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The ratings race: Week 28

The blog you are about to read is a heritage item, dealing with one week in TV history. If you wish to comment on the latest TV trends, you will need to click here.

Updated 10 am Sunday July 16
The most watched show of Friday was Better Homes and Gardens (7), with 1.42 million. Most watched on Saturday was Nine News with 1.37 million. Dr Who brought 911,000 to the ABC and the rugby union brought 761,000 to Seven. After a resurgence recently, The Bill slipped back to 869,000.

Thanks to massive lack of interest in the rugby union outside Sydney, Channel Seven came second in audience appeal on Saturday night. But Seven still won the week, with an average share of 29.3 per cent of the prime time viewers, while Nine got 28.3, Ten got 21.5, the ABC got 15.8 and SBS got 5.1.

What Australia watched, week ending July 15
RNK Description STN Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,901,000 451,000 590,000 379,000 193,000 288,000
2 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,746,000 498,000 542,000 286,000 255,000 165,000
3 60 MINUTES Nine 1,623,000 487,000 486,000 275,000 170,000 205,000
4 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,610,000 489,000 512,000 254,000 185,000 170,000
5 DANCING ON ICE Nine 1,610,000 491,000 482,000 304,000 177,000 156,000
6 WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU Nine 1,579,000 404,000 564,000 236,000 180,000 195,000
7 PLANET EARTH ABC 1,569,000 439,000 516,000 258,000 150,000 206,000
8 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN Seven 1,558,000 447,000 464,000 239,000 199,000 209,000
9 SEVEN NEWS SUNDAY Seven 1,557,000 419,000 448,000 322,000 130,000 239,000
10 PRISON BREAK Seven 1,535,000 400,000 565,000 219,000 150,000 201,000
11 HOUSE Ten 1,523,000 393,000 498,000 290,000 162,000 180,000
12 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,522,000 376,000 470,000 291,000 172,000 214,000
13 GETAWAY Nine 1,497,000 455,000 454,000 275,000 163,000 149,000
14 LOST Seven 1,490,000 409,000 505,000 267,000 153,000 157,000
15 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,489,000 373,000 442,000 279,000 165,000 229,000
16 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,453,000 390,000 409,000 267,000 165,000 221,000
17 COLD CASE Nine 1,435,000 418,000 457,000 222,000 143,000 195,000
18 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,432,000 432,000 448,000 236,000 152,000 164,000
19 NINE NEWS Nine 1,430,000 390,000 462,000 294,000 168,000 116,000
20 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,425,000 472,000 439,000 208,000 154,000 151,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)

Updated 10am Friday July 14
A modest recovery for 'Lost' (up to 1.49 million) and serious slippage for 'Christine' (down to 931,000) meant that Channel Seven was the most watched network on Thursday night, putting it in a strong position to be the ratings winner for the week and for the half year.

What Australia watched, Thursday
1. Lost (7) 1.49m
2. Seven News (7) 1.48
3. Getaway (9) 1.48
4. Today Tonight (7) 1.45
5. National Nine News (9) 1.34
6. My Name Is Earl (7) 1.33
7. Home and Away (7) 1.27
8. A Current Affair (9) 1.24
9. Temptation (9) 1.19
10. How I Met Your Mother (7) 1.12
11. Medium (10) 1.09
12. Big Brother (10) 1.08
13. Two and a Half Men (9) 1.04
14. Law and Order (10) 1.02
15. ABC News ABC 1.00
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Updated 11am Thursday July 13
Channel Seven is dicking around with Earl. Its programing geniuses have decided to show this year's most successful sitcom in a different order from the way the series was shown in America, to move funny bits forward and boring bits backward.

Two alert readers of this blog, with a mysterious capacity to see American programs before they are shown here, claim that tonight's "third" episode is actually No. 9 in the series. They fear this will deprive Australian viewers of gags intended to accumulate over the weeks. Tim Worner, Seven's Director of Programming, disagrees. When we put the readers' complaint to him, he replied:

"I have now seen all but a couple of episodes of series one. They are all stand alone episodes. There are no cumulative jokes and there certainly isn't a serialised storyline. They don't make the series in any specific 'order', they just make shows one after another.

"I am sure that if you checked with Greg Garcia [creator of My Name Is Earl] he would agree that they're all pretty good and some are outstanding. I am also sure that if he had the chance to rearrange them at the end of the run in order to give it its best chance, he would do so. Hope this helps."

Tell us your reaction, below. Could this be a belated recognition by a commercial network that the Australian sense of humour is different from the American?

And to compare your DVD collection with the comedies and adventures that Australians value most, click here.

What Australia watched, Wednesday
1. Prison Break final (7) 1.53m
2. House (10) 1.50
3. Nine News (9) 1.48
4. Seven News (7) 1.45
5. Today Tonight (7) 1.41
6. NCIS (10) 1.39
7. Beyond Tomorrow (7) 1.33
8. Home and Away (7) 1.31
9. A Current Affair (9) 1.31
10. McLeod's Daughters (9) 1.29
11. Temptation (9) 1.27
12. Honey We're Killing The Kids (10) 1.13
13. Without A Trace (9) 1.12
14. Spicks and Specks (ABC) 1.11
15. Big Brother (10) 1.03
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Channel Seven won the night with 27.8 per cent of the prime time audience, followed by Ten on 25.9 per cent, Nine on 25.8, ABC on 15.4 and SBS on 5.1.

Updated 10am Wednesday July 12
Australians would rather see customs officers inspecting baggage than pretty people in revealing costumes. Millions of dollars worth of preparation and publicity could not win Tuesday night for Channel Nine.

Dancing On Ice averaged 1,609,000 viewers in the mainland capitals and Nine gained 29.0 per cent of the prime time audience, while Seven gained 1,901,000 for Border Security and 30.5 per cent of the night's audience (Ten got 22.6 per cent, ABC 14.5 and SBS 3.4). It's now a real possibility that Nine will end the year as No. 2.

What Australia watched, Tuesday
1. Border Security Seven 1.90m
2. Dancing On Ice Nine 1.60
3. Seven News Seven 1.53
4. Medical Emergency Seven 1.52
5. Today Tonight Seven 1.51
6. Nine News Nine 1.48
7. All Saints Seven 1.40
8. Home and Away Seven 1.35
9. A Current Affair Nine 1.25
10. Temptation Nine 1.25
11. Big Brother Special Ten 1.20
12. Ghost Whisperer Seven 1.12
13. The Wedge Ten 1.05
14. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Nine 1.05
15. ABC News ABC 1.04

Updated 11am Tuesday July 11
Are the breasts of one 19-year-old girl strong enough to carry the hopes and fears of an entire television network? Can Lara Bingle be to Channel Nine what Bec Cartwright and Jennifer Hawkins were to Channel Seven?

These questions will be answered tonight when Nine launches Dancing On Ice, the celebrity talent quest that will determine whether Nine ends the year as Australia's first or second most watched channel and which has been promoted primarily with promises of anatomical glimpses hitherto sampled only by readers of magazines such as Ralph and Zoo.

So far this week, Nine is well behind Seven, which won last night with 31.5 per cent of the prime time audience (Nine 28.8, Ten 18.4, ABC 16.4 and SBS 4.9). And Seven usually wins Tuesdays on the strength of 2 million viwers for Border Security. So the celebreasts have an uphill battle.

We'll award a handsome prize in a red cover to the reader who correctly predicts the average audience in the mainland capitals for Bingling On Ice tonight, and who gives the most plausible reasons for their prediction, thereby demonstrating an intimate understanding of the national psyche.

What Australia watched, Monday
1. Desperate Housewives (7) 1.61m
2. Seven News (7) 1.59
3. Today Tonight (7) 1.56
4. What's Good For You (9) 1.55
5. Cold Case (9) 1.47
6. Nine News (9) 1.46
7. Grey's Anatomy (7) 1.43
8. A Current Affair (9) 1.39
9. Temptation (9) 1.36
10. Home and Away (7) 1.35
Today averaged 233,000 viewers yesterday, while Sunrise averaged 518,000. And the grand final of the World Cup drew 943,000 viewers to SBS.
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Updated 6pm Monday July 11
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest sold $11.2 million worth of tickets between Thursday and Sunday night - a record in a period when cinemas are supposed to be in a slump. In the same weekend, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl became the most watched film shown on TV in the past two years.

It's an iron law of the television industry that Sunday night movies no longer work. The institution known as "the national corroboree", whereby Australians would gather round the campfire at 8.30pm every Sunday to share a story for two hours, disappeared with the end of the 20th century, because any significant movie had already been seen at the cinema, on DVD or on pay TV long before it reached the commercial networks. Channel Seven won Sunday night by exploiting The One Great Exception.

Pirates of the Caribbean was seen by 2.6 million Australians when shown at the cinema in 2003. It became the No. 9 bestselling disk of all time when released on DVD in 2004 (click here for DVD details). And yet on Sunday night it could still attract 1.6 million viewers in the mainland capitals, giving Channel Seven 32.4 per cent of the prime time audience. The usual Sunday winner, Channel Nine, got 29.2 per cent with help from news and 60 Minutes, while Ten got a miserable 17.7 per cent as viewers showed their boredom with Big Brother.

ABC got a rare 16.5 per cent, thanks to an extraordinary performance by David Attenborough displaying Planet Earth. And SBS got 4.2 per cent as the soccer fans went to bed early in preparation for a match whose audience will be reported here on Tuesday.

Meanwhile at the cinema, Pirates 2 opened bigger than The Da Vinci Code (which made $8.6 million in its first four days) and Superman Returns ($5.3m). It's the best opening since May, 2005, when Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith scored $13.4m. On the usual theory that a blockbuster's ultimate earnings tend to be 3.5 times the opening weekend figure, Pirates 2 looks set to make $40 million and become Australia's eighth highest grossing movie of all time (click here for details).

What Australia watched, Sunday
1. Nine News Sunday Nine 1.74m
2. 60 Minutes Nine 1.62
3. Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean Seven 1.58
4. Planet Earth ABC 1.56
5. Seven News Sunday Seven 1.55
6. It Takes Two Seven 1.42
7. CSI Nine 1.30
8. Turn Back Your Body Clock Nine 1.25
9. You Are What You Eat Nine 1.22
10. ABC News Sunday ABC 1.18
11. Big Brother Eviction Ten 1.18
12. CSI: Miami Nine 1.12
13. Big Brother 6:30pm Ten 1.11
14. Sunday Football - AFL and NRL Nine 1.09
15. True Stories Seven 1.03
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Updated 11 am Sunday July 9
Dr Who reincarnated the ABC on Saturday but it was football that won the week for Channel Nine.

After a stellar performance on Tuesday by Border Security (under challenge this week from Nine's Bingling on Ice), Channel Seven surrendered on Wednesday and averaged 27.7 per cent of the prime time audience for the week.

Ten got a disappointing 21.9, despite huge publicity for Big Brother. The ABC scored a healthy 15.9 per cent (thanks to Silent Witness, with 1.15 million, and Dr Who, with 1.03m) and a soccer-free SBS slipped back to 5.2.

Thanks to two million viewers for the State of Origin rugby league on Wednesday (including an amazine 364,000 in Melbourne) and strong AFL activities on Thursday and Friday, Nine won with 29.3 per cent. This was despite the failure of its sitcoms Two and a Half Men and The New Adventures of Old Christine.

What Australia watched in the week ending July 8
RNK . Program . Network . Sydney . Melbourne . Brisbane . Adelaide . Perth
1 BORDER SECURITY (7) 2,196,000 590,000 624,000 378,000 240,000 363,000
2 STATE OF ORIGIN 3RD (9) 2,020,000 899,000 364,000 668,000 88,000 1,000
3 MEDICAL EMERGENCY (7) 1,821,000 489,000 571,000 309,000 203,000 249,000
4 NINE NEWS SUNDAY (9) 1,768,000 446,000 526,000 345,000 240,000 211,000
5 60 MINUTES (9) 1,637,000 460,000 503,000 266,000 193,000 214,000
6 SEVEN NEWS SUNDAY (7) 1,605,000 435,000 500,000 276,000 187,000 207,000
7 BIG BROTHER EVICTION (10) 1,593,000 454,000 457,000 276,000 213,000 193,000
8 WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU (9) 1,584,000 465,000 534,000 288,000 151,000 145,000
9 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (7) 1,566,000 459,000 510,000 230,000 186,000 182,000
10 SEVEN NEWS (7) 1,539,000 391,000 449,000 275,000 175,000 250,000
11 BIG BROTHER SUN (10) 1,527,000 398,000 464,000 283,000 204,000 178,000
12 ALL SAINTS (7) 1,495,000 417,000 510,000 240,000 149,000 179,000
13 TODAY TONIGHT (7) 1,488,000 382,000 454,000 259,000 159,000 235,000
14 GETAWAY (9) 1,479,000 466,000 480,000 214,000 173,000 147,000
15 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS (9) 1,472,000 402,000 507,000 238,000 167,000 158,000
16 MY NAME IS EARL (7) 1,462,000 453,000 429,000 263,000 133,000 184,000
17 GREY'S ANATOMY (7) 1,447,000 437,000 492,000 228,000 134,000 156,000
18 NINE NEWS SATURDAY (9) 1,430,000 378,000 449,000 330,000 161,000 112,000
19 NINE NEWs (9) 1,424,000 397,000 457,000 302,000 166,000 102,000
20 IT TAKES TWO (7) 1,379,000 395,000 421,000 228,000 166,000 169,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)

The ratings race is updated every weekday as an unpaid service for readers of David Dale's Tribal Mind column, published each Tuesday in The Sydney Morning Herald. For past columns, go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind. David Dale is the author of Who We Are - A Miscellany of the new Australia (Allen and Unwin).

COMMENTS

Hey TM,
Just curious as to whether 'The Bill' contributed to the higher increase in the ABC's ratings for the week. Did it hit the 1mill figure again?
Thanks
Daniel

Tribal Mind replies: 989,000 on Tues and 1.02m on Saturday, so not as much contribution as Dr Who.

  • by Daniel on July 09, 2006 at 11:07 AM

Seven should win Week 27. I think Border Security will still be able to get between 1.8 and 2 million viewers, leaving Dancing On Ice with about 1.4 to 1.6. Shows that will make Seven cross the line (I think) will be Border Security, Medical Emergency, Seven News, Today Tonight, Prison Break and Lost as well Better Homes and Gardens and the Rugby. Also, we cannot forget Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Ghost Whisperer, True Stories, Beyond Tomorrow, All Saints and My Name Is Earl.

  • by Matthew on July 09, 2006 at 11:20 AM

Just a quick one TM - what will be replacing Wheel Of Fortune (Weekdays at 5pm - before the Deal)

Tribal Mind replies: another one for tomorrow.

  • by Matthew on July 09, 2006 at 11:24 AM

TM, could you please tell me how the ratings for Dr Who last night compare to the sort of ratings it got in the last series?
I love Dr Who, but wasn't taken by Tennant's Dr. He seemed to be trying too hard, so I hope he calms down or develops an onscreen presence without having to resort to being cheerfully manic all the time.

Tribal Mind replies: Better than last time's average, but it's only one night.

  • by tubbyk on July 09, 2006 at 12:29 PM

David,
Did Doctor Who win its timeslot?
What were its figures in the 5 capitals?
cheers,
Adam.

Tribal Mind replies: Yes, and did particularly well in Perth. I'll do a detailed report in a few weeks, when we can see a trend.

  • by Adam on July 09, 2006 at 01:33 PM

I read from Saturday's Age that Bert's Family Feud beat Deal or No Deal in Melbourne for the first time (on Monday, July 3). So how did the two shows rate in Melbourne and nationally last week?

Tribal Mind replies: week's average BFF 724,000 and 251,000; DOND 978,000 and 291,000.

  • by Johnson on July 09, 2006 at 02:16 PM

love your work TM

  • by stuart on July 09, 2006 at 02:32 PM

Hey TM - Any idea what's replacing Prison Break next week? Haven't seen any new shows promoted. Whatever happened to Bones, Criminal Minds, The Unit?
3 hours of 24 this week. Well...at least Seven haven't shifted it to a later timeslot yet!

Tribal Mind replies: Answers Monday. Since 24 did so badly, Seven is trying to finish it fast.

  • by Helena on July 09, 2006 at 02:41 PM

How did the Union test rate?

Tribal Mind replies: Total 819,000m of which 410,000 in Sydney and 64,000 in Melbourne. They must hate union even more than league down there.

  • by a on July 09, 2006 at 03:12 PM

David how did the AFL rate in Brisbane on Saturday night?

Tribal Mind replies: 99,000. Why?

  • by Russ on July 09, 2006 at 07:11 PM

Hey TM,
Can you please let us know what kind of ratings Stargate is pulling in - if possible for both episodes? Thank you - much appreciated.
Hannah

Tribal Mind replies: I can only find reference to one Stargate last week, at 384,000 (maybe another reason Seven fell behind). I will look for other manifestations this week. Now a question for you -- are the people who love Stargate the same kind of people who love Dr Who?

  • by Hannah (Glad Stargates back but why such a late timeslot?) on July 09, 2006 at 09:56 PM

Are the ratings for 24 improving? I thought ratings last year were pretty good.

Tribal Mind replies: Steady around 750,000 -- why would people join halfway through a serial? Similar to last year.

  • by manicmidwife on July 10, 2006 at 04:24 AM

I thought the new Dr was great. I tuned in especially to watch him as he was wonderful in the series Blackpool shown on ABC earlier this year. I found Bleak House all over the place - hope it settles down next week otherwise it will be very hard to follow the story line.

Tribal Mind replies: Well, that's Dickens for you

  • by Jane on July 10, 2006 at 08:22 AM

I saw Pirates on Friday morning and it was packed. My guess 9.54 million

  • by Darryl on July 10, 2006 at 08:22 AM

TM wrote - "are the people who love Stargate the same kind of people who love Dr Who?"
I love Dr Who, Buffy and Angel, but have no interest in Stargate, Firefly, Farscape or Star Trek. Not sure what that proves.
Congratulations to the Italians by the way. Well done.

  • by tubbyk on July 10, 2006 at 09:01 AM

Funny how 9 always seem to pull the rabbit out of the hat....... surely the luck can't last that much longer?
Steve- Your question regarding Season 3 of Lost... it doesn't even start airing in the US until October, so it'll definitely be early 2007 on 7.
I agree with a few other bloggers here about Studio 60.... looks great. I will definitely be downloading this come Sept/Oct... can't wait until 9 decide to to shaft it.
TM- How'd Rockstar go on Fox 8 last night? I loved last season, but so far I'm not getting into this one.

Tribal Mind replies: I don't get pay TV ratings till the following week, so please ask me the question again next Monday.

  • by downloader on July 10, 2006 at 09:26 AM

Last night I saw an ad for the new "reality" program....Rene's getting married, but I saw that her name was crossed out and "Yasmin's" was written in.
I found that quite amusing....maybe Rene got cold feet :D. Smart girl Rene for getting out...who honsetly want to be part of any reality program.

Tribal Mind replies: Sorry, it wasn't like that. Rene decided to marry a guy she had known for four years, and therefore could no longer participate.

  • by Love My McDreamy on July 10, 2006 at 09:51 AM

I missed Dr Who on Saturday (but do have a copy from a friend) because I was off seeing Pirates. For the second time.
And I don't follow Stargate. (I'm never sure why one sci-fi series appeals to me, and another doesn't. Seems to be almost random, but I'm sure TM can find a pattern.)

  • by tqd on July 10, 2006 at 10:11 AM

TM wrote: "...are the people who love Stargate the same kind of people who love Dr Who"?
Yes, I'd imagine so. Anyone who likes sci-fi (as I do) will take it any way they can.
tubbyk wrote: "I love Dr Who, but wasn't taken by Tennant's Dr. He seemed to be trying too hard, so I hope he calms down or develops an onscreen presence without having to resort to being cheerfully manic all the time."
Sorry to disappoint you, but I just saw the final episode of season 2 and his characterisation doesn't improve. The Brits must be a funny lot ? they all hated Chris Eccleston's doctor and reckon the sun shines out of David Tennant's... IMO, Eccleston had way more presence and charisma than Tennant and gave an edgier performance. Also, the chemistry between he and Rose was much better.

  • by damien on July 10, 2006 at 10:16 AM

"How did the Union test rate?
Tribal Mind replies: Total 819,000m of which 410,000 in Sydney and 64,000 in Melbourne. They must hate union even more than league down there.
Posted by: a at July 9, 2006 03:12 PM"
Rugby test was not shown on 7 untill after 10.30 pm in melbourne,was only shown live on 7 in syd, bris and perth, and was shown live on on fox across all states thus that would explain the figures

  • by cycosmc on July 10, 2006 at 10:38 AM

Glad to see Planet Earth got the audience it deserved, this should be a cracker of a series but only 5 episodes have been completed out of a planned 11 I think. TM Do you know if ABC will be showing all 5 episodes over the consecutive weeks?

Tribal Mind replies: It's on again next Sunday.

  • by db on July 10, 2006 at 10:47 AM

I am one of the people who own pirates on dvd and in preparing to watch the sequel at the cinema watched it on saturday morning...however having watched it recently i still ignored the other channels and chose to watch it again.....
i miss the sunday movie,,,thanks kerry packer for telling me what i want...not everyone has the luxury of pay tv and not everyone is into CSI or criminal intent...
i would rather watch a great movie five times in a week than the trollope placed before me by nine and ten...go channnel 7 for screwing up the other channels theories that the sunday night movie is dead!!!!!

  • by flicker on July 10, 2006 at 11:14 AM

Did I miss something on National Nine News on Sunday night. Was there an 'exclusive' story broken. It seems more viewers were watching particularly in Perth where 7 News reigns. If they can, could someone please explain this.
Of all the drivel shown weeknights at 6:30pm, only Today Tonight made the week's top twenty programmes. Is this also usual?

  • by Denys on July 10, 2006 at 11:20 AM

TM - so what is the One Great Exception? Do you mean POTC as a one-off, or is there a particular type of movie that will still rate on a Sunday? What other movies have done well on a Sunday night during the noughties?

  • by Gary on July 10, 2006 at 11:37 AM

Denys, the reason N9N rated so well in Perth on Sunday is because it had the AFL as a lead-in.

  • by T-Mac on July 10, 2006 at 11:43 AM

Gary, some recent examples of movies rating well on FTA include My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Two Weeks Notice, Crackerjack and The Castle.

  • by T-Mac on July 10, 2006 at 11:44 AM

maybe someone can help me out, but who is that "David Hench??" guy that has the ads with the outrageous comments on TV?

  • by echo on July 10, 2006 at 11:49 AM

Those 5 make a mixed bag, don’t you think T-Mac? 3 Hollywood movies, 2 Australian. All did well or very well at the Australian Box Office, I think. Perhaps the overriding characteristic is “comedies with broad appeal” (if you can categorise POTC as a comedy).

  • by Gary on July 10, 2006 at 11:55 AM

Another big movie to break the rules was 4 weddings and a funeral.
I'll always choose a 'feel-good' movie over nastiness for a Sunday night. Didn't make it all the way through POTC though, it went too late for me.
On another matter, why advertise Wimbledon at 10.30pm when they hadn't started until 11.15pm? Last thing I need is 45 minutes of Newkblather on the tape (sad, but OH is a tennis nut).

  • by kj on July 10, 2006 at 12:10 PM

I watched a fantastic Doco on SBS last night at 8.30 called "The ghost in your genes" It was about how your ancestors life experiences, diet etc, effect the makeup of your genes. One of the most interesting doco's i have ever seen. It is a pity it didn't rate well. Hopefully SBS will put it on again. Did anyone else watch this?

Tribal Mind replies: 274,999 other people watched it.

  • by vanessa on July 10, 2006 at 12:18 PM

oh, btw its David Tench, not Hench. sorry for the mix up.

Tribal Mind replies: It's a teaser for a new comedy show. Clearly, it worked on you.

  • by echo on July 10, 2006 at 12:20 PM

Any idea how Charles Dickens' Bleak House rated last night? An excellent opener I thought, apart from the heavy-handed and ultimately jarring muscial score.

Tribal Mind replies: Only 844,000.

  • by viktorrolf on July 10, 2006 at 12:29 PM

T-Mac says: some recent examples of movies rating well on FTA include My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Two Weeks Notice, Crackerjack and The Castle.
Don't forget Love Actually (shown on Mother's Day this year).
Also, I was stunned by the audience figure for Planet Earth. Could this become a hit for ABC like Walking with Dinosaurs a few years ago?

  • by Johnson on July 10, 2006 at 12:46 PM

This is slightly off topic but, watching the otherwise excellent Bleak House, I was horrified to see that the ABC has finally followed the lead of the commercial channels and introduced a special High Definition watermark.
Perhaps this was exacerbated by the fact that Bleak House was shot in semi-darkness throughout but it seem that an added bonus for those of us who shelled out for the High Definition digital set-top boxes and screens to match is we get twice as large and distinctive blobs of corporate graffiti as those watching analogue.
For those of you yet to experience this, they take the network blob and add the letters HD in the same dimensions. Double the size and, because you have a better picture, double the clarity of this visual intrusion.
Just when we thought the TV stations had run out of ways of treating us with contempt ...

  • by jazza on July 10, 2006 at 12:58 PM

Tribal Mind replies: 274,999 other people watched it.
Hang on, I watched it too, and no one asked me if I did.
So let's round that sucker up ... 275,000 watched it!

  • by Mike on July 10, 2006 at 01:11 PM

If the Union wasn't live everywhere on free TV then how did it rate on Fox?
Did it beat the Rugby League game that was shown on Fox Sports 1(Roosters v Manly) at the same time?

Tribal Mind replies: the most watched Pay TV program last week (up to midnight saturday) was something described as "Live: Rugby Union (Bledisloe Cup)" with 167,000 viewers. I will not have any more recent figures until this time next week.

  • by FJ on July 10, 2006 at 01:23 PM

David Tench is apparently a new TV show being done by comedy duo Hamish and Andy. It's believed to be a satirical current affairs show. Might be similar to Frontline

  • by Darryl on July 10, 2006 at 01:30 PM

How badly did "The New Adventures of Old Christine" fair? Will it be relegated to the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" zone, where they place shows that are critically popular in the US but get no audience in Oz?

Tribal Mind replies: Go to last week's ratings blog at www.smh.com.au/tribalmind.

  • by Walks on July 10, 2006 at 01:35 PM

I'm a big David Boreanaz fan (Angel & Buffy shows)and saw a promotion for a new series, "Bones" starring him on UK tv when I was over there in January. Do you know if the series is likely to air in Australia (free to air)? Also while there I saw several episodes of a series called "Life on Mars" about a London police detective who finds himself transported back in time from 2005 to the 1970s. It was surprisingly good - can't think of the actor's name - he is excellent and has been in quite a few series including 'The Lakes'. Have you heard anything on "Life on Mars"?

Tribal Mind replies: Bones is supposed to start on Seven next month.

  • by Diane on July 10, 2006 at 01:36 PM

Bad timeslot for True Stories! It was massive last year and seemed to languish last night. Needs a midweek slot.
ITT is starting to build back following now that Big Brother is going off the rails and most of the celebs noone cares about are off.
Did 7 news beat 9 in any of the capital cities last night?

Tribal Mind replies: Seven news won in Brisbane and Perth.

  • by JAK on July 10, 2006 at 02:10 PM

Re sci-fi & related:
Loved all Star Treks, Andromeda (on Fox), Buffy, Angel; adore Dr Who (new series is this year's highlight for me).
Hated Farscape. Stargate boring.
Now watching Stargate Atlantis & SG1 due to lack of others in the genre. No enthusiasm though.
But hey, a new series of Andromeda on Fox plus new Dr Who, has me very happy!

  • by Sal on July 10, 2006 at 02:16 PM

Diane,
I too am a big David Boreanaz fan but having seen some episodes of Bones in NZ at the beginning of the year, I am sorry to report it is a total stinker!
sarah

  • by sarah on July 10, 2006 at 02:28 PM

Planet Earth on ABC last night was brilliant. Wonderful slow motion photography, beautiful close-ups, amazing scenery. One of the best nature documentaries I've ever seen. A nice break from all the diving (Football World Cup) and turkey slapping shown in recent weeks.
If you missed it last night, do yourself a favour next Sunday at 7.30pm.

  • by Sacs on July 10, 2006 at 02:38 PM

Keep up the good work, Tribal Mind!
A few sf shows have been mentioned, I was wondering if you know whether the second season of Battlestar Galactica is going to be aired by Ch 10 at any time soon?
As the show has been "critically acclaimed" overseas, this should ensure a timeslot of between midnight and 3am, subject to weekly variation at the (unnotified) discretion of Ch 10. Ta

  • by Cap'n Sensible on July 10, 2006 at 02:45 PM

We watche CSI on Sunday cos there is nothing else on. Then along comes ?Pirates?. Yeah! Something fresh to watch so we dropped CSI like cold boiled vegies. Something fun ? even though we have all see Pirates at least once already! But didn?t they jam in the adverts towards the end! Nothing we haven?t all complained about before. Suppose my family should be grateful Channel 7 didn?t do the adverts all over the bottom of the screen like the networks seem to enjoy. Why do they hate us so?
Speaking of dragging things out, don?t they drag out Border Watch! What utterly painful story telling. Does repeating the same thing ten times heighten anticipation or just frustration? Border Security was popular with us, my sister?s family and Mum. We all caught up last week and ALL bitched about how Channel 7 treated us! My wife won?t watch it any more. Mum?s off it but my sister?s family said they?ll stick it out a little longer.
TV viewing; its like trying to pick the least bad show. Anything that promises to be slightly reasonable and the remotes across Australia are zapping! Our TV is starting to spend more time off than on now, what?s happening to us!
Your question on Stargate and Dr Who. Or also Star Trek and Dr Who? Question I?ve asked other people?s opinions over the years. Is it just about sci fi? Nope, my conclusion is its about ideology.
Dr Who is more multi dimensional. The character empowers, liberates then leaves people alone. There is no one inter galactic war and he?s not patriotically on one side against the other. He has problems with the self interests of all sides. Dr Who is liberty, individualism and intellect against the use and abuse of power. Good and evil reside in us all and we must make choices. It border?s on anarchist (in the sense of the distribution of power, not the bomb throwing kind) and is comparatively gender neutral ? in the context of its different production times (John Pertwee?s character was definitely patronising).
Star Trek? More single dimensional, us versus them and blast them into submission with the photon torpedoes! Hurrah! It is the culture of colonialism, boldly conquering other worlds and bring on the action. Its cowboys and indians in space with bigger guns! Spock and McCoy the ?Dr Who? ideology (intellect and compassion) tempering Jim?s ?might makes right? approach. (Interesting that there is no room in the lead character for these characteristics?) Good (us) and evil (them) are clear cut. Its where men are men and women are ? well? they hang on the side lines and look good. That said, ?that kiss? was certainly going boldly where no one (in the US) had gone before!
Stargate falls in between. The big picture inter galactic war and US might and right, but the small picture Jack, Daniel and Samantha empowering, liberating and leaving people alone.
So my opinion of other people?s opinions is that you enjoy your entertainment as it fits your ideology.
Some criticism I heard talking to people. Star Trek people ? ?Dr Who, low budget props and no action.? Dr Who people ? ?Star Trek is dumb.?
Says it all I suppose.

  • by Paul on July 10, 2006 at 03:06 PM

So...
How would the ratings system cope with someone like myself, who has a HD-STB for viewing programs 'live' and a DVB-t card for recording FTA programs for later viewing?
I once took part in a viewer survey that went towards the ratings figures, and I still reckon it's like any other survey: whether it's one I've had to compose myself or composed by others - slanted to give the results that are expected.
Mind you... it would be interesting to find out how much of the 'Planet Earth' success for the ABC was down to it being the first true 720p HD broadcast by our National broadcaster.
Maybe some folks tuned into Pirates of the Carribean expecting 7 to show 720p rather than their usual 576p pseudo HD, just to try and steal some of the ABC's 720p thunder!
Meanwhile:
I just love the self-styled intellectuals who make sweeping assumptions about the reasons why viewers might watch 'this program' over 'that program'... I suppose they gotta come up with some scam to earn a dollar, because if they didn't they'd be wandering the streets looking for victims to rob.

  • by Seteve_C on July 10, 2006 at 03:14 PM

Cap'n Sensible, I asked about BSG season 2 a couple of weeks ago. It seems CH10 have no plans to show it. However, it comes out in Australia on dvd on 16 August so you can watch it ad-free and at your convenience.

  • by Gary on July 10, 2006 at 03:18 PM

Diane wrote: "I saw several episodes of a series called 'Life on Mars'... It was surprisingly good - can't think of the actor's name - he is excellent... Have you heard anything on 'Life on Mars'"?
Life on Mars is a brilliant series (pity it's just 8 eps per season) - so well written, great characters and very funny. The actor is John Simm who plays Sam Tyler.
Filming on a new (second) series started in Manchester in April 2006 and continues until September. The show will be shown on BBC ONE in 2007. I reckon it would make a fine ABC mini-series.

  • by damien on July 10, 2006 at 03:25 PM

Diane,
I have wathced the first season of Bones and really enjoyed it. It gets better as it goes on.
Life on Mars is also excellent and hopefully it will get a run on the ABC later this year. The two main characters are played by John Simm and Phillip Glenister.

  • by Victoria on July 10, 2006 at 03:28 PM

Loved the new Dr Who!!! I had some reservations going into it, having been very attached to Christopher Eccleston, but David Tennant was wonderful - funny and sexy!!!
As for other sci-fi, Stargate, Star Trek etc do nothing for me. I guess I've just got a thing for the Doctor :)

  • by katie on July 10, 2006 at 03:41 PM

I agree with what's been said about those annoying watermarks. As if the channel logo isn't bad enough, now we have to but with program title logos eg. Sunday,Insiders,tt,aca and all the other rubbish like HD, Live or Sport.
I was watching 'Insiders' on ABC2. They had an ABC logo in one corner, an ABC2 logo on further up, an 'Insiders' logo in the top corner and an banner at the bottom of the screen with 'Insiders' written twice. Overkill or what?
I find it really annoying to see all the watermarks, logos and pop-up ads.

  • by J Bar on July 10, 2006 at 03:43 PM

You know what it doesnt make one bit of difference to crap that is shown on TV. Thank God for the internet.

  • by GoldFish on July 10, 2006 at 04:13 PM

Speaking of watermarks/cross promotion/pop ups etc. Has anyone EVER seen a more heavily cross-promoted show than Dancing on Ice? On last weeks Getaway, one of the presenters climbed to the top of a Peruvian mountain, and proceeded to shill the new show by dressing himself and an accomplice in tutus and pretending to do a figure skating routine!! I will not watch that show on principal now!

  • by pedroh on July 10, 2006 at 04:25 PM

I miss the Sunday night movie!
Bring 'em back I say

Tribal Mind replies: They are back, except they're on Fridays and Saturdays.

  • by Emma on July 10, 2006 at 04:49 PM

Re: Watermarks - I wonder how long it will be before we get giant pizzas rolling across the screen like they have in the US? Horrid stuff. Perhaps we could have Eddie's head rolling past instead, with the words "Fear me, I'm a boner" tattooed on his forehead.
Re: Bones - It starts off slow and a bit clunky, but it definitely picks up after a few episodes and finds its feet. DB is great.
Re: Life On Mars - The Brits have been raving about this show. I'm really looking forward to it.

  • by tubbyk on July 10, 2006 at 04:55 PM

But I'm not home to watch them on Fridays and Saturday ... and it's all about me!

  • by Em on July 10, 2006 at 04:56 PM

Thanks for the info on BSG, Gary. At least I won't have to see the watermarks on dvd ...
Reading about the anger over watermarks, I remember a few months ago the heads of all 3 FTA networks got together for a powwow and I think it was the Ch 7 guy who said that they did not treat viewers with contempt re this sort of stuff. Watermarks, annoying logos, banner ads during a show, deliberately running shows overtime, running programs out of sequence (My Name is Earl), squeezing closing credits and running promos over them, agressive cross-promotion of new shows by the station's sports commentators, altering a show's airing time without notice - and they wonder why people are switching off and cursing them??

Tribal Mind replies: Actually it was the Channel Nine guy, Sam Chisholm, who said there was no evidence viewers were annoyed by programing policies.

  • by Cap'n Sensible on July 10, 2006 at 04:59 PM

How did the Pirates Of The Caribbean:(7) and Bleak House (ABC)rate last night.
Anyone, when is Bones going to air on 7.

Tribal Mind replies: That's an odd question. What was the whole first part of today's column about, if not how Pirates rated? Why would the headline say "The ratings race: Depp impact"? Bleak House figures and speculation re Bones below. It can be quite labour-saving to read the rest of this blog before asking a question.

  • by John on July 10, 2006 at 04:59 PM

no doubt that advertising worked on me... hahaha. As it did with "The Wedge" i reckon its the best way of advertising! Keeps the viewer intrigued!!
They did it at the start of Big Brother aswell...

  • by echo on July 10, 2006 at 05:04 PM

what i would like to know is why on forums do apostophies come out as question marks?
It makes reading very annoying!

  • by pb on July 10, 2006 at 05:10 PM

Why are the TV stations telecasting now for the Widescreen tv? If you watch the ABC NEWS for instance you only get part of the on screen headline, and is tomorrow's weather is now dedicated to David Morrow, as thats all that appears on my TV?
I can understand losing the edge of a movie/show because of the new technology, but why do we need to only get part of the titles too,surely they can work out where they can go for everyone to be able to read them.

  • by MIkey on July 10, 2006 at 05:11 PM

TM, can you tell me who's winning the ratings race for the year so far? Interested to see if 9 is 'still the one' or whether they'll have to drop that annoying tag next year :)

Tribal MInd replies: Nine if you include the Commonwealth Games weeks, Seven if you don't.

  • by Matt on July 10, 2006 at 05:13 PM

My wife is hooked on Dancing with the Stars and now It Takes Two. The problem I have is that with the ranking system, the most popular celebrity wins, despite their talent in dancing and singing (or lack thereof). Erica was almost kicked off last night despite being the best singer by a mile!
If the best singer doesn't end up winning, and some Home and Away star wins again, why bother wasting those judges time giving their scores and just give it to Kate Ritchie, despite her difficulty in holding a tune!
These shows aren't fair - however they are still reasonable entertainment cause you get people who really can't sing trying with all their might - classic viewing!

  • by pb on July 10, 2006 at 05:16 PM

Why were Sunday night movies cancelled in the first place? Surely the ratings weren't THAT bad!
Also, I think one of Nine or Seven should have the courage to put something other than 'current affairs' on at 5:30 weekdays. I reckon anything (and I literally mean anything) would be better than watching the drivvle that those shows put out. The topics are seriously laughable, designed to make us paranoid about our the 'awful' society that we live in.
The only reason they rate well is that people have the tv on while having dinner. Put something else on and you'll attract more viewers - at least me!

Tribal Mind asks: Do you mean 6.30 weekdays? Or is Bert Newton current affairs?

  • by pb on July 10, 2006 at 05:22 PM

Do I muck up the statistics? I saw Pirates(1) at the cinema; bought the DVD and saw Pirates (2) at the local multiplex on Saturday morning. Does that make me Depply tragic or what?

  • by Diana on July 10, 2006 at 05:41 PM

when dose 10 get fox in 07 or 08?

Tribal Mind replies: June 30, 2007.

  • by Ben on July 10, 2006 at 05:44 PM

TM - Any word on what Seven is replacing Prison Break and 24 with when they end?
Also great to see Big Brother not attracting the ratings that it once did. The show has gone as far as it can - there's nothing new left to do with it. Ten has turned the show into a load of crap - i used to enjoy watching it in previous years but it has gotten worse and worse. Now I can do without watching 20 year olds talk about their sex lives and only their sex lives.
On another note, I too can't believe how much Nine is promoting this dancing show. Hope it bombs!

  • by Helena on July 10, 2006 at 06:02 PM

Looking at Sunday night's ratings, Seven must be kicking themselves by the failure of "It Takes Two". Why on earth did they ruin another promising reality show by trying to cash in on "Dancing" winners? After last year's dismal ratings for what would have been a great series (The Mole) if it weren't for Tom Williams' terrible presenting (he must be used to The Great Outdoor's infomercial style), surely Seven must have learnt to carefully hire the right person. However, Seven once again repeated the same mistake and quickly chose Denyer to host ITT shortly after his win. Perhaps "Dancing with the Stars" is produced by their human resources department.

  • by J. Wolfgang on July 10, 2006 at 06:21 PM

Well i LOVE both stargates, Dr. WHo and farscape...but i dont really know what it is that is appealing to me, perhaps it is the exciting and adventurous storylines that are delivered each episode?...but all i know is that i dont care what others think because at least i am entertained when i am watching them...

  • by SC on July 10, 2006 at 06:21 PM

If the ratings for stargate are not so good now I wonder what will happen after august 16 when the season channel 7 is currently showing is released on dvd.

  • by dan on July 10, 2006 at 06:39 PM

I asked the question about how the AFL was rating in their so-called development states because I have Channel 10 & 7 shares.
Packer was making a loss screening the AFL in these states then how can 7 & 10 hope to make a profit out of the AFL by paying $60 million more a season. It looks as though those networks will take a bath on the AFL.
I think I will sell my shares.
BTW the AFL said they averaged 185,000 for Brisbane Lions games in Brisbane last year. The must be getting close to halving that audience this year.

  • by Russ on July 10, 2006 at 06:42 PM

Re: "Tribal Mind asks: Do you mean 6.30 weekdays? Or is Bert Newton current affairs?"
Actually, I think BFF does contain more current affairs than anything on at 6:30pm (but you are correct in calling my mistake!).
Thanks for all your work TM, this is always great reading!

  • by pb on July 10, 2006 at 06:42 PM

Tribal, Any word on the new Geoffrey Wright flick Macbeth? The AFR - don't worry the life and leisure section, they're not going orf the rails yet - said it hits nationally this Thursday. And yet i heard they haven't even done preview screenings yet. And no trailer/preview to be found. S.

  • by simon on July 10, 2006 at 06:49 PM

Loved the movie on the tube last night, but was driven to distraction by the # and frequency of commercial breaks. It almost made watching it unbearable, and certainly less enjoyable than watching pay television!

  • by soph on July 10, 2006 at 07:20 PM

Well isn't this typical.
My Name is Earl has been on for 2 weeks and channel 7 has already decided to run the show out of order.
Channel 7 has also been cutting the odd joke off of the show as well.
Yet another reason to keep downloading.

  • by earl on July 10, 2006 at 07:31 PM

Hey TM,
Do You know when family guy is coming back to channel 7?

Tribal Mind replies: I have so many questions in to Seven at the moment, I'd better wait for a few answers before I add that one.

  • by Me on July 10, 2006 at 07:34 PM

I saw the first series of Life on Mars: A top notch drama, hopefully ABC will pick it up. I was totally fooled by the name, boy was I surprised to find out it was a cop-drama set in the 1970s (elements of science fiction).
On a related note, David E Kelley is apparently producing a pilot based on the BBC series to test with the ABC(american) head honchos. Lets hope its not a blatant ripoff.
PS: anyone know when the ABC is going to show the third series of HUSTLE?

  • by donnay on July 10, 2006 at 07:43 PM

TM - Has Nine ever screened the 5th season of the Sopranos? I can't remember what they are up to. Also has Sopranos ever been a ratings hit in Australia? I ask this after reading your article on popular DVDs. Thanks! Really appreciate all the fine work you do on this blog. Blog is so addictive.

Tribal Mind replies: Nine won't say when it will show season five of The Sopranos. Earlier seasons have been shown erratically, with a peak of 650,000, which was not bad for 10.30pm.

  • by Helena on July 10, 2006 at 07:48 PM

what do people predict for the dancing with the stars on ice premiere tomorrow? will it rate like DWTS like 9 is praying for, or are they skating on thin ice like we are all secretly hoping. perhaps TM might like to make this another guessing competition??

Tribal Mind replies: The ads suggest Nine is hanging the show entirely on Lara Bingle's breasts.

  • by Kane on July 10, 2006 at 08:16 PM

Loved Dr Who on Saturday night. Some really great lines. I am glad it rated so well. On your question on sci fi - I am not a fan of stargate, star trek or most other sci fi's, but did enjoy Blake's 7 and Red Dwarf.
Has anyone also noticed the promos for the dancing on ice being quite "sexed up". This after all the "tut tutting" over Big Brother! What a bunch of hypocrites.
By the way, love the blog - you are doing a great job David.

  • by Louise on July 10, 2006 at 08:24 PM

Cap'n Sensible: I think Ch10 have ditched Battlestar Galactica because Season 2 is being released on DVD in Australia next month.... it's not even out in its entirety in the US yet.
I doubt 10 will bother airing it if its out on DVD already. Maybe Foxtel will pick it up eventually?
Too bad.. its a great show (and I'm not usually into sci-fi.) I own Season 1 on DVD and will pick up S2 as well.

  • by downloader on July 10, 2006 at 08:40 PM

Where did 400,000 viewers go at 8pm last night between It Takes Two and True Stories?
And where did 700,000 viewers go at 8.30pm between Planet Earth and Bleak House?
Talk about leakage!

  • by Tracker on July 10, 2006 at 10:15 PM

Hey, i really like desperate housewives and greys anatomy. can i please have the ratings for these to shows

Tribal Mind replies: I publish them every Tuesday. You can read last week's in the chart of most watched shows at the end of the column above.

  • by sammy on July 10, 2006 at 11:10 PM

I'm so happy that Dr Who did well - Russell T Davies and the BBC have done a fantastic job revamping the show and it deserves its success. The final episode of the 2nd season just aired in the UK and was watched by something like 43% of the total viewing audience!

  • by Fielding on July 11, 2006 at 12:09 AM

Hey Tribal Mind
Who has the rights for The Simple Life 4 and when will it screen?
Thas hot

  • by Paris on July 11, 2006 at 12:20 AM

TM can you give us the latest Sunrise-v-Today numbers.I have just turned on Today and there's poor old Dickie Wilkins trying to be serious,talking about John Howard & Costello and when it's time to go. It's now Richard...go now!!!!Today will never win back viewers as long as you are there.What does everyone else think?

  • by Adam on July 11, 2006 at 07:33 AM

What happened with the previous name of "The Ratings Race"? Was it complained about? because i know there's a website out there with that name...
Not "the ratings race"
"Depp impact" i mean

Tribal Mind replies: I change the second part of the headline every so often to freshen up the blog. I got tired of "Depp impact", which was up there all yesterday. In an hour or so I'll change the heading to "The ratings race: Bingling on Ice". Do you think you will like that better than "The ratings race: Pirates sink conventional wisdoms"?

  • by Abi on July 11, 2006 at 08:48 AM

Apart from State of Origin and My Name is Earl, every other program in the top 20 had more viewers in Melbourne than in Sydney. Do Melbourne people tend to stay home and watch TV compared with Sydney people?

  • by geoff on July 11, 2006 at 09:16 AM

RE: Richard Wilkins and Today at Nine posted by: Adam at July 11, 2006 07:33 AM, I think most tv viewers agreed hands down on this one, the only twag that is still hiding his head in the sand is Eddie or should we call him Eddie the big Emu? Nothing against Richard as a person (if he can father 3 or 4 kids from 3 or 4 different women, something must be seriously right or wrong), however, professionally, he makes every aussie cringes and squirms every year when he hosts the Oscar red carpet show, asking the most ridiculous and boring questions, let alone engaging in political issue ala Howard/Costello spat. I would classify him as a fluffer; warming the seat before Karl is replaced. Seriously, if Nine believes Richard is a host material for Today, the viewers should put the white flag up early and then quote Johnny Warren later : I told you so.

  • by ozboy1999 on July 11, 2006 at 09:27 AM

RE: Cashing in on DWTS's winner as host for other show Posted by: J. Wolfgang at July 10, 2006 06:21 PM, you are totally spot on. I have said it before and will repeat it again, Seven will continue to kill potential great show by allowing these inflated egomaniacs to front them up. Nine is following the same path potentially with Lara Bingle, Jake Wall, Giaan Rooney etc over at Dancing on Ice should they become the next winner, although I applaud the hiring of Sami Lukis as host but was totally annoyed with Jamie Durie's appointment. Anyway, I guess we shall find out tonight and have a whinge tomorrow.

  • by ozboy1999 on July 11, 2006 at 09:43 AM

I don't get the whole sunrise v's today thing, they are both pretty bad shows, neither seems better than the other.
And I don't understand the witchhunt for Jessica Rowe either, when did laughing and smiling become a crime?
The only person I can't stand and mute is the little nerd doing the weather on sunrise, Grant something.

  • by Mrs Bush on July 11, 2006 at 09:52 AM

I find myself avoiding all breakfast tv as well as TT and ACA. These shows make my brain leak. If I want to read the news for the day I'll go online rather than having these shiny perky presenters trying to explain it to me.

  • by tubbyk on July 11, 2006 at 09:55 AM

Hi Adam
I disagree - I love the Today Show and absolutely hate Sunrise and the two idiots hosting it and especially cannot stand the insincere newsreader with no personality! I think they do a great job on Today and have become more "newsy" in recent days. I like Richard Wilkins - leave them alone and Jess is a classy lady

  • by TC on July 11, 2006 at 10:16 AM

I really want to watch Torvill and Deans dancing on ice just because i think ice skating looks great - and teamed with unskilled people could be very entertaining, BUT it really isnt celebrities on ice at all. Lara Bingle is just a normal person with too much hype surrounding her. And Ch 9 have copied Ch7 in having a "im famous because of my partner" person, ie Jen Hawkins man. As Channel 9 dont have any aussie soapies going on they have really scraped the bottom of the barrell for this show. I also love Sami Lucas on Nova but can she really be the new sonja?!

  • by Annabelle on July 11, 2006 at 10:33 AM

Great Work TM. Who won last nights ratings?

Tribal Mind replies: Getting there. Just let me finish approving the comments.

  • by JM on July 11, 2006 at 10:48 AM

TM, I like ?Bingling on Ice? ? good work. Unfortunately, you are leading me into one of my favourite rants: I get really mad when the media try to tell me that I should like some new celebrity or other who has just appeared on the scene. Who the bloody hell is Lara Bingle? She is a clothes horse who is famous for speaking one scripted line in a bikini. They did this last with Jennifer Hawkins (a cheerleader and clothes horse) and Megan Gale before her (a clothes horse who is successful in Italy). Admittedly, all very attractive women, but it certainly does not follow that they have anything between the ears worth sharing. We also have the likes of Grant Denyer/Steve Jacobs (weatherpersons who know nothing about meteorology) and Ian Thorpe (a kid just out of his teens who can swim), Bec Cartwright (soap star who married obnoxious tennis player). None of these people have any substance, but we are suddenly told we should love them. I don?t want Jennifer?s thoughts on Cambodian culture or Bec?s relationship advice. If I want opinions, I want them from people of substance and wisdom.

  • by Gary on July 11, 2006 at 10:51 AM

what was the ratings for the football yesterday for both the "live" and the repeat in the evening? Also you have that you have updated the info at 9am but you dont have mondays shows. this is out of character for you TM.

  • by a1 on July 11, 2006 at 11:08 AM

Sunrise has almost double the amount of viewers than Today. I don't really watch ethier but it is clear that Sunrise simply dies what it does better than Today. How every fluffy some of the presenters may or may not be looking at them objectively the Sunrise team comes across alot more warm, genuine and intelligent (whether that is true or not). The people are likeable to the greater pupulation, which i guess is what 9 was hoping for with Jessica Rowe becuase she was so likeable on 10 news.
The fact is they have just come off looking like a poor imitation (even though Today is far more expensive to produce than Sunrise).
To improve today they would need to get rid of Richard and Sharon for a start. They are not likeable personalities at all for most people. Wooden is the best word.
As far as Dancing on Ice goes I think it will get some interest but alot of people will write it off as a copy. I think Jamie Drurie has lost alot of the appeal he used to have, and Sami Lucas is nothing special, she is worse than Teresa Livingston on ITT in my opinion. As annoying as it is Daryl and Sonia have chemistry and non of the other hosting duos have been able to emulate it yet. I would rate Grant and Teresa ahead of Jamie and Sami though for sure.

Tribal Mind asks: so what's your prediction?

  • by JAK on July 11, 2006 at 11:13 AM

pb at July 10, 2006 05:16 PM
" . . . Erica was almost kicked off last night despite being the best singer by a mile! "
Agreed. They should amend the ranking system to give greater weight to the judges marks.
I will stop watching It Takes Two if Erica is "evicted ". She is hot . . . extremely hot. . . . Probably means no woman vote for her. And it is presumed that it is women doing the voting!
JH

  • by Jeffrey Hampton on July 11, 2006 at 11:25 AM

For Bingling on Ice I think 1.97m. Honestly though I hope it fails and all these so called celebrities can go back to oblivion and Karl back to the precarious seat at Today. As for why Nine needs Jamie Durie who knows but I guess with Backyard Blitz now despised and Grant Denyer doing his bit for vertically challenged men on Seven I suppose Nine needed to sure up the ego of Jamie.

  • by Naomi on July 11, 2006 at 11:32 AM

Rumor file - Apparently the conservative family groups, aka religious right are targeting network 10 via rating boxes over BB etc. 18.4% market share last night & 17.7% Sunday should have network in damage control.

Tribal Mind replies: You don't need a campaign by the religious right to turn readers off BB at the moment. The only explanation needed is boredom. And to your other question - it's on its way.

  • by paora on July 11, 2006 at 11:37 AM

Dancing on Ice tonight will get 1.523 million. Most people will want to have look just to see all the hype but will realise that it is just a another desperate copy by nine to win ratings. Border and Medical will hold there ratings but All Saints might loose a few viewers.
Keep up the good work TM

  • by JM on July 11, 2006 at 11:45 AM

Damn you TM, all this talk of Bingle's perky breasts is moving me in the direction of actually considering watching this train wreck.
Doing too good a job.

  • by miso_kool on July 11, 2006 at 11:48 AM

Gary. Leave Jennifer Hawkins alone !
Yes. She was an NRL cheerleader . . & there is no greater role in Australian womanhood from my point of view . . ! If only she'd make a comeback as a Wests Tigers Kitten.
JH

  • by Jeffrey Hampton on July 11, 2006 at 11:49 AM

1.81m for Bingling on Ice. I think lots of people will be channelhopping from Border Security for a peek at Bingles Baubles and on account of the hype. Big drop-off for week 2 and steady decline to 1m after that. This said, I hope it falls flat on its face from the off.

  • by Gary on July 11, 2006 at 11:50 AM

I'm glad to see the Despos making a comeback in the ratings and hitting the top spot last night. It was a particularly good episode last night. Looks like they've hit their stride again.
I was also pleased to read that Foxtel is producing a new Australian comedy series 'Stupid Stupid Man' and have just purchased the Kennedy-Miller mini series from the 1980s/1990s like Vietnam, Bodyline and The Dismissal, for screening on their Foxtel channels. At least there's some hope for Aus product.
Dancing on Thin Ice seems to have a rather unremarkable set of C-grade stars involved in it, doesn't it? Lara Bingle has only appeared in one TV advert and Jake Wall is the boyfriend of a former Miss Australia. Hardly top-notch celebrities. What is Jamie Durie doing hosting this show? How are his landscaping/lifestyle show hosting skills going to help him here?

  • by J Bar on July 11, 2006 at 11:51 AM

Speaking of tonight's viewing, there appears to be conflicts over whether the new Simpsons episode - penned by Ricky Gervais - will be shown tonight (see the SMH), or whether Channel 10 will be inflicting more Big Brother on us in some sort of 'Surprise Special' (see Channel 10's website). Anyone have the lowdown?

  • by Bumblebee Man on July 11, 2006 at 11:52 AM

I am guessing an Dancing On Ice will avg about 1.47million - one million, four-hundred thousand people just wanting to catch a bit of ice-bound flesh, and 70,000 people who give a toss about any of the so-called "celebrities". Torvill & Dean are 80s through and through, and I think for many will just reflect a network that is living in the past.

  • by NK on July 11, 2006 at 11:57 AM

I think Dancing on Ice will average 1.48-1.5 - I think it may reduce Border Security by a small amount maybe to 1.8 from 2.2, it will hurt Medical Emergency and All Saints by more but i think 7 will still come out ontop.
Alternatively it could completely bomb altogether and get a 1.2 max.
But i will stick with my first prediction

  • by JAK on July 11, 2006 at 11:58 AM

Nice to see Greys getting up there with the numbers. Looks like it will continue to do well. ZIt was another good episode last night. I think everyone is over Jerry Bruckheimer. Apart from his contribution in the latest Pirates movie (of course. As for Dancing on Ice, I'll have a sticky beak tonight just to see what all the hype is about. I mean they've advertised it like crazy, you really can't get away from it. Gotta watch Border Security though first.

  • by SC on July 11, 2006 at 11:58 AM

My estimate for 'Bingling on the Ice' is 1.86 million. Which is the 1.75m who liked 'Dancing with the Stars' enough to try 'Singing with the Stars" minus the 300 000 or so who are jaded by the whole b-grade celebrity talent show concept, plus the 400 000 or so over 55's who will tune in because a) it's on channel nanna and b) to see torvil and dean.
My estimate for week 2 is 1.3m (less for week 3) when curiosity fades.

  • by whiteboard marker on July 11, 2006 at 12:02 PM