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The ratings race: Week 48
This blog is now a heritage item -- worth studying but not the latest word on the subject. For this week's discussion of media and popular culture, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.
David Dale's media report, updated 10 am Sunday
What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SHREK THE HALLS Nine 1,301,000 438,000 365,000 198,000 137,000 163,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,154,000 325,000 254,000 250,000 132,000 194,000
3 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC 1,135,000 302,000 342,000 231,000 112,000 149,000
4 DOC MARTIN RPT ABC 1,076,000 272,000 302,000 217,000 135,000 151,000
5 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 990,000 344,000 287,000 149,000 91,000 120,000
6 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 977,000 313,000 304,000 143,000 118,000 99,000
7 ELF Nine 902,000 280,000 261,000 144,000 96,000 121,000
8 JUDGE JOHN DEED Seven 794,000 207,000 233,000 137,000 97,000 120,000
9 M-HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 Seven 780,000 239,000 193,000 167,000 77,000 104,000
10 WORLD'S WONDERS: NEFERTARI'S TOMB ABC 749,000 222,000 205,000 132,000 99,000 92,000
11 THE BILL ABC 702,000 243,000 201,000 108,000 65,000 85,000
13 STAR WARS: EPISODE VI - RETURN OF THE JEDI RPT Ten 657,000 190,000 183,000 116,000 75,000 92,000
15 DEADLIEST CATCH Ten 516,000 105,000 185,000 105,000 55,000 66,000
17 M-HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (R) Seven 424,000 130,000 123,000 90,000 54,000 27,000
21 THE SIDESHOW WITH PAUL MCDERMOTT ABC 420,000 128,000 133,000 53,000 54,000 53,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,362,000 458,000 365,000 234,000 126,000 180,000
2 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,211,000 359,000 322,000 208,000 140,000 182,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,199,000 350,000 276,000 234,000 131,000 207,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,131,000 321,000 268,000 204,000 134,000 203,000
5 M-THE SANTA CLAUSE Seven 1,079,000 271,000 351,000 203,000 125,000 130,000
6 THE BRIEF ABC 1,056,000 302,000 325,000 166,000 127,000 136,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 991,000 310,000 330,000 166,000 92,000 93,000
8 NINE NEWS Nine 955,000 292,000 293,000 192,000 100,000 78,000
11 AIRLINE Nine 846,000 265,000 267,000 139,000 88,000 86,000
12 ROSE AND MALONEY ABC 818,000 231,000 253,000 107,000 115,000 111,000
19 FRIDAY NIGHT DOWNLOAD Ten 624,000 125,000 187,000 132,000 80,000 100,000
24 THE BIGGEST LOSER 4 Ten 521,000 140,000 149,000 81,000 70,000 81,000
What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 MISSING PERSONS UNIT Nine 1,447,000 397,000 487,000 238,000 159,000 165,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,226,000 337,000 315,000 230,000 140,000 203,000
3 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,224,000 332,000 334,000 229,000 132,000 197,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,186,000 306,000 333,000 211,000 129,000 207,000
5 ABC NEWS ABC 1,149,000 312,000 360,000 246,000 100,000 131,000
6 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 1,119,000 295,000 310,000 248,000 115,000 151,000
7 THE GIFT Nine 1,107,000 308,000 390,000 144,000 138,000 128,000
8 GETAWAY Nine 1,100,000 280,000 362,000 224,000 106,000 127,000
9 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,069,000 290,000 344,000 227,000 111,000 96,000
10 NINE NEWS Nine 1,063,000 278,000 359,000 216,000 119,000 92,000
12 BIONIC WOMAN Seven 961,000 234,000 317,000 190,000 106,000 114,000
14 RPA WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Nine 939,000 267,000 332,000 120,000 115,000 104,000
15 HEROES Seven 884,000 212,000 347,000 127,000 94,000 105,000
17 ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? THURS Ten 808,000 192,000 268,000 152,000 94,000 103,000
What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 THE CHASER DECIDES ABC 1,378,000 496,000 391,000 213,000 128,000 150,000
2 THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE Nine 1,349,000 385,000 405,000 267,000 124,000 168,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,336,000 375,000 322,000 282,000 145,000 213,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,228,000 374,000 296,000 245,000 126,000 186,000
5 COLD CASE -RPT Nine 1,225,000 333,000 362,000 220,000 138,000 172,000
6 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,155,000 326,000 295,000 213,000 125,000 197,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,100,000 303,000 364,000 226,000 124,000 83,000
8 NINE NEWS Nine 1,098,000 298,000 388,000 212,000 118,000 83,000
9 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,097,000 239,000 330,000 241,000 134,000 154,000
10 THE NEW INVENTORS ABC 1,072,000 332,000 316,000 207,000 87,000 129,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC 1,044,000 284,000 357,000 185,000 103,000 115,000
12 THE LIBRARIANS ABC 988,000 359,000 283,000 152,000 97,000 97,000
What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 DANCING WITH THE STARS FINAL Seven 1,680,000 498,000 525,000 276,000 176,000 205,000
2 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,363,000 426,000 378,000 250,000 117,000 192,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,355,000 385,000 341,000 266,000 157,000 206,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,288,000 404,000 336,000 228,000 132,000 188,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,199,000 361,000 370,000 259,000 118,000 92,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,192,000 344,000 376,000 245,000 113,000 114,000
7 20 TO 1 Nine 1,116,000 255,000 357,000 248,000 116,000 141,000
8 ABC NEWS ABC 1,108,000 296,000 361,000 194,000 125,000 132,000
9 LA GALAXY V SYDNEY FC Ten 1,084,000 432,000 280,000 167,000 94,000 111,000
10 TEMPTATION Nine 996,000 283,000 333,000 183,000 90,000 107,000
Tuesday update
Despite terrible reviews, The Heartbreak Kid topped the box office in Australian cinemas at the weekend, selling 2.4 million worth of tickets on the expectation that Ben Stiller needed only to be half as neurotic as he was in Meet The Parents to be worth seeing.
Big Ben knocked Our Cate off the top spot, and after two weeks on 246 screens, Elizabeth: The Golden Age has made a so-so total of $2.8 million. Death At A Funeral, this century's Full Monty, hangs in there, totalling $10.4 million after seven weeks on 177 screens.
The big disapointment has been the Aussie croc-shocker, Rogue, made by the writer-director of Wolf Creek. It has managed only $1.5 million in three weeks on 177 screens, suggesting that human killers are more enticing than killer reptiles.
The best thriller currently showing, Michael Clayton (pictured), has totalled $3.25m over six weeks on 68 screens. But hurry or you'll miss it. To compare these results with the all time box office records, go to The films Australia loved
And here's what Australians watched on Monday night ...
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BORDER SECURITY (R) Seven 1,803,000 542,000 500,000 339,000 175,000 246,000
2 SURF PATROL Seven 1,598,000 469,000 445,000 291,000 162,000 231,000
3 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,475,000 427,000 354,000 303,000 153,000 238,000
4 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,369,000 347,000 397,000 281,000 165,000 179,000
5 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,343,000 367,000 342,000 250,000 150,000 234,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,303,000 331,000 421,000 277,000 147,000 128,000
7 NINE NEWS Nine 1,295,000 332,000 423,000 288,000 137,000 115,000
8 ABC NEWS ABC 1,274,000 376,000 424,000 253,000 93,000 127,000
9 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,235,000 361,000 299,000 237,000 125,000 213,000
10 7.30 REPORT ABC 1,020,000 330,000 290,000 206,000 92,000 101,000
11 WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE Nine 1,019,000 268,000 335,000 186,000 111,000 118,000
12 ENOUGH ROPE WITH ANDREW DENTON ABC 1,017,000 343,000 312,000 161,000 92,000 109,000
16 AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL 6 Ten 857,000 201,000 281,000 151,000 101,000 122,000
19 SUPERNATURAL Ten 705,000 173,000 174,000 149,000 88,000 121,000
24 BOSTON LEGAL (R) Seven 520,000 163,000 135,000 93,000 63,000 67,000
Monday update
Perhaps it was Mark Holden's use of the word "boring" that put the curse on Australian Idol. Although some 1.4 million people in the mainland capitals stuck with the show for more than three hours last night, the audience for the winner announcement this year was 30 per cent down on last year, and the lowest in the show's history.
As with Big Brother, Ten will need to make big changes to get Idol back on its feet of clay next year. To compare this year's Idol figures with previous records, go to The TV shows Australia loved.
Sunday update
When big events happen, Australians prefer calm, sensible reportage -- even with occasional computer glitches -- to bells and whistles. Channel Seven shot itself in the foot by promising its election coverage would be a laugh a minute.
Mel and Kochy and that panel of boofy boys who kept interrupting each other averaged only 967,000 viewers in the mainland capitals, while the ABC, with Kerry O'Brien, Julia Gillard and Nick Minchin, averaged 1.1 million.
Nine's Grumpy Old Men -- Ray Martin, Laurie Oakes and Joe Hockey, plus a token Tanya -- averaged just 763,000, which meant the Nine coverage fell behind Ten's repeat of The Empire Strikes Back (869,000). Well, Empire IS the best of the Star Wars Series.
This column was shocked on Saturday night to discover we'd been a more accurate predicter of the election result than many pollsters. Last week The Tribal Mind observed that the nation has been in a "sit forward" mood this year, which was reflected in higher audiences for Channel Seven and lower audiences for Channel Nine.
In fact, the fortunes of Nine and Seven were running parallel with the fortunes of John Howard and Kevin Rudd (to read this, go to The Tribal Mind). Working out a "two party preferred" vote based on the two networks' shares of the prime time audience, we said Rudd would draw "just over 52 per cent " and Howard would draw "just below 48 per cent". We can't wait till the 2010 election to see if ratings-based psephology works again.
What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,474,000 429,000 375,000 294,000 142,000 234,000
2 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - FINAL VERDICT Ten 1,450,000 491,000 454,000 206,000 148,000 151,000
3 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - WINNER ANNOUNCED Ten 1,447,000 486,000 437,000 196,000 158,000 170,000
4 60 MINUTES Nine 1,358,000 355,000 404,000 274,000 161,000 163,000
5 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - LIVE FROM OPERA HOUSE Ten 1,295,000 449,000 343,000 215,000 143,000 146,000
6 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC 1,268,000 365,000 377,000 240,000 130,000 157,000
7 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,266,000 338,000 431,000 209,000 191,000 97,000
8 M-THE KATH & KIM MOVIE Seven 1,262,000 322,000 429,000 227,000 132,000 151,000
9 CSI Nine 1,259,000 316,000 349,000 261,000 170,000 163,000
10 BURKE'S BACKYARD SUMMER LIVING Nine 1,142,000 291,000 372,000 200,000 162,000 116,000
13 JANE EYRE ABC 890,000 264,000 271,000 133,000 91,000 131,000
14 CHOIR OF HARD KNOCKS SPECIAL ABC 850,000 209,000 251,000 179,000 88,000 123,000
15 NATIONAL BINGO NIGHT Seven 846,000 255,000 190,000 178,000 80,000 142,000
17 THE EINSTEIN FACTOR ABC 688,000 183,000 199,000 150,000 87,000 69,000
What Australia watched, week ending 24/11/2007
Seven won last week with an average of 28.9 per cent of the prime time audience, with Nine on 26.5, Ten on 20.8, ABC on 19.0 and SBS on 4.8.
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,763,000 402,000 618,000 282,000 217,000 245,000
2 SURF PATROL Seven 1,687,000 449,000 495,000 289,000 183,000 271,000
3 BORDER SECURITY (R) Seven 1,685,000 447,000 484,000 323,000 173,000 258,000
4 DANCING WITH THE STARS Seven 1,646,000 505,000 497,000 297,000 157,000 190,000
5 CSI Nine 1,443,000 430,000 406,000 245,000 181,000 180,000
6 THE CHASER DECIDES 2007 ABC 1,418,000 487,000 418,000 208,000 151,000 155,000
7 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,404,000 353,000 514,000 253,000 170,000 115,000
8 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,403,000 419,000 413,000 257,000 136,000 177,000
9 60 MINUTES Nine 1,368,000 355,000 458,000 262,000 132,000 161,000
10 HOUSE 4 Ten 1,359,000 366,000 397,000 245,000 163,000 188,000
11 MISSING PERSONS UNIT Nine 1,343,000 349,000 429,000 258,000 132,000 176,000
12 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,341,000 426,000 355,000 242,000 136,000 182,000
13 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 1,332,000 402,000 420,000 226,000 142,000 141,000
14 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,329,000 408,000 422,000 199,000 126,000 174,000
15 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,301,000 335,000 342,000 253,000 163,000 208,000
16 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,299,000 371,000 357,000 260,000 132,000 178,000
17 THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE Nine 1,297,000 328,000 433,000 251,000 112,000 173,000
18 ROVE Ten 1,289,000 382,000 451,000 186,000 129,000 141,000
19 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,276,000 285,000 360,000 285,000 143,000 204,000
20 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 1,239,000 336,000 382,000 240,000 129,000 152,000
21 MEDICAL EMERGENCY-WED Seven 1,210,000 300,000 382,000 234,000 159,000 135,000
22 20 TO 1 Nine 1,210,000 327,000 336,000 247,000 135,000 165,000
23 CSI: NY Nine 1,209,000 336,000 345,000 212,000 158,000 159,000
24 MY NAME IS EARL Seven 1,207,000 264,000 463,000 211,000 125,000 144,000
25 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,207,000 330,000 320,000 217,000 141,000 199,000
26 WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE Nine 1,169,000 314,000 421,000 208,000 115,000 111,000
27 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,156,000 294,000 368,000 191,000 165,000 137,000
28 NINE NEWS Nine 1,156,000 326,000 374,000 248,000 116,000 92,000
29 KATH & KIM (R) Seven 1,153,000 258,000 408,000 224,000 116,000 146,000
30 THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE 2 SUN RPT Ten 1,136,000 244,000 335,000 257,000 139,000 161,000
31 AUSTRALIA VOTES 2007 ABC 1,112,000 361,000 330,000 186,000 105,000 131,000
32 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,106,000 331,000 314,000 208,000 69,000 183,000
33 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,091,000 318,000 345,000 225,000 111,000 92,000
34 ABC NEWS ABC 1,090,000 290,000 355,000 190,000 111,000 144,000
35 SINGING BEE Nine 1,090,000 273,000 408,000 183,000 117,000 110,000
36 ABC NEWS-SU ABC 1,089,000 301,000 338,000 197,000 117,000 136,000
37 GETAWAY Nine 1,082,000 295,000 330,000 229,000 101,000 127,000
38 COLD CASE Nine 1,063,000 297,000 348,000 165,000 120,000 134,000
39 THE BRIEF ABC 1,063,000 264,000 311,000 200,000 144,000 143,000
40 THE GIFT Nine 1,061,000 292,000 322,000 173,000 126,000 148,000
41 TEMPTATION Nine 1,041,000 269,000 358,000 210,000 99,000 106,000
42 CAPTAIN COOK: OBSESSION AND DISCOVERY ABC 1,018,000 321,000 287,000 161,000 117,000 131,000
43 NCIS RPT Ten 1,013,000 229,000 322,000 164,000 132,000 166,000
44 THE SIMPSONS TUES EP 2 Ten 1,008,000 176,000 364,000 184,000 133,000 153,000
45 THE LIBRARIANS ABC 1,007,000 363,000 293,000 123,000 111,000 118,000
46 ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? Ten 988,000 271,000 315,000 154,000 116,000 132,000
47 CHILD IN A MILLION Seven 981,000 230,000 310,000 183,000 127,000 131,000
48 COMMERCIAL BREAKDOWN Nine 979,000 235,000 323,000 182,000 116,000 123,000
49 WHAT WOMEN WANT -RPT Nine 973,000 345,000 315,000 135,000 88,000 91,000
50 SEVEN NEWS ELECTION SPECIAL: YOUR CALL 07 Seven 967,000 318,000 262,000 163,000 91,000 134,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)
What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 AUSTRALIA VOTES 2007 ABC 1,112,000 361,000 330,000 186,000 105,000 131,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,106,000 331,000 314,000 208,000 69,000 183,000
3 SEVEN NEWS ELECTION SPECIAL: YOUR CALL 07 Seven 967,000 318,000 262,000 163,000 91,000 134,000
4 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 862,000 236,000 302,000 114,000 140,000 70,000
5 STAR WARS: EPISODE V RPT Ten 829,000 187,000 253,000 131,000 114,000 143,000
6 ELECTION 2007 Nine 763,000 231,000 247,000 170,000 57,000 58,000
7 DEADLIEST CATCH Ten 743,000 185,000 258,000 108,000 113,000 80,000
8 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SAT Ten 691,000 160,000 216,000 126,000 87,000 101,000
9 SEVEN NEWS ELECTION SPECIAL: YOUR CALL 07-EARLY Seven 661,000 223,000 199,000 121,000 44,000 75,000
13 ELECTION '07 - THE DECISION Ten 436,000 80,000 134,000 62,000 46,000 114,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
Updated 11am Saturday
Does last night's sudden surge in support for Better Homes and Gardens indicate a change of public mood and a nostalgia for the period in the early Noughties when lifestyle television showed us life could and should be safe and predictable? We'll know what it means in a few hours.
David Dale's media report, updated 10am Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,403,000 419,000 413,000 257,000 136,000 177,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,365,000 376,000 334,000 258,000 148,000 249,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,275,000 351,000 337,000 218,000 140,000 229,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,227,000 381,000 334,000 226,000 113,000 173,000
5 THE BRIEF ABC 1,063,000 264,000 311,000 200,000 144,000 143,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,002,000 301,000 298,000 230,000 104,000 70,000
7 ABC NEWS ABC 994,000 251,000 299,000 193,000 102,000 149,000
8 M-SHALL WE DANCE Seven 912,000 253,000 292,000 165,000 79,000 124,000
9 ROSE AND MALONEY ABC 900,000 221,000 262,000 154,000 141,000 122,000
10 COLLECTORS ABC 857,000 229,000 275,000 149,000 104,000 100,000
14 FRIDAY NIGHT DOWNLOAD Ten 724,000 203,000 188,000 142,000 90,000 101,000
15 NEIGHBOURS Ten 711,000 204,000 208,000 134,000 85,000 80,000
16 BE COOL Nine 708,000 199,000 219,000 137,000 93,000 62,000
18 A CURRENT AFFAIR-ELECTION SPECIAL Nine 644,000 210,000 202,000 113,000 62,000 57,000
19 THE BIGGEST LOSER 4 Ten 636,000 189,000 195,000 82,000 62,000 109,000
What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 MISSING PERSONS UNIT Nine 1,338,000 348,000 428,000 256,000 131,000 175,000
2 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,328,000 365,000 391,000 291,000 118,000 163,000
3 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 1,239,000 336,000 382,000 240,000 129,000 152,000
4 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,179,000 297,000 326,000 255,000 131,000 169,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,131,000 315,000 302,000 231,000 113,000 170,000
6 ABC NEWS ABC 1,112,000 326,000 340,000 188,000 114,000 145,000
7 NINE NEWS Nine 1,091,000 318,000 346,000 250,000 102,000 77,000
8 THE GIFT Nine 1,080,000 295,000 324,000 179,000 130,000 152,000
9 GETAWAY Nine 1,075,000 294,000 328,000 230,000 99,000 125,000
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,075,000 313,000 341,000 233,000 108,000 79,000
11 TEMPTATION Nine 1,002,000 268,000 329,000 214,000 96,000 95,000
12 RPA WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Nine 947,000 260,000 294,000 149,000 115,000 129,000
13 7.30 REPORT ABC 927,000 285,000 280,000 154,000 88,000 119,000
14 HEROES Seven 926,000 246,000 302,000 166,000 95,000 117,000
15 20 RICHEST WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT Ten 856,000 216,000 242,000 174,000 115,000 109,000
What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 THE CHASER DECIDES 2007 ABC 1,421,000 485,000 419,000 211,000 151,000 155,000
2 HOUSE 4 Ten 1,361,000 367,000 398,000 245,000 163,000 188,000
3 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 1,318,000 398,000 417,000 224,000 140,000 139,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,300,000 369,000 375,000 239,000 144,000 174,000
5 THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE Nine 1,287,000 325,000 432,000 249,000 109,000 172,000
6 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,210,000 300,000 382,000 234,000 159,000 135,000
7 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,207,000 310,000 331,000 208,000 167,000 191,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,189,000 340,000 366,000 254,000 121,000 108,000
9 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,155,000 312,000 340,000 172,000 145,000 186,000
10 NINE NEWS Nine 1,148,000 281,000 391,000 253,000 116,000 108,000
11 TEMPTATION Nine 1,105,000 292,000 392,000 211,000 100,000 110,000
12 COLD CASE Nine 1,078,000 299,000 353,000 169,000 121,000 136,000
13 THE LIBRARIANS ABC 1,040,000 376,000 302,000 128,000 114,000 121,000
14 ABC NEWS ABC 1,028,000 285,000 359,000 176,000 100,000 108,000
15 ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? Ten 989,000 272,000 315,000 154,000 116,000 132,000
16 CHILD IN A MILLION Seven 981,000 230,000 310,000 183,000 127,000 131,000
17 THE NEW INVENTORS ABC 964,000 288,000 330,000 160,000 105,000 81,000
18 LIFE Ten 908,000 213,000 243,000 183,000 139,000 131,000
What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 DANCING WITH THE STARS Seven 1,646,000 505,000 497,000 297,000 156,000 190,000
2 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,326,000 407,000 421,000 198,000 126,000 174,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,322,000 336,000 343,000 268,000 188,000 187,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,281,000 355,000 338,000 261,000 135,000 192,000
5 20 TO 1 Nine 1,201,000 326,000 335,000 245,000 131,000 164,000
6 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,159,000 318,000 287,000 229,000 154,000 171,000
7 ABC NEWS ABC 1,147,000 312,000 390,000 188,000 112,000 145,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,129,000 317,000 358,000 248,000 110,000 95,000
9 NINE NEWS Nine 1,103,000 312,000 353,000 239,000 110,000 89,000
10 NCIS RPT Ten 1,013,000 229,000 322,000 164,000 132,000 166,000
15 WHO KILLED HAROLD HOLT? Nine 934,000 326,000 277,000 131,000 91,000 108,000
22 THE BILL-TU ABC 728,000 213,000 203,000 120,000 74,000 119,000
Updated Tuesday
John Howard and Peter Costello gave an exclusive joint interview to Today Tonight last night. The result was that TT's competitor, A Current Affair, ended up with more viewers, reversing the pattern of the year so far.
When it was safe to come back to Channel Seven, the viewers crowded around Surf Patrol, Border Security, and City Homicide, giving Seven a win for the night which was not quite enough to overtake Nine's advantage from Sunday. But tonight's Dancing will close the gap.
What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,763,000 402,000 618,000 282,000 217,000 245,000
2 SURF PATROL Seven 1,687,000 449,000 495,000 289,000 183,000 271,000
3 BORDER SECURITY (R) Seven 1,685,000 447,000 484,000 323,000 173,000 258,000
4 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,433,000 357,000 378,000 276,000 180,000 242,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,421,000 419,000 480,000 268,000 137,000 117,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,420,000 408,000 451,000 276,000 159,000 125,000
7 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,360,000 384,000 345,000 286,000 153,000 192,000
8 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,310,000 352,000 336,000 234,000 155,000 233,000
9 ABC NEWS ABC 1,171,000 275,000 389,000 208,000 128,000 171,000
10 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,156,000 294,000 368,000 191,000 165,000 137,000
11 WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE Nine 1,154,000 309,000 417,000 205,000 114,000 109,000
16 ENOUGH ROPE WITH ANDREW DENTON ABC 808,000 227,000 274,000 119,000 85,000 103,000
17 SUPERNATURAL Ten 799,000 208,000 222,000 168,000 78,000 124,000
19 AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL Ten 774,000 187,000 248,000 142,000 74,000 123,000
23 SECOND TEST - AUSTRALIA V SRI LANKA Nine 567,000 158,000 221,000 77,000 63,000 48,000
27 BOSTON LEGAL (Rpt) Seven 453,000 144,000 141,000 56,000 67,000 44,000
Are Australian viewers going on strike in sympathy with the Hollywood TV scriptwriters? Interest in US dramas seemed to slip last week, just as they head towards their suspenseful season finales. House, on Ten, lost 200,000 in its fall to 1.3 million; Ghost Whisperer, on Seven, lost 100,000 in its fall to 1.1 million.
Or perhaps we're just going through one of our rare patriotic periods, with 17 of last week's top 20 program made in Australia. We even seem to be embracing our rural heritage -- Channel Nine's matchmaking show The Farmer Wants A Wife, boosted its audience to 1.4 million last week, gaining the 300,000 who dropped away from McLeod's Daughters this year.
As usual, Channel Seven won the week, averaging 28.8 per cent of the prime time audience, with Nine on 26.7, Ten on 22.1, ABC on 17.2 and SBS on 5.1. But on Sunday night, Seven went into a slump, as viewers finally realised they'd seen Kath and Kim before, and the old folks switched to Nine for 60 MInutes and CSI while the under 40s switched to Ten for Australian Idol and Rove. Nine won the night with 30.4 per cent of the prime time audience, while Ten got 26.4, Seven got 23.0, ABC got 16.2 and SBS got 3.9.
To discuss the death of The Tall Poppy Syndrome, go to Who We Are
What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 CSI Nine 1,445,000 432,000 407,000 246,000 180,000 180,000
2 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,404,000 353,000 516,000 253,000 169,000 114,000
3 ROVE Ten 1,368,000 411,000 467,000 204,000 134,000 153,000
4 60 MINUTES Nine 1,364,000 353,000 458,000 261,000 131,000 160,000
5 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,324,000 420,000 347,000 241,000 136,000 180,000
6 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,273,000 284,000 355,000 285,000 143,000 206,000
7 CSI: NY Nine 1,210,000 334,000 342,000 214,000 159,000 161,000
8 MY NAME IS EARL Seven 1,206,000 264,000 463,000 210,000 125,000 144,000
9 KATH & KIM (RPT) Seven 1,155,000 258,000 410,000 224,000 117,000 147,000
10 THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE RPT Ten 1,136,000 244,000 335,000 257,000 139,000 161,000
11 SINGING BEE Nine 1,092,000 273,000 408,000 183,000 118,000 110,000
12 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC 1,089,000 301,000 338,000 197,000 117,000 136,000
13 CAPTAIN COOK: OBSESSION AND DISCOVERY ABC 1,018,000 321,000 287,000 161,000 117,000 131,000
14 COMMERCIAL BREAKDOWN Nine 985,000 235,000 323,000 190,000 116,000 121,000
15 SECOND TEST - AUSTRALIA V SRI LANKA Nine 922,000 272,000 324,000 135,000 86,000 105,000
16 M-RED EYE Seven 854,000 253,000 265,000 128,000 86,000 122,000
17 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SUN Ten 844,000 206,000 212,000 164,000 101,000 161,000
18 RAIN SHADOW ABC 828,000 226,000 271,000 121,000 103,000 106,000
19 NATIONAL BINGO NIGHT Seven 797,000 196,000 232,000 169,000 76,000 125,000
What Australia watched, week ending November 17, 2007
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 DANCING WITH THE STARS 7 Seven 1,768,000 575,000 532,000 287,000 158,000 217,000
2 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,722,000 464,000 534,000 304,000 211,000 209,000
3 CSI Nine 1,472,000 408,000 434,000 280,000 188,000 163,000
4 KATH & KIM (R) Seven 1,467,000 389,000 472,000 306,000 132,000 167,000
5 THE CHASER'S WAR ON EVERYTHING ABC 1,463,000 460,000 480,000 213,000 130,000 179,000
6 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,419,000 407,000 400,000 268,000 158,000 186,000
7 MISSING PERSONS UNIT Nine 1,397,000 373,000 463,000 255,000 137,000 168,000
8 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,372,000 415,000 448,000 205,000 133,000 170,0009 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,368,000 367,000 327,000 366,000 123,000 186,000
10 THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE Nine 1,358,000 412,000 385,000 282,000 111,000 166,000
11 SURF PATROL Seven 1,334,000 377,000 392,000 271,000 143,000 151,000
12 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 1,316,000 377,000 424,000 225,000 123,000 168,000
13 HOUSE 4 Ten 1,315,000 405,000 370,000 219,000 146,000 175,000
14 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - THE LIVE VERDICT Ten 1,292,000 407,000 358,000 220,000 133,000 173,000
15 NEW TRICKS ABC 1,291,000 335,000 396,000 230,000 160,000 170,000
16 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,284,000 342,000 354,000 248,000 142,000 198,000
17 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE 3 Ten 1,282,000 338,000 426,000 245,000 126,000 147,000
18 BORDER SECURITY - AUSTRALIA'S FRONT LINE (R) Seven 1,277,000 460,000 493,000 324,000
19 MEDICAL EMERGENCY-WED Seven 1,276,000 336,000 401,000 258,000 124,000 157,000
20 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,269,000 385,000 378,000 227,000 187,000 93,000
21 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,245,000 359,000 337,000 252,000 130,000 168,000
22 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,245,000 342,000 393,000 196,000 167,000 147,000
23 20 TO 1 Nine 1,240,000 279,000 385,000 293,000 152,000 130,000
24 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,220,000 328,000 346,000 238,000 127,000 182,000
25 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,206,000 392,000 328,000 186,000 128,000 172,000
26 MY NAME IS EARL Seven 1,199,000 325,000 396,000 237,000 108,000 133,000
27 CSI: NY Nine 1,195,000 308,000 351,000 216,000 177,000 143,000
28 60 MINUTES Nine 1,187,000 312,000 353,000 250,000 140,000 133,000
29 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 1,159,000 312,000 345,000 217,000 115,000 171,000
30 NINE NEWS Nine 1,152,000 325,000 359,000 255,000 123,000 90,000
31 COLD CASE Nine 1,145,000 373,000 312,000 205,000 117,000 139,000
32 ROVE Ten 1,145,000 340,000 373,000 154,000 127,000 151,000
33 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,143,000 321,000 361,000 251,000 114,000 96,000
34 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC 1,136,000 324,000 333,000 197,000 146,000 135,000
35 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC 1,128,000 296,000 382,000 213,000 98,000 139,000
36 ENOUGH ROPE WITH ANDREW DENTON ABC 1,126,000 385,000 336,000 193,000 84,000 129,000
37 AUSTRALIAN STORY-EV ABC 1,105,000 311,000 300,000 246,000 90,000 158,000
38 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,100,000 275,000 305,000 226,000 97,000 196,000
39 THE GIFT Nine 1,093,000 311,000 360,000 162,000 124,000 136,000
40 CHILD IN A MILLION Seven 1,090,000 278,000 353,000 218,000 116,000 124,000
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 http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare/.
COMMENTS
It'll be interesting seeing what options Ten will take next year if
Rove declines renewing his contract with Ten (which I hope happens, as I was never a fan),
as they could offer Hamish and Andy the chance to host a weekly Rove-ish type show.
- by Burt on November 18, 2007 at 09:54 PM
Maybe it is patriotic watching - just finished watching the very excellent Rain Shadow - bravo to the ABC for showing it and one also to the writers for resisting *spoiler alert* - a drought breaking rain to conclude the series.
Fascinated that over 600,000 of us felt the need to watch the Wizard of Oz and the Great Escape last week.
Does anyone know when the embargo on election ads comes in, if at all? Please can it be soon.
- by Cathy on November 18, 2007 at 10:04 PM
Now that SYTYCD is over, I would like to say why I think it is the best reality show on TV this year.
Talent. This was no mediocre group. Everyone in the top 20 could dance bloody well. I somehow doubt the Australian version can muster the same talent pool.
Sexy. What can I say. Sexy bodies and sexy moves.
Beauty. Some of those dances were beauty and poetry in motion.
Work ethic. The energy, dedication and perfectionism these people bring to their dancing is astounding. Image if all our work places took on the same level of work ethics as displayed by these people?
Choreographers. What imagination and creativity these people have. Their dances push the boundary of dancing and the physical limitations of the dancers. Two choreographer that really stood out for me were Shane Sparks and Wade Robson (an Aussie).
Judges. Finally a talent show where the judges are not celebrities in their own right. They go out of their way to bring a sense of positivism to every little aspect of this show.
Wow, what a show and series! I can't wait till next year's offering.
- by Neil on November 19, 2007 at 07:56 AM
Torrenting is easy. And once someone is shown how, they wonder how they ever lived without it.
So the choice is: wait for American TV to come out here, filled with ads (that seems to be louder than the show) and occasionally snipped here and there. Or download ad and edit free, and watch at your lesuire as an added bonus. I know which I prefer.
And whats left? Aussie programming that can't be downloaded til its been aired first, and and on prime time anyway.
- by Benjamin on November 19, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Well if Border is split up because of different episodes airing in different states, why doesn't the same thing happen to the news? Each state gets a different edition, why is that nightly figure an amalgomation?
Tribal Mind replies: Good point. It's all in how the TV networks choose to notify OzTAM's computer.
- by bugzy on November 19, 2007 at 09:11 AM
Say it isn't so!
Rove actually built on the Idol audience!
I must say that this is one of the most dissapointing Idols ever where I don't particularly care for either of the two left.
- by Earthquake on November 19, 2007 at 09:47 AM
It's nice to see national bingo night doing poorly, what dross.
- by c on November 19, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Yay for Cat reminding me about the Doctor Who "Children in Need" episode. Only 8 minutes but it was bloody brilliant! Master 6 only saw an old video with a 4-part episode with Peter Davison recently, so was able to recognise who he was. Even Master 3 loved it!
- by Bereft Skerrick on November 19, 2007 at 09:50 AM
I continue to like singing bee yay! It's steadily rising in the ratings, only time over 1m since the debut. How long does the season go for?
National Bingo's the biggest flop on TV for its timeslot, need I say again no bingo!
Comedy Inc has lost its touch a bit.
As to kate's query last week on HDTV programs - ABC2 can be found on www.yourtv.com.au. The others (7HD, TenHD?) should be able to be found on their respective EPGs (77, 11 respectively).
- by arthur on November 19, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Hey TM,
I was wondering how those figures for the Cricket work?
Are they the average for 10am-5:30pm (AEST) or are they the last 2 hours or hour.
Thnx
Tribal Mind replies: Average for whole day
- by Rich on November 19, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Thank you ABC for the excellent Rain Shadow! I hope another series is coming in 2008. The best Aussie TV drama I've seen for a while.
Rachel Ward is fantastic!
Kevin Rudd resurrects Rove's ratings! Would 1.3 million have tuned to see Howard appearing on Rove?
- by Evan on November 19, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Bereft glad you liked it. I loved it - so many nice lines (no beard, well no beard - a wife) and that little tribute at the end where it is in effect actually Tennant thanking his favourite Doctor.
The combination of seeing that and reading TM's article about the election reminded me of a send up of Tony Blair David Tennant did a while back. We have many satirical versions of Howard by now of varying quality but I have not seen a decent one of Kev yet. Mind you we do not exactly have the forum for them on TV any more do we? Chasers and Newstopia are the closest we come and poor old Newstopia is hiding away on SBS. That might need to be your next question if the polls are right TM. Will the change in government be reflected on screen? Will we see a quiz show where the contestants ask and answer their own questions?
Speaking of which can someone enlighten me what the varying parties attitudes are to the different HD/Digital options (more licences or more versions of current channels) are?
- by Cat on November 19, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Sorry for the late post, as I was in transit from the US to Aus, this past weekend. Shoopie on November 17, 2007 1:26 PM, said, "(not sure of the collective term here) leather-clad dominatrixes with whips"
The collective noun for a group of dominatrix is a, "Lash". Of course in these politcally enlightened times, a vegan dominatrix wears lycra or rubber rather than leather.
- by TGO on November 19, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Don't want to get political here, but the supposedly mega-popular Rudd's much-touted appearance on Rove should have rated a lot better than that. A very poor result.
- by Fielding on November 19, 2007 at 11:53 AM
For admirers of The Office, Ten have predictably dumped the show after last week's mediocre season 1 conclusion to Californication, but hopefully when the ratings conclude this week, Ten can screen season 3's remaining episodes in double episode blocks late on Sunday nights, as Ten have done previously.
- by Simone on November 19, 2007 at 12:33 PM
It's great seeing Seven's Bingo show badly tanking for them ratings wise and going to almost no. 20, so it looks like the scam allegations have had an effect, as they should have.
- by Anne on November 19, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Posted by: Fielding on November 19, 2007 11:53 AM
I wouldn't say it was a very poor result, the ratings were in fact lifted & Rove had little assistance from the Idol lead-in... Rudd's performance did have some effect... I don't think it was ever going to be spectacular as you knew there would be no surprises, it is a campaign after all & with only 5 days or so to go, Rudd wasn't going to go out on any limb... The other guests on the show were a little ho-hum...
- by kate on November 19, 2007 at 01:17 PM
I wish that Ten would move Bold and the Beautiful to a timeslot where they don't have to cut it to pieces. I didn't have a clue what I was watching on friday. I had to read the episode on the internet to fill in the huge chunks they cut out because kids watch it. I may have to start downloading this show as well. ANNOYING!!!
- by cyla on November 19, 2007 at 01:20 PM
Although most viewer - downloaders would've probably already seen the new Gossip Girl series, for any viewers who haven't yet and were hoping to see it on Nine (as they had the rights to it) during the summer recess coming up, it appears they've on dumped and on sold it to Foxtel instead.
- by Cris on November 19, 2007 at 03:38 PM
For those Anglophiles out there, an interesting read from 'The Times' on the state of British period adaptations: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article2864810.ece
- by canoli on November 19, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Posted by: arthur on November 19, 2007 10:24 AM
Thanks Arthur, just wondering still if that is a good source... often I click on to station 4 on my TV which should give me the program guide for all and often it has "Information updating" against timeslots...
It will be interesting to see what the ACCC makes of the FTA networks plans to limit TIVO and other similar "ad-skipping" devices.... If they cave, they really are a toothless tiger... especially as it is accepted practice in America...
- by kate on November 19, 2007 at 06:12 PM
I'm wondering why Channel 10 is advertising this weeks episode of House as the "Season Finale"??
- by Bee on November 20, 2007 at 07:21 AM
Good numbers for the finale of City Homicide and Border still on top in repeats.
Just looked at the tv guide and we have 2 eps of Ghost Whisperer on Thursday from 7.30. Why the hell isnt Heroes moved forward to the 8.30 slot where it has always deserved to be and would work well aggainst the competition.
- by Lowie on November 20, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Thanks canoli for the Times link. It is worth checking out the link to A.A. Gill's reviews on the page.
- by Gary on November 20, 2007 at 11:53 AM
A few things
House is wrapping up because ten ddoes not want to waste new eps in summer (esp with the writers strike) in a similar case Law & Order (original) was originally supposed to show new eps during summer but they have opted for reruns in light of the strike.
Rumour has it The Office will be going into an 8pm timeslot over summer
Also who else is stoked about Friends being back on, the early ones (first two seasons) were great television.
Agree that both political appearances didn't rate all that well - but I would be interested to see the peaks (at the times Rudd & Howard were on) best performance though was by Bob Brown's 'equal time' appearance
- by Jason Oliver on November 20, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Yeah, Bee, your right. House this week is not the season finale as that wouldnt be shown in the US till sometime next year. Ten is guilty of misleading the viewing public again.
It should be the end of new eps for 2007. That would be truthful.
Though, of course, if the writers strike keeps going there may not be too many more eps left to show anyway.
Still, how about truth in advertising Ten?
And I also agree with Lowie. How about Heroes at 8.30 instead of 9.30. Two eps of that simpering JLH is enough to turn my stomach!
- by em on November 20, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Today Tonight seems intent on re-creating themselves as episodes of "Frontline" (still relevant 10 years on).
Brooke: "when will the PM's office say yes (to the interview)?"
Emma: "When they're absolutely certain its a puff peice."
- by Leah on November 20, 2007 at 01:25 PM
For Top Gear show fans, SBS have signed a deal to do an Aus version of the show in 2008, which makes sense as there's a much greater diversity of roads and areas to drive on in Aus, than in the UK.
- by Brett on November 20, 2007 at 01:45 PM
Did the 2007 finale for City Homicide score the highest ratings, so far?
- by J Bar on November 20, 2007 at 02:21 PM
Foxtel is launching a new channel in December called Showcase which will have tv dramas, independant films and some doco's. Some of the shows Dexter, The Riches and Tudors look good from the previews.
Have any fellow TM bloggers downloaded these and have any opinions on whats good and what isn't.
- by shelly on November 20, 2007 at 02:22 PM
I usually record programs on Monday nights, but with no Californication or The Office, and Weeds not on until really late, I decided to try watching programs as they were actually being broadcast for a change.
Nothing on of interest at all until 8.30, when I revisited City Homicide & intended to stay on for Criminal Minds.
Didn't last long - huge overload of hideous political ads - no thanks!
Not interested in the slightest in the bulldust both sides are spreading.
The last straw was the revolting anti-smoking ad with the woman who looks like a refugee from Attack of the Zombies.
Live TV? Not this week, that's for sure.
I wonder if other advertisers realise that their ads also go unwatched when we switch stations at lightening speed to avoid those awful political and anti-smoking ads?
(I was getting really quick last night, one word and I was gone!)
- by Sal on November 20, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Posted by: Lowie on November 20, 2007 11:02 AM: "Why the hell isnt Heroes moved forward to the 8.30 slot where it has always deserved to be and would work well aggainst the competition."
I don't disagree that Heroes would probably do well at an earlier timeslot, but could it be that a commercial station is finally listening to the feedback criticising the shifting sand on which some programmes seem to be scheduled?
We can't have our cake and eat it too - I'm happy for Heroes to stay where it is so I can have some certainty that the trusty machine will capture it every week (albeit with about half an hour before and after... because we can't expect the networks to have also listened to the feedback about running on time!)
- by SC on November 20, 2007 at 07:03 PM
Posted by: SC on November 20, 2007 7:03 PM "I don't disagree that Heroes would probably do well at an earlier timeslot, but could it be that a commercial station is finally listening to the feedback criticising the shifting sand on which some programmes seem to be scheduled?"
I just think 7 need to make a few chances with Heroes, if it keeps up with the ratings it has we will be lucky to see it at all next year.
- by Lowie on November 20, 2007 at 10:11 PM
J Bar - The finale of City Homicide was the highest rating episode. Most ranged from 1.5m - 1.7m.
Shelly - Watch Dexter. It's a dark drama, with great character development, a bit of gore and is great entertainment. I've been watching season 2, which isn't quite as good, but i still can't wait to watch it each week.
- by Simo on November 20, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Posted by: Sal on November 20, 2007 3:39 PM
I am not so bothered by the content of the ads, the mouth cancer lady does not affect me as I am not a smoker and also to me, it looks so much like a very good make-up job... still I am like you in that I now rarely watch commercial FTA live... it is the ratio of ads to program that gets me...
O.k. for punters out that... forget betting on which political party will have the majority... which electoral coverage will outrate the other... will people watch Ch 7 light & frothy non-core promised non-boring coverage or the ABC expert loaded serious & probably leaning to boring coverage... a choice of bells & whistles or from whom the bell tolls... Or will everyone just switch off & raid DVD stores...
- by Kate on November 20, 2007 at 11:24 PM
Kate posted: O.k. for punters out that... forget betting on which political party will have the majority... which electoral coverage will outrate the other... will people watch Ch 7 light & frothy non-core promised non-boring coverage or the ABC expert loaded serious & probably leaning to boring coverage... a choice of bells & whistles or from whom the bell tolls... Or will everyone just switch off & raid DVD stores...
I will be taking the third option. Sitting out on my terrace, nice bottle of wine, listening to Roy and HG on Triple J. They are doing election night coverage. The thought of the Sunrise family's coverage makes me nauseous, and as for the others - if there is a comedy option, i'll take it. A shame they don't have the Chaser boys doing ABC coverage, now that would be funny!
- by Beckala on November 21, 2007 at 07:56 AM
Can anybody nominate a worse TV show than "The Librarians" this year?
Poor script matched with inept acting.
How are its ratings going?
- by Benj Press on November 21, 2007 at 08:06 AM
Ch Nein are such tossers. Last night I watched last week's "new episode" of Without a Trace. I knew was new because they kept saying so in the pop up boxes as I fast forwarded through to Damages once I realised it was at least 3 years old. Such tossers. They lie more calmly than politicians. No wonder I am watching an ever diminishing amount of telly. The dvd and book piles are going to be severely depleted at this rate.
- by Cat on November 21, 2007 at 08:56 AM
While the Stargate : Atlantis spin off series continues, the final episode of the SG1 series is on Seven on Thursday, as the show finished up after 10 seasons.
- by Joe on November 21, 2007 at 10:39 AM
Can anyone explain the jump in ACA's ratings on Monday night from the usual 1.1m to 1.42m ?
What briliant segment did they show to warrant such an increase ??
I have to agree with Benj Press (posted on November 21, 2007 8:06 AM) that "The Librarians" is rather average. It is just not funny
- by Sebatsien on November 21, 2007 at 10:40 AM
"Can anybody nominate a worse TV show than "The Librarians" this year?
Poor script matched with inept acting.
How are its ratings going?
Posted by: Benj Press on November 21, 2007 8:06 AM "
Yes, Benj Press - Spicks and Specks - boring, boring boring - and so over-rated -I've never ever worked out why it rates so well.
As for the Librarians, its not nearly as good as Summer Heights High and it does fall flat on its face on numerous occasions but still funny.
Would be interesting to see how the Chaser Election Special rates tonight - I'm thinking around 1.6 million only given most of us are quity simply over the election!!
- by GJ on November 21, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Benj Press wrote: "Can anybody nominate a worse TV show than "The Librarians" this year?"
I quite like it. It's an offbeat little comedy depicting a series of character vignettes. And the Jazzy background theme music gives it a cool retro 60s/70s feel.
I can see how people expecting a conventional sitcom wouldn't take to it, but I like its understated quirkiness.
- by damien on November 21, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Hey Cat, I know what you mean about Nine and "new episodes". But Ten are getting to me this week with advertising House as Season Finale when it isnt.
House is supposedly almost on a par with the US which means the season finale would not have been made yet and would normally screen in the middle of next year before the US networks end their new shows for their summer. So how about Ten telling us the truth? That is that tonights ep of House is the last for this year?
Truth in advertising? Now that would be something!
Also saw the ads for Gossip Girl on Foxtel last night. It looked worth catching. Apparently , Nein had the rights and flogged it off to Foxtel. Did they think it was a dud?
As for election night in my house, I think I will be watching a DVD as I have a few I havent seen yet.
Election coverage is just plain boring! I'd rather watch paint dry.
- by em on November 21, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Thanks Simo for the feedback on Dexter will check it out.
Channel 7 is doing the same thing with Prison Break saying tonight is the Season Finale, when it is at the moment on a break in the US until Jan 08. Just say it is the last ep for 07 we don't mind you telling us the truth.
Jason Oliver I am stoked Friends is back on aswell. A great summer time series.
- by shelly on November 21, 2007 at 01:16 PM
Quoth Brett on November 20, 2007 1:45 PM: For Top Gear show fans, SBS have signed a deal to do an Aus version of the show in 2008...
But who could host it? For me, the joy of watching Top Gear is the interaction of the hosts. I can't see any similar talent within Australia at the moment (okay, I don't watch any of the "reality" TV shows, so I'm probably missing some talent there... but I doubt it).
The Good Game guys are great, but I can't see them enthusing over cars the same way they enjoy talking about games. (Or I am just stereotyping computer gamers?)
As for the election coverage, I will be attending a party that night, where we shall all be watching the coverage and bitching about politicians. Knowing the host, I can only assume that we'll be watching the ABC. Which suits me fine, I'd rather gouge out my eyes with a rusty spoon than watch the election coverage on commercial TV.
- by tqd on November 21, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Hmmm... just read that Ch9 have "axed" Macleod's Daughter... apparently the word axed is a fairly loose interpretation as there is to be a series next year but after that, none. So the axe is not immediately falling... The press release made me a little sad, as although the show is the dregs now, at least it was a local production? The PR has made me laugh as Posie is quoted as saying that she supported the decision as she thought that the show should go out on a high... oh dear Posie... then the show should have ceased production a few seasons ago... before the fanciful storylines....
- by Kate on November 21, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Gossip Girl has just started in the US about 7 weeks ago, I don't know what the vibe is yet ? Anyone else know. Looks like it is aimed at the teens early 20's age group, I think it is based on a series of books of the same name.
A bit of Trivia on Gossip Girl:
Was originally pitched as a feature with Lindsay Lohan as Blair Waldorf. When that fell through, its backers (who had the rights to the stories) approached Josh Schwartz (creator The OC) about turning it into
- by shelly on November 21, 2007 at 01:24 PM
"Can anybody nominate a worse TV show than "The Librarians" this year?
Poor script matched with inept acting.
How are its ratings going?
Posted by: Benj Press on November 21, 2007 8:06 AM "
Worse than National Bingo Night, Singing Bee, i-caught, Commercial Breakdown, Surprise Surprise Gotcha, What A Year? C'mon, you're being too harsh. The Librarians is not laugh-out-loud funny like Summer Heights High, but it's still quite good.
- by J Bar on November 21, 2007 at 02:09 PM
J Bar -- okay, maybe I was harsh with branding The Librarians as the worst show of the year -- can anyone nominate a worse comedy this year, though? I watched the first 2 episodes and my laugh-o-meter stayed firmly on zero. Not a smile, not a laugh. I suspect it is trapping viewers who watched The Chaser, and who are rendered too inert to turn The Librarians off, after a few seconds of tedium. I was stunned that the show got to production, let alone screening.
- by Benj Press on November 21, 2007 at 03:48 PM
TM wrote: The ratings race: Holt sinks
You ought to be ashamed TM. Such punning will put you on a slow boat to China.
Speaking of PMs disappearing without a trace did the PM do to the 7.30 Report's ratings last night what he did to TT's the night before? I know I immediately switched to a recorded show.
- by Cat on November 21, 2007 at 04:06 PM
Since Ten, Nine and Seven normally couldn't care less about airing Australian soccer matches, it'll be interesting seeing what ratings they'll get from the 7.30 - 10.30 pm LA Galaxy vs Sydney FC match that's on next Tuesday (presumably also on Foxtel), instead of being on SBS. The first hour has an interview with David Beckham.
- by Tony on November 21, 2007 at 04:24 PM
9 seasons of the McLeod's show isn't bad and it had gone as far as it could, so it's sensible to finish it up.
To The Bold & the Beautioful show fan who complained about Ten cutting the episodes (because it's shown in a timeslot where free to air networks are obligated to show G rated material), E Mail them asking to give consideration to showing the series uncut on their HD channel at an evening timeslot, as such a move would also appeal to working people who are into the show (who can't see it from being at work and / or coming home from work, when it's on at 4.30 pm).
- by Anne on November 21, 2007 at 04:39 PM
I have only read a selection of posts from the past week, so if I repeat anyone then I apologise:
- FRIENDS returns 7pm Monday December 3 on Ten & will be shown daily - yes, 7 days a week.
- On 10.30pm Friday is the second season of OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE. It will be due to continue with a double episode @ around 10.30pm this Sunday after the Aust. Idol final.
- VERONICA MARS should return in December/ January on TEN HD.
- THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL is edited so it can be broadcast @ 4.30pm. Programs broadcast between 4pm & 7pm cannot be classified PG - only G or lower.
- I am disappointed with NATIONAL BINGO NIGHT's ratings - it should be at least beating THE SINGING BEE.
-
- by cpandilo on November 21, 2007 at 07:22 PM
For Nigella Lawson cooking fans, the Nigella Feasts show kicked on ABC at 6.30 pm Wednesday November 21. It's a pretty lousy timeslot, but it you're not a Foxtel subscriber, it's better than nothing.
- by Sally on November 21, 2007 at 09:22 PM
Kate posted: The PR has made me laugh as Posie is quoted as saying that she supported the decision as she thought that the show should go out on a high... oh dear Posie... then the show should have ceased production a few seasons ago... before the fanciful storylines....
Kate, you took the words right out of my mouth!! How can they possibly believe that they are on top? There are no real 'McLeod's' left - not to mention the horrific ghost/handcuff storyline, as well as any storyline involving that woman who is supposedly a psychic. Appalling program now - I tried to watch it for a little while, but it just got WAAAYYY too out there. Not surprising to hear that it's going, actually. Just a shame that an Australian drama is biting the dust - all of those people without jobs. Let's hope Channel Nein takes the money and invests it into some NEW quality drama - and by quality drama I certainly don't mean Sea Patrol!! (despite Mr Beckala's insistence on viewing it when it is on, despite him having to tolerate my laughings, groans and threats to throw various objects at the television to protest over the poor quality of acting, as well as shoddy and predictable storylines). NEW DRAMA NINE!! Give it a go!! Maybe see if Posie has another idea up her sleeve... One with a less ludicrous supernatural content if possible!!
- by Beckala on November 21, 2007 at 10:03 PM
The Sydney FC vs LA Galaxy game is exclusive to Ch10 Tony. Foxtel don't have rights to it (though they'll undobtedly show replays all throughout the week.)
It will be very interesting to see how the DWTS finale next week goes up against the Beckham drawing power. My moneys on Beckham. In fact it will be quite a sight to see Ch9's ratings for that night. Ill hazard a guess they'll be showing repeats galore.
On another note sad to see City Homicide ending for the year. Really enjoyed it. Cant wait for next season!
- by Mat on November 21, 2007 at 10:22 PM
A correction to my earlier comment about Outrageous Fortune. According to a rival newspaper, New Zealand programs count for local quota points on "a sliding scale."
What does everyone think of Newstopia now that several episodes have aired. I enjoyed the first episode and haven't had a chance to watch again until tonight. Didn't think much of it and turned off after the Hitler Fanta ad.
- by Simo on November 21, 2007 at 11:42 PM
Hey Simo, thanks for clarifying the "local content" question.
cpandilo, I sure hope I'm able to get Ten HD down here!
Calling it "McLeod's Daughters" is almost false advertising. Are there any of his relatives left on the show?
- by Bereft Skerrick on November 22, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Quoth Simo on November 21, 2007 11:42 PM: "What does everyone think of Newstopia now that several episodes have aired. I enjoyed the first episode and haven't had a chance to watch again until tonight. Didn't think much of it and turned off after the Hitler Fanta ad."
I'm the other way around: I thought the first episode was a bit forced and unfunny, but the more recent episodes I've seen (not last night yet, I got distracted by Margaret & David on ABC) have been excellent.
My deity, nothing to watch on TV all week, then last night it went onto the ABC at 8, and stayed there until 11. My eyes feel square now.
- by tqd on November 22, 2007 at 10:15 AM
McLeods Daughters has been just dreadful the last couple of years. I watched a few eps this year but it was mostly cringeworthy. Pity as it was really good for the first few years. I think once Tess went , followed by Jodie it went completely silly .
Poor Posie, thinking her show is still on a high. I just hope the writers take the show out on a high, maybe bringing back Tess for the last few eps. At least one "real" McCleod should be there to close the show off. And please no dramatic deaths!
Hopefully, as others here have said Nein spends the money saved on McCleods to produce some other Aussie drama. Please dont blow the money on awful reality crap or anything with Bert (is he really still alive?) Newton.
We want good Aussie drama. Look at Rain Shadow on ABC and City Homicide, we can do it, it just takes the will.
And by good I dont mean the lacklustre Sea Patrol.What utter crap!
- by em on November 22, 2007 at 11:14 AM
In response to Simo on November 21, 2007 11:42 PM.....regarding Newstopia.
I kinda agree. The first few were not too bad but I must say that it has been rather tiresome sitting through the last few episodes. No wonder it is drawing 200k each episode.
- by Sebastien on November 22, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Hey TM, just wanted to know how Newstopia went last night? Thnx
Tribal Mind replies: 190,000. Even for SBS, this is not good. Though it would be good on a Pay TV channel.
- by Reid on November 22, 2007 at 11:32 AM
I seem to have strange taste as I couldn't bear to watch SHH but I am actually quite enjoying the Librarians. It is a good filler between the Chaser and Newstopia which, for me, is the highlight of the viewing week. I was getting thoroughly sick of the Chaser over the last few weeks but believe they redeemed themselves last night. They are definitely in need of a rest though, it must be hard getting new ideas every week.
But Shaun Micallef is very funny and pretty much the only show on FTA that I really look forward to. My other shows aren't even shown, such as weeds and greys anatomy which are just too far delayed by the networks here. Why couldn't they have been fast tracked?
- by alex on November 22, 2007 at 11:49 AM
If Posie really thinks McLeods Torture is going out on a high she is living at least two years in the past. This program should have bowed out gracefully long ago. Pity though, because I have friends who work on the show and are now out of a job. One of those people told me about a year ago that there wasn't a whole heap of enthusiasm for the show left on the set anyway.
It will be interesting to see how Ch Nein go with the revamp of Young Doctors. Hopefully it's not a second-rate All Saints.
- by cronk on November 22, 2007 at 12:20 PM
"What does everyone think of Newstopia now that several episodes have aired. I enjoyed the first episode and haven't had a chance to watch again until tonight. Didn't think much of it and turned off after the Hitler Fanta ad."
Posted by: Simo on November 21, 2007 11:42 PM
I thought it was one of the best episodes yet and still laugh just thinking about the Malcolm Turnbull Right Of Reply song for any Midnight Oil song. Comedy gold.
Newstopia was without doubt the smarter and funnier satire show last night.
- by Earthquake on November 22, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Missed seeing the last episode of Damages last night - largely because stupid Channel Nein had moved it to such a late timeslot I fell asleep and missed taping it.
Will download it I guess or borrow a taped copy to see the ending.
Just wondering if anyone saw it and was it worth the wait to see what happened?
Apparently they've committed to a series 2 and 3 - let's hope another channel picks it up and moves it to a reasonable timeslot.
Saw the Chaser Boys last night - not as good as previous episodes but maybe I'm just over politicians and comedians trying to make them look silly!
- by GJ on November 22, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Oh man, what's a lad to do, over the years we have seen the Loser Channel totally destroy Stargate SG-1 and then Stargate Atlantis, and now, on this very day the Loser Channel tells us that the two final two episodes of Heroes, Volume 2 Generations, Chapter 10 Truth and Consequences and Chapter 11 Powerless (made the final eps because of the WGA Strike in the US/Canada) are to be shown in 2008 because the flawed AusTam Ratings thingie is on holidays for the Silly Season *yawn*. Amazing, the Loser Channel does all this (appreciated) hard work to get the series to Australia a week or two after it has been aired in the US, to, one would think to minimise the advertisement free downloads, then on the ninth ep (with two chapters to go to the end of Generations) the Losers shut down the works. What do we plebs do, well it's easy, episode 2.10 Truth and Consequences and 2.11 Powerless are scheduled to air consecutively on 26 November and 03 December 2007 on the US giant TV network NBC. Because Voume 2 Generations is closing at 2.11 Powerless, it is imperative that Heroes fans see it, without having to wait for the whim of the Loser Channel to air it. Download is the answer. As with the Stargate Atlantis, Season Four which is being downloaded and distributed around the country as we speak, it seems Heroes is going to head the same way. The AusTam ratings system is flawed and cant possibly give an accurate guestimate of who of the 12,000,000 viewers is watching what and when in Australia at any given time. The system should be ended immediately. Cheers Gaz
Tribal Mind remarks: I share your irritation, but I don't think you can accurately label Seven "The Loser Channel". This year they'll have the biggest victory in their history. The Loser Channel this year will be Nine.
And don't blame OzTAM for the Silly Season. OzTAM will continue to measure audiences every day including Christmas, and this column will continue to report them. It's the networks who have agreed amongst theselves to run dead for two months.
- by gasbo on November 22, 2007 at 07:12 PM
I seem to have a spate of eaten posts. Sigh.
Bad Ch 7! Thought you could trick us by playing Ghost Whisperer out of episode order tonight eh? Shame on you!
And to reiterate an earlier comment, advertising something as a Season Finale when it utterly is not is plain out and out lying.
Just because you don't want to show any NEW episodes until the ratings start again doesn't mean it's a Season Finale!
Sure I'm only FF'ing thru Heroes to see Veronica and can't follow much of the storyline. tv.com is listing at least 2 more new episodes after next weeks so-called "finale". Stop BS'ing us Ch 7!
What was the point of fast tracking when we'll have to wait until Feb and be behind again! This whole Fast Track was a pointless exercise.
Tribal Mind remarks: But it is the finale of its Australian season. Why should we let the Americans dictate when to stop and start our seasons? Next you'll be wanting to call autumn Fall !
- by Bereft Skerrick on November 22, 2007 at 11:17 PM
TM, this has nothing to do with international boundaries, it has to do with the boundaries of the Australia Ratings Season. Anyone who stopped downloading due to the snail mailing of current episodes will just take it back up again.
Again I ask - what was the point of fast tracking when we'll be behind to some respect. Or is this just some emergency measure by the Oz TV networks to cover their arses because of the US Writers Strike?
- by Bereft Skerrick on November 23, 2007 at 09:05 AM
Just found out here that Heroes is no longer being fast-tracked (it probably wasn't rating well enough to justify the cost, but c'mon, only TWO MORE EPISODES????).
That's it. I'm downloading. (Helps that the TV went on sproing last night, so I don't have a TV on which to watch stuff anyhow. *twitch*)
Anyone got contact details for Channel Seven so I can vent at them?
- by tqd on November 23, 2007 at 10:25 AM
"Again I ask - what was the point of fast tracking when we'll be behind to some respect. Or is this just some emergency measure by the Oz TV networks to cover their arses because of the US Writers Strike"?
But surely you didn't expect the "fast tracking" to continue past the end of our ratings season? I agree that the networks are using the term "season finale" too loosely - but there is no way they are going to use their new episodes during the summer non-ratings!
- by JB on November 23, 2007 at 10:42 AM
14 HEROES Seven 926,000
Bit dissapointing, but atleast it was higher than last week. Could have been higher at 8.30 though. I think it's time for seven to dump Bionic Woman after those sort of numbers for Ghost Whisperer, or atleast move it to a 10.30 timeslot.
- by Lowie on November 23, 2007 at 10:42 AM
Posted by: alex on November 22, 2007 11:49 AM
I seem to have strange taste as I couldn't bear to watch SHH but I am actually quite enjoying the Librarians. It is a good filler between the Chaser and Newstopia which, for me, is the highlight of the viewing week.
Same sentiments here. While Summer Heights High was a stand out show, the Librarians is only okay. It's not that the show is poorly acted, I think it's just a bit dull. Alright filler I guess
- by drb123 on November 23, 2007 at 10:47 AM
totally agree with the frustration with Ch7 advertising next week's Heroes episode as the season final when there are two more episodes to go in the US. Seriously what is the point of stopping it now when there are only two eps and they don't know when the strike is oging to end and give them more episodes.
It will be interesting to see what they do next year if the strike continues and they don't get any more episodes. Will they play the two remaing eps in Feb or will they just hold onto them indefinitely?
Having said that, I've seen episode 9 the supposed 'season finale' and it's absolutely brilliant and a great episode to finish on.
- by krissyg on November 23, 2007 at 10:57 AM
JB - i didn't expect it, but I'm sure that Average Joe TV viewer may expect it.
TM: Ghost Whisperer ran from 7:30-9:30, the figure shown - is that for the whole 2 hrs?
- by Bereft Skerrick on November 23, 2007 at 11:46 AM
This may be a silly question considering what has happened over the past couple of days, but I was wondering if Jackie Kelly has been boned from Seven's coverage of the election tomorrow night?
- by Lisa on November 23, 2007 at 12:11 PM
GJ: I believe the last episode of Damages is next Wednesday night. By all means download the one you missed because there is a slight twist to the storyline and you'll need to be on top of before the finale.
- by Rupert on November 23, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Yep, I am also inscensed at the networks (7&10) advertising season finales when we all know it damn well isnt!
And now that I know there are still 2 more eps of Heroes to go, well, it is downloading I go. I mean, if no more eps are made next year what is 7 going to do? Show the remaining 2 as a "special" or just not show them at all and hold on till 09? I dont think that will go down too well, 7.
Most Heroes fans will not wait and will download. So where will 7 go next year with no programs to show. By the time Feb rolls around the few eps made of Greys, Despos etc will have been seen by most fans. I really hope your ratings fall in a great big heap. And that goes for Ten too and the way they have treated House fans. Season finale? Bulldust!
And the networks wonder why their viewers are disappearing! I really think FTA is in it's death throes. And it deserves to be.
- by em on November 23, 2007 at 12:48 PM
Sorry this is belated, a compound of forgetfulness and vanishing posts.
The Adventure of English (SBS) was the equal best documentary I've seen in over 30 yeas of watching them, the other being Jacob Bronowski's The Ascent of Man.
I found it quite moving how English has adapted to and feasted on every cultural challenge it has faced for over 1,500 years. And it's nowhere near done yet.
Captain Cook was very good too. If you missed it, look for repeats on ABC either 11am weekdays or Sunday afternoons some time next year.
- by tafkao on November 23, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Gidday T.M. I'm hoping you can answer this question that's been buggin' me for years. The whole raison d'etre for ratings surveys is so that the T.V. channels can find-out how many viewers are watching their COMMERCIALS! That's why taping or some-how recording shows isn't ever considered in ratings numbers, 'cause every-one 'zips' through the ads. As a consequence of their ratings numbers the networks will charge advertisers accordingly i.e. the more viewers then the higher advert charges. Duh!! Here's the problem. How do the networks charge fees to advertisers during the so-called non-ratings periods? I realise that that the data is collected through-out the whole year now, but the networks seem to deny this and insist on a non-ratings period. Why? Surely it's in the networks' interest to cut this non-ratings period charade and continue to televise high standard T.V. shows(oxymoron?)for the entire year simply to collect higher ad revenues than their opponents!! Or am I missing something not so obvious? At least to me, that is. Anyway T.M.this is one Tassie who thoroughly enjoys your daily column, so to you and your loggers - keep up the good work!
Tribal Mind replies The silly season is a historical anomaly which no-one wants to change because it gives everyone an excuse to goof off for two months. It costs less to advertise in the silly season, but advertisers still want to know if anyone is watching, so ratings are still measured.
- by harps on November 23, 2007 at 01:25 PM
cronk said:It will be interesting to see how Ch Nein go with the revamp of Young Doctors. Hopefully it's not a second-rate All Saints.
I hope they come up with a new name for the show. I think Sea Patrol and City Homicide were different enough from Patrol Boat and Homicide. I think it is unwise to remake The Young doctors as Young Doctors. Look at what's happening with Bionic Woman.
Curious - the splitting of the 'Border Security' figure - what gives? I appreciate that some states may have copped a repeat - others a new episode... but doesnt it count as the one weekly screening.
In past instances where different episodes were shown OR the same show shown on different evenings in the different states were amalgomated... so why all of sudden has this changed?
Curious.
Tribal Mind replies: It doesn't count as the one weekly screening if it's not the same episode in every state.