NBCUniversal will pull the plug on the Chiller cable channel as of Jan. 1.

The move marks the latest example of niche channels falling victim to the changing landscape for cable programmers and distributors. Earlier this year NBCU shuttered Esquire Network and mystery channel Cloo as it became clear that both channels were poised to lose significant distribution.

MVPDs are focused on offering smaller bundles for cost-conscious consumers in the face of heightened competition from streaming providers. Low-profile channels like Chiller and Cloo are an endangered species, even for a company with the market clout of NBCUniversal. Taking the small fry off the table helps NBCU’s effort to beef up programming and carriage fees for its core cable nets, including USA Network, Syfy, Bravo and E!

Chiller has no original programming at present. The shutdown will not lead to any job losses within NBCU.

Chiller launched in February 2007 as a showcase for horror and thriller movies and TV shows pulled from the Universal vault and other sources.

News of Chiller’s demise was first reported by blogger TV Answer Man .