List of 1959 Australian television series debuts (incomplete)
by Thor-Delta | created - 27 Oct 2013 | updated - 07 Apr 2016 | PublicThe following is an incomplete list of Australian television series which debuted in 1959. Even on schedules that were dominated by US and UK series, there were still some room for locally-produced content.
Nevetheless, this list is slightly incomplete. This is because not all Australian of the 1950s have pages on IMDb. This list will be expanded as more Australian series have pages on IMDb.
Note: Australian TV was not networked in the 1950s. There was no "Seven Network" or "Nine Network". Many series aired in a single city only. The Sydney commercial stations were ATN-7 and TCN-9, while the Melbourne stations were HSV-7 and GTV-9. Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth began television operations on 1959, and while they likely had some series of their own, the only ones on IMDb are "Adelaide Tonight" and "Spotlight".
See also:
List of 1956 Australian television series debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/XpmmIZ0E5iU/[/link]
List of 1957 Australian television series debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/o3t6Y3NmXt0/[/link]
List of 1958 Australian television series debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/KLj8p6PYWN8/[/link]
1950s Australian television one-offs:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/mBUPJyrNomU/[/link]
1960 debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075787888/[/link]
1961 debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075413276/[/link]
1962 debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075962928/[/link]
1963 debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075925193/[/link]
1964 debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/ls077734471/[/link]
1965 debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/ls077200256/[/link]
1966 debuts:
[link]http://www.imdb.com/list/ls073681336/[/link]
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
- Keywords
HSV-7
2. Adelaide Tonight (1959–1976)
60 min | Comedy
South Australian variety show from the studios of NWS 9 in Adelaide.
Stars: Roger Cardwell, Oscar Cartier, Kevin Crease, Joan Disher
NWS-9 (I believe there were other Adelaide productions during 1959 and the early 1960s, but finding information on them is hard)
3. The Annette Klooger Show (1959–1961)
30 min | Music
A variety series featuring singer Annette Klooger.
Star: Annette Klooger
ABC (at least two episodes still exist)
4. Australian All Star Jazz Band (1959)
30 min | Music
A variety series, with emphasis on jazz music.
Stars: Don Burrows, Freddie Logan, Dave Rutledge, Ron Webber
ABC (Sydney and Melbourne, not sure if it was ever shown on ABC's stations in Brisbane and Adelaide).
5. Australians at Work (1959– )
20 min | Documentary
An educational telecast for schools aired in a 20-minute time-slot, looking at jobs such as timbergetter, woolclasser, glassblower, etc.
ABC
6. Balance Your Budget (1959–1960)
30 min | Game-Show
A game show described as a "grocery quiz", but the exact format is unknown.
Star: Bob McGready
TCN-9
7. Ballet Studio (1959– )
30 min | Drama, Music
This six-part television series presented excerpts from various ballets.
Stars: Ken Tillson, Heather McCrae, William Carse, Janet Karin
ABC (Melbourne only?)
8. Bandwagon (1959–1960)
60 min | Comedy, Music
A live variety revue.
Stars: Diana Bell, Graeme Bent, Heather Horwood, Judd Laine
HSV-7
9. Brenda's Time (1959– )
15 min
This series appears to have been an interview programme.
Star: Brenda Marshall
HSV-7
10. The Bert Newton Show (1959–1960)
30 min | Music
A pop music show aimed at teenagers, similar to "Bandstand" and "Six O'Clock Rock".
Star: Bert Newton
GTV-9 (originally titled "The Bert Newton Show", changing title and time-slot in 1960 to "Hi-Fi Club") (at least one or two episodes still exist, don't know if there is more)
11. The Bobby Limb Show (1959–1961)
60 min | Comedy, Music
Variety show with music, dancing, comedy sketches, etc.
Stars: Buster Fiddess, Bobby Limb
TCN-9, HSV-7, and I think one additional station. A large number of episodes of this series still exist, held by the National Film and Sound Archive.
12. Canberra Report (1959–1960)
15 min | Talk-Show
A talk show with interviews with people in the field of politics, which aired in a 15-minute time-slot.
Stars: George Baker, Bob Sanders
ATN-7
13. Club Seven (1959–1961)
60 min | Comedy, Music
A variety show.
Stars: Terry Scanlon, Frank Wilson
HSV-7 (a single, incomplete episode is held by the National Film and Sound Archive. Not sure if anything else remains of this series)
14. Come in on This (1959– )
30 min | Talk-Show
The panel and the audience would be asked questions, on which they would provide their opinions. In each episode the audience consisted of members of a different group or organization.
Star: Robert Peach
ABC (Melbourne only?)
15. The Danny Dean Show (1959–1960)
60 min | Comedy, Music
A variety series with comedy and music, which was hosted by Canadian comedian Danny Dean. Local and overseas performers appeared as guests.
Star: Danny Dean
ATN-7
17. Emergency (1959)
30 min | Drama
One of the earliest ever medical series, this Australian drama takes place in the Emergency Ward of a hospital, and was an early protype for series such as Emergency Ward 10 and Casualty.
Stars: Brian James, Syd Conabere, Judith Godden, Natalie Raine
Votes: 13
GTV-9 and ATN-7 (at least some episodes still exist)
18. Eric Baume's Viewpoint (1959–1961)
30 min | News, Talk-Show
Prolific radio and TV personality Eric Baume hosted this series, which included news, comment, and interviews.
Star: Eric Baume
TCN-9
19. Gaslight Music Hall (1959–1960)
30 min | Comedy, Music
A live variety show spoofing Victorian music hall.
Stars: John Bluthal, Michael Cole, Henry Gilbert, June Salter
ABC, later TCN-9
20. Geoff and Judy (1959– )
A variety series which aired during daytime.
Stars: Geoff Corke, Judy Jack
GTV-9
21. Health (1959– )
20 min | Documentary
An educational telecast aired in a 20-minute time-slot. Four episodes were produced.
Star: Rod Murdoch
ABC
22. Hour of Music (1959–1960)
60 min | Music
This was a music series which aired on Sundays. It aired live. Included light classical music.
Stars: Charles Cousens, Tommy Tycho
ATN-7
23. The Jimmy Parkinson Show (1959–1960)
30 min | Music
A weekly music series starring singer Jimmy Parkinson.
Star: Jimmy Parkinson
ATN-7
24. Joe Martin's Late Show (1959– )
60 min | Comedy, Music
A variety show with music and comedy.
Stars: Isador Goodman, Alec Kellaway, Babs MacKinnon, Joe Martin
TCN-9
25. The Joe McCormick Show (1959– )
60 min
A short-lived daytime variety series. Originally 60 minutes, it later changed to being 30 minutes.
Star: Joe McCormick
TCN-9
27. Let's Make Clothes (1959– )
30 min
In this short-lived daytime series, Joyce Turner and Dorothy Bradfield demonstrate simple dress making methods.
Stars: Joyce Turner, Dorothy Bradfield
HSV-7
28. Like You to Meet (1959– )
15 min | Talk-Show
This was a short-lived interview series which aired daytime.
Star: Geoff Raymond
HSV-7
29. The Lucky Show (1959–1961)
60 min | Game-Show
This daytime series combined two genres, game show and variety show.
Star: George Foster
TCN-9
30. Lunch with Judy (1959– )
30 min | Talk-Show
Aimed at the housewives, this was a live television program which aired at 1:00PM on Wednesdays, featuring cooking demonstrations and interviews.
Star: Judy Hind
TCN-9
31. Meet the Rogers (1959–1960)
60 min | Music, Talk-Show
This daytime series featured music from pianist Gaby Rogers and interviews with guests.
Stars: Bobbi Rogers, Gaby Rogers
TCN-9
32. Men at the Top (1959– )
30 min | Talk-Show
A short-lived interview series hosted by prolific radio and television personality Eric Baume.
Star: Eric Baume
ABC
33. Menu for Tomorrow (1959–1960)
15 min
Information is very scarce on this series, but it was likely a cooking show.
Star: Sue Butterworth
HSV-7
34. Mr. Squiggle and Friends (1959–1999)
Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Mr. Squiggle is a marionette with a pencil for a nose, who visits his friends from his home at 93 Crater Crescent on the Moon, flying in his pet rocket (named Rocket).
Stars: Norman Hetherington, Patricia Lovell, Jane Fennell, Rebecca Hetherington
Votes: 164
ABC (which cities?) (note that, in 1959, the "Mr. Squiggle" segments was part of a different program)
35. Music and Dance (1959– )
Music
Vija Vetra danced while accompanied by a pianist
Stars: Vija Vetra, Robert Wilson
ABC (Melbourne only?)
36. Newcomers to Australia (1959– )
20 min | Documentary
Educational telecasts for schools aired on non-commercial television. Each episode about a different nationality: English, Dutch, Italian and Norwegian.
ABC (Melbourne only?)
37. Old-Time Ballroom (1959–1960)
45 min | Music
A live variety series, presenting ballroom music and dancing. Music provided by ABC Melbourne Dance Band.
Stars: Keith Glover, Clive Hearne
ABC (Melbourne only?) (I messed up the submission for this series, getting the year it ended wrong. Wish I could correct it). (I think, at least a couple episodes still exist of this series)
38. On Camera (1959–1960)
60 min | Comedy, Music
A live variety series.
Stars: Colin Croft, John Ewart
ATN-7
GTV-9
40. Patrick O'Hagan Sings (1959– )
15 min | Music
Patrick O'Hagan, an Irish tenor, sang songs in this daytime series aired in a 15-minute time-slot.
Star: Patrick O'Hagan
ATN-7 and GTV-9. A near-complete run of this series still exists, held by the National Film and Sound Archive.
42. Rendezvous with Roger Climpson (1959–1960)
60 min | Talk-Show
A weekly daytime series made up of various segments (such as interviews, record reviews, etc.)
Star: Roger Climpson
TCN-9
43. Rooftop Rendezvous (1959– )
30 min | Comedy, Music
A live variety series, featuring a range of performers including music acts, comedy acts, acrobats, and other variety acts.
Star: Bill Brady
ABC
44. Saturday Party (1959)
45 min | Music
A live variety series which aired in a 45-minute time-slot. Performers ranged from singers to novelty acts.
Stars: Bob Cornish, Corinne Kerby, Max Blake, Frankie Davidson
ABC (Melbourne only?)
45. The Saturday Show (1959– )
30 min | Music
A live variety series. Originally hosted by Shirley Broadway, later by Rosemary Butler, and finally Bambi Smith.
Stars: Shirley Broadway, Rosemary Butler, Bambi Smith
ABC (Melbourne only?)
46. Serenade (1959–1960)
30 min | Music
This was a music series usually featuring singer Ray Melton, but some episodes instead featured Peggy Brooks.
Stars: Peggy Brooks, Ray Melton
ATN-7
47. Shower of Stars (1959– )
60 min | Comedy, Music
A live variety series, with music, comedy and dancing.
Stars: Syd Heylen, Hal Lashwood, Al Thomas
ATN-7
48. Showtime (II) (1959–1960)
30 min | Music
A live variety show produced in Melbourne.
Star: Ted Preston
ABC
49. Six O'Clock Rock (1960– )
Music
Variety show featuring rock and roll music.
Star: Johnny O'Keefe
ABC. Only a few episodes survive of this series.
50. Snakes and Ladders (1959– )
30 min | Game-Show
A "jackpot quiz" based on the board game of the same name.
Star: Pat Hodgins
HSV-7
51. Songs from the Hebrides (1959– )
15 min | Music
A music program aired in a 15-minute time-slot.
Stars: Adrian Bendall, Anne Levin
ABC
52. Spotlight (1959– )
30 min
Variety show. The first ever television programme broadcast in Western Australia.
Stars: Phillip Edgley, Colleen Clifford, Rolf Harris
53. Strictly for Mothers (1959– )
30 min
A short-lived weekly programme for mothers and expectant mothers.
Star: Jean Battersby
HSV-7
54. Sweet and Low (1959– )
30 min | Music
A variety series featuring jazz music.
Stars: Bob Walters, Peter Martin, Billy Hyde, Barry Buckley
ABC (Melbourne only?)
ATN-7 (game show)
56. Take It Easy (1959–1960)
60 min
Daytime variety with guests and contests.
Stars: Bob Horsfall, Joy Fountain, Jack Little
GTV-9
57. Tomorrow's World (1959– )
20 min | Documentary
A series of educational telecasts for schools, done in a 20-minute time-slot, on subjects such as "power from the atom" and plankton.
ABC
58. Two's Company (1959–1961)
30 min | Music
A live variety series which aired for three series. The cast was different in each series.
Stars: Max Bostick, Frankie Davidson, Heather Horwood, Judy Banks
ABC (Melbourne only?)
59. Weekend Menu (1959–1960)
15 min
A cooking show which aired in a 15-minute time-slot on Thursdays.
Star: Nancy Gepp
ATN-7
60. What's New (1959–1960)
15 min
This series consisted of demonstrations of new gadgets.
Star: Susan Gaye-Anderson
GTV-9
61. What's On (1959– )
13 min
Jean Battersby provides a weekly round-up of stage and film entertainment in the Melbourne area.
Star: Jean Battersby
HSV-7
62. Wheel of Fortune (1959–1962)
30 min | Game-Show
A game show, in which a wheel is spun to determine the prizes.
Stars: Walter Elliott, Reg Grundy
TCN-9 (at least one episode still exists)
63. A Woman's View (1959–1962)
5 min | News
A short commentary on current events.
Star: Carolyn Bernsten
ATN-7.
64. Women at the Top (1959– )
30 min | Talk-Show
This short-lived series featured interviews with women who were in the top ranks of their profession.
Star: Peter MacGregor
ABC (Sydney only?)
65. Wonderful World (1959–1960)
60 min | Talk-Show
A daytime series aimed at the housewives.
Stars: Jean Battersby, Madeline Burke, Anne Lane, Guido Lorraine
HSV-7
67. Youth Show (1959–1960)
30 min | Music
This was a music show, with a focus on teenage talent, often featuring performers who had not yet reached stardom.
Star: Keith Walshe
ATN-7
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