SF (Australian TV channel)
| Company type | Joint venture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Pay television |
| Founded | December 1, 2006 |
| Defunct | December 31, 2013 |
| Fate | Replaced by Syfy (Australia) |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Television channel |
| Owner | NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Television, CBS Studios International |
SF—previously known as the Sci Fi Channel—was an Australian pay television network dedicated to science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. It was accessible via Foxtel, Austar, and Optus Television platforms, and operated as a collaborative venture among NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Television, and CBS Studios International.
In 2012, the channel underwent a rebranding from Sci Fi to SF, adopting a unique global identity that differed from the American Syfy brand. Broadcasting ended on 31 December 2013, with SF being succeeded by an Australian iteration of Syfy in early 2014.
Programming
The channel’s lineup included reruns of acclaimed series such as Doctor Who, Star Trek, Medium, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Charmed. Additionally, it served as the Australian premiere platform for titles like Defiance, Lost Girl, Continuum, Eureka, Alphas, and Ghost Hunters International.
History
Sci Fi commenced broadcasting on 1 December 2006, initially mirroring the branding of its U.S. counterpart but featuring an independent programming schedule. The channel showcased significant franchises including Doctor Who, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, both versions of Battlestar Galactica, Medium, along with the Star Trek and Stargate series.
On 1 December 2008, Sci Fi transitioned its broadcast format from the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio to widescreen 16:9. Later, on 15 November 2009, it introduced a timeshift channel named Sci Fi +2.
The rebranding to SF took place on 23 July 2012, reflecting its joint ownership through a globally exclusive brand identity.
In August 2013, Foxtel announced unsuccessful negotiations to renew SF’s carriage agreement. As Foxtel was Australia's exclusive subscription television provider, this resulted in plans to discontinue both SF and its sister channel TV1. Foxtel pledged to introduce a dedicated science fiction channel to succeed SF’s programming.
SF pursued alternative distribution methods including IPTV platforms, Crackle, and Apple TV. Nevertheless, on 30 September 2013, it was confirmed that NBCUniversal’s fully owned Syfy (Australia) would replace SF on Foxtel starting from 1 January 2014. The channel officially ceased operations at midnight on 31 December 2013.
Press coverage
The demand for a science-fiction–focused television channel in Australia was highlighted by the Adelaide Advertiser on 22 November 2006.
The official launch event for the Sci Fi Channel occurred on 16 November 2006 at Sydney’s Australian Museum and featured appearances by personalities such as Jacqueline McKenzie (The 4400), Gigi Edgley, and Matthew Newton (Farscape).
Media
Apart from subscription TV broadcasting, SF Channel Australia managed the now-defunct SF Australia website which provided television schedules, video extras, full episodes, and maintained the SF News blog. In 2013, the channel expanded into producing original digital content with the web-exclusive pop culture news program Go Pop.