The ratings race: Week 38

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

This blog is now a heritage item -- worth studying, but not current. For the latest ratings analysis, go to www.smh.com.au/sit (and please bookmark that in your favourites, because it will be our permanent address from now on). Or click here.Updated 10 am Sunday September 23
Finally rugby league is almost a national game. The semi-final that put a Melbourne team into contention for the grand final was watched by 375,000 people in Melbourne yesterday, which must be the biggest southern capital audience on record for a biffo match. Perth and Adelaide couldn't give a damn.

Meanwhile, here's detail on Saturday ...

Ten's AFL match was on in the afternoon, which means its audience did not count towards "prime time". Nine won Saturday with 34.2 per cent of the prime time audience, while Seven got 21.5 per cent, Ten got 19.5, ABC got 18.6, and SBS got 6.2. And despite the biffo, Dr Who is making a comeback -- up to 834,000 last night.

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 AFL 2ND PRELIM. FINAL ADELAIDE V WEST COAST Ten 1,421,000 174,000 451,000 114,000 287,000 394,000
2 NRL FINAL SERIES PF 2 Nine 1,362,000 616,000 375,000 343,000 9,000 18,000
3 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 1,219,000 341,000 386,000 246,000 135,000 110,000
4 NRL FINAL SERIES PF 2 POST-MATCH Nine 1,164,000 430,000 464,000 270,000 -- --
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,136,000 315,000 338,000 238,000 130,000 115,000
6 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,066,000 328,000 245,000 187,000 100,000 207,000
7 ABC NEWS ABC 938,000 270,000 313,000 155,000 93,000 106,000
8 BILL ABC 931,000 239,000 298,000 160,000 104,000 129,000
9 DOCTOR WHO ABC 834,000 252,000 211,000 135,000 108,000 127,000
10 PARKINSON ABC 753,000 179,000 258,000 127,000 83,000 106,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Updated 10 am Saturday September 23
When biffo goes up against aerial pingpong, grace and reach win over brawn and push. Ten's coverage of the AFL semi-final totalled 1.6 million viewers in the mainland capitals, while Nine's coverage of the NRL semi-final totalled 1.0 million

Ten won Friday with 33.0 per cent of the prime time audience, while Nine got 27.7 per cent, Seven got 19.9, ABC got 14.7, and SBS got 4.6. Seven remains ahead for the week, but more rugby league tonight could turn it around for Nine.

What Australia watched, Friday
1 AFL PRELIM. FINAL SYDNEY V FREMANTLE Ten 1,659,000 339,000 531,000 74,000 259,000 456,000
2 NINE NEWS Nine 1,143,000 312,000 368,000 265,000 145,000 52,000
3 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,130,000 318,000 388,000 242,000 129,000 53,000
4 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,118,000 307,000 379,000 183,000 146,000 104,000
5 TEMPTATION Nine 1,110,000 312,000 363,000 253,000 126,000 55,000
6 MIDSOMER MURDERS ABC 1,083,000 289,000 339,000 201,000 111,000 143,000
7 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,048,000 323,000 360,000 194,000 85,000 85,000
8 RUGBY LEAGUE FINAL SERIES PF 1 Nine 1,032,000 531,000 28,000 446,000 11,000 16,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Updated 10 am Friday September 22
On a night when nobody watched much television at all, Nine won the biggest share of the audience, mainly because of the appeal of its Footy Show in Melbourne. But Ten will show the actual games. Seven is still ahead for the week, but the next two nights will be a tussle between Nine and Ten and between biffo and aerial ping pong for the hearts and minds of Australia.

Nine got 31.4 per cent of Thursday's prime time audience, while Seven got 27.5, Ten got 21.5, ABC got 14.2, and SBS got 5.5.

What Australia watched, Thursday
RNK Description STN Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,323,000 345,000 386,000 220,000 133,000 239,000
2 MY NAME IS EARL Seven 1,313,000 370,000 433,000 244,000 105,000 161,000
3 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,266,000 362,000 397,000 222,000 106,000 179,000
4 JERICHO Ten 1,241,000 282,000 439,000 200,000 160,000 160,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,232,000 322,000 349,000 199,000 130,000 232,000
6 GETAWAY Nine 1,221,000 358,000 352,000 239,000 140,000 132,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,220,000 297,000 424,000 241,000 136,000 122,000
8 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,197,000 284,000 350,000 262,000 160,000 140,000
9 NINE NEWS Nine 1,187,000 297,000 377,000 254,000 125,000 135,000
10 JAMIE'S KITCHEN AUSTRALIA Ten 1,158,000 254,000 376,000 192,000 161,000 176,000
11 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Seven 1,150,000 298,000 394,000 233,000 100,000 125,000
12 THE FOOTY SHOW Nine 1,109,000 235,000 412,000 174,000 152,000 137,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Updated 1pm Thursday September 21
Who knew the Roman Empire stretched as far as South America? But those were definitely neat rectangular Brazilian waxjobs being sported by two patrician ladies in their full frontal scenes during the miniseries 'Rome' on Nine on Wednesday night. We hope the history scholars among our readers will be able to confirm that this was a fashion in 55 BC.

Meanwhile the medical experts will tell us if we heard correctly on 'House' -- was Dr Chase giving that sick baby "polyester"? How 70s.

Whatever else it may have raised, the nudity on Rome didn't lift NIne's ratings much. It attracted 770,000 viewers in the mainland capitals, while The Sopranos, following it at 10.40, averaged 460,000.

Ten won the night with 30.3 per cent of the prime time audience, whole Nine got 25.2, Seven got 24.7, ABC got 15.9, and SBS got 3.9.

What Australia watched, Wednesday
1. House Ten 1.89m
2. Thank God You're Here Ten 1.85
3. Nine News Nine 1.56
4. Seven News Seven 1.43
5. Today Tonight Seven 1.41
6. NCIS Ten 1.34
7. Home and Away Seven 1.32
8. Irwin Memorial Service 6:30 - 7:30pm Nine 1.32
9. Police Files Seven 1.26
10. The Force Seven 1.21
11. Spicks and Specks ABC 1.21
13. McLeod's Daughters Nine 1.17
14. ABC News ABC 1.13
15. CSI: Miami Nine 1.02
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Updated 2pm Wednesday September 20
The extraordinary thing about the success of Border Security is that it's not just watched by viewers over the age of 40, solid respectable householders who proudly observe the guardians of our way of life.

On Tuesday it was also the favourite show of the slackers and groovers aged between 16 and 39, who are more usually associated with Ten vehicles such as Aus Idol and Big Brother.
That's why Seven so easily won the night with 32.7 per cent of the prime time audience, while Nine got 28.2, Ten got 20.5, ABC got 14.9 and SBS got 3.7.

Click here to discuss the movies most deeply embedded in the Australian mind.

What Australia watched, Tuesday
1. Border Security Seven 2.24m
2. Medical Emergency Seven 1.78
3. Seven News Seven 1.45
4. Nine News Nine 1.44
5. Today Tonight Seven 1.37
6. All Saints Seven 1.37
7. CSI Nine 1.36
8. Home and Away Seven 1.34
9. A Current Affair Nine 1.33
10. Temptation Nine 1.28
11. 20 to 1 Nine 1.17
12. ABC News ABC 1.05
13. The Simpsons 7:30pm Ten 1.04
14. Futurama 7:00pm Ten 0.93
15. Futurama 8:00pm Ten 0.93
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

All Saints

Updated 10 am Tuesday September 19
The failure of nostalgia must be driving Channel Nine's programmers nuts. It could only draw a million viewers in the mainland capitals to '50 Years of News' show on Monday night. Perhaps Nine should have hired Jamie Oliver as host instead of Brian Henderson, because Jamie boosted Andrew Denton's audience to 1.1 million and gave the ABC a rare 16.3 per cent of the prime time audience.

SBS managed a rare 7.0 per cent (thanks to Top Gear with 706,000) while Nine got 24.1, Ten got 22.5, and Seven won the night with 30.1 per cent.

What Australia watched, Monday
Channel. Five City Metro. Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 GREY'S ANATOMY (7) 1,716,508 459,883 565,119 318,153 158,422 214,931
2 AUSTRALIAN IDOL LIVE VERDICT (10) 1,514,976 426,430 467,763 297,019 157,137 166,625
3 HOME AND AWAY (7) 1,455,465 411,287 442,288 268,037 138,927 194,926
4 SEVEN NEWS (7) 1,444,074 386,439 411,122 259,823 159,682 227,008
5 TODAY TONIGHT (7) 1,380,327 409,972 361,314 224,509 163,090 221,442
6 NATIONAL NINE NEWS (9) 1,278,454 368,304 391,748 242,502 150,343 125,556
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR (9) 1,267,583 348,027 436,382 241,691 118,838 122,645
8 THE GREAT OUTDOORS (7) 1,267,162 335,539 410,618 217,845 134,663 168,497
9 TEMPTATION (9) 1,221,273 330,978 386,597 239,253 139,792 124,653
10 COLD CASE (9) 1,168,422 350,435 356,468 220,030 117,920 123,570
11 ENOUGH ROPE WITH ANDREW DENTON (ABC) 1,096,526 319,769 326,764 152,084 137,617 160,292
12 50 YEARS OF TELEVISION NEWS (9) 1,086,056 314,382 310,367 205,469 130,653 125,185

Updated 10 am Monday September 18
Seven's nostalgiafest for the 50th anniversary of television averaged 1.5 million viewers in the mainland capitals and Seven won Sunday with 33.9 per cent of the prime time audience, while Nine got 25.5, Ten got 22.4, ABC got 14.9 and SBS got 3.3.

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TV TURNS 50 - THE EVENTS THAT STOPPED A NATION Seven 1,546,000 459,000 400,000 284,000 161,000 242,000
2 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,537,000 414,000 469,000 275,000 188,000 192,000
3 SEVEN NEWS SUNDAY Seven 1,477,000 406,000 389,000 310,000 150,000 220,000
4 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,378,000 368,000 466,000 213,000 179,000 152,000
5 60 MINUTES Nine 1,279,000 372,000 357,000 258,000 134,000 157,000
6 WHERE ARE THEY NOW Seven 1,209,000 495,000 322,000 167,000 224,000
7 PREHISTORIC PARK Nine 1,201,000 357,000 379,000 210,000 126,000 129,000
8 CSI -RPT EP1 Nine 1,182,000 336,000 347,000 238,000 144,000 117,000
9 THE WORST JOBS IN HISTORY ABC 1,061,000 375,000 266,000 168,000 123,000 128,000
10 CSI: -RPT EP2 Nine 1,022,000 265,000 328,000 194,000 138,000 95,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Updated 4pm Sunday September
Channel Nine is up to its old tricks. You'll recall last year it claimed that some of its most successful American dramas had reached their "season finales", when Nine was actually holding back episodes for showing in the new year. Many viewers would have been driven to download the missing episodes from the Net. Vigilant reader Aaron Ryan sends this report on the latest scam:

"On Wednesday 6 September, Channel Nine promoted and advertised that night's episode of 'Without a Trace' as the season finale. However, it was not in fact the final episode of the season. The episode that aired, 'White Balance', is the second last episode of season four of the popular American missing person series. The real season finale episode 'Cross Roads' is yet to be scheduled by Channel Nine.

In another programming bungle by the network, the media programming guide has the Monday 25 September episode of 'Cold Case' scheduled as the season finale but again it is not the true season finale. The episode on the 25th titled 'The River' is the second last episode of season three. The real final episode of season three, titled 'Joseph', is yet to be scheduled by Channel Nine.

This is not a new programming practice by the Nine Network. Last year, Nine advertised the second last episodes of most of its American dramas as season finales, including CSI, Without a Trace, The Closer, CSI: New York, CSI: Miami and Cold Case, infuriating viewers across the country. The real final episodes were played at the commencement of the 2006 season in February. In a media statement to launch the 2006 seasons, Nine said that this practice would not occur this year and that the American dramas would be played with fewer interruptions and repeats.

This statement holds little credibility, evidenced with CSI: New York being pulled from the schedule (returns 24 September), Close to Home being pulled from the schedule, season finales being falsely advertised and Nine having played just 18 episodes of CSI in 28 weeks, making for many repeats and preemptions.

It is not known if this season finale bungle will occur with the rest of the CSI franchise as their seasons come to a close over the next two months. Publicity Manager at Nine, Jamie Campbell, was given one week to respond to this story and has chosen not to."

We're grateful to Aaron for this analysis, which he first reported on the Crikey website. What's your reaction?

Click here for earlier discussions on why viewers may consider Nine a tad unreliable.

But perhaps Nine is right in thinking its viewers will tolerate anything. After all, it is winning the year. Despite a surge by Ten, Nine got 27.1 per cent of the prime time audience, while Ten got 25.5 per cent, Seven got 26.7 per cent, ABC got 15.5 and SBS got 5.1.

What Australia watched, week ending September 16
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BORDER SECURITY Seven 2,312,000 654,000 708,000 394,000 225,000 331,000
2 HOUSE Ten 1,966,000 497,000 671,000 340,000 213,000 244,000
3 THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE 2 Ten 1,907,000 479,000 654,000 310,000 235,000 229,000
4 60 MINUTES Nine 1,825,000 520,000 542,000 363,000 174,000 226,000
5 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,767,000 474,000 564,000 291,000 184,000 254,000
6 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,672,000 644,000 312,000 378,000 184,000 153,000
7 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,651,000 483,000 563,000 261,000 147,000 197,000
8 THE FORCE Seven 1,637,000 442,000 460,000 331,000 166,000 238,000
9 POLICE FILES UNLOCKED Seven 1,619,000 482,000 445,000 310,000 175,000 207,000
10 AUSTRALIAN IDOL LIVE VERDICT Ten 1,590,000 429,000 520,000 266,000 190,000 186,000
11 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,544,000 406,000 504,000 238,000 195,000 200,000
12 NCIS Ten 1,533,000 409,000 496,000 256,000 192,000 180,000
13 PREHISTORIC PARK Nine 1,446,000 456,000 422,000 265,000 162,000 141,000
14 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,394,000 357,000 404,000 254,000 157,000 223,000
15 FORENSIC INVESTIGATORS Seven 1,391,000 428,000 415,000 244,000 134,000 170,000
16 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,361,000 404,000 411,000 258,000 119,000 169,000
17 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,357,000 360,000 402,000 246,000 140,000 209,000
18 NINE NEWS Nine 1,343,000 360,000 426,000 288,000 148,000 121,000
19 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,342,000 415,000 475,000 173,000 134,000 145,000
20 JAMIE'S KITCHEN AUSTRALIA Ten 1,337,000 354,000 454,000 207,000 153,000 169,000
(OzTAM Mainland capitals)

The ratings race is updated every weekday for readers of David Dale's Tribal Mind column, published in The Sydney Morning Herald. David Dale is the author of Who We Are - A Miscellany of the new Australia (Allen and Unwin). Past columns can be found at www.smh.com.au/tribalmind. For a discussion on last week's trends in television, click here.

COMMENTS

I never trusted Channel 9. Avoid at all costs to watch the channel.

by N.C. on September 16, 2006 at 10:58 AM

I havent watched a single episode of CSI, CSI: Miami, or CSI: NY on Channel 9 since about 2 or 3 episodes in. Downloaded every single one. Which means I get to watch the premieres next week, only a day or two after Americans.
See, I dont mind if America starts way before us, but that is only because Australian networks are supposed to then be able to play all the episodes with minimal interruptions. But this isn't happening and until it does, I will download my fav American shows.
I dont normally bitch, but i dont think that consistent programming could be all that hard.

by William on September 16, 2006 at 03:14 PM

CHANNEL NINE YOU ARE SO ARROGANT AND UP YOURSELF. I HOPE YOU JUST CRUMBLE AND DIE.

by Kenneth on September 16, 2006 at 04:37 PM

Yep...the networks up to their old tricks again. Although I don't know if Channel Nine is the ONLY network to pull the fake-season-finale stunt. I don't know why the networks do this sorta thing. Do they think we don't check and compare our progress with the US? If ratings are going down in some US dramas...they only have themselves to blame.

by parker on September 16, 2006 at 05:57 PM

I dont watch any of the CSI's as a rule, but my reasoning may be a bit left of centre.
First of all, I have a deep concern with the subject of murder just being a commonplace subject in the CSI series. Secondly, the lame excuses that people murder for ? If this is American society then they keep csi over there !
I just cant help but think, that playing three hours or more on the subject of murder for frivellous reasons seems to be rubbing off on Australian society, just watch the news in the evening and take a note how common murder is these days.
People, if im a nutcase, please reply in this blog, but it's not going to change my mind on CSI.
So channel nine - see you later ......and go repeat yourself until you have no more viewers.
Perhaps you can take on Yasmin ?

by Geoff on September 16, 2006 at 06:16 PM

I haven't trusted channel 9 since they screwed Friends fans over in the show's last season and screened 18 episodes over 10 long months. The show had been finished for over 6 months in America before it reached us here. By that stage the momentum of the final episodes had almost died here. That's why I've never been upset when channel 7 put a few repeats in here and there to extend Lost or desperate houswewives. At least both of those shows seasons were completed by July/August and not dragged out all year. Channel 9 deserve all the backlash they get.

by Mark on September 16, 2006 at 06:33 PM

Just a question - is this wed 20/09 the first week of the new season of The Sopranos ? Granted I don't watch much TV so may have missed the advertisements but you would think Channel 9 would make more of an effort to let their audience know. This show has a massive following and I have told many people his week who had no idea it was on.

by Treenstar on September 17, 2006 at 09:50 AM

I never got to see those last episodes of Friends. After watching every season, I gave up and boycotted Ch 9 when they started showing repeats to drag out that last season.
Similar story with other shows, mainly on Ch 9 that I used to watch regularly. When that "R" appeared in the TV guide, I watched something else.
After a while I got out of the habit of watching the show & didn't go back. That happened to Nine's various CSI programs, Without A Trace, and to Ten's Law & Orders, and now House & NCIS.
All gone......
Thank you ABC, SBS & Foxtel for providing quality alternatives.

(And to JB HiFi & Ezy DVD for the affordable box sets!)

by Sal on September 17, 2006 at 02:01 PM

For years I have been waiting for 9 to screen the sixth season of the Sopranos. Now that its finally starting up this week, we have decided to just continue buying the seasons on DVD. It is soooo much easier that way!

Tribal Mind replies: I ordered mine from US Amazon today.

by Tara on September 17, 2006 at 02:24 PM

Speaking of Nine Programming - what happened to Curb your Enthusiasm - pulled after four episodes into season 5.

And how about Ten with the Offce. They air a new episode everything second week. Sometimes one new episode and sometimes two.

by CC on September 17, 2006 at 03:04 PM

Hey Tribal Mind,
I started off watching 'Great Comedy Classics last night', while flicking in and out of Dr Who. I was then drawn into watching Made in Melboure-Drama, so I decided to tape the Bill. May I say, MIMD was great TV viewing, and it was great to see one of Australia's top actors John Wood hosting it. After the completion of MIMD, I watched The Bill, again this show just keeps on getting better. It was fantastic to see Jack Meadows and his old mate make a run from the past, while it was a pleasure to see June on Reg on the beat again together.(Ol School time!!) Also what made it even better was, it had no soap elements whatsoever.
I'm definately looking forward to Tuesday's episode, along with 7's TV Turns 50. TM could you please let me know how The Bill, Dr Who and MIMD rated last night.
Thanks Daniel

Tribal Mind replies: That's last week, so it's in last week's blog. Go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind and look at week 37.

by Daniel on September 17, 2006 at 04:14 PM

Fear not LD fans, Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 5 is released on DVD on October 5th, as is Little Britain Series 3.

by nigel on September 17, 2006 at 06:36 PM

Sat through most of 7's 3 1/2 hrs of TV Turns 50 celebration. Adam Boland did well with this production. Enjoyed Kochie's straight face wisecrack about "the fish has been boned". Looked as though the 14 local events were mere curtain-raiser for the remaining 6 international main events (of which 2 were about Diana; then Elvis; JFK; 9/11 & Niel Armstrong).

by Frankie on September 17, 2006 at 11:20 PM

Daniel , with all your knowledge of The Bill , could you take a glimpse into your crystal ball and tell me if , and when , Burnside might return . Chris Ellison is just the best UK actor , I stopped watching The Bill when he left and it went all soapie

by jane doe on September 17, 2006 at 11:21 PM

Yes, I am becoming a convert to DVDs & download shows, although not a CSI watcher. After the death of KP, it clearly shows now that PBL has lost interest in Ch9 and once the mass media laws are loosened-up, PBL will sell the network and continue to concerntrate on its gambling income streams. Until the sale, things will be run with minimum effort.

by kate on September 17, 2006 at 11:32 PM

I definitely agree with the comments made RE: Friends season finale, that's when my hatred of the nine network began. But they are not the only ones - look at the way channel 7 are screwing over Will & Grace fans - showing them with half a season left on a Sundy afternoon for crying out loud, then taking it off the air with no explanation or date of return. TM, have you heard anything about when they might be showing the remainder of the season? From a very desperate Will & Grace fan.

by rkiejda on September 18, 2006 at 08:04 AM

loved will ferrels comment last night when asked by sonya what he thought of the events so far and said
"well when you think about 50 yrs of australian tv, you think of me which really shows why were here"
even he was thinking the exact same thing as everyone watching
what does a american comedian - though very funny - have to do with australian tv, tru he has been on saturday night live for a long time but we dont get that on free to air.
also did naomi robson do the make up for the country practice actors - they looked like corpses

by Original Dan on September 18, 2006 at 08:15 AM

Hi TM..
i was just curious how American Idol was rating last year and why it wasnt back this year?

by Matt Reilly on September 18, 2006 at 08:59 AM

Looking at the top 20 for the week, Nine has only one non-news show, and yet still wins. Is it any wonder they have stopped trying? It seems all they have to show is the news and they win. All channels do the repeats in the middle of new shows thing, channel 10 with House is a prime offender. I don't mind repeats, because they're new if you haven't seen them before, but I'd rather they show the whole new series and then show repeats when the new ones have finished (or the other way around - old then new). At least then you know what you're getting!

by dave on September 18, 2006 at 09:31 AM

Seriously...what a joke. It's like getting blood out of a stone!
Channel 10 are stuffing programs up as well.
NCIS is a repeat this week. I'm assuming after this week, they'll probably have repeats of House.
Criminal Intent - does anyone know when that this coming back?
I just checked the guide and it's not on this week again. In it's place is apparently a "WORLD PREMIERE MOVIE". Wow world premiere - awesome! Oh look - it's Blackjack VII. Are they serious?? With these "world premiere" movies - do they actually get televised anywhere else in the world, because seriously I don't think so?
What the beep is going on?

by Love My McDreamy on September 18, 2006 at 09:44 AM

How did it get 1.5 million. It was a bunch of crap.

by Andrew on September 18, 2006 at 09:55 AM

Good to see Tony Robinson & his "Worst Jobs in History" still doing well. Seeing him attempt the Fuller's job was one of the funniest things I'd seen on TV in ages

by Fats on September 18, 2006 at 10:11 AM

Kudos to channel 9 for devising a strategy that has shown results. Sure you get the odd venting on this blog from people who will boycott or download episodes, but the ratings show that only the vast minority object to the programming practices of Nine. They could show at 9.30 a repeat of the CSI episode preceding it at 8.30 and they'll still get a million viewers. I am sure they are just as amazed as the readers here, but while it works, why tamper with it? Same with Ten and their random repeats. I see it as a good opportunity to do or watch something new. Usually catch up on the backlog of downloads or read. FYI SBS, you really need to try harder on Sunday nights. Doco's are fine but you don't want to feel like you are back sitting in high school science class watching a reel to reel. No wonder they scored so low.

by Dr DK on September 18, 2006 at 10:19 AM

TV Turns 50 wasn't brilliant but it looked more polished than the Logie Awards usually do. Looks like cultural cringe is alive and with the comments about Australian programs like BlackJack. Sure, Ch 10 look a bit silly bragging that the movie is a world premiere but it is actually a co-production with the BBC, so it does screen in Britain, where it has actually won its timeslot when screened on BBC1. It's also shown overseas in a number of countries through BBC Worldwide including Canada, USA, New Zealand etc... It's a shame that more Australians don't watch this quality Australian drama when it screens here.

If you want to be brainwashed by American-only programming then go ahead but stop knocking the Australian programs. I like some American programs but I like Australian stuff too. I'd rather watch BlackJack over most American dramas like Law and Order or Grey's Anatomy.

by J Bar on September 18, 2006 at 10:25 AM

when they were talking about favorite adds with home and away actors they had that guy - young blonde idiot dont watch the show so dont know who he is - talking about the lamb roast add wher the girl gives up a date with tom cruise, was he even born when that was on ?

by original dan on September 18, 2006 at 10:34 AM

Love My McDreamy: NCIS is not a repeat this week, and Criminal Intent will return on Saturday 30/9 at 8.30, after Monk.

TM, how did the RW concert go last night, and how about The Office?

by Norman on September 18, 2006 at 10:48 AM

all chanel 7's nostalgia fest was, was a big promo for them.
personally i can not stand those two stupid sunrise hosts and that made it even worse. why people filled there mind with all the 7 promotion crap and not watch an intelectual program like 60 minutes baffles me.

by a on September 18, 2006 at 10:55 AM

I try to avoid watching anything on Channel 9. After their treatment of The Sopranos and West Wing...I totally had it with them. At least with Seven although they have the 'specials' of Lost and the Despos - we have new episodes a week later and not a month later. Same with Ten...although they have been overdoing it with House repeats lately. I look forward to when Nine is no longer 'still the one'...it's bound to happen one day! Some people on this blog have commented it's only TV and to 'get a life'...but hey sometimes you just want to see your fave show. Some people are really get into sports and some really get into a show (like me and The Sopranos). Just cos we've pissed off at the stations doesn't mean we need to get a life.
Anyway, TM you said you ordered The Sopranos box set from Amazon. Do they play on Aust DVD players? Is there something we need to do in order to get them to play here. I already have downloaded the current series of Sopranos but I would still like to get the box set.

by Helena on September 18, 2006 at 11:23 AM

Norman, NCIS is a repeat according to yourtv.com.au schedule. House is new though.

by Dr DK on September 18, 2006 at 11:29 AM

Dear Tribal Mind, I am curious about how the new look "Sunday" is rating. I gave it a 2nd chance yesterday. Never again! Whoever came up with the new format with those hosts should be boned. Will it last?

by Lee on September 18, 2006 at 11:47 AM

Quoth Fats at September 18, 2006 10:11 AM: "Good to see Tony Robinson & his "Worst Jobs in History" still doing well. Seeing him attempt the Fuller's job was one of the funniest things I'd seen on TV in ages"

I dunno, all that gagging made me want to run from the room! (I missed the first half of the show due to a small boy's bedtime, but had the foresight to hit record on the VCR on the way upstairs! A nice treat for the wasteland that is Monday night viewing. Apart from Top Gear, that is. :)

Was very impressed with the second half of Elizabeth I, loved the "if you speak of this, I shall have you all hanged" speech to her household after the major tanty. Wish I could get away with that... (Wish I had household staff too!)

And, I agree with Dr DK that SBS is a bit lacklustre on a Sunday night. The docos look good, but the ABC ones always seem to look better... (Why do both of them put on the historical docos on the same day/time? Can't one of them find their own timeslot?)

And I caught the end of the Channel 7 nostalgia. Not bad, but running overtime as usual. (Damn it, can't someone over there afford a stopwatch?)

by tqd on September 18, 2006 at 11:55 AM

Aaron posted at September 17, 2006 11:45 AM: (from previous blog)

Episode 4 of Bones is not special as such, it is just an above average episode. It is like the CSI eps, they are pretty much the same but some of the mysteries stand out more than others. This is a better episode of Bones and much better for a promotional platform for the series.

According to next week's schedule in TV Week, Bones has been scheduled for next Wednesday week (September 27) to accommodate the rescheduled free-to-air premiere of Kill Bill Volume 1 (shown at 9.30pm).

by johnson on September 18, 2006 at 12:26 PM

Nine still wins the week even with only 4 in the top 20 vs. Seven's 10 and Ten's 6. Goes to show they only win by picking holes in other broadcaster's schedules, with few if any real 'must see tv'.

by abc on September 18, 2006 at 12:26 PM

J-Bar, why should we have to support the same mediocre, unadventurous junk that Aussie TV tries to foist on us time after time just because it's Australian-made?

And why is it that the defenders of local content always slam American programming to justify their arguments? Yes, there is a ton of garbage on American Tv, but you'll find exciting, geniunely INNOVATIVE programs as well. Right now, the yanks are giving us The Sopranos, 24, The Wire, Battlestar Galactica, and others. The Brits give us Doctor Who, Casanova, Black Books and other gems. What's the best our stations can muster? Macleods Daughters? All Saints? The Wedge? The same tired crap year in, year out.

Cultural cringe has nothing to do with it. Original, creative, RELEVANT programming is what we want. I'd love it if that's what our networks were producing, but they're not.

All the nostalgia and back-slapping that has accompanied the 50 Years of TV celebrations has simply highlighted just how twee, uncreative and bland most Aussie programming is. The periodic gems (GP, Good Guys Bad Guys, The Late Show, The Secret Life of Us, to name four) are like roses in a cesspool.

50 Years of Mediocrity is more like it.

by Paul on September 18, 2006 at 12:29 PM

Nine won the week as usual in all people share and have bragging rights, but week 37 break down has TEN winning the important 25 -54 share & usual 16-39 demo. NINE won Sydney & Brisbane thanks to footy. TEN won Melbourne ( a first for 06), Adelaide & Perth thanks to Idol / Wednesday & AFL. 55 + demo has SEVEN on 26.2 %, NINE still the ONE on 28 % & TEN on 14.1%. On a side note, Fifteen aka Jamie's Kitchen Australia took 1800 reservations on Thursday.

by paora on September 18, 2006 at 12:40 PM

Thanks Channel 7 for a truly exceptional event!!! TV Turns 50 showcased our proud television industry over the decades and it was all done with sheer class and verve. The 3 hour telecast was engaging, entertaining and seamlessly sleek. I'm not that keen on Mel and Koch but I have to say they did a fine job. And Jana Wendt...without question the epitome of integrity, journalistic brilliance and grace and beauty. Channel 7 don't let Jana slip away! All in all, the event reinforced the fact that we Australians produce world-class television and ground-breaking program concepts embraced by the world - long live Aussie television!!

by cameron on September 18, 2006 at 12:42 PM

Wouldn't it have been special if all three commercial networks could have held a combined 50th birthday that all three telecast simultaneously. It would have been better than 7's 'infomercial' last night. I was going to watch until the reunion of the Daddo brothers was touted as a highlight. I felt sorry for the poor souls forced to sit through the rubbish at Star City

by Rodney on September 18, 2006 at 01:03 PM

Those CSI shows are becoming so bad or have they always been?Was there a special deal on buying them like 1 for 20 cents three for 40.These CSI shows seem to treat there public like idiots and the way they spout wise cracks to each other while there looking at a victims body for example "I wish I didn't have Linguini for dinner".Absolutely no hint of realism,do those labs really look like that do cops really act like that.Might as well not watch everything is solved on the computer and the reconstruction of a skull stuff were the computer generated face comes out looking exactly like the victim and someone recognises her straight away and the suspest always spills his guts under harsh interagation(did i spell that right?).

by ace on September 18, 2006 at 01:14 PM

50 Years of Mediocrity is more like it.

Posted by: Paul at September 18, 2006 12:29 PM

i wouldnt say 50 years of mediocrity but at least 15 years would be more accurate.

it is a shame that the fta channels cannot for the life of themselves save face with quality programmes now if you went back say 20 years (pre video & remote control) there was more choice and the quality was there too. Unfortuanately i think that some people today are trying to adapt the shows that worked and it isnt working.

Maybe paul is too young to remember prior to video and remote control.....

by ajm on September 18, 2006 at 01:25 PM

Poor pathetic Channel 7 may finally win a Sunday night after there so called "extravaganza"! They will probably repeat it again like they do all their other shows that rate reasonably well!! I must admit I did record it because I would never miss my Sunday night fix in 60 Minutes. I watched it on my lunch break and it didn't take very long because at least I could fast forward the bald headed idiot and his bimbo sidekick - just one comment - does anybody think perhaps Paul Mercurio needs to do some serious sit ups? I wouldn't be picking on any paunchy DWTS contestants if I were him - the pot calling the kettle black!!

by Tilly on September 18, 2006 at 01:29 PM

After reading the various comments about TV networks scheduling of programs, it does seemed, the consumers are not the viewers but the advertisers. So since it's "free to air", it would seem, the viewers should be grateful, they don't have to pay to watch it. Alas, this is a mere observation.

by Frankie on September 18, 2006 at 01:40 PM

How nice of 7 to celebrate 9's birthday. To those venting about 9's programing - remember where half of 7's management came from. Last nights broadcast showed they are becoming just as arrogant as the evil empire (aka Eddie World) ever was. Apparantly every important peice of TV history was only shown on 7 and included 7 celebs. IT WAS ONE GIANT PIECE OF OF SELF SERVING CRAP.

by ac on September 18, 2006 at 01:47 PM

I watched bits of 50 years of Channel 7 (Really?)but my stomach weakened every time those two flibbitygibbits from Sunrise squealed and fawned over their totally wooden banter.

I thought the jab at 9 from Ian Ross to Jana about welcome back to 7 must have made 9 execs blood boil. Classic!

That Rock Eistedford thing at the end with John Woods was woeful. He cant really sing can he and those kids in those awful sick coloured tunics and the green and gold balloons. Sheeeeesh...talk about amateur and lame and just...well, the sort of thing that makes visiting celebs from shows where they make it look so much more, um...well, professional and well, looks like money's been spent.

Perhaps they should have asked Ricky Wong to reprise his logies performance with the irony and humour we aussies love and that would have allowed the amateurish nature of it to be forgiven.

Who's idea was that?

by nich on September 18, 2006 at 01:52 PM

According to the Channel 10 website too - NCIS is a repeat!
Norman wrote "Criminal Intent will return on Saturday 30/9 at 8.30, after Monk."
Saturday...On Saturday - I'm not home on Saturday's. They should put their "world premiere" movies on Saturday.

by Love My McDreamy on September 18, 2006 at 01:53 PM

Hi TM,
Just out of curiosity, what sort of numbers did the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (Network 10, 11am-5pm) get yesterday?

Tribal Mind replies: 307,000.

by Mitchell on September 18, 2006 at 02:08 PM

Watched some of the channel 7 show 50 years... like another, I taped it and pressed the forward button frequently. firstly, i don't mind Mel and Kochie in small doses but they are becoming more omnipresent than Eddie Everywhere ever was. I also wasn't 100% happy with the premise either, the top 20 list. To me it should have been the best 20 moments "created" for TV rather than "shown" on TV. What I mean by that is things such as 9/11 and the funeral of Diana, POW could be veiwed on other medium such as the internet and covered by newspapers. Still, I guess they used the keep it simple method. This way it also made sure that they only had to use Ch7 shows & footage. Finally, a question for TM or someone else who might know. When advertisers book in an ad for a program / time-slot... do they know if it is going to be a new episode or a repeat episode? Does anyone know the price difference, if any? As always, love your work

by kate on September 18, 2006 at 02:10 PM

Dear TM,

Do you ever get ratings for the digital FTA channels? (ABC2, SBS News, etc?) If not, is it because they rate a tiny amount? Or because no one's interested in them?

I had a look at the OzTAM website, and it doesn't seem to include them anywhere. (But it doesn't explicitly exclude them either. But it doesn't explicitly exclude anything, as far as I can tell!)

I'm just curious about this new technology, especially if we're going to be pushed onto it sometime in the future. (Although I note that the deadline for the cut-off from analogue keeps on being pushed further back...) We've got a digital set-top box, and phwoar for the crystal clear reception, and I really like being able to catch repeats of ABC programming on ABC2 later in the week. (Otherwise I'd never see MediaWatch!)

A mate of mine in Perth said that they don't get digital TV. Can anyone confirm that digital TV isn't Australia wide? (Or was she just lacking the digital set-top box?)

Thanks to anyone with answers!

by tqd on September 18, 2006 at 02:27 PM

It seems all the good shows on Monday night are on after 10pm. Great to see that 'Oz' is returning on SBS tonight at 10pm. For those of you who have not heard of it, it makes Prison Break look like Play School. I can hear all the newbys saying 'Hey, there's the guy from Lost' and 'That bloke is in Law and Order'. That's because these episodes are at least 5 years old.
Thanks SBS-TV.

Also Scrubs (7) and NYPD Blue (10) make a great late night's viewing (ie recording for watching on Tuesday night, when there is nothing good on after 8pm).

by Sacs on September 18, 2006 at 02:32 PM

Watched the last hour of the 50th bash on 7. What a lot of self promoting nonsense. Noticed that the only shows they showed old clips of were 7 shows and the stars were only 7 stars. Seems like 7 is the only network that has been around for 50 years, according to them anyway.
No wonder people watch DVD's instead!

by emily on September 18, 2006 at 02:49 PM

Tilly works for channel NINE... check the archives for proof.

by mark on September 18, 2006 at 02:58 PM

Excuse me, Paul at September 18, 2006 12:29 PM but I wasn't slamming American programming to defend local content. In fact, if you read my post again you'll see that I actually said that I am a fan of American programs too. And just like you I also like some British programs including Dr Who and Casanova that you mentioned and others like Wire In The Blood and Absolute Power. I don't necessarily agree with your American choices but I have my own favourites. I think Boston Legal, Scrubs, Arrested Development, The West Wing, Desperate Housewives are amongst the best. I'm actually quite surprised that you class Battlestar Gallactica in the INNOVATIVE category. You are probably too young to remember that this is a remake of a show from the 1970s. The new series is not faithful to the original and is hardly different from any of the other sci-fi stuff in recent years.

What you might have misunderstood with my point was that I was saying that I would rather watch BlackJack than Law and Order and Grey's Anatomy because I'm not a fan of those types of programs. That's all. I am not disagreeing with your comments about the quality of some Australian programs either. We produce some rubbish but there is some quality too. I can't imagine that a fan of Battlestar Galactica would necessarily also like BlackJack, McLeod's Daughters or All Saints but that doesn't mean that that they don't qualify as quality programs. You have to remember that America has more than 15 times our population and probably produces more than 15 times the amount of television we do. I'd say that they probably produce a larger percentage of rubbish than we do too.

I agree that QUALITY is the most important thing but there's a lot people out there who won't even consider Australian programs now purely because they are Australian. That's cultural cringe. Some of the good programs don't even get a fair chance with audiences.

by J Bar on September 18, 2006 at 03:32 PM

To go with tqd, I love the extra channels I get with my set top box. I'm really loving Monkey Dust on ABC2 (weird!), as well as repeats of show like Media Watch, and The Cook and The Chef, which clash with other programs, or life, on regular ABC.

And for a laugh, when there's nothing but Two and a Half Men-style sitcoms on FTA, I switch over to the Christian or expo channels - hahahahaha

Somehow I doubt they'd rate that much, if at all, though...

by serg on September 18, 2006 at 03:39 PM

Hi TM, how did "Elizabeth I" go last night? Shame it didn't get over a million viewers, it was truly a masterpiece.

Tribal Mind replies: 631,000.

by Chloe on September 18, 2006 at 03:39 PM

hey TB can u tell me how the world game from sbs did on sunday plz

Tribal Mind replies: Not in top 50 so presumaby less than 207,000.

by james on September 18, 2006 at 03:41 PM

Channel 7's programming department have a sick sense of humour.

Stuck in a motel room in Sydney on Sat Night after a fabulous turkish pizza from Kingsford and Krispy Kreme donuts for dessert, we entertained the kids with the "Steve Irwin Tribute"/Channel 7 capitalization exercise.

The following heap of tripe masquerading as a movie - "Down Periscope" had as it's major US Naval vessel - USS Stingray.

by Bereft Skerrick on September 18, 2006 at 03:52 PM

I didn't watch the birth of TV in 1956 as I was only 7 months old and I'm not sure my parents even had a TV back then.
I didn't watch ch 7's TV TURNS 50 in 2006 as I'm now a reasonably mature adult and refuse to waste my time on such junk.
Dancing With the Stars rates its socks off, as does brain dead Idol and Big Brother, while an excellent local program like Two Twisted rates poorly, as does imported quality like The West Wing, etc. That says it all really - Australians get the TV they deserve - mindless pap.

by David S. on September 18, 2006 at 03:55 PM

Thanks for the report mark at September 18, 2006 02:58 PM: Tilly works for channel NINE... check the archives for proof.

You have to laugh, don't you? These Ch 9 stooges aren't even smart enough to diguise their hatred for their rival networks. Just waiting for Tilly to tell us how wonderful Dancing on Ice was and what a great job Karl and Jessica must be now because nobody has slammed their performance in the past two weeks. That was sarcasm Tilly, in case you didn't get it.

by J Bar on September 18, 2006 at 03:56 PM

Totally agree with ace. Nothing more offensive than cold blooded wise cracking detectives on the CSI franchises. It is obvious that the writers/directors are too in love with the main characters.

by sean on September 18, 2006 at 04:20 PM

Does anyone know if Ch 7 is going to show the Amazing Race that has just started in the US anytime soon or should I download it and not wait.
I haven't bothered with downloading before because it seemed a lot of effort but I missed both Dr Who and Two Twisted last week and it was surprisingly easy to find and download them.

by saj2 on September 18, 2006 at 04:37 PM

J Bar wrote: "I'm actually quite surprised that you class Battlestar Gallactica in the INNOVATIVE category. You are probably too young to remember that this is a remake of a show from the 1970s."
Just because an old series is remade (re-imagined really), doesn't mean that it cannot be INNOVATIVE. In fact, that's exactly what the new Battlestar Galactica is when you compare it with other material in the same genre. It shows a gritty sense of realism with real human emotions and motivations that no other sci-fi series has come close too. In that regard, it is innovative (and best sci-fi going).
J Bar wrote: "I can't imagine that a fan of Battlestar Galactica would necessarily also like BlackJack, McLeod's Daughters or All Saints..."
As a big fan of BSG, I also love All Saints (though not the others you mentioned).

by damien on September 18, 2006 at 07:00 PM

WARNING: RANT AHEAD. 'I don't like it so the people who watch it must be brain-dead'. 'It's Australian so it's not worth watching.' Anyone else see the similarities in these (paraphrased) statements? I get so tired of over-generalisations. David S advocates the first while condemning the second, and doesn't seem able to perceive the hypocracy of his position. Not that he's alone - there are more than enough people willing to bash Channel 9 because they are channel 9, and Channel 7 because they are channel 7, or because they have employed a lot of people who used to work at 9, and on and on. Reality check, folks: people are individuals with individual tastes, and none of those are 'right' or 'wrong' or braindead. For example, I happen to like both Australian Idol and The West Wing. According to David S, that makes me brain dead with good taste. Wanna run that one by me again? I couldn't quite hear the logic over the static. And while I'm at it, I'd like to know what qualifies certain readers here to comment on the realism, or lack thereof, of certain programs. I'm certainly not qualified, having never been either a homicide detective or a forensic investigator, but humour - especially black humour - is a well-known defence mechanism in the face of horrific scenes. I would consider the rather poor humour complained of to be more likely to be realistic than less - but I could be wrong. Finally, I'd like to respond to Geoff's comments (Sept 16, 6:06 PM, near the start of this week's blog). You seem to be suggesting that murder for 'trivial' reasons is a new invention of television - which on the face of it is patent nonesense. Just look back at old shows like Homicide or Perry Mason, both of which predate colour television. You then link this 'development' to an increase in violent crime - when all the statistics that I have seen published have suggested that over the last 10 years, murders and other crimes of violence have actually diminished in frequency. So, based on the best information that I am aware of, your arguement seems to be full of holes. However, I am not an authority on crime statistics but I am interested, so if you have a source of information that backs up your assertions, I would be interested in knowing about it.

by Mike Bourke on September 18, 2006 at 09:58 PM

Yet another "special presentation" on the box. This time it was about 50 years of tv news by Ch.9. Although it was great to see Brian Henderson (I prefered newsreaders that maintained the same tone and poker face throughout 30mins), I do not regret my decision to let go of tv news a couple of years ago.
Sure, there were good times, when tv news provided useful unbiased information, on events that mattered with journalistic integrity. However with the introduction of the internet and its ability to provide info at the click of a button, tv news felt threatened and resorted to dirty tricks to maintain viewers and generate profit.
Common offences include fear-mongering, bias, reporters passing judgment on individuals and events, sensationalism, presenting fake news that are actually promotions for special interest groups, and generally treating viewers like idiots. As these offences become regular, I decided that tv has become like radio and is a medium for those with no alternative (or too lazy to read).
Sorry tv news, you may only be 50 years old, but its time for an early retirement. As revealed in a recent survey, I like many others are turning to the internet and late night talk show hosts for my news fix. That's the way it is ...

by sean on September 18, 2006 at 10:16 PM

Although I am a bit tired of all the nostalgia over the 50yr anniversary on TV in Australia, I did watch the 50 yrs of New last night (on time delay) - and this was the first one where I didn't fast forward through most of it. What a welcome relief Brian Henderson is. Firstly, it was great that this wasn't a countdown. To me it's an effort in futility to try to compare events like Sept 11 and Man on the Moon to Molly dying in A Country Practice, or even Australia II victory in the America's Cup.
Secondly, it wasn't about Brian, it was about the events - I don't know when it happened that TV News presenters became "stars" as opposed to journalists, but it was nice to have the history of the last 50 years delivered in a calm, informative way, without jokes and side comments and "observations" by "stars" who had little or nothing to do with the event.
It made me miss "The Year In Review" shows which used to be on every New Years' Eve.
For once, channel 9 got it right.

by LR on September 19, 2006 at 09:22 AM

Yes, I too enjoyed Nine's 50 Years Of News last night. Bring back Hendo, he could still anchor one of Nine's news bulletins quite successfully!
Elizabeth I: very well done, but one criticism: the history was quite inaccurate. For eg. Elizabeth never met Mary Queen of Scots, she never saw King James of Scotland before her death, and the Earl of Essex didn't marry Francis Walsingham's daughter.
ROME - it'll be interesting to see how well this rates. Nine is pushing the sinful sex angle in the promos, so that obviously should get the viewers, at least for the first week.

by Evan on September 19, 2006 at 09:40 AM

Dear Mark and J Bar - Let it be known that I DO NOT WORK FOR CHANNEL NINE!! I am in fact an accounts clerk in country vic and watch lots of WIN TV and Channel 9 as they have been loyal over the years to country viewers. It's a sad fact when you Channel 7 lovers cannot not even admit to the fact that there are people who do enjoy watching Channel 9 and their programming. Once again it's the "Tall Poppy" syndrome at play!!

by Tilly on September 19, 2006 at 09:44 AM

Hey Tribal Mind, now that 7 has run out of new eps of Boston Legal how did it rate last nite compared to previous new eps and did it win its timeslot last nite?

Tribal Mind replies: 545,000 -- slightly less than new eps.

by Reid on September 19, 2006 at 09:58 AM

It sucks. Two Twisted finished last night, hereendeth the only wuality programming nine could muster so far this year. It is a concern. Does anybody know how the last two episodes rated last night?

by totsllytwisted on September 19, 2006 at 10:01 AM

Just saw someone mention NCIS programming. I had been labouring under the assumption that there was a good reason for channel 10 programmers scheduling repeats and new seasons: major sporting events, funerals etc. Just shows you should never assume. After an 11 week experiment I find channel 10 is alternating two current series episodes with two repeats: S3,S3,S2,S2,S3,S3,S2,S2 etc. What genius thought up that idea? There are three episodes left in the new series, according to their current scheduling the double finale episodes will be separated by two weeks.

Season 4 starts in the US in a few hours.

by Anne on September 19, 2006 at 10:05 AM

IDOL HAS BEEN RATING VERY GOOD..THE LIVE VERDICT SHOWS ARE UP 400,000 ON LAST YEAR AND IT IS ACTUALLY RATING BETTER THAN THE EARLY STAGES OF SEASON 1.IDOL 1 ONLY GOT 2 MILLION AROUND WHEN THE FINAL 7 SHOW COME ALONG.AND THE SUNDAY SHOWS I WILL BELIEVE WILL PICK UP THIS COMING WEEK.FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS ITS BEEN UP AGAINST STRONG COMPETITION.
PERF SHOW 1-1.53 PETER BROCK MAY HAVE TAKEN 200,00 AND SUNDAY 50 YEARS WOULD HAVE TOOK A COUPLE HUNDRED THOUSAND SO I RECKON THIS SUNDAY WILL GET AT LEAST 1.7

by MATT REILLY on September 19, 2006 at 10:21 AM

GA was brilliant last night!! I love the music. Fallen in love with so many amazing songs on that show since it started.

by Love My McDreamy on September 19, 2006 at 10:22 AM

Sorry to burst your bubble Tilly but I wouldn't call myself a Ch 7 lover. Far from it. Check my posts, I'm just as critical of Ch 7's behaviour when they deserve it. I actually can't understand why anybody would support a whole network over any other unless there's a vested interest. I call them as I see them. When a network treats its viewers with so much contempt, they deserve to cop a serve. If they're making stupid programming decisions then I'll give them a serve. If it seems like Ch 9 is copping a bashing at the moment, maybe it's because they deserve it. For example, last night they ran their news nostalgia special an extra 10 minutes to cut into the successful programs that start at 8.30pm on other channels. This is poor form and a nasty spoiler but in this case they shot themselves in the foot because their program was a poor rater and probably caused them more pain. As a result, 'Two Twisted' started at about 9.45pm, which makes it difficult for viewers to tolerate. The audience is not as patient as they were in the old days and will not watch the same channel all night. They flick channels and flick often. The networks need to start their programs on time, to keep their audiences happy, not delay programs so that they cut into their other favourite shows. On top of all that, last night they then decided to show a double dose of 'Two Twisted' so that it ran until 11.45pm. I'm assuming this was done because the ratings have not been too good for Twisted and they decided to burn the last few episodes in a late night spot, which is a waste. Anyone who is a TV fan could have told Ch 9 that this series would not be a big ratings winner. The first series from ten years ago was not a huge hit and it's difficult for a dark, odd series like this to find an audience. Maybe all the newtorks need to do some more research to find out what sort of progrmas audiences would like to see rather than producing rubbish and expecting the audience to swallow anything that's served up.

by J Bar on September 19, 2006 at 10:22 AM

'OZ' returned to SBS at 10pm last night! YAY! Such a sad ending though...
Just wondering how it rated?

Tribal Mind replies: 156,000.

by William on September 19, 2006 at 10:30 AM

Maybe the low ratings for 50 years of news on 9 was due to the lack of advertising, I didn't even know it was on and it was a programme that I would of happily watched and was looking forward to seeing it when it was originally advertised as a coming soon special, SBS had my viewing instead with Top Gear.

by dab on September 19, 2006 at 10:31 AM

watched greys again last night and found it to be ok but i dont know if i would set aside a time especially for it. I found it to be good but as i am not familiar with all the characters was a bit lost with some refrences made.

If there wasnt anything else on i would watch it.

by aj on September 19, 2006 at 10:36 AM

Two quick questions TM: What were the ratings like for the first episode of The Apprentice on Sunday night, and why would Ch.9 bother buying a new series like this when they're screening it at 11.30pm on a Sunday night, with hardly any promotion? Are they obliged to buy these series??? Cheers!

Tribal Mind replies: 254,000. Yes, they have "production deals" whereby they must take the rough with the smooth.

by NK on September 19, 2006 at 10:39 AM

No matter what rating say, the seven "spectacular" was average at best - it was worse than the logies, but hey if the oldies want to reminisce, let them. What boiled my blood was the way on Monday morning on Sunrise, they talked about the previous nights events like they were news (it was actually in the bulletins each half hour). They couldn't go 5 mins without talking about it. disgraceful, and they call themselves journalists.

on last night, Nine are reaping what they have sown with Cold Case. Since the Code Black episodes of Greys Anatomy (as expected), GA has really stepped up. In opposition, nine has not shown a new cold case since code black and when they finally do last night, guess what - people are out of the habit of watching it (1.1m vs 1.7m).

by chris on September 19, 2006 at 10:55 AM

Did OZ jump the shark last night?
Seemed to me like I've seen it all before... Can't believe Luke Perry is still alive.

by miso_kool on September 19, 2006 at 10:58 AM

50 years didnt rate - Is there any difference between 20 to 1 or 50 Years ? just a change of name ? Perhaps consumers have worked this out and fed up with highlights of highlights ?

by Geoff on September 19, 2006 at 11:01 AM

*J Bar : They flick channels and flick often. *

If only it were true ! My neighbour is a lady in her 80s and her wall mounted TV is across from our kitchen window. For the last 3 weeks, it has not been off Channel 9 (and yes, she is still alive! )
Q.E.D ? - and thank heavens she hasn't got a ratings meter.

by JohnB on September 19, 2006 at 11:03 AM

Doubt it! I downloaded the race last night and watched it. I think this one is going to be good. Lots of hard work for the first leg and interesting teams. YAY RACE...oh and Phil!

by dangle on September 19, 2006 at 11:18 AM

To all West Wing fans who have not downloaded series 7 from bitorrent or some other service - it is out on DVD in the UK as of last week - I ordered mine on Tuesday last and it arrived yesterday.

by Cathy on September 19, 2006 at 11:22 AM

TM do you know how both eps of Two Twisted rated last night? Great end to a great series!!

by totallytwisted on September 19, 2006 at 11:38 AM

Quoth dab at September 19, 2006 10:31 AM: "Maybe the low ratings for 50 years of news on 9 was due to the lack of advertising, I didn't even know it was on ..."
I didn't know it was on, because I don't watch Channel 9. (Just happened that way.) I only ever see the ads on the channels I am watching (ABC, SBS, and Ten for my Simpsons/Futurama fix).
Which I think is a problem for the stations. Once you start losing viewers, you start losing the number of people watching your own promotions, and it's a slippery slope.
Since Lost & Desperate Housewives finished, I hardly ever watch Channel 7 now either. (I did flirt with GA for a while, but I'm not a fan of medical soaps. Even very well done medical soaps.) I have no idea what's on either 7 or 9 from one day to the next. I know what's on 10, and run screaming from most of it. :)
I know they advertise in other media, but I only listen to ABC radio (JJJ to be precise), and I try to ignore printed ads as much as possible. (I'm one of those commuters with their nose stuck in a book on the bus/train.)
Somehow I don't think the channels really care though. If I'm not watching their ads, I'm also not watching any ads (well, as few as I can), and so I'm not in a consumer group they'll try to target.

by tqd on September 19, 2006 at 11:43 AM

dab said: Maybe the low ratings for 50 years of news on 9 was due to the lack of advertising

Are you kidding? They gave it a full on plug posing as part of their 6pm news EVERY day last week.

by timmy on September 19, 2006 at 11:51 AM

Jeff McMullen will be hosting a new program on the ABC, sounds like a format similar to SBS' Insight program. Forum based show about current hot topics.

by pete on September 19, 2006 at 12:00 PM

No, you haven't seen last nights episode of OZ on FTA in Australia before.
It is episode 1 of season 5 originally made in 2002. There were a number of "Quick flashbacks" to last seasons terrific finale.
There are 7 more episodes in this season and 8 in season 6 to be shown, completing the show for good.
As for channel 9's lack of viewers for "50 years of television"..maybe it was because people had seen enough the night before?
Bit like watching the same episode of csi, or something like that, 2 nights in a row. ho hum.

by darryn on September 19, 2006 at 12:59 PM

totallytwisted - Two Twisted 540,000

by paora on September 19, 2006 at 01:01 PM

Timmy said: Are you kidding? They gave it a full on plug posing as part of their 6pm news EVERY day last week.

I don't watch the channel 9 news Timmy, I watch the news on 7, SBS and ABC if at all, promoting this show during the news so much was maybe the reason why it rated so low, not everyone watches the news at 6pm.

by dab on September 19, 2006 at 01:10 PM

Except when a Newcastle Knights is being televised, there is absolutely NOTHING on Channel Nine I think is worth watching. As for "news & current affairs" on the commercial channels - what a joke! A trash-magazine mix of "celebrity" gossip, product endorsement, network cross-promotion, and dumbed-down "how to" guides for personal fitness & finances, rather than any real journalism. ABC & SBS news, current affairs & docos for us !!
The only things my wife & I watch apart from these is The Bill (ABC), Lost and The Amazing Race (Ch7), with a bit of Australian Idol (Ch10) thrown in for light relief. The rest is crap and not worth diverting attention away from the rest of our lives.

by Michael on September 19, 2006 at 01:33 PM

miso_kool said: Did OZ jump the shark last night? Seemed to me like I've seen it all before... Can't believe Luke Perry is still alive.
Well OZ is really a soap set in a prison. It's much better than Prison break though.

by Drew on September 19, 2006 at 01:49 PM

Was it just me, or was Sunday nights 'rock' showing of Idol just the most lame episode yet? I couldnt take it, I left the room but could still hear the pathetic warbling of some lisa loeb (whatever her name is - you know, I kissed a Girl singer I think) wanna-be tripping over her cutesy syncopantic singing voice to Billy Idols Dancing With Myself. Christ, how weak was it?
The only one to sing a decent song (from the cool Perth band Karnivool) got caned by the judges. I know the shows for 12 year old girls, but rock? No way.
I showed my missus some rockstar supernova to show her how rock is meant to be performed, but she left the computer room and watched Robbie Williams live, while I stuck a compass in my ear and tried to perforate my ear drum and think up ways to get a divorce.
I know the show is rating, but I guess it just explains the radio ratings as well... Kyle who?

by Mat on September 19, 2006 at 02:04 PM

One of the greatest kids movies "Finding Nemo" is on this Sunday night on Channel Kochie at 6.30 p.m.
Can we have a guessing comp Mr Dale for the ratings figures. I'll take 2.7 million

by Daz on September 19, 2006 at 02:12 PM

To Helena who was asking about DVD's from Amazon playing here, I
have bought DVD's from both Amazon US and UK and my 2 year old Sony DVD/VCR combo plays all without problems. Best thing is to find someone who has an US or UK DVD and try it on your set. Most will play but some may need a code punched in to work. Before I buy a new DVD player I will take a US DVD and try it first.
I have a friend who bought Rome from the UK and to my eyes my US version looks clearer on my TV even though the US set is NTSC and the UK version is PAL.

by David on September 19, 2006 at 02:22 PM

in my humble opinion Oz is one of the best shows on tv (closely followed by greys). just felt like sharing...

by jazz on September 19, 2006 at 02:32 PM

Finding nemo, 2.7 million?? My 4 years old has watched it about 100 times on DVD and on the Disney channel on Foxtel. Think many other kids will be the same.

my guess... 1.4million

by chris on September 19, 2006 at 03:00 PM

Did anyone see last night's MediaWatch tear a new one for Ch9 and Ch7's disgraceful WaWa episodes? They clearly highlighted the absolute lack of regard both networks had for the people involved in that story and too right!

by pete on September 19, 2006 at 03:07 PM

Posted by: Anne at September 19, 2006 10:05 AM "Season 4 starts in the US in a few hours. "
So can't wait for Season 4 of NCIS to start...it starts in less than 19 hours.
SVU Season 8 and GA Season 3 start this week too! Yippeeeee.
These wont probably start airing in Australia until Feb next year. I couldn't imagine waiting so long to find out what happens.

by Love My McDreamy on September 19, 2006 at 03:12 PM

I was surprised to see 50 years of television news (sounds so boring) doing better in Sydney than Melbourne. It's the sort of walk down memory lane Melbourne types would be right into given they are so television addicted.

by Dr DK on September 19, 2006 at 03:14 PM

just going to clarify my position on OZ. I freaking luv OZ, another HBO classic and was originally disappointed that it took so long to bring this season to air, epically considering how long ago it was shot. HOWEVER I just felt it was more of the same. The 'new' prison unit seemed regurgitated and the gimmick of getting all those in Solitary out into Gen Pop was a little desperate (bar Alvares who was great). Bringing back Luke Perry was really pushing it. Just felt it was no longer as fresh as it used to be and might not qualify as appointment TV. Or maybe I just miss Adebisi...
Yes it is better that Prison Break (very much so).

by miso_kool on September 19, 2006 at 03:17 PM

does anyone remember when a current affair was a serious show that would have interviews in the studio on serious topics and not the latest way to loose weight ?

The Sun-Herald

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The ratings race: Week 38

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