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WWE Friday Night SmackDown
19998
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29 apr 1999
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WWE Home VideoWorld Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
De supersterren van het World Wrestling Entertainment "SmackDown"-merk botsen elke vrijdag op elkaar tijdens WWE Friday Night SmackDown.
About
Quick guide
WWE Friday Night SmackDown debuted in 1999 as a weekly wrestling program on UPN, later moving through several networks.
WWE Friday Night SmackDown began on April 29, 1999, airing a two‑hour primetime show featuring the WWF’s (now WWE) roster. Over the years, it shifted between UPN, The CW, MyNetworkTV, Syfy, USA Network and Fox, becoming a staple of American sports entertainment. Each episode blends scripted storylines, athleticism and larger‑than‑life characters, delivering high‑energy matches and backstage drama while keeping a fast‑paced, reality‑style format.
What to know
- Debuted April 29 1999 on UPN.
- Two‑hour format during its early run.
- Switched to live broadcasts in 2005.
- Hosted by commentators such as Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett.
- Featured storylines leading to championship bouts.
- Moved to Fox in 2019 for Friday night prime time.
- Now available on streaming platforms like Peacock and the WWE Network.
- Includes legendary superstars like The Rock, Triple H and Stone Cold.
- The show has aired over 1,300 episodes to date.
- It is part of WWE’s brand split, distinguishing its roster from Raw.
Watch if
If you enjoy high‑energy, scripted sports entertainment that mixes athletic matches with dramatic storylines and a fast‑paced, reality‑style format, WWE Friday Night SmackDown offers weekly showcases of top wrestling talent and evolving rivalries.
Skip if
If you prefer unscripted sports, minimal drama, or non‑wrestling entertainment, this heavily staged, action‑centric show may not suit your interests.
fast pacedintense actionfantasy violencelanguage somesome goredark tone
Origins of SmackDown
The first episode of SmackDown! aired on April 29, 1999, as a 90‑minute special that later expanded to a two‑hour weekly series. It was created to compete with WCW’s Thursday show and quickly became UPN’s top primetime program. The debut featured a mix of new and established wrestlers, setting the tone for future weekly broadcasts.
Network Evolution
After its start on UPN, the show moved to The CW in 2006, then MyNetworkTV in 2008, and later to Syfy in 2010. It returned to Thursday nights on USA Network in 2015 before settling on Friday nights on Fox in 2019. These shifts reflected broader network strategies and WWE’s expanding reach.
Format and Presentation
Early episodes were taped on Tuesdays and aired on Thursdays, often with a 120‑minute runtime. In 2005 the program began live broadcasts on Fridays, adding immediacy and a sense of urgency. The show’s set, entrance themes, and commentary have evolved, but the core mix of athletic matches and scripted drama remains constant.
Key Storylines and Superstars
Early seasons highlighted rivalries among stars such as The Rock, Triple H, Stone Cold, and Mankind. Storylines often culminated in championship bouts or surprise appearances, creating high stakes for viewers. The brand split in 2002 gave SmackDown its own roster, deepening the competitive dynamic.
Audience Reception
SmackDown quickly rivaled Raw for ratings, drawing around 6.5 million viewers in 1999. Over time, viewership fluctuated with network changes, but the show maintained a loyal fanbase. Its blend of entertainment and athleticism has kept it a staple in wrestling television.
Legacy and Current Status
With over 1,300 episodes, SmackDown has become one of the longest‑running TV shows in WWE history. It now streams on Peacock and WWE’s streaming services, while continuing to air on Fox for new episodes. The program’s influence extends to other WWE shows and the broader wrestling landscape.
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FAQ
25 Q&A
What is WWE Friday Night SmackDown?
WWE Friday Night SmackDown is a weekly professional wrestling program produced by WWE that features scripted matches, storylines, and athletic competition. The show airs on Friday evenings and showcases wrestlers from the SmackDown brand.
When did WWE Friday Night SmackDown debut?
The show debuted on April 29 1999 as a one‑hour special on UPN, and it became a regular two‑hour weekly series on August 26 1999.
Which network originally aired SmackDown?
The first episodes were broadcast on the UPN network, where the program quickly became a prime‑time hit.
Has SmackDown always aired on UPN?
No. After UPN, the show moved to The CW in 2006, MyNetworkTV in 2008, Syfy in 2010, USA Network in 2015, and Fox in 2019.
How long is each episode?
During its early run the program ran for two hours, including commercials. The runtime has varied with network changes, but the core content remains a 90‑ to 120‑minute show.
Who are the main commentators on SmackDown?
Long‑time commentators include Joe Tessitore for play‑by‑play and Wade Barrett for color commentary. Additional commentators have appeared over the years, such as Tazz, Jim Ross, and Michael Cole.
What is the brand split and how does it affect SmackDown?
The 2002 brand split created separate rosters for Raw and SmackDown, giving each show its own exclusive talent. SmackDown’s brand identity and storylines have since been distinct from Raw.
Which wrestlers were key to SmackDown’s early success?
Early stars such as The Rock, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, and The Undertaker were featured prominently, drawing viewers and setting the tone for future shows.
When did the show start airing live broadcasts?
In 2005, SmackDown began live broadcasts on Friday nights, replacing the previous taped schedule and adding immediacy to its storytelling.
Is SmackDown available on streaming platforms?
Yes, episodes are available on WWE’s streaming service and on Peacock for new episodes. Older episodes can be streamed on WWE Network and other platforms.
How does SmackDown differ from WWE Raw?
Both shows feature scripted wrestling, but SmackDown focuses on its own brand roster, storylines, and championship titles distinct from Raw. The two programs often have different commentary teams and occasional cross‑over matches.
Does SmackDown feature championship matches?
Yes, every episode often includes at least one match for a WWE title, such as the WWE Championship, Intercontinental Championship, or Tag Team Championship.
How many seasons has SmackDown aired?
Since its debut in 1999, SmackDown has produced over 27 seasons and more than 1,300 episodes, making it one of WWE’s longest‑running shows.
Are there notable special episodes of SmackDown?
Yes, special episodes such as the 500th and 1,000th episode celebrations, holiday-themed shows, and milestone events have aired, featuring surprise appearances and championship bouts.
Who hosts or presents the show?
The show is typically presented by the commentary team, with occasional hosts for special segments. The primary presenters are the commentators listed above.
Was SmackDown affected by the COVID‑19 pandemic?
In 2020, live crowds were temporarily removed and the show was taped in a studio with a virtual audience, following WWE’s pandemic protocols.
What was the viewership like in the early years?
In 1999, SmackDown averaged around 6.5 million viewers, nearly matching Raw’s audience, and became UPN’s top‑rated series.
When did SmackDown move to Fox?
The show moved to Fox on October 4 2019, marking its return to Friday night prime‑time television on a broadcast network.
Do pay‑per‑view events relate to SmackDown?
Many WWE pay‑per‑view events feature matches that begin storylines on SmackDown, and the show often promotes upcoming PPVs through in‑program segments.
How can I watch new episodes of SmackDown?
New episodes air on Fox every Friday night at 8 p.m. ET and can also be streamed on Peacock. International viewers may watch through local broadcasters or WWE’s global streaming service.
Is there a DVD collection of SmackDown?
WWE has released DVD compilations of special SmackDown episodes and milestone events, but most fans now access content through digital platforms.
What is the content rating for SmackDown?
The show is rated TV‑PG for mild violence, language, and thematic elements, suitable for older children with parental guidance.
What was SmackDown’s original theme song?
Early SmackDown episodes used the theme “The Rock” theme, with later seasons adopting “Rise Up” by Drowning Pool and other tracks.
How has the format of SmackDown evolved over time?
From a taped two‑hour special to a live Friday night broadcast, the show added a more dynamic set, expanded commentary, and integrated cross‑brand storylines as WWE’s roster grew.
What are some memorable moments from the early SmackDown years?
Notable moments include The Rock’s early championship challenges, the debut of Stone Cold’s “Stone Cold Stunner,” and the first televised “Hell in a Cell” match, which set the tone for future high‑stakes encounters.