1997 in New Zealand television

none March 2015 December 2014 May 2024 1997 New Zealand television This is a list of New Zealand television events and premieres that occurred in 1997, the 38th year of continuous operation of television in New Zealand. Events 1 January – Cartoon Network shifted from HBO to Orange running from 6am to 4pm daily. HBO extended its transmission hours and started playing 24 hours a day. 29 June – The fourth television channel TV4 launches. 11 August – TVNZ launches Breakfast with hosts Mike Hosking and Susan Wood. CanWest takes full ownership of TV3. American animated comedy series King of the Hill is transmitted on TV3. After a decade of appearing on multiple programmes, beloved children's television icon Thingee is retired from New Zealand television. Debuts Domestic March – McDonald's Young Entertainers (TV2) (1997–1999) 11 August – Breakfast (TV One) (1997–present) 1 October – Duggan (TV One) (1997–1999) Treasure Island (TVNZ) (1997–present) International 15 July – UK The Story of Bean (TV One) USA Cow and Chicken (TV2) UK Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV One) USA Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV3) USA Strange Universe (TV2) USA Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher (TV2) USA Bump in the Night (TV2) USA Hey Arnold! (TV2) USA Suddenly Susan (TV3) USA King of the Hill (TV3) USA Pandora's Clock (TV3) USA Sabrina the Teenage Witch (TV3) UK Monty the Dog (TV One) Subscription television Subscription premieres This is a list of programs which made their premiere on New Zealand subscription television that had previously premiered on New Zealand 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 USA The Flintstones Cartoon Network TV2 1997 USA Tom and Jerry Cartoon Network TV2 1997 USA The All-New Popeye Show Cartoon Network TV One, TV2 1997 Changes to network affiliation This is a list of programs which made their premiere on a New Zealand television network that had previously premiered on another New Zealand 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 Squirt TV2 TV3 1997 International Program New network(s) Previous network(s) Date USA The Bold and the Beautiful TV One TV2 21 July AUS Neighbours TV4 TV One 1997 UK Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends TV3 TV One 1997 New channels Free for air 29 June – TV4 Cable 1 January – Cartoon Network Unknown - Sky Sport 2 Television shows What Now (1981–present) Letter to Blanchy (1989, 1994–1997) Shortland Street (1992–present) You and Me (1993–1998) Squirt (1996–2006) City Life (1996–1998) Breakfast (1997–present) McDonald's Young Entertainers (1997–1999) Ending this year Letter to Blanchy (TV One/TV3) (1994–1997) 1997