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The ratings race: Week 34
This blog is now a heritage item -- worth studying but not the latest word on the subject. For this week's discussion, go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind.
To discover the real reading habits of Australians, go to The Tribal Mind
What Australia watched, Saturday
1. Seven news (7) 1.31m
2. Australia's Funniest Homne Videos (9) 1.14m
3. Saturday night AFL (10) 1.07m s 182,000, M 437,000, B 103,000, A 202,000, P 147,000.
4. Nine news (9) 1.02m
5. Ten news (10) 980,000.
8. Dr Who (ABC) 865,000.
12. The Bill (ABC), for Daniel, who probably isn't even reading any more, let alone watching, 638,000.
14. Die Hard (7) 581,000.
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
At this point in the week, the prime time average audience shares stand at: Seven 28.8 per cent, Nine 26.5, Ten 23.2, ABC 16.3, SBS 5.3.
What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,427,000 362,000 373,000 296,000 171,000 225,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,247,000 369,000 321,000 237,000 143,000 176,000
3 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,209,000 379,000 278,000 238,000 118,000 195,000
4 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,149,000 411,000 379,000 240,000 119,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,128,000 316,000 323,000 249,000 126,000 114,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,064,000 266,000 328,000 247,000 102,000 121,000
7 TEMPTATION Nine 1,047,000 246,000 377,000 205,000 109,000 111,000
9 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 21: ST KILDA V WEST COAST Seven 951,000 24,000 443,000 20,000 178,000 285,000
12 BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON RPT Ten 791,000 190,000 274,000 110,000 93,000 125,000
14 NEIGHBOURS Ten 733,000 158,000 233,000 158,000 69,000 115,000
19 JAMIE AT HOME FRI Ten 652,000 122,000 227,000 142,000 61,000 100,000
20 NINE'S LIVE FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 635,000 376,000 259,000
21 IT'S ME OR THE DOG FRI Ten 624,000 123,000 205,000 112,000 69,000 115,000
33 NINE'S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 369,000 224,000 144,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
The daily media report by David Dale, updated 10 am Friday
Maybe Lisa McCune needs to show more cleavage. Last night The Ghost Whisperer, starring the queen of cleavage, Jennifer Love Hewitt, drew 1.2 million viewers to Seven at 7.30, and a million of them hung around at 8.30 to see the new anatomical program Fight For Life. So Sea Patrol lost 100,000 viewers.
Channel Nine still rules the waves on Thursday, but its winning margin over Seven is shrinking (as opposed to Hewitt's cleavage.)
What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEA PATROL Nine 1,477,000 458,000 410,000 272,000 187,000 150,000
2 GETAWAY Nine 1,409,000 392,000 400,000 298,000 145,000 175,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,397,000 366,000 344,000 297,000 168,000 223,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,369,000 398,000 357,000 276,000 156,000 182,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,336,000 344,000 333,000 274,000 183,000 203,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,191,000 288,000 398,000 272,000 104,000 129,000
7 NINE NEWS Nine 1,185,000 306,000 372,000 287,000 116,000 104,000
8 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 1,177,000 343,000 344,000 229,000 126,000 134,000
11 THE FOOTY SHOW Nine 1,071,000 281,000 431,000 127,000 116,000 117,000
12 FIGHT FOR LIFE Seven 1,030,000 273,000 320,000 175,000 113,000 148,000
13 LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT RPT Ten 1,002,000 252,000 313,000 197,000 100,000 139,000
15 LAW & ORDER THURS Ten 912,000 251,000 268,000 177,000 95,000 121,000
19 PRINCE CHARLES AND PRINCE WILLIAM ABC 837,000 241,000 283,000 152,000 67,000 94,000
23 NEIGHBOURS Ten 757,000 169,000 242,000 152,000 95,000 98,000
25 THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE Seven 665,000 204,000 200,000 94,000 75,000 92,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
The daily media report by David Dale, updated 10 am Thursday
Give them a reason, and Australians will come back to television. Kath and Kim was the first reason this week, and Thank God You're Here last night was the second. A mid-season record 2.05 million stayed with the comedians-in-crisis for an hour, creating a mystery which only the expert readers of this column can solve: what was it about last night that suddenly caused 200,000 more people than last week to switch to Channel Ten at 7.30? And then, why didn't 300,000 of TGYH's viewers hang around to watch House? We'd love to hear your theories, below.
Ten won last night, of course, and at this point in the week, the average prime time audience shares stand at: Seven 28.7 per cent, Nine 25.5 per cent, Ten 23.9, ABC 16.8, SBS 5.1.
What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE Ten 2,050,000 531,000 732,000 351,000 211,000 225,000
2 HOUSE Ten 1,698,000 463,000 529,000 264,000 228,000 214,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,515,000 402,000 394,000 286,000 161,000 272,000
4 TEMPTATION Nine 1,359,000 337,000 446,000 299,000 124,000 154,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,322,000 344,000 382,000 255,000 133,000 208,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,321,000 400,000 319,000 254,000 130,000 219,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,279,000 351,000 416,000 271,000 123,000 118,000
8 NINE NEWS Nine 1,238,000 360,000 376,000 255,000 131,000 115,000
9 RPA Nine 1,217,000 357,000 384,000 240,000 111,000 124,000
10 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 1,211,000 328,000 397,000 225,000 128,000 133,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC 1,092,000 306,000 346,000 199,000 114,000 127,000
12 WITHOUT A TRACE Nine 1,088,000 323,000 334,000 188,000 126,000 117,000
13 MCLEOD'S DAUGHTERS Nine 1,072,000 278,000 304,000 216,000 135,000 139,000
14 MOST SHOCKING Seven 1,055,000 260,000 289,000 213,000 115,000 178,000
15 THE CHASER'S WAR ON REPEATS ABC 968,000 265,000 338,000 170,000 93,000 102,000
What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,734,000 511,000 488,000 344,000 172,000 219,000
2 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,697,000 441,000 530,000 327,000 173,000 227,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,451,000 376,000 420,000 288,000 172,000 197,000
4 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,441,000 357,000 409,000 293,000 175,000 205,000
5 TEMPTATION Nine 1,354,000 373,000 414,000 267,000 146,000 154,000
6 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,341,000 410,000 416,000 208,000 135,000 171,000
7 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,307,000 375,000 349,000 276,000 119,000 187,000
8 NINE NEWS Nine 1,273,000 318,000 428,000 273,000 135,000 118,000
9 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,248,000 334,000 370,000 274,000 126,000 143,000
10 THE SIMPSONS TUES EP 2 Ten 1,233,000 272,000 492,000 167,000 169,000 133,000
The daily media report by David Dale, updated 10 am Tuesday
At this point in the ratings week, Seven is averaging 30.2 per cent of the prime time audience, with Nine on 23.9, Ten on 21.6, ABC on 18.9 and SBS on 5.5. Here's a sampling of shows in which readers of this blog have expressed interest. Feel free to ask about any we failed to mention ...
What Australia watched, Monday
1. Border Security Seven 1.656m
2. Seven News Seven 1.605
3. Australian Idol Ten 1.565
4. Today Tonight Seven 1.442
5. Home and Away Seven 1.390
6. A Current Affair Nine 1.318
7. Nine News Nine 1.305
8. Surf Patrol Seven 1.267
9. Temptation Nine 1.254
10. Criminal Minds Seven 1.229
11. ABC News ABC 1.147
12. Enough Rope with Andrew Denton ABC 1.104
13. 1 vs 100 Nine 0.969
14. Law and Order: SVU - Episode 1 Ten 0.966
21 Top Gear SBS 0.788
22 E.R. Nine 0.779
27 Shark Seven 0.711
30 Boston Legal Seven 0.542
39 Marx & Venus SBS 366,000
41 Footy Classified Nine 360,000 227,000 74,000 59,000
42 South Park rpt SBS 342,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
To register your prediction for the election and beyond, go to The foretelling.
Updated 9.30 am Monday
They not only topped the ratings on Sunday night -- they brought back to television nearly a million people who had apparently given up watching this year. The audience for the commercial debut of Kath and Kim was 2.5 million -- more than they've ever managed before (their record on the ABC was 2.09 million) and more than any program in the ratings year so far.
To compare their performance with previous TV records, go to The TV shows Australia loved. And give us your theory below on what it is about K&K that so appeals to Australians. Will they hold that audience for every episode?
What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 KATH & KIM Seven 2,521,000 674,000 876,000 418,000 260,000 294,000
2 MY NAME IS EARL Seven 1,667,000 438,000 601,000 285,000 165,000 179,000
3 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,650,000 331,000 488,000 355,000 190,000 286,000
4 MIDSOMER MURDERS ABC 1,428,000 414,000 438,000 240,000 155,000 180,000
5 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,421,000 415,000 422,000 266,000 167,000 151,000
6 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - TOP 100 Ten 1,415,000 441,000 412,000 239,000 153,000 171,000
7 CSI Nine 1,373,000 395,000 394,000 272,000 158,000 155,000
8 AUSTRALIA'S BEST BACKYARDS Seven 1,267,000 351,000 445,000 252,000 219,000
9 HOT PROPERTY Seven 1,231,000 377,000 435,000 236,000 183,000
10 M-MEET THE FOCKERS Seven 1,223,000 337,000 453,000 178,000 131,000 124,000
11 BACKYARD BLITZ Nine 1,155,000 309,000 323,000 233,000 144,000 146,000
14 60 MINUTES Nine 1,134,000 319,000 307,000 245,000 127,000 136,000
23 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 20: KANGAROOS V GEELONG Seven 643,000 93,000 326,000 89,000 136,000
25 THE WEDGE EP 1 Ten 529,000 168,000 167,000 72,000 53,000 69,000
31 NINE'S SUNDAY FOOTBALL Nine 412,000 247,000 144,000 20,000
Updated 6pm Sunday
Channel Seven really needs Kath and Kim to work for it on Sunday nights, because it is suffering serious slippage in audience. Last week's season final of Grey's Anatomy should have done a lot better than 1.3 million (last year it got 1.8 million) and the new American legal series Shark should not be getting beaten on Mondays by Andrew Denton, 940,000 to 708,000.
As Seven sinks, Nine slowly rises, particularly with Sydney viewers. An ancient episode of Backyard Blitz, starring Seven's new poster boy Jamie Durie, jumped into the top ten last week, suggesting that not every geriatric turns to the ABC on Sunday, while Sea Patrol defied the critics' predictions and retained its 1.6 million on Thursday. Seven averaged 27.8 per cent of the prime time audience for the week, with Nine on 27.1, Ten on 23.3, ABC on 16.6 and SBS on 5.2.
There's no chance of Nine winning the year, but the race is going to be a lot closer than it looked in the first half. This column has remarked before on how the fortunes of Seven seem to follow the fortunes of Kevin Rudd, while Nine reflects John Howard. As go the opinion polls, so go the ratings. Go to The Tribal Mind to examine those parallels.
What Australia watched, week ending August18
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE Ten 1,785,000 464,000 589,000 300,000 197,000 235,000
2 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,734,000 479,000 543,000 318,000 166,000 229,000
3 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,731,000 487,000 515,000 329,000 168,000 231,000
4 HOUSE Ten 1,646,000 482,000 422,000 300,000 200,000 242,000
5 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,616,000 485,000 438,000 266,000 167,000 260,000
6 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,608,000 370,000 433,000 342,000 157,000 306,000
7 SEA PATROL Nine 1,586,000 448,000 517,000 268,000 184,000 169,000
8 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - AUDITION 3 Ten 1,584,000 502,000 486,000 230,000 199,000 167,000
9 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,561,000 466,000 492,000 284,000 193,000 127,000
10 BACKYARD BLITZ Nine 1,498,000 398,000 449,000 280,000 194,000 178,000
11 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - AUDITION 4 Ten 1,474,000 469,000 408,000 225,000 194,000 178,000
12 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,470,000 405,000 374,000 246,000 185,000 259,000
13 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,461,000 429,000 457,000 235,000 148,000 191,000
14 MIDSOMER MURDERS ABC 1,435,000 400,000 479,000 217,000 165,000 173,000
15 GETAWAY Nine 1,383,000 386,000 470,000 229,000 145,000 153,000
16 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,377,000 366,000 369,000 237,000 178,000 227,000
17 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,370,000 446,000 409,000 194,000 130,000 191,000
18 60 MINUTES Nine 1,350,000 311,000 435,000 259,000 148,000 197,000
19 M-THE INCREDIBLES Seven 1,347,000 336,000 407,000 256,000 123,000 226,000
20 NCIS Ten 1,320,000 326,000 431,000 231,000 190,000 142,000
21 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,313,000 388,000 338,000 252,000 137,000 198,000
22 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,291,000 373,000 409,000 207,000 139,000 163,000
23 THE WORST JOBS IN HISTORY ABC 1,283,000 392,000 421,000 196,000 134,000 140,000
24 SURF PATROL Seven 1,262,000 351,000 377,000 203,000 128,000 203,000
25 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 1,260,000 357,000 419,000 221,000 149,000 115,000
26 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,258,000 301,000 408,000 195,000 163,000 192,000
27 NINE NEWS Nine 1,222,000 333,000 375,000 261,000 147,000 107,000
28 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,212,000 323,000 387,000 256,000 130,000 116,000
29 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC 1,195,000 330,000 381,000 209,000 123,000 151,000
30 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,171,000 346,000 336,000 255,000 150,000 84,000
31 CSI Nine 1,166,000 362,000 330,000 198,000 148,000 128,000
32 TEMPTATION Nine 1,165,000 301,000 385,000 221,000 134,000 123,000
33 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,163,000 301,000 334,000 250,000 137,000 141,000
34 CRIME INVESTIGATION AUSTRALIA Nine 1,131,000 384,000 349,000 173,000 116,000 109,000
35 COLD CASE Nine 1,117,000 327,000 344,000 224,000 106,000 117,000
36 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 1,113,000 308,000 376,000 183,000 115,000 130,000
37 MCLEOD'S DAUGHTERS Nine 1,083,000 279,000 289,000 237,000 138,000 141,000
38 WITHOUT A TRACE Nine 1,079,000 332,000 313,000 195,000 128,000 111,000
39 ABC NEWS-Mon-Fri ABC 1,075,000 306,000 344,000 182,000 111,000 132,000
40 1 VS 100 Nine 1,064,000 334,000 330,000 171,000 113,000 117,000
41 THINGS TO TRY BEFORE YOU DIE Nine 1,063,000 317,000 320,000 180,000 118,000 127,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)
David Dale is the author of Who We Are -- A snapshot of Australia today (Allen and Unwin). For further observations of Australian attitudes and behaviour, go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind.
COMMENTS
PS Woo hoo, first message posted!! Still very intrigued as to how the Kath and Kim figures will go - very interested to see how the Earl figures will go - being at an odd time, I'm wondering how Seven will manipulate the figures. I watched Idol and recorded the channel 7 stuff to HDD, wonder if others did the same. Saving it for Tuesday night when there is literally NOTHING I like watching at 9:30pm (and I'm really not that fond of All Saints at 8:30pm, just watch it because of a lack of competition - no foxtel, been doing so much marking due to Trial HSC by 8:30pm I'll watch pretty much anything slightly interesting at the moment!! Thus, I watched Sea Patrol on Thursday, although I was bagging it out the entire time!!)
- by Beckala on August 19, 2007 at 09:54 PM
Since i'm predicting that most on this blog will focus on chatter about Kath & Kim, i thought i would just get in early and ask..
What does everyone else think about RPA going up against House? Nine obviously wants to hit Seven where it hurts at the moment (Wednesday nights)and i'm sure they'll pull in the oldies but i think House will edge out the competition and the night will still belong to Ten.
What does everyone else think? Also what about when the Chaser returns? Is it coming back to it's Wednesday timeslot? If so then i think we are in for a showdown :)
Tribal Mind remarks: House has only three more episodes to go.
- by stephen on August 19, 2007 at 10:05 PM
I'm not going to comment on the quality of the shows up there, but it's nice to see Australian (well, partly Australian at least) productions rating well. Are we starting to shed our American entertainment dependance?
Then again, people may merely be downloading those shows when they are first run overseas.
- by Broken Man on August 20, 2007 at 06:41 AM
Mr Dale - Prison Break Season 3 is supposed to start next week in USA. Channel 7 said they were going to show the new season close to America time. Do you know when Ch 7 are planning to show this series
Tribal Mind replies: Seven said September, so presumably they will stick to that. My guess is they'll wait till House is finished, then launch Prison Break and Heroes on Wednesday nights.
- by Darryl on August 20, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Sorry Mr Dale, just googled and Prison break 3 is September 17 in USA
Tribal Mind replies: So my earlier answer still applies.
- by Darryl on August 20, 2007 at 07:47 AM
Kath and Kim was a very cruel show.
I don't recall it being as harsh as that previously.
With the ad breaks it certainly flew by quickly. Felt like 15 minutes worth of show.
And I don't think the Hyatt Coolum would have been especially thrilled with what transpired.
Running Earl afterwards didn't work for this household. We just switched to the last 30 mins of Aus Idol.
- by David @ Wahroonga on August 20, 2007 at 07:55 AM
Hi David,
I have read in another paper (The 'Oz' - shameful, I know) that TEN will be screening all new eps of HOUSE fresh from the satellite, up until the end of the 2007 ratings. New eps will then begin again in February 2008. I would provide an online link, but would not want to direct readers to another newspaper!
Tribal Mind replies: Very polite of you. But as I understand it, Ten won't be able to start the new House immediately afer the current season, so there will be a window for Seven.
- by Ben on August 20, 2007 at 09:06 AM
Wow, 2.5. Colour me shocked. Wonder whether that will prevail next week?
Interesting to see that there's a larger number of people in Melbourne watching - 200K more, perhaps because the show is Melbourne-centric? Everything else in the timeslot seemed to have an even spread between Syd and Melb, except for Worst Jobs in History, which had 100K more for Melb.
Leads me to make a couple of conclusions: 1) people mistakely thought K&K was on the ABC. 2) Melb is less populous than Syd, but more people watch TV there, is that why they call it Melboring? 3) Heavier promotion in Melb?
In the meantime, I have a confession to make. Last night, instead of K&K, we watched last Weds AM's DVR'ed Torchwood. It was admittedly the worst episode so far.
- by Bereft Skerrick on August 20, 2007 at 09:27 AM
[quote]
Kath and Kim was a very cruel show.
I don't recall it being as harsh as that previously.
With the ad breaks it certainly flew by quickly. Felt like 15 minutes worth of show.
And I don't think the Hyatt Coolum would have been especially thrilled with what transpired.[/quote]
I don't follow... In what way was K&K cruel? - Did I miss something?
From the articles I have read, the Coolum Resort was basically a sponsorship/contra arrangement with the show, so I doubt there are any issues with the great publicity the resort received, along with the plugs for QANTAS and FAMOUS magazine.
I felt the show was in fine form, and the advertisements did not effect my enjoyment at all.
I do agree on one point though, the screening of Earl after K&K made me switch to Idol for the last 30mins.
- by Ben on August 20, 2007 at 09:31 AM
I agree with Dave from Wahroonga. Kath & Kim has just turned nasty to get its humour. The characters lack any depth anymore and are just harpies. It certainly lacked the sparkle of the previous series. Maybe it was the ad breaks. Still, those figures are impressive. 2.5 million. Can they keep it up? And Idol looks like it's losing ground badly though the real victim was 60 Minutes. Ouch!
- by John on August 20, 2007 at 09:37 AM
Kath & Kim figures are outstanding!
Who would have thought 2.5m???
What's more gobsmacking is that it seems K&K took viewers away from 60 minutes and not Idol as many of us thought.
Should be interesting next week when the curiosity factor disappears. I expect it to fall to 1.8-1.9 - which is still fantastic ratings.
I personally can't stomach the show - but obviously I am in the minority.
- by bettestreep on August 20, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Although I'm sure the ratings will ensure that Ch7 sticks with K&K, for me it was the same as the last season and the dreadful TV movie - just not funny anymore. The jokes once again were mean spirited and tired.
Next week's episode looks a little better from the preview, but we'll have to wait and see.
- by cronk on August 20, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Ah, 2.5! Not at all what I was expecting -- I thought 2 million would be the absolute maximum. I'm interested to see how it goes next week. Will people drop off because last night's episode wasn't up to par?
They mentioned that Rob Sitch would be on next week, didn't they? If that's the case? I'm watching.
Anyway, out of interest, what were the audience shares last night? Since K&K is only a half-hour show, the effect wouldn't be *too* detrimental, would it?
- by bertrand on August 20, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Sorry, David, but I think you are wrong with your figure for the highest rstings K&K got on the ABC.
I am sure they passed 2mill.
Tribal Mind replies: You're right. It was 2.09 m. I have corrected. c
- by andy on August 20, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Wow 2.5m! - did the rain yesterday send people looking for Coolum sunshine in K & K?
Interested to note that Jamie Durie is pulling 2.4m b/w his two shows. TM do you know what the precursor shows on either channel 7 or 9 were pulling before the Durie vs Durie duel began?
Oh and TM, Michael Idato apologised to his high school history teacher in The Guide today for a mistake he made in a review. Have you ever felt the need to apologise to one of your teachers (I would never imply which one) for what happens on this blog?
- by Cat on August 20, 2007 at 10:06 AM
It's pretty sensible for Seven to screen Heroes 28 or 29 episode season 2 here at the same as North America (but it'll be drawn out and there will be a delay over Xmas), but unless Prison Break's writers can pull off a miracle (in terms of brilliant writing), which I don't think they will, I predict PB seaason 3 will prove a ratings disappointment for Seven and it'll be eventually moved to a 10.30 pm timeslot like 24.
Lost season 4 starts in January in the US with only 16 eps and will have no breaks ; I imagine Seven will wait till early February to screen it, so we'll be probably 3 or 4 weeks behind.
- by Joe on August 20, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Funny how many more people will watch something once it is on a commercial station (and has ads throught it).
As someone who didn't watch K&K last night, I'm wondering if Seven did keep its promise of having less ads than regular programming? If so, this could partially explain how they were able to get such a high average, since there would be less flicking between channels.
- by pc on August 20, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Re K & K - last night's ep was a disappointment, didn't laugh once or even raise a smile. Will not watch any further eps, tired & boring format... but then again, I still can't understand why Sea Patrol still rates so highly...
- by kate on August 20, 2007 at 10:32 AM
joe, re:lost,
it would make sense for Seven to screen lost as close as possible to the us, rather than start in feb.
They would only miss 2-3 weeks that would have been in the rating season and they usually like to get a head start anyway with a few of their key shows.
And just those few weeks would probably significantly reduce the number of downloaders.
- by pc on August 20, 2007 at 10:33 AM
If TM theory holds true that there is a corelation between Kevin Rudd and Seven ratings, based on K&K numbers the stip joint is going to do wonders for Kev in the polls.
- by TV addict on August 20, 2007 at 10:50 AM
PC wrote about Lost: They would only miss 2-3 weeks that would have been in the rating season and they usually like to get a head start anyway with a few of their key shows.
And just those few weeks would probably significantly reduce the number of downloaders.
I for one would not bother downloading if the gap was as little as 3 weeks. I would just tape and fast forward through the ads.
- by Cat on August 20, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Sorry, but "Kath and Kim" last night was very unfunny. It had lost its 'spark' and was going through the motions. Hyatt Coolum, a five star resort, came out of it looking like a B-grade holiday camp. Very bad PR for them. Last night's ratings were high as viewers tuned in out of interest. Watch the ratings crash through the floor next week.
- by Mike on August 20, 2007 at 10:54 AM
I am with bettestreep - I also cannot stomach K&K.
Didn't watch it but did watch Earl - one of the funniest shows on telly. Glad it's back.
- by sarah on August 20, 2007 at 10:56 AM
TM, I'm proposing a poll for the downloaders out there, as my feeling is that people will download their fav shows regardless of whether they're played the same week as the US, due to the ease of it all and the fact that you can watch the eps when you want.
So, to all the downloaders - if the FTA stations screen eps of your favourite shows in the same week that they air in the states, would you still download them?
- by Matt on August 20, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Is this the future Kath n Kim? If so it’s a very disappointing prospect. It was flat, full of old tired lines and unfamiliar characters.
- by Caroline on August 20, 2007 at 10:58 AM
That's HUGE ratings for Kath and Kim. Good news for scripted Aussie comedy. Maybe all the networks will support some more new scripted comedy and drama now.
- by J Bar on August 20, 2007 at 11:02 AM
K&K: It felt very tired and stale for me, just repetition of the same old jokes and stereotypes.
I'll keep watching, but I'm hoping things improve next week.
Who else loves MIDSOMER MURDERS?
I'm not ashamed to say I'm a huge fan. Barnaby, Jones and the gang - Sunday night wouldn't be the same without them.
- by Evan on August 20, 2007 at 11:27 AM
I admit to watching K&K a few times before, basically to see what all the fuss was about.
Thought it looked revolting from the previews, but wondered if so many people could be so ..... wrong.
Yes, confirmed. Revolting.
Tried again last night.
Confirmed. Revolting.
Never again!
Such stupid, nasty or pathetic characters, funny as a train wreck.
- by Sal on August 20, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Wow, just proves we Aussies love laughing at ourselves. Teachers and coaches can't say...'Look at me?' and boy it's hard not giggle when I'm sipping a Kardonnay.
- by jack johns on August 20, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Well, against my better judgement I watched K & K last night - I was going to teach them a lesson by not watching because they went commercial but was swayed by the endless advertising. May be I'm getting too old and cranky but I found the show disappointingly unfunny!! In fact, I found Midsomer Murders funnier - must be hormones.
Stephen - RPA over House any day - Hugh Laurie will forever be foppish King George (I think) from Blackadder for me.
- by Shoopie on August 20, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Kath and Kim was awful. Barely raised a smile from me. They should not have made another series. It has reached a level of predictability that one would expect from commercial tv. It's such a shame they they sold out to Channel 7. Won't watch another episode...
- by Luke on August 20, 2007 at 11:42 AM
i thought the k and k ep was pretty ordinary, i hope it pics up but in discussion with others here at work they all felt the same way, that is they were waiting to laugh, and didnt
- by dave on August 20, 2007 at 11:43 AM
Amazing results for K&K. Imagine the ratings they'd get if it was actually funny?
- by Wardy on August 20, 2007 at 12:33 PM
RE: "Wow, just proves we Aussies love laughing at ourselves. Teachers and coaches can't say...'Look at me?' and boy it's hard not giggle when I'm sipping a Kardonnay."
I don't suppose you've seen Gervais' Extras, especially season 2.
- by canoli on August 20, 2007 at 12:33 PM
K&K didn't appear to be any better or worse than in previous series. Those bagging it because it's 'all the same' – well, what did you expect? That they would throw out everything they did before and come up with something totally different? If they did that, it wouldn't be K&K, but some other show.
I've never been a huge fan, but it is passable entertainment with some funny bits, pretty much like last night's show.
Matt wrote: "So, to all the downloaders - if the FTA stations screen eps of your favourite shows in the same week that they air in the states, would you still download them?"
Yes, I would. I've been stung too many times in the past with networks dropping shows after a while, changing the timeslot, time overruns, preemptions with 'special' events (like equestrian world championships!) and just the irritation of plain old ad breaks. So, timing has no bearing on what I would do.
- by damien on August 20, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Sick of reality TV, it a pleasure seeing programs that don't tell you how to garden, how to cook, how to pass boarder security, how to be rescued in a surf, how to avoid a police chase, how to degrade yourself and values for opportunity to be on Big Brother.
- by Carmen on August 20, 2007 at 12:48 PM
Love K&K but hate commerical TV, so didn't watch - might consider it if they showed without ad interruptions, but otherwise will just wait for dvd.
- by pablo on August 20, 2007 at 12:50 PM
I'm also a fan of MIDSOMER MURDERS.
The next two episodes are the last and have yet to be shown in the UK. They are episodes 58 & 59.
All episodes made are here:
http://www.geocities.com/televisioncity/satellite/9476/mainepisodeguide.htm
- by Gary on August 20, 2007 at 12:51 PM
And all the while Channel 7 have an ace up their sleeve. When they move the best script on televsion to an 8.30 slot, Boston Legal fans will get more sleeep!
- by DMc on August 20, 2007 at 01:00 PM
My god, I only watched one of those shows, just one! And that was because I watched it on DVD. How damn honest are these figures, when you think about it? And if that is what on Australian television these days, well, not worth watching telly these days, unless you have Foxtel.
- by Wayne Dawes on August 20, 2007 at 01:02 PM
Why did they have to put Kath and Kim on the same time as Australian Idol? I missed last night episode since we were intrigue by Australian Idol. We completely forgot to switch it back to Kath & Kim, mainly because wer'e trying to work out what those drug adds were about. Monday Night would of been a better time slot. Once again they will be competing with Australian Idol.
- by Mark Ziegler on August 20, 2007 at 01:04 PM
RE downloading:
No i wouldnt download if it was aired the same week as the US. I'd save my download limit for other stuff. I think it will bring back some of the "missing" viewers to shows such as Lost.
- by ACME on August 20, 2007 at 01:11 PM
I have watched almost all episodes of K&K, I would have to say, last nights was the most boring K&K ever made. The shameless plugs to Qantas and Hyatt throughout the show showed how low commercial TV can really get. I hope things improve, but from the previews next weeks show aint looking any better either!
- by Kiran on August 20, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Sorry, I think the Kath and Kim return was a flop. It just wasn't funny. We tried, but gave up after a few ad breaks and switched to ABC. Worst Jobs In History gets a thums up.
- by holly on August 20, 2007 at 01:24 PM
For any interested readers (with cable broadband / ADSL internet connections) who want to see (commercial free) Sopranos final season 6 eps 13 – 21 and The Shield (seasons 5 & 6 after Ten dropped it after season 5's 3rd episode), episodes of both superb shows can be watched on the links below. Episodes sometimes can
be slow to load, but if you hang in there, remain both patient and persistent (while also doing something else online while waiting), you'll get to watch every episode. I just finished watching last week, the very brilliant 20 episodes in The Shield's 5th and 6th seasons that Ten couldn't care less to screen. I saw season 5's first 3 eps on Ten, so skipped them. I believe the region 1 North American DVD release of Sopranos last 9 episodes, is out very soon also.
http://www.tv-video.net/video/thesopranos/
http://www.tv-video.net/video/theshield/
- by David on August 20, 2007 at 01:37 PM
Kath and Kim was a real disappointment. The characters were not true to the earlier episodes and the ads ruined the experience entirely. I wont bother next week...
- by Andrew on August 20, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Turned Kim and Kath off after 20 minutes as we just didn't enjoy the new location and the forced screen personalities. We avidly watched all previous episodes.
Still, maybe we are getting old!!
- by gtsrob on August 20, 2007 at 02:03 PM
I've never been a massive fan of Kath & Kim, but found it reasonably inoffensive. Until last night. The humour was heavy-handed and dumbed-down, like they had to explain the humour. The humour used to be sly, now it was done with a shovel.
It's interesting that a lot of the people who have written how great it was, didn't watch Earl. Now Earl is a lovely example of sharp humour done deftly.
As for Sea Boat, people are either hoping it'll get good, or are watching it because the supporting cast is pretty good. All they have to do is chuck those two lumps of wood in the lead overboard, and they'd have a show on their hands.
I'm going to miss Big Love though. I sure hope SBS can afford the second series.
- by ant on August 20, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Hey Evan, I also love Midsomer Murders! Brilliant show (and for the number crunchers - I'm only 26).
TM and everyone else - does anyone know what has happened to Iron Chef? I'm starting to go into withdrawals.
- by Shells on August 20, 2007 at 02:13 PM
You know the worst thing about these great ratings for Kath n Kim?
Channel 7 are gonna spin the hell out of it for the next 4 weeks (over and over and over). Using phrases such as...(in that insipid fake gravelley male voice)
"Australian has fallen in love with..."
"Over 2.5million Aussies laughed themselves silly...."
"Australia's Biggest Hit TV show....on 7!!..."
"The whole of Australia is saying "look at moi"
"Australia's Number one show...."
Every 2nd ad break for the next 4 weeks we'll see this....time to turn off.
- by AlphaVictor on August 20, 2007 at 02:36 PM
K&K is very much a matter of personal taste. Like The Castle and Muriel's Wedding it's a roasting of bogan suburbia by upper-middle class writers. Personally, I've encountered far more extereme real-life bogans to ever find Kath and Kim particularly funny.
I'm also of the opinion that the whole bogan humour thing has gotten very stale, very fast. Just look at The Wedge!
- by PT on August 20, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Stephen - RPA over House any day - Hugh Laurie will forever be foppish King George (I think) from Blackadder for me.
Posted by: Shoopie on August 20, 2007 11:31 AM
Thanks Shoopie, i'm sure i'll get more answers on later in the week (when all the K&K talk be over, hopefully). Anyway can i ask, are you in Nine's 'demographic' though?
- by stephen on August 20, 2007 at 02:44 PM
Well last night I watched my 1st & last episode of Kath & Kim - I really can't see what the fuss is about! Humour? not my cup of tea -to me it was just cringe for 30 minutes.
- by Christine on August 20, 2007 at 02:45 PM
I think K&K has had its day. AbFab was another excellent show and would have remained so if they didn't attempt to revive it as they did - and it was crap. Same for K&K I think. Worse still, now it's on commercial television. Seems we haven't learnt from the American experience where they take a great comedy and try to wring-out every last storyline until theres just an empty husk (Roseanne, Sex and the City, etc). The English usually know when to stop. Better to go out on a high than be a laughing stock. Money, money, money.
- by Dean on August 20, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Loved K & K - thought they were in great form.
Come on you naysayers, taking the piss is a hallowed Australian tradition. I feel they do it with love.
Great work - I missed you - more please!
- by flippa b on August 20, 2007 at 02:49 PM
have to agree about kath n kim, waited with anticipation, but found myself cringing more than laughing...oh well, i'll check in next week to see if it settles in..
'big love' has to be the very best show on tv, (sbs 8:30) sad it was the last in the current series last night. it has me looking forward to sunday night..back to downloads now i s'pose.
- by cords on August 20, 2007 at 02:57 PM
For those people who are blaming the demise in quality in Kath and Kim on their move to channel 7... it was my belief that they had finished, or nearly finished, filming the entire season before the deal was made... does anyone know if this is true?
- by Peter on August 20, 2007 at 03:01 PM
Gtsrob, yes you are getting old. That was not a new location, they were all on holiday. This was set up early in the episode.
Caroline, what unfamiliar characters? All of the actors appearing last night were in all three previous series.
As to whether it was funny or not, no all episodes are going to be pearls, that is the nature of comedy. Sometimes you need to take risks and sometimes they backfire.
As for being mean, the show has ALWAYS been written in that vein. Even as a skit on Big Girls Blouse in 1995 (yes, they were not in the 1994 pilot episode), Kim is unlikeable and has Kath say rude things to her while Sharon gets picked on.
The fact is that last night's episode was very funny if you noticed the outfits they had Kim wearing. If I wasn't subjected almost daily to visions of overweight (both female AND male) people trying to pass themselves off with "celebrity" looks, then maybe it would not be funny.
Of course, maybe you all think Ausie comecdy is not worth a go and we can replace it with Boredom Insecurity.
- by Giving it a go on August 20, 2007 at 03:04 PM
Shoopie on August 20, 2007 11:31 AM : Stephen - RPA over House any day - Hugh Laurie will forever be foppish King George (I think) from Blackadder for me.
Prince George, actually. And, yes, Hugh Laurie with an American accent always startles me somewhat.
Personally, I won't be watching either RPA or House. Just not my cuppa.
Speaking of which, I did watch K&K last night, and thought it was pretty much as good as it always was. I didn't laugh, but I never laughed at it when it was on the ABC either. I tuned in out of curiosity, and will probably continue to see bits of it because it's on just before Earl.
And it was nice to see Earl back (finally!), although it took me by surprise and there was much panicked remote handling as I suddenly realised it was on...
Recorded Worst Jobs to watch later. Loved "Big Love" (last episode? Noooooo!; AND I missed the first 10 minutes because I didn't realise how late Channel Seven was running, *grumble*), and then over to ABC2 for the new season of Spaced. Ah, great Sunday night viewing.
- by tqd on August 20, 2007 at 03:23 PM
Thanks Shoopie, i'm sure i'll get more answers on later in the week (when all the K&K talk be over, hopefully). Anyway can i ask, are you in Nine's 'demographic' though?
Posted by: stephen on August 20, 2007 2:44 PM
God, Stephen, the day I join Nein's "demograhic" please shoot me! (ie nursing homes) No, I just enjoy the blood and guts on RPA although the constant updating etc after each add break does drive me to distraction. It just wastes so much air time.
- by Shoopie on August 20, 2007 at 03:26 PM
To Peter who asked if K&K was made for seven or made before the deal was done I saw an itnerview where they said they had finished filming before 7 signed them, so if you are arguing the clunky and awkward bits are Seven's fault they were not.
I am not usually a major fan of Kath & Kim - did watch last night, but like some of the other posters preferred Earl. Would not go anywhere near Idol.
To Shoopie, although I agree Hugh Laurie with American accent is bad I will still pick House over RPA - no blood and guts for me - or at least not the real stuff.
Read today that Nein showing The King against City Homicide next Monday - interesting move.
Also for those who wondered re Vile Sandipants and Denton - read in today's Guide the Enough Rope Interview is recorded today to be shown in September.
Beckala cannot believe you watched Blue Heeelers afloat evne if you yelled at the TV - you will just encourage them with that behaviour, stop now before they draw you into the web...
- by Cathy on August 20, 2007 at 04:17 PM
Love Kath and Kim but thought last lacked something. I'll still watch it. Agree that it seemed to be over and done in no time. Also agree that it has nothing to do with ABC/ commercial as they are independent producers anyway.
- by David on August 20, 2007 at 04:33 PM
Come on Australia. Kath and Kim is a great show and the fact that people just don't watch it because it's on a commercial network just makes me sick. At least channel 7 have brought massive audiences back to Australian tv. Kath & Kim is one of Australias best comedies and some episodes may not be as funny as others but if you did not even laugh once, not even a small laugh during last nights episode, then you don't even deserve to be watching one of the greatest australian television shows being produced now. And if you don't like kath and Kim, then don't say that it's old and tired, because of what i saw, it was just as good as any other previous season. Also, they had filmed most of the series before channel 7 had bought the show. Therefore I believe channel 7 has a real winner on their hands and at least they have good quality and entertaining Australian made shows, not like boring Sea Patrol on Channel 9. Hope the old viewer will watch 'Fight for Life' this thursday 8:30pm on 7 because at least their is some good competion on. So if you don't like Kath and Kim, I don't care and 2.5 million Australians don't care, so be boring and watch channel 9 reapeats. That's all I have to say,
Thanks TM, keep us the good work.
ps what did you think of Kath & Kim?
- by John on August 20, 2007 at 04:52 PM
"The fact is that last night's episode was very funny if you noticed the outfits they had Kim wearing." And once that joke wore off...there wasn't much else. That joke has also been flogged in all the previous series as well as has the earring joke. The only new thing in it was all the product placement.
- by Brett on August 20, 2007 at 05:02 PM
Hi TM
On a completely non K&K topic - how did the french movie on SBS at 9:30 last night, A Very Long Engagement, rate?
It was directed by the same director who made Amelie (and shared much of the cast) but I seem to remember it didn't do very well when it was released at the cinema.
Thanks
- by tristan on August 20, 2007 at 05:17 PM
Cathy posted: Beckala cannot believe you watched Blue Heeelers afloat evne if you yelled at the TV - you will just encourage them with that behaviour, stop now before they draw you into the web...
Cathy, it was definitely under duress. A night's worth of marking HSC trial papers meant I didn't have the energy to fight over the remote, so the "Oz Drama" fan in our household won. Dammit, they wait until I'm tired and my brain doesn't function properly - similar to the technique they used to use to convince people that Bert Newton is funny and Eddie McGuire is not on every show on Channel Nein.
And agree with AlphaVictor with his comments re: the crowing of Channel 7. Time to record the channel 7 shows so I can skip through the ads - although the Daily Terror isn't helping matters with their praising articles.
- by Beckala on August 20, 2007 at 05:55 PM
As it was a solid national rater when it was being made, didn't seem like it was that
expensive to make and unlike the large majority or reality shows, had some intelligent relevance to people's everyday lives, does anyone know why Nine ditched the Money show Paul Clitheroe used to host. If this show came back on Nine in even a short run, it'd be unlikely to disappoint in ratings terms.
- by Karl on August 20, 2007 at 08:10 PM
The excellent Veronica Mars series that Ten have treated like crap, may have been a ratings disaster overseas and here also (which as a gauge of a show, is mostly irrelevant, since the large majority of the very best (current and former) TV shows usually do have a small following of more discerning viewers, but VM made petite 27 year old actor Kristen Bell a very highly pursued actress for both film and TV work. It's been announced she's signed on to play a recurring role in Heroes season 2, after knocking back a role in Lost's 4th season (that would've meant being based in Hawaii where it's filmed).
- by Tony on August 20, 2007 at 08:31 PM
i just hate the fact that if a show is on channels 7, 9 or 10 you people all hate it, and if its on abc or sbs you love it. im so sick of it, and stop saying how much you hate katk and kim, caus nobody cares about your stupid anti- commercial opinions. had it been on abc you all wouldve been raving about last nights episode.
- by riceyy on August 20, 2007 at 09:07 PM
Posted by: John on August 20, 2007 4:52 PM
Geez, John , don't hold back, why don't you tell us what you really think.
Ps we hate Channel Nein
- by Shoopie on August 20, 2007 at 09:48 PM
Hmmmmm, was disappointed with K&K last night. I'ts been pretty good before, the episode with Kylie is great, but last night was just not funny. For the first showing on 7 it just wasn't funny at all. I would have come out with a really big episode first to keep people coming back.
I'll give it another couple of weeks and see if this is just a false start.
Here's hoping!
- by Peter Vee on August 20, 2007 at 10:21 PM
Fans of Veronica Mars may be pleased to hear that Kristin Bell has landed a role on Heroes. She apparently turned down a role on Lost to play a recurring character named Elle. No confirmation as to how her character fits into the show (or if she has a power), but rumour has it that she will be involved in criminal activity and interct with Claire, Noah and Peter.
- by Simo on August 20, 2007 at 10:34 PM
Kath and Kim are suffering from the tall poppy syndrome.
I don't think it was the best episode ever but it was of comparable quality to the previous series. It certainly doesn't deserve to be ripped to shreds...
In my opinion, it's fantastic to see a quality Australian show rate so well. We need to encourage more good quality TV in this country.
- by TJ on August 20, 2007 at 11:38 PM
It appears that that dude (forgot his
name) who said anybody who watches
over 3 hours of ABC aren't included
in the ratings is right. The Ratings
for Kath and Kim are now probably
reflecting its true ratings, minus all those who refused to watch because they sold out from the ABC.
- by davo on August 21, 2007 at 02:23 AM
Hey john, I didn't not watch K&K because it was on a commercial station. I didn't watch it because it's not my cup of tea. And disparaging people because their sense of humour isn't exactly the same as yours shows that you are indeed humourless.
Ch7 didn't buy K&K because they want to support Oz comedy - they bought it purely for business and ratings reasons. It's a bonus for them that they're now seen to support Oz comedy, despite, as you say, the series already being in the can before it was purchased.
Also, Hey riceyy, there's plenty of shows that are (were) on commercial stations that we do like. Hence the outpouring of angst after the shafting of various shows like Smallvile, Veronica Mars (dammit, I might just have to watch Heroes now), Battlestar Galatica and Torchwood.
Plus hands up bloggers who stayed glued to Ch7 regularly on Monday nights for the Boston Legal/Scrubs duo.
I would not watch K&K on ABC, I would not watch it on Ch7, I would not watch it on a train, I would not watch it on a plane.
- by Bereft Skerrick on August 21, 2007 at 09:26 AM
I am only a passing fan of K&K but having not watched Sunday's episode and was hoping the criticism here yesterday was over the top. Alas I watched it whilst ironing and deleted it about half way through. The sad thing was I got more laughs out of Top Gear than K & K. Will give it another go next week and see if it was an off episode. Pity I discovered Top Gear so late in its run.
TM a heads up for tomorrow. Could you possibly include the Souths doco in tomorrow's figures? Ta muchly. I am, to be totally honest, one of those chics who hate footy but I do love an underdog story (and anything where Alan Jones is on the losing side).
Finally does anyone have the goss about what is happening in the SBS news room? Last week it was the hideous Amrita with Stan and last night we were down to the sports reporter with Anton Ennis. Is there a virus going through the place or is still about Mary being unhappy about the new format and Stan's arrival.
- by Cat on August 21, 2007 at 09:45 AM
David, sorry to go on about this, but 'The Australian' is showing even higher figures for K&K on the ABC than your 2.09 mill.
Apparently they got 2.4 mill for Kylie's appearance.
Tribal Mind replies: That may have been a peak rather than an average over the show. I have no record of that.
- by andy on August 21, 2007 at 10:08 AM
How did Neighbours rate last night?
Tribal Mind replies: 896,000
- by Mike on August 21, 2007 at 10:15 AM
Methinks Ms Skerrick has been Seussian in her recent response. Have we been reciting green eggs and ham to Master Skerrick recently? My hand is raised for Boston Legal/ Scrubs double on Mondays
Because last night was a repeatof BL I watched my recording of Enough Rope after watching Criminal Minds & Shark - and must say last night was great - The Waifs were very funny and interesting. Found the telepathic animal girl at the end somewhat strange (as did Andrew I think).
Does anyone know what Seven intends to do with Criminal Minds and Shark? I am happy to give City Homicide a go - if only for Shane Bourne - loved him in MDA, but am curious to see what they will do with the otehr shows.
- by Cathy on August 21, 2007 at 10:25 AM
i gave shark a go last night and although it is like other lawyer/crime shows, i enjoyed it. liked the flavour the main guy added - def the "house" of the courtroom.
didn't like the acting of one of his sidekicks though.
am disappointed to see it go but if it's not later than 10.30 can see myself following it.
- by anna on August 21, 2007 at 10:38 AM
I find it strange that Ch Nein would choose to rest Temptation (1.2m last night) and go with a half hour version of Eddie Wants To Be A Millionaire in the 7pm slot.
Didn't work last time, the prize money is too big for a 7pm slot and the format isn't geared toward 30 minutes. Surely they must be hoping it bombs so they can chuck repeats of Frasier at us.
Shark was very good last night, still a pity Ch 7 aren't pushing it properly.
I wonder how long Surf Patrol can rate well with a bunch of "swimmers get caught in a rift" segments, and how long Animal Rescue can rate with "kitten gets stuck in the wall" stories.
- by cronk on August 21, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Quoth Cat on August 21, 2007 9:45 AM: The sad thing was I got more laughs out of Top Gear than K & K.
Oh, I always get more laughs out of Top Gear. :) Loved the Hamster failing to take the corner in his van, and the heartless reaction of his co-hosts. (Is that humour more cruel than K&K?)
Completely forgot to watch Shark. Oh well, I don't think it's a winner for me.
Bereft Skerrick, I did enjoy your Dr Suess moment there. :) I get to read "Fox in Socks" an awful lot, but don't think I'm quite up to thinking up a tongue twister to go with TV ratings!
- by tqd on August 21, 2007 at 10:53 AM
Seven has a commanding lead so far this week - and even if Nine wins Thursday, Friday and Saturday - I don't think it'll be enough to knock off Seven. (Wednesdays are TENs I believe).
The ONLY way for TEN to come second this week is if it has the Richmond v Essendon match (It's a sellout I think).
As for the poster who thinks we all hate the FTA and love ABC and SBS - I myself watch all stations and have bouguets and brickbats for all of them. Just lately I am frustrated with the FTA and their handling of some shows I tune in and then notice they are gone. TEN is the worst at the moment - Torchwood, Veronica Mars, Battlestar Galactica, Monk all treated shoddily. The US version of the Office is making a comeback - and my guess is that it will be relegated to midnight like Californication will be too.
Thank goodness for DVDs - ALMOST all my faves are out and if you shop around they can be very very affordable. (I can download too - but something about all those extras and the lovely packaging that wins me over)
- by bettestreep on August 21, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Hey Cathy, it's "Book Week" day at Master Skerricks school today. I had just had a run in with Thing One and Thing Two. There were hoardes of Jack Sparrows and Harry Potters, but sadly there were many characters not sourced from books originally. Sigh.
And if you're wondering what Master Skerrick aged 6 was sent as - no, not The Doctor or Captain Jack Harkness. I sent him as Arthur Dent from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. He had a packet of crisps in his pocket but I didn't think I could get away with 3 pints of beer. And damn, I forgot the tea towel.
BOO to me for forgetting the final episode of Top Gear for the series. So I've dipped my toes into the dark world of downloads, just have to figure out how to play the damn AVI file.
- by Bereft Skerrick on August 21, 2007 at 11:22 AM
News: Veronica Mars sorry ... Kirsten Bell is joining the cast of Heroes. The Others tried to recruit/snatch her but to no avail.
- by canoli on August 21, 2007 at 11:22 AM
"I find it strange that Ch Nein would choose to rest Temptation (1.2m last night) and go with a half hour version of Eddie Wants To Be A Millionaire in the 7pm slot"
I was in the States about two years ago and they had a half hour Millionaire hosted by a woman that was a lot more speedy and was a heck of a lot more entertaining than the drawn out Eddie version. But surely it would make more sense to put it on at 530 against Deal or no Deal and leave Temptation where it is.
- by emurray on August 21, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Cat quotes herself:Finally does anyone have the goss about what is happening in the SBS news room? Last week it was the hideous Amrita with Stan and last night we were down to the sports reporter with Anton Ennis. Is there a virus going through the place or is still about Mary being unhappy about the new format and Stan's arrival.
Thanks to the SMH online for answering my question?
http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/stan-and-mary-show-storm/2007/08/21/1187462225475.html
Mrs Skerrick you made me smile when you mentioned the many mini Potters. I saw my 11 yr old niece for the first time in ages last week and on the phone beforehand she said in a very serious voice " when you come over Aunty Cat would it be alright if we talk about Harry Potter?" Rather nice to talk about a book instead of kid's tv or Hillary Duff.
- by Cat on August 21, 2007 at 12:46 PM
I'm wondering what some blog readers (who could work for Seven) saying the Shark show is excellent and that's it like a legal version of House (which I've found isn't the case at all) are smoking. I've stuck with the Shark show since it started (mainly because I admire veteran actor James Woods), but am finding so far that it's
a mostly bland, predictably sanitised US network procedural lawyer show. The actors who are playing his young legal assistants seem like they were cast for their looks, rather than acting skills and their characters are all bland and uninteresting, which I blame the writing on. I'll watch a couple more eps to decide whether to keep seeing it.
If there's a US network show I'm finding is kicking arse (but one would need to have seen it's previous seasons to get it), it's Alias's excellent 5th and final season Seven held up for quite some time and recently dumped on Sunday nights.
- by Chris on August 21, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Any chance I can get some clarification from 'emurray' or 'Karl' in relation to half-hoir Millionaire & Temptation, is something happening to Temptation?
I would like any WIN viewers to tell me how they think their new daytime line-up is going.
My expectations for the last couple of weeks were to have the following on Monday nights:
8.30 City Homicide (M,WS,HD,CC)
9.30 Criminal Minds (M,WS,HD,CC)
10.30 Shark (M,WS,HD,CC)
TM, what are the ratings for the NBC Today/Good Morning America/CBS Early Show in their timeslots, it would be much appreciated?
How is "The Knights Of Prosperity" doing against ET & Judge Judy?
- by cpandilo on August 21, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Quoth Cat on August 21, 2007 9:45 AM: Finally does anyone have the goss about what is happening in the SBS news room?
I haven't caught SBS news for months (not because I don't want to, but because it's in the middle of dinner/bath/bed time for the small members of our households), but this may answer your question:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/stan-and-mary-show-storm/2007/08/21/1187462225475.html
I'm probably not the first to post this here, so my apologies if it's a repeat message...
- by tqd on August 21, 2007 at 01:11 PM
I referred to a 'Karl' but I meant to say 'cronk', sorry?
- by cpandilo on August 21, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Bereft Skerrick :-
> So I've dipped my toes into the dark world of downloads, just have to figure out how to play the damn AVI file.>
Bereft - whatever media player you have on your PC should hopefully be able to play the .avi file. However if you'd like to play it on your DVD player, there are freeware applications out there that can convert downloads to DVD-playable files which you can then burn to disc.
There are doubtless other applications and proceses out there, but this is the way I've worked out to do it. I use either "Final Burner" or "DivX to DVD" - the latter is quite speedy, converting in better than real-time. If I want to burn a number of shows to a single disc, I then use the re-authoring function of another handy freeware application, DVDShrink, to combine them to a single set of DVD-playable files.
It may sound complex but once you've done it a couple of times, it's easy.
- by Mark on August 21, 2007 at 01:21 PM
RE: emurray - "... half hour Millionaire hosted by a woman that was a lot more speedy and was a heck of a lot more entertaining than the drawn out Eddie version."
Meredith Viera? She now co-hosts NBC's Today Show - the show Sunrise is copied from.
- by canoli on August 21, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Posted by: cronk on August 21, 2007 10:48 AM
Ye gods, 30 minutes of Eddie a night....although with the intro, adverts, closing credits etc it would only be about 15 minutes - yes, it's still overkill! Methinks he doesn't have enough time to ask a single question. His current show is hardly a ratings "hot potato". Well, I don't watch it, never have, never will, rain, hail or shine, bird, plane or Superman. No doubt the Ch Nein minions have been surveying the nursing homes and bingo halls again. They should get out more!
- by Shoopie on August 21, 2007 at 03:02 PM
And Shoopie the 15 minutes of Eddie would only get through one question!
I'm with you re no Eddie - no rain hail shine money or anything would entice me to watch that drivel (to quote my Mum) - the 7pm time is where I catch up on recorded shows from other nights, or read.
To cpandilo what is: (M,WS,HD,CC)?
- by Cathy on August 21, 2007 at 04:25 PM
@ cpandilo
Ch Nein is "resting" Temptation in October and running 40 nightly episodes of 1/2 hr Millionaire to take them to the summer break.
The feeling is that they are trying it out to see whether they could bring Temptation back next year at 5.30pm against Deal or No Deal and leave Eddie at 7pm.
In my opinion, they may as well just give Temptation the axe, because DOND will eat it alive. 1/2 hr Millionaire didn't work a couple of years back when they tried it at 5.30pm. Problem is that with commercials there will be only 21 minutes of content, including titles and wasting time.
What does everyone think of this move by Nein?
- by cronk on August 21, 2007 at 04:27 PM
Hey Mark, ta muchly, I'll be trying that after Red Dwarf tonight (ABC2 8pm)
Hey Cat, my car was named Harry by Master 6 who isn't quite masterful enough with his reading to embark on the HP series yet, but I did read it to him when he was very young.
I've just had a report from Master 6 that his teacher was very impressed with his Arthur Dent idea, especially since he knew the backstory of the character. Darn those Vogons!
Hey cpandilo, caught some of the new WIN lineup yesterday morning (whilst waiting for a quote on my new hot water heater). Ellen is as I remember it,with a cringe worthy beauty spa gag which I turned off in a hurry, and John Cougar Peacock Sangster Renouf Mellencamp playing live. "Susie" is still bloody irritating, and Bargain Hunt is as antique as the stuff it sells. The guy with the rainbow glasses (David Dickinson?) hasn't hosted it for years!
- by Bereft Skerrick on August 21, 2007 at 04:54 PM
SBS's Mary Kostakidis - who could blame her for walking out, if that's what's happened?
SBS "World" news is a joke.
Half the time their lead story is a report of yet another opinion poll re Libs vs Labs. Hardly world news!
And their constant giving a story then interviewing another reporter to repeat the same thing is worthy of Eddie (why take 5 minutes when you can extend it to 20?)
So frustrating when SBS used to have such a high standard.
- by Sal on August 21, 2007 at 05:06 PM
I would like any WIN viewers to tell me how they think their new daytime line-up is going.
Posted by: cpandilo on August 21, 2007 1:10 PM
I only watch, sometimes, The Brady Bunch at 5:30 taking me back 25yrs - So I haven't watched Suzie or Ellen G.
- by John on August 21, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Jack Marx RIP. David, pull some strings and get him in the SIT crew.
Tribal Mind replies: What makes you think "the SiT crew" are other than employees of the Fairfax organisation, as was Marx?
- by Wendell on August 21, 2007 at 05:31 PM
tqd wrote: "I haven't caught SBS news for months... but this may answer your question"
Thanks for the link. If it's true, then I couldn't agree more. I have stopped watching SBS news, formerly the best news program, since the format change. I just couldn't stand the constant recapping, the padding, the commercials and the sheer pointlessness of having two presenters.
Good on Mary for sticking to her principles. They should revert to he old, tight, no-nonsense format with Mary in the chair.
- by damien on August 21, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Bereft wrote:Hey Cat, my car was named Harry by Master 6.
Sadly my car is called Harrison... It is very old and I use to have a thing for the actor so my brother called it Harrison ... wait for it... because it is not a Ford! Groan.
SBS news tonight had Anton and the horrid Amrita. If they cannot sort this crap out soon I may give up on it all together. The format does not bother me as much as the ads. If they took the ads out and the sport we would be back to 30 minutes of news.
- by Cat on August 21, 2007 at 07:29 PM
re post, orginal going missing
bettestreep
Collingwood vs Sydney this sat night down here... 400K in melbourne or 30% ish share, should help TEN do 24 + sat five city. Make up for thur/friday 20 +.
RE: Grey's Anatomy - they get what they deserve. Most people I know watched the last episodes of the third season a day or two after it screened in the US - many websites had it available without needing to download. Seven should consider adding Grey's to their list of shows to screen in US time, or they will continue to lost numbers.