1999 in Australian television explained

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

• 4 April – Australian Christian Channel^[2]
• 1 October – Oh!^[3]

Debuts

Free-to-air

Domestic

width=60%	Program	width=20%	Network	width=20%	Debut date
The Adventures of Sam	ABC TV
Thunderstone	Network Ten
Crash Zone
Wipeout
Hi-5	Nine Network
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?	Nine Network
The $1,000,000 Chance of a Lifetime	Seven Network
See How They Run	ABC TV
Pig's Breakfast	Nine Network
The Mick Molloy Show	Nine Network
Sunday Sunrise	Seven Network
The Big Breakfast	Seven Network
Dog's Head Bay	ABC TV
BackBerner	ABC TV
	ABC TV
High Flyers	Network Ten
Unreal TV	Network Ten
Flipper and Lopaka	Seven Network
Rove	Nine Network
Chuck Finn
Bananas in Pyjamas: Surprise Party	ABC TV
Y?	Nine Network
Ground Force	Seven Network	1999

International

width=60%	Program	width=20%	Channel	width=20%	Debut date
Percy the Park Keeper	Nine Network
/ WildC.A.T.S.	Network Ten
Aquila	ABC TV
Chicago Sons	Nine Network
Daria	ABC TV
Dawson's Creek	Network Ten
/ The New Adventures of Robin Hood	Network Ten
Gulliver's Travels	Nine Network
World's Wildest Police Videos	Network Ten
Vanity Fair (1998)	ABC TV
Maggie	Network Ten
	Network Ten
Jesse	Nine Network
The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star	ABC TV
The Hello Girls	ABC TV
	Network Ten
Celebrity Deathmatch	Network Ten
Big Train	ABC TV
CatDog	ABC TV
Power Rangers in Space	Seven Network
The Magnificent Seven	Seven Network
Rude Awakening	Network Ten
Is It Legal?	Seven Network
Faces in Contemporary Greece Song	SBS
/ Animal Crackers	ABC TV
Lesley Garrett Tonight	ABC TV
/ Titanic	Nine Network
The Jamie Foxx Show	Nine Network
Ted Sieger's Wildlife	ABC TV
Family Guy	Seven Network
Rocky and the Dodos	ABC TV
Echo	ABC TV
Becker	Network Ten
World's Most...	Nine Network
Animorphs	ABC TV
/ Dumb Bunnies	Seven Network
Zoo Olympics	ABC TV
Eye of the Storm	ABC TV
League of Gentlemen	ABC TV
Psychos	ABC TV
Sir Bernard's Stately Homes	ABC TV
Fantasy Island (1998)	Network Ten
Claude's Crib	Seven Network
Charmed	Network Ten
/ Croc Files	Network Ten
The Treasure Seekers	ABC TV
Bimble's Bucket	Nine Network
	ABC TV
Brother's Keeper	Network Ten
Rick Stein's Seafood Odyssey	ABC TV
Bodyguards	Network Ten
The Planets	ABC TV
Will & Grace	Seven Network
// Albert the Fifth Musketeer	ABC TV
Stanley's Dragon	ABC TV
L.A. Doctors	Network Ten
The Fantastic Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor	Nine Network
The Wild Thornberrys	ABC TV
Maisy	ABC TV
The Worst Witch	ABC TV
Births, Marriages and Deaths	ABC TV
The New Woody Woodpecker Show	Network Ten
The Prince and the Pauper (1996)	ABC TV
For Your Love	Nine Network
Looking for Miracles	Nine Network
Raging Planet	Seven Network
Lisa	ABC TV
The First Snow of Winter	ABC TV
/ George and Martha	ABC TV
The King of Queens	Nine Network
Inspector Rex	SBS
Blue's Clues	Nine Network
Sex and the City^[4]	Nine Network
Brimstone	Nine Network
Dinnerladies	ABC TV
Dilbert	Network Ten
	Seven Network
Push	Network Ten
Red Shoe Diaries	Network Ten
Hallo Aus Berlin	ABC TV
The Powerpuff Girls
	Nine Network
The Martin Short Show	Nine Network
The Wombles (1997)	ABC TV
Bob the Builder	ABC TV
/ Martial Law	Seven Network
Significant Others	Network Ten
Crusade	Nine Network
Walking with Dinosaurs	ABC TV
Eureka Street	ABC TV
Feds	Network Ten
/ Gogwana	ABC TV
Sopranos, The The Sopranos^[5]	Nine Network
Boiling Point	Nine Network
The Mrs Bradley Mysteries	ABC TV
/ Archibald the Koala	ABC TV
Blood on the Carpet	ABC TV
Shingalana the Little Hunter	Network Ten
Robot Wars	Nine Network
Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small Island	SBS
The Naked Chef	ABC TV
Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane	Seven Network
It's Like, You Know...	Nine Network
Turks	Network Ten
Hyperion Bay	Nine Network
Providence	Seven Network
Futurama	Seven Network
/ Fly Tales	ABC TV
The Norm Show	Nine Network
Project G.e.e.K.e.R.	Network Ten
That '70s Show
Maggie Winters	Nine Network
Eye of the Wolf	ABC TV
Wing Commander Academy	Network Ten
Hiller and Diller	Seven Network
Michael Hayes	Nine Network
Voyage	SBS
Vengeance Unlimited	Nine Network
// Catherine the Great	Nine Network
Sonic Underground	Seven Network	1999
Histeria!	Nine Network	1999
Basket Fever	Seven Network	1999
Costello	Seven Network	1999
The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer	Unknown	1999

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

width=40%	Program	width=20%	New network(s)	width=20%	Previous network(s)	width=20%	Date
Good News Week	Network Ten	ABC TV

International

width=40%	Program	width=20%	New network(s)	width=20%	Previous network(s)	width=20%	Date
Brambly Hedge	ABC TV	Nine Network
Adventures in Rainbow Country	Nine Network	ABC TV
The Mary Tyler Moore Show	Seven Network	Nine Network
/ Monster Maker	ABC TV	Network Ten

Subscription television

International

width=60%	Program	width=20%	Channel	width=20%	Debut date
Oh Yeah! Cartoons Oh Yeah! Cartoons^[6]	Nickelodeon
Animorphs Animorphs^[7]	Nickelodeon
Brothers Flub The Brothers Flub	Nickelodeon
Wimzie's House Wimzie's House^[8]	Nickelodeon
Birdz Birdz	Nickelodeon
Rocket Power Rocket Power^[9]	Nickelodeon
The Powerpuff Girls	Cartoon Network	1999
I am Weasel	Cartoon Network	1999
/ Ed, Edd n Eddy	Cartoon Network	1999
/ Bob and Margaret	The Comedy Channel	1999
The Mr. Potato Head Show	Fox Kids	1999
Bruno the Kid	Fox Kids	1999
The Worst Witch	Nickelodeon	1999
Big Wolf on Campus	Fox Kids	1999
Stressed Eric	The Comedy Channel	1999
Billy	Nickelodeon	1999
Wiggly Park	Nickelodeon	1999

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

width=40%	Program	width=20%	New network	width=20%	Previous network	width=20%	Date
Lift Off	Disney Channel	Fox Kids

International

width=40%	Program	width=20%	New network	width=20%	Previous network	width=20%	Date
EastEnders^[10]	UKTV	ABC TV
Student Bodies	Fox Kids	Disney Channel	1999

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

width=40%	Program	width=20%	Subscription network	width=20%	Free-to-air network	width=20%	Date
Driven Crazy	Nickelodeon	Network Ten
Minty / Minty	Nickelodeon^[11]	ABC TV

International

width=40%	Program	width=20%	Subscription network	width=20%	Free-to-air network	width=20%	Date
The Forgotten Toys	Nickelodeon	ABC TV
3rd Rock from the Sun	Fox8	Seven Network
Family Guy	Fox8	Seven Network

Specials

width=60%	Program	width=20%	Channel	width=20%	Debut date
1999 Kids' Choice Awards 1999 Kids' Choice Awards	Nickelodeon
Wayne's Best Dares Wayne's Best Dares	Nickelodeon

Television shows

ABC

• Mr. Squiggle and Friends (1959–1999)
• Four Corners (1961–present)

Seven Network

• Wheel of Fortune (1981–1996, 1996–2003, 2004–present)
• Home and Away (1988–2005, 2005–present)
• Blue Heelers (1994–2006)
• The Great Outdoors (1993–present)
• Today Tonight (1995–present)
• All Saints (1998–present)

Nine Network

• Today (1982–present)
• Sale of the Century (1980–2001)
• A Current Affair (1971–1978, 1988–2005, 2006–present)
• Australia's Funniest Home Video Show (1990–2000, 2000–2004, 2005–present)
• The AFL Footy Show (1994–present)
• The NRL Footy Show (1994–present)
• Water Rats (1996–2001)
• Burgo's Catch Phrase (1997–2001, 2002–2003)

Network Ten

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

Ending / resting this year

Date	Show	Channel	Debut
2 January	The Toothbrush Family (season 2)	Network Ten	1998
2 January		Network Ten	1998
21 January	Wildlife with Olivia Newton-John	Nine Network	1995
22 January	Law of the Land	Nine Network	1993
1 February	Misery Guts	Nine Network	1998
5 February	The Cartoon Connection	Seven Network	1997
19 April	Strassman	Nine Network	1998
23 April	The Adventures of Sam	ABC	29 January 1999
1 May	Big Sky	Network Ten	1997
28 May	11AM	Seven Network	1982
26 June	The Adventures of Lano and Woodley	ABC	1997
2 July	Wildside	ABC	1999
9 July	Mr. Squiggle and Friends	ABC	1959
30 July	Sunrise	Seven Network	1991
28 August	The Mick Molloy Show	Nine Network	10 July 1999
27 September	Live and Kicking	Seven Network	1998
3 November	Breakers	Network Ten	1998
8 November	Dog's Head Bay	ABC	16 August 1999
20 November	Hey Hey It's Saturday	Channel Nine	1971
22 November	Petals	ABC	1998
25 November	What's Cooking?	Nine Network	1991
29 November	Heartbreak High	Network Ten ABC	1994
13 December	Lift Off	ABC	1992
13 December	Medivac	Network Ten	1996
24 December	What's Up Doc?	Nine Network	1993

See also

• 1999 in Australia
• List of Australian films of 1999

Notes and References

1. News: When loyalty means nought. The Courier-Mail. News Limited. 27 April 1999. 29 December 2018.
2. News: . Preacher Beadman Spreads The World. Rachel . Browne . 37 . . 4 April 1999 .
3. News: . Oh! We had better name the show.. Neil . Melloy . 24 . 9 September 1999 .
4. News: The XXX factor . Gini . Sikes . 5 . . . . 22 August 1999 . 12 January 2010 .
5. News: Analysing the Mafia . Quentin . Curtis . 6 . . . . 24 October 1999 . 12 January 2010 .
6. none. Nickelodeon (Australia) . Nick Nooze . 1998 . 3.
7. none. Nickelodeon (Australia) . Nick Nooze . 1999 . 4.
8. Web site: What's New On Nick? – May 1999 . 17 December 2009 . Nickelodeon (Australia) . 1999 . https://web.archive.org/web/19990508160103/http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/whats.html . 8 May 1999.
9. none. Nickelodeon (Australia) . Nickelodeon (Australia) . Nick Nooze . 1999 . Summer.
10. News: New Today for Dalley . Andrew . Conway . 2 . The Sydney Morning Herald. . . 1 February 1999 . 10 February 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120321004244/http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=news990201_0264_8810 . 21 March 2012 . dead .
11. none. Nickelodeon (Australia) . Nick Nooze . 1999 . 5.