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Classics (TV channel)

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Classics
CountryAustralia
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format576i (SDTV 16:9)
Timeshift serviceClassics+2
Ownership
OwnerFoxtel Networks
Sister channelsFoxtel Networks channels
History
Launched2 December 2000[1]
Former namesFox Kids (Shared Channel) FOX Classics (2000 - 2023)

Classics (formerly Fox Classics) is an Australian cable and satellite channel that specializes in showing television series and ad-free classic movies, themed movie nights and miniseries from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s 1990s and early 2000s.

History

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Logo used from 2004 - 2023

FOX Classics began as a channel shared with FX and then Fox Kids (which itself had moved from a block on Fox8) and also shared time with The History Channel (Fox Travel/History/Soap/Talk until 1998 when the Soap and Talk Shows Moved to FX which rebrands to focus on a Female Audience) when FX separated in 2000.

This version of the channel was a night shift for the Fox Kids channel in Australia, when Fox Kids ended at a specific time (late afternoon for the most part) on Channel 6, FOX Classics began. It was essentially, ad-free classic movies (mostly from the 20th Century Fox library), hosted by Bill Collins, who would give background information and trivia about the movie to the audience, before and after the movie.[2] Eventually Fox Kids moved back to Fox8 on 1 February 2004[3] and FOX Classics became a 24-hour channel.

In November 2008, with the addition of 111 Hits and the change in direction of the network to a catalogue of 50s, 60s and 70s programs, a large amount of newer material mainly sitcoms were moved from FOX Classics.

On 26 September 2023, the channel rebranded as Classics.[4]

Current Programming

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Former programming

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References

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  1. ^ Murdoch, Blake (28 November 2000). "New pay TV offerings from Australia's Foxtel". The Hollywood Reporter. 365 (43). BPI: 10. ISSN 0018-3660. Archived from the original on 24 August 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  2. ^ "Mr Movies' classic passion". Sunday Herald Sun. 8 April 2001.
  3. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20040219182801/http://www.foxtel.com.au/channel/details.jsp?chnl=CLA Fox Classics
  4. ^ "Foxtel Magazine (October 2023) - Your monthly guide to a world of entertainment". Foxtel Magazine. p. 32. Retrieved 26 September 2023.