Launched 1 November 2008 Picture format 576i (SDTV 16:9) Country Australia | Owned by Foxtel Networks Slogan very funny
funny Language English | |
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111 (pronounced as "Triple One", branded as 111 funny) is an Australian cable and satellite general entertainment television channel which focuses on airing popular sitcoms from the 1990s to the present. It is currently available on the Foxtel and Optus Television subscription platforms.
Contents
History
On 24 October 2008, the channel became available on the Foxtel and Optus platform, running promos ahead of the launch. It was confirmed in the days before the launch that the channel will be in 16:9 widescreen. On 1 March 2009, the channel became available to Austar subscribers.
The channel launched on 1 November 2008 as 111 Hits with a special named Countdown to 111 Hits that featured special guests Jenna Elfman and Jermaine Jackson. 111 is based at Foxtel's Sydney Studios, where sister channel The Comedy Channel is also produced. 111+2, a timeshift channel which broadcasts the same programs 2 hours later, went to air on 15 November 2009.
The channel's name was officially shortened on 1 January 2014 to 111 following the launch of TVH!TS. However, the use of the revised logo and name began rolling out in December 2013.
On 20 April 2014, "111" rebranded to "111 Greats", however, the channel reverted to 111 on 1 August 2015.
On 1 November 2015, the network rebranded again, although keeping the name, it saw the introduction of a new look and schedule which is made primarily of classic popular sitcoms.
In September 2016, the channel rebranded once more, this time partly incorporating its previous slogan of very funny into its new name: 111 funny.
Programming
Programming primarily consists of US shows from Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures Television, and CBS Studios International.
As 111 launched, programming was slowly revealed through promotions on other Foxtel channels, with presenters discussing a show and their memories of it.
At launch, a majority of its shows were moved from Arena, FOX8, The Comedy Channel, TV1 and Fox Classics.
On 1 January 2014, with the addition of TVH!TS following the closure of TV1, there was a change in direction to the networks catalogue of programs, with a large amount of newer material (mainly sitcoms and dramas) moved from 111 Hits to TVH!TS. As a result, 111 Hits was shortened to 111. New additions to programming (which were previously shown on TV1) included classics such as Cheers, Frasier, and Get Smart, as well as newer shows such as Rules of Engagement.
On 1 November 2015, the network changed its focus solely to sitcoms. This saw the sitcoms which were moved to TVH!TS the year prior returned and the removal of drama programming (with a large majority moved to other Foxtel-owned channels).