1997 in Australian television

Events6 January – Rob Elliott takes over as host of Wheel of Fortune, after last year's attempt with Tony Barber as host turned to be unsuccessful. The program starts the year without Adriana Xenides, who takes a long-term leave due to ill health. She would return to the puzzleboard in July. Her place is filled by Kerrie Friend. After being absent throughout 1996, due in part to hosting Family Feud, John Deeks returns as announcer – the position had been held by David Day in Adelaide, and by Ron E Sparks in Sydney.3 February – Australian drama serial Heartbreak High moves to ABC at 6:00 pm from Monday to Thursdays.9 February – The 1993 film The Pelican Brief, starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, premieres on the Nine Network.31 March – The game show Burgo's Catch Phrase, hosted by John Burgess, starts screening on Nine Network.13 June – The children's television series Bananas in Pyjamas appears for the first time in Singapore on Channel 5.26 June – British sitcom Mr. Bean, starring Rowan Atkinson as the titular character, switches over to the Seven Network, a year after finishing up on the ABC.29 June – The 1993 film In the Line of Fire, starring Clint Eas