The Who We Are update: Week 9 of the ratings race

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

This week of the blog is now a heritage item -- worth studying but no longer current. For the latest discussion, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

Saturday night is another country ... They do things differently there. Like watch on Channel Seven repeats of The Vicar of Dibley that were shown previously on the ABC. And watch on the ABC repeats of Doc Martin that were shown previously on the ABC. And watch on Channel Seven The Inspector Lynley Mysteries that should have been shown on the ABC.

What Australia watched, Saturday March 2
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 DOC MARTIN RPT ABC 1,239,000 336,000 413,000 244,000 124,000 121,000
2 THE VICAR OF DIBLEY Seven 1,235,000 327,000 358,000 244,000 120,000 187,000
3 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,139,000 322,000 266,000 253,000 111,000 187,000
4 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC 1,097,000 292,000 399,000 198,000 99,000 110,000
5 NINE NEWS SAT Nine 1,009,000 264,000 346,000 205,000 137,000 57,000
6 COLLECTORS (SHORTS) ABC 926,000 260,000 303,000 163,000 101,000 100,000
7 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 913,000 205,000 301,000 181,000 134,000 93,000
8 M-ICE PRINCESS Seven 901,000 239,000 243,000 177,000 91,000 152,000
9 THE INSPECTOR LYNLEY MYSTERIES Seven 799,000 222,000 223,000 155,000 81,000 119,000

10 ABC NEWS UP-DATE ABC 797,000 227,000 259,000 140,000 81,000 90,000
11 SPIDERMAN -RPT Nine 756,000 183,000 228,000 157,000 96,000 93,000
12 THE BILL ABC 747,000 215,000 231,000 145,000 70,000 85,000
15 TOP GEAR (SERIES 1) SBS 574,000 169,000 183,000 104,000 81,000 37,000
21 2008 NAB CUP - SF ADELAIDE V HAWTHORN Ten 374,000 24,000 171,000 10,000 131,000 39,000
22 TALK TO THE ANIMALS Nine 350,000 73,000 117,000 70,000 33,000 57,000
23 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Ten 343,000 67,000 138,000 63,000 37,000 38,000

The ratings race, updated 4pm Saturday March 1
After Friday's night's cricket-led recovery for Nine, Seven is averaging 28.0 per cent of the prime time audience, Nine is averaging 28.2 per cent, Ten is on 22.1, ABC is on 15.8 and SBS is on 5.9. The week will be determined by whether the kind of Australians who stay home on Saturday night prefer Spider-Man or The Vicar of Dibley.

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,313,000 398,000 335,000 259,000 114,000 207,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,309,000 386,000 318,000 285,000 131,000 189,000
3 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUS V SRI LANKA - GAME 12 SESSION 2 Nine 1,248,000 332,000 439,000 220,000 141,000 117,000
4 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,198,000 343,000 352,000 233,000 140,000 129,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,141,000 275,000 373,000 230,000 150,000 112,000
6 DALZIEL AND PASCOE ABC 1,101,000 335,000 326,000 181,000 130,000 130,000
7 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,090,000 333,000 244,000 246,000 112,000 155,000
8 ABC NEWS ABC 880,000 262,000 256,000 172,000 81,000 110,000
9 KID NATION Ten 799,000 222,000 257,000 144,000 73,000 103,000
10 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 797,000 223,000 249,000 142,000 81,000 101,000
15 ABOUT A BOY RPT Ten 669,000 179,000 189,000 100,000 75,000 125,000
16 NEIGHBOURS Ten 643,000 168,000 166,000 102,000 103,000 103,000
17 STATELINE ABC 623,000 197,000 144,000 127,000 72,000 84,000
18 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V SRI LANKA - GAME 12 SESSION 1 Nine 582,000 154,000 203,000 107,000 62,000 55,000
21 FRIENDS Ten 528,000 148,000 145,000 74,000 77,000 84,000
23 MY BIG BREASTS AND ME SBS 441,000 143,000 122,000 63,000 66,000 46,000
24 2008 NAB CUP: ESSENDON V ST KILDA Seven 440,000 25,000 273,000 13,000 67,000 62,000

That reminds us to launch this year's Bogie nominations. Tell us, below, the most annoying programs and people on television over the past 12 months in all categories you care to suggest (a candidate for Most Underrated, Shaun Micallef's Newstopia, resumes at 10pm tonight on SBS). Please try to offer different nominations from last year's winners - there's only so much Eddie and Gretel can take.

The ratings race, updated 10 am Friday
The only comfort for Lost fans, as they lie awake in fear of Channel Seven cancelling their show because it falls so far behind Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA, is that the two shows preceding it -- Out of The Question and Family Guy -- get even smaller audiences. So Seven may choose to fix the 8.30 Thursday slot before tackling the 9.30 slot.

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 RPA Nine 1,459,000 416,000 445,000 250,000 179,000 170,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,372,000 393,000 376,000 266,000 126,000 211,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,258,000 364,000 331,000 252,000 124,000 187,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,202,000 397,000 329,000 235,000 110,000 131,000
5 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 1,201,000 353,000 348,000 243,000 124,000 133,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,161,000 333,000 363,000 265,000 113,000 87,000
7 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 1,133,000 327,000 364,000 201,000 111,000 130,000
8 GETAWAY Nine 1,114,000 354,000 318,000 245,000 96,000 101,000
9 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,105,000 362,000 329,000 227,000 107,000 80,000
10 ABC NEWS ABC 1,042,000 324,000 295,000 194,000 117,000 112,000
11 THE AMAZING RACE Seven 1,031,000 293,000 330,000 180,000 101,000 127,000
12 MEDIUM Ten 937,000 277,000 241,000 178,000 112,000 128,000
13 KITCHEN NIGHTMARES U.S.A. Nine 923,000 376,000 200,000 163,000 184,000
17 7.30 REPORT ABC 793,000 273,000 200,000 145,000 94,000 81,000
18 LIFE ON MARS ABC 784,000 243,000 245,000 128,000 66,000 102,000
19 LOST Seven 780,000 209,000 268,000 129,000 81,000 93,000
20 SAVING KIDS WITH DAMIEN LEITH Ten 762,000 216,000 218,000 135,000 98,000 95,000
23 FAMILY GUY Seven 723,000 165,000 235,000 136,000 79,000 107,000
24 OUT OF THE QUESTION Seven 710,000 208,000 218,000 110,000 66,000 107,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,605,000 452,000 497,000 291,000 131,000 233,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,440,000 407,000 393,000 277,000 168,000 196,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,350,000 383,000 390,000 244,000 147,000 186,000
4 THE REAL SEACHANGE Seven 1,296,000 322,000 429,000 228,000 121,000 195,000
5 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,276,000 410,000 313,000 255,000 130,000 168,000
6 HOUSE Ten 1,262,000 317,000 463,000 188,000 140,000 154,000
7 UNDERBELLY Nine 1,250,000 604,000 not shown 306,000 167,000 174,000
8 NINE NEWS Nine 1,148,000 311,000 341,000 226,000 155,000 114,000
9 ABC NEWS ABC 1,120,000 304,000 341,000 252,000 105,000 118,000
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,066,000 300,000 319,000 220,000 135,000 90,000
11 BACK TO YOU Ten 1,047,000 294,000 348,000 189,000 109,000 107,000
12 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 998,000 245,000 362,000 171,000 113,000 106,000
13 LEWIS Seven 956,000 258,000 286,000 154,000 113,000 146,000
14 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 949,000 225,000 356,000 149,000 102,000 117,000
15 THE CHOPPING BLOCK Nine 943,000 293,000 274,000 156,000 131,000 89,000
16 CASHMERE MAFIA Nine 930,000 296,000 295,000 118,000 117,000 105,000
18 NUMB3RS Ten 848,000 205,000 269,000 147,000 113,000 113,000
22 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT Ten 802,000 220,000 269,000 140,000 84,000 89,000
27 STUPID STUPID MAN ABC 615,000 152,000 211,000 111,000 75,000 67,000
33 THAT MITCHELL AND WEBB LOOK ABC 435,000 121,000 123,000 76,000 60,000 56,000
64 NEWSTOPIA SBS 212,000 78,000 74,000 29,000 18,000 13,000

The ratings race, updated 1pm Tuesday
Australians had little interest in the Academy Awards once Our Cate failed to win. Monday's three and a half hour show averaged 934,000, while Desperate Housewives rose on last week to 1.34m. Maybe viewers were put off by the opening red carpet scenes, with Richard Wilkins asking lame questions and promoting product. Next year, Nine might consider going straight to the ceremony and save the money on Dickie's fare to LA. We'd all be in bed earlier, at least.

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,446,000 390,000 378,000 289,000 163,000 226,000
2 IT TAKES TWO Seven 1,340,000 404,000 430,000 201,000 132,000 174,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,308,000 351,000 352,000 247,000 165,000 193,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,254,000 377,000 321,000 244,000 142,000 169,000
5 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,215,000 406,000 356,000 165,000 122,000 166,000
6 ABC NEWS ABC 1,158,000 354,000 382,000 200,000 101,000 121,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,119,000 294,000 351,000 280,000 107,000 88,000
8 NINE NEWS Nine 1,109,000 267,000 353,000 259,000 142,000 87,000
9 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 1,040,000 266,000 359,000 200,000 121,000 94,000
10 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,020,000 314,000 329,000 178,000 97,000 103,000
11 20 TO 1 Nine 947,000 239,000 304,000 211,000 108,000 86,000
12 WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB Ten 899,000 221,000 283,000 175,000 117,000 102,000
14 TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES Nine 848,000 231,000 272,000 177,000 90,000 78,000
18 BRAT CAMP ABC 777,000 211,000 260,000 122,000 82,000 103,000
19 BURN NOTICE Ten 750,000 177,000 229,000 150,000 102,000 93,000
20 CHOPPER RESCUE ABC 716,000 207,000 227,000 111,000 88,000 84,000
21 NEIGHBOURS Ten 683,000 165,000 248,000 110,000 90,000 70,000
22 LIFE BEGINS Seven 637,000 206,000 194,000 78,000 78,000 80,000
25 CSI: MIAMI Nine 537,000 199,000 145,000 90,000 103,000
28 THE ALLAN BORDER MEDAL Nine 439,000 125,000 155,000 57,000 54,000 48,000
33 ONE DAY CRICKET - INDIA V SRI LANKA - GAME 11 SESSION 2 Nine 393,000 117,000 142,000 62,000 40,000 32,000

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,603,000 423,000 459,000 345,000 168,000 208,000
2 THE FORCE Seven 1,541,000 383,000 449,000 289,000 177,000 242,000
3 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,540,000 396,000 425,000 306,000 177,000 237,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,476,000 367,000 395,000 332,000 160,000 222,000
5 SYTCDA - RESULTS Ten 1,457,000 431,000 502,000 245,000 140,000 139,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,392,000 371,000 370,000 304,000 148,000 198,000
7 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,340,000 383,000 439,000 211,000 149,000 158,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,227,000 307,000 399,000 261,000 139,000 120,000
9 ABC NEWS ABC 1,174,000 333,000 367,000 219,000 125,000 129,000
10 NINE NEWS Nine 1,115,000 301,000 337,000 264,000 149,000 64,000
11 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - ELIMINATION Ten 1,059,000 271,000 392,000 164,000 116,000 116,000
12 GOOD NEWS WEEK Ten 1,038,000 304,000 277,000 177,000 143,000 138,000
13 A YEAR WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY Nine 968,000 299,000 270,000 210,000 94,000 94,000
14 80TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS Nine 934,000 336,000 292,000 147,000 76,000 83,000
17 DIRTY SEXY MONEY Seven 843,000 225,000 317,000 114,000 97,000 90,000
21 AUSTRALIAN STORY ABC 760,000 242,000 228,000 142,000 92,000 57,000
22 FOUR CORNERS ABC 745,000 186,000 242,000 140,000 83,000 94,000
23 SUPERNATURAL Ten 698,000 164,000 214,000 130,000 89,000 102,000
24 MEDIA WATCH ABC 667,000 169,000 216,000 127,000 69,000 86,000
25 FRIENDS Ten 667,000 164,000 205,000 117,000 83,000 97,000
26 THE MAFIA ABC 626,000 149,000 220,000 99,000 80,000 77,000
28 MYTHBUSTERS SBS 520,000 128,000 179,000 95,000 64,000 54,000
32 SUNRISE Seven 422,000 127,000 83,000 121,000 40,000 51,000
33 BOSTON LEGAL (R) Seven 421,000 97,000 167,000 60,000 59,000 38,000
(OZTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

The box office
Last weekend, Australia's favourite flick was Jumpers, which dropped 49 per cent from its first weekend but has so far earned $6.07 million. Next came the Nicholson/Freeman geriatrathon Bucket List, which made $1.6m, and the Stallone geriatrathon Rambo, which made $1.2m.

Of the Oscar contenders, Juno has totalled $9.8m in 6 weeks, There will be Blood $1.3m in 3 weeks, Sweeney Todd $4.9m in 5 weeks, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly $419,000 in two weeks, No Country for old Men $4.9m in 9 weeks and Atonement $10.3m in 9 weeks.

The new Nicole Kidman film Margot At The Wedding made just $57,308 on 23 screens.

The ratings race, updated 10 am Monday Feb 25
Australians haven't exactly greeted the official ratings season with open arms, causing us to wonder if they've found better things to do than watch TV. Apart from Underbelly and So You Think You Can Dance, the only programs that could be described as "hits'' (as in, attracting more than 1.3 million in the mainland capitals) are fly-on-the-wall family fare such as RSPCA Animal Rescue, The Force, Border Security, RPA and Bondi Rescue. Pure dagsville.

The ABC averaged a healthy 16.8 per cent of the prime time audience, thanks to the 1.2 million who hoped to see John Howard savaged by his former colleagues on Four Corners. SBS managed 6 per cent, thanks to a double dose of Top Gear (815,000 on Monday and 570,000 on Saturday). But Seven emerged the winner, with 28 per cent to Nine's 26.8 and Ten's 22.3.

Now that Nine has done the first axing of the year -- Monster House -- Seven's executioner may be coming for Glenn Robbins on Thursday's Out of the Question. Nine won Sunday, thanks to the cricket. For everything else, audience sizes were down again.
What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA Ten 1,508,000 435,000 490,000 279,000 158,000 147,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,496,000 364,000 368,000 345,000 162,000 257,000
3 NINE NEWS SUN Nine 1,463,000 500,000 466,000 254,000 138,000 106,000
4 ONE DAY SERIES - AUS V INDIA Nine 1,302,000 392,000 390,000 256,000 125,000 139,000
5 THE ZOO Seven 1,297,000 362,000 310,000 273,000 131,000 220,000
6 BUSH DOCTORS Seven 1,165,000 273,000 313,000 253,000 132,000 195,000
7 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,098,000 291,000 323,000 195,000 124,000 165,000
8 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - THE WEIGH-IN Ten 1,095,000 255,000 404,000 182,000 132,000 122,000
9 MISS MARPLE: AT BERTRAM'S HOTEL ABC 1,081,000 295,000 342,000 174,000 133,000 136,000
10 KATH & KIM (R) Seven 1,069,000 217,000 342,000 214,000 118,000 177,000
11 SAMANTHA WHO? Seven 1,007,000 230,000 314,000 193,000 103,000 167,000
12 BROTHERS & SISTERS Seven 994,000 299,000 307,000 157,000 106,000 125,000
16 ROBIN HOOD ABC 619,000 181,000 154,000 134,000 76,000 74,000
19 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? SBS 517,000 136,000 168,000 103,000 52,000 57,000
21 THE EINSTEIN FACTOR ABC 516,000 104,000 171,000 102,000 77,000 62,000
22 COLLATERAL RPT Ten 515,000 139,000 147,000 107,000 74,000 48,000
29 KOCHIE'S BUSINESS BUILDERS Seven 293,000 50,000 119,000 60,000 39,000 26,000
31 SCRUBS (R) Seven 263,000 48,000 89,000 58,000 33,000 36,000

What pay TV subscribers watched, week ending February 23
1 AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL FOX8 173,000
2 LIVE: CRICKET: ODI TRI SERIES Fox Sports 3 171,000
3 THE SIMPSONS FOX8 159,000
4 LIVE: FOOTBALL: A-LEAGUE PF NEWC V QLD Fox Sports 2 151,000
5 FAMILY GUY FOX8 146,000
6 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Lifestyle 144,000
7 FUTURAMA FOX8 133,000

What Australia watched, week ending February 23
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,606,000 488,000 505,000 264,000 218,000 132,000
2 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,594,000 430,000 463,000 297,000 157,000 247,000
3 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUS V INDIA - GAME 7 SESSION 2 Nine 1,526,000 421,000 500,000 289,000 169,000 146,000
4 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA Ten 1,523,000 445,000 487,000 310,000 130,000 150,000
5 CSI Nine 1,449,000 377,000 422,000 286,000 178,000 185,000
6 THE FORCE Seven 1,441,000 338,000 392,000 310,000 151,000 250,000
7 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,403,000 375,000 378,000 322,000 145,000 183,0008 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - RESULTS Ten 1,400,000 448,000 407,000 269,000 136,000 139,000
9 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,392,000 381,000 352,000 297,000 143,000 219,000
10 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,388,000 392,000 366,000 267,000 155,000 208,000
11 RPA Nine 1,348,000 325,000 430,000 268,000 168,000 158,000
12 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,345,000 355,000 470,000 204,000 164,000 152,000
13 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,324,000 371,000 356,000 250,000 153,000 195,000
14 UNDERBELLY Nine 1,300,000 586,000 310,000 186,000 218,000
15 IT TAKES TWO Seven 1,293,000 395,000 367,000 209,000 127,000 195,000
16 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,291,000 382,000 316,000 268,000 135,000 191,000
17 THE REAL SEACHANGE Seven 1,266,000 295,000 392,000 229,000 138,000 212,000
18 THE ZOO Seven 1,247,000 379,000 295,000 279,000 130,000 164,000
19 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,245,000 413,000 336,000 241,000 112,000 143,000
20 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,237,000 373,000 414,000 185,000 119,000 146,000
21 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,221,000 381,000 369,000 197,000 123,000 151,000
22 HOUSE Ten 1,201,000 311,000 396,000 202,000 142,000 151,000
23 DOC MARTIN RPT ABC 1,188,000 329,000 342,000 250,000 133,000 135,000
24 NINE NEWS Nine 1,169,000 306,000 367,000 243,000 145,000 109,000
25 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUS V INDIA - GAME 7 SESSION 1 Nine 1,169,000 323,000 351,000 216,000 147,000 132,000
26 FOUR CORNERS ABC 1,163,000 375,000 369,000 204,000 89,000 126,000
27 KITCHEN NIGHTMARES U.S.A. Nine 1,161,000 325,000 369,000 171,000 145,000 151,000
28 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,152,000 361,000 345,000 158,000 136,000 151,000
29 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 1,139,000 332,000 283,000 229,000 148,000 147,000
30 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,118,000 314,000 280,000 224,000 130,000 169,000
31 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - THE WEIGH-IN Ten 1,097,000 289,000 391,000 199,000 117,000 102,000
32 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC 1,094,000 304,000 323,000 232,000 116,000 119,000
33 SAMANTHA WHO? Seven 1,092,000 282,000 306,000 227,000 120,000 156,000
34 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,085,000 288,000 348,000 233,000 109,000 107,000
35 DALZIEL AND PASCOE ABC 1,082,000 312,000 283,000 203,000 134,000 151,000
36 CSI: NY Nine 1,063,000 278,000 331,000 180,000 142,000 132,000
37 CASHMERE MAFIA Nine 1,062,000 357,000 311,000 164,000 120,000 110,000
38 A YEAR WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY Nine 1,059,000 333,000 310,000 185,000 116,000 115,000
39 AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MISS MARPLE: ORDEAL BY INNOCENCE ABC 1,049,000 310,000 294,000 184,000 130,000 131,000
40 BROTHERS & SISTERS Seven 1,047,000 355,000 333,000 151,000 116,000 93,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)
David Dale is the author of Who We Are -- A snapshot of Australia today (Allen and Unwin). To discuss Australian attitudes, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

COMMENTS

"Sacs wrote: And good to see a new series of Newstopia is back on SBS next Wednesday night at 10pm."
I was initially pleased and then disappointed because Wednesday night is the only time I already have concurrent shows and I did not want to have to use the VCR as well as the DVD HDD . Then I noticed that for some bizarre reason SBS are replaying it in the early hours of Sunday morning. Thank you SBS!
"Tribal Mind asks: Why is Sayid apparently working for the bad guy any more surprising or annoying than other plot twists? From the vehemence of the earlier reaction, I was fearing some kind of "it was all a dream -- or was it?" scenario."
Sayeed is my favourite character but it was more to do with three more years of this.. We do not know which flashforwards are happening at the same time. Clearly we have had two of Jack from different periods after they get off the island -was my supposition last year that Ben was in the coffin right? Add in the time difference between the island and the ship which does not affect their communications - just travel time ..... Three more years till it is all sorted...
Only tv at the weekend was Top Gear and Miss Marple. Fascinating to watch the miniscule studio audience for the first Top Gear not to mention the prospect of the first season without Capt Slow.

by Cat on February 25, 2008 at 08:09 AM

LOL at Grey's Anatomy sinking fast!

by arthur on February 25, 2008 at 09:58 AM

Caught a particularly gross doco on SBS last night (mmm, maggots while I'm cooking dinner) about how to commit the perfect murder. Fascinating stuff, I particularly liked one culprit who learnt how to mask his trail by watching CSI. Always knew TV was a bad influence. Although I think if he'd watched this particular doco, he would have come up with even better ways to hide his tracks.
Still addicted to Robin Hood, although I can't say I'm a fan of Lady Marian's clothing changes for this season. Enough with the corsets!
Cat on February 25, 2008 at 08:09 AM, I agree, it was strange seeing the first Top Gear episode! I spent the entire time waiting for James to appear. (I mentally switched off once the supercars came on, and for all I know he was there and led the meagre studio audience in a conga line at the end of the show, I was paying far more attention to FaceBook by then.)

by tqd on February 25, 2008 at 10:13 AM

I think GA was a little better last night but still isnt holding my interest the way it used to. Probably just as well it is a short season.
Not really much on over the weekend, gave me time to catch up on what I had recorded last week , like House, Supernatural, Lewis etc.
My fav show of last week, though, has to be "Life on Mars."

by em on February 25, 2008 at 10:28 AM

Is it just me, but can somebody please explain the excretion that are passing for the new "Determined to be Different" commercials for the CBA. I just can not fathom what the hell any of it means ~we have gone from koalas in dune buggies to "elbows"and now "jumpers". If I was a CBA shareholder, I would be wanting somebodies head on a stick, but based on these, there is no chance of me becoming a customer let alone shareholder.
Got to say, it was nice to get a "full" 65 minute Top Gear on Sat night - watching the evolution of the program should be interesting.

by ozinoz on February 25, 2008 at 10:30 AM

RE ozinoz: Yes the CBA commercials are getting annoying, and I cannot believe that they have spent money creating more than one commercial with the same gimmick.
The Cricket was good last nite, I have gotten over dance, how many times was the host looking down at the teleprompter or at the wrong camera? It was hilarious when the dancers, were looking straight down the camera and she was looking somewhere else?

by WD on February 25, 2008 at 10:51 AM

Just wondering whether there's any info on ratings for the A-League GF last night? Cheers!

Tribal Mind replies: I presume that is soccer, and therefore I presume it is on Pay TV. I only get pay TV results at the end of the week. Can you remind me next Monday?

by nk on February 25, 2008 at 10:56 AM

For all those Robin Hoods fans, I missed most of it last night - was out seeing the 2 queens wave to each other on the harbour.....did I miss much, if so, can I download it anywhere?
I arrived home in time for the last 10 minutes and then watched GA....hmmm, the jury's still out with me about this series being an improvement - am getting a bit sick of the George, Izzy & whatshername (George's missus) triangle -boring - MOVE ON!
I made a comment last week about Lost (are we watching, are we not); I've finally given up on it, it's far too confusing for this little duck!
Am also loving TopGear (first series) - for all those experienced TG'ers, was this ever shown on Aus TV before?

by AJ on February 25, 2008 at 11:16 AM

I don't think it was a "full" Top Gear. That Jason fellow, who I think I'll be glad to see the back of, was meant to do some spot about used cars, which was mentioned in the intro, but didn't eventuate. Sure I'm devastated I missed such wisdom, but it just isn't the same without Captain Slow.

In other news recently d/l'ed the Star Wars tribute episode of Family Guy, which I'm pretty sure hasn't been screened here (I may be wrong) and was very impressed with the graphics etc. Plus various pop culture references, which had me dragging out my DVD copy of Flying High last night. Don't call me Shirley.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM

Yes, the Commbank ads are plain awful (Re:WD on February 25, 2008 at 10:51 AM). I found it funny how there were two different bank ads during the Commbank Cup series cricket last night. That awful pile of tripe by Commbank and then the surprising and humorous Bankwest ads which make me smile.
I like the one with the flower particularly.
Can't wait for Newstopia to come back.
Oh whoever was talking about the Night Cap.. other than the funny Paul Murray (who got beaten up on an impromptu physical comedy "skit" on the first night), it is like a rip-off of The Panel if it were on C31.
Both of Seven's rip off shows (Out Of The Question, Night Cap) have been off limited quality. Hopefully AOK Live won't be of limited quality. Let Andrew O'Keefe unleash his comedic skills as seen on The Big Bite.
Okay, I'm getting off my soapbox now!

by Earthquake on February 25, 2008 at 12:05 PM

AJ...These 'vintage' Top Gear episodes have not been shown on SBS before. It was said so in the promo during the week. In regards to the Oz version of TG we could all be hugleyl let down with this. The Terrorgraph recently reported that out of work B-grade celebs are queuing up for this gig. I mean names such as Laura Csortan (ex-travel show presenter) & Michelle Walsh (A-list wannabee party girl) have been mentioned. If they want the charm & wit of the original they I think they are going to have to come up with alot better than this...Stay tuned!

by cc on February 25, 2008 at 02:37 PM

I was watching Jonathon Holmes on Media Watch last night when he casually mentioned that our voices have been heard and the mighty watermark will shrink! Oh the power! Onward and upward ....

by Shoopie on February 25, 2008 at 09:51 PM

Like others on this forum I just don't get the commonwealth bank commercials. Mad Max koalas?

by bobmar28 on February 26, 2008 at 05:43 AM

Anyone inform me as what happened to top gear on Monday night,Mythbusters was on,
have they shifted it stopped showing it.
As for TV on FTA it has not improved at all,if anything its got worse

by John Ryan on February 26, 2008 at 08:45 AM

Shoopie wrote: I was watching Jonathon Holmes on Media Watch last night when he casually mentioned that our voices have been heard and the mighty watermark will shrink! Oh the power! Onward and upward ....

Yeehah!!!

by Cat on February 26, 2008 at 08:50 AM

It looked like the So You Think You Can Dance Results show was not live last night. It might have been a delayed telecast? It also looked like they took a lot of the feedback from bloggers here last week. I suspect there might have been some minor edits to speed things up and the swearing from one of the contestants was beeped out this week. They also used dancers to accompany Guy Sebastian's song, which looked great and Nat B's hair was toned down too, which hopefully should have pleased the critics. Overall, the show looked slicker. If only they could get the contestants to be a bit more chatty. Some are great but others stand there like stunned mullets.

by J Bar on February 26, 2008 at 09:16 AM

I was rather disappointed with 9's coverage of the Oscars last night. First, there was no hour-long red carpet "special" at 7:30 - they crammed it into a half hour spot starting at 8:30. This means that the show itself started at 9, and was scheduled to finish at 11:30pm (well past this little purple duck's bedtime). Of course, being the Oscars, it finished just past midnight. (*yawn*)

And that was WITH our coverage dropping at least two categories (Best Foreign Language Film, Best Short Documentary), no sign of the Irving J Thalberg award, and no summary of the technical awards that are held earlier in the week.

Some of us watch the Oscars regularly (and print out the ballot papers so we can guess the winners beforehand, which is why I know about the missing categories) and we expect the full coverage. It's the only show I watch on Channel 9, and now it's getting stuffed around as well. Rot in hell, Channel 9 execs. I'm not happy.

Oh, Mr TQD suggested that for future Oscar ceremonies, the Academy gives the winners a time limit AND an offer to donate $1000 to a charity of their choice for each second they come in under the time limit for their speeches. I'm sure it'd speed things up no end.

by tqd on February 26, 2008 at 09:19 AM

"If they want the charm & wit of the original they I think they are going to have to come up with alot better than this...Stay tuned!"

No matter what they do, it is just going to stink worse than last weeks prawn heads. The yanks are having the same dilemmas - and even they, the "reinterpretation" specialists have recognised that it is the innate "British-ness" and rapport of the 3 that make it what it is. You only have to look at the evolution of the production values, audiences and eventually the challenges from these early episodes to the latest ones to see its evolution. TG existed well before the current hosts, but in a very minor way, which just adds more weight to this argument. Just think it will be a death of a thousand cuts. All we have to offer are vehicles 12-18 months older than their European or American release. For once, how about we just leave well enough alone. I really don't think we want to see another Big Brother "star" tooling about in a reasonably priced car (which when you think about it, is an oxymoron here in Aust - we don't have reasonably priced cars, but that is another matter).

by OZINOZ on February 26, 2008 at 09:30 AM

Shoopie re watermark - you should have a look at the abc.net.au blog on the watermark....what we've said here is positively tame!

by AJ on February 26, 2008 at 09:59 AM

Just caught up on last week and have a few comments:

SYTYCD - LOVED the US version, and like the Aus version a lot, too. However I agree about Nat Bass. being a terrible host. Every time she comes on screen all I can do it stare at her face and try work out if it's Botox or if it's just natural that only her lips move. Also, people have mentioned that the elimination shows drag which I agree with - bear in mind though that the US version seemed quicker partly because we didn't have to go through the SMS/phone #'s at the end of each performance.

LOST - Adore it, and don't understand why people are abandoning it in droves. Have some commitment, people! From the first episiode it was apparent what kind of show it is - no easy answers, lots of mystery, rewards for patience. Also, some people mentioned last week that the Sayid thing might turn out to be a dream. For the record, JJ Abrams has specifically vowed that no big twist/answer in Lost will be explained with a poxy "it was a dream" reponse. If it does get canned before the planned 2010 end I'm going to be VERY UNHAPPY.

WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB - Wanted to like it. Am a crime buff and like my L&O and Waking The Dead. Sadly though, I didn't even make it to the second episode. Didn't hate it, just didn't care.

Bring back Heroes!

by Lisa on February 26, 2008 at 10:09 AM

I have this knack of going comatose during commercial breaks, on the rare occasions that I'm watching live FTA television.
So generally I don't have a clue about advertisements.
I confess I had noticed the Koalas riding in dune buggies, but had no clue as to the product.
Now you've gone and spoiled it, by revealing it is for a bank.
Never mind, I won't ever give them my business.

by Sal on February 26, 2008 at 10:47 AM

has anyone seen the new ad for Bankwest, with the sunflower being interviewed? now THAT is a good ad. It is cute and charming, and it gets its point across. It should be a lesson to those idiots at the commonwealth bank who think they can only get results by spending large amounts of money with a US ad agency.

by DragonLass on February 26, 2008 at 12:24 PM

OZINOZ there is only one positive thing I can think of regarding an Oz Top Gear. The fact that SBS are running a comp to do a lap with The Stig.

And I shudder to think who our "Stars in a Reasonably Priced Car" will be. They have international stars (mostly). We'll have ex-BB contestants.

Watched part of SYTYCD dance last night, I think the thing with Nat is the shoutyness. She's almost as much a Shouty McShouterson as Georgie Parker.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 26, 2008 at 12:41 PM

There's a couple reasons the Oscars flopped for Nine, ratings wise and I believe there were also a huge flop with North American viewers. From next year, Nine would be much wiser to just screen them live in the daytime (either on their normal channel, or only on their 9HD channel that starts next month and repeat it at night only on 9HD). Most viewers saw the main winners on the news and have to go to work, so can't stay up late. Also most viewers haven't seen or care less for, most of the best films nominated and even if they have, didn't care much for any of them.

Tribal Mind remarks: Even putting Oscars on at 7.30 (without Dickie's embarrassment), instead of the geriatric Royals, would have been more relevant, and would have captured an audience ahead of the Despos.

by Toni on February 26, 2008 at 12:59 PM

I stayed well away from the Oscars last night. In fact, I gave up watching any awards show a long, long time ago. They are all the same, boring,boring, boring!
Noticed Cat's comment re the ABC watermark. I do hope your right. I hate that watermark , but then again I hate all of them!
Anyone ever had 9 on and after a commercial break under their watermark will be an ad for some show eg "Underbelly" ? It only flashes on for a couple of seconds but it is so annoying.I havent seen it lately, but then again havent watched 9 lately either. But it did happen, I swear it!!
And Lisa, I agree about Womens Murder Club. I just did not like it. No real reason, it just did not get me in. The characters werent believable or something. I can't really put my finger on it but I wont be watching again.
And SYTYCDA, Nat's hair this week. so much better. And she looked more confident too. A definite improvement from last week.

by em on February 26, 2008 at 01:01 PM

In reply to John Ryan on February 26, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Top Gear showed the final episode from Season 9 last week. There were only 6 eps in this season, I suspect it might have been slightly shorter due to Richard Hammond's accident. Season 10 has finished in the UK (with 10 eps) but SBS have obviously decided hold off on showing it just yet.
In the meantime, they are showing the first series (which haven't been shown on Aus TV before) on Saturday nights at 7.30
Dancing on SYTYCDA isn't up to US standard but still enjoying the show. NatBass has room for improvement thought she did better on Sunday night but struggled again on Monday

by krissyg on February 26, 2008 at 01:02 PM

Quoth ozinoz on February 25, 2008 at 10:30 AM: "Is it just me, but can somebody please explain the excretion that are passing for the new "Determined to be Different" commercials for the CBA."
I haven't seen the ones mentioned above, but I was rather amused by the one I have seen, where they get Michael Bay in to direct the ad, and it's full of explosions. For those who don't get the joke, Michael Bay believes in "bigger IS better" and is the director of such things as Bad Boys, Bad Boys II, Pearl Harbour, The Transformers, etc. It tickled my funny bone slightly (which is more than most ads ever do).
Watched the Oscars last night with the ads on mute, because the ads for films do tend to say things like "Winner of Best Screenplay!!" before that category has even been shown here. Idjits. If it was just about who won/lost, then there would be no point in watching the whole 3.5 hour show, I could have just read the website in real time. Which is what I believe most people probably do.
Still, close to 934000 for a 3.5 hour show. That can't be too shabby, can it?
Taped the Despos, shall catch up with them tonight.

by tqd on February 26, 2008 at 01:07 PM

Looks like the Oscars is going the way of all the other American Awards shows. They just don't attract a big audience any more since the internet provides up-to-date information and pictures, there's not much use watching the awards show at night. It might have given Ch 9 fairly good ratings, considering that it ran for so many hours, but it also gave a boost to the programs on the other channels. Desperate Housewives went up this week. Dirty Sexy Money dropped, though but I suspect that has more to do with the show itself. Again this week it had a few moments of brilliance but the rest was only average. And Good News Week is doing well to hold an audience above 1 million.
Seven news is absolutely streaking ahead of the competition. ABC news now beats National Nine news. That must be a worry.

by J Bar on February 26, 2008 at 01:55 PM

Slept through Good News Week last night - who was the "special cross promotional guest"?

by Bereft Skerrick on February 26, 2008 at 02:09 PM

"Anyone inform me as what happened to top gear on Monday night,Mythbusters was on, have they shifted it stopped showing it."
SBS have the most recent series of Top Gear still to show but for some bizarre reason are holding it back. They are however showing the first season (the eisodes still to be shown is season 10) on Saturday nights. Whilst I am happy about that I wish they would stop stuffing around and show season 10!
TQD I love hubby's idea!
And all the folks doing a WTF about the CBA ad - it is called irony. Frankly not that well executed but not serious either. Unless of course you are being ironic :)

by Cat on February 26, 2008 at 04:35 PM

Ohhh, have a mental image of an Oz TG with ex BB bogans dressed in flannies, trackies and uggies hooning 'round in Dato 180B or even worse 120Y.... no wait, a Sandman panel wagon. And don't forget the mullet.
Re SYTYCDA - gee, I thought the judges were going to burst into tears last night as they booted off those two kids. Did anyone notice the tears pouring down the faces of a couple of the boys when the blond got the chop? Do you think they used capsicum spray? And NatBass's hair is much better.
I haven't watched WMC - I've read several of the books and learnt my lesson as far as adaptions go.... hello, Ms Marple, are you listening?

by Shoopie on February 26, 2008 at 06:34 PM

I would like to nominate Kyle & Jackie O for a 2008 Bogie in just about all categories and they haven't even been on tv in 08 yet....Can't wait for them!!!
Most Underated Program would be 'East West 101', because it was on SBS, as usual hardly anyone watched it...

by cc on February 26, 2008 at 06:36 PM

I agree with other comments that SYTYCD Aust. seems not quite as good as the US version. I suppose the padding out with phone numbers etc does make a difference, but also I think the dancing is nowhere near as good, and it's obvious. Not to knock my own country or anything, obviously we have a smaller pool of dancers to choose from.
Also noticed Supernatural's ratings have gone up in the last 2-3 weeks despite the late timeslot. I find GNW pretty boring-- wish they'd swap the order!

by Kristy on February 26, 2008 at 07:02 PM

Agree with Kristy, the dancing on the Oz show does not seem on par with the US show but then again neither does the choreography...
Ah, GNW is such a pale imitation of what it used to be... I'd be sad but at the end of the day, it is only a TV show & there are more important things in life... Love Mikey will can't watch GNW nowadays..
Women's Murder Club... watched it tonight as waiting for It Takes Two to finish so I could watch All Saints... Em, I can put my finger on why I don't like it... It takes itself too seriously, but it still tries to be as slick as CSI. I don't like CSI but it does not apologise for what it is, a fast food catchy soundtrack mystery solved neatly in an hour. WMC has two many sub-plots to be as fast food as CSI & it hasn't the catchy soundtrack... The concept of all women helping solved crimes is limited & they quickly fall back on cliche stereotypes... boring, boring...

by Kate on February 26, 2008 at 11:15 PM

Bogies
Most under-rated: Boston Legal / Weeds
Most unnecessary personality: Karl Stefanovic
Past Use By Date: Sam Newman / Ray Martin
Best Botox: Anne Sanders ( so well-preserved)
Black Bogie: Mel & Kochie (hard to escape them in any time slot these days)
Most embarrassing show: The Mint

by Kate on February 26, 2008 at 11:28 PM

Bogies:
Most under-rated: Scrubs (close second is Weeds)
Most unnecessary personality: Kyle Sandilands
Most embarrassing personality: Kyle Sandilands
Past use-by date: Ray Martin
Best Botox: Gretel Killeen (it's hard to go past her, I'm afraid!)
Black Bogie: Kyle Sandilands
Most embarrassing show: that Sunrise music special with Guy Sebastian.

by Beckala on February 27, 2008 at 06:55 AM

by Kate on February 26, 2008 at 11:28 PM

Strange you should nominate Ann Sanders for Best Botox ... I watched her read the news the other week and marvelled at her longevity and also the fact that she is rarely in the tabloids. Obviously not prime time, too old and not blond.

by Shoopie on February 27, 2008 at 06:56 AM

Another thing - re: the comments made about SYTYCDA - I think the problem lies, not with the dancers, but the choreographers. Any good quality dances I've seen so far have been stolen from the overseas version (one of the ones on Sunday was a Mia Michaels rip-off - same music, a lot of the same moves, only difference that instead of two males doing it, it was male/female). The others just haven't been up to scratch. I don't understand why they don't use Kelley Abbey for the duos - she is a much better choreographer than the others. I also don't understand why they have such crappy styles as animated krump or whatever the hell that dance was that the chinese ballerina was doing! Or Swop (swing/hip-hop) - are they just making them up?

by Beckala on February 27, 2008 at 06:59 AM

I didn't think it was a good idea trying to make it look like the judges were planning to be meaner and nastier on It Takes Two because the celebrities can actually sing. However, there were some really funny moments last night, particularly resulting from the Anthony Callea/Candice Falzon pash performance and then the Kate Ceberano/Russell Robertson risky business underwear performance. Did the contestants get into the champagne a bit early last night? Looked like Erica had some really good and funny lines written for her too. Like Soni Kruger always does. Maybe they should concentrate on producing more humour and memorable moments rather than falsely trying to make the judges nastier.

by J Bar on February 27, 2008 at 07:36 AM

TM, may I please ask how Foreign Correspondent and Friends went in the ratings last night?
Last night's Friends was one of my all-time favourites.

TM replies: F 561,000; FC 528,000.

by Ryan on February 27, 2008 at 09:13 AM

Most Underated:- Scrubs/Boston Legal/Life on Mars/Torchwood.
Most Unnecessary:- Hard one, toss up
between Kyle Sandilands & Mel & Kochie
Most Embarrising Personalities:- Mel & Kochie
Most Embarrising Programme:- The Biggest Loser.
Best Botox:- Bert Newton (he's so plastic he can't go out in daylight)
Past use by date:- I cant go past Bert I'm afraid. Someone get the guy off TV! Please!
Black Bogie:- Mel & Kochie
Does anyone detect a pattern in my hatred?

by em on February 27, 2008 at 09:57 AM

my Bogie noms..
Most under-rated: Drawn Together (monday nights 9pm SBS)
Most unnecessary personality: Kyle Sandilands
Most embarrassing personality: Kochie (seriously he is starting to become a caricature of himself)
Past use-by date: Sam Newman/Paul Vautin
Best Botox: Bert Newton
Black Bogie: Kyle Sandilands
Most embarrassing show: Monster house

by DragonLass on February 27, 2008 at 10:28 AM

Good to know the Oscars flopped. I remember a time when I actually looked forward to it, but those days are long gone.
By the way, it also tanked in the US, recording its lowest-ever ratings.

by Fielding on February 27, 2008 at 10:44 AM

Bogies:
Most under-rated: Time Team
Most unnecessary personality: Natalie Barr
Most embarrassing personality: Karl Stuffitupalot
Past use-by date: Tony Jones
Best Botox: Gretel Killeen
Black Bogie: Kyle Sandilands
Most embarrassing show: Monster House
NEW CATEGORY: MOST ANNOYING SHOW - Biggest Loser

by AJ on February 27, 2008 at 11:27 AM

Will give my Bogie nominations the proper thought they deserve before I cough up so how long do we have TM?
Women's Murder Club - true confession I have been watching because it is set in San Fran which is my second favourite city after Sydney (and I am not even gay) so I watch it for the shots of the city and the references. Did much the same with Monk although it was a far better show. I dare say it will wear off.
On a topic raised a few days ago about the copying of successful shows like Top Gear I have to agree it is generally a bad idea - in the case of TG in particular - but I can see exceptions. I was watching Time Team last night and they were looking at an 18th C gaol and had one of the people doing 24 hrs as a prisoner of the day would have done. Quite frankly I thought it would have been interesting to see something similar on either the Victoria Barracks or Port Arthur (where by the way they had one of those treadmills). We have paved over so much of our history doing a similar show here would have a niche viewership but supposedly the ABC is not about ratings.

Tribal Mind replies: Same time span as the Logies.

by Cat on February 27, 2008 at 11:43 AM

anyone notice that Dr Who is advertised for Friday at 830

Tribal Mind replies: Yes, but since it's on ABC2, it's bound to be repeats of episodes that have been out on DVD for months.

by doctorwho on February 27, 2008 at 01:55 PM

by Beckala on February 27, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Yes, Beckala, I have to agree - I have found some of the dancing to be rather boring ... and yes, I am in a position to judge - with my two left feet. I am not a fan of that airy fairy dancing/running around the stage dressed in sheer negligee/baby-doll shortie jarmies style. I love watching latin, jive, dancing with a bit of umpff. So far, I have found Jack and Demi to be the most watchable and that's what it is all about. Just waiting to see a routine where Anthony doesn't pull some gymnastic stunt ... yes, we know you were the aerobics champ, get over yourself. My deity, I know some of their names .... I am beginning to sound like a teenager....

by Shoopie on February 27, 2008 at 02:19 PM

I've heard Heroes won't start production until October later this year. Channel 7 still have 2 eps that were produced before the writers strike so it's unlikely they'll show those 2 then wait umpteen months to fast-track the new ones. We'll all have to wait until the end of the year I reckon (bar downloading of course).

by merciless on February 27, 2008 at 02:37 PM

The Dr. Who episode on ABC2 is the Billie Piper and Christopher Eccleston 2005 series.

by Gary on February 27, 2008 at 02:48 PM

Master 6.6 passes on many thanks for the heads up about Doctor Who on ABC2. He was only 4 when these aired so he's very pleased he'll be able to watch them!
As for the Bogies:
Bogies:
Most under-rated: Boston Legal/Veronica Mars
Most unnecessary personality: Candice Falzon - gee we really have to scraping the bottom of the D Grade cubicle here.
Most embarrassing personality: Dickie Wilkins and the hairdo which is almost as famous as the one Ray Martin has.
Past use-by date: Dickie Wilkins
Best Botox: Sandra Sully
Black Bogie: Vile Randypants.
Most embarrassing show: The Wedge
Most Unneccessary Adaptation of O/S Show: Top Gear Australia, and they haven't even cast the hosts yet!

by Bereft Skerrick on February 27, 2008 at 03:37 PM

by Shoopie on February 27, 2008 at 02:19 PM
My pick for the final two dancers: Demi and Rhys .... with Rhys being the winner of SYTYCD... (although I would like it to be Demi)

by kate on February 27, 2008 at 03:47 PM

Bogies:
Most under-rated: Scrubs
Most unnecessary personality: Kochie
Most embarrassing personality: Kochie
Past use-by date: Bert
Best Botox: Bert (he is unnatural looking, sure to scare the grandkid!)
Black Bogie: Kyle Sandilands
Most embarrassing show: Dancing With the Stars - sorry, I just don't get what is so good about it

by nic on February 27, 2008 at 04:02 PM

Quoth Shoopie on February 26, 2008 at 06:34 PM: "Ohhh, have a mental image of an Oz TG with ex BB bogans dressed in flannies, trackies and uggies hooning 'round in Dato 180B or even worse 120Y.... no wait, a Sandman panel wagon. And don't forget the mullet."
Hey, don't knock the Datsun 120Y! My first car was one of those, and I still have fond memories of it. I was most chuffed when I got out "My Dad Had One Of Those" (a Top Gear book! I saw it at the library and had to snaffle it - rather amusing read) to see "my" car in there as a Datsun Sunny! I reckon the Brits got the better name.
Sad to see Burn Notice slip a bit further down the ratings ladder. Still enjoying it. (Recorded it last night, while I caught up on "Elizabeth David" while having a omelette and a glass of wine of course - I don't want to know how long ago it was when I taped that! Sometime in 2008 I believe, so not as bad as it could be...)

by tqd on February 27, 2008 at 04:15 PM

by Bereft Skerrick on February 27, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Most unnecessary personality: Candice Falzon - gee we really have to scraping the bottom of the D Grade cubicle here.
Clever use of the word "cubicle" Five stars from me. Maybe you should change that to person cause I think personality would have to be a prerequisite. Meow.

by Shoopie on February 27, 2008 at 04:57 PM

Just curious about a couple of shows,here in the West you kinda get used to being left behind but ABC1 was advertising the Grand Designs was a new series.
Now I like that show(groans all round)but bugger me if the did not start showing it from EP 1,hows this qualifys as a new show I don,t know.
Then Time Team I enjoy that as well again it is repeats,are ABC 1 that short of money
they cant afford new EPs,any help welcomed,I have rung the ABC and complained but I wont hold my breath for a reply.

by John Ryan on February 27, 2008 at 06:01 PM

Wonder if the "Download" effect will have its effect on the ratings of Underbelly given that some 5 unaired episodes have found their way onto download websites....

by Kate on February 27, 2008 at 09:06 PM

Quite enjoyed the return of Shaun Micalef and Newstopia. Kat Stewart was brilliant too.

Bogies
Most under-rated: Boston Legal, Scrubs, 30 Rock
Most unnecessary personality: Richard Wilkins
Most embarrassing personality: Karl Stefanovic (Stuffitupalot... that's classic AJ)
Past use-by date: Bert Newtown
Best Botox: Kerri Ann Kennerly
Black Bogie: Eddie Macguire (still the one)
Most embarrassing show: Monster House/The Mint/Surprise Surprise Gotcha

by J Bar on February 28, 2008 at 08:24 AM

Pedantic question for you TM. Are the Bogies for the 2007 calendar year or any time since we voted last? I only ask because for example my most underrated show for last year would be Life on Mars and for this year it would be East-West 101.
Bereft let us know how Master 6.6 handles a different Doctor.

Tribal Mind replies: Anytime from last February until March 30, 2008. NOminate both and let the voters decide.

by Cat on February 28, 2008 at 08:47 AM

Numberwang! I'm seriously enjoying "That Mitchell and Webb Look", it's got to be the funniest thing on TV at the moment. Unfortunately, it shows just how much I am not laughing at "Stupid, Stupid Man". Some nice touches, but no real belly laughs from the sofa. Didn't catch all of S&S last night, but I did catch the ending, which is one of the funniest things I've ever seen on S&S. And hurrah for Newstopia! Fewer belly laughs than TMAWL but that's because I don't want to drown a single word out. Brilliant.

by tqd on February 28, 2008 at 09:49 AM

Bogies:
Under-ratred: Food Safari. great show never ever gets a mention.
unnecessary personality: Kochie/Barretta
Most embarrassing personality: Any Sunrise member (except the hot newsreader they have on at the moment)
Past use-by date: The Footy Show team - what an embarrasment. Men in dresses just isnt funny.
Best Botox: Kyle Sandilands
Black Bogie: Kyle Sandilands,. WAN*ER
Most embarrassing show: It takes two.

by ACME on February 28, 2008 at 11:01 AM

I'd have to second Scrubs as the most underrated. At least Life on Mars gets a consistent timeslot at a watcheable hour and some advertising on the ABC. Scrubs is buried in the wee hours with the odd repeat during the day - never advertised, never know what season it's up to. It could also win an award for "most jerked around" if one existed.

by genfie on February 28, 2008 at 11:41 AM

Highlight of last night was the return of Newstopia. Oh Micallef you're a genius.

Followed closely by a (predicted only seconds earlier) Frank-n-Furtered Adam Hills on S&S. Could have done without the rest of the cast doing the Time Warp however.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 28, 2008 at 12:15 PM

Have been quiet this week - drat that work thing... few things I have been wanting to say -
Oscars coverage - whoever thought a preshow with Richard Wilkins was a good idea was a complete Idiot - what a load of tripe!!!! Plus the Oscars themselves were pretty boring - sometimes they have moments of fun but without the master host Billy Crystal they are tedious... should have recorded it and fast forwarded the boring bits - more fool me.
House has only one new ep left - what will Shirl do now?
Any Las Vegas fans should note the series has been cancelled in the US.
And loved S&S last night - including Mr Hills as Frankenfurter.... so much superior to Good News Week!
OK Bogie Noms:
Most under-rated: Boston Legal, Veronica Mars, Scrubs.
Most unnecessary personality: Vyle Sandypants or Andrew G
Most embarrassing personality: Richard Wilkins
Past use-by date: Richard Wilkins again or Daryl Sommers
Best Botox: Bert Newtown - does his face ever move?
Black Bogie: Vyle Sandypants - the person who has done the greatest disservice to the medium - actually any medium...
Most embarrassing show: I would vote Monster House BUT I never saw it - so for me Out of the Question
Suggested categories:
Show that should have remained dead and Buried - Good News Week
Worst network - critieria - ignoring fans, moving shows around the schedule, whipping off shows without notice, repeating ad nauseum - Nein in a landslide!
Best guilty pleasure - Robin Hood, Bones.
Shows treated with the most contempt by networks - ER, Bones.

by Cathy on February 28, 2008 at 12:49 PM

My Bogie Nominations:
Most under-rated: Boston Legal, 30 Rock, Newstopia
Most unnecessary personality: Richard Wilkins
Most embarrassing personality: Sonia Kruger
Past use-by date: The Footy Show
Best Botox: Kerri-Anne Kennerly
Black Bogie: Eddie McGuire
Most embarrassing show: The Footy Show
TM, could you please tell me how Friends went last night? Thanks heaps.

Tribal Mind replies: 584,000. Why do you want to know?

by Samuel on February 28, 2008 at 12:59 PM

Furthermore to Newstopia... it was interesting seeing Kat Stewart in Underbelly as a gangster's moll then switching over to Newstopia and seeing her do some comedy with Micallef. Very talented!!!

by cc on February 28, 2008 at 01:13 PM

The bad news for Ten (and good news for Nine, as Ten will probably slot House repeat eps that'll cause people to switch elsewhere) is next week's House episode is the last new one they have to show, but like all other US shows, House has gone back into production and there should be 5 eps made, so in 3 - 4 weeks time they may have a new episode to screen.

by Toni on February 28, 2008 at 01:15 PM

I saw an advertisement last night on Nine for a show called "The Moment of Truth". They hook people up to lie detectors then offer them money if they answer questions truthfully.
This is my nomination for flop of the year even outdoing Monster House. The show is billed as shocking and controversial. This might be true if you're living in the American bible belt but for the rest of us it basically who cares.
The shocking relavations are so mild it's a joke. Here's one of the "shocking" questions asked of an ex-football player.
Did you ever sneak a peek at anothers players genitals while you were in the showers after a game.
The contestant answered yes.
Somehow I wasn't really surprised or shocked by that answer.
I give it a week if they run it anywhere near prime-time.

by Sahara on February 28, 2008 at 01:32 PM

I generally don't nominate/vote in the Bogies - I find it annoying having to scroll through endless nominations/votes in the comments - but I do have to say that with that rather dire rating for Newstopia, it has to be a shoo-in for Most Underrated Program. Are on earth *are* people watching instead? A quick look at the TV guide on yourtv.com.au: Numb3rs, Lewis, and Cashmere Mafia, which are all clustered in the teens in the chart above. And The Movie Show, which is not in the chart above but I assume is not rating its little socks off either.

by tqd on February 28, 2008 at 02:13 PM

It's a real pity that Underbelly is still not being shown in Melb. Considering that House pretty much equals Underbelly in the ratings chart without Melb, Underbelly is doing pretty damn well! During these lack lustre weeks of ratings where the highest show of the week is Nine News at 1.6mil, Underbelly could easily be the most watched program at 1.7mil.

by Clem on February 28, 2008 at 02:30 PM

For SYTYCDA fans, the US version's loud mouthed judge Mary Murphy has flown into Sydney, to guest on this weekend's show and presumably Bonnie's spouse
Nigel (who co-owns the lucrative Am Idol and SYTYCD show concepts with Simon Cowell) will also come in.

by Barry on February 28, 2008 at 02:52 PM

Most under-rated: Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares
Most unnecessary personality: Susie (WIN)
Most embarrassing personality: Andrew O'Keefe
Past use-by date: Paul McDermott
Best Botox: Marcia Cross
Black Bogie: Channel Nein
Most embarrassing show: The Mint

by cronker on February 28, 2008 at 03:47 PM

Most under-rated: East West 101, Terminator-Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Most unnecessary personality: Glenn Robbins
Most embarrassing personality: Kochie (those old Comedy Inc segments come to mind)
Past use-by date: Kyle Sandilands
Best Botox: Bert Newton
Black Bogie: Kyle Sandilands
Most embarrassing show: Monster House. Saw it for two minutes and nearly spewed and then switched channels before Sarah Connor Chronicles came on.

Show that should have remained dead and buried - Big Brother.
Worst network - Shirl by a country mile!
Best guilty pleasure - CSI Miami.
Shows treated with the most contempt by networks - Scrubs.

by arthur on February 28, 2008 at 03:52 PM

Ok, kate, maybe between Jack and Rhys?
Oh tqd, I thought I was the only one watching Mitchell & Webb - it is hilarious - I nearly wet myself .... SSM not as funny, a bit predictable but worth a look. S&S great as usual but Adam Hills can do no wrong in my book ... sigh
So Barry, I guess we can all look forward to a big sook fest on Sunday on SYTYCDA.
Well, I'm off to buy some fishnets for the Y front...

by Shoopie on February 28, 2008 at 05:33 PM

My vote for worst network would be SBS ... while they do not seem to jmove their timing of their shows around as much as the commercial networks and they adhere to their schedules, they are the worst because they have systematically destroyed what gems they did have, like the world news... ruined by merry-go-round presenter arrangements & ads and more ads... SBS used to be worth watching, not so anymore... I used to watch the news every night & at least two other shows /movies per week. Have not watched any SBS for a good 6 months now..
Best guilty pleasure: Jamie Oliver cooking shows... I don't cook at all but love watching his shows... he does make it look easy
Oh, another Hugh Grant movie to be on Friday night, About A Boy was definitely on last year... Two Weeks Notice & Bridget Jones 1 & 2 have just been on... any guesses for the next Hugh Grant film to be repeated.... Nine Months? Notting Hill? Or Love Actually again? (been at least 2 months since it was last on air)

by Kate on February 28, 2008 at 10:43 PM

Kate what about the classic Hugh Grant film of 'em all...'Four Weddings & a Funeral'?!?!?

by cc on February 29, 2008 at 08:12 AM

Bogies
Most under-rated: Newstopia, Drawn Together, Peep Show (an awesome show I found on ABC2), Big Night In, Kid Nation, The Sideshow
Most unnecessary personality: Michelle Laurie
Past Use By Date: Daryl Somers
Best Botox: Sandra Sully
Black Bogie: Kyle and Jackie O
Most embarrassing show: The Mint, Australian Idol Final (the amount of problems in the live telecast were ridiculous),
New categories
Worst Network : Seven (relying too much on recycled ABC shows, old British shows)
Most Repeated Movie : About A Boy
Worst Ad : Commonwealth Bank ads.
Worst hair: Shaun Micallef episode 1, season 2 Newstopia.
Enjoyed the return of Newstopia. Australian Comedy is a dying breed at the moment.

by Earthquake on February 29, 2008 at 09:26 AM

Most under-rated: Media Watch
Most unnecessary personality: Sunrise Team inc. Weekend Sunrise and all former Sunrise "family members"
Most embarrassing personality: Sunrise team
Past use-by date: Sunrise
Best Botox: Bert
Black Bogie: Any Sunrise family member
Most embarrassing show: I think you can guess

by Neil on February 29, 2008 at 11:45 AM

So Nine might actually win its first week, with the cricket on tonite and seven, not having much sport on saturday. If Nine's movie is decent on Saturday can they capture the week?

DANCE : I have also heard that Wade Robson, of the DANCE US fame, who is an aussie, will be coming over to choreo same of the dancer later on. Whether this will be a group dance for the results show or a duet I don't know. I hope he stays for a few weeks so we can have some great dances.

by WD on February 29, 2008 at 11:50 AM

"Out of the Question" deserves the Bogie for Most Embarrassing with its host as the Most Unnecessary Personality. It's as though someone decided to channel Jerry Lewis, but forgot to include any comedy talent to balance the cringe factor. The whole show is like something that was dragged out of a bar or someone's shed and filmed before everyone had sobered up. Total crap.

by Yuri Shukost on February 29, 2008 at 12:33 PM

Maybe Seven should cancel Thursday night altogether and just broadcast the test pattern. Would be more riveting television than Out of the Question.

by Shoopie on February 29, 2008 at 12:44 PM

My Bogies nominations:
Most Under-rated: Nip Tuck & Big Love
Most Embarrassing Personality: Richard Wilkins & Grant Denyer
Past Use-By Date: Kerry Anne Kennerley
Best Botox: Kerry Anne, Catriona Rowntree
Black Bogie: Kyle Sandilands & Jackie O
Most Embarrassing Show: Monster House, Out Of The Question

by Idiot Box on February 29, 2008 at 12:48 PM

kate - are you a shirl programmer or just psychic- just saw on Yahoo 7 guide for next friday 7 march that Shirl has Love Actually on - what a guess!
Bet they then resurrect Matilda - the most often repeated kids movie

by Cathy on February 29, 2008 at 12:57 PM

was wondering what the ratings for the program skins on sbs was on monday night. any idea when the second series is planning to be aired?

Tribal Mind replies: 168,000. I have no idea about any second series.

by jackie on February 29, 2008 at 04:25 PM

I'd like to change my vote for Best Botox to Catriona Rowntree. Just saw her on the Chopping Block - who wears a singlet top with a woollen scarf? Ridiculous. Plus, the added horror of the frozen face - hideous!

by Beckala on February 29, 2008 at 04:43 PM

Hello Mr Dale,
I hear you are the one to ask for ratings numbers. Could you please tell me how American Dad went last night? Was yet another great episode. Thanks.

Tribal Mind replies: 458,000 - pretty good for that time, and twice what the most watched show on Pay TV got all week.

by Steve on February 29, 2008 at 06:14 PM

Shirley you cannot be serious! Love Actually AGAIN! Truly it's a Hugh Grant Movie Festival!
Please don't let them show Notting Hill. Dreadful movie and absolutely no chemistry between him and Julia Roberts. I do fear thought that Nine Months is just around the corner,. I checked his roles out on IMDB - did anyone else realise he played Richgard Neville in a movie about the Oz newspaper in the UK in the early 70's?

by Bereft Skerrick on February 29, 2008 at 07:30 PM

To Cathy... I am neither a shirl programmer nor a psychic.... instead just a cynic ... :)

by Kate on February 29, 2008 at 08:28 PM

by Bereft Skerrick on February 29, 2008 at 07:30 PM
So you checked Hugh's roles on IMBD? Methinks you might be harbouring a secret crush on Hughie. And don't give me that old line about "research".... A serious blot on your copybook...:)

by Shoopie on March 01, 2008 at 10:14 AM

I wouldn't say Notting Hill is dreadful, the ensemble cast of friends are quite good & I do like some of the scenes. What amazes me though is not only are these movie on high rotation but some really good films are being shown in the wee small hours & not publicized at all... For example, O Brother We Art Thou was on Ch 10 HD (can't remember when but have to be in the last few months, since its launch) Great film, now that deserves repeating not Love Actually for the nth time... You think that programmers would also be looking at repeating Daniel Day Lewis films as he has just won an Oscar, My Left Foot for example. Nope, it just seems like the Spakfilla approach applies to programming these days, got new shows - check, got a gap in programming on a low rating night - Hugh Grant film to repeat, check...

by Kate on March 01, 2008 at 12:45 PM

Why the ABC decided to shaft My Family to 10.15pm on Fridays baffles me. It was doing reasonably well in an earlier timeslot.
Nevertheless, TM do you know how it went last night?

Tribal Mind replies: 562,000.

by Ryan on March 01, 2008 at 04:54 PM

Shoopie, it was purely scientific, honest! I wanted to see what other Hugh Grant movies Shirl could be subjecting us to over the next while before they start repeating them all again. Although I must admit when he was in 4 Weddings....

As for crushes, I'm sick with Laryngitis so spent all arve watching my 3 or so hours of Pride & Prejudice. Colin Firth. Sigh.

Why can't Shirl show classic movies from the 80's - Pretty In Pinik, Breakfast Club, St Elmos Fire. Stuff lots of us own on DVD but would surely watch if on Free To Air.

Re Notting Hill. It's the chemistry between Grant and Roberts which sucks, from what I've read about Grant being interviewed by Oprah about her he wasn't particularly kind about the size of her mouth.

by Bereft Skerrick on March 01, 2008 at 09:34 PM

by Bereft Skerrick on March 01, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Re Oprah - I'm sure there is a joke in there somewhere about Hugh and a woman's mouth but I think I had better leave it alone ....

by Shoopie on March 02, 2008 at 07:35 AM

Kate wrote: I wouldn't say Notting Hill is dreadful,the ensemble cast of friends are quite good & I do like some of the scenes.
I can honestly say that Notting Hill was ruined by the audience testing. I actually went to one of the test screenings for it in Wimbledon and it was funnier (incl a couple of classic Fergie jokes) and they changed one of the subplots so that Emma Chambers ends up with someone entirely different along with a raft of other minor things. So to me I think of Notting Hill as the much better one I saw originally (which had no music track so that opening sequence was minus "She" ).

by Cat on March 02, 2008 at 08:09 AM

Weekend Sunrise had a spot on Channel 9's new show "Moment of Truth" basically pitching it as how low can TV go. They showed a segment where a NY female answered that she thought she should be married to her ex (while her husband was sitting right there) and admitted to having an affair. It's apparently rating really well in the US.

by krissyg on March 02, 2008 at 08:15 AM

Well its finally happened !!! The people responsable for the MASSIVE decline in Neighbours have finally been removed.
Late last year the EP, was removed now the proudcer and Line producer have gone.
Maybe now the show will go back to the way it was in its golden days.
Shows like this are story based, sure the production must be right but its the rubbish and innaproiate stories that have driven the viewers away.
The move to HD has cost a bucket but the ratings have not increased.
Also there has been a larger turnover of crew camera men leaving , lighting people gone replaced by DOPs, what a joke, they were trying to make a soap look like a film.
What made neighbours watched by the english was the story lines and it was always sunny in Erinsbrough.
Lets hope that Freemantle have seen the error of previous ways.
The man in the carpet suit has gone !!!!!

by The man in the carpet suit on March 02, 2008 at 09:41 AM

Hugh Grant would have been a teenager in the early '70s. You must have a different version of imdb to me. His first acting role was in 1982.

by Checker on March 02, 2008 at 10:07 AM

I think it funny reading through the blogs and looking at the bogie nomination. The fact that so many channel personalites and show are up there and yet for example Sunrise is the most popular morning show on Telvision. What does that say about Australian?

by Mekellan on March 02, 2008 at 10:59 AM

441,000E is a good figure for 'My Big Breast at Me' (SBS; 10/11pm Fri)

by canoli on March 02, 2008 at 11:23 AM

To Cat - ah, yes audience testing. Should be banned ! It would be interesting to see the director's cut :) Remember there was a CSI which gave two endings & asked the audience to choose which one, of course the viewers chose the wrong one ;) in my opinion. Still, I will concede that audience testing has saved us from some turkeys (one recent one starring Jessica Simpson) that went straight to DVD ....
TM - very much agree with you that Saturday viewing is akin to Alice in Wonderland, topsy turvy

by Kate on March 02, 2008 at 12:16 PM

Checker - to clarify - the movie wasn't from the 70's, the Oz magazine was.

by Bereft Skerrick on March 02, 2008 at 12:20 PM

by Mekellan on March 02, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Oh dear Mekellan, I think you will find that most of the bloggers here do not necessarily reflect the majority of the viewing public tastes (sorry TM, you may wish they did) .... the majority of us wouldn't watch Sunrise, only under rendition.... and there is a major love-fest for Boston Legal, which may not be the majority view of Australian viewing public...
Loving Mary Murphy on SYTYCD .... she manages to deliver huge personality, sensible technical critique with total honesty and you can tell the dancers really respect her....

by Kate on March 02, 2008 at 06:56 PM

No pay TV ratings this week?

Tribal Mind replies: Nobody ever asks about them so I assumed there was no interest. But you have, so ...

1 LIVE: RUGBY LEAGUE: CHARITY SHIELD Fox Sports 3 218,000
2 LIVE: FOOTBALL: A-LEAGUE GRAND FINAL C'COAST V NEWCFox Sports 1 195,000
3 LIVE: RUGBY UNION: S14 H'LANDERS V W'TAH Fox Sports 2 185,000
4 LIVE: CRICKET: THE ALLAN BORDER MEDAL Fox Sports 1 152,000
5 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Lifestyle 158,000
7 RELOCATION RELOCATION Lifestyle 159,000
10 FUTURAMA FOX8 175,000
11 GOSSIP GIRL FOX8 152,000
15 AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL FOX8 163,000

by FJ on March 03, 2008 at 03:18 PM

The Sun-Herald

Who We Are

The Who We Are update: Week 9 of the ratings race

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