The Sun-Herald

Just thank your lucky stars that you don't live in the USA (like us currently) where they have two TV 'silly seasons' per year. One is during the Summer break which equates to our own Summer non ratings period, but in the height of their own prime TV viewing season (winter) they also have a hiatus for the Chrissy (sorry, Holiday)period. Shows like West Wing, Lost etc that are in mid-season vanish for a month in Dec/Jan.

• by Bob C on December 20, 2005 at 07:21 AM

That's interesting, the networks teasing us with stuff that will be retired early, cancelled without warning or duplicated with multiple repeats while we wait in vain for new episodes. Hang on, that's not new...
How little free to air I watch now with Foxtel IQ. The shows I want, full seasons and an adequate PVR with a free electronic program guide as opposed to shows I am told I want, scheduling that I am told I want and unreliable programming.
Tough choice indeed!

• by Tony on December 20, 2005 at 07:53 AM

I don't bother with TV anymore, I find what I like and either buy and entire show on DVD or Download it until it is available for purchase.
Lost, West Wing, E-Ring, Commander in Chief, Alias, Supernatural, Doctor Who and Over There to name a few.

I then watch TV at the times that I want, when I want and watch how many episodes I want.

• by Ray on December 20, 2005 at 08:32 AM

The best thing about the non-ratings period is that the networks really don't care about their programing so they are much less likely to screw around with their scheduling - it makes it so much easier to get into a series when you know that it is going to be on at the same time each week

• by S on December 20, 2005 at 08:46 AM

I was looking forward to seeing more of That 70s Show all year, and was rapt when it reappeared, that is, until channel 7 took it off after only 2 weeks. If we don't get to see this show during summer, when are we going to see it again? We're already 4-5 seasons behind the US.
Otherwise, I love the non-ratings period because we get to check out a whole new range of shows. Makes a nice change from all the versions of CSI and the reality shows that are on during the rest of the year.

• by Kylie on December 20, 2005 at 09:09 AM

While channel surfing the other day I discovered "American Dad". What were the OZTAM ratings for this show?
Its not often that you see a product from the US that knows how to be ironic. I understand that for all left wing subversity it actually runs on their FOX network (dont tell Rupert Murdoch).
Its so rare to find anything worth watching on the box. For that reason alone I'm sure this will be canned even before the silly season is over.

David Dale replies: American Dad was watched by 506,000 people in the mainland capitals. That's an example of a cult show that could build through word of mouth, if Seven gives it a chance

• by Scott on December 20, 2005 at 09:32 AM

Bring back The Amazing Race - the best show on Australian television, and one that unfortunatly only appears during silly season.

David Dale replies: This year, for a change, Seven showed The Amazing Race in the "official" ratings period, and it was a hit. So Seven is holding onto the latest season until February.

• by Ian on December 20, 2005 at 09:38 AM

I've noticed I watch and tape more TV during this off season than at any other time during the year! This is the only time I get to watch That 70s Show, Family Guy, and Futurama. I'm enjoying the fact that new shows such as Surface and to a lesser extent, Threshold, are out during Prime Time rather than at 11 or 12 at night. One of my favourite things to do is sit in the open lounge room at Forster, watching that 70s show with a Barbeque and a Beer.

• by Jeremy on December 20, 2005 at 09:48 AM

I love the silly season's TV fair. Gilmore Girls, Smallville, Ghost Whisper (JLH-rowr!), Family Guy & American Dad, Stacked (witty dialogue, who'd have guessed?). I also have PayTV, but my viewing there has dropped recently because there's finally something worth watching that's free. Just wish 7 would show new episodes of Scrubs and in a regular time slot.

• by Yuri on December 20, 2005 at 10:17 AM

Channel Seven's Director of Corporate Affairs, Simon Francis, has responded to Tribal Mind readers who complained (below) about Seven taking off 'That 70s Show'. Asked when the show would return, he said:
"We understand the disappointment of fans of 'That 70s Show'. Unfortunately, the programme has not met the heights of its summer ratings success of the past two years."

So even in the silly season, we can't rely on the networks for consistent programming. Perhaps the ABC should make Seven an offer for the 40 episodes so far unshown. The transfer of 'The West Wing' from Nine to the ABC sets a useful precedent.

• by David Dale on December 20, 2005 at 10:26 AM

Quite a few interesting new shows on. But it seems a whole lot of them (from the promos at least) are about alien or terrifying creatures.

• by parker on December 20, 2005 at 10:38 AM

Yeah, great article! Summer is actually the best time for TV. That 70's Show is one of my favourite shows ever. But 7 took it off after 2 weeks citing bad ratings. hey! it's non-ratings period! its replacement, Will And Grace, which I can't stand rates only slightly higher. I guess I'll just be getting into the Gilmore Girls and Stacked when they disappear again. record them while you can.

• by M.J.H. on December 20, 2005 at 10:49 AM

Oh frabjous day, calloo, callay he chortled in his joy.....
The West Wing, hopefully in a stable timeslot.
This has to be one of the best Chrissie pressies ever.
Now if only the ABC could get the first 3 series and run them in order. A pox on 9 for all these years of treating we viewers like shit. Many blessings on dear, sweet Aunty for she shall redeem our souls.

• by Stephen Ryan on December 20, 2005 at 11:25 AM

I've always preferred non-ratings period. It gives a chance to find new shows and sure, more often then not its going to lead to me having to order the dvds from overseas because the networks tend to hide them away or send them into late night suburbia, but that's ok by me. Best show for me: Veronica Mars. And for those that don't think its so great yet, stick in there cause it gets so much better!

• by Melissa Russell on December 20, 2005 at 11:38 AM

I have been so numbed by the endless garbage on commercial tv [ commercial breaks evry 5 or 6 minutes, give me a break], that I have upped the ante and increased my pay tv contribution, and now include the movies in my selection.
Can only take so much being treated like a fool, by commercials.
Goodbye commercial tv, welome pay tv.

• by Brendan on December 20, 2005 at 11:45 AM

Veronica Mars is a fantastic show - smart, funny, compelling and more than a little dark.
Watch more than two episodes in a row and you will be hooked.
The best bit is that the show did so well in the states that it has been renewed for a second season - so you don't have to worry about getting involved in the show only to have it cancelled.
Fans of the new show - Threshold are not so lucky.
Watch veronica mars - you will enjoy it.

• by brisvegas1 on December 20, 2005 at 11:58 AM

That 70s show was NEVER cutting edge sitcom...

• by liam on December 20, 2005 at 11:59 AM

This may be one of the better silly seasons.
Boston Legal, Grey's Anatomy ( the eps I missed ), Grumpy Old Men/Women, Futurama, Top Gear (not mentioned in your list and at least 2 years old but enjoyable none the less ), NCIS (also not mentioned) and Ghost Whisperer ( the wife likes that one so peace is maintained ).
As for the rest of the week there is always the DVD collection lets see Stargate Atlantis, Startrek, Farscape a good movie or two.

• by Dommy on December 20, 2005 at 12:11 PM

Where is Curb Your Enthusiasm?
The best American Comedy since Seinfeld.

• by BillytTheDog on December 20, 2005 at 12:38 PM

I'm wondering where Arrested Development will fit into this whole picture. Being shown at 11.45PM! (or whenever its shown) is ridiculous. Same goes for scrubs, but AM. These two shows should have been the biggest hits of last year. Scrubs is just undeniably hilarious and has great continuity, Arrested Development is simply art! Most people who have found it are happy as larry that they did (and sobbing cause it was cancelled) but just because America is too stupid to appreciate Arrested, doesn't mean we are! Damnit channel 7 respect australia - ditch some reality floater and throw Arrested and Scrubs back to back thursday night 7.30!
Don't think you got away chump! You write for the SMH and you neglected to include arrested! SHAME!

• by Joel Hill on December 20, 2005 at 12:41 PM

I love Ghost Whisperer and Veronica Mars is great, Medium is always a keeper but where has One Tree Hill gone? Saturday at 6:30 was a hopeless time slot for One Tree Hill why dont channel 10 air it after Veronica Mars or before Charmed it would go great guns there.

• by Sasha on December 20, 2005 at 12:54 PM

I love non-ratings time. Sure you get hooked to shows that get cancelled, but it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. If only they'd do something about weekend daytime tv......

• by Michelle on December 20, 2005 at 12:56 PM

I don't have pay TV but have just watched the first 10 episodes of "Love My Way" on DVD. What a brilliant program. Possibly the most real and engaging Australian drama ever. How long will I have to wait to see the rest of series one on DVD and when will series two go to air?

• by Lisa on December 20, 2005 at 01:08 PM

Top Gear SBS Monday Nights @ 7.30, finally someone has the guts to put on a decent motoring show. Take note commercial stations Australian Television has been crying out for a decent PRIME TIME motoring show for generations

• by Tony on December 20, 2005 at 01:15 PM

Come on, this time of year is mostly associated with reruns of old shows but it seems as though many of the shows on air this year are decent, although it seems as though channel nine is constantly manipulating us viewers by changing the frequency of when the decent shows with be aired. Over all it's good to see that some of these shows are worth watching. Something for next year not everyone wants to see law and order or another CSI show, with all the violence at the moment maybe it's time to air shows which aren't constantly trying to find the cause of someone's death, as long as channel nine has CSI constantly playing I with be staying away and Gilmore girls is worth watching come on channel nine I thought the Alice was great if it was developed forming stronger relationships between certain characters then it would have been great but it seems as though all channel nine are interested in is proving that Aussie shows aren't worth it and neither are the viewers because all they seem to through at us are American shows which is constantly creating a week long stretch of crime.

• by Cate on December 20, 2005 at 01:21 PM

To answer Lisa Yes Love My Way Outstanding Australian drama and deserves the AFI's it picked up. The "W" channel on Foxtel will be screening the second season in Feb '06 (I know you don't have pay tv but I think that is why it so great as Claudia Karvan said foxtel gave them total creative control). I would take it as a guess that the DVD would come out mid year.

• by Shelly on December 20, 2005 at 01:39 PM

Veronica Mars is by far the best new show this season in my opinion. It actually got depth...real depth people!
I can't believe Ghost Wisperer is actually rating higher. It's not bad..but it's certainly not great.
Oh, and One Tree Hill, perfect for this season but not given a chance. Im surprised headland hasn't rated higher also, I'm actually finding it quite addictive.
God I am so sick of all the police/crime shows, time for something a little different please.

• by Te on December 20, 2005 at 01:49 PM

It'd be a lot nicer if Channel Ten stopped enforcing ads that claim each 'next episode' is some amazing melodrama that is isn't.
Veronica Mars is turning out to be highly watchable after a few episode in a row, but the ads about it are shamelessly deceiving.

• by Donna on December 20, 2005 at 02:29 PM

Bring on Alias Season 5!! Channel 7 buried season 4 on late night Thursdays and no-one got to partake of the Jennifer Garner goodness on a regular basis. I also loathe the double ep scheduling that seems to happen the day before, so if you happen to miss a week you're suddenly down two eps!!
Do people really have a problem with Bennifer v2? Jen kicks some serious butt.
I've watched the first 8 eps of season 5 to screen out of the US and it's excellent silly season fare. Might pick up a few extra viewers such that Channel 7 could run Season 6 in parallel with it going to air in the US. With Jen minus baby bump.

• by Kim on December 20, 2005 at 02:51 PM

I think Australian audiences need to give headLand a chance!
So many people complain about the lack of Australian drama on TV. The only way it will get made is by supporting and watching all new Aussie drama. When ratings improve for these shows the networks will spend more money and the production values will go up! Easy!

• by Mike on December 20, 2005 at 03:06 PM

Yes, it is unfortunate that such great shows are cancelled before their time, dumped by the US networks that create them, leaving Australian networks with no idea what to do.
Futurama is one of these favourites, and I am glad that it is getting good ratings. Hopefully, this might result in Ten keeping Futurama for the prime season.
To Kim, it is again unfortunate that Alias, another classic, is being cancelled. Season 5 will be the last season. All the previous seasons were throughly enjoyed, and I hope the final season will be just as good.
Australia's networks must get their brains into gear and stop our reliance on American shows by creating high-quality dramas and comedies that are actually funny.

• by Brandon on December 20, 2005 at 03:30 PM

but the most important question - when are we getting the final season of six feet under?

• by pam on December 20, 2005 at 04:00 PM

Yeah, what ever happened to Season 9 of Stargate SG-1? I always look forward to non-rating season for this show. The program is even available to buy on DVD in the UK before it gets to TV here! Come on Channel 7!?!?!

• by Mel on December 20, 2005 at 04:26 PM

Thank God for Foxtel - I can watch anything I want whenever I want - quality / trash/unbelieveable trash/great movies - I don't even have to go to the video store ANYMORE. Surely Frasier was "too clever" for the average family but Arrested Development is perhaps too wacky... I LOVE it! I loathe Summer TV on "Nein" everything is subject to Cricket and KP's whims. 7 is at least adventurous. 10 has to be the LCD network. Thank God I NEVER have to see another BB ad!

• by Kira on December 20, 2005 at 04:35 PM

Maria - The Sopranos had a 2 year production break between the fifth and sixth seasons. The sixth season is due to start in the US in March 06, so we won't get any new eps before then.

• by Steve on December 20, 2005 at 05:26 PM

I love Arrested Development, I'm a couple of episodes into the third season at the moment. I wish Channel 7 would play it at a decent hour so that others can discover the joys of AR. I think it's the best comedy around at the moment. I've been a fan of Futurama for a while and it's great that friends are able to watch it on my recommendation now that channel 10 has salvaged it from channel 7.

• by An on December 20, 2005 at 06:53 PM

Well all i have to say is 'FINALLY!! GILMORE GIRLS IS BACK ON!!!'
mm..yeah what i often wonder is why the tv stations dont show reruns, over summer, of excellent shows..like ER, Stargate SG1 and SGA..etc..

• by SC on December 20, 2005 at 09:45 PM

Summer is so cool for television... That 70s Show, Family Guy... all dissapeared, and now they're back. I'm surprised though that Gilmore Girls isn't programmed throughout the year- I thought it was so much more popular?

• by cimbom on December 20, 2005 at 09:51 PM

BRING BACK THAT 70'S SHOW AND GET RID OF HEADLAND!!!

• by Jaz on December 20, 2005 at 10:24 PM

Well despite the fact that Headland might not be rating well, it's still filming! This means it will probably be around longer than some think!

• by Michelle on December 20, 2005 at 11:51 PM

I wish Ch7 would stop treating the viewing public like idiots!!!!!
Why must they make us suffer headLand? 4 nights a week? Why dost Ch7 wag thy tongue in noise so rude against the TV viewing public?
Because they've obviously got a lot riding on it, and I'd imagine this "quality" local drama is poised to be sold o/s to the UK etc, thus recovering productions costs.
As for axing That 70's Show, isn't it TV law that if your lead-in is complete manure that the following show will suffer?? We are way too many seasons behind on this show!
At least replace that dog-awful "Less Than Perfect" that you insist on showing late at night.
I caught Arrested Development on Monday night at some ungodly hour. And Scrubs on a Wednesday at some similar hour. Why are these brilliant shows banished to the doldrums???
At least Ch7 get it right on a Tuesday night with Ghost Whisperer and Boston Legal. Otherwise they have no freakin' idea.

• by Bereft Skerrick on December 21, 2005 at 12:14 PM

To those who have a problem with channel 7: hey, Headland rulez, okay!

• by Erik on December 22, 2005 at 11:12 PM

Last year ABC showed Carnivale during the silly season - and I heard ealier this year that they bought the second series - when is this going to be shown?

• by Rachel on December 24, 2005 at 01:04 AM

will some please tell me if nip/tuck will be back on later this year? of after christmas?

• by chris on December 27, 2005 at 07:24 PM

I only recently discovered "Scrubs" and after watching it every day at 11 am have become addicted, i was so dissapointed when they completely took it off and I have been trying to find out if it will be back on soon. I wish I had known about it earlier, because it is hilarious, and it is like no other comedy I have ever watched before. I found out that season 5 of "Scrubs" is being aired in January 2006 in the U.S I just hope they put it on Australian television, but I have a bad feeling they wont. Does anyone know if Scrubs will be returning to TV this summer?

• by Tina Flan on December 28, 2005 at 07:53 PM

hey i was just wondering when the oc was coming back on tv

• by kristy on December 30, 2005 at 02:55 PM

Tv is turning my brain into mush...
I have waiting 14 months for them to show the final season of six feet under.......cmon for gods sake.

• by Kerri on December 31, 2005 at 09:02 PM

when is stargate atlantis comming back i need 2 know thay carnt just end the last ep like that then not tell us a date when it will be back if anyone know when SGA is gonna air again can you PLEASE e-mail me

• by benny on January 07, 2006 at 10:11 PM

hey i want to know if and when Battlestar Galatica was coming back. it was a good show and i liked it alot i want to KNOW!!

• by Ben on January 16, 2006 at 06:11 PM

Why on earth are channel TEN such fags? They put One Tree Hill back on for one freaking episode only, and then claim that the ratings weren't good! Well, of course they were bad with the time slot 6.30 Sunday, which is the "timeslot of death"! And not giving the show time to build up an audience! It's an amazing show, better than all those crime/law shows and it would do wonders in the prime time season. I have to say it beats the O.C by a mile!
Because of TEN, i have had to download OTH. And Dvd shops dont seem to stock OTH either. Damn Ten. Plus, Australia are like 2 and half seasons behind the U.S, so i've given up hope, but for the love of all the other teenagers in Australia who may not have access to the internet, show OTH and treat it well! Put it on at a decent time slot - preferably 7.30 or 8.30 Monday-Thursday.
Another thing that has always peeved me about TEN, is their showing of Charmed earlier this year. They were throwing the show around everywhere from 6.30 sundays to 7.30 thursdays, and now in "silly season" it was at 9.30 thursdays, then it moved to a better time slot of 8.30 wednesdays for a few weeks and now it is back on at 9.30 mondays. 9.30 is a horrible time slot. And who is in charge of the promotion of this show?! The ads they make are so misleading, not only for Charmed, but for practically every show on the network!
If they want show to rate well in the prime season, promote it well, dont play misleading ads- make commercials that do the show justice and perhaps relate to the storyline of the episode of the show. And for godsakes, cut the reality-show crap! NO BIGBROTHER or AUSTRALIAN IDOL!!!!!!!!

• by Cindy on January 17, 2006 at 07:28 PM

stargate atlantis?!?! is seven gunna put it back on it is better than sg1 i bet it has alright ratings the better not get rid of it like they are doing to blue heelers just for some anoying football that isnt even popular up here in NSW/QLD

• by Tom on February 07, 2006 at 04:35 PM

When are they going to put season 2 of Stargate Atlantis back on?. And when are they going to put season 8 of Charmed on they have nearly finished it in the USA i need to see what happens in both shows. Thats the whole prob with australian tv programs they put the shit stuff on and not the stuff peps want.They just say they do. Oh and thanx to Ten for bringing back smallvill and bringing supernatural to australia well done there.Now put the shows we want back on.

The Tribal Mind reports: First question - see channel seven's response in the Tribal Mind column entitled "the ratings race". Second question: probably next silly season (December).

• by Anthony on February 22, 2006 at 09:13 PM

when is nip tuck coming back on ? such a good show and Julian Mc mahon is mint!!!!! also when is charmed coming back on ????????

TM replies: The stations refuse to give dates for forthcoming shows more than two weeks ahead, to prevent the other stations counter-programming. My guess is that Nip Tuck and Charmed won't be back till December.

• by sylvia on March 29, 2006 at 05:07 PM

Am I the only person who remembers Alias. For some reason channel 7 put seasons 1 and 2 on at 8:30, season 3 was practically ignored and season 4 got shown at 9:30 when most people are thinking about going to bed. The idea of showing 2 episodes back to back was great but it would have been even better if we didn't have to wait till midnight to see them. I know for a fact America was watching season 5 in October last year so why do we have to wait until October a year later, surely it doesn't take that long to get the episodes out here I know we're an island but thats ridiculous. I bought the first 4 seasons of alias, once a month starting with season 1 at Christmas thinking that by the time i watched all 4 they would be advertising season 5 at the very least. But no we have to have 3 million reality tv shows like survivor, real crime, big brother and Australian Idol in about 8 seasons of american and australian idol one person has done well. Not to mention a different series of C.S.I. every night yet shows like Alias, Charmed, Stargate:Atlantis, That 70's Show and the train-wreck Joey(you know you shouldn't but you have to look)get shipped off to summer tv. The time of the year when we should be taking advantage of daylight savings and going to the beach or having a barbie at a mates house. I bet most people would prefer to watch Alias or Charmed than Survivor 64 or whatever number we're up to (isn't 1 per year enough). Anyway if your hoping your favourite show is going to be on the program settle in for the long haul we have a full season of all the crap thats on tv now to sit through, 2 months of survivor a full 365 episode set of C.S.I. and a whole season of big brother to wait to finish so if you want my advice take the $500 you saved for a new couch and go to K-Mart to buy season one of all your favourite shows because its the closest your going to get to them being on the box any time soon.

Tribal Mind replies: You're unlikely to get an answer to your question on this blog, which is ancient. How about going to the latest TV blog spot at www.smh.com.au/tribalmind and making your comment again?

• by Josh on May 01, 2006 at 02:10 AM

hey, hey, no ones mentioned anything bout charmed season 8 so im gunna have my say... well charmed season 8 better be coming soon coz i've been keepin track of it over in the us and and they only have 1 ep to go... come on do we have to be behind in every show thats comes on tv!!!! oh and ab fab should be on normal tv,,,, and also they should bring back re runs of beverly hills 90210 and melrose place ... lol my fave shows since well.... foreva lol.. so yeh u ppl at the tv station beta get this coz not one channel plays bev hills and only pay tv runs melrose and i got rid of that so pls put it on normal tv and BRING back charmed

Tribal Mind replies: This is interesting, but why are you commenting on a blog that was finished five months ago? Go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind for the current blogs. And surely Charmed jumped the shark when Shannen Doherty was killed by the clock.

• by tori on May 15, 2006 at 08:57 PM

Channel Ten bring back charmed! I'm sick of waiting for this show to come back on air. I have many friends around the world in different countries and most of them have seen the new season of charmed! why is it taking so long to bring back charmed? rumour has it its not returning to channel ten. is so Prime i say steal the show, your ratings will raise!

• by Dan on June 16, 2006 at 12:06 PM

I am replying to Josh's comment on Alias. To Tribal Mind, You were very rude to him!
Alias is a fantastic show, with amazing plotlines, characters, action, drama, acting and everything else. I own all seasons on dvd and now channel 7 is FREAKING SHOWING SEASON 3 EPISODES AT THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT! Cut the crap and show season 5!!!! Thank god Headland was buried, but please! Can we promote Arrested Development and Alias! Lost is fabulous, and Australia knows it! Why don't the idiots at channel seven make a J.J. Abrahms double. Lost and then Alias. Start it at 7:30. That takes you through til 9:30 for both episodes to air. PERFECT! People would watch it. Put it in prime television. We shouldn't need superglue to keep our eyes open as we watch our grossly underrated fav tv show. GGGRRRR! And another thing, WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH DANCING WITH THE STARS AND IT TAKES TWO??! Stop airing these pathetic excuses for entertainment and put Alias on at a better time. Josh, wherever you are. I remember Alias. And I completely agree. Sydney Bristow signing out!
Anyone else who agrees that Alias is amazing and should be put at a better timeslot (and aired in the first place. SEASON 5- HURRY UP!), please email me and we can complain about how much of a raw deal we've gotten.
kelly210691roxy@hotmail.com

Tribal Mind replies: Why are you commenting on a blog that has been out of date for seven months? If you want anybody to read your comment and email you, please send the comment again on the latest blog, which you will find at www.smh.com.au/tribalmind. This is not rudeness -- it is an attempt to get you out of a time warp.

• by Lekky on July 10, 2006 at 08:01 PM