Editing Fox8

{{Short description|Australian television channel}}
{{Other uses|FOX 8 (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2010}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Fox8
| logo = Fox8-Logo-2023.svg
| logo_size = 180px
| picture_format = [[576i]] ([[SDTV]])<br />[[1080i]] ([[HDTV]])
| former_names = Fox (1995-1997)
| replaced = [[Oh! (TV channel)|Oh!]] ([[Optus Television|Optus Vision]])
| country = Australia
| language = [[English language|English]]
| sister_channels = 
| timeshift_service = Fox8+2
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1995|10|23|df=y}}
| website = 
| owner = [[Foxtel]]
| online_serv_1 = [[Foxtel Go]]
| online_chan_1 = Channel 108
| online_serv_2 = [[Binge (streaming service)|Binge]]
| online_chan_2 = [http://www.binge.com.au binge.com.au]
}}
'''Fox8''' (corporately stylised as '''FOX8''', alternatively as '''Fox 8''' or '''FOX 8''') is an Australian [[pay television]] channel available on [[Foxtel]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Joyce |first=James |date=26 March 1999 |title=Tunedin |url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=news990327_0075_2711 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403164456/http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=news990327_0075_2711 |archive-date=3 April 2012 |access-date=3 May 2010 |work=[[Newcastle Herald]] |department=Friday Guide |page=6}}</ref> and [[Optus Television]]'s subscription platforms. It is the most watched subscription television channel in Australia (with or without the timeshift).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 VIEWING REPORTS |url=http://www.oztam.com.au/Archives.aspx?Year=2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303135155/http://www.oztam.com.au/Archives.aspx?Year=2008 |archive-date=3 March 2008 |publisher=[[OzTAM]]}}</ref> A [[high-definition television|high definition]] version of the channel, Fox8HD, was launched on the Foxtel and Austar platforms on 15 November 2008.

==History==
The channel runs many programs produced by [[20th Century Fox|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 (1980–2013)|News Corporation]]'s peak Australian channel (similar to [[Sky1]] in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and [[FX (TV channel)|FX]] in the [[United States|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 [[Fox Broadcasting Company|USA Fox network]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}} 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 [[List of programs broadcast by Fox Kids#Australia|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to FOX8 |url=http://www.fox8.tv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060202094724/http://www.fox8.tv/ |archive-date=2 February 2006 |website=FOX 8}}</ref> The website was relaunched in October 2005 as a fuller visual experience showing extracts from the top shows.

During the [[2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Beijing Olympic Games]], the channel screened a 17-day, multiple animated show [[television marathon|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 Greats|111 HITS]] (now [[Fox Comedy (Australian TV channel)|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]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FOXTEL - Australia's next Top Model |url=http://www.foxtel.com.au/whats-on/foxtel-insider/australia-s-next-top-model-2669.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610132624/http://www.foxtel.com.au/whats-on/foxtel-insider/australia-s-next-top-model-2669.htm |archive-date=10 June 2010 |access-date=24 June 2010}}</ref>

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.<ref name="Fox8 MediaSpy" />

In October 2011, FOX8 introduced a Program Return Graphic during a program.<ref name="Fox8 MediaSpy" />

In February 2013, Foxtel announced a deal with [[The Walt Disney Company]] which included an exclusive output deal with [[Freeform (TV channel)|ABC Family]]. ABC Family produces some of FOX8's hit programs such as ''[[Bunheads]]'', [[Switched at Birth (TV series)|''Switched at Birth'']] and ''[[The Secret Life of the American Teenager]]'', as well as ''[[The Fosters (2013 TV series)|''The Fosters'']]'' and ''[[Twisted (TV series)|Twisted]]'' which were to premiere later in 2013.<ref name="ABC Family Output Deal">{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=22 February 2013 |title=Disney Channel shifts to Foxtel Essentials |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/02/disney-channel-shifts-to-foxtel-essentials.html |access-date=22 February 2013 |publisher=TV Tonight}}</ref>

In October 2013, FOX8 launched a new on-air look that included the new slogan ''TV for the Now Gen'' (replacing ''So Fox8'').<ref name="Fox8 MediaSpy">{{Cite web |title=FOX8 - Subscription and International Television - Forums |url=http://www.mediaspy.org/forum/index.php?%2Ftopic%2F21587-fox8%2F |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021014646/http://www.mediaspy.org/forum/index.php?%2Ftopic%2F21587-fox8%2F |archive-date=21 October 2013 |access-date=21 October 2013 |publisher=Media Spy}}</ref>

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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Kevin |date=12 December 2022 |title=FOXTEL prepares to say goodbye to THE SIMPSONS as key animation titles move to exclusive home on DISNEY+ |url=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/ |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=TV Blackbox}}</ref>

On 28 September 2023, inline with the rebrand of Foxtel's FOX-branded channels (ex. ''FOX Arena'' to ''[[Arena (Australian TV channel)|Arena]]''),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Foxtel Magazine (October 2023) - Your monthly guide to a world of entertainment |url=https://www.foxtelmagazine.foxtel.com.au/#view=catalogue2&saleId=51890&page=33 |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=Foxtel Magazine |page=32}}</ref> FOX8 updated their logo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=29 September 2023 |title=Foxtel channels refresh |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/09/foxtel-channels-refresh.html |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=TV Tonight |language=en-AU}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=411 Mania (October 2024) - WWE Leaving Foxtel in Australia, Moving to Netflix |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-leaving-foxtel-in-australia-moving-to-netflix/}}</ref>

==Programming==
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===
====Original programming====
*''The Last Year of...''

====Acquired programming====
*''[[8 Out of 10 Cats]]''
*''Alone''
*''[[American Pickers]]''
*''[[Big Easy Motors]]''
*''[[Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad]]''
*''[[Car Crash TV]]'' (UK import)
*''Fear Factor (US)''
*''[[Haunted Case Files]]''
*''[[Hotel Paranormal]]''
*''[[Outback Truckers]]''
*''[[Pawn Stars]]''
*''Ridiculousness''
*''[[Saturday Night Live]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=28 October 2020 |title=Saturday Night Live returning to FOX8 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/10/saturday-night-live-returning-to-fox8.html |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=TV Tonight |language=en-AU}}</ref>
*''[[Stargirl (TV series)|Stargirl]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=27 July 2020 |title=Airdate: DC's Stargirl |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/07/airdate-dcs-stargirl.html/ |access-date=26 September 2021 |website=TV Tonight |language=en-AU}}</ref>
*''Snake in the Grass''
*''[[Storage Wars]]''
*''[[Swamp People]]''
*''[[Taskmaster New Zealand|Taskmaster NZ]]''
*''[[Taskmaster (TV series)|Taskmaster UK]]''
*''Ted: The Series''
*''The Amazing Race (US)''
*''[[Two and a Half Men]]''
*''Wipeout (US)''
*''Whose Line Is It Anyway? (US)''

===Former programming===
====Original programming====
*''Crash Palace'' (2002) <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 02" />
*''D-Tours'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 02" />
*''[[The Face (Australian TV series)|The Face Australia]]'' (2014)<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeBono |first=Christopher |date=23 February 2015 |title=Hi, are you able to clarify if The Face Australia is coming back for season 2? I haven't seen any word of it being renewed for a 2nd season but just wanted to be sure. |url=https://www.facebook.com/FOX8/posts/1071028679589239?comment_id=1072151449476962&offset=0&total_comments=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150227021407/https://www.facebook.com/FOX8/posts/1071028679589239?comment_id=1072151449476962&offset=0&total_comments=1 |archive-date=27 February 2015 |access-date=26 February 2015 |publisher=FOX8 |via=Facebook}}</ref>
*''[[Love Bytes]]'' (2004) <ref name="Fox8 March 2004">{{cite web |title=FOX8. It's all here! |url=http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |website=FOXTEL |access-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040304234907/http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |archive-date=4 March 2004}}</ref>
*''Premiere'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 02" />
*''Ra'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 02" />

====Acquired programming====
* ''[[24 (TV series)|24]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04">{{cite web |title=FOX8. It's all here! |url=http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |website=FOXTEL |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040204122149/http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |archive-date=4 February 2004}}</ref>
*''[[Ally McBeal]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 02">{{cite web |title=Prime time viewing featuring popular dramas, comedy and television's hottest shows. |url=http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |website=FOXTEL |access-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020204061557/http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |archive-date=4 February 2002}}</ref>
*''[[Andromeda (TV series)|Andromeda]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Aug 2003" />
*''[[Angel (1999 TV series)|Angel]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*''[[Angry Birds Toons]]'' <ref>{{cite web |last1=Knox |first1=David |title=Airdate: Angry Birds Toons |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2013/03/airdate-angry-birds-toons.html |website=Tv Tonight |access-date=23 May 2024 |date=14 March 2013}}</ref>
*''[[Baywatch]]''<ref name="Foxtel Fox8 02" />
*''[[Beverly Hills, 90210]]'' <ref name="buffy and 90210">{{cite web |title=Watching re-runs at 2am? They know who you are |url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/watching-re-runs-at-2am-they-know-who-you-are-20030816-gdw7ew.html |website=The Age |date=16 August 2003}}</ref>
*''[[Bob's Burgers]]'' (moved to [[Disney+]])<ref name=":0" />
*''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' <ref name="buffy and 90210" />
*''[[Cheaters (American TV series)|Cheaters]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Aug 2003">{{cite web |title=FOX8. It's all here! |url=http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |website=FOXTEL |access-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030805193443/http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |archive-date=5 August 2003}}</ref>
*''[[Chicago Fire (TV series)|Chicago Fire]]'' (moved to [[SoHo (Australian TV channel)|SoHo]] in October 2015, returned for second stint November 2016)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=9 October 2015 |title=Returning: Chicago Fire |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2015/10/returning-chicago-fire-4.html |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=TV Tonight}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 August 2016 |title=Foxtel Announces New 'Binge' Channel |url=http://www.sohotv.com.au/foxtel-announces-new-binge-channel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801055422/http://www.sohotv.com.au/foxtel-announces-new-binge-channel/ |archive-date=1 August 2016 |access-date=18 September 2016 |publisher=SoHoTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=28 October 2016 |title=Returning: Chicago Fire |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2016/10/returning-chicago-fire-5.html |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=[[TV Tonight]]}}</ref>
*''[[Dark Angel (American TV series)|Dark Angel]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 Feb 03" />
*''[[E! News|E! News Live]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Aug 2003" />
*''[[Family Guy]]'' (moved to [[Disney+]])<ref name=":0" />
*''[[Farscape]]''<ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*''[[The 5th Wheel]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Aug 2003" />
*''[[Futurama]]'' (moved to [[Disney+]])<ref name=":0" />
*''[[Hannibal (TV series)|Hannibal]]'' (moved to [[Showcase (Australian TV channel)|Showcase]])<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=15 June 2015 |title=Returning: Hannibal |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2015/06/returning-hannibal-3.html |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=TV Tonight}}</ref>
*''[[The Jerry Springer Show]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*''[[The King of Queens]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*''[[Law & Order]]''<ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*''[[Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=23 September 2015 |title=Returning: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/09/returning-agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d.html |access-date=23 September 2015 |publisher=TV Tonight}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=8 October 2015 |title=FOX8 delays Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/10/fox8-delays-marvels-agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d.html |access-date=10 October 2015 |publisher=TV Tonight}}</ref>
*''[[The Originals (TV series)|The Originals]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=26 September 2013 |title=Fans blast FOX8 over Ravenswood and The Originals |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2013/09/fans-blast-fox8-over-ravenswood-and-the-originals.html |access-date=9 March 2024 |publisher=TV Tonight}}</ref>
*''[[The Pretender (TV series)|The Pretender]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*''[[Reba (TV series)|Reba]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*''[[Relic Hunter]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*''[[Resurrection Blvd.]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 Feb 03" />
*''[[Roswell (TV series)|Roswell]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*''[[Sex and the City]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 Feb 03">{{cite web |title=FOX8. It's all here! |url=http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |website=FOXTEL |access-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030215221703/http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=FOX |archive-date=15 February 2003}}</ref>
*''[[Son of the Beach]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 02" />
*''[[Third Watch]]'' <ref name="Fox8 March 2004" />
*''[[Titus (TV series)|Titus]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 Feb 03" />
*''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 Feb 03" />
*''[[V.I.P. (American TV series)|V.I.P.]]''<ref name="Foxtel Fox8 02" />
*''[[Walker, Texas Ranger]]'' <ref name="Foxtel Fox8 02" />
*''[[White Collar Blue]]'' <ref name="Fox8 March 2004" />
*''[[World's Wildest Police Videos]]''<ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />
*[[WWE]] (moved to [[Binge (streaming service)|Binge]], then onto [[Netflix]]):<ref>{{Cite web |title=PW Insider (October 2024) - WWE EXITING FOXTEL IN AUSTRALIA FOR NETFLIX |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/188938/wwe-exiting-foxtel-in-australia-for-netflix/}}</ref>
**''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' (LIVE from 4 February 2014 to September 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=22 January 2014 |title=WWE Raw goes Live on FOX8 |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/01/wwe-raw-goes-live-on-fox8.html |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=[[TV Tonight]]}}</ref>
**''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]'' (LIVE from January 2020 to September 2024)
**''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' (LIVE from 20 July 2016 to September 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 June 2016 |title=WWE Smackdown Goes Live July 19th |url=https://community.foxtel.com.au/t5/Entertainment/WWE-Smackdown-Goes-Live-July-19th/td-p/133434 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627144926/http://community.foxtel.com.au/t5/Entertainment/WWE-Smackdown-Goes-Live-July-19th/td-p/133434 |archive-date=27 June 2016 |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=Foxtel Community |publisher=Foxtel}}</ref>
**''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling|WWF Superstars]]''
*''[[The X-Files]]''<ref name="Foxtel Fox8 04" />

==Logos==
<gallery>
File:Fox8 old logo.png|1998–2006
File:Fox8.svg|2006–2019
File:FOX8_Logo_2019.png| 2019–2023
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Television|Australia}}
*[[Television in Australia]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Foxtel}}
{{Subscription television channels in Australia}}

[[Category:1995 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:English-language television stations in Australia]]
[[Category:Television networks in Australia]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1995]]
[[Category:Foxtel]]