1997 in American television

In American television in 1997, notable events included television show debuts, finales, cancellations, and channel initiations, closures, and rebrandings, as well as information about controversies and disputes.

Television debuts

 * James Gandolfini – Gun
 * Natasha Henstridge – The Outer Limits
 * Nick Offerman – ER
 * Rebecca Romijn – Friends
 * Octavia Spencer – 413 Hope St.
 * Jason Sudeikis – Alien Avengers II
 * Wanda Sykes – The Chris Rock Show
 * Paz Vega – Menudo es mi padre
 * Goran Visnjic – Olujne tisine 1895-1995
 * Shea Whigham – Ghost Stories
 * Rainn Wilson – One Life to Live