2002 in Australian television

none August 2013 December 2019 2002 Australian television Events 25 January – Richard Morecroft reads his last ABC News bulletin. He is replaced the following Monday by Tony Eastley. 4 February – Nine cast members from All Saints participate in The Weakest Link: All Saints Special to mark the first and only anniversary of The Weakest Link in Australia. Erik Thomson wins the special, but his winnings are unknown. 11 February – The Nine Network's post-Sale of the Century replacement, Shafted hosted by former Hey Hey It's Saturday member Red Symons premieres. After dismal ratings the show is cancelled in April the same year. On the same day the network's post-Burgo's Catch Phrase replacement Pass the Buck, a new game show based on the UK game show containing a word association premieres leading into Nine's most-watched 6pm news bulletin, After dismal ratings the show is cancelled in May the same year. 20 February – American science fiction fantasy series Star Trek: Enterprise premieres on the Nine Network. 11 March – The Seven Network's Docklands studios in Melbourne is open, with the first Seven News Melbourne news bulletin being broadcast from the centre. This leads to a national relaunch of the Seven News brand with new sets and graphics in most cities. Also on that day, the nine remaining contestants from the third season of The Mole take part in a special episode of The Weakest Link for a chance to add $100,000 to the prize kitty. The team performed well against expectations, winning only $14,100, the lowest amount ever won on the Seven iteration of the show. On The Mole, this figure is rounded up to $15,000. The show was cancelled one month later after dismal ratings. 6 March – Foxtel introduces a new sports channel called Fox Footy Channel. It runs until 1 October 2006. 20 March – Tim Lane resigns from the Nine Network following a disagreement in regards to commentating AFL matches with Eddie McGuire involving the Collingwood Football Club. Lane defects to rival Network Ten in 2003, where he remained until Ten lost the rights at the end of 2011. 28 March – The Nine Network televises its first AFL game until Nine lost the TV rights at the end of 2006. 30 March – The Western Front premieres on Network Ten in Perth and was hosted by Tim Gossage and Lachy Reid. 30 March – Network Ten televises its first AFL game until Ten lost the TV rights at the end of 2011. 8 April – The Nine Network moves American comedy series Frasier to its 7:00 pm weeknight timeslot after the post-Sale of the Century replacement, Shafted was axed following bad ratings. 8 April – Australian media analysis television program Media Watch returns to air on the ABC several months after the broadcaster had removed its former managing director Jonathan Shier with David Marr taking over as host as Paul Barry had been sacked by Shier in 2000 following its cancellation. 24 April – Crystal-Rose Cluff wins the third season of The Mole, taking home $108,000 in prize money. Alaina Taylor is revealed as the Mole, and Marc Jongebloed is the runner-up. 2 May – Final episode of the Australian drama series (which is the very first television series in Australia to be filmed in widescreen) Something in the Air airs on ABC. 16 May – Kath & Kim premieres on the ABC and is a surprise hit. It was picked up by the Seven Network in 2007. 24 May – The Seven Network axes vintage episodes of Home and Away due to very bad ratings. 27 May – The American comedy-drama series M*A*S*H debuts its 5.00pm timeslot on the Seven Network. 10 June – Australian travel magazine series The Great Outdoors moves to one hour at 7.30pm Mondays on the Seven Network. 1 July – Peter Corbett wins the second season of Big Brother. 2 July – American science fiction fantasy series Smallville premieres on the Nine Network. 17 July – The Australian drama series Young Lions premieres on the Nine Network. 26 July – Mixy ends after 4-year run and it will be replaced by children's weekday morning and afternoon blocks on the ABC. 6 August – Eddie McGuire and Catriona Rowntree present an all new IQ test television series called Test Australia: The National IQ Test which is airing on Nine Network. It has also been ranked as the most watched television show for 2002 in Australia. 8 August – The American action drama series 24 premieres on the Seven Network. 12 August – After being cancelled in 2001, Burgo's Catch Phrase relaunches on the Nine Network and is a surprise hit, with new graphics, new theme music and new prizes with the contestant backdrop increased to three people with the game show been produced by Southern Star Endemol, leading into Nine's most-watched 6pm news bulletin. TV and radio personality Dylan Lewis is voted winner of Celebrity Big Brother. The Australian drama series White Collar Blue premieres on Network Ten. September – SBS launches its first Digital channel, the SBS World News Channel. 1 September – The Nine Network undergoes a revamp to change their on-air graphics, including changing their dots back to spears as well as the numeral becoming 3D for the colour-coded days. 30 September – The Wiggles return to television with a brand new television series called Lights, Camera, Action, Wiggles! airing for the first time ever on ABC. 4 October – Beyblade premieres on Fox Kids and two weeks later on Network Ten as part of Cheez TV. Also that day, David Koch takes over from Chris Reason as co-host of Sunrise, a role which he would hold until June 2023.https://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/david-koch-reveals-he-was-almost-fired-from-sunris/3258243/ Why Kochie was almost fired from Sunrise Coffs Coast Advocate Bronte Coy 6 November 2017 1 August 2018 29 November – Brian Henderson retires from reading Sydney's National Nine News after four decades. He is replaced the following Monday by Jim Waley, who manages to keep the bulletin on top of the ratings in Sydney for the next two years.Stephanie Peatling The Waley it is ... http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/12/02/1038712887589.html The Sydney Morning Herald 3 December 2002 28 May 2007 2 December – Jim Waley presents his weeknight bulletin from Sydney’s National Nine News which replaced the retired Brian Henderson. 5 December - The American comedy-drama series Scrubs premieres on the Seven Network. Channels New channels 6 March – Fox Footy Channel Defunct channels 30 November – Oh! (replaced by FOX8 on Optus Television) Premieres Domestic series Program Channel Debut date The Garden Gurus Nine Network 2002-02-02 2 February Shafted Nine Network 2002-02-11 11 February Pass the Buck Nine Network 2002-02-11 11 February Auction Squad Seven Network 2002-02-13 13 February Australian Survivor Nine Network 2002-02-13 13 February Tracey McBean ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-18 18 February Fear Factor Nine Network 2002-02-19 19 February Saturday Night Footy Network Ten 2002-03-30 30 March Kath & Kim ABC TV 2002-05-16 16 May Old Tom ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-06-06 6 June Young Lions Nine Network 2002-07-17 17 July Celebrity Big Brother Network Ten 2002-07-21 21 July MDA ABC TV 2002-07-23 23 July Test Australia: The National IQ Test Nine Network 2002-08-06 6 August White Collar Blue Network Ten 2002-08-12 12 August Creature FeaturesHassall Greg 9 September 2002 Review of Creature Features The Sydney Morning Herald's the Guide 14–15 ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-09-09 9 September CNNNN ABC TV 2002-09-19 19 September Lights, Camera, Action, Wiggles! ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-09-30 30 September Don't Blame Me Nine Network 2002-10-06 6 October Fairy Tale Police Department Seven Network 2002-10-18 18 October Mornings with Kerri-Anne Nine Network 2002-10-28 28 October Bad Cop, Bad Cop ABC TV 2002-11-18 18 November International series Program Channel Debut date USA Level 9 Nine Network 2002-01-04 4 January SA Yizo Yizo SBS TV 2005-01-05 5 January UK Two Thousand Acres of Sky Seven Network 2002-01-06 6 January USA The Strip Nine Network 2002-01-07 7 January USA Hitler's Holocaust SBS TV 2002-01-10 10 January USA/UK Secrets of the Dead SBS TV 2002-01-13 13 January USA The Cindy Margolis Show Nine Network 2002-01-14 14 January UK Vampires, Pirates and Aliens ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-01-30 30 January NZ Atlantis High ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-04 4 February UK Merlin the Magical Puppy ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-04 4 February UK Busy Buses ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-04 4 February UK The Hoobs ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-04 4 February UK Eddy and the Bear ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-04 4 February UK Little Ghosts ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-04 4 February UK The Famous Five (1995) ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-05 5 February UK The Adventures of Dawdle the Donkey ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-09 9 February UK Black Books ABC TV 2002-02-14 14 February UK The Six Wives of Henry VIII ABC TV 2002-02-17 17 February UK North Square Silky briefs and stolen Y-fronts Brian Courtis 12 The Age Fairfax Media Melbourne, Australia 20 February 2002 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE020220DE53P4AKVIE 7 January 2010 ABC TV 2002-02-20 20 February USA Star Trek: Enterprise Nine Network 2002-02-20 20 February JPN Digimon Tamers Network Ten 2002-02-26 26 February CAN/UK Don't Eat the Neighbours ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-03-07 7 March UK The Kumars at No. 42 ABC TV 2002-03-21 21 March SPA Connie the Cow ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-04-17 17 April CAN/AUS Guinevere Jones Network Ten 2002-05-04 4 May CAN Rescue Heroes Network Ten 2002-05-06 6 May UK Night and Day ABC TV 2002-05-07 7 May USA The Legend of Tarzan Seven Network 2002-05-18 18 May UK Angelina Ballerina ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-05-27 27 May UK/CAN The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers (shorts) ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2006-06-02 2 June UK Fourways Farm ABC Kids (digital only) 2006-06-06 6 June WAL/UK Starhill Ponies ABC Kids (digital only) 2006-06-06 6 June JPN/USA Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001) Network Ten 2002-06-09 9 June UK Sir Gadabout: The Worst Knight in the Land ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-06-10 10 June UK Molly's Gang ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-06-10 10 June UK Dog and Duck ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-06-10 10 June UK Construction Site ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-06-12 12 June USA Teacher's Pet Seven Network 2002-06-22 22 June CAN/USA Queer as Folk SBS TV 2002-07-01 1 July USA Smallville Nine Network 2002-07-02 2 July UK The Way We Live Now (2001) ABC TV 2002-07-07 7 July UK The Book Group ABC TV 2002-07-12 12 July CAN/USA Cyberchase ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-07-15 15 July USA SpongeBob SquarePants Network Ten 2002-08-12 12 August CAN Caillou ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-08-15 15 August USA Baby Blues Nine Network 2002-08-31 31 August USA Band of BrothersSacha Molitorisz The best war series ever made http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/27/1030053058293.html The Sydney Morning Herald 28 August 2002 28 December 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20021214153108/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/27/1030053058293.html 14 December 2002 live Nine Network 2002-09-02 2 September JPN Medabots Network Ten 2002-09-14 14 September CAN The Ripping Friends Fly TV (digital only) 2002-09-14 14 September UK Pongwiffy ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-09-16 16 September CAN Olliver's Adventures ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-09-16 16 September UK Engie Benjy ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-09-16 16 September JPN Zoids: Chaotic Century Network Ten 2002-09-17 17 September USA Curb Your Enthusiasm The man behind Seinfeld is back with a new side-splitter Jim Schembri 20 The Age Fairfax Media Melbourne, Australia 17 October 2002 12 January 2010 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE021017FEHNU2T01NU Nine Network 2002-09-23 23 September UK Small Potatoes (1999) ABC TV 2002-10-03 3 October JPN Beyblade Network Ten 2002-10-14 14 October CAN Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series Network Ten 2002-10-12 12 October USA The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius Network Ten 2002-10-18 18 October USA Dr. Phil Nine Network 2002-10-21 21 October UK/CAN Ace Lightning ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-10-22 22 October UK Bounty Hamster ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-11-04 4 November UK Andy Pandy (2002) ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-11-07 7 November UK Foyle's War ABC TV 2002-11-08 8 November UK Teletubbies Everywhere ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-12-02 2 December 2002-12-01 ABC TV Online Australian Broadcasting Corporation http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/h180382.htm 2024-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20021201180243/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/h180382.htm 1 December 2002 USA/CAN The Dead Zone Nine Network 2002-12-02 2 December UK Mr. Bean: The Animated Series ABC TV 2003-12-03 3 December USA Scrubs Seven Network 2002-12-05 5 December USA Archie's Weird Mysteries Seven Network 2002-12-07 7 December FRA Funny Little Bugs ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-12-09 9 December FRA/CAN X-DuckX ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-12-23 23 December UK The Adventures of Mole Seven Network 2002-12-26 26 December UK The Adventures of Toad Seven Network 2002-12-27 27 December UK Animal Ark ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK/CAN/USA Anthony Ant ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK/SCO/DEN/CAN Upstairs, Downstairs Bears ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 FRA/CAN/UK Blazing Dragons ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 NZ Buzz and Poppy ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK Oscar Charlie ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK Binka ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK Snailsbury Tales ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 USA Oswald ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK/USA Slim Pig ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK The Wheels on the Bus ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK/CAN Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings (2002) ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 CAN/CHN Henry's World ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK The Fantastic Flying Journey ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK Mopatop's Shop ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 DEN Skipper & Skeeto ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK Microscopic Milton ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 GER Letters from Felix ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 UK Coupling ABC TV 2002 USA 24 Seven Network 2002 USA Sheena Network Ten 2002 UK The Queen's Nose ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 USA/UK Clifford the Big Red Dog Nine Network 2002 UK Footballers' Wives Network Ten 2002 CAN Amazon Nine Network 2002 UK Dog Eat Dog Seven Network 2002 USA Really Wild Animals ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 USA Freakylinks Nine Network 2002 USA/FRA/CAN Dark Realm Nine Network 2002 UK Hollywood 7 Seven Network 2002 USA Hype Nine Network 2002 USA Big Bag ABC Kids (digital only) 2002 Subscription television Domestic Program Channel Debut date A Day in the Life Day in the life reveals sweet surprises Herald Sun Melbourne, Australia X03 News Limited 17 February 2002 Arena 2002-02-20 20 February International Program Channel Debut date Osbournes, TheUSA The Osbournes Last Word All the News That Fits Cameron Adams Herald Sun News Limited Melbourne, Australia 14 March 2002 64 The Osbournes starts on MTV Australia from 4 April at 7pm. MTV 2002-04-04 4 April JPN Shinzo Fox Kids 2002-04-08 8 April Time Squad USA Time SquadToon Watch 6 Cartoon Network (Australia) Toon HQ 2002 1 Cartoon Network 2002-05-03 3 May Justice League USA Justice League Cartoon Network 2002-06-08 8 June UK/USA/CAN The Cramp Twins Cartoon Network 2002-07-01 1 July The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius USA The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Geniushttp://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html What's New On Nick? – July / August 2002 18 December 2009 Nickelodeon (Australia) 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20020804220510/http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html 4 August 2002 Nickelodeon 2002-07-26 26 July Zoids: Chaotic Century JPN Zoids: Chaotic CenturyToon Watch 5 Cartoon Network (Australia) Toon HQ 2002 2 Cartoon Network 2002-09-02 2 September JPN Beyblade Fox Kids 2002-10-04 4 October Story of Tracy Beaker, The UK The Story of Tracy Beakerhttp://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html What's New On Nick? – July / August 2002 18 December 2009 Nickelodeon (Australia) 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20021204112838/http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html 4 December 2002 Nickelodeon 2002-10-18 18 October UK Fun at the Funeral Parlorhttp://www.uktv.com.au/whatsonHighlights.asp?f=yes UKTV Highlights 5 January 2010 UKTV (Australia and New Zealand) 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20021019222905/http://www.uktv.com.au/whatsonHighlights.asp?f=yes 19 October 2002 UKTV 2002-10-22 22 October Anna Nicole Show, The USA The Anna Nicole Show NETWORKING Kylie Miller 12 The Age Green Guide Fairfax Media Melbourne, Australia 30 October 2003 14 January 2010 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE0310302G1C24D0285 Arena 2002-11-05 5 November UK Lenny Henry in Pieces18 January 2010 FOXTEL Highlights (General Entertainment) Foxtel https://web.archive.org/web/20021106010325/http://www.foxtel.com.au/highlights/month.jsp?cat=general-entertainment 6 November 2002 http://www.foxtel.com.au/highlights/month.jsp?cat=general-entertainment UKTV 2002-11-09 9 November JPN Yu-Gi-Oh! Nickelodeon 2002 USA The Fairly OddParents! Nickelodeon 2002 USA Invader Zim Nickelodeon 2002 USA Kim Possible Disney Channel 2002 Specials Program Channel Debut date USA 2002 Country Music Association Awards Main Event 2002-11-07 7 November Free-to-air premieres This is a list of programs which made their premiere on Australian free-to-air television that had previously premiered on Australian subscription television. Programs may still air on the original subscription television network. International Program Free-to-air network Subscription network Date USA The Osbournes Ozzy-speak defies bleeper Neil Melloy Courier Mail News Limited Brisbane, Australia 22 June 2002 18 Unholy and mundane Gordon Farrer http://theage.com.au/articles/2002/06/28/1023864653374.html The Age Fairfax Media Melbourne, Australia 28 June 2002 17 17 December 2009 Network Ten MTV 2002-07-01 1 July 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 Program Subscription network Free-to-air network Date Li'l Horrors Fox Kids Seven Network 2002 International Program Subscription network Free-to-air network Date AUS/CAN The Saddle Club Fox Kids ABC TV 2002 Saved by the Bell: The College Years USA Saved by the Bell: The College Years Nickelodeon Seven Network 2002-10-05 5 October Mary-Kate and Ashley in Action! USA Mary-Kate and Ashley in Action! Nickelodeon December 2009 2002-10-14 14 October 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 Program New network(s) Previous network(s) Date Elly & Jools ABC Kids (digital only) Nine Network 2002-02-23 23 February Lizzie's Library ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 International Program New network(s) Previous network(s) Date CAN The Zack Files ABC TV ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-02-27 27 February CAN/CHN George Shrinks ABC TV ABC Kids (digital only) 2002-04-01 1 April JPN Sailor Moon Network Ten Seven Network 2002-04-12 12 April UK Percy the Park Keeper ABC TV, ABC Kids (digital only) Nine Network 2002-08-01 1 August UK The Forgotten Toys (TV special) Seven Network ABC TV 2002-12-21 21 December USA The New Adventures of Madeline Seven Network ABC TV 2002-12-22 22 December UK The First Snow of Winter Seven Network ABC TV 2002-12-24 24 December USA Harry and the Hendersons Network Ten ABC TV 2002 CAN The Kids of Degrassi Street ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 CAN Katie and Orbie ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 UK/FRA The Animals of Farthing Wood ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 CAN/FRA Babar ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 SPA Koki ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 USA Barney & Friends ABC Kids (digital only) Nine Network 2002 UK Bananaman ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 UK Byker Grove ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 USA Bump in the Night ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 UK The Greedysaurus Gang ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 CAN Degrassi Junior High ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 UK Monty ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 UK True Tilda ABC Kids (digital only) ABC TV 2002 Ending / resting this year Date Show Channel Debut 11 January Cybergirl Network Ten 21 July 2001 22 April The Weakest Link Seven Network 5 February 2001 2 May Something in the Air ABC TV 17 January 2000 7 July Halifax f.p. Seven Network 9 October 1994 26 July Mixy ABC TV 16 February 1998 29 September All Aussie Adventures Network Ten 5 August 2001 14 November BackBerner ABC TV 19 August 1999 18 December Young Lions Nine Network 17 July 2002 See also 2002 in Australia List of Australian films of 2002 References 2002