Cord Cutters News - Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:46 PM
The Popular Online TV Guide Service Zap2It TV Shuts Down & Is Replaced by NewsNation
Zap2It, a go-to online TV guide for over two decades, has disappeared from the internet as of this week, with its URL now redirecting to NewsNation’s TV schedule, sparking confusion and frustration among its loyal user base. The site, once a comprehensive resource for local broadcast, cable, and satellite listings across the U.S. and Canada, has been folded into NewsNation’s, which now just redirects to the news network website as spotted by Distractify. The sudden shift—attributed to Zap2It’s owner, Nexstar Media Group—has left many questioning the decision and scrambling for alternatives.
Nexstar declined to comment on the change from Zap2It to NewsNation.
Founded in 2000 by Tribune Media Services and acquired by Nexstar in 2019, Zap2It had long been a trusted hub, syndicating listings to major players like Disney, Cox, and The New York Times while offering users features like TiVo “click-to-record” functionality since 2007. Its abrupt end, without prior warning, has blindsided users who relied on its detailed grids to plan their viewing. NewsNation, launched in 2020 on WGN America and rebranded in 2021.
The move has drawn sharp criticism online. The sentiment underscores Zap2It’s role as a daily staple for many, especially those planning sports or primetime viewing. Now, though, most live TV services offer a free guide built into their services, something that wasn’t the case when some services like Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV launched. It seems that Nexstar has decided it is no longer worth running the service.
Nexstar’s rationale remains unclear, but the cost of maintaining a detailed listings site may have played a role. Zap2It’s history of redesigns—narrowing to TV and films in 2003, adding blogs in 2006, and rebranding as Screener in 2016 before reverting in 2018—suggests ongoing struggles to adapt. By 2020, its editorial arm, TV by the Numbers, shuttered, leaving listings as its core.
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