Network Ten's controversial Californication will be investigated by media watchdog, the Australia Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The smutty satirical show was immediately infamous for featuring former X-Files star David Duchovny in four sex scenes when it first went to air in August.
Its opening sequence depicted Duchovny's character Hank Moody praying to Jesus in front of a giant crucifix while a nun performed oral sex on him.
Parent and Christian groups say the American show is inappropriate for Australian screens, even in its late-night broadcast slot of 9.30pm.
The heated response to the Monday night show included complaints from more than 40 companies, and Holden, Arnotts, Nestle and Woolworths pulled their ads.
ACMA, in a letter to Festival of Light Australia, a Christian community group advocating family values, confirmed an investigation would be launched.
The letter, signed by Andrew Power, the authority's assistant manager of assessment content, said the inquiry could take several months.
The Festival of Light claimed a first-round victory in its effort to have the show taken off air.
"This is a show on cable in the US and not free-to-air like here in Australia," Festival of Light spokeswoman Roslyn Phillips told AAP.
"There is still a long way to go. We made our complaint in writing, and Channel Ten responded to the complaint, but ACMA will launch an investigation.
"We are happy with this move but not happy with the show," she said.
"We don't like the way the Catholic Church is treated, it's beyond the pale.
"The show can't be shown late, it has to be pulled. The way it's treating religion and sex is just harmful."
Network Ten said the show was a ratings winner consistently attracting close to one million viewers.
A network spokeswoman said the show abided by all codes and practices.
"Californication may not be to everyone's taste but complies with the code," she said.
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