2006 in Australian television

none May 2013 August 2019 2006 Australian television Events 1 January – Mildura Digital Television, a joint venture between WIN Television Mildura and Prime Television, goes on air in the Mildura area of Victoria as a Network Ten digital-only affiliate. 2 January – The Seven, Foxtel and Ten Networks outbid Channel Nine and are awarded the rights to broadcast the AFL from 2007 to 2011 for a record $780 million. Also around this time, Seven announce that they have won the rights to broadcast the V8 Supercars from 2007 to 2014. 30 January – At 6am, Channel Nine launches a new logo and a major revamp, dropping the dots and replacing it with a stand-alone nine in a blue box. On the same day, Wheel of Fortune returns to Seven Network with Larry Emdur and Laura Csortan as hosts. Their stint ran for five months, as the final edition of the programme was screened on 28 July, after twenty-five years of broadcasting. The original series later returned with twenty unaired episodes from 2005, featuring former hosts Steve Omecke and Sophie Falkiner, which would air at 10am for five weeks, until 1 September. 9 February – The Nine Network announces Eddie McGuire in his new role as the network's new CEO. 20 February – Television Sydney formally launches after three months of testing, giving Sydney community television for the first time in almost two years. 1 April – The final season of Blue Heelers goes to air now on Saturday Nights, pitting it against ABC's The Bill and Network Ten's AFL coverage. 3 April – After weeks of poor ratings Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? airs for the final time on Monday Nights. It returns for a short period following an 18-month break due to McGuire's role as CEO for the Nine Network. 9 May – Sunrise weather presenter Grant Denyer and his partner Amanda Garner win the fourth season of Dancing with the Stars. 21 May – Brant Webb and Todd Russell speak to new A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw about their time underground in Beaconsfield in a 2-hour special called The Great Escape. They are paid a reported $2.6 million by Channel Nine for the right to talk to them. 4 June – After 12 years and a record-breaking 510 episodes, the last episode of the Seven Network show Blue Heelers goes to air. 30 June – Australian soap opera Neighbours broadcasts its 5000th episode, which sees Paul Robinson trapped in a mineshaft by his son Robert. 7 July – Children's fantasy drama series H2O: Just Add Water starring Claire Holt, Phoebe Tonkin and Cariba Heine premieres on Network Ten. 9 July – The British nature documentary series Planet Earth, narrated by David Attenborough, premieres on the ABC. 18 July – Australian kids program Play School celebrates 40 years on air. 31 July – Jamie Brooksby wins the sixth season of Big Brother. 29 August – Model Jake Wall and his professional skating partner Maria Filippov win the first season of Torvill and Dean's Dancing on Ice. 14 September – Today Tonight host Naomi Robson is deported from Indonesia after doing a story on a West Papuan boy called Wa Wa who, supposedly, was going to be eaten by cannibals. This sparks a war of words between Seven and Nine, who ran the original story on Wa Wa in May on 60 Minutes. Naomi presents her final edition of Today Tonight on 1 December. 16 September – Television in Australia turns 50. The next day, this is commemorated with a live TV special from Star City, Sydney on the Seven Network. 29 September Backyard Blitz finishes its 6-year run on the Nine Network. Jamie Durie leaves Nine and signs up with the Seven Network, the next year, he dances his way on Dancing with the Stars. 30 September – The Fox Footy Channel ceases broadcasting then later revived as Fox Footy in 2012. It is replaced by Fox Sports 3 and Fox Sports News on 1 October. 18 October – PBL announces the sale of 50% of the Nine Network, including its 50% stake in ninemsn and ACP to CVC Asia Pacific for $4.5 billion. 26 November – Irishman Damien Leith defeats 17-year-old Jessica Mauboy to be based only on Sony BMG after being crowned the title of Australian Idol 2006 at the Sydney Opera House. 28 November – AFL player Anthony Koutoufides (Kouta) and his partner Natalie Lowe win the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars. 10 December – Network Ten and Fox Sports broadcasts V8 Supercars for the final-ever time, before handing the television rights to the Seven Network from 2007 to 2014. Ten and Fox Sports later revived the V8 Supercars coverage 9 years later. Voiceover artist Robbie McGregor leaves SBS after 17 years. He is replaced the next year by Lani John Tupu. New channels 1 October – Fox Sports 3 1 October – Fox Sports News 15 November – Al Jazeera English TransACT 21 November 2006 TransACT welcomes all-new Al Jazeera English to TransTV http://transact.com.au/news/Article.aspx?id=691 https://web.archive.org/web/20110706112835/http://transact.com.au/news/Article.aspx?id=691 dead 6 July 2011 10 November 2009 1 December – Sci Fi ChannelAlice Clarke Beam me on and veg out, Scotty http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/12/05/1165080951031.html The Age 7 December 2006 29 December 2008 Melbourne Premieres Free-to-air television Program Channel Debut date RAN – Remote Area Nurse SBS TV 2006-01-05 5 January 9am with David and Kim Network Ten 2006-01-30 30 January The Biggest LoserBiggest Loser is Ten's Biggest Winner https://web.archive.org/web/20080423012632/http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/enews/Biggest_Loser_is_Tens_Biggest_Winner_140206.html 23 April 2008 , eNews, 14 February 2006. Network Ten 2006-02-13 13 February Bert's Family Feud Nine Network 2006-02-13 13 February Bondi Rescue Network Ten 2006-02-15 15 February The Chaser's War on EverythingThe Chaser pushes boundaries http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/the-chaser-pushes-boundaries/2006/02/10/1139542387722.html 10 February 2006 29 December 2008 Melbourne The Age ABC TV 2006-02-17 17 February Head 2 HeadPaul Connolly The ABC of cheap http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/the-abc-of-cheap/2006/02/24/1140670217303.html?page=fullpage 26 February 2006 29 December 2008 Melbourne The Age ABC TV 2006-02-18 18 February Clever Nine Network 2006-02-19 19 February Magda's Funny Bits Nine Network 2006-02-21 21 February Where Are They Now? Seven Network 2006-02-26 26 February Thank God You're Here Network Ten 2006-04-05 5 April Hello/Goodbye Nine Network 2006-05-11 11 May It Takes Two Seven Network 2006-05-28 28 May What's Good For You Nine Network 2006-05-29 29 May The Wedge Network Ten 2006-05-30 30 May Can We Help? ABC TV 2006-06-09 9 June Wine Me, Dine MeWine Me, Dine Me Nine Network 16 June 2006 http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/enews/Wine_Me_Dine_Me_160606.html 5 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20070611145214/http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/enews/Wine_Me_Dine_Me_160606.html 11 June 2007 dead Nine Network 2006-06-21 21 June Mortified Nine Network 2006-06-30 30 June H2O: Just Add Water Network Ten 2006-07-07 7 July Torvill and Dean's Dancing on Ice Nine Network 2006-07-11 11 July Honey, We're Killing the Kids Network Ten 2006-07-12 12 July Quizmania Nine Network 2006-07-25 25 July jtv ABC TV 2006-07-29 29 July First Tuesday Book Club ABC TV 2006-08-01 1 August Cybershack Network Ten 2006-08-01 1 August Yasmin's Getting Married Network Ten 2006-08-01 1 August You May Be Right Axed after four episodes Seven Network 2006-08-13 13 August Two Twisted Nine Network 2006-08-14 14 August The Master Axed after one episode but returned later in the year Seven Network 2006-08-16 16 August David Tench TonightTen's animated host a world first http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/tens-animated-host-a-world-first/2006/08/14/1155407728165.html The Sydney Morning Herald 14 August 2006 9 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100211094609/http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/tens-animated-host-a-world-first/2006/08/14/1155407728165.html 11 February 2010 live Network Ten 2006-08-17 17 August The Force: Behind the Line Seven Network 2006-08-22 22 August Real Stories Network Ten 2006-08-22 22 August Police Files: Unlocked Seven Network 2006-09-06 6 September Good GameLouisa Hearn Turn on and tune in, TV tests the taste for tech http://www.smh.com.au/news/games/turn-on-and-tune-in-tv-tests-the-taste-for-tech/2006/07/20/1153166513394.html The Sydney Morning Herald 24 July 2006 16 April 2008 ABC2 2006-09-19 19 September What a Year Nine Network 2006-10-02 2 October The Real Seachange Seven Network 2006-10-08 8 October Operatunity OzClare Morgan Adrift on the high Cs http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts/adrift-on-the-high-cs/2006/10/05/1159641451631.html?page=fullpage The Sydney Morning Herald 7 October 2006 24 April 2008 ABC TV 2006-10-08 8 October Big Questions Nine Network 2006-10-19 19 October Tripping OverRobin Oliver Review of 'Tripping Over' http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv-reviews/tripping-over/2006/10/24/1161455711607.html The Sydney Morning Herald 25 October 2006 7 January 2008 Network Ten 2006-10-25 25 October Do It Nine Network 2006-11-05 5 November Speaking in Tongues SBS TV 2006-11-07 7 November Food Safari SBS TV 2006-12-06 6 December Puzzle Play Network Ten 2006-12-21 21 December Subscription television Program Channel Debut date Crown Australian Celebrity Poker Challenge19 January 2010 Highlights (Entertainment) Foxtel https://web.archive.org/web/20060115064224/http://www.foxtel.com.au/highlights/month_general_entertainment.html 15 January 2006 http://www.foxtel.com.au/highlights/month_general_entertainment.html FOX8 2006-01-05 5 January An Aussie Goes BarmyMichael Idato Review: An Aussie Goes Barmy http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv-reviews/an-aussie-goes-barmy/2006/11/28/1164476193228.html The Sydney Morning Herald 29 November 2006 29 December 2008 FOX8 2006-11-29 29 November New international programming Program Channel Debut date United Kingdom Garth Marenghi's Darkplace SBS TV 2006-01-30 30 January United States Prison Break Seven Network 2006-02-01 1 February United States Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi Nine Network 2006-02-05 5 February Japan One Piece (4Kids version) Network Ten 2006-02-13 13 February Japan Mew Mew Power Network Ten 2006-02-13 13 February United Kingdom Doc MartinDoc Martin – ABC TV Guide ABC TV 2006-02-18 18 February United Kingdom Roobarb and Custard Too ABC TV 2006-02-20 20 February France The Gnoufs ABC TV 2006-02-20 20 February United States The Buzz on Maggie Seven Network 25 February United States / Canada Pinky Dinky Doo ABC TV 2006-02-27 27 February Belgium A Town Called Panic ABC TV 2006-02-28 28 February United Kingdom The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers (TV series) ABC TV 2006-03-02 2 March Canada / United States Edgar and Ellen ABC TV 2006-03-02 2 March France / Ireland Zombie Hotel ABC TV 2006-03-02 2 March France / Canada Skyland ABC TV 2006-03-02 2 March United Kingdom New Captain Scarlet ABC2 2006-03-06 6 March Canada Lunar Jim ABC TV 2006-03-14 14 March Japan Samurai Champloo SBS TV 2006-03-23 23 March United States Bratz Network Ten 2006-03-31 31 March Worst Week of My Life, TheUnited Kingdom The Worst Week of My LifeThe Worst Week Of My Life – ABC TV Guide ABC TV 2006-04-05 5 April United Kingdom Help! I'm a Teenage Outlaw ABC TV 2006-04-11 11 April Canada Class of the Titans ABC TV 2006-04-18 18 April United States Animal Jam ABC TV 2006-04-25 25 April United States / Canada Gerald McBoing-Boing ABC TV 2006-05-01 1 May Canada Delilah & Julius ABC2 2006-05-05 5 May France ATOM Seven Network 2006-05-20 20 May United Kingdom Dr. Dog ABC TV 2006-05-23 23 May Canada / New Zealand Jane and the Dragon ABC TV 2006-05-25 25 May Spain / South Korea Bernard ABC TV 2006-05-25 25 May United States All Grown Up! Network Ten 2006-06-13 13 June United States The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss ABC2 2006-06-15 15 June United States The New Adventures of Old Christine Nine Network 2006-07-06 6 July United States My Life as a Teenage Robot Network Ten 2006-07-07 7 July United Kingdom Planet Earth ABC TV 2006-07-09 9 July United Kingdom Bleak HouseBleak House – ABC TV Guide ABC TV 2006-07-09 9 July Brazil City of Men SBS TV 2006-07-17 17 July United States The Emperor's New School Seven Network 2006-07-22 22 July United States Dora the Explorer Nine Network 2006-07-23 23 July United Kingdom / Canada Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs ABC TV 2006-07-31 31 July Japan Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Network Ten 2006-08-15 15 August United States Avatar: The Last Airbender ABC TV 2006-08-24 24 August Canada Naughty, Naughty Pets ABC TV 2006-08-29 29 August United Kingdom Monkey Dust ABC2 2006-08-29 29 August United States Princess Natasha ABC TV 2006-08-29 29 August Canada / France Miss BG ABC TV 2006-09-05 5 September United States Stuart Little: The Animated Series Network Ten 2006-09-09 9 September Sensitive SkinUnited Kingdom Sensitive SkinLarissa Dubecki Sensitive Skin http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv-reviews/sensitive-skin/2006/09/14/1157827081089.html The Age 14 September 2006 15 January 2010 MelbourneSensitive Skin http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/netw/200609/programs/ZY8332A001D15092006T220500.htm ABC Television 15 September 2006 15 January 2010 ABC TV 2006-09-15 15 September United States Jericho Network Ten 2006-09-21 21 September United States The Batman Nine Network 2006-09-23 23 September IT Crowd, TheUnited Kingdom The IT CrowdThe IT Crowd – ABC TV Guide ABC TV 2006-09-27 27 September United Kingdom The Secret Show ABC TV 2006-10-05 5 October Canada Time Warp Trio ABC TV 2006-10-06 6 October United States Biker Mice from Mars (2006) Network Ten 2006-10-13 13 October Australia / New Zealand Staines Down Drains Seven Network 2006-10-22 22 October United States Curious George ABC TV 2006-10-23 23 October United States The Unit Seven Network 2006-10-25 25 October United Kingdom Those Scurvy Rascals ABC TV 2006-10-30 30 October France Code Lyoko Network Ten 2006-11-01 1 November SPA Dougie in Disguise ABC2 2007-11-12 12 November United States / Canada PollyWorld Seven Network 2006-11-12 12 November United Kingdom Little Princess ABC TV 2006-11-13 13 November France Louie ABC TV 2006-11-22 22 November Belgium Russian Dolls: Sex Trade SBS TV 2006-12-02 2 December United Kingdom Wild at HeartEmily Dunn Review of Wild at Heart http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv-reviews/wild-at-heart/2006/12/01/1164777774107.html The Sydney Morning Herald 3 December 2006 26 December 2009 Network Ten 2006-12-03 3 December New Zealand SCU: Serious Crash Unit Seven Network 2006-12-05 5 December United States Life As We Know It Seven Network 2006-12-05 5 December United Kingdom Top Gear SBS TV 2006-12-12 12 December Australia / Canada Erky Perky Seven Network 2006-12-26 26 December Subscription television Program Channel Debut date United States Entourage Networking Debi Enker 19 The Age Melbourne 15 December 2005 11 January 2010 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE0512151359I60S04H Arena 2005-01-01 1 January United States Hannah Montana Hannah Montana Herald Sun Melbourne X06 9 April 2006 Disney Channel 2006-04-21 21 April Surreal Life, The United States The Surreal Life (Beginning with season 3, seasons 1http://www.vh1.com.au/features/15/ VH1's Celebreality 16 December 2009 MTV Networks Australia https://web.archive.org/web/20060917172334/http://www.vh1.com.au/features/15/ 17 September 2006 and 2 aired later) Murphy Kerrie TELEVISION GUIDE – THURSDAY JUNE 29 The Australian Sydney 25 October 2007 VH1 2006-06 June United States Kepthttp://www.vh1.com.au/features/12/ VH1's Celebreality 16 December 2009 MTV Networks Australia https://web.archive.org/web/20060917173130/http://www.vh1.com.au/features/12/ 17 September 2006 VH1 2007-06 June United Kingdom Emmerdale Symons: Marilyn Fisher was easy, cracking the UK wasn't 22 June 2006 Australian Associated Press UKTV 2007-07-02 2 July United States Strange Lovehttp://www.vh1.com.au/features/4/ This is a Strange Love 16 December 2009 MTV Networks Australia https://web.archive.org/web/20060917173533/http://www.vh1.com.au/features/4/ 17 September 2006 VH1 2006-09-05 5 September United States Supergrouphttp://www.vh1.com.au/features/5/ 5 Rockstars. 12 Days. No Excuses. 16 December 2009 MTV Networks Australia https://web.archive.org/web/20060917175347/http://www.vh1.com.au/features/5/ 17 September 2006 VH1 2006-09-06 6 September United States So NoTORIoushttp://www.vh1.com.au/features/14/ Tori Spelling's new reality show 16 December 2009 MTV Networks Australia https://web.archive.org/web/20060917173343/http://www.vh1.com.au/features/14/ 17 September 2006 VH1 2006-10-02 2 October United States House of Cartershttp://international.eonline.com/index.jsp E!online 15 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20061101021825/http://international.eonline.com/index.jsp 1 November 2006 E! 2006-11-04 4 November Celebrity Fit Club United States Celebrity Fit Clubhttp://www.vh1.com.au/features/27/ VH1's Celebreality Summer 16 December 2009 MTV Networks Australia https://web.archive.org/web/20080729015508/http://www.vh1.com.au/features/27/ 29 July 2008http://www.vh1.com.au/features/37/ Celebrity Fit Club 16 December 2009 MTV Networks Australia https://web.archive.org/web/20080729020516/http://www.vh1.com.au/features/37/ 29 July 2008 VH1 2006-12-02 2 December Programming changes 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. Program New network Previous network Date United Kingdom Mopatop's Shop ABC2 ABC Kids (now defunct) 2006-04-03 3 April United Kingdom Fourways Farm ABC2 ABC Kids (now defunct) 2006-04-05 5 April Wales Fireman Sam (Original series) ABC2 ABC Kids (now defunct) 2006-04-11 11 April United Kingdom / Canada / United States Anthony Ant ABC2 ABC Kids (now defunct) 2006-06-04 4 June United Kingdom Teletubbies ABC2 ABC Kids (now defunct) 2006-07-03 3 July Canada / Australia Yakkity Yak ABC TV Network Ten 2006-09-13 13 September United States / Japan Sonic X Seven Network Network Ten 2006-11-18 18 November 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. International Program Subscription network Free-to-air network Date United States Lost Pay TV Michael Idato The Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media Sydney 34 27 November 2006 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=SMH0611276J2MH6CTQOF 7 January 2010 Fox8 Seven Network 2006-11-27 27 November Television shows 1950s 1960s Four Corners (1961–present) 1970s 1980s Wheel of Fortune (1981–1996, 1996–2003, 2004 –2006) Neighbours (1985–present) Home and Away (1988–present) The Movie Show (1986–2008) Rage (1987–present) 1990s Hotline (1990–2007) Australia's Funniest Home Videos (1990–present) 2000s 2001 Big Brother (2001–2008, 2012–2014) 2002 2003 Australian Idol (2003–2009) Deal or No Deal (2003–2013) 2004 Border Security: Australia's Front Line (2004–present) Dancing with the Stars (2004–present) 2005 Medical Emergency (2005–present) Ending this year Date Show Channel Debut 21 January headLand Seven Network 15 November 2005 23 January Speaking in Tongues SBS TV 7 November 2005 4 June Blue Heelers Seven Network 18 January 1994 28 July Wheel of Fortune Seven Network 21 July 1981 27 August Business Sunday Nine Network 2 March 1986 4 September You May Be Right Seven Network 13 August 2006 21 October 2006 Midnight Zoo Seven Network 31 July 2006 29 October 2006 Operatunity Oz ABC TV 8 October 2006 18 November 2006 So Fresh TV Nine Network 6 September 2003 26 November Sportsworld Seven Network 1987 29 November The Glass House ABC TV 10 August 2001 9 December Head 2 Head ABC TV 18 February 2006 20 December In the Box Network Ten 21 December 1998 27 December 2006 An Aussie Goes Barmy FOX8 29 November 2006 See also 2006 in Australia List of Australian films of 2006 References 2006