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Fox8
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Fox8 (corporately stylised as FOX8, alternatively as Fox 8 or FOX 8) is an Australian pay television channel available on Foxtel,[1] and Optus Television's subscription platforms. It is the most watched subscription television channel in Australia (with or without the timeshift).[2] A high definition version of the channel, Fox8HD, was launched on the Foxtel and Austar platforms on 15 November 2008.

Key Information

History

[edit]

The channel runs many programs produced by Fox and in fact was originally called "Fox" before adding the "8" to the title. The channel was found on channel 8 on Foxtel analogue and Austar standard and channel 108 on Foxtel Digital and Austar Digital. Fox8 is Foxtel's most popular subscription channel and peak channel. It is also News Corporation's peak Australian channel (similar to Sky1 in the UK and FX in the USA). FOX8 is one of the very few channels to have been continuously broadcast since Foxtel's foundation in 1995. During the late 1990s, Fox8 used to show Saturday Night NRL matches.

FOX8+2 was introduced with the Foxtel and Austar Digital Services on Channel 150. This allows the viewing of the same programs on Fox8, but two hours later. One of the known advantages of this TimeShift Channel, is that Western Australian viewers can see this channel at the correct time in their state as advertised. FOX8 and Foxtel have a deal with Network Ten to receive their shows bought from the USA Fox network.[citation needed] Some shows like this include The Simpsons, Futurama, and The Simple Life. During the migration to the digital platform, Foxtel's Fox Kids (similar to the US version) channel was discontinued in 2004 and a selection of its programming was moved to FOX8 in the early mornings.

The channel was rebranded significantly at the start of 2005, matching the American Fox channel's logo with the addition of the 8 at the end. FOX8's overall graphics also changed in style. Shortly after the rebranding, the station received its first official website.[3] The website was relaunched in October 2005 as a fuller visual experience showing extracts from the top shows.

During the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the channel screened a 17-day, multiple animated show marathon named "Battle of the Animations" involving Family Guy, American Dad!, The Simpsons, Futurama and King of the Hill. The event concluded on Sunday 24 August with a smaller marathon involving the winning show, as chosen by the viewing audience over the course of the 17 days. The winning show was Family Guy.

On 1 November 2008, as part of the launch of a new channel named 111 HITS (now Fox Comedy), many shows from Fox8 and other channels moved to 111 Hits.

On 15 November 2009, FOX8 HD launched on Austar and Foxtel. In 2009, it had the highest rating non-sporting related program or event on subscription television in Australia, Australia's Next Top Model.[4]

On 16 March 2010, FOX8 launched a brand new website.

On 21 May 2011, FOX8 underwent a major rebrand, incorporating a new look, with a new style of branding programs.[5]

In October 2011, FOX8 introduced a Program Return Graphic during a program.[5]

In February 2013, Foxtel announced a deal with The Walt Disney Company which included an exclusive output deal with ABC Family. ABC Family produces some of FOX8's hit programs such as Bunheads, Switched at Birth and The Secret Life of the American Teenager, as well as The Fosters and Twisted which were to premiere later in 2013.[6]

In October 2013, FOX8 launched a new on-air look that included the new slogan TV for the Now Gen (replacing So Fox8).[5]

On 12 December 2022, it was confirmed that Fox8 would be taking The Simpsons and all other Fox adult animation shows off the network in a move to revamp the channel as well as encourage viewers to sign up to Disney+, which has all Fox adult animation shows and which is also available as an app on Foxtel. A final Simpsons marathon aired on the network that month which concluded on 31 December.[7]

On 28 September 2023, inline with the rebrand of Foxtel's FOX-branded channels (ex. FOX Arena to Arena),[8] FOX8 updated their logo.[9]

In September 2024, Fox8 shuffled its schedule, and pulled all live WWE broadcasts off the network in a move to give the slots reserved for the live Raw, SmackDown and NXT broadcasts an entertainment-led revamp, as well as encourage viewers to prepare for the move of all WWE programming to Netflix. 1-hour episodes of WWE NXT and classic episodes of the original WWF Superstars continued to air on Fox8 until December 2024.[10]

Programming

[edit]

This is a list of Fox8's programming as of January 2025, which is a mix of American, Canadian, New Zealand and British TV imports with a small amount of local shows.

Current programming

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Original programming

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  • The Last Year of...

Acquired programming

[edit]

Former programming

[edit]

Original programming

[edit]

Acquired programming

[edit]

Logos

[edit]
  • 1998–2005
    1998–2005
  • 2005–2019
    2005–2019
  • 2019–2023
    2019–2023

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fox8

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Fox8 (stylized as FOX8) is an Australian pay television entertainment channel operated by , focusing on a diverse lineup of international and including dramas, comedies, shows, animations, and content. Launched on 23 1995 as one of the 20 original channels in Foxtel's inaugural lineup, it was established as a core entertainment station featuring reruns of popular series like and , daytime soaps, talk shows, and sports such as rugby. Owned initially through a between and , —and by extension Fox8—underwent significant ownership changes, culminating in its acquisition by the global sports streaming service in April 2025 for an enterprise value of A$3.4 billion. As Foxtel's flagship entertainment destination, Fox8 targets a broad audience with high-energy, "no fear" content that emphasizes humor, escapism, and real-life stories, including long-running staples like , which has aired on the channel for over 25 years. The channel has evolved from its early focus on imported U.S. and series to incorporate Australian productions and reality formats, while maintaining a position as one of Australia's most-watched subscription channels through continuous broadcasting since launch. Its programming schedule includes DC Comics adaptations, soap operas, and award shows, broadcast on channel 108, with a +2 hour timeshift on channel 208.

History

Launch and early years

Fox8 launched on 23 October 1995 as one of the original 20 channels in Foxtel's inaugural lineup, marking the debut of Australia's first major service delivered via cable in selected metropolitan areas. Positioned as a general channel targeting young adults, it focused on imported U.S. series, movies, and light-hearted programming to differentiate from options and appeal to a demographic seeking contemporary pop culture content. The channel operated under Foxtel Management Pty Ltd, a joint venture established with News Corporation holding a 65% stake and Telstra owning the remaining 35%, leveraging News Corp's international content libraries—including ties to 20th Century Fox—for much of its early lineup. Fox8 quickly became Foxtel's flagship non-sports offering, drawing from global sources like Sky Movies for film premieres and featuring early highlights such as the Australian pay TV premiere of The Simpsons, which aired as a mainstay series from the service's inception and helped cement its reputation for exclusive U.S. acquisitions. During the late , Fox8 contributed significantly to Foxtel's expansion amid intense competition in the nascent Australian pay TV market, with the overall subscriber base growing from initial limited rollout to over 1 million households by the early 2000s through aggressive bundling and content exclusivity. By that period, it had established itself as Australia's most-watched subscription television channel, driven by its mix of first-run movies and hit U.S. series that captured a broad audience.

Ownership changes and developments

A high-definition simulcast of Fox8, known as Fox8 HD, launched on November 15, 2009, across the and platforms, marking a significant technological upgrade that expanded viewing options for subscribers and contributed to increased engagement with premium entertainment content. This rollout was part of Foxtel's broader push into HD programming, adding Fox8 among 13 new high-definition channels to enhance picture quality and attract viewers amid rising demand for formats. In 2011, Fox8 underwent a major rebrand that refreshed its on-air identity and integrated new digital elements, including an enhanced website launched earlier in 2010 and updated program guides, aligning with Foxtel's accelerating transition to digital services such as interactive TV features and broadband delivery. This coincided with Foxtel's announcement of a $2 billion takeover of regional pay-TV provider Austar in May 2011, which was completed in May 2012 and expanded Fox8's distribution footprint to rural and regional Australia without immediate changes to channel operations but strengthening overall subscriber access. The merger between Foxtel and Fox Sports Australia, finalized in April 2018 after an announcement in 2017, saw News Corp increase its stake in the combined entity to 65% while Telstra retained 35%, focusing on bundled sports and entertainment offerings that indirectly bolstered Fox8's ecosystem through shared resources, though the channel's core operations remained unchanged. In December 2024, announced the sale of to for an enterprise value of A$3.4 billion (approximately $2.1 billion), with the transaction completing on April 2, 2025, shifting ownership of Fox8 and its parent company to the global sports streaming platform and opening avenues for enhanced streaming synergies. Following the acquisition, appointed new board members to in November 2025, including and Peter O'Connell, to guide strategic integrations such as potential cross-platform content sharing between DAZN's streaming services and Foxtel's linear channels like Fox8. Throughout the 2020s, Fox8 benefited from Foxtel's integration with streaming service, launched in May as a video-on-demand platform offering on-demand access to Fox8's entertainment programming alongside live linear channel simulcasts, which improved accessibility and helped counter trends by providing flexible viewing options across devices.

Programming

Current programming

Fox8 delivers a 24/7 lineup of general entertainment content tailored to the 18-49 demographic, emphasizing , scripted series, comedies, and movies to maintain high among young adults. The channel's strategy prioritizes fast-paced, bingeable programming that blends humor, drama, and , with a strong focus on acquired international hits to complement its entertainment mandate. In terms of original Australian productions, Fox8 features limited local content, but highlights include game shows and formats produced in partnership with . Acquired international programming forms the backbone of Fox8's schedule, with key and imports driving viewership. Scheduling on Fox8 follows thematic patterns to maximize audience retention, with primetime (7-10 PM) dedicated to series on weekdays, while weekends feature movie marathons and blockbuster films. "Reality Nights" blocks on Tuesdays and Thursdays group interconnected shows, creating dedicated viewing events. The 2025 updates under include expanded content while keeping the core entertainment focus intact. Long-running staples such as continue to air, having been broadcast on the channel for over 25 years as of 2025.

Former programming

Fox8's programming evolved significantly from its launch in 1995, initially emphasizing US sitcoms and movies from the , such as Friends, before shifting toward a reality TV boom in the that capitalized on international formats adapted for Australian audiences. This transition reflected broader trends in subscription television, where reality genres drove higher engagement, but many early series concluded due to fluctuating ratings or expiring broadcast rights amid rising from streaming services. Among Fox8's original programming, stood out as a flagship series from 2005 to 2016, spanning 10 seasons and hosted initially by for the first three cycles before transitioning to and later . The show featured aspiring models competing in challenges focused on runway walks, photoshoots, and industry critiques, producing winners like Aleyna FitzGerald in its final 2016 season. Another notable original was the An Aussie Goes... travel-reality franchise in the late 2000s, including An Aussie Goes Barmy (2006), An Aussie Goes Bolly (2008), and An Aussie Goes Calypso (2008), which followed Australian cricket enthusiast immersing himself in cultures for observational documentaries. These series highlighted Fox8's early investment in light-hearted, culturally exploratory content tailored to Australian viewers. Fox8 also acquired several high-profile international series that became staples before their runs ended. premiered on the channel in 2008, airing its full six-season run through 2012 and drawing strong youth audiences with its dramatic portrayal of elite Manhattan teens, often achieving top non-sports ratings in pay TV during its peak. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles had its Australian premiere on Fox8 in 2008 but was cut short after two seasons in 2009 due to its US cancellation, despite solid initial viewership like 34,000 for early episodes. Discontinuations often stemmed from external factors, including rights losses to streaming platforms; for instance, post-2015, series like newer US imports shifted to as it captured 39% of the Australian subscription market by mid-decade, eroding Foxtel's exclusive deals. Foxtel's 2024 restructurings further impacted older content, with channel rebrands and content migrations—such as from FOX Funny to FOX8—affecting legacy programming availability amid cost efficiencies. The legacy of Fox8's former programming endures in Australian television, particularly through , which launched international modeling careers for alumni like and , influencing the local fashion industry and reality TV production standards.

Branding and identity

Logos and rebranding

Fox launched in 1995 with a simple logo inspired by the branding of the US network to establish a familiar identity in the Australian pay TV market. Renamed Fox8 in 1997, it adopted a minimalist design featuring the text "FOX8" in white on a black background, which was used until 2005, aligning with the channel's initial positioning as a general outlet. The logo's stark contrast and straightforward presentation reflected the era's cable TV aesthetics, prioritizing readability over elaborate graphics. In 2005, Fox8 introduced a refreshed that incorporated orange accents and 3D effects, marking a shift toward more dynamic visual elements coinciding with the channel's digital expansion and improved production capabilities. This version, used until , added depth and vibrancy to the "FOX8" text, with the orange hue drawing from Fox's corporate color palette to enhance on-screen presence during promos and idents. The 3D styling aimed to convey and modernity, supporting the channel's growing focus on youth-oriented programming. A major rebrand occurred in May 2011, unveiling a sleek metallic with dynamic animations that emphasized a contemporary edge, launched alongside a refresh to unify digital and broadcast identities. The metallic finish and fluid animations in the and transitions highlighted , moving away from previous static designs while maintaining the core "FOX8" structure for continuity. On 28 2023, Fox8 adopted a simplified as part of 's broader of FOX channels, such as FOX to , to streamline visuals for the streaming era by eliminating 3D elements in favor of clean, bold lines. The updated features a prominent white "8" in Noi Grotesk font paired with "Fox" text, promoting accessibility across platforms like Now and . This change aligned with industry trends toward flatter, scalable graphics optimized for mobile and app interfaces. Throughout its history, Fox8's has sparingly incorporated the Fox network's iconic fox-head motif, instead prioritizing the numeric "8" as the central identifier to distinguish it within the lineup and evoke its channel position. This approach ensures versatility in applications while reinforcing the channel's focus without over-relying on corporate symbolism.

On-air presentation

Fox8's on-air presentation originated with basic static slides in , transitioning to dynamic animations by that highlighted urban lifestyles and pop motifs to appeal to a youthful audience. These idents and bumpers evolved to incorporate vibrant, fast-paced visuals reflecting contemporary trends, such as stylized cityscapes and cameos. In 2023, the package received a major update to a minimalist digital aesthetic, featuring cleaner lines and subtle animations that integrate seamlessly with the refreshed for a modern streaming-era feel. Promos adopt a high-energy style with dramatic trailers and enthusiastic voiceovers promoting "peak ," often underscored by licensed tracks from hit shows like The Masked Singer to evoke excitement and immediacy. Since DAZN's acquisition of in April 2025, promos have incorporated cross-promotions blending sports and . Continuity announcements follow 's standardized format, delivered by channel-specific hosts—including virtual announcers implemented since 2020—to provide clear schedule previews, program classifications, and viewer advisories in a professional yet engaging tone. The visual identity employs a consistent orange-black color palette established in 2005, with graphics like on-screen bugs updated in 2008 to include HD indicators; these elements prioritize simplicity to minimize distractions, especially during uninterrupted movie slots. Audio branding centers on a signature theme composed in 2011 and remixed in 2023 for a fresher, electronic edge, which plays during breaks to maintain cohesion across transitions.

References

  1. https://www.foxtelmedia.com.au/partners-brands/fox8/
  2. https://www.foxtel.com.au/content/dam/foxtel/business/pdf/02_Accomm_STD_2pp_A4.pdf
  3. https://variety.com/1995/tv/features/foxtel-unveils-lineup-foes-deliver-lawsuit-99128472/
  4. https://variety.com/1995/scene/markets-festivals/feisty-foxtel-launches-its-20-pay-tv-channels-99128989/
  5. https://investors.newscorp.com/news-releases/news-release-details/news-corp-completes-sale-foxtel-group-dazn
  6. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-23/foxtel-sold-to-billionaire-backed-british-sports-network-dazn/104758178
  7. https://www.afr.com/technology/foxtel-celebrates-its-first-15-years-20101028-iud9n
  8. https://help.foxtel.com.au/s/article/a7VMp0000006DPBMA2
  9. https://www.techguide.com.au/news/televisions-news/foxtel-changing-channel-numbers-october-13-see-new-channel-list/
  10. https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2022/12/12/foxtel-prepares-to-say-goodbye-to-the-simpsons-as-key-animation-titles-move-to-exclusive-home-on-disney/
  11. https://tvtonight.com.au/2009/09/mystar-hd-launching-november-15.html
  12. https://tvtonight.com.au/2009/11/foxtel-channels-widescreen-by-2011.html
  13. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/FOX8
  14. https://www.reuters.com/article/austar-idCNL3E7IB37J20110711/
  15. https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/foxtel-austar-merger-finalised-20120524-1z7uf.html
  16. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/news-corp-telstra-agree-foxtel-fox-sports-australia-merger-1092196/
  17. https://investors.newscorp.com/news-releases/news-release-details/news-corp-announces-agreement-sell-foxtel-dazn-enterprise-value
  18. https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/foxtel-reveals-new-board-after-news-corp-sale-to-dazn-20251102-p5n737
  19. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-25/binge-foxtels-new-streaming-service-aims-to-kill-the-scroll/12277664
  20. https://help.binge.com.au/s/article/Channels-on-BINGE
  21. https://www.foxtel.com.au/content/dam/foxtel/business/pdf/Mining_STD.pdf
  22. https://www.foxtel.com.au/now/tv-guide.html
  23. https://foxtelgroup.com.au/newsroom/foxtel-media-and-dazn-level-up-with-new-ad-formats-ai-companion-on-kayo-sports-and-binge-revamp
  24. https://tvtonight.com.au/2008/10/an-aussie-goes-calypso.html
  25. https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/entertainment/2015/05/24/foxtel-losing-war-netflix
  26. https://tvtonight.com.au/2016/11/aleyna-wins-australias-next-top-model-2016.html
  27. https://if.com.au/an-aussie-goes-calypso/
  28. https://tvtonight.com.au/2008/09/gossip-girl-back-to-nine.html
  29. https://tvtonight.com.au/2009/03/returning-terminator-sarah-connor-chronicles.html
  30. https://tvtonight.com.au/2017/01/axed-river-cottage-australia-and-where-to-for-next-top-model-the-recruit.html
  31. https://vimeo.com/311786267
  32. https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/09/foxtel-channels-refresh.html
  33. https://dazngroup.com/press-room/dazn-group-completes-acquisition-of-foxtel-strengthening-global-sports-streaming-leadership/
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whv3IWXkrDY
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F6SZ69eyuE
  36. https://vimeo.com/100192875
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