network rebranding as Pop next year

CBS Corp. and Lionsgate Entertainment network TV Guide Network is rebranding.

The US cable net will become Pop next year, a network dedicated to “celebrating the fun of being a fan”.

Launching in the first quarter of next year, Pop will have a line-up of more than 400 hours of “fan-fuelled” original programming, including the previously-announced Rock This Boat: New Kids on the Block and The Story Behind.

“The inspiration for Pop is simple – when something stands out from the rest, it pops,” said Pop’s president, entertainment and media. “It’s what everyone is talking about. It’s an exceptional talent. It’s a one-of-a-kind maverick.

“When something is so good that it earns a culture of fandom, that’s POP – and that’s what we want our channel to symbolise, a fresh new media personality that puts us firmly alongside the audience.”

Les Moonves, CEO and CBS, and Jon Feltheimer, chief executive of Lionsgate, released a joint statement adding: “Pop is an exciting new chapter for a cable network that has made great progress and generated significant ratings momentum over the past year. Our new brand not only positions the channel for continued growth, but reflects its identity, focus and fan base.”

CBS and Lionsgate operate the network as a 50-50 joint venture.