1. A method for allowing an operator to update a functionality characteristic of an interactive television program guide implemented on a user television equipment, the method comprising: allowing the operator to remotely supply a markup language document to the interactive television program guide implemented on the user television equipment; updating the functionality characteristic of the interactive television program guide based on the markup language document using the interactive television program guide; and generating a program guide display screen on the user television equipment having the functionality characteristic of the interactive television program guide as updated based on the markup language document.