2004 in 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 dreaded 5:30pm timeslot until Hot Seat's arrival in 2009.
2 February – Top-rating game show Wheel of Fortune makes a rebranding and a super 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.
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.^[1]
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.^[2] 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.^[2]
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 more very 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.
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 and the show was axed after six years.
23 December – American animated science fiction sitcom Futurama created by Matt Groening the creator of The Simpsons airs on the Seven Network for the last time before changing broadcasts to Network Ten which won't happen until the end of next year.
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.^[3]

Debuts

Program	Channel	Debut date
Fergus McPhail	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Surfing the Menu [1]	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
My Restaurant Rules^[2]	Seven Network	1 February
Deal Or No Deal^[2]	Seven Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
ttn	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Fireflies	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
The Einstein Factor	ABC	8 February
Strictly Dancing [2]	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
The Resort	Network Ten	February
The Hot House	Network Ten	February
The New Inventors	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
New MacDonald's Farm	Nine Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Coxy's Big Break	Seven Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
At the Movies	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Wicked Science	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Parallax	Nine Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
John Safran vs God	SBS	Script error: No such module "sort".
Dancing with the Stars^[2]	Seven Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
The Cooks	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Foreign Exchange	Nine Network	Script error: No such module "sort".

Pay TV

Program	Channel	Debut date
Cooking for Kids with Luis	Nick Jr.	Script error: No such module "sort".
Love My Way^[2]	FOX8	Script error: No such module "sort".

New international programming

Program	Channel	Debut date
Template:Flagicon Stanley	Seven Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Hamtaro	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon ¡Mucha Lucha!	Nine Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Death in Holy Orders	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law	SBS	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Freaky	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon The Way Things Work	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon The Fairly OddParents	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Boohbah	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Fillmore!	Seven Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon The Basil Brush Show	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Dragon Ball GT	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Max and Ruby	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Wide-Eye	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Two and a Half Men	Nine Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Lilo & Stitch: The Series	Seven Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Boo!	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Astro Boy (2003)	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon Franny's Feet	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Metalheads	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002)	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon NCIS	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Pigeon Boy	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Grim and Evil	Nine Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon The Proud Family	Seven Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon Potatoes and Dragons	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Play With Me Sesame	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Zoids: Fuzors	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon New Tricks	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Transformers: Energon	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Bob the Builder: The Knights of Can-a-Lot	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Tutenstein	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Cold Case	Nine Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon Sonic X	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Duel Masters	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Hustle	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Peppa Pig	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Atomic Betty	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Postman Pat (2002)	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Little Britain	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Kenny the Shark	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Time Squad	Nine Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Himalaya with Michael Palin	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Firefly	Seven Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Powers	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Creature Comforts	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon French Leave	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Rose and Maloney	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Beyblade G-Revolution	Network Ten	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Any Time Now	ABC	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon The Eggs	Nine Network	2004
Template:Flagicon Road Wars	Seven Network	2004
Template:Flagicon Scare Tactics	Nine Network	2004
Template:Flagicon The Handler	Network Ten	2004
Template:Flagicon Threat Matrix	Seven Network	2004
Template:Flagicon There's Something About Miriam	Network Ten	2004
Template:Flagicon Tru Calling	Seven Network	2004
Template:Flagicon Jay Jay the Jet Plane	Nine Network	2004
Template:Flagicon Survivor: Vanuatu	Nine Network	2004

Subscription television

Program	Channel	Debut date
All Grown Up! Template:Flagicon All Grown Up!^[4]	Nickelodeon	Script error: No such module "sort".
ChalkZone Template:Flagicon ChalkZone^[5]	Nickelodeon	Script error: No such module "sort".
Stuart Little: The Animated Series Template:Flagicon Stuart Little: The Animated Series^[5]	Nickelodeon	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Duck Dodgers^[6]	Cartoon Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Cassidys, The Template:Flagicon The Cassidys^[7]	UKTV	Script error: No such module "sort".
My Dad the Rock Star Template:Flagicon My Dad the Rock Star^[5]	Nickelodeon	Script error: No such module "sort".
Romeo! Template:Flagicon Romeo!^[5]	Nickelodeon	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Pimp My Ride^[8]^[9]	MTV Australia	Script error: No such module "sort".
Drake & Josh Template:Flagicon Drake & Josh^[10]	Nickelodeon	Script error: No such module "sort".
Martin Mystery Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon Martin Mystery^[10]	Nickelodeon	Script error: No such module "sort".
Ashlee Simpson Show, TheTemplate:Flagicon The Ashlee Simpson Show^[11]	MTV Australia	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Dr. 90210^[12]	E!	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Phil of the Future^[13]	Disney Channel	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends	Cartoon Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Assistant, TheTemplate:Flagicon The Assistant^[14]	MTV Australia	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Maybe It's Me^[15]	Nickelodeon	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County^[16]	MTV Australia	Script error: No such module "sort".

Specials

Program	Channel	Debut date
Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo Template:Flagicon Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo	Seven Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
2004 Kids' Choice Awards Template:Flagicon/Template:Flagicon 2004 Kids' Choice Awards^[10]	Nickelodeon	Script error: No such module "sort".

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
Template:Flagicon The O.C.	Network Ten	Nine Network	Script error: No such module "sort".
Template:Flagicon Garfield and Friends	FOX8	Nickelodeon	2004
Template:Flagicon Sailor Moon	FOX8	Fox Kids	2004
Template:Flagicon The Flintstones	Boomerang	Cartoon Network	2004
Template:Flagicon 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 Template:Flagicon Operation Good Guys^[7]^[17]	UKTV	SBS TV	Script error: No such module "sort".

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

References

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↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Idato, Michael: Aches and gains, The Age, 30 December 2004.
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[aches-2] ↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Idato, Michael: Aches and gains, The Age, 30 December 2004.

[3] Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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[13] Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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[15] Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

[16] Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

[17] Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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2004 in Australian television

Contents

Events

Debuts

Pay TV

New international programming

Subscription television

Specials

Programming changes

Changes to network affiliation

International

Subscription premieres

International

Television shows

Ending / resting this year

Revamping this year

See also

References

Navigation menu

2004 in Australian television

Events

Debuts

Pay TV

New international programming

Subscription television

Specials

Programming changes

Changes to network affiliation

International

Subscription premieres

International

Television shows

Ending / resting this year

Revamping this year

See also

References

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