G4TV, the legendary TV network delivering content and guides for video games that first aired in 2002 and was brought back in 2021 by the Spectacor division of Comcast, is once again shutting down less than a year after returning.
This cable program featured some of the most beloved commentary, reviews, and news content in the industry, with popular segments including Attack of the Show! and X-Play.
In an article published by Deadline, the shutdown affects some “few-dozen” contract and full-time workers. However, several are being considered for new roles within the same company. For those moving on, Comcast is offering support for outplacement.
CEO of Comcast Spectacor Dave Scott issued a staff memo which said that “Viewership is low and the network has not achieved sustainable financial results. This is certainly not what we hoped for, and, as a result, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue G4’s operations, effective immediately”.
The new run of G4 brought back many of the best shows from the original channel in updated formats.
Froskurinn, one of the show’s more recent hosts who departed the network several weeks ago, listed many of the staffers who would be affected by the shutdown on Twitter. The good news is that the visibility will help them acquire new roles at new companies.
In addition to being labeled a “digital-first” channel, the new G4TV aired on traditional TV through Xfinity, Cox, and Verizon. Furthermore, G4 secured a promotional deal with Twitch, with some content produced exclusively for YouTube and social media sites.