NEWS | MYCAREER | DOMAIN | DRIVE | FINANCE | MOBILE | RSVP | STAYZ
  network map | member centre  

Who We Are

Advertisement

The ratings race: Week 12

This blog is now a heritage item -- worth studying but no longer current. To join the latest discussion on media and popular culture, go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind.

This is our Saturday special report, designed to allow footy fans to engage in arcane arguments about whether rugby league could or should ever succeed in non-rugby states, and vice versa for AFL. Certainly the NRL's support in Sydney and Brisbane was enough to put Nine slightly ahead of Seven on the night, but not enough to turn the tide. Seven is winning the week so far with 29.4 per cent of the prime time audience, while Nine is on 28.0 per cent, Ten is on 22.4, the ABC is on 15.3 and SBS is on 5.0.

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,287,000 331,000 386,000 225,000 159,000 186,000
2 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,216,000 399,000 350,000 177,000 145,000 146,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,212,000 343,000 366,000 184,000 146,000 173,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 1,160,000 333,000 411,000 191,000 142,000 82,000
5 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,035,000 318,000 312,000 189,000 140,000 76,000
25 NINE'S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 466,000 297,000 M Not shown 169,000 A Not shown P Not shown
27 AIRPORT -RPT Nine 440,000 S Not shown 204,000 B Not Shown 90,000 146,000
28 AIRLINE Nine 422,000 S Not shown 208,000 B Not shown 87,000 127,000
30 NINE'S LIVE FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 413,000 413,000 Not shown in any other city
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Updated 10 am Friday March 23
What Australia watched, Thursday:
1. Missing Persons Unit Nine 1.314m
2. Seven News Seven 1.222
3. My Name Is Earl Seven 1.222
4. Lost Seven 1.211
5. Today Tonight Seven 1.148
6. Law and Order: SVU Ten 1.129
7. Nine News Nine 1.107
8. Home and Away Seven 1.086
9. The Biggest Loser Ten 1.073
10. Getaway Nine 1.059
11. A Current Affair Nine 1.054
12. How I Met Your Mother Seven 1.040
13. The Footy Show Nine 1.028
14. Law and Order: Criminal Intent Ten 1.019
15. Jamie At Home Ten 0.928

Nine won Thursday night but Seven looks set to win the week, averaging 29.6 per cent of the prime time audience so far, with Nine on 27.9, Ten on 22.8 (helped by growing support for The Biggest Loser), ABC on 14.7 and SBS on 5.0.
Updated 10 am Thursday March 21
What Australia watched, Wednesday:
1. House Ten 1.384m
2. Seven News Seven 1.338
3. McLeod's Daughters Nine 1.320
4. Police Files Seven 1.290
5. Today Tonight Seven 1.230
6. Nine News Nine 1.177
7. Cold Case Nine 1.156
8. SCU: Serious Crash Unit Seven 1.139
9. The Biggest Loser Ten 1.114
10. Heroes Seven 1.108
11. A Current Affair Nine 1.091
12. Spicks and Specks ABC 1.070
13. Prison Break Seven 1.027
14. Without A Trace Nine 1.025
15. Home and Away Seven 1.005
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Seven looks set to win the week, averaging 30.1 per cent of the prime time audience so far, with Nine on 27.3, Ten on 22.6 (helped by growing support for The Biggest Loser), ABC on 15.1 (helped by Spicks and Specks, and likely to be further boosted next week when The Chaser replaces Extras at 9pm) and SBS on 4.9.

Updated 10 am Wednesday March 21
What Australia watched, Tuesday:
1. Dancing with the Stars Seven 1.737m
2. All Saints Seven 1.510
3. Seven News Seven 1.413
4. Today Tonight Seven 1.285
5. The Biggest Loser - Intruders Ten 1.229
6. Nine News Nine 1.191
7. A Current Affair Nine 1.178
8. Home and Away Seven 1.148
9. NCIS Ten 1.110
10. 20 to 1 Nine 1.044
11. Temptation Nine 1.022
12. ABC News ABC 0.985
13. CSI 9:30pm Nine 0.934
14. CSI 8:30pm Nine 0.908
15. Crossing Jordan Seven 0.838

Updated 10 am Tuesday March 20
If there was a direct correlation between quality of performance and size of audience, the Despos would have scored more than 2 million viewers last night. But apparently half a million of its former fans are unaware that it has come good again this season, and the best episode of the year attracted a healthy but not spectacular 1.56 million.

That was nevertheless enough to put Seven in front for the week, with the prime time audience share now averaging 29.2 per cent for Seven, 28.3 for Nine, 21.5 for Ten, 15.5 for the ABC and 5.5 for SBS (thanks to 579,000 viewers for Mythbusters and no thanks to 228,000 for Pizza).

What Australia watched, Monday
1. Desperate Housewives Seven 1.563m
2. Seven News Seven 1.421
3. 1 vs 100 Nine 1.382
4. Today Tonight Seven 1.331
5. The Biggest Loser Ten 1.289
6. Bondi Rescue Ten 1.269
7. Nine News Nine 1.245
8. A Current Affair Nine 1.220
9. Brothers & Sisters Seven 1.160
10. The Rich List Seven 1.159
11. Home and Away Seven 1.092
12. CSI: NY Nine 1.077
13. What's Good For You Nine 1.046
14. ABC News ABC 0.979
15. Temptation Nine 0.935

Updated 10 am Monday March 19
It's a rare viewing night when ten programs can attract more than 1.2 million viewers. But that was the story on Sunday. Exhilarated by a day spent celebrating the Bridge's birthday, everybody stayed up to watch everything. Betwen 8.30 and 9.30 five million people in the mainland capitals were glued to the box.

Every station had its winners, but Nine did best over the longest time, and averaged 29.5 per cent of the prime time audience, to Seven's 27.3.

What Australia watched, Sunday
1. Grey's Anatomy Seven 1.599m
2. Nine News Nine 1.577
3. Australia's Got Talent Seven 1.432
4. Ugly Betty Seven 1.413
5. 20 to 1 Nine 1.396
6. 60 Minutes Nine 1.386
7. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Nine 1.347
8. Seven News Seven 1.318
9. CSI: Miami Nine 1.276
10. Constructing Australia: The Bridge ABC 1.245
11. The Biggest Loser Ten 1.218
12. Joanne Lees: Murder In The Outback Ten 1.069
13. F1: Australian Grand Prix (Race Coverage) Ten 1.036
14. Agatha Christie's Miss Marple ABC 0.981
15. ABC News ABC 0.967

Updated 10 am Sunday March 18
A wild theory went around last week that A Current Affair had managed to persuade the viewers of Australia that its rival Today Tonight should be punished for behaving deceptively, sensationally and unethically. The theory arose from Tuesday's ratings figures, which showed TT's audience had plummeted to 1.16 million (down from an average of 1.30 million the previous week) while ACA had risen to 1.17 million (from 1.13 million the previous week). On Monday ACA had attacked TT for trying to embarrass Mercedes Corby.

th_naomirobson.jpg The theory lasted 24 hours, until Wednesday night's figures showed TT back up to 1.26 million and ACA down to 1.08 million. So after years of scandals, accusations and official wrist-slappings, there are still 2.3 million people in the mainland capitals who find the content of the daily commercial current affairs programs credible enough -- or at least entertaining enough -- to justify continued viewing.

Seven won the week, despite that TT-induced dip on Tuesday and a rugby league-induced fillip for Nine on Thursday and Friday. Seven's prime time audience share averaged 30.1 per cent, while Nine got 27.7 per cent, Ten got 20.9, the ABC got 15.8 and SBS got 5.4.

What Australia watched, week ending March 17
1. Dancing With The Stars (7) 1.87m
2. Ugly Betty (7) 1.51
3 House (10) 1.49
4. Grey's Anatomy (7) 1.46
5. Desperate Housewives (7) 1.44
6. CSI (9) 1.407 All Saints (7) 1.36
8 Australia's Got Talent (7) 1.35
9 Seven News (7) 1.33
10 Seven Sunday news (7) 1.32
11 McLeod's Daughters (9) 1,32
12 1 vs 100 (9) 1.30
13. CSI: Miami (9) 1.28
14 Better Homes and Gardens (7) 1.27
15 The Biggest Loser - Elimination (10) 1.27
16 Police Files Unlocked (7) 1.26
17 Missing Persons Unit (9) 1.24
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

David Dale is the author of Who We Are -- A snapshot of Australia today (Allen and Unwin). His latest book is Soffritto -- A delicious Ligurian memoir. For further observations of Australian attitudes and behaviour, go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind.

COMMENTS

Hey, TM could you please tell me how the NAB cup final rated on Sat, as compared to other programs on at that time. Thanks!

Tribal Mind replies: Saturday night's ratings are in the column covering last week, which you will find two stories below this one at www.smh.com.au/tribalmind.

  • by Helena on March 18, 2007 at 12:31 PM

Many thanks for this blog which, I kid you not, is one of THE highlights in my day. Sounds nerdy but its true! :)

  • by William on March 18, 2007 at 01:33 PM

ACA and TT must be targeting the Alzheimer's generation: those that don't notice they're the same stories recycled over and over ad nauseam

  • by Simon on March 18, 2007 at 02:48 PM

Did you know that since Friday night rugby league game is shown live now, that after a goalkick, there is a 30 second break in the game before the kickoff. This is so Channel Nien can show a commercial.

Another poor example of how Channel Nien is running and ruining rugby league

  • by daz on March 19, 2007 at 08:11 AM

Would be interested in how the FINA Swimming Championships Opening Ceremony rated on Saturday night.
Channel Nine are telecasting it so I predict it will rate over 2 million!

Tribal MInd replies: Cannot find any reference to it in Saturday's ratings. What time was it?

  • by bettestreep on March 19, 2007 at 10:16 AM

Did you know that since Friday night rugby league game is shown live now, that after a goalkick, there is a 30 second break in the game before the kickoff. This is so Channel Nien can show a commercial.

Another poor example of how Channel Nien is running and ruining rugby league

Posted by: daz at March 19, 2007 8:11 AM


on the contrary daz
the fact that friday night football got 991,000 in 3 cities shows how 9 is doing the right thing by showing live games on friday nights.

while i agree that the 30 second break after a conversion is wrong you cant just assume 9 is ruining league by showing commercials

  • by a on March 19, 2007 at 10:33 AM

Nein's pause to allow commercials?

Beats C7s Rugby timeshift telecast. Each half begins live but by the end of the half there's a 5 minute delay - I normally utilise the ABC radio when watching footy matches.

  • by canoli on March 19, 2007 at 12:36 PM

Sorry TM - I was having a lend.

Channel Eddie paid big bucks for the rights of the FINA championships but have decided to air a 1 hour highlight package in the first week at about 11.30pm!

They stuff up every sports telecast they ever had and then have the nerve to rubbish the other stations!

Am somewhat surprised with the Joanne Lees TVM not in the Top 10. It apparently got great reviews all round. Was it another "cool aid" debacle? Worried about how Rove will fare with the (overrrated) Greys and CSI on Sundays!

  • by bettestreep on March 19, 2007 at 12:37 PM

Daz, ruining regby league with a 30 sec commercial after points are scored?? Are you serious? Do you work for Ch 7? Only a rival would pull that ridiculous stunt. The afl has had the 30 sec ad after goals for as long as i can remember. In fact, there is a light that flashes to let the ump know that it's ok to bounce the ball. To say it's ruining rugby league is a joke. I'm sure the players would appreciate a 30 second break after points are scored. Give us all a break Daz, and get off your high horse.

  • by Wardy on March 19, 2007 at 01:35 PM

Surely Nine could show one 15 second commercial during the live footy coverage and charge the advertiser the 30 second rate for the privilege of people not having time to 'see a man about a dog'.

  • by Sacs on March 19, 2007 at 02:35 PM

I would be very interested in a comparison of SBS's ratings with say their ratings this time last year.

We used to watch the SBS news 7 nights a week, but now I avoid it completely, while my other half watches until the ad break around 6.50pm and then turns on the ABC.

He says half the ads are just promos for their own shows, and are not revenue raisers.

I must confess that I do miss Mary and the news which was IMO the best on TV. But I can't stand the ads, the unnecessary companion newsreader, and the stories broadcast just to pad out the hour.

Not to mention sports stories, yuk.
It was great when they had a separate sports show on after the news for those who are interested.

  • by Sal on March 19, 2007 at 03:49 PM

who won sunday night?

  • by john on March 19, 2007 at 03:50 PM

Every week, Ugly Betty is slipping further and further down the rankings. Despite the millions of dollars Seven is throwing into the advertising, it doesn't seem like it's going to be the runaway hit like it has been in the US. Finding it really disappointing, however, to see that it was beaten by AUSTRALIA'S GOT (NO) TALENT! What the hell? What is wrong with people? How is that the 3rd most popular program of the night?! It's appalling! Makes me re-think how Rove will cope in the Sunday night timeslot, if AGT is doing that well, maybe it's because people are craving variety shows. Because I honestly can't think of any other reason for it's popularity. Nobody I know watches it.

  • by Beckala on March 19, 2007 at 03:56 PM

I thought it's quite odd that Ch 9 has been promoting the FINA Swimming Championships so much, yet they only screen them in a late night timeslot.

  • by J Bar on March 19, 2007 at 04:29 PM

I have a question regarding TT and ACA.
I know for a fact TT recycles their stories. I saw a story a while ago involving the flavour enhancer 635. And I distinctly remember seeing that a couple of years ago.
Does anyone know if ACA does the same?
Oh and does Channel Nine still run the "Still the One" ads? Because if they do, it'd be kind of funny...

  • by MissUnderstood on March 19, 2007 at 04:49 PM

I know I'm being pedantic but, as a long-time fan of Agatha Christie, what were "they" thinking putting Miss Marple into a Tommy and Tuppence mystery? I know there have been changes in the other stories but last night's effort was all over the place like a mad woman's knitting. Finished venting.

  • by Shoopie on March 19, 2007 at 04:51 PM

Posted by: a at March 19, 2007 10:33 AM "while i agree that the 30 second break after a conversion is wrong you cant just assume 9 is ruining league by showing commercials"

Perhaps he meant ruining it for true fans who actually attend the game, rather than watch it on tv... God forbid!

  • by Rob on March 19, 2007 at 04:57 PM

Wow, I can't beleive Ugly betty got only 1.4m last night. I hope it gets higher rating in the next couple weeks as I heard from friends that it's really good. Also, did anyone watch seven news on sunday night when they had the old picture of the syney Harbour bridge behind the news reader, it looked really good. Also, it's good to see channel 9 put live football on friday nights, but apart from that, nothing else on channel 9 interest me. Maybe one day they should put a 20 to 1 of all the 20 to 1 they have had before, now that I would not even think about watching. And TM when does the AFL start on free to air TV? thanks, keep up the good work

  • by Sandra on March 19, 2007 at 05:18 PM

Posted by: Shoopie at March 19, 2007 4:51 PM
Ummm, forgot to mention that I was raving on about Miss Marple last night on ABC at 8.35ish ...Auntie having caught the same time bug that has inflicted the commercial stations for some time.
As for our increasing prediliction for TT, ACA and AGT et al, perhaps the years of fast foods have have the finally turned our brains to mush, I mean, you are what you eat. What other reason could there be for the popularity of BB for example?

  • by Shoopie on March 19, 2007 at 06:00 PM

Shoopie, prepare to be further outraged: this series of Marple also contains an adaptation of The Sittaford Mystery (a non-Marple book) and the next series features Towards Zero and Ordeal by Innocence (2 other non-Marple mysteries).

  • by Fielding on March 19, 2007 at 06:24 PM

Arggh! People with rating meters, please do not watch 20 to 1... it merely encourage lazy cheap programming. I did not watch TV last night but if we want to see locally made shows or decent FTA scheduling, do not watch the no-frills cheap as chips bast##dization compilation shows... Can never understand why 20 to 1 rates at all ...let alone top 5. Plus, it is also never explained in the show who decides the ranking of the items in the top 20, are Bert's family the decision makers? Morgan Gallop? Who knows? End of rant & rave

  • by kate on March 19, 2007 at 06:53 PM

Posted by: Fielding at March 19, 2007 6:24 PM
Oh God, why? It's not as if Agatha only churned out a couple of books.
Looks like I will just have to watch with lips pursed and thinking of England.

  • by Shoopie on March 19, 2007 at 07:34 PM

How can Aust's Got Talent, Ugly Betty and Grey's win their timeslots and Channel Nine still end up winning the night??? It must be the What About Brian show hey?? I agree with comments previously that Seven should put Crossing Jordon after Grey's, Seven definitely don't need any more help on Tues, so I don't know why they are putting Jordon on that day. But then I guess Seven are still winning the ratings (although probably by not the margins people expected) and there's no need to change any programming at this stage.

  • by Helena on March 19, 2007 at 07:38 PM

Hey TM, just wanted to know how Cheaters went on Sun night? Thnx
Tribal Mind replies: 407,000. Now what do you make of that information?

  • by Reid on March 19, 2007 at 08:11 PM

Maybe Channel 7 should shift Lost into the Sunday 9:30pm timeslot. It's not doing well with the HIMYM lead in, WAB is not doing so well, for that matter, Ugly Betty is sinking every week. Maybe Lost could bring back the viewers. It's more logical than putting Crossing Jordan in, if they are trying to bring in the big guns for the first half of the year. I'm really interested to see what their plan is for the second half of the year - maybe they'll finally listen to us and screen new programs along with the US. I know people complain about the US schedule being just as bad, if not worse than ours. But it's human nature - if you can see what is happening ahead of airing time, if you really like the show, you'll do anything to see it. Thus, why downloading is so big with shows like Lost. If they air it around the same time (within a day or so), I think that will impact on the viewer numbers. I'm one of those people who, if i'm watching a delayed football game, i'll go and check the score so I know how it ends. Same with tv shows, if I know I can see it earlier than waiting for channel 7/9/10, I'll try to find out what happens (although as I am downloadedly challenged, I just try to read reviews, or try to rely on TV PEEK).

  • by Beckala on March 19, 2007 at 10:00 PM

We used to watch the SBS news 7 nights a week, but now I avoid it completely, while my other half watches until the ad break around 6.50pm and then turns on the ABC.

Posted by: Sal at March 19, 2007 3:49 PM
=---------------------------=

I feel the same way. I have been watching much less of SBS and I often switch off at the first ad break.
It is a joke. One of their supposed justifications was that viewers would prefer programs and movies to be regularly interrupted. Rather than having the ads at the end of the program.
It is still a public broadcaster. Success should be viewer satisfaction and providing a quality viewing experience. Not seeing how much advertising you can generate or trying to be an inferior version of the commerical stations.
There is a huge difference between watching a tv series or movie on DVD uninterrupted, compared to seeing it on a commercial channel.
SBS was my favourite station, I used to be proud that Australia had such a station.
Now I just feel so much hate towards the SBS board. Because it is a momentous decision that will be hard to reverse. I am not sure what can be done.

  • by Sean M on March 20, 2007 at 12:31 AM

Yes, I echo the comments about SBS news and ads in general. The old news format was great to watch. It was tight, information packed and presented in a professional, no nonsense way.
Look at it now! It's padded out, repetitive, broken by commercials and has a 'panel' of presenters for some reason. Oh and the set sucks. The program is a shadow of its former self - I simply cannot stand to watch it anymore, and I don't.

  • by damien on March 20, 2007 at 07:56 AM

Posted by: Sandra at March 19, 2007 5:18 PM
Sandra, i have one thing to say...you need to get out more!

  • by Rob on March 20, 2007 at 08:21 AM

Shoopie wrote: I know I'm being pedantic but, as a long-time fan of Agatha Christie, what were "they" thinking putting Miss Marple into a Tommy and Tuppence mystery? I know there have been changes in the other stories but last night's effort was all over the place like a mad woman's knitting. Finished venting.

I understand the vent Shoopie but I figure I will take Greta Saachi, Charles Dance and Anthony Andrews over the casts of GA and CSI any day - even when they are hamming it up. And add to that finally proof that actors who play Dr Who companions do not vanish entirely after they leave the show.

  • by Cat on March 20, 2007 at 09:01 AM

It appears perennial copycats Seven will be resting their 25 - 30 year old dated Aus serial TV repeats and launching their own weekday morning advertorial show (presumably under the Sunrise banner), to take advantage of the lucrative dollars this type of show is currently making for Nine and Ten, but getting Larry Emdur as the host is a mistake. I'd give the job to either Lisa Wilkinson (if she was interested) who co-hosts the mediocre Sunday Sunrise, Chris Bath, 6 - 9 am regulars Nat Barr or Monique Wright (if either were interested), or Ann Sanders.

  • by GBaxter on March 20, 2007 at 09:36 AM

Hi TM, solid win for Seven last night. How did Scrubs do against the competition on Ten and Nine?
It seems Seven has a complete viewing lineup there for a Monday night.
Now I know you're going to ask me, 'now what does that information tell you?' and I could answer that if we had a history of of the ratings for that timeslot.
I'm guessing it's improved Seven's share especially since there are sooooo many Scrubs fans b*tching about it for not being on air.

Tribal MInd replies: 395,000.

  • by bugzy on March 20, 2007 at 10:08 AM

I like What About Brian. It's a warm show. Leave it where it is. Crossing Jordan has passed its use by date anyway.
And as for Channel Nein in Adelaide - please stop promoting coverage of NRL on Sunday in your guides when you decide to stick us with Gilmore Girls and Joan of Arcadia - talk about getting the demographics mixed up!!!

  • by cronk on March 20, 2007 at 10:20 AM

Maybe Channel 7 should shift Lost into the Sunday 9:30pm timeslot. It's not doing well with the HIMYM lead in, WAB is not doing so well, for that matter, Ugly Betty is sinking every week. Maybe Lost could bring back the viewers. It's more logical than putting Crossing Jordan in, if they are trying to bring in the big guns for the first half of the year. I'm really interested to see what their plan is for the second half of the year - maybe they'll finally listen to us and screen new programs along with the US. I know people complain about the US schedule being just as bad, if not worse than ours. But it's human nature - if you can see what is happening ahead of airing time, if you really like the show, you'll do anything to see it.
Posted by: Beckala at March 19, 2007 10:00 PM

I'm also astounded why lost dosnt rate well here, i know the 3rd season has started a little slow, but i encourage any fans to stick with it, as it really heats up over the next month.

  • by bungchow on March 20, 2007 at 10:30 AM

How does the show 1 vs 100 rate so well????? I am amazed. It is painfully slow - I turned over at a commercial break in Housewives to see someone pondering a question, then returned to Channel 7, watched till the next Housewives ad break, returned to 1vs100, and they were STILL on the same question. Aaaaagh.

  • by Goose on March 20, 2007 at 10:37 AM

G'day TM, Just wondering how Wilfred went at 10pm on SBS last night?
To me, I am disappointed that the news interrupts what is an ok comedy line-up. Although Pizza is getting worse with its age.
I hope Wilfred does alright at its 10pm timeslot, I don't usually watch the other stuff that SBS puts there (Shameless, Queer as Folk) but I loved the Tropfest short film of Wilfred and its good to have another Aussie sitcom on the air.
To me, SBS is becoming the next ABC and even though the ads are annoying, the amount of Australian content coming out of the SBS is at a large rate so the ads are there to give us more stuff like Wilfred.

Tribal MInd replies: Wilfred got 158,000.

  • by Earthquake on March 20, 2007 at 10:48 AM

I only really watch Despos because my wife likes it so it is on and there is nothing else to watch, but last night was indeed a corker.

  • by dave on March 20, 2007 at 11:24 AM

Yes, Desparate Housewives episode was worth watching last night, I have become less of a fan of the show, mainly due to Susan's character, but I did enjoy last night's episode. In contrast, I think last night's episode of my favourite show, Boston Legal, was not one of the best I've seen. Can't have it all, I guess.

  • by kate on March 20, 2007 at 11:26 AM

Posted by: Rob at March 20, 2007 8:21 AM
Sandra, i have one thing to say...you need to get out more!

I have one more thing to say - Sandra you need to get out of your CH7 office more - a little less transparent next time.
and Beckala - completely agree re Aus Got (no) Talent - how is this rating??? but then there's not much competition.

  • by AC on March 20, 2007 at 11:30 AM

Cronk - SA got both Gilmore Girls & Joan Of Arcadia instead of NRL - lucky them! If only they would schedule either on the Eastern Seaboard it would be an improvement on some of the stuff Nine are showing at the moment.
Kate - re Boston Legal -I liked last night's episode - especially where Alan Shore acknowledged he would get letters after his closing! They do not take themselves too seriously.
And I am a very happy camper now Scrubs is back (haven't seen last night's yet but will soon).
Also for Veronica Mars fans there is a rumour that it is not going to be renewed for season 4 in the US... I hope it is only a rumour..

  • by Cathy on March 20, 2007 at 12:07 PM

Posted by: Cat at March 20, 2007 9:01 AM
I agree Cat, thought Charles Dance was rather dishy actually!

  • by Shoopie on March 20, 2007 at 12:09 PM

Re: Ch7's new morning show - word is they are talking either Lisa Wilkinson or possibly Sarah Murdoch as host.

Despo's was great last night, just wish there was a better show between it and Boston Legal. Brothers and Sisters just doesn't cut it.

  • by cronk on March 20, 2007 at 12:18 PM

Kate, I can't believe that I was crying with laughter with Alan in the courtroom describing Scientology. But my friends and I joke about being a bit of a Star Trek fan show, with Shatner (of course) and Paul who used to be Odo, and also seven of nine in the LA episodes. Last night was Neelix in the stand as Scott Little's father.

  • by peta on March 20, 2007 at 12:49 PM

did pizza rate better on the same time slot as Drawn Together does (ie after South Park)??

  • by edu on March 20, 2007 at 01:30 PM

Hey cronk, You should give Brothers & Sisters a bit more of a chance. I think it's getting better every week. It's got some really good dialogue and plenty of funny moments. It may not be as hilarious as Boston Legal or over the top as Desperate Housewives but it too is a really good drama/comedy. The Americans call them dramadies. I think these types of programs are going to be the way of the future. It's more realistic for a show to have a balance of comedy and drama, just like real life.

TM, can you please let us know how Neighbours will be rating over the next two weeks, with their special episodes filmed in London?

  • by J Bar on March 20, 2007 at 01:55 PM

There's more Star Trek in Boston Legal!

the actor who played Quark (Deep Space 9) was also in lat night;s episode.

  • by Little Dog on March 20, 2007 at 02:17 PM

I totally agree with Cat. Give me Miss Marple (however they toy with it) and the many other UK shows, the ABC have/had on a Sunday night. Over the formula acting drip feed TV shows like Gray and CSI.

  • by Garry S on March 20, 2007 at 02:18 PM

Shot down in flames for critizing my beloved Boston Legal? I did enjoy Alan's defence against Scientology but although BL never claims to actually be "real" or even semi-realistic, I thought that the jury verdict coming back in his favour was too neat. Had Alan actually convincingly gazumped the avid American "freedom of religion" right, in one (albeit amusing) speech...nope. There have been far better courtroom scenes with Alan being brillant, the recent "unwinnable" case against the DA being one. The murder trial is also not quite Boston's usual fare, it is a little LA Law. Hey, I didn't say I "hated" last night's ep, just didn't think it was one of their best... glad others still enjoyed it... Cathy - you will enjoy Scrubs ep when you get to see it...

  • by kate on March 20, 2007 at 02:27 PM

Goose - Either the competitor was a complete moron OR Eddie has taken the "stretch" factor to a whole new level! (And I thought Oz Idol had that won it hands down - "we'll find out..... after the break!") OR
Desperate Housewives has 5 minutes ads for every 7.5 minutes of action!
Take your pick - but I am guessing a combination of all 3.
Networks! THIS is why your shows are continually going overtime!!!
I can excuse a live telecast like Big brother or Dancing with the Stars - but DH, Greys, Lost, CSI and even the goddawful 1 v 100 are PRE_RECORDED and therefore EDITABLE!!!
In conclusion - and I think we all know the answer - the stations are doing this deliberately to screw around with our viewing habits AND to mess around with those of us who "record" the program and watch it later!!!!
Still can't understand how Nine is neck and neck with Seven when the latter has so many shows in the Top 20 day in day out!!!

  • by bettestreep on March 20, 2007 at 03:30 PM

TM: Whats the PAy-tv ratings like with the NRL back on?

Tribal Mind reoplies: Not sure what you mean. The column above contains the top 30 pay programs for the ratings period up to now. Live RL matches get around 200,000 on Pay, if they are not on FTA at the same time.

  • by Jonny on March 20, 2007 at 03:36 PM

bungchow wrote: I'm also astounded why lost dosnt rate well here, i know the 3rd season has started a little slow, but i encourage any fans to stick with it, as it really heats up over the next month.
I am a Lost fan bungchow and I have enjoyed the last few episodes that aired in the States but even I spent part of Episode 12 saying out loud - is this an episode of Days of Our Lives??? The other story was fine but the linking of those two characters is straight out of DOOL or some other soap. Thankfully the story is accelerating because after that I think they badly need to get it done by Episode 100 as the producers claim they will.
Shoopie - I agree and also think Dance has travelled rather better than Andrews who looks a bit like he has been botoxed a little too much.

  • by Cat on March 20, 2007 at 03:52 PM

TM is "Tribal Mind reOplies" the same as your pet hate with lose vs loose?

Also keen to hear the response to "edu's" question ... did pizza top what drawing together brought in last week?

TM reOplies: I'll correct that typo, and as my punishment, I'll go back and research the question. It may take a few hours. Watch this space.

Tribal Mind comes back two days later (5pm Thursday), as promised: I said watch this space and I hope you are. Drawn Together got 224,000 the previous Monday. So there are 4,000 people in the mainland capitals who prefer Pizza to Drawn Together. What does this tell you?

  • by Emma on March 20, 2007 at 09:01 PM

Is it me, or has total ratings gone down? Back in the time where new shows such as DH and Lost, they were averaging 1.9-2 million viewers a week. So with the CSI and all the other shows. This time of the year 1.4 - 1.6 million is considered a big ratings winner. Can you clear this up TM ?

Tribal Mind replies: Total viewing is about the same, but spread over more shows. CSI is down because Grey's Anatomy is against it. In the past, a few shows dominated, with audiencesof 1.6m - 1.9m. Now lots of shows are getting 1.2-1.4. The mass market is fragmenting.

  • by Josephine on March 20, 2007 at 09:48 PM

EBroadcast has mentioned that Naomi Robson is trying to interest Seven in giving her an Oprah style Monday - Friday talk show that she's going to do a pilot for (that won't be aired), but other than, I wouldn't hold my breath for Seven to actually sign off on it, as a numbskull like Robson is no Oprah and Seven clearly know that. It could be something she could try and interest Foxtel with. If not, I'd suggest she move overseas and get job with CNN or some other similar cable network.

  • by Isabelle on March 20, 2007 at 10:06 PM

TM,
Did monday nights NRL on FOX SPORTS get some sort of ratings record? Thanks.

Tribal Mind replies: So rumour has it. I won't have final figures til next Monday.

  • by bobmar28 on March 21, 2007 at 08:27 AM

Desperate Housewives has 5 minutes ads for every 7.5 minutes of action: posted by Bettestreep

I was thinking that on Monday night watching DH. There were so many breaks in the show, I was wondering whether Ch7 had edited it down to fit more advertising in.

It was fun, because I got to watch almost all of the ABC show about Second Life just by changing over in the Despo commercial breaks!

  • by cronk on March 21, 2007 at 09:24 AM

I'm interested in how Neighbours does as well. While it's still better viewing than the current affairs shows, it really is awful the way they've sexed it up (not that there's anything wrong with that in general, just at 6:30pm I think there is a problem with it) and got oodles of generic blondes and unsympathetic young characters on it now.

  • by PopGoesCanberra on March 21, 2007 at 10:54 AM

Desperate Housewives has 5 minutes ads for every 7.5 minutes of action: posted by Bettestreep...

Yes, that is one of the things you really noticed when watching downloaded or episodes on commercial DVDs, the average duration of a Grey's epsiode is 40-42 minutes, so when watched on FTA, 1/3 is ads

  • by kate on March 21, 2007 at 10:57 AM

Before Naomi tries to get a job at CNN, as Isabelle suggests, she may need to get qualified as a journalist.

Unless Isabelle was proposing she is employed as a makeup artist or production assistant?

  • by Andy on March 21, 2007 at 11:25 AM

People are asking what Naomi should do now, and Ive seen the few comments above indicating a move to American cable, and then to make-up artist or production assistant.

Come on people, lets aim lower for her to start with, considering I reckon she'd fail as a fluffer in the adult business. I mean, could you EVER see this woman getting her hands dirty?

  • by Mat on March 21, 2007 at 12:04 PM

Great results for "Crossing Jordan"...what an amazing series return and great that people are watching it! Once again I'm very disappointed with "NCIS" ratings...not blaming Ten but why is it not strong???

  • by Signor Nick on March 21, 2007 at 01:34 PM

Will be interested to see how Heroes rates tonite. It is being ruined by the sheer volume of ads (10 per commercial break - I counted!). I cannot watch it like that anymore. Is there some ruling on how many ads are allowed per break?

  • by goose on March 21, 2007 at 01:34 PM

What should Naomi do now? Who cares? I always hated her , she is so fake and phoney looking and I ,for one could care less if she is ever on TV again.
And someone on this blog mentioned she could do a Oprah type show? You have to be joking! Naomi is no Oprah! Ever!
Naomi take your money and find another career. Outside TV. I don't miss her at all.

  • by em on March 21, 2007 at 02:21 PM

While we are discussing Naomi, I think she should go into infomercials.

I can see her now, smiling so insincerely, selling insurance to OAPs. Or even better...funeral plans.

Spicks & Specks tonight, people, followed by Extras - my favourite night.

  • by Shoopie on March 21, 2007 at 02:26 PM

I think the reason why 7's big shows are rating so badly is because of the advertising. I download and watch the 4 big ones (lost, grey's,. ugly betty and heros) and think that they are not advestising the best bits of the episoe and trying to 'soap' them up

  • by Anonymous on March 21, 2007 at 02:59 PM

If seven and nine (or any of the other FTA channels) are transmitting with encryption, then i say that's another good reason to give them the shove. Is that there way of getting back at us for downloading or taping to watch later? Oh well, it shouldn't be much longer till FTA goes the way of the other dinosaurs.

  • by Robbieb on March 21, 2007 at 03:20 PM

Help, can I please vent my disgust at the pukefest going on at the Daily Telegraph’s blog about how much Sarah Murdoch will be missed by viewers (the comments are from bloggers). She made me cringe, everyday she would show a lack of general knowledge, her comments about the Australian Tennis Open and the question of whether the brawl was caused by troublemaker tourists (open a history book, honey), her comment that cigarettes are temping to kids because they sit on counters next to the sweets (funny, I thought that was illegal), the list goes on, she’s a bore and it really show’s that Jessica at least has something between her ears and I guess how good Tracy Grimshaw was in the role. Thanks!

  • by Crashsplat on March 21, 2007 at 04:41 PM

Mat @ 12.04.

A little harsh assessment don't you think? Surely her previous experience in landing her on air roles would come to the fore (faking sincerity of course - what else?)

  • by Bewildered on March 21, 2007 at 04:48 PM

Posted by: Crashsplat at March 21, 2007 4:41 PM

Surely you didn't she was hired for her intelligence, did you?

  • by Joosiloo on March 21, 2007 at 05:23 PM

For The Chaser War on Everything show fans, the new 2007 series is finally back on 9 pm next Wednesday March 28.

  • by GBaxter on March 21, 2007 at 09:13 PM

Naomi Robson should perhaps consider becoming a politician or at least a spokeswoman for them. She works well in front of the camera, is good at reading a script somebody else wrote, has proven credentials for being sensationalist, and poor creditability when it comes to the truth. She's a shoe in.

  • by TGO on March 21, 2007 at 09:33 PM

TM, what was wrong with my post earlier today, there was no profanity and contributed to the discussion of this blog even though it had nothing to do with Naomi.

Tribal Mind replies: The last comment from you that we received went like this:
Don @ 10.36am. If your not running broadband or cable then trying to download anything is a waste of time. I donwloaded season 5 of The Shield recently and took about two nights as it was around 4 gig. Keep trying to download the series if you can as it answers some old storylines and the final episode is brilliant - 11 episodes to the season. Cathy - Scrubs is scheduled for 11.30pm next Monday night. Cat - love your work.

If you have sent something since that, please send it again.

  • by dab on March 21, 2007 at 10:08 PM

I think that House will again win Wednesday night and hence prove that it is the more popular Medical Drama ( if you can even call Grey's a drama ),
It's ratings are slowly going up and has been higher than what Grey achieves on Sunday nights.

  • by Peter on March 21, 2007 at 10:22 PM

RE: TT vs ACA
Posted by: MissUnderstood at March 19, 2007 4:49 PM

Since no one else is throwing in their 2 cents. I've been watching ACA for the last probably 6 months and in that time i haven't noticed any repeated stories. However something ACA does better than TT is that A Current Affair actually does 'report' on current affairs. They seem to sometimes present stories on events that had only made NEWS a few hours earlier whereas TT just stick to the same old junk like fueding neighbours, supermarket prices/freshness mishaps ect

Also for me, Tracey is more likeable than Anna who sounds like a man and can't seem to keep her head still while speaking

  • by stephen on March 21, 2007 at 11:54 PM

All of you out there who watch Ugbly Betty, I salute you. How you can sit through something so predictable, boring and barely funny is beyond my comprehension.

The only thing I can put it down to is that everything on the other chnnels is even worse. The programming in the non-ratings period was better than it is now!

  • by sara on March 22, 2007 at 07:19 AM

TM like dab I lost a comment somewhere in the ether. Mine was just a question from a country girl about how the cholesterol raising "Not all tea and scones" CWA doco went on Tuesday. Did it break 500K?

Tribal Mind replies: What seems to be happening is the computer is deleting comments which have been "previewed" by the commenter. So the idea is to write the post, read through to check spelling etc, do not click on preview, and just post. NATAS got 637,000

  • by Cat on March 22, 2007 at 08:41 AM

"All of you out there who watch Ugly Betty, I salute you. How you can sit through something so predictable, boring and barely funny is beyond my comprehension."

I thought it was the other way around. How could anyone not find UB funny? (And no I don't work for channel 7, I find AGNoT & Grey's a complete turn-off in comparison).
"The programming in the non-ratings period was better than it is now!"
From experience, I watched no shows in the off-season, now I'm watching four. It seems to be way better in the ratings season!

  • by arthur on March 22, 2007 at 09:42 AM

Neighbours is doing very well this week with episodes with Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Izzy returning. I've seen on another TV ratings blog that Neighbours got 825,000 on Wednesday night and has been above 800k all week. That's a huge improvement of nearly 200k viewers, only a couple of weeks ago. Can they sustain it after two weeks of special episodes in London?

  • by J Bar on March 22, 2007 at 10:50 AM

Re: Heroes.

I have now given Heroes the flick. It is becoming more and more contrived with characters who are less and less interesting. Is it just me or do other readers here find the acting rather poor ??

On the other hand, Lost is absolutely brills as far as I am concerned.

  • by Craig Burden on March 22, 2007 at 10:58 AM

Hi TM. I don't think it is just " previewed" comments that are being lost in cyberspace. I didn't preview one of the comments I sent last night, answering some one's advertisement quota question and my answer seems to have gone "pfft"?

  • by kate on March 22, 2007 at 11:21 AM

Disappointed to see Heroes' ratings dropping each week. I'm still hooked. I've downloaded Greys and DH, so this and Prison Break are my only two must-watch shows for the week. (No net access at home at the moment, or I'd be downloading those too...)

  • by PDM71 on March 22, 2007 at 11:36 AM

Quoth arthur at March 22, 2007 9:42 AM: "How could anyone not find UB funny?"

I'm no UB fan. I haven't watched it for a while; I stopped watching it because I just wasn't laughing. (Maybe it shouldn't have been promoted as a comedy?) The casting is good (especially Betty), but it just doesn't grab me. No great loss, more time for reading. :)

Oh, and the final episode of Extras was great last night. I was watching between my fingers in cringing horror at times, but it was quite brilliant. Loved the ending. I've definitely enjoyed this series far more than the first.

And The Chaser's back on next week! Hurrah!

  • by tqd on March 22, 2007 at 01:49 PM

The ABC network in the US have issued a press release regarding the drama and reality shows they've renewed for 2007 – 2008 : Men in Trees, Boston Legal, Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters, Desp Housewives, Lost, Grey's Anatomy
(in drama).

Poor rating shows unlikely to return are : What About Brian, October Road, Six Degrees, The Nine, Daybreak, According to Jim, George Lopez, Knights of Prosperity, In Case of Emergency, Help Me Help You, Big Day.

  • by Barry on March 22, 2007 at 02:17 PM

"extras" last week?? OH NO.
crisis......love the show.
hoping to catch the documentary tonight on ABC about people with obsessive compulsive disorders.....
'the Eagle' on SBS is not too bad.

Tracey was great on morning 9 TV. jessica and sarah dont have her presence. Maybe that comes with experience?
shes doing a good job on ACA....she comes accross as a sincere, intellegent woman in whatever role she takes on.
Our household would be delighted to see her back in the morning chair one day!

  • by lily on March 22, 2007 at 03:02 PM

What were the figures for 24 last night?
Tribal Mind replies; 499,000. Why?

  • by tr on March 22, 2007 at 03:43 PM

tqd wrote :"the final episode of Extras was great last night"...

and lily wrote :""extras" last week?? OH NO"

I just read yesterday that Gervais/Merchant are doing one last episode of Extras, like what they did with The Office, to be screened in the UK around xmas. Then apparently Ricky Gervais is looking at writing drama (??) Intriguing...

  • by Tonksy on March 22, 2007 at 05:41 PM

Kate wrote:Hi TM. I don't think it is just " previewed" comments that are being lost in cyberspace. I didn't preview one of the comments I sent last night, answering some one's advertisement quota question and my answer seems to have gone "pfft"?

TM - first thanks for the NATAS number and second I second Kate's comment. I suffered the preview problem last year and have avoided it like the plague since. So we probably have another ghost in the machine to make life interesting. :)

And on Heroes I am trying really hard to like it as it is not a soap or a cop/medical show but I am not enjoying the individual episodes as much as I enjoy the individual eps of Lost. Even when the story is slow to progress. Might be the fact that Lost limits the subplots to episode to 2 or 3 and I am too easily distracted to handle it jumping between 6 or 8. Also as irritating as the flashbacks can be on Lost at least they have fleshed out the characters a bit.

  • by Cat on March 22, 2007 at 05:42 PM

"I have now given Heroes the flick. It is becoming more and more contrived with characters who are less and less interesting. Is it just me or do other readers here find the acting rather poor ??
On the other hand, Lost is absolutely brills as far as I am concerned. Posted by: Craig Burden at March 22, 2007 10:58 AM"

I love Heroes and the acting seems good to me. I watch Heroes & Lost and at the moment, Heroes is the better show. Who agrees?
Lost is taking way too long to tell us what is going on with the Others, i just want to know already. Whereas with Heroes, things are always happening, and I heard the last 3 episodes of Season 1 are fantastic.
By the way PDM71, Heroes ratings went up a little this week.

  • by Michael on March 22, 2007 at 05:55 PM

Craig Burden wrote: "I have now given Heroes the flick. It is becoming more and more contrived with characters who are less and less interesting. Is it just me or do other readers here find the acting rather poor ??"

Just you, I think. The only character I don't like is Niki and her alter-ego, but that's it, the rest of the characters are very good. I don't know what you mean by 'contrived' – it's a superhero based premise with a storyline that's progressing to a climax at season's end.

Craig Burden wrote: "On the other hand, Lost is absolutely brills as far as I am concerned."

Ok, now I get it, you were kidding! Either that or you swapped around your comments for the shows. If you looked up the meaning of 'contrived' in wikipedia, it would have a definition of: Lost – a manufactured drama filled with irrelevant detail and pointless back stories portrayed through endless flashbacks and that leads to nowhere.

  • by damien on March 22, 2007 at 06:04 PM

While I agree that Lost has suffered from a lacklustre sophmore season, the 3rd so far is really good, and from what I have seen and read it gets much better, as the producers have come out and stated they will probably wrap it all up by the end of the fourth season.
However, Heroes is so much better than Lost as those that download can attest. The action is faster and the reveals are far more plentiful and satisfying. Its very well done as far as a sci-fi sort of show goes. not to mention it gets gorier too, always a plus in my book.
Good to see House continues to win though - best show on the box by far. Never wouldve thought I'd get into a medical show, but hey, here I am.

  • by Mat on March 22, 2007 at 06:40 PM

Barry at March 22, 2007 2:17 PM

Did the site you visited really say 'October Road' probably wont return? Its aired one episode so far, giving the ABC network its highest figures in that time-slot in 9 years or something (14m viewers)...Ugly Betty is performing well below that and it got picked up.

  • by William on March 22, 2007 at 08:06 PM

Okay like all of you are already aware...Ch9 suck. Last night was the first time in years i watched an episode of McLeod's Daughters to watch the Jodie character exit the show only to find out that we'll have to wait 3 weeks to see the next ep.
And one of my favourite shows Extreme Makeover was given the flick (hopefully temporarily) for some swimming finals. Honestly what's the point of putting on swimming finals at 10.30pm???
Ch9...i'm glad you're losing your crown of dominace this year

  • by steve on March 22, 2007 at 08:12 PM

Posted by: Barry at March 22, 2007 2:17 PM
Hey Barry...thanks for the info but just on the issue of October Road...didn't it just premiere last week? It also follows Grey's on Thursday so it's pretty difficult for anything to fail in with a lead in like that.
Side notes - No...Ugly Betty is NOT funny, House (although i couldn't care less if i miss an ep) was brilliant last night and TBL seems to of won it's timeslot every night this week

  • by stephen on March 22, 2007 at 08:18 PM

Why do people keep expecting Ugly Betty to be a rolling-in-the-isles funny sitcom? It isn't and it wasn't meant to be (like say Seinfeld or Raymond). It's just light hearted entertainment taking a dig at things superficial (the fashion industry and the 'beautiful' people), as seen through the eyes of a likable, 'normal' person with a big heart. Taken for what it is, it's wonderful way to spend an hour!

  • by damien on March 22, 2007 at 09:34 PM

After many years of arduous research I've come to the conclusion that the TV stations exist mainly to service their biggest (read most important) clients, the advertisers.

In the grand scheme of things we mean very little to them. In between running the adverts they toss us a few crumbs, the TV shows. Hey, who cares if the episodes are run out of order or are reruns, or run overtime causing up problems with taping etc, as long as we see the adverts.

Just don't get me started on the ratings. Finished venting.

I wonder if a show like Lost would have been better as a mini-series?

  • by Shoopie on March 22, 2007 at 09:36 PM

I watch Lost and Heroes. I love both but for me Lost is miles ahead.

It's ridiculous to say the flashbacks don't mean anything. They're some of the most powerful and interesting stories ive seen (eg Mr Eko, Locke, Sawyer, Claire) and they're essential to develop a deeper understanding of who these survivors really are and why they react in certain ways on the island. They're highly meaningful. Lost is not only about the secrets of the island, but also the secrets of the survivors who have landed there.

Lost, in my opinion, has better characters than Heroes (as much as I love the diversity in both shows) and the whole story is told in more epic, gripping way.

The mysterious island setting for Lost provides something that has never been explored before in a TV drama, and its great to escape from the predictable drama world of hospitals and police stations.

The fact that the plot is so well structured in Lost is also a big plus. EVERY little detail is relevant, and there is so much meaning to the show.

I just hope both shows maintain their huge following because I'm a big fan of all the new serialized dramas coming out over the last couple of years. Lost, Heroes, Prison Break, Jericho, etc. all deserve to be watched by the millions as they're all very well made.

  • by Steve on March 22, 2007 at 10:45 PM

The Australian reported on Thursday that although Seven were very impressed with the pilot episode made (that cost 100 grand) for a proposed 60 Minutes type of current affairs show (which Chris Bath would've been the host of) that Seven would've been slotted for 6.30 pm Sundays to put a dent in the ratings of 60 Minutes, Seven have nixed the idea as they balked at the show costing 15 million a year to make, which is also what 60 Minutes costs to make. It would've done quite well for Seven, but the idea of them doing a current affairs show that isn't dumbed down and moronised like Today Tonight, means their decision is unsurprising.

  • by Mike on March 23, 2007 at 12:00 AM

Mike wrote: The Australian reported on Thursday that although Seven were very impressed with the pilot episode made (that cost 100 grand) for a proposed 60 Minutes type of current affairs show (which Chris Bath would've been the host of) that Seven would've been slotted for 6.30 pm Sundays to put a dent in the ratings of 60 Minutes, Seven have nixed the idea as they balked at the show costing 15 million a year to make, which is also what 60 Minutes costs to make. It would've done quite well for Seven, but the idea of them doing a current affairs show that isn't dumbed down and moronised like Today Tonight, means their decision is unsurprising.


Just what we need - more tabloid tv. One of these days the commercial networks will try to replicate 4 corners including the quality of the reporting. That will be day I cark it of a heart attack.

  • by Cat on March 23, 2007 at 08:22 AM

Shame to see that What About Brian is getting the chop. I really like this show. Not surprising that its going really, the premise is a bit hard to sustain. Hopefully they finish it off well.

Sarah Murdoch is now top of the list to co-compere with Larry Emdur on the Ch7 morning clambake. 7 are in talks with her and very keen to sign.

  • by cronk on March 23, 2007 at 09:58 AM

I am a huge fan of both Heroes and Lost. I love them both. At times I prefer Heroes as the story seems to progress faster and it's not as frustrating. But that said Lost is a brillant show...although at times I sit there watching it and think...are the writers making this up as they go along?? Or after the smoke killed Eko - I was like...are you kidding me??? But still I love the show..it is very well done and acted I think it is superior to Heroes. I'm really enjoying this new season of Lost and last night's episode was a cracker and there are great episodes to come. I'm really impressed with Matthew Fox this season. I do hope the show picks up in the ratings and it gets the figures it deserves (same can be said for Heroes). In the end I think the writers have it all planned and nothing that happens is irrelevant.

  • by Helena on March 23, 2007 at 10:14 AM

Tribal Mind replies: Total viewing is about the same, but spread over more shows. CSI is down because Grey's Anatomy is against it. In the past, a few shows dominated, with audiencesof 1.6m - 1.9m. Now lots of shows are getting 1.2-1.4. The mass market is fragmenting.

Interesting comment here TM. My thoughts were that viewers were turning off alltogether as some of these shows have the same storyline each and every week and had become stagnant. Shows that have character development or revolving storylines make the show much more enjoyable and viewers will want to watch it. Last week I dropped 4 shows that were at least into their 2nd season. It would be interesting if the readers of this blog had done the same or were thinking about it.
Don't forget those that download as there was a story in this weeks SMH Icon magazine that had surveyed 20,000 broadband customers of a particular company and 41% replied that they use the service to download tv shows.
Also What About Brian this week is episode 1 of season 2 - there were only 5 episodes to the 1st season and episode 18 of S2 was aired earlier this week. 7 must still believe in it.

Tribal Mind replies: I'm in need of some clarification here. Are you saying that the episode of Brian which Seven showed earlier this week was ep 18 of season 2? So they jumped forward 17 eps?
Another reader has sent in a comment saying Seven is about to drop Brian. I have no confirmation of this. All further info appreciated.

  • by dab on March 23, 2007 at 12:40 PM

Why do people keep expecting Ugly Betty to be a rolling-in-the-isles funny sitcom? It isn't and it wasn't meant to be (like say Seinfeld or Raymond). It's just light hearted entertainment taking a dig at things superficial (the fashion industry and the 'beautiful' people), as seen through the eyes of a likable, 'normal' person with a big heart. Taken for what it is, it's wonderful way to spend an hour!

Posted by: damien at March 22, 2007 9:34 PM

Well said Damien, Channel 7 did market Betty as a comedy as did the US, but it is more a comedy like Ally McBeal a bit of a laugh a bit of light drama and big poking fun at in this case fashion industry.

Love Heroes,Prison Break, Brothers and Sisters also a House and ER fan. So for this TV addict all bases covered.

Sure the figures are down across the board but I think yes downloading but also more variety of shows to choose from. Maybe also more ratings boxes, small percentage for a growing population.

  • by shelly on March 23, 2007 at 01:06 PM

Hey, does anyone know what current season of Family Guy Seven are screening now? Also have Seven shown all the previous seasons of the show?

  • by Helena on March 23, 2007 at 01:32 PM

Man SCRUBS got 395 000 at 1130 at night?? What does this tell you Channel 7?
If they want to compete with nine on a Thursday, hell any day of the week really, just put SCRUBS on at a sane timeslot. If it can pull 395 000 at 1130 one would think that a normal time would mean a fairly decent ratings return

  • by Zac on March 23, 2007 at 03:47 PM

For Veronica Mars show fans, Ten have slotted the season 2 finale of this excellent, but unfortunately poor rating show tonight Friday and fortunately Ten are resuming season 3 next week, making it the very rare US show that's had seasons 1 - 3 shown all after each other.

There's no word if a 4th season has been greenlighted, but as the show has too many characters
it probably needs to get rid of, a season 4 (if it happens) will occur 4 years in the future, after Veron has become an FBI agent and is older.

  • by GBaxter on March 23, 2007 at 03:51 PM

Hey Shoopie,
Of interest to you might be the book "Manufacturing Consent", co-written by Noam Chomsky before he became the intellectual counterpoint to America that he is today.
Though it was written in the 80s it has an awesome breakdown of the relationship between the FTA model and advertisers.
Oh and go Entourage.

  • by aaron on March 23, 2007 at 04:11 PM

I used to watch Lost, but got fed-up with what seems like the writers making it up as they go along. It seems they too readily change earlier ideas to match their current view ... it makes it hard for me to believe their story.

Im really enjoying Heroes atm aswell, and hope they dont follow the 'Lost' path :)

  • by Chris on March 23, 2007 at 04:42 PM

Zac posted: just put SCRUBS on at a sane timeslot. If it can pull 395 000 at 1130 one would think that a normal time would mean a fairly decent ratings return..

Ah, yes well. I like the logic of that, I personally would like a lot of the "later" on shows to be on earlier but then, Ch7 would no doubt not see it our way. Problem is a) would Scrubs at an earlier time actually get a bigger audience than the "earlier" show it replaces and b) would the replacement show on "later" get the same numbers as Scrubs gets now, as some one pointed out primetime ratings are clocked up to midnight so Ch7 would then decent ratings at 11.30pm are not such a bad thing, unfortunately for us punters.

  • by kate on March 23, 2007 at 04:55 PM

I;ll add my two cents worth to the Lost/Heroes debate. I prefer Lost, because i've followed it since the beginning, the miniscule details have me convinced that they aren't just making it up as they go (check out the yahoo Lost page, it's actually really good) and I really like the characters. I just couldn't get into Heroes as much. But that said, I think that's because as it was beginning, I was at a horrific school camp (as the teacher, not student) and have just never managed to catch up again. It's something I think I will try to get into a bit more, but after watching the first two eps, I wasn't obsessing about what would happen next, which is what i'm like with Lost.


I also agree with the comments made re: Ugly betty. The problem lies with the marketing. The humour is quite black and satirical, which was surprising on first viewing, as I was expecting more of a sitcom style. But once I got over that, I really liked it. It's funny in the way Devil Wears Prada is, biting, satirical, but almost never 'laugh out loud'.

Finally, anyone who had the misfortune of watching Neighbours last night - Stingray's death was such a blatant rip-off of Molly from A Country Practice it was laughable. All it needed was a child with a kite and someone yelling "STINGRAY" for it to be a total rip-off.

  • by Beckala on March 23, 2007 at 05:09 PM

Posted by: aaron at March 23, 2007 4:11 PM
Thanks aaron, will check it out.
Will also wait for my dose of girly stuff from Veronica - need to find out what happens with her and Logan - sickening isn't it!

  • by Anonymous on March 23, 2007 at 05:10 PM

Great to see Lost pick up 100,000 viewers from last week. I really hope it continues to rise in the ratings