This Tuesday the 30th marks the end of two French thematic channels: MCM, a music channel that became a pop culture channel, and Olympia TV, a channel dedicated to live entertainment within the CANAL+ packages. MCM ceases broadcasting permanently after 37 years, while Olympia TV ends its broadcast within the CANAL+ packages from the same date.
MCM, 37 years on air swept away
Launched in 1989 as Monte-Carlo Musique, MCM established itself as one of the iconic cable and satellite channels in France. Initially focused on music videos, charts, and music, it later broadened its identity to include pop culture, series, animation, and programs aimed at young adults.
Since 2019, MCM has been part of the M6 group's scope, following the acquisition of Lagardère's television division, which notably includes Gulli, Canal J, TiJi, MCM, MCM Top and RFM TV.
A channel that has moved from music to pop culture
MCM blended music videos, American series, anime, entertainment, and pop culture content. Its advertising agency positioned it as a pay-TV channel strongly appealing to men aged 15 to 34, with a projected monthly audience of 2,5 million viewers. Its closure marks the end of a brand that had been a part of several generations of viewers, from the music video era to cable in the 2000s, up to a more recent lineup characterized by reruns and catalog programming.
Olympia TV is also closing
Olympia TV will also cease broadcasting on CANAL+ on June 30th. The channel, launched on January 21, 2020, was created to offer live entertainment every evening: theater, concerts, opera, dance, circus, magic, and stage recordings. It was available within the CANAL+ universe and on myCANAL. CANAL+ specifies that the channel will cease broadcasting in its packages as of June 30, 2026. Subscribers are redirected to other entertainment or show channels available depending on their subscription, including Comédie+ or Comedy Central for comedy and entertainment.
Two stops, two symbols
MCM represented the legacy of French music television. Olympia TV embodied a more recent attempt to bring live performance to pay television. Their simultaneous disappearance demonstrates that thematic channels with strong identities are increasingly fragile when they rely on pay-TV distribution, operator agreements, and a linear model.
