2004 in Australian television

none July 2013 March 2020 2004 Australian television Events 1 January – Australia's first Digital commercial free-to-air channel, Tasmanian Digital Television begins broadcasting in Hobart as a supplementary broadcaster to existing broadcasters Southern Cross Tasmania & WIN Television. On the same day, WIN TEN goes on air in the Mount Gambier & Riverland regions of South Australia as a supplementary broadcaster to existing solus broadcaster WIN Television. February – Nine launches a new afternoon news service to complete against Seven's 4:30 pm news, which was launched the previous year to provide viewers with up-to-date information on the War on Iraq. 1 February – Deal or No Deal debuts its 5.30pm timeslot on Seven which would last until 2015. This proves to be a massive ratings hit, leading into Seven's 6pm news bulletin. Its success proves too much for the Nine Network, with reworked game shows including The Price is Right, Bert's Family Feud and Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune all failing in the 5:30pm timeslot until Hot Seat's arrival in 2009. 2 February – Wheel of Fortune makes a rebranding and a new-look over to continue its long-run. Also, Steve Oemcke takes over from Rob Elliott as the show's final original main host. 14 March – Foxtel launches its new digital service, Foxtel Digital. 23 March – American animated science fiction sitcom Futurama created by Matt Groening the creator of The Simpsons airs on the Seven Network for one last time. The show would move to Network Ten on 30 November the following year. 5 April – Neighbours returns to air on American television with Oxygen broadcasting the series. 12 April – The Australian television series New MacDonald's Farm premieres on the Nine Network 18 April - Rove McManus wins the 2004 TV WEEK Gold Logie. 21 April - A live episode of Blue Heelers goes to air on the Seven Network, titled "Reasonable Doubt". Although this particular episode earned reasonable ratings, peaking with 693,000 viewers in Melbourne, the rest of the season is a failure ratings-wise.http://www.australiantelevision.net/bh/articles/liveheelersbangon.html Live Heelers bang on Australian Television Herald Sun 23 April 2004 4 December 2016 1 May – Network Ten breaks with years of tradition and abandons the Sunday night movie after poor ratings. Instead, it screens some episodes of Law and Order: Criminal Intent.Idato, Michael: Aches and gains, The Age, 30 December 2004. Most other networks follow suit later on. 12 May – After 18 years at SBS, Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton resign from the station to move to the ABC to present a new program, At the Movies. Four younger presenters replace them on The Movie Show: Megan Spencer, Fenella Kernebone and Jaimie Leonarder, with Marc Fennell presenting a segment on newly released DVDs. 17 June, 5:58pm – Dean Cartechini becomes the first person to win Deal or No Deal'''s top prize, winning $200,000. 28 June – The Price is Right moves to the 5:00 pm timeslot on the Nine Network. The show extends to one hour. 26 July – Broken Hill resident Trevor Butler proposes to his girlfriend immediately after winning A$1,000,000 on Big Brother. 13 August – After a short-lived return at its new 11:30 am timeslot, Ten axes vintage Neighbours episodes again after bad ratings. 16 August – Ten extends its morning news into a one-hour format. 29 August – The Nine Network launches a new look version of the colour-coded days ident will be shown, again placing focus on the slogan “Still the One”. 30 August – Immediately after the closing ceremony of the Athens Olympics, the first ever Sunrise is broadcast from the Seven Network's new Martin Place studios. On the same night, Seven News relaunches nationwide with a complete overhaul of graphics, a new musical theme (unchanged until 1 February 2016) and a new set in Sydney. Nine News counters by introducing live CBD backdrops on its Sydney and Brisbane bulletins. 7 September – The American drama series Cold Case premieres on the Nine Network. 12 September – The 2001 war film Behind Enemy Lines starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman premieres on the Seven Network. 4 October – British long running children's animated series Peppa Pig debuts on ABC. 5 October – After a five-year absence, Daryl Somers returns to television to host a brand new series on Seven Network called Dancing with the Stars based on the American light entertainment reality series of the same name. 13 October – The Australian version of Border Security premieres on the Seven Network and is shown every Wednesday at 9:30 pm. 21 November – 16-year-old Casey Donovan wins the second series of Australian Idol defeating 21-year-old favourite, Anthony Callea. Her debut single "Listen with Your Heart" reaches number one in the ARIA Charts in December 2004. 23 November – Home and Away actress Bec Cartwright and her partner Michael Miziner are crowned season champions as the first season of Dancing with the Stars reaches its grand final. 11 December – The Network Ten is the next Australian television network to introduce a watermark on its programs, although the watermark is now broadcast on Ten News. It was located on the bottom left of the screens before switching to bottom right in 2006. 14 December – The final episode of Stingers goes to air on the Nine Network after a 6-year run. December – Seven, Nine & TEN withdrawn their opening to movies - movie openers are replaced by classification boards instead.Wheel of Fortune's attempt for a major revamp backfires and is quietly cancelled due to low ratings - leaving Deal or No Deal the absolute only game show remaining, leading into Seven's 6pm news bulletin. December – The Nine Network claims the ratings season for the fourth consecutive year, winning 38 out of 40 weeks, while Network Ten (which wins the other two weeks) finishes ahead of the Seven Network nationally for the first time.http://www.theage.com.au/news/TV--Radio/Nine-wins-year-again/2004/11/30/1101577477557.html Nine wins year again 2 December 2004 Ross Warneke The Age Debuts Program Channel Debut date Fergus McPhail Network Ten 2004-01-02 2 January Surfing the Menu ABC 2004-01-14 14 January My Restaurant Rules Seven Network 1 February Deal Or No Deal Seven Network 2004-02-01 1 February ttn Network Ten 2004-02-03 3 February Fireflies ABC 2004-02-07 7 February The Einstein Factor ABC 8 February Strictly Dancing ABC 2004-02-11 11 February The Resort Network Ten February The Hot House Network Ten February The New Inventors ABC 2004-03-10 10 March New MacDonald's Farm Nine Network 2004-04-12 12 April Coxy's Big Break Seven Network 2004-04-17 17 April At the Movies ABC 2004-07-01 1 July Wicked Science Network Ten 2004-07-02 2 July Parallax Nine Network 2994-08-05 5 August John Safran vs God SBS 2004-08-30 30 August Dancing with the Stars Seven Network 2004-10-05 5 October The Cooks Network Ten 2004-10-18 18 October Foreign Exchange Nine Network 2004-11-05 5 November Pay TV Program Channel Debut date Cooking for Kids with Luis Nick Jr. 2004-10-25 25 October Love My Way FOX8 2004-11-22 22 November New international programming Program Channel Debut date USA Stanley Seven Network 2004-01-03 3 January JPN Hamtaro Network Ten 2004-01-26 26 January USA/MEX/CAN ¡Mucha Lucha! Nine Network 2004-02-08 8 February UK Death in Holy Orders ABC 2004-02-08 8 February USA Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law SBS 2004-02-20 20 February NZ Freaky ABC 2004-02-23 23 February UK The Way Things Work ABC 2004-02-23 23 February USA The Fairly OddParents ABC 2004-03-01 1 March UK Boohbah ABC 2004-03-01 1 March USA Fillmore! Seven Network 2004-03-06 6 March UK The Basil Brush Show ABC 2004-03-09 9 March JPN Dragon Ball GT Network Ten 2004-03-15 15 March CAN Max & Ruby ABC 2004-03-22 22 March UK/USA/IRE Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks ABC 2004-03-29 29 March UK Wide-Eye ABC 2004-03-29 29 March USA Two and a Half Men Nine Network 2004-03-29 29 March USA Lilo & Stitch: The Series Seven Network 2004-04-03 3 April UK Boo! ABC 2004-04-05 5 April JPN Astro Boy (2003) ABC 2004-04-15 15 April CAN/USA/UK Franny's Feet ABC 2004-05-03 3 May UK Metalheads ABC 2004-05-05 5 May USA He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002) Network Ten 2004-05-08 8 May USA NCIS Network Ten 2004-05-09 9 May FRA Pigeon Boy ABC 2004-05-10 10 May USA Grim and Evil Nine Network 2004-05-16 16 May USA The Proud Family Seven Network 2004-06-05 5 June FRA/CAN Potatoes and Dragons ABC 2004-06-07 7 June USA Play With Me Sesame ABC 2004-07-05 5 July JPN Zoids: Fuzors Network Ten 2004-07-17 17 July UK New Tricks ABC 2004-07-23 23 July JPN Transformers: Energon Network Ten 2004-08-14 14 August UK Bob the Builder: The Knights of Can-a-Lot ABC 2004-08-16 16 August USA Tutenstein ABC 2004-09-06 6 September USA Cold Case Nine Network 2004-09-07 7 September USA/JPN Sonic X Network Ten 2004-09-13 13 September JPN Duel Masters Network Ten 2004-09-17 17 September UK Hustle ABC 2004-09-19 19 September UK Peppa Pig ABC 2004-10-04 4 October CAN Atomic Betty ABC 2004-10-14 14 October UK Postman Pat (2002) ABC 2004-10-20 20 October UK Little Britain ABC 2004-10-21 21 October USA Kenny the Shark ABC 2004-10-22 22 October USA Time Squad Nine Network 2004-11-02 2 November UK Himalaya with Michael Palin ABC 2004-11-13 13 November USA Firefly Seven Network 2004-11-24 24 November UK Powers ABC 2004-11-26 26 November UK Creature Comforts ABC 2004-12-02 2 December UK French Leave ABC 2004-12-03 3 December UK Rose and Maloney ABC 2004-12-14 14 December JPN Beyblade G-Revolution Network Ten 2004-12-15 15 December IRE Any Time Now ABC 2004-12-30 30 December AUS/CAN The Eggs Nine Network 2004 UK Road Wars Seven Network 2004 USA Scare Tactics Nine Network 2004 USA The Handler Network Ten 2004 USA Threat Matrix Seven Network 2004 UK There's Something About Miriam Network Ten 2004 USA Tru Calling Seven Network 2004 USA Jay Jay the Jet Plane Nine Network 2004 USA Survivor: Vanuatu Nine Network 2004 Subscription television Program Channel Debut date All Grown Up! USA All Grown Up!http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html What's New on Nick? – IT'S BACK TO SCHOOL WITH NICK! 18 December 2009 Nickelodeon (Australia) 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040218194541/http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html 18 February 2004 Nickelodeon 2004-02 February ChalkZone USA ChalkZone Nickelodeon 2004-03 Q2 Stuart Little: The Animated Series USA Stuart Little: The Animated Series Nickelodeon 2004-03 Q2 USA Duck Dodgers19 January 2010 Highlights (Kids & Family) Foxtel https://web.archive.org/web/20040401104914/http://www.foxtel.com.au/highlights/month_kids.html 1 April 2004 http://www.foxtel.com.au/highlights/month_kids.html Cartoon Network 2004-04-10 10 April Cassidys, The UK The Cassidys PAY TV – Monday Annmaree Bellman 24 The Age Fairfax Media Melbourne, Australia 22 April 2004 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE040422AP9RN60UCFU UKTV 2004-04-26 26 April My Dad the Rock Star CAN My Dad the Rock Starhttp://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html What's New on Nick? – Term 2 18 December 2009 Nickelodeon (Australia) 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040605234534/http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html 5 June 2004 Nickelodeon 2004-04-27 27 April Romeo! USA Romeo! Nickelodeon 2004-05-31 31 May USA Pimp My Ride Be the bling of the road - PREVIEWS Matt Frilingos T10 The Daily Telegraph News Limited Sydney, Australia 30 June 2004 Xzibit A: the custom car T03 The Gold Coast Bulletin News Limited Gold Coast, Queensland 1 July 2004 MTV Australia 2004-07-02 2 July Drake & Josh USA Drake & Joshhttp://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html What's New on Nick? – Term 3 18 December 2009 Nickelodeon (Australia) 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040804173314/http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/blammo/xxwhats.html 4 August 2004 Nickelodeon 2004–08 August Martin Mystery CAN/FRA Martin Mystery Nickelodeon 2004–08 August Ashlee Simpson Show, TheUSA The Ashlee Simpson Show McCabe T13 The Daily Telegraph News Limited Sydney, Australia 30 June 2004 MTV Australia 2004-08-05 5 August USA Dr. 90210 PAY TV – Sunday Annmaree Bellman 22 The Age Fairfax Media Melbourne, Australia 9 September 2004 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE040909B158Q59O83F E! 2004-09-12 12 September USA Phil of the Future PAY TV – Monday Annmaree Bellman 24 The Age Fairfax Media Melbourne, Australia 16 September 2004 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE040916D358Q2OLKBH Disney Channel 2004-09-20 20 September USA Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends Cartoon Network 2004-09-24 24 September Assistant, TheUSA The Assistant the hit list nine things we love this week IO2 The Herald Sun News Limited Melbourne, Australia 21 October 2004 MTV Australia 2004-10 October USA Maybe It's Me PAY TV Annmaree Bellman 28 The Age Fairfax Media Melbourne, Australia 14 October 2004 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE041014E52KD50J2QP Nickelodeon 2004-10-14 14 October USA Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County Orange county 4 The Gold Coast Bulletin News Limited Gold Coast, Queensland 25 November 2004 Reality drama, Laguna Beach launches on Thursday, December 2. MTV Australia 2004-12-02 2 December Specials Program Channel Debut date Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo USA Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo Seven Network 2004-04-11 11 April 2004 Kids' Choice Awards AUS/USA 2004 Kids' Choice Awards Nickelodeon 2004-09-25 25 September 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. International Program New network Previous network Date USA The O.C. Network Ten Nine Network 2004-06-22 22 June USA Garfield and Friends FOX8 Nickelodeon 2004 JPN Sailor Moon FOX8 Fox Kids 2004 USA The Flintstones Boomerang Cartoon Network 2004 USA Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids Boomerang Cartoon Network 2004 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 Operation Good Guys UK Operation Good Guys THUMBS Robin Oliver 25 Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media Sydney, Australia 26 October 1998 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=news981026_0401_7488 UKTV SBS TV 2004-04-26 26 April Television shows ABC Four Corners (1961–present) The Fat (2000–2003) Kath & Kim (2002–2005, 2007) The Glass House (2001–2006) Seven Network Wheel of Fortune (1981–1996, 1996–2003, 2004–present) Sunrise (1991–1998, 2003–present) Home and Away (1988–2005, 2005–present) Blue Heelers (1994–2006) Today Tonight (1995–present) All Saints (1998–present) Ground Force (1999–2004) AMV (2000–present) The Big Arvo (2001–2004) Deal or No Deal (2003, 2004–present) Nine Network Sale of the Century (1980–2001) A Current Affair (1971–1978, 1988–2005, 2006–present) Today (1982–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) Burgo's Catch Phrase (1997–2003) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (1999–2006, 2007–present) Backyard Blitz (2000–2007) McLeod's Daughters (2001–present) Merrick & Rosso Unplanned (2003–2004) The Block (2003–2004) Network Ten Neighbours (1985–1989, 1989–present) Good Morning Australia (1991–2005) Rove Live (2000–2006) Australian Idol'' (2003–present) Ending / resting this year Date Show Channel Debut (2004 – the whole year) Behind The News ABC 1969 5 February Burgo's Catch Phrase Nine Network 1997 28 July Skithouse Network Ten 2003 24 November The Panel Network Ten 1998 26 November Burke's Backyard Nine Network 1987 14 December Stingers Nine Network 1998 Revamping this year Date Show Channel February Wheel of Fortune Seven Network See also 2004 in Australia List of Australian films of 2004 References 2004