1997 in New Zealand television
This is a list of New Zealand television events and premieres which occurred, or are scheduled to occur, in 1997, the 37th year of continuous operation of television in New Zealand.
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This is a list of New Zealand television-related events in 1997.
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 –
The Story of Bean (TV One) 
Cow and Chicken (TV2)- Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV One)
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV3)
- Strange Universe (TV2)
- Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher (TV2)
- Bump in the Night (TV2)
- Hey Arnold! (TV2)
- Suddenly Susan (TV3)
- King of the Hill (TV3)
- Pandora's Clock (TV3)
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch (TV3)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Flintstones |
Cartoon Network | TV2 | 1997 |
| Tom and Jerry |
Cartoon Network | TV2 | 1997 |
| 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.
International
| Program | New network(s) | Previous network(s) | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
.svg.png.webp){kind=small} Neighbours |
TV4 | TV2 | 1997 |
| Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends |
TV3 | TV One | 1997 |
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)