1999 in Australian television

The year 1999 in Australian television involved many events.

Events

  • 11 January – The ABC moves its long running children's series Play School from its long standing time-slot of 4pm weekdays, to 3:30pm.
  • 1 February – QSTV becomes an affiliate of the Seven Network, becoming known as Seven Central.
  • 13 February – A new Australian science fiction drama series for children Crash Zone produced by the Australian Children's Television Foundation in association with the Disney Channel begins its air on Seven Network.
  • 19 February - Neighbours airs the famous Full Monty strip scene involving Karl Kennedy, Joel Samuels, Drew Kirk, Toadie Rebecchi and Billy Kennedy.
  • March – WIN Television WA commences broadcasting to regional & remote Western Australia, ending the long-time monopoly held by Golden West Network.
  • April – Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? begins on Channel Nine and Adriana Xenides retires from Seven's Wheel of Fortune after 18 years as letter turner. She will be replaced by former model Sophie Falkiner. Xenides died from bowel cancer in 2010.
  • 7 April – The famous Toyota Hilux Bugger TV commercial that originally aired in New Zealand goes to air for the first time on Australian television during a commercial break of an episode of The Panel on Network Ten.
  • 9 April – American animated sitcom Family Guy debuts on the Seven Network.
  • 19 April – Final episode of Australian talk show Strassman airs on Nine Network.
  • 21 April - In Neighbours, Hannah Martin returns from France; Philip Martin's birthday
  • 6 May – Musical director Geoff Harvey is sacked from the Nine Network after 38 years.[1]
  • 28 May – Final episode of the Australian National morning program 11AM airs on the Seven Network. The show was axed after 24 years.
  • May – The Seven Network becomes the first Australian television network to introduce a watermark on its on-air programs.
  • 21 June - In Neighbours, Toadie Rebecchi loses his famous ponytail.
  • 28 June – Australian drama series SeaChange returns to the ABC for a second season achieving recording ratings for the network.
  • 1 July – Australian children's longest running series Mr. Squiggle celebrates its 40th year.
  • 9 July – Australian children's longest running series Mr. Squiggle airs its final episode on the ABC.
  • 13 July - In Neighbours, it was Sarah Beaumont and Peter Hannay's wedding.
  • 19 August – A brand new Australian political satire sketch comedy television series called BackBerner presented by standup comic Peter Berner and noted Australian character actor Louise Siversen screens on the ABC.
  • 31 August – American sitcom The King of Queens starring Kevin James premieres on the Nine Network.
  • 20 September – British children's animated series Bob the Builder debuts on the ABC.
  • 17 October – British six-part documentary series Walking with Dinosaurs debuts on the ABC.
  • 20 October - In Neighbours, Philip and Hannah Martin and Ruth Wilkinson leave; Joe, Lyn, Steph, Flick and Michelle Scully arrive.
  • 24 October – American crime drama series The Sopranos begins on the Nine Network.
  • 19 November – Studio 9 Unplugged, a tribute special dedicated the famous studio rooms at GTV9 presented by Don Lane, goes to air on the Nine Network, ending a 40-year era of live television in that studio.
  • 20 November – The final episode of Hey Hey It's Saturday airs on Nine Network. Before retiring, the creator, host and producer of the series Daryl Somers leaves Nine Network after 28 years.
  • 23 November – The 1996 slasher film Scream starring David Arquette, Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox premieres on the Nine Network at 9:30pm.
  • 26 November – British cooking programme The Naked Chef starring Jamie Oliver screens on the ABC. In Neighbours, the 1999 season final features the Millennium party plus the Scully house burns!
  • 2 December – American animated science fiction sitcom Futurama created by Matt Groening the creator of The Simpsons debuts on the Seven Network.
  • 13 December – Australian children's educational TV series Lift Off airs on ABC for the very last time at 10:00am.
  • 31 December – ABC is the host Australian broadcaster of the international TV event 2000 Today, a 26-hour live telecast of new year celebrations around the world, commencing at 8:30pm (AEDST) on 31 December.
  • Jana Wendt becomes presenter of the Australian television public affairs program Dateline.

Channels

New channels

Debuts

Free-to-air

Domestic

ProgramNetworkDebut date
The Adventures of SamABC TV29 January
ThunderstoneNetwork Ten12 February
Crash ZoneSeven Network13 February
WipeoutSeven Network15 February
Hi-5Nine Network12 April
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?Nine Network18 April
The $1,000,000 Chance of a LifetimeSeven Network31 May
See How They RunABC TV6 June
Pig's BreakfastNine Network5 July
The Mick Molloy ShowNine Network10 July
Sunday SunriseSeven Network25 July
The Big BreakfastSeven Network2 August
Dog's Head BayABC TV16 August
BackBernerABC TV19 August
The 10:30 SlotABC TV20 August
High FlyersNetwork Ten28 August
Unreal TVNetwork Ten5 September
Flipper & LopakaSeven Network10 September
RoveNine Network22 September
Chuck FinnSeven Network18 October
Bananas in Pyjamas: Surprise PartyABC TV18 October
Y?Nine Network1 November
Ground ForceSeven Network1999

International

ProgramChannelDebut date
United Kingdom Percy the Park KeeperNine Network2 January
United States/Canada WildC.A.T.S.Network Ten6 January
United Kingdom AquilaABC TV10 January
United States Chicago SonsNine Network12 January
United States DariaABC TV12 January
United States Dawson's CreekNetwork Ten19 January
France/United States The New Adventures of Robin HoodNetwork Ten22 January
France Gulliver's TravelsNine Network30 January
United States World's Wildest Police VideosNetwork Ten1 February
United Kingdom Vanity Fair (1998)ABC TV7 February
United States MaggieNetwork Ten7 February
United States Godzilla: The SeriesNetwork Ten7 February
United States JesseNine Network8 February
United Kingdom The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock StarABC TV10 February
United Kingdom The Hello GirlsABC TV11 February
United States Beyond Belief: Fact or FictionNetwork Ten13 February
United States Celebrity DeathmatchNetwork Ten18 February
United Kingdom Big TrainABC TV22 February
United States CatDogABC TV24 February
United States Power Rangers in SpaceSeven Network25 February
United States The Magnificent SevenSeven Network27 February
United States Rude AwakeningNetwork Ten4 March
United Kingdom Is It Legal?Seven Network12 March
Greece Faces in Contemporary Greece SongSBS20 March
Canada/France Animal CrackersABC TV24 March
United Kingdom Lesley Garrett TonightABC TV27 March
United States/Canada TitanicNine Network30 March
United States The Jamie Foxx ShowNine Network31 March
Germany Ted Sieger's WildlifeABC TV5 April
United States Family GuySeven Network9 April
United Kingdom Rocky and the DodosABC TV16 April
United Kingdom EchoABC TV24 April
United States World's Most...Nine Network10 May
Canada AnimorphsABC TV10 May
Canada/Australia Dumb BunniesSeven Network15 May
France Zoo OlympicsABC TV18 May
United Kingdom Eye of the StormABC TV6 June
United Kingdom League of GentlemenABC TV9 June
United Kingdom PsychosABC TV9 June
United Kingdom Sir Bernard's Stately HomesABC TV9 June
United States Fantasy Island (1998)Network Ten11 June
United States Claude's CribSeven Network14 June
Australia/United States Croc FilesNetwork Ten28 June
United Kingdom The Treasure SeekersABC TV4 July
United Kingdom Bimble's BucketNine Network4 July
United States CharmedNetwork Ten6 July
United States Histeria!Nine Network8 July
United Kingdom Supernatural: The Unseen Powers of AnimalsABC TV9 July
United States Brother's KeeperNetwork Ten11 July
United Kingdom Rick Stein's Seafood OdysseyABC TV14 July
United Kingdom BodyguardsNetwork Ten17 July
United Kingdom The PlanetsABC TV21 July
United States BeckerNetwork Ten21 July
United States Will & GraceSeven Network22 July
France/Canada/United Kingdom Albert the Fifth MusketeerABC TV23 July
United Kingdom Stanley's DragonABC TV25 July
United States L.A. DoctorsNetwork Ten26 July
United States The Fantastic Voyages of Sinbad the SailorNine Network31 July
United States The Wild ThornberrysABC TV2 August
United Kingdom MaisyABC TV6 August
United Kingdom The Worst WitchABC TV8 August
United Kingdom Births, Marriages and DeathsABC TV15 August
United States The New Woody Woodpecker ShowNetwork Ten15 August
United Kingdom The Prince and the Pauper (1996)ABC TV15 August
United States For Your LoveNine Network19 August
Canada Looking for MiraclesNine Network22 August
United States Raging PlanetSeven Network23 August
Sweden LisaABC TV27 August
United Kingdom The First Snow of WinterABC TV30 August
Canada/United States George and MarthaABC TV30 August
United States The King of QueensNine Network31 August
Austria Inspector RexSBS2 September
United States Blue's CluesNine Network6 September
United States Sex and the City[4]Nine Network6 September
United States BrimstoneNine Network6 September
United Kingdom DinnerladiesABC TV8 September
United States DilbertNetwork Ten9 September
United States Voltron: The Third DimensionSeven Network9 September
United States PushNetwork Ten9 September
United States Red Shoe DiariesNetwork Ten11 September
United Kingdom Hallo Aus BerlinABC TV15 September
United States The Powerpuff GirlsSeven Network16 September
United States Police Academy: The SeriesNine Network18 September
United States The Martin Short ShowNine Network20 September
United Kingdom The Wombles (1997)ABC TV20 September
United Kingdom Bob the BuilderABC TV20 September
United States/Canada Martial LawSeven Network25 September
United States Significant OthersNetwork Ten30 September
United States CrusadeNine Network30 September
United Kingdom Walking with DinosaursABC TV17 October
United Kingdom Eureka StreetABC TV17 October
United States FedsNetwork Ten17 October
United Kingdom/Wales GogwanaABC TV18 October
Sopranos, The United States The Sopranos[5]Nine Network24 October
United Kingdom Boiling PointNine Network27 October
United Kingdom The Mrs Bradley MysteriesABC TV29 October
France/United Kingdom Archibald the KoalaABC TV10 November
United Kingdom Blood on the CarpetABC TV16 November
South Africa Shingalana the Little HunterNetwork Ten20 November
United Kingdom Robot WarsNine Network21 November
United Kingdom Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small IslandSBS23 November
United Kingdom The Naked ChefABC TV26 November
United States Zoe, Duncan, Jack and JaneSeven Network28 November
United States It's Like, You Know...Nine Network29 November
United States TurksNetwork Ten29 November
United States Hyperion BayNine Network29 November
United States ProvidenceSeven Network30 November
United States FuturamaSeven Network2 December
France/Canada Fly TalesABC TV6 December
United States The Norm ShowNine Network7 December
United States Project G.e.e.K.e.R.Network Ten7 December
United States That '70s ShowSeven Network9 December
United States Maggie WintersNine Network10 December
Canada Eye of the WolfABC TV12 December
United States Wing Commander AcademyNetwork Ten14 December
United States Hiller and DillerSeven Network16 December
United States Michael HayesNine Network16 December
Republic of Ireland VoyageSBS19 December
United States Vengeance UnlimitedNine Network23 December
Austria/United States/Germany Catherine the GreatNine Network29 December
United States Sonic UndergroundSeven Network1999
Spain Basket FeverSeven Network1999
United States CostelloSeven Network1999
Australia Celebrity Drug Disasters Getting BetterUnknown1999

Film debuts

Changes to network affiliation

This is a list of programs which made their premiere on an Australian television network that had previously premiered on another Australian television network. The networks involved in the switch of allegiances are predominantly both free-to-air networks or both subscription television networks. Programs that have their free-to-air/subscription television premiere, after previously premiering on the opposite platform (free-to air to subscription/subscription to free-to air) are not included. In some cases, programs may still air on the original television network. This occurs predominantly with programs shared between subscription television networks.

Domestic

ProgramNew network(s)Previous network(s)Date
Good News WeekNetwork TenABC TV21 March

International

ProgramNew network(s)Previous network(s)Date
United Kingdom Brambly HedgeABC TVNine Network31 August
Canada Adventures in Rainbow CountryNine NetworkABC TV19 November
United States The Mary Tyler Moore ShowSeven NetworkNine Network29 November
United States/United Kingdom Monster MakerABC TVNetwork Ten25 December

Subscription television

International

ProgramChannelDebut date
Oh Yeah! Cartoons United States Oh Yeah! Cartoons[6]Nickelodeon24 January
Animorphs Canada Animorphs[7]NickelodeonApril
Brothers Flub United States The Brothers Flub[7]Nickelodeon5 April
Wimzie's House Canada Wimzie's House[8]Nickelodeon3 May
Birdz Canada Birdz[8]Nickelodeon16 May
Rocket Power United States Rocket Power[9]Nickelodeon7 December
United States The Powerpuff GirlsCartoon Network1999
United States I am WeaselCartoon Network1999
United States/Canada Ed, Edd n EddyCartoon Network1999
United Kingdom/Canada Bob and MargaretThe Comedy Channel1999
United States The Mr. Potato Head ShowFox Kids1999
United States Bruno the KidFox Kids1999
United Kingdom The Worst WitchNickelodeon1999
Canada Big Wolf on CampusFox Kids1999
United Kingdom Stressed EricThe Comedy Channel1999
United Kingdom BillyNickelodeon1999
United Kingdom Wiggly ParkNickelodeon1999

Changes to network affiliation

This is a list of programs which made their premiere on an Australian television network that had previously premiered on another Australian television network. The networks involved in the switch of allegiances are predominantly both free-to-air networks or both subscription television networks. Programs that have their free-to-air/subscription television premiere, after previously premiering on the opposite platform (free-to air to subscription/subscription to free-to air) are not included. In some cases, programs may still air on the original television network. This occurs predominantly with programs shared between subscription television networks.

Domestic

ProgramNew networkPrevious networkDate
Lift OffDisney ChannelFox Kids2 February

International

ProgramNew networkPrevious networkDate
United Kingdom EastEnders[10]UKTVABC TV5 February
Canada Student BodiesFox KidsDisney Channel1999

Subscription premieres

This is a list of programs which made their premiere on Australian subscription television that had previously premiered on Australian free-to-air television. Programs may still air on the original free-to-air television network.

Domestic

ProgramSubscription networkFree-to-air networkDate
Driven CrazyNickelodeon[7]Network TenMarch
Minty Australia/United Kingdom MintyNickelodeon[11]ABC TV7 August

International

ProgramSubscription networkFree-to-air networkDate
United Kingdom The Forgotten ToysNickelodeonABC TV4 October
United States 3rd Rock from the SunFox8Seven Network21 October
United States Family GuyFox8Seven Network28 November

Specials

ProgramChannelDebut date
1999 Kids' Choice Awards United States 1999 Kids' Choice Awards[8]Nickelodeon29 May
Wayne's Best Dares Australia Wayne's Best Dares[11]Nickelodeon19 September

Television shows

ABC

Seven Network

Nine Network

Network Ten

  • Neighbours (1985–1989, 1989–present)
  • GMA With Bert Newton (1991–2005)

Ending / resting this year

DateShowChannelDebut
2 JanuaryThe Toothbrush Family (season 2)Network Ten1998
2 JanuaryKetchup: Cats Who CookNetwork Ten1998
21 JanuaryWildlife with Olivia Newton-JohnNine Network1995
22 JanuaryLaw of the LandNine Network1993
1 FebruaryMisery GutsNine Network1998
5 FebruaryThe Cartoon ConnectionSeven Network1997
19 AprilStrassmanNine Network1998
23 AprilThe Adventures of SamABC29 January 1999
1 MayBig SkyNetwork Ten1997
28 May11AMSeven Network1982
26 JuneThe Adventures of Lano and WoodleyABC1997
2 JulyWildsideABC1999
9 JulyMr. Squiggle and FriendsABC1959
30 JulySunriseSeven Network1991
28 AugustThe Mick Molloy ShowNine Network10 July 1999
27 SeptemberLive and KickingSeven Network1998
3 NovemberBreakersNetwork Ten1998
8 NovemberDog's Head BayABC16 August 1999
20 NovemberHey Hey It's SaturdayChannel Nine1971
22 NovemberPetalsABC1998
25 NovemberWhat's Cooking?Nine Network1991
29 NovemberHeartbreak HighNetwork Ten
ABC
1994
13 DecemberLift OffABC1992
13 DecemberMedivacNetwork Ten1996
24 DecemberWhat's Up Doc?Nine Network1993

See also

References

  1. ^ "When loyalty means nought". The Courier-Mail. News Limited. 27 April 1999. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  2. ^ Browne, Rachel (4 April 1999). "Preacher Beadman Spreads The World". The Sun-Herald. Sydney, Australia. p. 37.
  3. ^ Melloy, Neil (9 September 1999). "Oh! We had better name the show". Courier Mail. p. 24.
  4. ^ Sikes, Gini (22 August 1999). "The XXX factor". The Sun-Herald. Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Media. p. 5. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
  5. ^ Curtis, Quentin (24 October 1999). "Analysing the Mafia". The Sun-Herald. Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Media. p. 6. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
  6. ^ Nick Nooze. 3. Nickelodeon (Australia). 1998.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  7. ^ a b c Nick Nooze. 4. Nickelodeon (Australia). 1999.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  8. ^ a b c "What's New On Nick? – May 1999". Nickelodeon (Australia). 1999. Archived from the original on 8 May 1999. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
  9. ^ Nick Nooze. Summer. Nickelodeon (Australia). 1999.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  10. ^ Conway, Andrew (1 February 1999). "New Today for Dalley". The Sydney Morning Herald. Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Media. p. 2. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  11. ^ a b Nick Nooze. 5. Nickelodeon (Australia). 1999.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
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