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The ratings race: Week 23
This blog is now a heritage item -- worth studying but no longer current.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.
Updated 10 am Sunday June 10
Channel Nine won Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, but at the end of the week the average prime time audience shares stood thus: Seven 28.7 per cent; Nine 27.4, Ten 21.7, ABC 16.8, SBS 5.5. The State of Origin this week could make all the difference for Nine. But then again, CSI and CSI: Miami tonight are both repeats. Click here for a preview of Nine's plans.
RNK Description STN Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,455,000 458,000 366,000 261,000 136,000 234,000
2 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,246,000 403,000 328,000 225,000 168,000 122,000
3 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SAT Ten 1,234,000 371,000 347,000 221,000 155,000 140,000
4 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 1,131,000 302,000 324,000 230,000 147,000 128,000
5 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Seven 1,074,000 351,000 262,000 217,000 100,000 144,000
6 SCOOBY-DOO -RPT Nine 913,000 263,000 245,000 182,000 120,000 103,000
7 SATURDAY NIGHT AFL Ten 860,000 430,000 123,000 163,000 143,000
10 THE BILL ABC 797,000 236,000 233,000 160,000 62,000 107,000
19 SEVEN'S R.U: AUS V FIJ Seven 506,000 256,000 49,000 153,000 15,000 33,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
What Australia watched, Friday June 8
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,545,000 452,000 398,000 295,000 194,000 206,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,378,000 399,000 348,000 278,000 159,000 194,000
3 NINE NEWS Nine 1,334,000 434,000 360,000 258,000 152,000 130,000
4 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,215,000 418,000 393,000 227,000 177,000
5 ABC NEWS ABC 1,166,000 362,000 337,000 203,000 119,000 145,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,155,000 356,000 262,000 247,000 142,000 148,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,149,000 353,000 318,000 231,000 139,000 109,000
8 TEMPTATION Nine 1,107,000 276,000 385,000 197,000 121,000 128,000
9 BIG BROTHER - FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Ten 1,072,000 263,000 296,000 223,000 168,000 122,000
12 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 11: ESSENDON V WEST COAST Seven 929,000 32,000 459,000 10,000 172,000 256,000
22 NINE'S LIVE FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 612,000 418,000 194,000
Updated 10 am Friday June 8
Phase Two of Channel Nine's plan for a Yobbo-led Recovery went into action last night, in the form of a show called Ralph TV, derived from a magazine which focusses on the Three Bs -- breasts, buttocks and beer. The theory was that it would hold onto the young male audience who enjoy The Footy Show.
This was the result: One third of the people who watched The Footy Show hung around for Ralph TV. The other two thirds switched over to The Amazing Race on Seven or Big Brother Up Late on Ten or went to bed. (Below, you can read how Phase One -- The Nation -- worked on Tuesday night.)
In spite of that performance, Channel Nine won the night.
What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,522,000 419,000 402,000 291,000 185,000 225,000
2 RPA WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Nine 1,452,000 445,000 437,000 206,000 186,000 178,000
3 GETAWAY Nine 1,417,000 418,000 428,000 251,000 137,000 182,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,393,000 384,000 365,000 256,000 168,000 220,000
5 MY NAME IS EARL Seven 1,334,000 342,000 377,000 268,000 161,000 186,000
6 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Seven 1,240,000 317,000 332,000 255,000 163,000 173,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,232,000 336,000 371,000 252,000 142,000 131,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,230,000 371,000 280,000 250,000 142,000 186,000
9 TEMPTATION Nine 1,229,000 336,000 437,000 190,000 112,000 154,000
10 NINE NEWS Nine 1,210,000 321,000 379,000 241,000 146,000 122,000
11 LOST Seven 1,092,000 263,000 387,000 155,000 140,000 147,000
15 THE FOOTY SHOW Nine 979,000 259,000 372,000 120,000 123,000 104,000
21 THE AMAZING RACE: ALL STARS Seven 800,000 189,000 296,000 105,000 105,000 105,000
25 TEEN FIT CAMP Ten 692,000 146,000 210,000 116,000 98,000 122,000
27 HEROES Seven 579,000 334,000 245,000
33 INSPECTOR REX RPT SBS 443,000 136,000 137,000 72,000 42,000 55,000
34 SUNRISE Seven 442,000 138,000 74,000 123,000 58,000 50,000
39 RALPH TV Nine 329,000 104,000 98,000 56,000 53,000 17,000
51 TODAY Nine 282,000 76,000 103,000 44,000 20,000 39,000
100 FOOD 4 LIFE Seven 128,000 41,000 37,000 31,000 11,000 7,000
? THE CATCHUP Nine Somewhere below 128,000
What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,641,000 435,000 440,000 314,000 185,000 267,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,468,000 399,000 420,000 259,000 156,000 234,000
3 THE CHASER'S WAR ON EVERYTHING ABC 1,443,000 479,000 410,000 217,000 149,000 187,000
4 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 1,442,000 411,000 435,000 241,000 176,000 179,000
5 HOUSE Ten 1,409,000 407,000 404,000 261,000 172,000 165,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,339,000 358,000 384,000 292,000 170,000 136,000
7 POLICE FILES - UNLOCKED Seven 1,304,000 334,000 422,000 214,000 133,000 201,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,290,000 350,000 394,000 292,000 126,000 128,000
9 MCLEOD'S DAUGHTERS Nine 1,289,000 376,000 345,000 254,000 166,000 148,000
10 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,278,000 388,000 307,000 245,000 147,000 190,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
At this point in the week, the prime time audience shares stand at: Seven 29.2 per cent, Nine 27.6, Ten 21.3, ABC 16.3, SBS 5.6.
Updated 10 am Wednesday
Channel Nine launched its attempt at a yobbo-led recovery on Tuesday night (click here for background), but The Nation, with Mick Molloy, did not hold the attention of its intended young male audience, or indeed anybody else. It started badly (869,000 viewers in the first quarter hour) and got much worse (690,000 in the last quarter hour). Its average of 772,000 viewers in the mainland capitals meant it was beaten in the timeslot by Ten's perennial flop Numb3rs (910,000) and by Seven's late starter Crossing Jordan (974,000).
The show's Melbourne origins were emphasised in regular references to "GTV 9" and to personalities Sydney barely knows, and in Melbourne it beat Numb3rs, while still falling behind Crossing Jordan. The Nation's lack of appeal to its intended under-50 audience is apparent in this chart ...
What viewers aged 18-49 watched, Tuesday
1. NCIS Rpt - 10
2. The All New Simpsons - 10
3. Simpsons Tue - 10
4. It Takes Two - 7
5. All Saints - 7
6. Big Brother - TEN
7. Seven News - 7
8. Home & Away - 7
9. Numb3rs - TEN
10. Today Tonight - 7
Anybody care to predict how long The Nation will last?
What Australia watched, Tuesday
1. Seven News Seven 1.701m
2. It Takes Two Seven 1.593
3. Today Tonight Seven 1.539
4. All Saints Seven 1.430
5. Nine News Nine 1.361
6. A Current Affair Nine 1.315
7. Temptation Nine 1.307
8. Home and Away Seven 1.290
9. NCIS Ten 1.270
10. The Simpsons - 7:30pm Ten 1.227
11. The Simpsons - 8:00pm Ten 1.194
12. ABC News ABC 1.165
13. Crime and Justice Nine 1.162
14. Neighbours at War Nine 1.092
15. Deal or No Deal Seven 1.087
What Australia watched, Monday
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,648,000 443,000 436,000 297,000 209,000 263,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,540,000 424,000 431,000 263,000 184,000 237,000
3 1 VS 100 Nine 1,473,000 396,000 478,000 259,000 180,000 161,000
4 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,392,000 437,000 454,000 193,000 148,000 161,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,326,000 347,000 375,000 296,000 164,000 144,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,311,000 406,000 339,000 266,000 125,000 174,000
7 WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU Nine 1,282,000 337,000 449,000 239,000 119,000 137,000
8 THE RICH LIST Seven 1,277,000 359,000 390,000 210,000 142,000 176,000
9 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,240,000 292,000 415,000 254,000 144,000 136,000
10 TEMPTATION Nine 1,230,000 274,000 461,000 243,000 125,000 128,000
13 BIG BROTHER LIVE NOMINATION Ten 1,037,000 252,000 306,000 165,000 155,000 159,000
14 DEAL OR NO DEAL Seven 1,036,000 288,000 278,000 191,000 139,000 141,000
16 BIG BROTHER Ten 975,000 223,000 258,000 164,000 174,000 156,000
17 SUPERNATURAL Ten 904,000 245,000 264,000 152,000 106,000 137,000
20 AUSTRALIAN STORY ABC 883,000 264,000 218,000 169,000 97,000 135,000
23 MORE THAN ENOUGH ROPE ABC 772,000 234,000 224,000 142,000 76,000 96,000
28 BOSTON LEGAL Seven 634,000 185,000 247,000 87,000 73,000 42,000
30 MYTHBUSTERS RPT SBS 560,000 178,000 121,000 116,000 67,000 78,000
34 FOOTY CLASSIFIED Nine 403,000 282,000 75,000 47,000
40 SUNRISE Seven 351,000 100,000 75,000 95,000 39,000 43,000
55 TODAY Nine 262,000 77,000 98,000 49,000 14,000 24,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
Updated 10am, Monday June 4
Just when you thought every child in Australia had seen Shrek 2 five times, either at the cinema or on DVD, 1.5 million people in the mainland capitals switched on Channel Nine at 8.30 last night to see it, or see it again.
The ogre and the 60 Minuters gave the night to Nine, which attracted 31.5 per cent of the audience between 6pm and midnight, while Seven got 27.8 per cent, Ten got 19.8 per cent, ABC got 15.7, and SBS got 5.2. If this was a State of Origin week, such a start would be enough to give Nine the week, but it isn't, so it won't.
What Australia watched, Sunday
Description STN Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 60 MINUTES Nine 1,680,000 508,000 473,000 320,000 197,000 183,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,592,000 388,000 508,000 332,000 166,000 198,000
3 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,533,000 450,000 477,000 245,000 245,000 117,000
4 SHREK 2 Nine 1,528,000 425,000 432,000 268,000 195,000 207,000
5 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,452,000 468,000 507,000 233,000 122,000 120,000
6 UGLY BETTY Seven 1,370,000 428,000 455,000 213,000 155,000 119,000
7 WHERE ARE THEY NOW Seven 1,296,000 434,000 445,000 259,000 158,000
8 THE LOST TRIBES Nine 1,153,000 327,000 339,000 201,000 172,000 115,000
9 BIG BROTHER LIVE EVICTION Ten 1,131,000 284,000 358,000 221,000 145,000 122,000
12 HAMISH & ANDY'S REAL STORIES RPT Ten 955,000 235,000 365,000 162,000 98,000 95,000
14 ROVE Ten 933,000 215,000 341,000 173,000 100,000 104,000
16 ROBIN HOOD ABC 903,000 253,000 296,000 157,000 93,000 104,000
18 LIFE ON MARS ABC 802,000 266,000 239,000 128,000 82,000 88,000
20 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 10: CARLTON V WESTERN BULLDOGS Seven 765,000 83,000 385,000 66,000 124,000 108,000
23 SURVIVOR: FIJI Nine 579,000 152,000 204,000 71,000 77,000 75,000
24 NINE'S SUNDAY FOOTBALL Nine 489,000 293,000 181,000 14,000
37 BIG LOVE SBS 309,000 84,000 121,000 36,000 41,000 28,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
Channel Ten's supposedly inspirational but possibly exploitational new series Teen Fit Camp (formerly known as Teen Fat Camp), in which six overweight Australians attend a Californian "boot camp", attracted a mere 735,000 viewers in the mainland capitals last week - which will come as good news to many child welfare experts. The NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People, Gillian Calvert, told our sociological correspondent, Adele Horin, the program was "intrusive and voyeuristic" in its use of "vulnerable young people as entertainment".
The first episode showed one of the Australian boys sobbing on the ground after his expressed "love" for one of the girls was rebuffed. "The true 'reality' of the making of this type of program is that it's about making money, rather than helping kids who are struggling with a really difficult issue," Calvert said.
A director of the NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity, Professor Louise Baur, said she was concerned the teenagers did not understand the implications of exposing their intimate lives on national television. "There is also the possibility that, when these young people return to their old lives and environments, the weight may go back on," Baur said. "We risk labelling these kids as failures."
A spokeswoman for Channel Ten said the program was "not reality TV but an observational documentary. It's not at all like The Biggest Loser." She said the participants and their parents had searched for years for an answer to the obesity problem and had wanted to participate in the program to help others in a similar situation. The focus was not on rapid weight loss but on young people developing self-esteem and control.
Channel Ten had a poor week all round, averaging just 21 per cent of the prime time audience. Thanks to Tuesday singing and Friday AFL, Seven won the week with 29.2 per cent, while Nine got 28.1, ABC 16.2, and SBS 5.5.
What Australia watched, week ending June 2
Program Network Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adealide Perth
1 60 MINUTES Nine 1,703,000 532,000 463,000 312,000 190,000 207,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,670,000 381,000 446,000 369,000 219,000 255,000
3 CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Nine 1,629,000 458,000 486,000 292,000 187,000 206,000
4 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,554,000 452,000 515,000 256,000 165,000 167,000
5 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,529,000 417,000 397,000 260,000 200,000 254,000
6 IT TAKES TWO Seven 1,526,000 446,000 515,000 231,000 154,000 180,0007 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 1,517,000 493,000 431,000 252,000 164,000 177,000
8 CSI: MIAMI Nine 1,484,000 452,000 435,000 251,000 175,000 171,000
9 THE CHASER'S WAR ON EVERYTHING ABC 1,472,000 524,000 410,000 206,000 148,000 184,000
10 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,466,000 458,000 463,000 203,000 172,000 170,000
11 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,463,000 496,000 404,000 241,000 169,000 153,000
12 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,456,000 411,000 394,000 248,000 177,000 226,000
13 NCIS Ten 1,434,000 361,000 414,000 274,000 202,000 182,000
14 WHERE ARE THEY NOW Seven 1,401,000 461,000 415,000 288,000 237,000
15 HOUSE Ten 1,349,000 400,000 428,000 209,000 131,000 180,000
16 SHREK -RPT Nine 1,334,000 376,000 371,000 264,000 187,000 136,000
17 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,333,000 392,000 477,000 150,000 145,000 169,000
18 THE SIMPSONS TUES Ten 1,331,000 324,000 426,000 207,000 183,000 193,000
19 MY NAME IS EARL Seven 1,309,000 311,000 424,000 281,000 133,000 160,000
20 RPA WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Nine 1,308,000 444,000 373,000 198,000 148,000 145,000
21 THE RICH LIST Seven 1,302,000 365,000 393,000 201,000 166,000 176,000
22 UGLY BETTY Seven 1,292,000 349,000 401,000 221,000 149,000 173,000
23 NINE NEWS Nine 1,288,000 368,000 403,000 257,000 155,000 105,000
24 MCLEOD'S DAUGHTERS Nine 1,283,000 340,000 367,000 238,000 180,000 159,000
25 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,281,000 353,000 353,000 245,000 173,000 157,000
26 1 VS 100 Nine 1,263,000 386,000 383,000 210,000 152,000 132,000
27 GETAWAY Nine 1,260,000 401,000 369,000 221,000 135,000 134,000
28 WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU Nine 1,259,000 364,000 412,000 250,000 117,000 115,000
29 THE ALL NEW SIMPSONS Ten 1,252,000 300,000 392,000 210,000 179,000 170,000
30 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,248,000 341,000 415,000 244,000 134,000 115,000
31 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 1,241,000 367,000 397,000 217,000 137,000 123,000
32 THE NEW INVENTORS: SAVING WATER SPECIAL-EV ABC 1,231,000 376,000 375,000 221,000 112,000 146,000
33 POLICE FILES - UNLOCKED Seven 1,221,000 270,000 404,000 207,000 147,000 192,000
34 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,210,000 363,000 335,000 219,000 128,000 166,000
35 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Seven 1,201,000 295,000 383,000 253,000 121,000 149,000
36 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,191,000 368,000 381,000 171,000 124,000 145,000
37 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,150,000 301,000 380,000 214,000 154,000 102,000
38 CRIME & JUSTICE Nine 1,147,000 310,000 392,000 197,000 116,000 131,000
39 TEMPTATION Nine 1,143,000 301,000 393,000 201,000 121,000 127,000
40 LAST CHANCE LEARNERS Seven 1,139,000 260,000 397,000 208,000 118,000 155,000
41 BIG BROTHER LIVE EVICTION Ten 1,138,000 315,000 332,000 225,000 124,000 141,000
42 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 1,133,000 319,000 327,000 202,000 128,000 158,000
43 THE LOST TRIBES Nine 1,107,000 342,000 304,000 203,000 141,000 117,000
44 NEIGHBOURS AT WAR Nine 1,095,000 327,000 325,000 196,000 110,000 137,000
45 HEROES Seven 1,091,000 297,000 327,000 233,000 103,000 132,000
46 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC 1,089,000 284,000 389,000 168,000 119,000 129,000
47 LOST Seven 1,086,000 304,000 362,000 179,000 118,000 123,000
48 COLD CASE Nine 1,073,000 321,000 318,000 188,000 139,000 107,000
49 ABC NEWS ABC 1,066,000 280,000 361,000 174,000 113,000 139,000
50 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Seven 1,060,000 312,000 303,000 234,000 120,000 90,000
(OzTAM 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 how did Big Love do on its debut last night.
Tribal Mind replies: Thanks for reminding me. I've put it in the chart, above.
- by Guy on June 04, 2007 at 10:22 AM
What do we think of the new shows Nine has managed to grab from the US networks?? Nine seem to be wanting to appeal to younger audiences. I haven't heard what Seven or Ten are getting from the US. Does Nine have the pick of the bunch for next year??
Tribal Mind replies: Not at all. See this week's column at www.smh.com.au/tribalmind
- by Helena on June 04, 2007 at 10:49 AM
I was just wondering how the first episode of Big Love rated on SBS last night? I quite enjoyed a bit of polygamy on a Sunday night. Thanks!
TM replies: Less than Inspector Rex, despite massive publicity. See above.
- by LucyofOz on June 04, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Survivor lost 150K viewers from last week? Not a good sign.
Hamish and Andy repeat picked up 200K after Rove, probably those from Grays that don't like What About Brian.
Good to see both Robin Hood and Life on Mars doing OK numbers for the ABC.
In other news - Doctor Who to return June 30
- by cronk on June 04, 2007 at 11:01 AM
For the first time in the history of television, Channel Nine has Perth to thank for its victory last night! Shrek was creamed by Grey's in the East Coast capitals, saved only by a good performance in WA and SA! Maybe the DVD never went on sale there!
- by Daniel in Dubai on June 04, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Interesting that a repeat of Real Stories (Hamish and Andy) rated better than Rove. Maybe the boys need to put together another series of that excellent current affairs satire. I'm one who enjoyed watching it for the second time.
- by Beckala on June 04, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Re: Cat
It happens every wednesday atleast with Spicks n Specks n The Chaser...two ABC ahows in the top5
Re: Daniel in Dubai: I think I may be able to explain slightly higher numbers in WA (not why it beat Grey's Anatomy in WA though). We have a public holiday here in WA today, so that might explain why nore kids might have been allowed to watch it.. I suppose it might have been recorded by many in the Eastern states due to the fact that it was a school night, or their parents must have reminded them of their DVDs...I was watching Shrek 2 even though I'm a massive Grey's fan..ofcourse it helps that my little brother kind of made me..
It will most likely increase ticket sales for Shrek 3..I'm sure that there are a few (not majority ofcourse) like me who had not watched 1 or 2..but now will watch Shrek 3 thanks to channel nine...
- by Sarah on June 04, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Re: Cat...
Those two shows aren't in the top ten though...they are number 16 and 18...
- by Sarah on June 04, 2007 at 12:28 PM
The Catch-Up showing now at 12 noon - is this move an attempt to boost ratings - hopefully the move will fail and it will get the axe. The sooner the better.
- by JB on June 04, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Well lets hope Greys Anatomy hits 2 million next week as it is the Massive TV Event not to be missed, the second part is the best of the three parter but must say overall it is amazing, it will have you shocked, crying and amazed all at the same time. It is one massive piece of television. Must say CSI next week is a repeat so heres hoping they watch greys. I think 9 are running scared with the repeats although it doesnt surprise me 1 iota.
Anyway great ratings all round last night Betty up nearly 100,000 on last week and sure greys was down but it still came #1 in the three key demos last night
- by Greysfan on June 04, 2007 at 12:51 PM
I was referring to the week's figures Sarah which includes S&S and Chaser at 7 and 9. TM had not posted last nights figures when I made my comment.
Of the two shows you were referring to I am actually a fan of Life on Mars but Robin Hood I have passed on.
- by Cat on June 04, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Blimey Greysfan @ 12.51 - which channel 7 department were you reporting from?
I ask that not from the first paragraph - although you were on bended knee there - but the 2nd paragraph when you use the phrase "three key demos".
Anyway, I won't be watching GA although I'm sure you'd like me as a viewer (which ever "demo" I'm in!). ABC is doing far better work than Channel 7 on a Sunday night thanks very much.
I agree with JB (12.47pm) in that I hope the Catch-Up becomes the past tense.
Final comment refers to the Big Brother shows. I find it interesting that the Eviction show and the Mon night nomination show rate better than the actual "shows" that show the housemates in the house. Why do people watch those two shows if they're not watching the rest cause they're the worst, most repetitive examples of BB. Long, unnecessary, drawn out.
- by David @ Wahroonga on June 04, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Great episode of Ugly Betty last night all the characters played a great part, Betty's nephew a few funny scenes.
Enjoyed Grey's and I am now all geared up for the 3 SOS eps.
Another repeat of CSI how are the fans feeling about that or are they giving up.
- by shelly on June 04, 2007 at 01:41 PM
The trouble with Big Love is was up against Life on Mars. I wanted to watch both, but was already involved with LoM, so that won.
Damn shame when the only good stuff on TV is on at the same time.
- by greeneggs on June 04, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Hamish and Andy - cringe
This is like that other show on 10 or (even the name of it escapes me as I thought it was awful) but I know it's not funny and I avoid it.
It's like that 9 comedy sketch show they drag out every so often that isn't funny. It's all a bit like Fast forward when it became Full Frontal(when all the funny people had left) and it was embarrassing.
Sorry, but I know we can do much better than this can't we?
Don't get me wrong, I like Hamish alot (esp on S+S as he's hilarious) and I think he's really funny, but just not on this show.
- by wordisout on June 04, 2007 at 01:59 PM
I think another reason why Shrek did so well is that Channel Ten is really dragging the chain. Big Brother is just going through the motions at the moment with boring contestants and the same predictable format and Rove is even worse - it's so lame and offers nothing original. I say bring back the Sunday night movies or even a mini-series, anything is better than the Big Brother/Rove combo!
Good to see that Dr Who on the ABC is back later this month and with a new assistant - maybe the ABC could consider it for Sunday night!
- by grant james on June 04, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Greysfan,
Good to see Ch7 is monitoring the blog. Can you tell me if you will be playing Alias anytime soon.
Also, your 'beautiful Sunday' is bit worrying for you eh? Consistently being beaten despite the hype.
- by ac on June 04, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Re: Alias.
It will air 10:30pm Sunday nights after Brian starting June 17th.
That comes from Aaron at TVAUS, who used to come onto this blog, before being told he was a seven stooge.
- by stuart on June 04, 2007 at 04:47 PM
Hey Greysfan - I'm one demographic that won't be watching GA. Not with the far superior Life on Mars currently showing on ABC. It's also seems another 7 mole Shelly is in on the act drumming up support for the one of the overrated shows of 2007 - Ugly Betty. Which the ABC has covered with Robin Hood which is actually entertaining and funny unlike UB. I also hope ABC drop Doctor Who in on Sunday instead of Saturday it would blow UB out of the water.
- by Garry S on June 04, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Re Big Love on SBS on Sunday night.
I didn't watch it, why would you when SBS is showing a repeat on Friday night at 10pm, advertised as "COMPLETE AND UNCUT".
Sunday night's version must have been for the kiddies.
- by Sal on June 04, 2007 at 05:31 PM
AC in last week's blog Barry told us Alias was scheduled for Sunday nights from June 17 - don't know what time - but I will be keeping an eye out.
Still enjoying Robin Hood - loved last night's reference to "lord of the dance" - just a few little gems to keep us the viewers amused. Similar to the in jokes I have found in Boston Legal, the late lamented VM and Scrubs.
Life on Mars is brilliant - think how freaky it would be to suddenly lose all the things we accept as everyday - like this blog!
- by Cathy on June 04, 2007 at 06:32 PM
ac on June 4, 2007 2:38 PM
Also, your 'beautiful Sunday' is bit worrying for you eh? Consistently being beaten despite the hype.
I don't think Ch 7 is worried at all. They are getting a good audience share giving them a great foundation for the whole week.
I remember last year, their start to the week is really bad (22-25%), so, eventhough they had powerful line-up of shows, they still get beaten by 9. This time, getting atleast 27 or 28% allows them to catch up because theirs only a small margin.
- by jen on June 04, 2007 at 06:47 PM
Good grief Greysfan, settle down, it's only pretend, you know, not real life. My idea of a Massive TV Event is when my TV explodes and paying the repair bill has me shocked, crying and amazed!
Anyhoo, re The Sideshow - I have only managed to catch a few minutes last Saturday night and wondered what anyone else thought... apart from pensioning Flacco off to NZ.
- by Shoopie on June 04, 2007 at 07:42 PM
Hmm..
So the SOS Greys Anatomy 3 part series is on this sunday. Ill tune in to see what the hype is all about
- by Joseph on June 04, 2007 at 09:53 PM
Did anyone catch Where Are They Now? They did a segment on the show Gladiators. In the package they said it used to get over 2 million each Saturday! It's clear the days of something reaching that on a Saturday night are long gone. Side note - why do Kochie and Mel act like such buffoons on that show when they're not nearly like that on Sunrise (depending on who you talk to)
I think Shrek did well on CH9 because of all the over 50s who religiously watch Nine probably had never seen it before. If Ch10 had aired it, it wouldn't of gotten as much because the younger demo would have already seen it (that's my theory) Also glad Big Love will be repeated as i had forgotten about it last night. Glad it'll be an uncut version :)
- by stephen on June 04, 2007 at 11:01 PM
i still think that its going to be fairly pointless going after the 19-40 audience because most people i know in this age range download their tv now. I am continually amazed by how many people i meet that are watching various series either by downloading it or by getting given a copy from a friend. If tv in aus wants to compete they have to air it within the same week that it airs in the US imho. i gave up on aus tv long ago and have never looked back - long live bitmetv!
- by GRT on June 04, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Posted by: Shoopie on June 4, 2007 7:42 PM
I actually can't believe how much I've missed Flacco.. Makes me very nostalgic :)
- by andrewb on June 05, 2007 at 12:18 AM
Greys fan/Channl 7 rep re: SOS - 'massive TV event'. I don't think so...if you talk it up like that, people will be seriously disappointed. The major arc streches credibility, even for a TV drama. Greys in S3 has turned into something quite ridiculous..and the sad thing is it gets worse.
- by Lisa on June 05, 2007 at 09:05 AM
Although as a PVR owner and downloaded I don't often watch ads, I happened to catch the end of a ch7 show the other day and they had a preview ad for the upcoming Grey's episodes which they have dubbed SOS (nothing to do with the actual episode titles). As someone who has already seen the episodes, I was horrified...it virtually gave away the entire plot...including key mini-cliffhangers that helped make the show enjoyable and suspenseful. Ch7 has a dreadful history of spoiling shows with their promo's... I can remember immediately shutting of the channel any time an ad for Buffy came on, because I didn't want to know the ending. In this case I was especially disappointed because they did such a good job advertising "Code Black" last year...interesting without giving anything away.... IMO this was a big opportunity missed.
- by LR on June 05, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Once again, Housewives, Brothers/Sisters and Boston Legal kept me on Ch7 last night (no, not a stooge!) I think Ch9 needs to look at building nights of three or four solid shows that viewers will stick with. The constant CSI's and the "needle in a haystack" scheduling is their biggest issue, IMO.
I too believe that Doctor Who would sit nicely in the Robin Hood slot of 7.30pm Sunday (its made by many of the same people) and the second series of Life On Mars could follow at 8.30pm. If Ch10 were smart, they could then schedule Torchwood at 9.30pm Sunday and take advantage of the modern sci-fi audience they would carry over.
- by cronk on June 05, 2007 at 09:22 AM
Re: Garry S
"Which the ABC has covered with Robin Hood which is actually entertaining and funny unlike UB. I also hope ABC drop Doctor Who in on Sunday instead of Saturday it would blow UB out of the water."
ABC stooge! Robin hood / doctor who pfft! How much does doctor who rate garry? Not much more than mythbusters / big love i can assure you!
I actually find UB funny & entertaining, and seven actually show it every week. (Unlike nein which swap repeats & insert movies in for csi/csi miami on sun nites).
- by arthur on June 05, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Dr Who on a Sunday night at 7.30 makes absolute sense - most fans of the show would be at home and not out on a Saturday night - it would fill a much needed void at 7.30pm and give most of us something interesting to talk about on a Monday morning - instead of BB evictees!
I also note that Channel Nine has moved the 'Catch Up' to midday (oh dear the signs for this show aren't good) - try midnight Channel Nine - I'm sure those girls are itching to get rid of Quizmania!
- by grant james on June 05, 2007 at 10:33 AM
hey TM how did The Catch up go in its new timeslot against Dr Phil?
I predict it will do worse against Dr Phil than it did against Oprah
The Catch Up is on borrowed time, cant wait for it be axed
- by dave on June 05, 2007 at 10:42 AM
I've been watching with interest the ratings for Brothers and Sisters, which has gradually hooked me in after my ritual watching of the Despos, but it looks as though it may have taken a hit this week. Was it in position 11 or 12? Did it rate less than last week?
I think the Despos' figures each week vary according to how good the episode looks, and Brothers and Sisters (which is always good)is likely to dip in synch.
- by poptaculosity on June 05, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Cronk wrote: I too believe that Doctor Who would sit nicely in the Robin Hood slot of 7.30pm Sunday (its made by many of the same people) and the second series of Life On Mars could follow at 8.30pm. If Ch10 were smart, they could then schedule Torchwood at 9.30pm Sunday and take advantage of the modern sci-fi audience they would carry over.
Smart thinking 99! Mind you the appearance of John Sim at the end of the Dr Who series might confuse a few people who watch the ABC purely from habit.
- by Cat on June 05, 2007 at 11:05 AM
I see 'To Catch a Predator' (TT) rated well for C7 last night. Don't be surprised to see more of it on Australian TV - expect a C9 equivalent.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Catch_a_Predator
- by canoli on June 05, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Hi TM,
How did the Catch Up go yesterday in its new time slot? Hopefully it has not Caught Up and will be imminently boned by Nine!
I have had a strong distaste for Nine since my late teens (I am 23) back to when they were stuffing shows around like The O.C. (when they partially aired season 1) and I resolved not to watch it anymore once there Monday night comedy block (Friends, Jessie, Veronicas Closet, etc) disbanded, well that and my dislike of Eddie and anything Football!
Sadly they are still in with a chance for a ratings win, which I find surprising with what they have programmed, yea yea I know its not the desired demographic, but look at what they have got on yet they are still rating pretty close to Seven, what is Australia thinking, I think Sevens problems start on the ?Beautiful? Sundays where they appear to have gone after Ten?s audience instead of Nine.
While I am on a rant can someone bone the Today Show, Lisa Wilkinson, isn?t much compared to the ?Glory Days? of Steve, Tracey and Liz, they should look at either going the ?Hard News? format, or ?Light Entertainment? with news updates rather than trying to offer what Sunrise is, they become a poor replica the moment they replaced Sami Lukis with Grant Denyer (don?t get me started on him) wannabe Steve Jacobs, try and be original!
Can the media please stop bashing Big Brother, while its not as interesting this year as it has been previously the fact is it still rates ok and provides viewers with an alternative to Temptation and Home & Away, News Ltd spend so much time trying to discredit the program, however they have a whole sub-site devoted to it on their website and consider it news to report who has been evicted in the first few pages of its Monday edition papers, slightly hypercritical I think. Sadly Channel Ten?s other programming, Fat Camp, Simpson?s etc still leaves a lot to be desired
I would like to see them almost dismantle the Network and completely re-launch it
new graphics, new Programming etc then I?ll give it a shot and watch.
Apologies for my rant, I just felt the need to vent!
- by Lollipop on June 05, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Any takers for "The Nation" tonight. Mick Molloy and Jackie O in the same show, on the same channel doing the same clever comedy. Why does that make me feel uneasy? Where's your old mate Jude Mick? Now that I'd watch...
- by wordisout on June 05, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Posted by Arthur:
'doctor who pfft! How much does doctor who rate garry? Not much more than mythbusters / big love i can assure you!'
Ummm, Doctor Who averaged 940 000 last season...far more than MythBusters/Big Love.
Get your facts right, Arthur.
- by andy on June 05, 2007 at 12:05 PM
To worisout re: Jackie O and Mick Molloy. My thoughts exactly, I couldn't believe it when I saw her in the TV guide over the weekend. I loved Mick Molloy on the ABC's Late Show. He just can't have the same fun on commercial television.
TM, can I just ask about Footy Classifieds. I see it advertised on the Melbourne Footy Show and have been meaning to check our local guides to see if Nine will show it in Sydney at some obscure hour. You have listed it in what we watched last night, but I think the figures posted beside it don't include Sydney because Nine isn't screening it here. Would that be correct.
- by Lisa on June 05, 2007 at 12:13 PM
GRT wrote: "i still think that its going to be fairly pointless going after the 19-40 audience because most people i know in this age range download their tv now. I am continually amazed by how many people i meet that are watching various series either by downloading it or by getting given a copy from a friend".
You're right, downloading is a boom industry as has been discussed on this blog many times before. However, many people still think that it's just a small minority who do it. I think the percentage is way more significant than that. For example, I just read the following news item about ISP Internode, which recently raised ADSL plan prices:
Comments by Internode MD Simon Hackett suggest it is likely that Internode has been stung by customers using their full download allowance each month.
"Since our last major plan changes, we have seen a boom in data-intensive online services such as BitTorrent and YouTube. As a result, average download volumes are increasing across all plans due to customers using these data-rich services".
GRT wrote: "If tv in aus wants to compete they have to air it within the same week that it airs in the US imho".
I don't agree with this assumption. Many people have given up on free to air TV for many other reasons, including: time overruns, schedule changes, excessive ads and banner ads, repeats, dropping of shows, quality, etc, etc.
- by damien on June 05, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Hey Greysfan - I'm one demographic that won't be watching GA. Not with the far superior Life on Mars currently showing on ABC. It's also seems another 7 mole Shelly is in on the act drumming up support for the one of the overrated shows of 2007 - Ugly Betty. Which the ABC has covered with Robin Hood which is actually entertaining and funny unlike UB. I also hope ABC drop Doctor Who in on Sunday instead of Saturday it would blow UB out of the water.
Posted by: Garry S on June 4, 2007 4:57 PM
Garry S
I am not a channel 7 mole I work for an insurance co. I just like Ugly Betty and found Sunday nights show funny thats all.
I just have wide taste in TV shows (from Friends to ER and everything in between) and music for that matter.
- by shelly on June 05, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Re: Andy
"Ummm, Doctor Who averaged 940 000 last season...far more than MythBusters/Big Love."
You can tell I'm not a huge fan of Doctor Who eh? :=P
- by arthur on June 05, 2007 at 01:45 PM
Doesn't everyone understand the basics of TV production. You create a program, sell it to a network, they buy it and sell advertising space to run in that timeslot. Without this process, there would be no shows like GA, DH or the like - unless you want to up your 8c per day to ABC to allow them to develop content.
- by AJ on June 05, 2007 at 03:15 PM
I'm dreading the thought of the horrid Jacki O on Mick Molloy's new show. I echo an earlier comment - where is Judith Lucy when you need her? But then I remember the Telegraph articles where they were stating that they originally wanted Fifi Box to do the program - obviously they want a bubbly, pretty blonde, and Jackie was the next best thing. Which is sad, she is SO BORING she can only be described as beige. So different from Fifi, who has a personality about her, but stupid channel 9 execs see them as two peas in a pod, obviously.
- by Beckala on June 05, 2007 at 07:57 PM
Why on earth is Deal or No Deal rating so highly? I don't get it...a..anyway
TM, last week we established that CH10 beat Nine in ratings for the midday hour (Dr Phil) as well as the 1pm hour (Oprah) but i'd like to who comes on top out of Judge Judy and ET both at 3pm. Does Ch10 simply rule all of the afternoon programing? Also could you consider every now and then giving us the demographics of the primetime audience...just every now and then pleaseeee
- by stephen on June 06, 2007 at 01:42 AM
i would gladly pay a TV license fee every year so that ABC can have 2 terrestrial and 3 digital channels and start producing quality stuff like the BBC.
man could you imagine stuff like Life On Mars, Doctor Who, State of Play, a wealth of top dramas/comedy/documentary been actually made in this country?
maybe we could actually keep some creative talent in this country after all.
oh wait, but then aussies could never pay a bit of extra tax, cause that would suck.
- by airmaestro on June 06, 2007 at 01:53 AM
According to beckala june 2, Fri night NRL isn't the cash cow it used to be. My understanding is ratings are up on previous years.
What is a cash cow anyway? Could it be the 20,000 viewers who tuned in to 7's afl last friday in Sydney while 9's NRL got a paltry 380,000?
- by bobmar28 on June 06, 2007 at 08:11 AM
Re: stephen
"Why on earth is Deal or No Deal rating so highly?"
Because it's just before the 1.5m rating seven news - people from work etc switch on their tvs early as a matter of habit. Even if DND is crap, which it is.
- by arthur on June 06, 2007 at 08:55 AM
To Shelly - sorry for my 7 mole comment. It was just that it followed the obvious 7 greysfan comment too closely. I'll go back to my corner for a while.
- by Garry S on June 06, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Exactly, airmaestro! Imagine if the ABC actually had funds to produce the number equivilant to the BBC. We would have such great shows...and it is proven that as the BBC produces such high quality programmes, it forces the commercial stations to lift their game, too.
So we would have better TV overall.
...sadly instead we live in a country where any old tripe is served up (where are they now?) and it is greeted with huge ratings.
...Because people have become used to, and accepting of, low quality.
This could all be turned around if the ABC was given the level of funding it needs.
But sadly, I think the chance for that to happen has passed forever. Sigh!
- by andy on June 06, 2007 at 09:23 AM
The Nation was a shocker - Mick Molloy's attempt at interviewing Peter Garrett on the water crisis was just ridiculous - Garrett was trying to spruik his political propaganda and rarely smiled once -Molloy was not listening but intent on inserting stupid sight gags after every answer and the whole thing died in the arse.
Then the woeful Jackie O came on - live from los Angeles with this dreadful american accent - she's been over there like 2 minutes and for some reason she had this american drooorl as she was speaking - she had nothing new to say - it was all repeated garbage about Paris Hilton and Britney Spears - I switched back to the ever reliable All Saints - good Australian drama that doesnt pretent to be anything else - (well maybe a little ER on occasions)
I give The Nation 4 weeks!
- by grant james on June 06, 2007 at 10:18 AM
4 weeks? I give it 2!
I watched All Saints first thank god and only saw 15 minutes of The Nation. Terrible!
Mick, stick to the movie scripts.
- by Steve on June 06, 2007 at 10:24 AM
COME ON!
Mick Molloy is a comic genius and nobody watched his show. I wish he got a gig on Pay TV so he could be given more freedom to be crude and hilarious. There is no place for comedy on Commercial TV.
I reckon they should put Mick up against Rove.
Chasers is ok but the rest is pathetic
- by Adam on June 06, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Look at Tuesday's top ten and you can see how dire the night is for FTA.
All Saints @ #4, Temptation @ #7? Please.
Channel Nein could really deliver a knockout punch on Tuesdays if they programmed smartly. They could show the rest of the season of Weeds, maybe stick Eddie's Millionaire revamp in there or poach the Chaser boys for a few mill and stick them on Tuesdays.
I agree that Molloy's latest stinker won't get much past the first month or so. He looked decidedly uncomfortable throughout, Akmar's jokes were word-for-word lifted from his radio skits, the set looked like cardboard and the whole thing just was not funny.
- by cronk on June 06, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Does anyone know what happened to Hell's Kitchen (ch 9, 10.30pm Tuesday). Has it been boned or moved to another timeslot? I liked Gordaon Ramsey, he's sort of the Anti-Oliver.
- by Fats on June 06, 2007 at 10:47 AM
I watched the Nation just to see what it was going to be like, and here are my thoughts:
-Never again
-60 minutes of my life that I will never get back again...
I really dont think this program will last more than 3-4 episodes, because I'm sure there are going to be having an early night next Tuesday or having the remote beside them..
- by Sarah on June 06, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Noticed that comedy inc's back on 10.30pm next tues.
I wonder if that will 'inadvertently' be promoted to 9.30pm if The Nation gets boned in one week.
- by arthur on June 06, 2007 at 10:55 AM
So why wasn't anyone brave enough to go with headline "Alan Jones get's boned too".
Tribal Mind replies: I didn't because I'd used the word "boned" in the text. I hate it when headlines just repeat the intro.
- by Crashsplat on June 06, 2007 at 11:07 AM
20 minutes of the painful Nation. Was Mick Molloy always this unfunny? The jokes were predictable and lame. Here's a photoshoppped picture of Paris Hilton! Hilarious! Here's some footage from somewhere else that's hilariously taken out of context.
Without exception (Ok, exception is The Chaser though that's sliding a bit) I haven't seen any even half decent Australian TV in a long long time.
- by Bram on June 06, 2007 at 11:07 AM
The Nation was DOA.
Embarrassing, humourless, pungent.
And I only saw 5 minutes before I could stomach it no longer.
- by David @ Wahroonga on June 06, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Who told Mick Malloy he was funny?
The Nation was woeful,hopefully it wont last for a second show...proves Kerry Packer was right getting rid of him before
- by Crackerjack on June 06, 2007 at 11:15 AM
I give The Nation three weeks - it was terrible. Molloy has no sense of comic timing and even the normally funny Akmal bordered on bad taste.
- by Samuel on June 06, 2007 at 11:18 AM
I'm glad the Nation flopped - I can't stand Mick Molloy, and from what I saw he was dong the same old schtick from his D-Generation days. Then there's the horrible Jackie O. and Nikki Hudson - blech!! And Peter Garrett?! Thank goodness it won't be around for long.
- by Fielding on June 06, 2007 at 11:24 AM
I used to love Mick Malloy on the radio, and his movies are pretty funny... but I watched about 10 mins of The Nation before I turned off. It just wasn't funny.
Although I can't agree with the people that are calling for Judith Lucy though... the less we see of that irritating and unfunny 'Comedian' the better
- by Rob on June 06, 2007 at 11:25 AM
I agree with all the posts re The Nation. Huge fan of The Late Show and Molloy's Crackerjack Movie, but the small bits I saw last night (channel surfing) were awful. (OK the quip about "no I date women" when Jackie O asked him if he was a Star Wars fan was funny - even funnier her reaction (or lack of)) However, one or two good quips does not make a good show. I think Mick really misses the rest of The Late Show team - especially Tony Martin. Mick did his best work with him and Judith Lucy. I think they are missing from The Nation and it shows.
Could not agree more with the idea of a television licence fee or tax to fund more drama on the ABC. What am I talking about the are billions in surplus at the moment - surely the Treasurer could afford to throw a little the ABC's way? Maybe if Maxine McKew and Mike Bailey get elected, there might be more funds for the ABC.
To the person that said that noone would support more taxes for this - people are turning to Pay TV or buying/renting DVDs -so in effect they are paying for better viewing.
- by Louise on June 06, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Jackie (H)O is the kiss of death for any local product.
Like... her stella resume currently covers such highlights at "Thorpie's Whores" which was clearly one of "Ian Thorpe's" (registered trademark) more woeful marketing decisions.... and "Australia's Princess" where she teams with the ever toxic and (proven)habitual liar, Paul Burrel.
Mike Malloy has pulled off some funny stuff in the past, but the expectation that viewers all swallow yet another dose of "O" is too much!
- by Little Dog on June 06, 2007 at 11:37 AM
Is it "Who Wants To Interview Lisa McCune" week on talk shows?
I'm sure I called i 2-3 weeks ago that The Nation will be sunk before the end of the FinYr. After last nights lacklusture unfunny performance, it'll be lucky if it's back next week!
And I second the comment about the lack of Hell's Kitchen last night. It's craptastic but it's hilarious. As an Iron Chef fan, I love it!
- by Bereft Skerrick on June 06, 2007 at 11:54 AM
give The Nation a break... first show and it wasn't that bad except for the Garrett interview and get rid of Akmal. The more we see of Stephen Curry the better
- by Dean on June 06, 2007 at 11:57 AM
"Why on earth is Deal or No Deal rating so highly?"
Arthur's response to above question was "Because it's just before the 1.5m rating seven news - people from work etc switch on their tvs early as a matter of habit. Even if DND is crap, which it is."
Isn't it the other way around - Seven News rates highly because it follows high rating DOND??? Channel Nine is desperate to match it's success - Bert failed.
- by JB on June 06, 2007 at 11:59 AM
The Nation was sloppy and not particularly sharp. As 'news comedy programs' (as they tried to push it) go, nowhere near The Daily Show or CNNNN. It was more Rove Live than newsy.
Can't see it lasting more than five or six weeks. Bring back Micallef, or last least bring out Micallef Tonight on DVD.
- by Mitchell on June 06, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Everything wrong with Aussie television is demonstrated by Channel 9 (and now Channel 7 to a lesser degree). These TV execs don't watch TV, they're aren't into it, so how could they possibly know what's good? Far better to make a variety show with some barely famous mugs on it (Jade MacCray anyone?)...
Or get some half-baked has-been "celebrity" comedian to frolic about making irrelevant snide inanities. Radio is the worst culprit. Judith Lucy? Put her out to pasture... Molloy? maybe he can host The Biggest Loser... Wil Anderson? Take out your eyebrow ring, dad.
At least Good News Week finally got the bone. Anyone can pick on Kim Beazley - he's fat, right? And John Howard? I heard he was nuthin' but a coward *ha ha ha* Aussie cinema/TV is dead as long as they keep funding sh!t like Danny Deckchair, or those Ozzy comedies with Mick and Judith.
Bring back Ronny Johns - it's the only thing nearing local comedy in grey old TV land right now.
- by MrBahHumbug on June 06, 2007 at 12:16 PM
I've been watching with interest the ratings for Brothers and Sisters, which has gradually hooked me in after my ritual watching of the Despos, but it looks as though it may have taken a hit this week. Was it in position 11 or 12? Did it rate less than last week?
I think the Despos' figures each week vary according to how good the episode looks, and Brothers and Sisters (which is always good)is likely to dip in synch.
* Posted by: poptaculosity on June 5, 2007 10:59 AM
I also have to agree with you poptaculosity. Brothers and Sisters follow my viewing of DH as well, and I'm also hooked. Although it doesnt rate as highly, the drama and quality of the show is excellent. Of course, Sally Field does a great job, but the array of actors with a strong story line really work well with each other. How did it rate on Monday TM? It usually hovers around the 1 million mark.
- by Ryan on June 06, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Mick was never really very funny, Tony Martin is the genius of that group (except on the big screen, Bad Eggs anyone?).
Want to hear (rather than see) quality Asutralian comedy? Listen to Get This with Tony Martin every day on Triple M
- by tim on June 06, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Went out to dinner last night and saw no TV at all. However many guests there said they were TAPING The Nation to watch later.
I asked WHY??? They all were just curious and hoping it would be similar to the (much needed to return) The Panel.
Silly me referred to it as Mick Mulloy's Funny Bits (Sorry Magda!) and without even watching one minute of it - predicted it would be a very quick axing!
Mick is not funny - he is gross - and the ratings and comments posted above are clear that it will not last very long.
Kerry must surely be spinning in his grave. Shame on his son and the PBL execs for destroying this man's legacy in just a few years.
p.s. How long before Lisa Wilkinson joins Alan Jones and Mick Mulloy out the door???
Get rid of Karl! The dirt he has on Nine execs must surely be a goldmine!
- by bettestreep on June 06, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Doctor Who: The Runaway Bride ABC 8:35pm Thursday, 28 June
Doctor Who:Series 3 ABC starts Saturday 30 June at 7:30pm
- by 2paw on June 06, 2007 at 12:39 PM
hey TM how did it The Catch Up go in its new timeslot of midday against Dr Phil?
Tribal Mind replies: I only get the top 100 most watched shows of each day, and the Catch Up has not been in that list so far this week, which means it is getting less than 108,000.. Dr Phil got 220,000 yesterday.
- by dave on June 06, 2007 at 12:57 PM
That episode of Comedy Inc. The Late Shift was a repeat, sure I've seen it before. Was so much funnier than Mick Molloy's show it was amazing. He was ok but most of the people and stuff around him was embarrassing. Stephen Curry was quite good, though, but it sounded like he was just a guest. Can't see it lasting, can anyone else?
- by John C Calhoun on June 06, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Granted that the Working Dog team were never all that hilarious when they did The Panel that was also Melbourne based and that The Chaser isn't always all that funny either (as a lot of their skits sometimes get predictable), The Nation will need time to find it's feet, but I agree Mick should recruit Tony Martin onto the show. Stephen Curry's interview pisstake with Lisa McCune (where they started criticising each other with politically incorrect comments) was quite amusing. At least Nine are trying something different, instead of taking the easy way out and slotting another CSI repeat.
- by Joe on June 06, 2007 at 01:15 PM
I didn't need to watch THE NATION to know it'd be a complete stinker.
A very bad ripoff of THE CHASER, methinks.
Channel 9 will "bone" Mick Molloy and friends in 2 weeks, I predict.
I really enjoyed BIG LOVE on Sunday night. Nice to see Bill Paxton on TV. This could be a real sleeper hit for SBS.
- by Evan on June 06, 2007 at 02:01 PM
Has anyone else noticed tech glitches with the SMH blog site, as in time outs and submitted posts taking forever to load.
Granted that the Working Dog team were never all that hilarious when they did The Panel that was also Melbourne based and that The Chaser isn't always all that funny either (as some of their skits
can sometimes get predictable), The Nation will need time to find it's feet, but I agree Mick should've recruited Tony Martin, Jude Lucy and Micallef onto the show, rather than Nikki Osborne, Akmal and Gary Eck. Stephen Curry's interview pisstake with Lisa McCune (where they started criticising each other with politically incorrect comments) was quite amusing. At least Nine are trying something different, instead of taking the easy way out and slotting another CSI repeat.
- by Joe on June 06, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Agree with most of the comments about The Nation. The only funny parts were when Steven Curry was on. He's a good actor, and a master of the 'being funny when trying to act serious'.
The show would probably work if they put Steven in the host job, and gave mick molloy the bit parts instead.
- by DragonLass on June 06, 2007 at 02:13 PM
The Nation was rank. I really do like Mick Molloy, lovable rogue that he is. But this just ponged to high heaven. What was with that Osama Turns 50 gag? No punchline in sight. Same with "Where the F%ing hell have you been?" Just not funny. The whole show is half baked, under done and not thought out. Akmal just did his stand up routine at Mick, he didn't even try and make it seem like banter, Peter Garret looked uncomfortable and I switched off at Jackie O and I will not be back. Its sad because I so want to like Aussie stuff but this just stank.
- by Matt on June 06, 2007 at 02:16 PM
Quoth 2paw on June 6, 2007 12:39 PM: Doctor Who: The Runaway Bride ABC 8:35pm Thursday, 28 June
Thanks for the info! But don't we have enough on Thursday nights already, what with Heroes/Lost? I can only tape one show at a time, dammit!
I missed The Nation last night, although I did catch the interview with Stephen Curry at the end since it was running overtime (*sigh*) and we surfed around a bit after First Tuesday on ABC. (Hey, TM, did First Tuesday - 10pm Tuesday ABC - do well this week with Richard E Grant on it?) The interview was amusing, but once I mentioned that Jackie O was supposed to be the co-host, Mr TQD surfed away at lightning speed.
- by tqd on June 06, 2007 at 02:17 PM
What the hell is going on with the judging of It Takes Two? Has there ever been a more concerted effort to keep a media personality onboard? (presumably so she can plug the show across the airwaves)
I can't be the only one who thinks Jo Stanley sounds like at tomcat with it's toms caught in a vice, can I? Last night she was drowned out by backing singers, and those four sycophants STILL fawned over her! And I swear Ross Wilson seems like he is back on the whacky weed with some of his observations.
If only the sound people would slip a You Tube out there of the vocal only tracks of these "talented" stars....
- by Solo on June 06, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Following on from my earlier post re ABC funding, I'm also wondering if the low numbers for The Nation also reflect the Sydney-Melbourne thing - ie: the Judith Lucy comments and other mexican-based comics don't seem to be able to put their brand of humour over to a national audience. The exception that proves the rule would have to be The Panel. I agree with bettestreep's post - bring them back, Christmas is too far away!
- by AJ on June 06, 2007 at 02:19 PM
Nice title - what's it got to do with the content of the blog?
Tribal Mind replies: Micallef did a Melbourne-based Tonight show that was hilarious. Molloy didn't. Does this answer your question?
- by kymbos on June 06, 2007 at 02:25 PM
Just watched some of the Nation, although I said I wouldn't Jackie O was actually better than could be expected but still dull, I think this show may be left aorund for awhile as I was under the impression Nine is running low on local content quota and they havent really got a replacement, they are even bring back the NZ Drama to meet the required local content in the second half of this year.
- by Lollipop on June 06, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Granted that the 24 show's 6th season has been it's most disappointing and it's most mediocre (in writing terms, which even the show's writers and producers have acknowledged (and which has probably registered in season 6's Aus ratings being poorer and lower than all previous seasons), it's unsurprising Seven seems to have given up on the show and obviously just sees it as an adequate 1 hour time filler, as recent eps in recent weeks haven't even had at the end of the episode, a preview (with Seven announcer talking) of next week's episode, as Seven normally do with their other US shows. At least the show is due for a radical overhaul for it's last 2 seasons (that should've been done with season 6, but the show's two creator – producers obviously got too arrogant).
- by Kat on June 06, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Like many, I tuned into The Nation in the hope that it would meet a long-unquenched thirst for panel-type comedy entertainment. I was a big fan of Micallef Tonight (a failed Ch 9 beast), and the Micallef Program (its superior predecessor on the ABC).
I'm afraid the Molloy show tanked, big time. The laughs were fleeting, and the choice of guests off the mark. Peter Garrett, like him or loathe him, just didn't relax. Compare Joe Hockey talking to Kerrie-Anne today with Garrett chatting with Molloy last night -- I'm afraid that segement was just a sign of how uninspiring the whole show was.
I had hoped this was Mick Molloy's revival on television. I doubt he'll last another three weeks. I'll give him until the end of June. As Shaun Micallef used to say on his under-rated Ch 9 show prior to its axing: "Into the bin!".
- by Sam on June 06, 2007 at 02:54 PM
2paw wrote: Doctor Who: The Runaway Bride ABC 8:35pm Thursday, 28 June
Doctor Who:Series 3 ABC starts Saturday 30 June at 7:30pm
The Guide says 23rd. Which is correct TM? Your paper or 2paw? Or have I gone blind and not noticed?
I forgot The Nation was on till my DVD finished but gave it ten minutes before I boned it. I would say 2 weeks but hell The Catch Up has survived so who knows?
- by Cat on June 06, 2007 at 03:12 PM
The fact that the nation used 2 paris hilton jokes (which are the lowest form of wit, after Russell Crowe fighting jokes) in the first 10 minutes showed how sloppy it was. And it continued to crash from their.
Such a shame for little Nikki Osborne, back to Quizmania for you, and not a moment too soon
- by jed on June 06, 2007 at 03:27 PM
2paw wrote:
>Doctor Who: The Runaway Bride ABC 8:35pm Thursday, 28 June
Doctor Who:Series 3 ABC starts Saturday 30 June at 7:30pm>
Cat:-
>The Guide says 23rd. Which is correct TM? Your paper or 2paw? Or have I gone blind and not noticed?>
2pay is correct. The ABC website says the 28th ("The Runaway Bride", the 2006 Christmas Special) and the 30th ("Smith & Jones", the 1st episode of the 2007 regular series), which is consistent with the informal word that has been around for the last month or so.
The current series is excellent. A word of advice, though - have your tissues handy for Episode 9, "The Family of Blood"......
- by Mark on June 06, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Just read an article that says Channel Nine under its new owners is about to (once again) cut through the network, slashing stars and programs and no one is immune.
They are going to focus on 'underperforming' stars and shows - that would virtually mean the whole network and all its stars.
First to go in my opinion would have to be
Mick Molloy - The Nation - axe!
The Catch Up - axe!
Bert Newton and his hair - axe!
Today Show - axe!
Sam Newman (and his 850,000 a year salary) axe!
How can Channel Nine pay someone as talentless as Sam Newman $850,000 a year and expect to be taken seriously!
Axe the lot I say and start again!
- by grant james on June 06, 2007 at 04:02 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed The Nation. I prefer this than any American drama/murder or canned laughter sitcom.
First shows are always full of bugs, so hopefully they iron them out over the next few weeks and Ch 9 gives them at least a season! (more than 13 episodes)
So far it's the only show I've watched on 9 this year, other than bits of the logies.
Keep it up Mick!
- by Matt on June 06, 2007 at 04:03 PM
I wouldnt call numbers a perrenial flop i mean those figures are quite good for the 9:30pm slot
- by tenmania on June 06, 2007 at 04:22 PM
Cripes didn't Mick Molloy get this blog going ! The Nation's material had all been done before and done better. I switched over after the 3rd Paris Hilton segment. Fortunately an hour later ch2 repeated "Absolute Power" and I laughed my socks off. I'll give it 3 weeks in its current timeslot. Have our lawyers and lawmakers finally killed off irreverent comedy ?
- by Les on June 06, 2007 at 04:25 PM
Oh dear I could not even last 30 seconds of The Nation - I channel surfed in an ad break last night and they had some appalling Paris Hilton sketch - it was enough for me to turn off that instant and not go back... plus the mere thought of the very ordinary Jackie O on was enough deterrant from going back - even the Ford Ad she does in conjunction with the very annoying Andrew G makes me want to poke out me own eyes! what is it with those who have very little to recommend them and initials for surnames?
- by Cathy on June 06, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Hey TM,
Do you have the Pay TV ratings for last week? I ask because last Saturday night had all four codes of football up against one another
- by aardvark on June 06, 2007 at 04:45 PM
Bring Mick(Gary)back to Kath. It won't fly at 9.
- by TenWordLimit on June 06, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Though I am not a fan of either of them it is nice to see two ABC shows in the top 10. How often has that happened in the last 20 years?