2001 in Australian television

Events

  • 1 January – Digital Television arrives in the major state capitals of Australia and states in it, with the ABC and SBS permitted to operate multi-channel services.
  • 24 January – The Seven Network loses the TV rights to the AFL for the first time, since televised football began in 1957. The rights are won by a Nine Network-Network Ten-Fox Footy Channel consortium.
  • 5 February – The Weakest Link premieres on the Seven Network, airing twice a week, Mondays and Fridays, however, shortly before the commencement of the AFL season, the latter edition is moved forwards to Thursdays in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, and then in Sydney and Brisbane after the conclusion of the AFL season.
  • 11 February – The Network Ten undergoes a major revamp in its production and circle logo and on air graphics as a part of a new network re-launch, with the launch of its motto Seriously Ten, which are both currently in use to the 2012 revamp.
  • 22 February – The voice actors behind the Funimation dubbed version of Dragon Ball Z Sean Schemmel (Goku, Nails and King Kai) and Christopher Sabat (Piccolo, Vegeta and Yamcha) appear on Cheez TV for an interview on Network Ten.
  • 26 March – The $10,000 bank target is achieved for the first time on an episode of The Weakest Link.
  • 10 April – American mystery fiction television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation premieres on the Nine Network and is shown every Tuesday at 8:30 pm.
  • 22 April – The Australian version of Big Brother premieres on Network Ten.
  • 25 April – Brooke Marshall wins the second season of The Mole, taking home $100,000 in prize money. Michael Laffy is revealed as the Mole, and Hal Pritchard is the runner-up.
  • 7 May – Nine players who were voted off The Weakest Link early in previous episodes were given a second chance to win up to $100,000.
  • 27 May – Nine previous winners of The Weakest Link appear on the show again for another chance to win up to $100,000. In this episode, the $10,000 bank target is achieved again.
  • 2 June – Mamma Mia: The Ultimate ABBA-Thon a 75-minute live variety special with a tribute to ABBA, goes to air live on the Nine Network. The special followed by a showing of ABBA: The Movie, a 1977 documentary on the group’s visit to Australia.
  • 22 June – Hi-5 airs its 100th episode.
  • 24 June – Australian children's Sunday morning wrapper programme Couch Potato airs its final episode on ABC hosted by Abby Coleman and David Heinrich and finishing up with a rerun of SimsalaGrimm.
  • 16 July –
  • 31 July – Australian miniseries Blue Murder finally screens in NSW and the ACT for the very first time on the ABC six years after its broadcast in other states and territories due to the life sentence of Neddy Smith.
  • 1 August – The ABC launches its very first digital multi-channel service ABC Kids. The channel airs programmes aimed at children and runs from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
  • 7 August – The final episode of Water Rats goes to air on the Nine Network and the show was axed after six years.
  • 8 August –
  • 11 September – Television networks relay coverage from CNN, NBC, ABC America and the BBC for up to 48 hours in the wake of 11 September attacks. Ten News made the record books as the first Australian Television News Service to ever cover the Coverage on its Late News bulletin with Sandra Sully.
  • 29 September – The Seven Network televises its final game of AFL until March 2007.
  • 1 November – The ABC launches another digital multi-channel service called Fly TV. Airing from 6:00pm to 6:00am, the channel broadcasts music videos, reviews, comedy, drama, news programming, sport programmes, cartoons and current affairs for teenagers and young adults.
  • 22 November – After Prime Television axes Regional television news bulletins in Newcastle, Wollongong and Canberra, and Southern Cross Broadcasting axes regional bulletins in Canberra and North Queensland, the ABA holds an inquiry into the adequacy of regional news services. Bulletins eventually return to those areas in 2004, albeit in the form of two-minute updates during weekdays in the ratings season.
  • 25 November – The 1999 Film Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts premieres on the Seven Network.
  • 29 November – After 21 years, Sale of the Century is "rested". It later returns to the Nine Network as Temptation in 2005 and runs until 2007, and again 2008 until 2009. Also another Nine Network game show Burgo's Catch Phrase has given the axe after 4 years.
  • 12 December – The American comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls premieres on the Nine Network.
  • December – The Nine Network will introduce a watermark on its programs. Until now, the Channel Nine watermark will now be broadcast on all news (until 2008 for the major revamp of its news bulletins, but reinstated in late 2009), current affairs and Live programs.
  • December – A record $72,900 is won on The Weakest Link's special titled The Best of the Best.

Debuts

Domestic

ProgramChannelDebut date
Love Is a Four Letter WordABC30 January
The Big ArvoSeven Network1 February
The Weakest LinkSeven Network5 February
GreedNetwork Ten11 February
Sit Down, Shut UpNetwork Ten16 February
Flat ChatNine Network19 February
Cash BonanzaNine Network3 March
Head StartABC4 March
LittlemoreABC5 March
Big BrotherNetwork Ten22 April
The Saddle ClubABC TV30 April
Horace and TinaNetwork Ten4 May
Wild KatNetwork Ten2 June
OutridersNine Network9 July
InsidersABC15 July
CybergirlNetwork Ten21 July
Big Brother: Adults OnlyNetwork Ten23 July
All Aussie AdventuresNetwork Ten5 August
McLeod's DaughtersNine Network8 August
CatalystABC9 August
The Glass HouseABC10 August
Always GreenerSeven Network9 September
Bush MechanicsABC11 September
Escape of the Artful DodgerNine Network17 September
Corridors of PowerABC8 October
Kids, Drugs and Growing UpNine Network9 October
ChangiABC14 October
The Chaser election specialsABC23 October
Effie: Just QuietlySBS TV6 November
The ShapiesNine Network1 December
Tracey McBeanABC31 December
Fishing AustraliaWIN Television2001
The Great South EastSeven Network (Queensland)2001
Hook, Line and SinkerSouthern Cross Tasmania2001
The World GameSBS TV2001

International

ProgramChannelDebut date
United States CupidNetwork Ten3 January
United Kingdom State of the PlanetABC TV10 January
United Kingdom Four FathersABC TV12 January
United Kingdom DadABC TV15 January
United States Savage DragonNetwork Ten24 January
United States PassionsSeven Network29 January
United States The Chimp ChannelNine Network29 January
United States The HughleysSeven Network29 January
United Kingdom The Big KnightsABC TV30 January
United States The Wacky World of Tex AverySeven Network3 February
United States PayneNetwork Ten5 February
United Kingdom Hero to ZeroABC TV12 February
United States Malcolm in the MiddleNine Network13 February
Canada Shadow RaidersABC TV13 February
United Kingdom Big KidsABC TV14 February
Germany JuniorSeven Network17 February
United States BetteNetwork Ten17 February
United Kingdom/Canada/France The BaskervillesABC TV26 February
United States Bloodlines: Murder in the FamilySeven Network26 February
Canada Angela AnacondaABC TV27 February
Canada Our HeroABC TV2 March
United Kingdom Kiss Me KateABC TV9 March
United Kingdom AngelmouseABC TV12 March
United States The DivisionNine Network13 March
United States Power Rangers Lightspeed RescueSeven Network24 March
United Kingdom Takács QuartetSBS TV24 March
United Kingdom Life ForceABC TV26 March
United Kingdom Love in a Cold ClimateABC TV1 April
United States Buzz Lightyear of Star CommandSeven Network7 April
United States Spider-Man UnlimitedNetwork Ten9 April
Germany PlonstersABC TV9 April
United States CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationNine Network10 April
United States Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris DukeNine Network15 April
United States Sabrina: The Animated SeriesSeven Network28 April
United States The ParkersNine Network4 May
United Kingdom The SinsABC TV4 May
United States EdNetwork Ten8 May
United States Sheep in the Big CityNine Network14 May
United States The Zeta ProjectNine Network16 May
United Kingdom Pond LifeSBS TV19 May
Japan Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040SBS TV19 May
United States That's My Bush!SBS TV19 May
United States X-Men: EvolutionNine Network25 May
United Kingdom My FamilyABC TV28 May
United Kingdom Harry and the WrinkliesABC TV30 May
United States House of MouseSeven Network2 June
United States/United Kingdom/Wales/Scotland Animated Tales of the WorldSBS TV2 June
United Kingdom Down to EarthABC TV3 June
United States ArlissSeven Network7 June
Canada/United States Action Man (2000)Network Ten11 June
United States Night ManNine Network18 June
United Kingdom BurnsideABC TV22 June
United Kingdom Border CafeABC TV30 June
United Kingdom Black CabABC TV30 June
United States/Hong Kong Jackie Chan AdventuresNetwork Ten1 July
United Kingdom CubeezABC TV2 July
Canada My Best Friend is an AlienABC TV2 July
United Kingdom TitchABC TV9 July
United Kingdom/Canada Aaagh! It's the Mr. Hell Show!SBS TV14 July
United States Dark AngelSeven Network26 July
United States Boston PublicSeven Network30 July
United Kingdom Lucy Sullivan is Getting MarriedNine Network30 July
United Kingdom Tom and VickyABC Kids (digital only)August
United Kingdom PB Bear and FriendsABC Kids (digital only)August
Canada/China George ShrinksABC Kids (digital only)August
United States Horrible Histories (2001 cartoon)ABC Kids (digital only)August
United Kingdom Roger and the RottentrollsABC Kids (digital only)August
Canada Maggie and the Ferocious BeastABC Kids (digital only)1 August
United Kingdom Rosie and JimABC Kids (digital only)1 August
Japan CardcaptorsNetwork Ten6 August
United Kingdom Preston PigABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)7 August
United Kingdom/Hungary The Mystery of Black Rose CastleABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)15 August
United States Stark Raving MadSeven Network20 August
United States The Lone GunmenSeven Network30 August
United States Rocket PowerNetwork Ten31 August
United States Sylvanian FamiliesNetwork Ten1 September
United States The StreetNine Network4 September
United States Courage the Cowardly DogNine Network5 September
United States Soldier of Fortune, Inc.Seven Network6 September
United States Mike, Lu and OgNine Network10 September
United Kingdom Ethelbert the TigerABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)24 September
United States Beverly Hills TeensNetwork Ten30 September
United States Sister, SisterSeven Network30 September
United States Butt-Ugly MartiansNetwork Ten1 October
United Kingdom Bill and BenABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)3 October
United States The Ananda Lewis ShowNine Network8 October
Wales/United Kingdom Sali MaliABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)24 October
United Kingdom Tiny PlanetsABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)30 October
Australia/Canada John Callahan's Quads!SBS TV12 November
United States Smart GuySeven Network13 November
Canada The Kids from Room 402Network Ten18 November
United Kingdom BeastABC TV19 November
United Kingdom El NombreABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)19 November
United Kingdom Marion and GeoffABC TV19 November
United States/Canada Sitting DucksABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)19 November
United Kingdom In a Land of PlentyABC TV19 November
United States What About Joan?Network Ten2 December
United Kingdom Eye SpySeven Network3 December
United Kingdom Beware: Bad DriversSeven Network3 December
United Kingdom The Ghost HunterABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)5 December
United Kingdom AlbieABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)6 December
United States The Fugitive (2000)Nine Network6 December
United Kingdom/Canada TreasureABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)6 December
United States The Invisible Man (2000)Network Ten6 December
United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland Custer's Last Stand UpABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)7 December
United States The OblongsNine Network8 December
United States Gilmore GirlsNine Network12 December
United Kingdom Human RemainsSBS TV15 December
United Kingdom/United States Further Tales of the CityNine Network17 December
Canada EckhartABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)20 December
United Kingdom Badjelly the WitchABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only)25 December
Germany Light Through AshesSBS TV30 December
France Oggy and the CockroachesABC Kids (digital only)2001
France Space GoofsABC Kids (digital only)2001
Canada What About Mimi?Seven Network2001
United Kingdom Yoho AhoyABC Kids (digital only)2001
United States/Canada/Germany Weird-Oh'sSeven Network2001
Canada The Zack FilesABC Kids (digital only)2001
United Kingdom Top of the PopsABC TV2001

Changes to network affiliation

This is a list of programmes 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
Bananas in PyjamasABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV1 August
Play SchoolABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV1 August
Johnson and FriendsABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
The FeralsABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
The Adventures of Blinky BillABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
Mr. Squiggle and FriendsABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
KideoABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001

International

ProgramNew Network(s)Previous Network(s)Date
United Kingdom Bimble's BucketNBN TelevisionNine Network9 June
United States Sesame StreetABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV1 August
United States/Canada The Magic School BusABC Kids (digital only)Network Ten1 August
United States Johnny BravoNine NetworkSeven Network14 September
United States Horrible Histories (2001 cartoon)ABC TVABC Kids (digital only)17 December
United Kingdom Henry's CatABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom Bob the BuilderABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom TeletubbiesABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United States Bear in the Big Blue HouseABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
Canada Stickin' AroundABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United States Santo BugitoABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom The Forgotten ToysABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom The Animal ShelfABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom Oakie DokeABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
Canada FranklinABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
Wales Fireman SamABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United States Hey Arnold!ABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom Thomas the Tank Engine and FriendsABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom The Wombles (1996)ABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom TweeniesABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
France/Australia Lil' Elvis Jones and the TruckstoppersABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom Rocky and the DodosABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom Noddy's Toyland AdventuresABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom SheeepABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom/Canada/France The BaskervillesABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
Canada/United States ArthurABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
Australia/United Kingdom MintyABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom Brambly HedgeABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United Kingdom The Big KnightsABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
United States CatDogABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001
Germany/Austria Simsala GrimmABC Kids (digital only)ABC TV2001

Subscription television

Domestic

ProgramChannelDebut date
Kate & Julia[1]Arena8 August
Hooley DooleysFox Kids2001
Shock JockTV12001

International

ProgramChannelDebut date
United Kingdom Fat Dog MendozaNickelodeon2 January
Canada Yvon of the YukonNickelodeon2 January
Maury United States Maury[2]ArenaMarch
Custer's Last Stand Up United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland Custer's Last Stand Up[3]Nickelodeon16 March
United States Looney TunesBoomerang3 April
United States Merrie MelodiesBoomerang3 April
United States Tom and JerryBoomerang3 April
As Told by Ginger United States As Told by Ginger[3][4]Nickelodeon7 April
United States ToonamiCartoon Network7 July
United States The OblongsOh!17 July
Being Eve New Zealand Being Eve[5]Nickelodeon24 August
Invader Zim United States Invader Zim[6]NickelodeonQ3/Q4
United States Samurai JackCartoon Network2001
United Kingdom The TidingsFox Kids2001
Japan CardcaptorsCartoon Network2001
Japan Mobile Suit Gundam WingCartoon Network2001
United States/Canada/Germany Rainbow FishDisney Channel2001
Canada Theodore TugboatDisney Channel2001
United States Super Duper SumosFox Kids2001
Japan DinozaursFox Kids2001
Germany/France/Canada WunschpunschFox Kids2001
United States Generation O!Nickelodeon2001
Canada Screech OwlsFox Kids2001
United States/Canada Kong: The Animated SeriesFox Kids2001
United States Dora the ExplorerNickelodeon2001
United States/Canada Dragon TalesFox Kids2001
Canada/Hong Kong BracefaceFox Kids2001
United States Adult SwimCartoon Network2001
United States Home MoviesCartoon Network2001
Scotland Meeow!Fox Kids2001
Canada Ultimate Book of SpellsFox Kids2001

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
Eugénie Sandler P.I.[6]NickelodeonABC TV3 August
Hi-5Fox KidsNine Network2001
Escape from JupiterFox KidsABC TV2001

International

ProgramSubscription networkFree-to-air networkDate
Canada/Australia Dumb BunniesNickelodeonSeven Network2 January
United Kingdom An Actor's Life For Me[7][8]UKTVABC TV10 April
United States Angel[9]Fox8Seven Network[citation needed]24 April
United Kingdom Full Wax[10][11]UKTVABC TV1 June
Brittas Empire, The United Kingdom The Brittas Empire[10][12]UKTVABC TV6 June
United States Friends[13]Oh!Nine Network3 July
Drew Carey Show, The United States The Drew Carey Show[13]Oh!Nine NetworkJuly
United States ER[13]Oh!Nine NetworkAugust
United Kingdom Thomas the Tank Engine and FriendsNickelodeonABC TV2001
France InsektorsFox KidsABC TV2001
United Kingdom Budgie the Little HelicopterFox KidsABC TV2001
Canada Freaky StoriesNickelodeonABC TV2001
New Zealand Oscar and FriendsNickelodeonABC TV2001
Canada What About Mimi?Fox KidsSeven Network2001
United Kingdom CubeezFox KidsABC TV2001
United States/Canada/Germany Weird-Oh'sFox KidsSeven Network2001

Specials

ProgramChannelDebut date
2001 Kids' Choice Awards United States 2001 Kids' Choice Awards[3]Nickelodeon12 May

Television shows

ABC

Seven Network

Nine Network

Network Ten

Ending / resting this year

DateShowChannelDebut
5 JanuaryZirkos KidsNBN Television2000
2 MarchOpen LearningABC1992
1 AprilGreedChannel Ten11 February 2001
9 AprilThe Micallef P(r)ogram(me)ABC1998
26 AprilQuantumABC1985
8 MayFlat ChatChannel Nine19 February 2001
24 JuneCouch PotatoABC1991
24 JulyLove Is a Four Letter WordABC30 January 2001
6 AugustWater RatsChannel Nine1996
16 AugustAbove the LawChannel Ten2000
19 AugustWild KatChannel Ten2 June 2001
25 AugustCrash ZoneChannel Seven1999
21 SeptemberDeniseChannel Seven1998
29 NovemberBurgo's Catch PhraseChannel Nine1997
29 NovemberSale of the CenturyChannel Nine1980
2 DecemberHead StartABC4 March 2001
10 DecemberEscape of the Artful DodgerChannel Nine17 September 2001
Consuming PassionsABC1992

See also

References

  1. ^ "Funnygirls pairing up". Herald Sun. Melbourne, Australia: News Limited. 8 August 2001. p. H02.
  2. ^ Murphy, Kerrie (19 April 2001). "ScreenWatch – Pep talk for kids". The Australian. Sydney, Australia: News Limited. p. M26.
  3. ^ a b c Nick Nooze. Autumn. Nickelodeon (Australia). 2001.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  4. ^ "What's New On Nick? – April 2001". Nickelodeon (Australia). 2001. Archived from the original on 11 April 2001. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
  5. ^ "What's New On Nick? – August 2001". Nickelodeon (Australia). 2001. Archived from the original on 5 August 2001. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
  6. ^ a b Nick Nooze. October. Nickelodeon (Australia). 2001.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  7. ^ "UKTV Highlights". UKTV (Australia and New Zealand). 2001. Archived from the original on 28 April 2001. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  8. ^ Hughes, Simon (16 January 1995). "A state of being – gag after gag". The Age. Melbourne, Australia: Fairfax Media. p. 15. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  9. ^ Englund, Vicki (24 April 2001). "TV Reviews". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane, Australia: News Limited. p. 22.
  10. ^ a b "UKTV Highlights". UKTV (Australia and New Zealand). 2001. Archived from the original on 16 June 2001. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  11. ^ Gill, Raymond (31 March 1993). "Ruby is a comic gem". The Age. Melbourne, Australia: Fairfax Media. p. 2. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  12. ^ Stewart, Alison (21 December 1992). "THE BRITTAS EMPIRE". The Sydney Morning Herald. Melbourne, Australia: Fairfax Media. p. 2. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  13. ^ a b c Idato, Michael (17 June 2001). "Briefs". Sydney Morning Herald. Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Media. p. 3. Retrieved 27 December 2009. Friends, makes its long overdue cable premiere in Australia on July 3. The cable channel Oh! will also premiere The Drew Carey Show in July and E.R. in August.
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