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The Ratings Race: Week 7
This week of the blog is now history. To discuss the latest on Australian media, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.
To learn why State governments should be abolished, go to The next big thing.
To learn which magazines Australians like best, go to The Tribal Mind
David Dale's daily media report, updated 10 am Saturday
You may care to picture the shark in this picture as Channel Nine, which presumably makes the blue fish Channel Seven and the orange fish Channel Ten. Seven tried to pull itself out of a hole on Saturday by showing one of Australia's all time favourite movies, Finding Nemo, but that failed to stop Nine winning the first week of ratings -- thanks to Ten's skill in pulling younger viewers from Seven to watch dancing and Nine's ability to pull older viewers to watch cricket.
Shark topped the week with a prime time average of 28.7 per cent of the audience, while blue was on 27.2, orange on 22.5, ABC on 16.4 and SBS on 5.3. You'd have to think SBS made a mistake in moving Mythbusters to Saturdays, where it is drawing 400,000 fewer viewers than its Monday appearances last year.
What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,196,000 347,000 263,000 301,000 119,000 167,000
2 DOC MARTIN RPT ABC 1,179,000 329,000 327,000 241,000 125,000 158,000
3 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC 1,086,000 316,000 276,000 245,000 112,000 137,000
4 THE VICAR OF DIBLEY Seven 1,065,000 235,000 295,000 214,000 122,000 198,000
5 NINE NEWS SAT Nine 1,048,000 260,000 314,000 262,000 117,000 95,000
6 M - CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Nine 970,000 237,000 280,000 240,000 110,000 104,000
7 M-FINDING NEMO Seven 955,000 255,000 302,000 158,000 100,000 139,000
8 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 896,000 224,000 246,000 232,000 95,000 99,000
11 The BILL ABC 809,000 236,000 237,000 132,000 100,000 104,000
15 2008 NAB CUP - BRISBANE V ESSENDON Ten 543,000 10,000 287,000 87,000 87,000 72,000
16 2008 NAB CUP - PT ADELAIDE V CARLTON Ten 513,000 43,000 226,000 50,000 132,000 62,000
24 MYTHBUSTERS SBS 304,000 93,000 78,000 64,000 39,000 30,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 NINE NEWS Nine 1,567,000 453,000 538,000 307,000 163,000 107,000
2 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V SRI LANKA - GAME 6 SESSION 2 Nine 1,389,000 380,000 443,000 258,000 152,000 156,000
3 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,364,000 421,000 497,000 290,000 157,000 Not shown in Perth
4 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,310,000 371,000 316,000 248,000 155,000 219,000
5 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,251,000 401,000 365,000 211,000 141,000 132,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,183,000 401,000 277,000 222,000 122,000 162,000
7 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,157,000 337,000 311,000 213,000 130,000 166,000
8 DALZIEL AND PASCOE ABC 978,000 316,000 260,000 153,000 129,000 121,000
12 PRIDE & PREJUDICE Ten 746,000 163,000 271,000 83,000 109,000 120,000
14 KID NATION Ten 689,000 161,000 214,000 139,000 57,000 119,000
15 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 685,000 157,000 217,000 140,000 77,000 93,000
17 STATELINE ABC 616,000 164,000 180,000 124,000 90,000 58,000
25 2008 NAB CUP Seven 399,000 25,000 222,000 17,000 51,000 84,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
When the judge ruled that Melbourne could not see Underbelly, she raised Channel Seven's hopes of winning the week. Those hopes were dashed by the weakness of Seven's Thursday lineup, which let Nine grab 30.1 per cent of the prime time audience (to Seven's 24.7). Friday's cricket helped Nine pull further ahead.
Glenn Robbins started strongly two weeks ago, but his Out of the Question has lost 300,000 viewers and is proving a poor lead-in to Family Guy which is, in turn, delivering few viewers to Lost. What should Seven start showing at 8.30 on Thursdays to defeat Nine's RPA and Ten's SVU and turn future weeks around?
What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 RPA Nine 1,318,000 343,000 401,000 261,000 146,000 166,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,253,000 365,000 289,000 280,000 133,000 187,000
3 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 1,179,000 348,000 304,000 250,000 124,000 153,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,155,000 326,000 291,000 246,000 142,000 149,000
5 ABC NEWS ABC 1,150,000 358,000 336,000 228,000 110,000 118,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,120,000 296,000 338,000 251,000 130,000 105,000
7 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,115,000 339,000 258,000 249,000 144,000 124,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,080,000 284,000 328,000 259,000 100,000 109,000
9 KITCHEN NIGHTMARES U.S.A. Nine 1,073,000 295,000 372,000 159,000 134,000 113,000
10 GETAWAY Nine 1,051,000 301,000 311,000 220,000 106,000 113,000
11 MEDIUM Ten 1,027,000 310,000 269,000 189,000 119,000 141,000
12 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 926,000 213,000 289,000 215,000 98,000 111,000
13 THE AMAZING RACE Seven 886,000 210,000 276,000 179,000 105,000 116,000
14 AMAZING MEDICAL STORIES Nine 877,000 249,000 294,000 124,000 129,000 81,000
15 LOST Seven 869,000 254,000 309,000 123,000 87,000 95,000
19 OUT OF THE QUESTION Seven 812,000 244,000 277,000 129,000 62,000 99,000
20 SAVING KIDS WITH DAMIEN LEITH Ten 795,000 245,000 212,000 153,000 92,000 94,000
21 FAMILY GUY Seven 781,000 232,000 251,000 116,000 86,000 95,000
24 LIFE ON MARS ABC 690,000 213,000 220,000 102,000 69,000 86,000
25 NEIGHBOURS Ten 667,000 136,000 224,000 132,000 68,000 106,000
27 FRIENDS Ten 555,000 125,000 215,000 73,000 67,000 75,000
29 GRAND DESIGNS ABC 460,000 143,000 125,000 73,000 52,000 67,000
30 SOUL DEEP: THE STORY OF BLACK POPULAR MUSIC ABC 460,000 138,000 168,000 63,000 48,000 42,000
32 AMERICAN DAD Seven 456,000 120,000 141,000 64,000 59,000 72,000
33 INSPECTOR REX RPT SBS 436,000 127,000 128,000 89,000 57,000 35,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
David Dale's daily media report, updated 10 am Thursday February 14
Impossible to tell at this point how many Australians watched the apology yesterday, because OzTAM does not have people meters in schools and some stations did not list the apology as a separate program (I've included figures in the chart below for Seven's and Ten's morning shows, which presumably contained the apology).
Despite the absence of a Melbourne audience for Underbelly (or possibly because Melbourne really likes The Shawshank Redemption), Channel Nine won Wednesday with 30.1 per cent of the prime time audience in the mainland capitals. Nine will be particularly pleased at how the audience stayed on for the second part of Underbelly after 9.30, and at how The Chopping Block has grown to an audience which matches the fan base of Gordon Ramsay. Ten will be pleased at the success of its new sitcom, Back To You, and at how House held its own against the mobsters.
Halfway through the first week of official ratings, Seven is averaging 28.0 per cent, Nine is on 27.2, Ten is on 24.1, ABC is on 15.2 (thanks to Spicks and Specks, mainly) and SBS is on 5.4. And whoopee - Life on Mars and Lost are on tonight.
What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,436,000 445,000 388,000 258,000 146,000 200,000
2 BACK TO YOU Ten 1,344,000 372,000 418,000 264,000 144,000 146,000
3 UNDERBELLY-SERIES PREMIERE Nine 1,326,000 630,000 -- 290,000 182,000 224,000
4 UNDERBELLY Nine 1,324,000 605,000 -- 295,000 197,000 226,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,302,000 317,000 428,000 288,000 144,000 125,000
6 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,290,000 405,000 332,000 222,000 133,000 199,000
7 ABC NEWS ABC 1,281,000 385,000 413,000 237,000 113,000 134,000
8 HOUSE Ten 1,257,000 310,000 447,000 234,000 133,000 133,000
9 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,216,000 319,000 359,000 223,000 136,000 179,000
10 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,202,000 371,000 301,000 222,000 137,000 171,000
11 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,196,000 323,000 384,000 268,000 131,000 90,000
12 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT Ten 1,126,000 318,000 358,000 236,000 100,000 115,000
13 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 1,083,000 334,000 382,000 169,000 94,000 104,000
14 THE REAL SEACHANGE Seven 1,044,000 270,000 316,000 203,000 113,000 142,000
15 THE CHOPPING BLOCK Nine 1,040,000 323,000 283,000 185,000 107,000 141,000
16 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 1,001,000 267,000 330,000 182,000 94,000 128,000
22 LITTLE BRITAIN ABROAD ABC 862,000 255,000 301,000 137,000 82,000 86,000
25 NUMB3RS Ten 716,000 167,000 263,000 119,000 79,000 89,000
30 TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES-ENCORE Nine 521,000 195,000 92,000 69,000 77,000 88,000
39 APOLOGY TO THE STOLEN GENERATIONS-AM ABC 393,000 139,000 161,000 28,000 30,000 35,000
46 TODAY-P.M APOLOGY Nine 297,000 88,000 85,000 77,000 26,000 20,000
54 SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Nine 271,000 (Melbourne only)
62 THE MORNING SHOW Seven 223,000 69,000 58,000 54,000 20,000 22,000
109 9AM WITH DAVID & KIM Ten 91,000 22,000 26,000 18,000 7,000 18,000
138 THE NATIONAL APOLOGY SBS 33,000 23,000 4,000 1,000 1,000 5,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
Although numbers for It Takes Two were down on last year, Channel Seven swept Tuesday night, with 32 per cent of the prime time audience, and at this point in the first week of official ratings, Seven is averaging 28.7 per cent, Nine is on 26.3, Ten is on 24.6, ABC is on 14.7 and SBS is on 5.6.
With no help from its new local comedy, Monster House, little help from the Terminator (will John ever resolve the sexual tension with the teenbot?), and with Underbelly gutted by the absence of a Melbourne audience on Wednesday, it's not looking good for Nine. Ten, meanwhile, seems to have a new crime hit with Women's Murder Club.
What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,393,000 395,000 349,000 305,000 163,000 182,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,343,000 385,000 335,000 295,000 157,000 171,000
3 IT TAKES TWO Seven 1,293,000 404,000 373,000 234,000 129,000 153,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,244,000 357,000 300,000 293,000 126,000 167,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,223,000 334,000 348,000 291,000 156,000 94,000
6 WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB Ten 1,222,000 318,000 392,000 217,000 132,000 163,000
7 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,189,000 373,000 365,000 174,000 142,000 136,000
8 ABC NEWS ABC 1,183,000 287,000 394,000 241,000 110,000 150,000
9 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,152,000 295,000 362,000 200,000 125,000 170,000
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,078,000 261,000 350,000 262,000 127,000 77,000
11 TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES Nine 1,061,000 285,000 354,000 201,000 111,000 111,000
12 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 975,000 222,000 315,000 193,000 113,000 131,000
14 CSI: MIAMI Nine 910,000 232,000 299,000 161,000 109,000 110,000
18 MONSTER HOUSE Nine 793,000 174,000 256,000 182,000 95,000 86,000
23 LIFE BEGINS Seven 590,000 169,000 196,000 81,000 75,000 68,000
24 FRIENDS Ten 585,000 121,000 193,000 114,000 70,000 86,000
31 ONE DAY CRICKET - INDIA V SRI LANKA - GAME 5 SESSION 2 Nine 430,000 124,000 123,000 100,000 55,000 28,000
33 SUNRISE Seven 375,000 112,000 65,000 106,000 35,000 57,000
44 TODAY Nine 277,000 77,000 82,000 58,000 24,000 35,000
46 EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE RPT SBS 267,000 71,000 67,000 48,000 41,000 40,000
David Dale's daily media report, updated 10 am Tuesday February 12
Are the viewers of Australia insane? Why would they watch a formulaic, shark-jumped episode of CSI in preference to the hilarious opening of the new season of the despos? The reader who comes up with the most plausible and interesting explanation (without insulting national pride) will win a modest prize from this column.
Despite lower than expected numbers for Border Security, Desperate Housewives, and Dirty Sexy Money (what did you think of that?), Seven won Monday, with 29.9 per cent of the prime time audience. Nine got 25.9, Ten got 24.0 (SYTYCDA is The phenomenon of 2008), ABC got a pathetic 12.9 and SBS got a healthy 7.4, thanks to Top Gear. Nine and Seven are neck and neck for the week.
What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SYTC DANCE AUSTRALIA - TOP 100 PART 2 Network TEN 1,467,798 441,439 436,205 286,838 131,871 171,446
2 CSI Network 9 1,462,413 414,203 400,763 317,077 183,101 147,268
3 SEVEN NEWS Network 7 1,462,278 400,938 393,879 284,737 168,502 214,222
4 HOME AND AWAY Network 7 1,437,932 388,298 389,219 314,030 157,950 188,436
5 TODAY TONIGHT Network 7 1,420,906 391,989 397,110 278,643 165,169 187,994
6 BORDER SECURITY Network 7 1,351,089 344,279 369,081 313,938 149,965 173,826
7 THE FORCE Network 7 1,342,725 364,430 361,867 287,648 140,177 188,603
8 NINE NEWS Network 9 1,270,989 305,644 396,828 312,691 148,776 107,049
9 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Network 7 1,270,713 357,916 480,359 193,097 108,596 130,746
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Network 9 1,187,480 282,295 416,693 273,438 104,402 110,652
11 DIRTY SEXY MONEY Network 7 1,157,480 324,119 442,087 145,904 120,418 124,952
12 ABC NEWS Network ABC 1,115,236 313,742 346,151 223,696 117,797 113,851
13 A YEAR WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY Network 9 1,067,494 300,877 350,736 207,044 91,144 117,694
14 CSI: NY Network 9 1,017,776 288,104 290,472 206,459 124,229 108,512
15 GOOD NEWS WEEK Network TEN 990,234 298,444 326,737 133,394 112,236 119,422
16 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - ELIMINATION Network TEN 947,959 220,868 339,728 188,310 96,879 102,173
19 NEIGHBOURS Network TEN 791,412 174,375 265,618 175,146 88,907 87,367
21 TOP GEAR Network SBS 749,002 208,310 227,501 160,046 95,866 57,279
23 FRIENDS Network TEN 632,845 117,546 248,266 118,181 71,876 76,976
25 APOLLO 11: THE UNTOLD STORY Network ABC 591,071 186,221 180,271 101,949 61,475 61,155
26 GUNS FOR HIRE: AFGHANISTAN Network ABC 579,244 171,640 141,805 135,003 64,827 65,969
27 SUPERNATURAL Network TEN 569,953 152,473 188,979 91,314 72,063 65,124
28 AUSTRALIAN STORY Network ABC 520,572 143,839 152,347 98,247 57,444 68,695
32 BOSTON LEGAL (R) Network 7 453,081 137,577 160,951 58,266 55,558 40,728
33 NIP/TUCK Network 9 423,425 114,727 150,544 59,043 52,521 46,590
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
The US writers' strike is over. The strikers have voted to accept the tentative deal worked out between their leaders and the big producers. Click here to read the draft agreement on payment for writers' work when their programs or movies are sold online.
Thanks to the San Jose Mercury News, here's the situation with new episodes of series that will be showing in Australia in the first half of this year:
"Boston Legal": will produce four to seven more episodes before the end of May.
"Brothers & Sisters": Returns late April with four or five new hours.
"Desperate Housewives": Back in April (in the US) with four to six episodes (in addition to the 11 Seven already has).
"Grey's Anatomy": Four or five new episodes in April and May.
"Lost": will produce five more episodes by May (in addition to the eight Seven already has).
"Ugly Betty": Four or five new episodes by May.
"Cane": Has aired its last episode.
"Cold Case": Four to six new episodes by June.
"Criminal Minds": Four to seven new episodes by May.
"CSI", CSI:Miami, CSI:NY: Four to seven new episodes by May.
"How I Met Your Mother": Returns in March with five to seven episodes.
"Mooonlight: may be back in September.
"NCIS": three or four new episodes in May.
"Without A Trace": Back in April with four to seven new episodes.
"Gossip Girl": eight new episodes by June.
"House": Four to six new episodes by May.
"30 Rock": Returning in March 10 new episodes.
"Bionic Woman": Gone.
"Heroes": Nothing new till October.
"Journeyman": Gone.
"My Name Is Earl": Six to eight new episodes by May.
"The Office": Eight episodes by May.
"Battlestar Galactica" (Sci Fi): Returns April (in the US) with the first 11 episodes of its final season. Second half will air in 2009.
"Entourage" (HBO): Back in October.
"Mad Men" (AMC): Will return mid-year as scheduled.
"Monk" (USA): Back as scheduled in mid-year.
The box office, weekend to February 10
1 FOOL`S GOLD, despite savage criticism, sold $1,949,609 worth of tickets in its first weekend.
2 JUNO made $964,162 (total $8,172,728)
3 27 DRESSES $662,309 ($14,082,191)
4 SWEENEY TODD $583,595 ($4,227,233)
5 AMERICAN GANGSTER $564,026 ($10,658,750)
6 3:10 TO YUMA $549,512 ($1,858,713)
7 THE MIST $486,585 ($486,585)
8 CHARLIE WILSON`S WAR $390,323 ($2,643,185)
9 THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB $338,002 ($1,123,611)
10 THERE WILL BE BLOOD $311,237 ($311,237)
(MPDAA -- for more detail go to urbancinefile.com.au. To see how they fit with the all-time recordbreakers, go to The films Australia loved)
It seems that Australians prefer cricket and dancing to medical soap opera. Grey's Anatomy got off to a slow start last night, as the under 30s stuck with So You Think You Can Dance Australia (hereinafter referred to in this column as SYTYCDA); the over 30 males stuck with Australia vs India; and the over 50s stuck with Agatha Christie.
Result of these demographic splits: Nine won the first day of the "official" ratings season with 28.2 per cent of the prime time audience, while Ten got 26.7 per cent, Seven got 24.8, ABC got 15.3 and SBS got 4.9. Seven expects to get back on top tonight with Border Security and Desperate Housewives.
To see how the soccer and American Idol went on Pay TV last week, go below. While you're there, tell us what you made of the new season of Grey's Anatomy. Has it taken that short step from amusing to annoying?
What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - TOP 100 PART 1 Ten 1,600,000 531,000 463,000 296,000 134,000 176,000
2 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V INDIA - GAME 4 SESSION 2 Nine 1,511,000 431,000 507,000 286,000 155,000 133,000
3 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,489,000 404,000 396,000 327,000 140,000 221,000
4 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,443,000 465,000 487,000 214,000 174,000 103,000
5 THE ZOO Seven 1,320,000 374,000 381,000 249,000 131,000 184,000
6 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,247,000 371,000 356,000 209,000 136,000 175,000
7 BUSH DOCTORS Seven 1,159,000 322,000 339,000 237,000 113,000 148,000
8 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - THE WEIGH-IN Ten 1,151,000 314,000 388,000 203,000 119,000 127,000
9 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V INDIA - GAME 4 SESSION 1 Nine 1,120,000 338,000 346,000 197,000 112,000 127,000
10 SAMANTHA WHO? Seven 1,101,000 256,000 349,000 210,000 127,000 159,000
11 BROTHERS & SISTERS Seven 1,075,000 366,000 304,000 182,000 107,000 116,000
12 KATH & KIM (R) Seven 1,072,000 256,000 336,000 218,000 110,000 153,000
13 AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MISS MARPLE: TOWARDS ZERO ABC 1,068,000 322,000 300,000 182,000 133,000 131,000
17 ROBIN HOOD ABC 688,000 199,000 199,000 128,000 82,000 80,000
23 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? SBS 529,000 139,000 174,000 65,000 55,000 96,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
HOW CAN Channel Nine be so cruel? On Wednesday Nine is putting its most interesting new property -- the crime series Underbelly -- up against the new season of House, when Ten has only four fresh episodes of the grumpy doctor to show.
Couldn't Nine have waited four weeks, and thus allowed intelligent viewers to enjoy both? Of course not. Nine can't afford any moment of weakness this year. It emerges from the silly season deeply damaged. Last week The Chopping Block, a blend of Gordon Ramsay and My Restaurant Rules, attracted only 718,000 viewers on its first showing -- 300,000 less than the usual fan base for Ramsay, suggesting foodies prefer aggression to cooking tips (or just can't stand Catriona Rowntree).
Seven didn't do much better -- Thursday's launch of the reinvigorated Lost drew only 912,000 and The Kylie Show on Tuesday drew 920,000. (For details, go to last week's episode of The Ratings Race).
It was Ten's week. So You Think You Can Dance Australia started on Sunday with 1.8 million, and was still managing 1.6 million on Wednesday, so Ten averaged a stunning 24.6 per cent of the prime time audience for the week (Seven got 27.6 per cent, Nine 25.1, ABC 16.7 and SBS 6.1 per cent).
If Ten's luck holds, Dr House will beat the pants off those Melbourne criminals on Wednesday.
What Pay TV subscribers watched, week ending February 9, 2008
1 LIVE: FOOTBALL: WORLD CUP QUALIFIER AUST V QATAR Fox Sports 3 345,000
2 THE SIMPSONS FOX8 282,000
3 AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL 210,000
4 FAMILY GUY FOX8 170,000
5 GOSSIP GIRL FOX8 159,000
6 FUTURAMA FOX8 156,000
7 AN AUSSIE GOES BOLLY FOX8 152,000
8 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Lifestyle 149,000
9 AMERICAN IDOL FOX8 145,000
10 LIVE: FOOTBALL: A-LEAGUE SEMI FINAL Fox Sports 1 136,000
(OzTAM)
For background on popular culture, go to
The films Australia loved.
The TV shows Australia loved.
The music Australia loved.
The DVDs Australia loved.
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. To join a daily discussion of Australian attitudes, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.
COMMENTS
Hey TM, wanna pass on to the author of the [b]Hollywood invasion a boost for Nine[/b] article that it's all nice and good that Jason Lee is out here, but the article doesn't mention he's actually a Ch 7 celebrity? Being that My Name Is Earl is a top rating show, it's a little sad for s TV journo to not have their facts straight, or omit this important fact. The online article didn't appear to have a byline.
Tribal Mind replies: I have no idea of the origin of the article but hopefully the author will see your comment here.
- by Bereft Skerrick on February 10, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Interesting to see how Sevens new line up on Sunday fairs tonight.. very excited to watch the return of Brothers and Sisters :)
- by Jacquelina on February 10, 2008 at 09:01 PM
I have no inclination to watch Nine's Underbelly this week. It just doesnt interest me. And not because it is an Oz show, just because I am not interested in a program about mudering gangs. So I will stick to House and see what Ten follows it up with when eps run out.
Watched the new ep of GA last night. It was the same old, same old really and rather boring. Maybe I am suffering from a soggy brain from all the rain lately, but has GA gotten a bit stale?
Waiting with baited breath to see last nights ratings.
- by em on February 11, 2008 at 08:29 AM
I normally do not have much negative to say about the ABC but I came today with the intention to whinge about the new watermark! Cripes! I see from the end of last week's comments I am not alone. Can I just add that it is not an honour ABC when you are actually best at getting up our noses with unnecessary branding. Having said that even theirs is nothing on the BBC kids channel's watermark.
I went through the tv schedule yesterday and I have shows to watch on 5 out of 7 nights. Yippee real tv is back.
- by Cat on February 11, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Brothers & Sisters is such a great show, thoroughly enjoyed its return last night.
I was disappointed to see that almost the entire episode of Dance was taken up with people sobbing and explaining how "dance is my life!" (this from 18 year olds...hmm) Hopefully they will move on from heartstring TV in the coming weeks!
In other news, the US writers strike looks set to be resolved, so they may just have enough time to bang out the rest of the episodes from some of our favourite series. Just for the fans to note though - Heroes will not be making any further episodes this year regardless of the outcome of the strike. The producers have decided to take a breather to consider the direction of the show moving forward.
- by cronker on February 11, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Thanks for the heads up on 'The War' Craig. Imagine ABC putting a quality show like that on 2pm Sunday arvo. That's a quality series that deserves a prime time ABC slot.
I'd just like to express my frustration at TenHD for changing their schedule on Thurs. I missed recording Battlestar because they changed the schedule. Unless I'm constantly checking their website there is no way I know what their line up is. I'm just going to rent the rest of the series so thanks for that...
- by merciless on February 11, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Just a quick note about GA again after reading TM's comment. Yes, it has gotten stale and was not amusing in anyway. In fact , Meredith is extremely annoying and I am rather tired of her pouting , depressing face. Think my days as a GA fan are numbered.
- by em on February 11, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I agree about the ABC watermark, too big. But for some reason it wasn't on their HD channel.
- by Gary on February 11, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Don't know about the ABC's watermark but that horrible old red, white and blue banner thing they're using is straight out of the 80s. Who, or what, designed that and still gets a pay cheque?
- by Rupert on February 11, 2008 at 11:22 AM
It'd be admirable if Nine could move the Moonlight show to a 10.30 pm Tuesday or Wednesday timeslot for it's remainng eps, or alternatively slot it on their HD channel (at a 9.30 pm slot) that kicks off next month. The same applies to 2 year old Nip / Tuick episodes, if Nine dump it again (as I expect they probably will).
- by Burt on February 11, 2008 at 11:22 AM
TM, I'm being awfully picky again, but your heading says What Australia watched, Monday. Sorry, I just have a knack for it. You're wishing I'd never found the new page!
Just for interests sake, how did the The 40yr old Virgin rate last night on Shirl @ 9:20pm (really 9pm but SYTYCD ran hideously overtime)?
TM replies: Ooops. Fixed now. 849,000.
- by Bereft Skerrick on February 11, 2008 at 12:09 PM
I missed SYTYCDA last night due to long phone gossip session then when I switched on some blond chick was sobbing so over to Ms Marple. Have to agree with cronker (sorry if you are capitalised) less agonising and more dancing!!!
Re GA will have to confess that I have never watched a complete episode as Meredith always looks like she has been sucking lemons. As for this McDreamy business - too wet.
- by Shoopie on February 11, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Hi TM - thanks for the advice re accessing past comments and ratings...they worked! Cheers...
- by NK on February 11, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Yeah, I caught the final 10 or so minutes of Grays whilst waiting for B&S. I used to enjoy this show, but tuned out last year around the time of the Meredith drowning silliness. How I wish they had really let her drown instead of jumping the shark.
In a (not very) surprising twist, Meredith Lemonlips and Dr McDreary split up again!!! Who'da thunk it? They look like they're going to have as many false starts as Nanny Fine and Mr Sheffield (gag).
- by cronker on February 11, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Loving SYTYCDA - It's nice now that they are using the Powderfinger music when someone gets kicked off - Hamish and Andy did a very funny bit re: the music and the sob stories the other day on their show. It's all too predictable.
Bereft posted: really 9pm but SYTYCD ran hideously overtime)?
Actually, in the tv guide, it said it wasn't supposed to finish until 9:15pm. So, over time, but not by as much!
- by Beckala on February 11, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Yay for the return of the Despos tonight! And I'll probably give Dirty Sexy Money a go too, although the blurb in The Guide this morning that it's actually a soap has diminished my appetite for it somewhat. "Soap" is still a dirty word in my world.
Loathing the ABC watermark. Could they have made it any bigger?? I shall have to give them direct feedback about it, it really is truly ugly.
After praising Tim McInnerny in The Line of Beauty the other week, I saw him in "102 Dalmations" on Saturday night. God, that was a turkey, what a waste of celluloid and talent.
I'm rather enjoying Samantha Who (caught the first episode in repeat late on Friday, and then last night's episode live). Not exceptional, but amusing and charming enough to keep me interested.
- by tqd on February 11, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Man ... took me ages to find this blog. I liked the old location better. Anyhow, why I am not enthusiastic about 'Underbelly'? Is it because it's too Melbourne? Could it just be that I've seen 'The Wire' and 'The Sopranos' and the mobster-crime drama bar is now very high?
It'd be interesting to see the Melb vs Syd viewing figures when it comes out.
Tribal Mind replies: You'll see them here at 9.30 Thursday morning. How did you find our new address, out of curiosity?
- by canoli on February 11, 2008 at 01:22 PM
More news on the writers strike, Scrubs have 4 eps that were finalised before the strike to show and another 4 are likely to be made although not confirmed whether they will be shown on TV or go straight to DVD. As this is the last season, it's good to know that the storylines will have a chance to be resolved.
I too am loving SYTYCDA and am looking forward to the clip shows being over and the real stuff starting.
Also looking forward to the return of Supernatural although it's been pushed back to 10 (read around 10.30 with the way channel 10's programming works) so may have to tape it.
- by krissyg on February 11, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Is anyone going to try Terminator?
Not one for me and I am waivering about Underbelly - will still watch House S&S etc but don't know if I want to invest 13 weeks on the series (despite some of the critics raves).
Also note Prison Break must be on the way back as it has popped up as one of the 7 shows ditto Gladiators - they did that for Bones and Shark when they were coming back over the silly season.
Can't comment on GA & B&S (nor Robin Hood) yet as have not seen my eps - watched my recording of Who do you think you are last night - Dennis Cometti version when I got home after dinner at Chez parentis.
Although the Oz attempt is interesting the UK verision was much more intriguing -mainly because they have a wealth of recorded history - blows my mind that they were doing census in 1840...
The ABC1 & 2 watermarks do seem a tad annoying although I note the ABC1 faded during the 7 pm news to just the squiggle worm or whatever it is called - so they can adjust it why just have to ask or shout.
And Burt's suggestion for Nein to show different programs on HD - a la Moonlight -and for my vote ER - my guess is they will reserve their HD for sport, sport and as an alternative sport - not shows that we, their disillusioned viewers, actually want to see- why would they care what we think we only give them ratings (if we have peoplemeters)
- by Cathy on February 11, 2008 at 02:26 PM
I think it's bizarre that the ABC is now running two different watermarks. The old less intrusive one during news programs and the annoyingly bright, big and blue one at all other times. Is there any chance that the people at the ABC read this blog and can pass on the message to the powers that be, that new watermark is annoying and distracting to viewers?
Looks like SYTYCD is a hit. Grey's suffered but Brothers and Sisters on its new night is rating the same (if not a little better) than last year .
- by J Bar on February 11, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Beckala, down here on Southern Cross Teen they told us that 40Yr Old started @ 9pm on our ads. At least in Sydney they're acknowledging shows run late! And our TV guides are always out of date - they can't decide whether The Practice is repeating it's final episode tonight at midnight.
- by Bereft Skerrick on February 11, 2008 at 02:58 PM
I saw Dirty Sexy Money's first 2 episodes online and doubt I'll tune into it on a regular basis. It's like a cross between the Veron Mars and Arrested Development shows, but isn't as good as either series. It's similar to Ugly Betty that I gave up on (as the UB series got stupider as it went on), in the sense that shows with mostly all annoying characters (as UB and DSM both have) work better in small doses
(as in 22 minute episodes), rather than 42 minute ones. Like Ugly Betty, the first ep was filmed in New York city, then they pretend being in NYC in Los Angeles from the 2nd episode onwards and Seven have 13 eps to screen.
- by Barry on February 11, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Glad I have found you new hiding spot :) Surprised nobody has mentioned the demise of Waking the Dead. We only had about 5 episodes since it returned and are years behind the Brits. To my mind, why buy the flaming thing if you are not going to show it - give it to 2 so they can screen it behind their blinding new watermark on Friday Night Crime.
Cheers from Adelaide...
Tribal Mind wonders: Glad you found us, but can you explain how?
- by ozinoz on February 11, 2008 at 03:38 PM
It Takes Two looks like its going to be a disaster this year. Are they the best celebs they could come up with or did they run out of money? John Mangos? We really are scraping the bottom of the celebrity barrel
- by ACME on February 11, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Nine would be foolish to not move Underbelly to 9.30 pm next week and to keep it there, as the violent subject matter is ill suited to 8.30
(as they'll find out this week), where House will easily beat it (with the 4 eps Ten have). It'd be unsurprising if Nine sensibly repeat Under's first 2 eps this Saturday night, for those who missed it.
- by Anna on February 11, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Have seen the first 11 episodes of Grey's (as many as were screened in US before strike) and it's a winning series so far. Melodrama has been toned down in favour of SLIGHTLY more realistic situations and medical scenarios. You can tell they're gearing up for a great finale... As for Private Practice... first few episodes take getting used to, but its on a roll by ep4 and blazing by ep9. In case anyone wanted to know...
- by Daniel in Dubai on February 11, 2008 at 04:02 PM
I have never watched "It Takes Two". It's a dog of a concept. Grant Denyer is a very good race car driver. He stayed with his TV commitments last year and his Fujitsu V8Supercar program seemed to be put on hold. He drove well at Bathurst 1000 and I think he drove well at Bathurst 12 Hour last weekend - don't know what he drove - maybe some sort of DJR Ford?? - or where he finished?? Grant, please give ITT to Anna Coren or Andrew O'Keefe and GET BACK DRIVING HARD - you do that better.
- by Rexx on February 11, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Was it last week when someone mentioned the series Lewis? I was speaking to my daughter who is currently living in Ireland and she gave it the thumbs up.
No, Cathy, I'm not going to even attempt to watch Terminator whatever. It would have been more credible to call the show The John Connor Chronicles but Hollywood is into leatherclad, sweaty, ass kickin' gals these days.
As for Underbelly - a big yawnfest for me unless the producers put in a few big musical numbers a la Blackpool then I may be interested.
- by Shoopie on February 11, 2008 at 04:40 PM
TM: just FYI, there is now a link to this new location on the SMH site. Thankfully! Love your work.
- by Me on February 11, 2008 at 06:01 PM
I thought it was a really poor season premiere for Grey's last night, continuing the downward spiral of the back-end of the third season. The whole Meredith and McDreamy saga, which was strangled of all its life last season, initially looked like it had finally been put to rest only to have them hook up again in the final scene. The producers continue with the fan-hated George/Izzie romance all the while humiliating Callie (one of the few sympathetic characters left) both personally and professionally. I'm hopeful for the series because reports are it picks up, like Daniel says, but I hope it happens soon. I'm assuming the more realistic storylines don't include Izzie performing more surgeries on injured wildlife in the hospital's parking lot. There were really no human patients in all of Seattle Grace that would have benefitted from a resident and a team of interns? SERIOUSLY?
I miss Addison.
- by Craig on February 11, 2008 at 06:13 PM
I have this feeling that Underbelly will rate well in Melbourne but struggle in otherplaces. Frankly I couldn't think of anything that I'd rather want to watch less thean a bunch of dumb soprano wannabes knocking each other off. Yet to each their own.
On another note.
Watched the premiere of Lipstick Jungle with a friend who was a Sex in the City fanatic.
She loved it and can't wait for episode two. This is in stark contrast to Cashmere Mafia where she watched the first three episodes with great indifference and has since shown no interest in watching any more.
Cashmere Mafia is on Nine and Lipstick Jungle is on Seven. Is anything ever going to work out for the Nine Network?
- by Sahara on February 11, 2008 at 06:51 PM
I agree with Daniel, actually think that season 3 of GA is probably the best but ratings will suffer as most GA fans have already seen S3 via download sites.... it should have been fast-tracked last year... I have to disagree with Daniel re Private Practice, I found it very wishy-washy & very cliche e.g. the psychiatrist successfully helps people but is an emotional basket case herself ... but each to their own... others may agree with Daniel....
The worst watermark I have seen is actually American Broadcasting Corp. It is not only large but in full colour & too far in...
My main problem with our ABC is the promo woman... dreadful saccharine trying to hard to sound happy, just dreadful
- by Kate on February 11, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Just watched the return episode of Good News Week. Apart from the ad breaks harming the natural flow of the show, and the (admitted) blatant cross promotion of pretty boy Jensen Ackles appearing on the show, it was a very strong return.
Sadly, because Shirl McEnroe is fickle, it won't be able to compete against Nein and 7, and it'll disappear to Wednesdays 12am, especially since the Writers Strike is likely to finish sooner rather than later.
- by Bereft Skerrick on February 11, 2008 at 09:13 PM
First post to the Ratings Race in 2008. Keep up the good work David!
Now Ten has won the Australian rights to the Indian Premier League cricket competition to the next five years. Depending on the schedule some games could start as early as 9.30pm AEST. How will Ten accommodate the cricket in the night schedule (including So You Think You Can Dance, Big Brother, and Saturday night AFL)? Ten may be forced to show AFL games not involving the Swans live into Sydney to allow for the cricket. That's the good news for AFL fans in the Harbour City.
- by Johnson on February 11, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Yes, I had forgotten about the deer in the parking lot. Thank goodness that's as bad as it gets for Grey's from here on in. I don't want to spoil anything but I think, based on comments from Kate, Craig and others, that you'll be happy with the way the season is panning out in general. 1.2mil against stiff competition is not so bad. Seven are lucky that everything it shows is performing solidly, now it just needs a bit of spectacular thrown in the mix.... Wonder how DH and DSM went last night? Guess we'll know soon enough...
- by Daniel in Dubai on February 12, 2008 at 05:05 AM
Double Drat, Bereft, I missed GNW - is Mikey Robbins back as well? I might have to start purchasing TV Times instead of relying on my memory.
- by Shoopie on February 12, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Bugger bum. Forgot that Despos was on last night!!! Got carried away with SYTYCDA (gosh I hope the crying stops soon!) and then GNW (not as good as it used to be plus the blatant cross promos). Damn you Shirl!
- by Nic on February 12, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Saw GA & B& S last nigt before DH & Dirty Sexy Money. Have to say agree with comments about GA but from all I understand this is about the low point and it apparently gets better from here - more focus on Bailey who is one of the characters I like. B&S was great - the Walkers are one very strange family. Did like DH last night - but I have issues with Nathan Fillion not wearing a brown coat a la Serenity & Firefly and him married to Dana Delany from China Beach is taking some getting used to. Quite liked Dirty Sexy Money despite some obvious overacting from some of the characters - the Priest in particular - will be interested to see ep 2.
I recorded Supernatural & Good News Week so will see them later on.
Shoopie I am definitely not watching Terminator - the only character that interests is Summer Glau (Firefly and Serenity) - but that alone is not enough to entice.
Bet Nein is scrambling with all the court action re Underbelly - they may yet have a hole in Wednesday night's schedule if the court decision goes against them - and from last I read it may be national rather than just limited to Victoria - repeats of CSI anyone?
- by Cathy on February 12, 2008 at 07:40 AM
I agree, Good News Week always worked better in a 30 minute format (that'd go to 45 minutes with ads).
Johnson - Ten would show those cricket matches on 10 HD, as they know it wouldn't rate high enough on the standard 10 channel.
It looks like Nine have foolishly slot Underbelly for 8.30 pm, as the Cashmere Mafia show (that Nine have only 7 eps of) has been slotted next week for 9.30 pm Wednesday. CM should do well, as it's competition next week is average.
- by Amanda on February 12, 2008 at 07:47 AM
"It Takes Two looks like its going to be a disaster this year. Are they the best celebs they could come up..."
Well at least Sara Groen is in it :=). That will get me to watch!
Will also tape Sarah Connor Chronicles & CSI Miami to see how they go.
- by arthur on February 12, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Loved DH last night. This is an awesome season, much better than the previous one.
I am getting really annoyed with all the sooking on Dance, it's just tiresome.
Missed Dirty Sexy Money due to other commitments, hopefully there will be an encore screening sometime soon.
I think Underbelly will do well - it's been hyped within an inch of its life.
Terminator - meh. It completely sidesteps all the occurences of the third film. Even though I know it's supposed to take place between 2 & 3 in the film series, it contradicts everything that is to take place in the third film.
- by cronker on February 12, 2008 at 08:58 AM
I LOVED Dirty Sexy Money. Can wait for next episode!! How did it rate?
Tribal Mind replies: See above.
- by Jess Purrier on February 12, 2008 at 09:02 AM
TM you should tell the SMH website folks who finally got around to the link that "The Tribal Mind blog is now closed. Thanks for participating. To read Who We Are, David Dale's weekly column about Australia" does not help those looking for the Ratings Race.
For those who were frustrated by Lost on Thursday this week will just ramp that up - but they do, as always, give just enough extra info to keep you holding on.
I enjoyed GNW but it was rusty and with numbers under 1 mil Ch Teen are guaranteed to bin it soon.
Thanks for the word on Lewis Shoopie as I was the one who asked last week. I will be taping that while watching House and Numbers.
The only purpose I can see for the watermark (beyond helping the really lazy who cannot be bothered finding what channel they have wandered on to) is to identify where a show has been taken from when loaded to the Net. Frankly the ABC should be grateful if one of their shows gets uploaded - not territorial. Get rid of the bloody thing!
- by Cat on February 12, 2008 at 09:13 AM
How I found you... I had the original blogs as a bookmark and after several visits and noticing that there had been no activity (cos it really isn't clear), I went up a level to the Stay in Touch page, only to find the small note dated 6 Feb detailing that the original Tribal Mind blogs had closed. I then followed the link to your Who We Are column and to here.
Sorry if that was a sarcastic "How do you find us" we crow eaters are reputedly not as sharp as some :)
Good to be back anyway :)
Cheers from Adelaide.. (see, you do have a long reach :) )
Tribal Mind replies: Not sarcastic. I was frustrated that Fairfax had not seemed to be helping readers to find the new address.
- by ozinoz on February 12, 2008 at 09:31 AM
SYTYCDA is a hit because it is new and usuually aussie versions of hit reality shows do well in their first season - think Idol, Big Brother and Australia's Got Talent - it will be less impressive ratings wise next season.
Speaking of less impressive - THE BIGGEST LOSER seems to have lost its gloss - thank god - its getting less than a million viewers despite leading into SYTYCDA - must be a worry for Ten.
Thought DIRTY SEXY MONEY was impressive enough.
Have real fears about MONSTER HOUSE tonight - not sure what to make of the promos - not sure viewers will either - seems an odd choice of programming for NEIN - but then again who is running the place now.
Apparently the new version of SUNDAY was a ratings disaster - the worst result in 27 years - I'm sure RAY MARTIN will be happy but KERRY PACKER would be turning in his grave.
Speaking of mornings - TM has TODAY made any ground on SUNRISE this week??
- by GJ on February 12, 2008 at 09:40 AM
i WOULD have to say desperate housewives has had its time just like lost, sytycda is a very exciting program. i think channel 7 will do alot worse this year because of the same old crap they put on!! esp dancing with the losers! and it takes 0! channel 10 i can see winning a few weeks this year.
- by ryan on February 12, 2008 at 10:00 AM
How is Friends doing compared to the ratings the Simpsons were getting for their weekly spot at 6pm. Bit sad to see it move, it had been there for so long.
Tribal Mind replies: Much the same. Have a look at the archives for last year (right side of the page display) for how Simpsons were going then.
- by James on February 12, 2008 at 10:09 AM
As a friendly courtesy to any Victorian based reader viewers denied the Underbelly series (following it's court ban in that state), join up to the Diwana.org Aus TV torrents site ASAP and download the episodes from there (that will be inevitably be posted on it by non-Vic viewers).
I suspect Diwana.org's memberships will increase substantially this week, whether I posted this or not.
- by Chris on February 12, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I'm also unhappy about the sudden disappearance of Waking The Dead. Does anyone know what season has just started here and what the UK is up to?
Loving SYTYCD - although I'm waiting for my 4 year old son to break something with all the launching around the lounge room it's initiated.
GA's was ok - I think expecting an enormous amount from what is essentially a soap is pushing it a bit. However I think I'm one of the few that loves the Izzie/George thing. So, so SO over Meredith/McDreamy.
Also thrilled that Lost is back - I notice not many comments about that.
- by Lisa on February 12, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing Sarah Connor Chronicles. I am a big sci-fi fan and there is never much new sci-fi around I am willing to give it a go. At least for awhile.
GNW last night was pretty ordinary. It had better lift it's game quickly or it will get dumped again. It was good to see Mikey Robbins on TV again, looking slim and fit.
Just heard on the radio that Underbelly is banned in Victoria. So how is that going to affect Nein? Still can't believe it went ahead with production of this series without it's legal team checking up on whether it could actually be shown or not. Seems a big, costly oversight to me.
- by em on February 12, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Nathan Fillion on DH means I'm going to be watching every episode from now on, methinks. Although I didn't particularly enjoy this episode more than last season. I didn't dislike it, but I wasn't overwhelmed. (Apart from Mr Fillion.)
And, yes, Cathy on February 12, 2008 at 07:40 AM, it is strange seeing him without a brown coat and with Dana Delaney.
We forgot to turn off the recorder, so it didn't record Top Gear (damnit). Mr TQD set up the recorder for DH and gave me 90 minutes (assuming some hideous overtime) so I got to watch the first half of DSM. And I *liked* it. So now I'm hoping for an encore screening so I can find out what happens in the second half! :)
I could be such a couch potato on Monday nights. Top Gear, then a fight over the remote for DH or Southpark/Drawn Together, then DSM, then BL... How come all the good stuff happens at once?
- by tqd on February 12, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Why did Despos rate less than CSI? I think the audience for Despos was split with the audience for SYTYCDA, which ran past 8.30 pm.
- by JB on February 12, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I really enjoyed DH last night, Great season opener (unlike GA). No idea why CSI (with boring characters and same old storylines) rates better than DH except that Australian viewers don't know good television when they see it. Perhaps a clever move by Nine in programming CSI on Mon as Seven were beating them badly on that night last year. But what will Nine put on Sun nights then...more CSI?? Then there's CSI on tues as well. Oh dear....
As for Dirty Sexy money...i thought it was great. Really entertaining!!! It has a bit of that Arrested Development feel to to it.
Oh just heard that Underbelly has been banned from airing in Vic and on the internet. Nine is expected to urgently appeal this decision. What a pity as I'm from Melb and wanted to check out the serious.
- by Helena on February 12, 2008 at 11:03 AM
RE: Underbelly banned in Victoria. This court ban just won't work because 1. as Chris has pointed out, interstate people can upload the episodes on the net and Victorians can still download them. How will the Supreme Court impose the ban? 2. People who live on towns along the Murray River, e.g. Echuca, Yarrawonga and Albury-Wodonga can still watch Underbelly because they can get the TV signal from NSW.
Anyway, this ban is a huge blow to Nine and Eddie McGuire (who initially gave the green light to the series).
- by Johnson on February 12, 2008 at 11:12 AM
First time at posting. So happy I finally found this blog again as I have become totally addicted to it. Kept checking the old blog and was getting a bit frantic that I couldnt find the blog any more. Finally noticed a link to this one this morning so I can now sleep easily again!
- by Amym on February 12, 2008 at 11:37 AM
The lovely Kristin Scott-Thomas finally appeared on Top Gerar. Fans will know that Jeremy always second-guesses Kristin when placing cars on the 'Cool Wall'. (i.e. wonder what KS-T would think?) So he finally got his 'arbiter of cool' on the show. She was coy about her age when Clarkson revealed they were born in the same year - they tried to cover for her. Wiki has it as 24th May 1960. Attractive 47 yo - nothing wrong with that. She is very attractive and plays the sophisticate well - probably caus she is one. Luv your work Kristin.
- by Rexx on February 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM
GNW last night was pretty good I thought. Paul McDermott was pretty sharp as always. Mikey was not great but I think he will warm into it. Not sure what to make of Clare Hooper - hopefully she will warm into it as well.
Missed DH - figure i'll download it instead. It is easy to find downloadables of.
Looking forward to Sarah Connor Chronicles tonight.... not sure how long it will last in that timeslot, but hopefully it doesn't get shunted to a graveyard slot too soon. I'm going to guess it will pull in about 900,000 tonight and then drop off a bit. I'm hoping it will do better than that but i'm realistic.
Anyone care to take a wager on how long Monster House will last before it gets boned? I'm giving it 3 weeks. I think it looks like steaming pile of dog-doo. Rebel Wilson is perhaps the unfunniest comedian on aussie TV.
- by DragonLass on February 12, 2008 at 11:57 AM
I forgot about Desparate Housewives have started relying on my foxtel programme reminder and 7 isn't an option on it so forgot all about it, wont make that mistake next week.
Loving Brother & Sisters and Samantha Who has given me a few laughs. Enjoying Two & A Half men weeknights. No wonder my jeans are getting tight better start taping more and walking again.
- by Shelly on February 12, 2008 at 12:07 PM
"Surprised nobody has mentioned the demise of Waking the Dead. We only had about 5 episodes since it returned and are years behind the Brits. To my mind, why buy the flaming thing if you are not going to show it - give it to 2 so they can screen it behind their blinding new watermark on Friday Night Crime."
I mentioned it last week. The last episode shown was the 2nd episode of series 5. Series 6 was shown last year. I think there are 10 episodes we haven't seen.
- by Gary on February 12, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Anyone want to place bets on how many tims that DSM's premiere will be repeated before next weeks episode?
- by Bereft Skerrick on February 12, 2008 at 01:20 PM
I cannot be held responsible for the poor showing of the Despos of Melrose Place against the shark infested waters of CSI The Whole Bloody World ... hey, if Cat can say it, then I can....as I watched neither. No, I was lying in a darkened room resting my poor burnt retinas from the effects of Auntie's overdone watermark. If I close my eyes now I can still see it - and they say don't look directly at the sun ... they obviously haven't seen that watermark.
Anyhoo, as to why CSI beat Despos, I have mentioned the full moon theory before but that seem to go down like a lead balloon so the only logical explanation I can come up with is aliens. It's simple really and makes perfect sense - invasion of the body snatchers. Well, who in their right mind would watch CSI - Canned Shark Invasion - it's everywhere, it's everywhere.
Yay, one 9!!!
- by Shoopie on February 12, 2008 at 01:52 PM
SYTYCD definitely damaged Desperate Housewives. I think some of the younger viewers would not have switched over at 8.30pm. It also damaged the former number one show Border Security.
Dirty Sexy Money was good but not brilliant. It has potential, so I'll keep watching. Boston Legal did well for a repeat episode and 30 Rock finished off a good night of clever comedies.
- by J Bar on February 12, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Another first time poster, who enjoys reading this column!
Desperate Housewives did not rate in my household because we had a �weak signal� for CH7, which frustratingly has been happening for the past week or so!! No other channels had a weak signal, so after Top Gear we tuned into the ABC for a while then 10 for GNW (we only go to CH9 if we are desperate and there are no DVDs to watch). Does anyone understand digital tvs and have any suggestions as to what the problem is? (I am on the Northern Beaches in Sydney)
So therefore I missed out on GA & B&S which I was really looking forward to watching and also missed out on DH & DSM. Thankfully I got smart yesterday and recorded DH & DSM on our old tv & video although the picture quality will be poor.
- by HG on February 12, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Rebel Wilson is perhaps the unfunniest comedian on aussie TV.
by DragonLass on February 12, 2008 at 11:57 AM
DragonLass - couldn't disagree more. Rebel Wilson is hilarious, the only reason to watch Thank God Youre Here was to hope she'd show again. It's a taste thing maybe. Kath & Kim leave me cold, I've never even smiled at the Chasers' pranks and Good News Week bored me to death. Love Rebel though.
- by Rupert on February 12, 2008 at 04:30 PM
TM a little advanced notice. I would be curious on Thursday if you can please include the numbers for those that watch the apology tomorrow morning. Thank you.
J Bar I was looking for Scrubs in that Monday night timeslot and was quite happy to find 30 Rock in its stead.
Tribal Mind replies: Will do.
- by Cat on February 12, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Ok, I want in on diwana.org - thanks Chris
Only trouble is, you need to be invited to register... so if you wouldn't mind and it's not too much trouble - dp_watson@yahoo.com
Cheers Chris
- by Daniel in Dubai on February 12, 2008 at 04:43 PM
If someone is interested and gives their E Mail on this board, I can issue an Aussie
Torrents website invite (the site is affiliated with Diwana and only allows you to offer
one invite, but after you've joined for a couple months, you can invite a 2nd person)
and they would have to be willing to offer their free invite here, to someone else
on this board.
- by Greg on February 12, 2008 at 07:25 PM
TM, further to Cat's request at 4.33pm today, since the apology for the "Stolen Generation" will be shown on all five TV networks around the country, will the audience for the speech be counted as a whole (as in the Steve Irwin Memorial Service in September 2006) or separately for each network?
Tribal Mind replies: I will provide all the information I can get from OzTAM, and I will add it together to see if I can establish a national figure -- as I did with the figures in "The TV shows Australia loved", which you'll find in the January archive listed on the right side of your screen
- by Johnson on February 12, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Shirl is a sneaky cow. I had a reminder set up on www.ten.com.au to remind me every time that Veronica Mars was on, because even if it was on at midnight on a Wednesday I'd catch it. Just went to check my reminders (prompted by Mr Skerrick's disgust that NCIS isn't on this week) and found that - shock horror - my reminder for VM has been changed to THE frickin WEDGE! Noooooooooooooooooooooo!
Mind, when I get reminders that she's on now it doesn't matter, cos we don't get TenHD STILL down in the sticks!
- by Bereft Skerrick on February 12, 2008 at 07:29 PM
ohnson on February 12, 2008 at 11:12 AM said:
RE: Underbelly banned in Victoria. This court ban just won't work because 1. as Chris has pointed out, interstate people can upload the episodes on the net and Victorians can still download them. How will the Supreme Court impose the ban? 2. People who live on towns along the Murray River, e.g. Echuca, Yarrawonga and Albury-Wodonga can still watch Underbelly because they can get the TV signal from NSW.
Anyway, this ban is a huge blow to Nine and Eddie McGuire (who initially gave the green light to the series)."
This is assuming that people want to download it and that it's worth it?
Another blow to 9, but really, the writing's been on the wall for the last few years...
- by wordisout on February 12, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Can anyone tell me why There will be Blood is making less money than Fool's Gold... Far better film. Could any film be more predictable than Fool's Gold? Is the multiple sightings of Matthew's stomach be the reason? Also, can't believe Juno has done so well either. I found it so simplistic, so naive and so superficial....Shuddered at the saccharineness of it... A much better movie on teenage unplanned pregnancy was Trust.... to name just one
dear bereft - I'd just bite the bullet & buy the DVD of Veronica Mars... or D/L it ... only way to stop your frustration.
My impression of GNW08 was that Claire Hopper is not confident enough nor quick enough an improviser, even brilliant improvisers like Frank Woodley struggled with the charade task (it was too obscure a news story) and Paul McDermott seemed to be constantly thinking, "coming back seemed such a good idea at the time, now I'm not so sure". At least, Paul had the smarts & honesty to admit a joke or charade had not worked... Cal Wilson was the highlight... but then she is used to the "rescuer" role as she constantly saves the Akmal radio show... Mikey was under-used. As for the Jensen sketch, didn't mind the cross promotion angle, after all made sense as his show followed but the Q & A was worse than any year 7 Eisteddfod skit ... Thought Jensen handled it well....
Any guesses for how Underbelly will rate? Tricky as figures won't include VIC... guessing mid 600s... Like prison break, it will have nice eye candy but the themes & violence won't interest the majority. The ratings for ep 1 may be ok but it will not hold viewers for all 13
- by Kate on February 12, 2008 at 11:44 PM
I tried the Diwana link that somebody kindly sent to my email but the site still wouldn't let me play! If anyone else, Greg maube, wants to send it on, I'd be happy to offer my free invite on this blog too. My email is a few posts up. Talk about blogging unity!
Is Underbelly really going to be that amazing? And any word on Packed to the Rafters? That sounds pretty good!
Oh and just officially TM, or SiT, or WWA (whatever we call you these days Mr Dale) this is easily the best blog on the internet. I hope you're getting a ton of hits!
- by Daniel in Dubai on February 13, 2008 at 05:24 AM
Kate - can guess why Fools Gold higher than There will be blood - teenagers and more screenings. That said saw There will be blood last night- and Daniel Day Lewis brillant with an exceedingly unlikeable character - my movie buddy and I are now looking forward to some fluffy films as we have seen some very very heavy ones in the last few weeks - There will be blood, No country for old men, Charlie Wilson's war (bit lighter) and the Kite Runner - need some mindless entertainment! Disagree with you about Juno I really liked it - quirky and funny for mine - but everyone has a different view.
Got home and saw Women's Murder Club - stayed with Shirl HD through to end of Ms Mars (sorry Mrs Skerrick). Thought WMC was OK but similar to the L&O stuff was mutlitasking during the show - reading SMH.. was not a terminator fan so did not watch Sarah Connor Chronicles - but would be interested in views of others - plus of course any view on Monster House - not one for mine.
Still waivering on Underbelly - because I loved Janus & Phoenix but not sure if it is of same calibre plus as a previous bligger said don't know if I want to see Soprano wannabes. I am likely to watch House, recording S&S of course.
- by Cathy on February 13, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Watched the first hour of It Takes Two for Sara (generally bland but glad she got a high score). Then went to Sarah Connor Chronicles which was absolutely brilliant! Anyone who didn't watch it seriously missed out :=).
TM, how did both rate? Did ITT collapse in ratings in the second hour due to Sarah Connor?
Tribal Mind replies: I don't have separate hours breakdown for ITT, but given Terminator's modest result, your theory seems unlikely.
- by arthur on February 13, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Re DH, your question is too simplistic. But looks like Melbourne lapped up DH so maybe they can explain. If your'e referencing Shark-Jumping, maybe some people have become tired of DH and the rash of Secret Women's Business on TV this year.
- by Rexx on February 13, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Can Ch.9 get anything right? Who is doing their market research I wonder...Everyone I have spoken to about it...in different demographics...says the same thing about their new shows: Catriona Rowntree is well past her prime, the formulas are weak and hackneyed, etc etc. Monster House: what a disaster, reflected accurately by its poor ratings. They cut the skits off right at the time when the person caught on camera found out that they were on TV. And hardly any of them really did anything interesting or funny or "crazy". You can't rely on the actors who are in on the joke to make the laughs - these candid camera-style shows rely on the actions and reactions of the unwitting guests. The dumb award they gave at the end of the show to the "best reaction" is a case in point - they replayed the reaction of the guy who won, and he was just sitting there straight faced. That was THE WINNER! What the? Underbelly had best be an 11 out of 10 or Nine will be dead before the end of wk.1.
- by NK on February 13, 2008 at 08:24 AM
One other thing TM, any thoughts about ordering the posted comments in reverse order - as in, latest ones first? At the moment you have to scroll through dozens to get to "today's" comments, and most of the time I would think people who read the comments want to see the most up to date ones first.
- by NK on February 13, 2008 at 08:26 AM
For those interested this is a CNN story on which of the shows will resume production now the strike is sorted. A rather mixed picture.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/12/hollywoodlabor.viewer.ap/index.html
- by Cat on February 13, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Sarah Connor series - I'd be surprised if it builds on it's first episode's ratings. It's ok and I know Nine have only 9 eps to show, but like Moonlight, it'd be wiser for Nine to move it to a 9.30 or 10.30 pm timeslot.
- by Harry on February 13, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Loved Terminator last night, thought it really did justice to the movie franchise. Cast is impressive (although I'm already a big fan of Summer Glau, so slightly biased). Looking forward to the rest of the series. Hopefully those ratings can stay up, as it may just be enough for it not to get moved to a late night slot.
Out of morbid curiosity, I watched about 10 minutes of Monster House. I tried to keep an open mind about it, but it was absolutely dreadful. Not funny at all. I give it 2 more weeks before it is boned.
- by DragonLass on February 13, 2008 at 09:41 AM
As I predicted MONSTER HOUSE was woeful and the ratings reflect it - another bomb for Nine - it was difficult to work out what worked last night - IT TAKES TWO seemed flat and the judges just looked SO BORED! - it really seemed to lack any spontanity last night and I thuoght the singing was pretty ordinary - but it was the first night I flicked across to SARAH CONNOR CHRONCLES - full of action but how do you sustain that every week - taped WOMENS MURDER CLUB so looking forward to that!
My prediction is that MONSTER HOUSE will last another week and thats it!
Thanks TM for the SUNRISE AND TODAY ratings - interesting to see that TODAY is clawing back some lost ground on SUNRISE - only 80,000 audience difference nationally - maybe due to the fact that TODAY have kept a female co-host in the chair for longer than a week! -still cant stand boring BANAL KARL - its like watching a cheesy version of Frontline!
- by GJ on February 13, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Had a bet with my son that Sarah Connor would rate just over the 1 mil mark. He thought higher, so I won! Look I didnt mind the show. Good if you want to see lots of action and things blowing up. Sometimes it works. I will keep on watching for awhile but I doubt it will remain at this timeslot for more than a few weeks. Nein will move it to a late night slot or sat. night very quickly. Or dump it till summer, which is more likely.
Wanted to see Womens Murder Club too so recorded that to see later. Tonight will record Lewis (I was a big Inspector Morse fan and have been waiting for this) and watch House. Not interested in Underbelly which I predict will not be the hit Nein wants it to be. My prediction is that most of 9's older viewers will move to 7 and Lewis , whilst the younger viewers will stick to House.
To those movie lovers in here, I would not waste money on "Fools Gold" sounds stupid to me.
I saw "Jane Austen Book Club" last week with my movie buddy and we both enjoyed it. It's a nice , light chick flick. Emily Blunt stole the show. She is always good value. Have wanted to see Juno but not sure if I will get there in time. I live in a regional area and we only get films for short runs.
Oh, last comment. Saw a bit of Monster House waiting for Sarah C. to start. What a load of old rubbish. Nein, get rid of it quick. And what were you thinking?
- by em on February 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Well, Monster House stank but Rebel didn't get much of a chance to do anything so it's not her fault. Won't somebody please write a show for this girl? Get her out of the execrable Pizza show?
- by Rupert on February 13, 2008 at 10:08 AM
For non-Victorian viewers, Nine have slotted an encore Underbelly screening (of the first 2 episodes showing on Wednesday Feb 13), for
11.30 pm Sunday - 1.30 am Monday morning. I can understand most viewers preferring to be asleep then, but that's what digital recorders and VCRs are made for.
Anthony Ikin is already being tipped by bookies as winning SYTYCDA. He's probably one of the 2 or 3 most experienced dancers on the show (in terms of doing dancing professionally and not as a hobby) that's likely to be the same result for other future Aus winners, who have to be very skilled and well rounded in numerous dancing styles to get ahead, which most contestants aren't.
- by John on February 13, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Firstly, I must say how great it is to read comments from new bloggers.
I watched Chopper Rescue or something on Auntie last night and it was great. No adverts for a start, no constant updates, 2 patients and we knew the outcomes at the end of the show. Then Brat Camp What Happened Next - another great show.
Oh, did anyone see The Time Team yesterday afternoon - I was so excited because they were digging at Castle Howard and when we went o/s last year it was the one of the places we visited.
What is happening in Life Begins as I have missed it yet again. Hopeless.
- by Shoopie on February 13, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Never thought it, but am in love with...'It Takes Two'. John Mangos? What a fake co host of the late great Graham Kennedy's 'News Show' he turn out to be. Why Kennedy ever considered this individual to be part of his team is probably the same rational as this mob. Indecipherable.
- by ken watson on February 13, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Shoopie wrote: Oh, did anyone see The Time Team yesterday afternoon - I was so excited because they were digging at Castle Howard and when we went o/s last year it was the one of the places we visited.
Yes Shoopie and as always was amazed how they can get so excited over broken pottery. More interesting was the 3rd Earl wiping out a village so he could have a grand front yard. Speaking of grand I am glad Grand Designs is back Thursday. I was missing Kevin patronising the hell out of the owners and then ending up loving the building. It is the closest I ever come to reality tv and half the time I mute the tv until the last 5 minutes.
- by Cat on February 13, 2008 at 01:16 PM
"Posted: One other thing TM, any thoughts about ordering the posted comments in reverse order - as in, latest ones first? At the moment you have to scroll through dozens to get to "today's" comments, and most of the time I would think people who read the comments want to see the most up to date ones first."
One way to avoid that is, when you enter the 'who we are' opening page, if you look on the right side of the page, they have the most recent comments. You can click into that, then just scroll up to where you left off. I find that is the easiest way to do it.
Not surprised that It Takes Two is not as strong as previous years. The so-called 'celebrities' are really scraping the bottom of the barrel - I agree with Ken Watson's objections to John Mangos!!! What is interesting is that the previous experience of the singers is not being considered - I know of at least one who has previous singing experience which was not brought up on the show.
Could not bring myself to even take a quick peek at Monster House - but I'm really not a fan of Rebel's style of comedy, so I avoided it at all costs!
- by Beckala on February 13, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Greg asked
"If someone is interested and gives their E Mail on this board, I can issue an Aussie
Torrents website invite"
Hi Greg if you can still arrange the invite please send it to polaris326@hotmail.com
Thanks for offering
- by Polaris on February 13, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I agree Underbelly will eventually be pretty easy for any Victorian and non-Vic Aus viewers to obtain from the internet, as there will be Aus viewers (with TV Video cards on their computer who'll record the episodes)
who will place the episodes on overseas torrent sites for downloading, as the episodes air.
- by Kay on February 13, 2008 at 01:48 PM
So the ABC can reduce its ABC1 monster for the news but I think they will keep the larger one going and hope people will just give up complaining and get used to it. However the monster is still not appearing on their HD channel. And can anyone explain why the ABC doesn't show the 7.00 pm news on the HD channel?
Speaking of HD, has anyone been able to buy a HD set top box in the last few weeks. For those who haven�t caught up, the retailers have not been able to get stock since before Christmas.
- by Gary on February 13, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Interesting to see how poorly Monster House performed, especially since it's been advertised a fair bit on the Foxtel channels - I've seen ads on the Comedy and Fox8 channels. They've also started advertising The Chopping Block on the Food Channel.
Is this the first instance of a FTA network trying to promote its shows on pay? So far it's very targeted but I'm wondering if and when the other networks will do the same.
- by ozpuck on February 13, 2008 at 02:16 PM
I watched the Sarah Connor thing last night (I didn't think I could cope with *another* crime show in the form of WMC). Not bad, but I was paying more attention to the Sudoku rather than the TV! It felt strange (semi-)watching Nein after so many years of blacklisting them.
And then back to my favourite show of the moment: Burn Notice. (Okay, I probably like Top Gear more, but it's a close call.) Although I do have to say the only times I enjoying watching Fiona on it is when she's forced into partnership with Bruce Campbell, and isn't being all "sexy/flirty" (*shudder*) with our hero. And it's not the character, it's the trout pout. I just cannot deal with it.
I might try and catch Underworld tonight, but I do like to have at least one (or more!) TV-free nights a week.
- by tqd on February 13, 2008 at 02:24 PM
To Cathy re Juno - each to their own but while it was indeed quirky & Ellen a very good actress, it was too "neat" and unrealistic... still each to their own...
To GJ - yep, Monster House screamed "dreadful" to me just watching the promo... It looked like it had tried to borrow the "family at home" idea from the Kumars and some character ripoffs from Little Britain, etc, etc....
To Shoopie: In Life Begins - Maggie & Hubby have reunited & moved into a new house (old one had bad memories about the affairs).... Maggie's work has a Spanish theme day which involved them dressing up & getting in trouble with the Council as they served sangria without a licence... Maggie & Hubby(forgotten his name!) are having trouble, ahem, getting in the mood.... they have not had sex for 5 months... so the episode had moments of them setting the romantic mood & it going awry like candles setting fire to the curtains... Their new neighbours think that they are swingers so invite them to dinner & proposition them, they do not accept. Maggie's Dad goes missing and causes a scare but he turns up at Maggie's house while they are out looking for him so all ends well. The rest was pretty much filler, their best friends are now separating & the male friend is staying at Maggie's house plus Maggie's son has his first school girl crush. Oh, almost forgot, Maggie & hubby finally become amourous after going out in public, wearing nothing but their raincoats & getting touchy feely in a restaurant... starting to blush now so here endth the episode recant :o)
- by kate on February 13, 2008 at 02:25 PM
No, the ABC logo only appears on ABC HD when the program being broadcast is actually in High Definition.
The next ABC program in HD will be Robin Hood - Sunday7.30pm. Check the logo then.
- by cpandilo on February 13, 2008 at 02:45 PM
I am getting very concerned for my sanity ... auntie has started to advertise ABC1 shows on ABC2 ... very confusing for someone of my limited brainpower. I guess I am the reason for the blindingly obvious watermark...sigh.
Am thinking of purchasing a whiteboard (shades of Ros Kelly) and placing next to the TV and constructing a TV guide.
Oh yes Cat and bits of rock, but the scenery is very pretty!! Yay, for Grand Design - I wish I had shares in window glass factories in UK.
- by Shoopie on February 13, 2008 at 03:13 PM
I'm afraid I haven't watched the ABC since Doc Martin on Saturday night.
The new watermark sucks big time.
Also won't be watching the news tonight on ABC or SBS.
Because I'm NOT SORRY.
- by Sal on February 13, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Ch10 may be the suprise packet this year. SYTYCDA and womens murder club seem to be hits. I think the two half hour comedies starting tonight will do OK as they have well established stars. And the still have AFL & Big Brother to come. The only blight is Biggest Loser which is just crap. Poor old Ch9 must be in hysterics over underbelly. There biggest show nad they lose the biggest audience through a court injunction! Any way one final comment........ The Sunrise "family" make me gag. The constant vision switching to people laughing at Kochies jokes (especially Mark Baretta) turns my stomach. Glad to see Today catching up a bit. If they got rid of Karl for someone with personality I think they would do better. May be Peter Fitsimons? Husband and wife morning show???
- by ACME on February 13, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Posted by wordisout RE: Underbelly: This is assuming that people want to download it and that it's worth it?
Another blow to 9, but really, the writing's been on the wall for the last few years...
Well, as someone who was forced (by Mr B, but it is his birthday on Friday, so I have to be the lovely wife this week!!) to watch Underbelly, I would advise anyone to not waste any time watching it on FTA, let alone wasting time and resources downloading it. While I could see miniscule sections of some decent performances, the rest of it was just trying waaaaaayyy too hard.
Some of the scenes where there was nudity and sex - I understand the producers want to make it dark and controversial - but the scene where the two sisters were talking and one of them is pretty much naked was just pointless and gratuitious.
I'm also wondering how they could get those kind of sex scenes past the censors at an 8:30pm timeslot - it feels like it should be at least 9:30pm start, if not 10pm. They won't let Weeds on any earlier when it is screened, and it probably had less swearing, and a lot less violence and nudity. While I know Weeds has drug content, I don't think the subject matter is as disturbing as the gang wars which involved the murder of several people. And i'm also wondering why Nine has Underbelly at 8:30 and Cashmere Mafia at 9:30 next Wed, because they really feel like they should be swapped, due to content and tone.
I also felt that a lot of the acting was quite wooden - which really made it unbearable for me to watch. That said, this is just my opinion - feel free to disagree. I may be part of the minority. But when you compare it to the acting in something like Wildside or Blue Murder it looks very poor in quality. These were amazing achievements - I was a huge fan of Wildside in particular. I'm do hope, for the sake of the Australian industry, it is first night nerves for Underbelly and it will settle down. But I won't be going back. Personally, I feel they'll get lucky with all of the banning controversy, and that, along with the usual curiosity factor, will help them get some fairly decent ratings for the first episode. But in the weeks following, I think it will begin to drop.
On an entirely different note - does anyone know if the "sorry" speech is going to be repeated on any of the channels? I wanted to record it (I'm a history teacher who is teaching Australian History this year) but I stupidly put it on the channel 7 coverage, which meant it has the stupid Sunrise banner across the screen for the entire speech. Funnily enough, I thought they would be a little more respectful than that! So if anyone could advise if they are aware of any repeats, I would be extremely grateful!
- by Beckala on February 13, 2008 at 09:29 PM
The ABC logos & ads are to reintroduce digital multi channelling ,that is 3 seperate channels instead of 1 analogue channel.20,21,22 & 23 are the numbers for digital reception.In time when all the viewers are aware of the options the logos will be dimmed. The SMH could help by putting the full ABC program guide in their Monday guide as well as the Ten/Seven HD alternative programs.Even if all HD is not HD !
- by danny on February 13, 2008 at 10:55 PM
found this site after googling David Dale up and down , and round and round , and then , voila` !!
I found a gem here in Vic , "6 Degrees" , ch.7 at 12.30am , during the graveyard shift.. I'm also looking forward to the return tonight at 6.10 on the ABC of Grand Designs . Am I the only one who no longer notices the ABC1 watermark ?
- by jane doe on February 14, 2008 at 01:06 AM
Underbelly was ok. Too bad it wasn't made from the same team who did East West 101 on SBS or Blue Murder on the ABC, because the tale deserves better than the cliches and awkward music of this production. The Melbourne settings seemed wasted too. Of course who could tell what was going on with all the ad breaks that seemed to go on forever.
- by EdgarA on February 14, 2008 at 07:08 AM
WARNING: UNDERBELLY SPOILER IN SECOND PARAGRAPH OF THIS COMMENT: I actually liked Underbelly more than I thought I would. I must admit that I never really followed the hole saga in the news so I have no idea how true it actually is.
Pity that Vince Collosimo's character has been killed off, I really like him as an actor.
- by Nic on February 14, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Quoth jane doe on February 14, 2008 at 01:06 AM: "Am I the only one who no longer notices the ABC1 watermark ?"
Actually, I was thinking last night that it didn't seem as intrusive as when I first saw it. Although (from comments above) it does seem to change from program to program.
I turned on the TV at 8:35 last night, still torn between Lewis and Underbelly. A bit of channel surfing: closing credits on 7 & 9, and opening credits (of S&S) on ABC. Strangely enough, I didn't move from the ABC for the rest of the night...
Start yer bloody shows on time, damnit. I'm never going to get into new shows if they're not going to start/finish at the advertised times.
And I'm going out tonight! MUST set the record for Life on Mars and Lost! Of all the bloody nights to be going out...
- by tqd on February 14, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Underbelly was good, but not brilliant. The acting was pretty good but some of the dialogue was a letdown.
Somehow, I expected it to be more gritty rather than flashy. Because it was based on real life, I thought it might have been more like Blue Murder, East West 101, Pheonix or Janus. But it seems like they tried to make it more like CSI.
I had high expectations because it was overhyped but it felt like it didn't live up to the hype. I taped House and watched it at 10.30. I actually enjoyed that more, so I can imagine viewers might prefer House in this timeslot.
- by J Bar on February 14, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Guess whose husband bought her Colin Firth for Valentines Day? Yes, all 327 minutes of the best version of Pride & Prejudice. Not the claptrap version that he then saw advertised on Shirl last night. The one I yelled "wrong!" at the ad for.
Didn't watch Underbelly. Did watch Little Britain Abroad.
- by Bereft Skerrick on February 14, 2008 at 08:59 AM
There must be a lot of Frasier fans out there going on Back to You's numbers. I thought initially it might have been due to people waiting for House but it did better than House. I did not watch partly because 10 hours of prime time telly a week is enough for me but also because I am not a big fan of the female lead.
Thanks for the apology numbers TM.
And Jane Doe I agree on Grand Designs but disagree on the watermark - it is still pi&*ing me off. move it right into the bottom corner and I could just tolerate it but it is too visible and distracting because depending on the scene it is hovering over it disappears and then jumps back out again.
- by Cat on February 14, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Wow wow wow - loved Underbelly - found it gritty and tight (rather than flashy J Bar). Great acting, great script, great music - I am hooked and I can't wait to watch the rest of it.
Also caught Terminator encore screening afterwards. After reading some of the things on this blog I expected a real turkey, but it was OK, true to the films and that guy is a far better John Connor than Edward Furlong ever was. I may get sick of watching them shoot cyborgs over and over again, but I will tune in next week and see if the story develops.
PS found this blog yesterday quite by accident after an absence of a while, and then had difficulty finding it again today. Do you think they could put clearer directions from old Tribal Mind?
TM replies: just bookmark http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare
- by LAH on February 14, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Good ratings for Underbelly but it'll be interesting to see if it can keep those viewers next week. House and the ABC comedies suffered but still did well against the tough competition. The Chopping Block probably benefited from viewers tuning in early for Underbelly.
Back To You did very well. Maybe another hit for Ch 10. It's better than Rules of Engagement. They must use a laugh track on that show because I can't imagine an audience laughing so enthusiastically to such average jokes. I'm surprised to see the factual shows RSPCA Rescue and Real Seachange doing so badly this year compared to huge ratings last year in the same timeslots.
- by J Bar on February 14, 2008 at 09:10 AM
SPOILER WARNING: Re "Underbelly" I was biased against it but watched a fair part of the opener. With Vince's character gone, the main interest will be the rise and rise of Carl Williams. The actor playing him is good & watchable. In general tho I don't like glorifying gangsters by recognising them on film. Never watched "Sopranos" or "Godfather" movies. We watched a bit of "House" but Mrs R was channel surfing and settled on "Underbelly".
- by Rexx on February 14, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Underbelly would've achieved a debut of 1.7-1.8mil if shown nationally. But only time will tell if Underbelly will survive in this timeslot with a prolonged absence of Melb viewer numbers.
By the way, my friend was asking whatever happened to Sea Patrol?
- by Clem on February 14, 2008 at 11:08 AM
No chat on Chopping Block? Surprisingly it rated over 1m.
- by TenWordLimit on February 14, 2008 at 12:22 PM
No chat on Chopping Block? Surprisingly it rated over 1m.
- by TenWordLimit on February 14, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I'm completely stunned by the >600k Sydney figure for Underbelly, really blew apart my ratings predictions (up) for the show. Didn't watch it but I'll tape the repeat.
Also liked Sarah Connor Chronicles and the part of ITT when it was Sara Groen's turn! Imo the rest of ITT was bland hence my switch to Sarah Connor halfway through.
Hope this post doesn't disappear into the ether like my two other ones earlier this week!
- by arthur on February 14, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Underbelly - Well, it's my ABC night, so I saw a bit of the last hour. It didn't really grab me and really, 9 is just rehashing what we've been treated to from such brilliant Aussie dramas such as Wildside, Janus and Phoenix (ABC) - as someone mentioned before. They used all the usual tricks - dark sets, grungy music, freeze frames etc...that quite frankly most of us being discerning viewers have all seen before. Shake the camera, utter the f word and stutter your lines and it's "cutting edge drama". It's not bad for a major production series but after The Sopranos, The Shield and the gritty ABC crime dramas, it all seems too forced and a little overdue.
- by wordisout on February 14, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed this site has had server problems in the last couple days (as in being so slow to load and the security code number not appearing).
For Victorian reader viewers frustrated or fed up with control freak invite only Aus torrent sites, they can get Underbelly's first two eps
(and presumably 11 other
remaining ones) from link below. It's also on Mininova, another overseas based torrent website. Cops would be totally wasting their time trying to get them removed, as the domain of EZTV site in is Luxembourg, so sucked in.
http://www.eztv.it/index.php?main=show&id=696
- by Overbelly on February 14, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Beckala -
I watched the apology on Nein and the Today Show had their delightful banner across the bottom, complete with scrolling "news updates". So it seems 7 are not the only inconsiderate ones. Actually, the Today banner cut just underneath Julia Gillard's eyes so all you could see were the bags under her eyes and her stylish "bowl" haircut. A little distracting!
- by mel on February 14, 2008 at 01:54 PM
I quite enjoyed Underbelly last night. Except for the number of ad breaks. It was always going to be a hard ask to live up to the hype surrounding this series. Ignoring all that, it was easily one of the best Aussie dramas around at the moment and I'm looking forward to next week.
Clem, I find your estimate rather small. Melbourne's average audience is larger than Sydney's and given that it is based on events in Melbourne, I would assume that the audience would be much greater. 2 million nationally would be pretty conservative.
I'm guessing that Sea Patrol is being held off until later in the year. Nine still has cricket commitments and will need something to replace Underbelly (there are only 11 more episodes).
Also caught the Terminator spin-off last night. It wasn't too bad but I don't know if it can be sustained throughout the series.
By the way, Channel Seven's broadcast of the apology was an extension of Sunrise. The Morning Show didn't start until 10am. Do you have the figures for Sunrise?
- by Matt on February 14, 2008 at 02:39 PM
This show is no Sopranos and its no Phoenix (in fact not even on the same page as either of these definitive shows). Thought that it was very derivative of Godfather, Sopranos, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels etc etc except that one episode of Sopranos probably is more interesting than a whole series of underbelly. Hated the narration by the female police officer who doesnt really even seem to have any role now that her partner was made a detective at the end of episode one. Is the narration the desperate housewives influence. Where did she go after the first episode? Do the producers really think that the audience are so dumb that they need a narrator to tell us the obvious about what is happening on the tv screen? Is it really necessary to have a female love interest for the detective? I dont recall the gangster shows ever being about the love interests of the cops unless they were part of the mob? Also there seemed to be a lot of slow mos scenes ala Lock Stock and scenes of Vince walking in slow motion doing not much that really adds nothing but I guess is good for padding. This show does not live up to the hype. I think the characters were too one dimensional. The real life gangsters must have been way more interesting in real life. I guess thats what happens when you try to target the McCleods daughters/Blue Heelers audience. All in all quite disappointing. An opportunity to create some really great Australian drama blown again.
- by Uncle Junior on February 14, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Hey, Bereft, I have a tape of P&P from ABC shop that is nearly worn out - have been checking out the DVD you mentioned.
I also watched Little Britain Abroad just to see Daffyd in his swimmers but no luck - loved Dawn French as Vicki's mum.
Did anyone watch Mitchell and Webb? Thought it wasn't too bad. I missed Lewis as I was taping Underbelly for a mate of my son who lives in Melbourne - I thought the youth of today were into downloading etc.
Hey Rexx - how come Mrs R was in control of the remote - I thought you blokes never let it out of your sight much less out of your hands. Oh, I get it, early St Valentines Day present. Classy.
- by Shoopie on February 14, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Thought Underbelly was great! I found Vince entirely watchable and am looking forward to next week - I haven't said that about a Nein show in years!
Can't say much for the lead in show - Chopping Block - except perhaps to get rid of Squareshrub. Matt Moran could do the commentary with out the annoying Catriona input.
I agree with previous comments about trying to find this blog again - have been looking since late January!
Tribal Mind asks: But do you now have it successfully bookmarked?
- by AJ on February 14, 2008 at 04:10 PM
I have probably watched a total of 3 or 4 episodes of Frasier and Raymond combined and clearly I am the fool. Back to You was VERY funny. I've seen the first 7 episodes and I hope its back for round two after the writers get back to work...
- by Daniel in Dubai on February 14, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Hey TM, Any figure for The New Inventors?
ABC's Wednesday is certainly looking weaker without The Chaser and Summer Heights High.
Tribal Mind replies: Because I am not allowed to publish the entire chart, I leave off anything I think no reader is interested in. Clearly somebody is interested in the New Inventors: 893,000.
- by Samuel on February 14, 2008 at 04:41 PM
For Bereft and whoever else has been watching the new Torchwood series I hope you realised there were two episodes today. Great to see Martha back in action. She worked really well I thought.
Off to watch Grand Designs - only decision is whether to leave sound on or not.
- by Cat on February 14, 2008 at 05:25 PM
I've just read the AAP report which says that 1.272 million people watched the PM's apology to the Stolen Generation. 458,000 people watched the broadcast on Seven, followed by ABC (393,000), Ten (91,000) and SBS (33,000).
Tribal Mind observes: Plus some thousands of schoolchildren.
- by Johnson on February 14, 2008 at 07:46 PM
by Overbelly on February 14, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Yes, I had noticed this today when I attempted to post a comment earlier when I was a work - I thought the boss was on to me and had done "something" to my computer - which sounds totally ridiculous. Anyhoo, there wasn't a security code to enter ... very X-Files.
Just noticed the time and it was yesterday.
Hey, Cat did you notice Kevin's hair? I thought he must have borrowed Ray's rug til I noticed the date - 1998!!!
- by Shoopie on February 14, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Ah Shoopie, ... the things Mrs R has threatened to do with that DIGI remote! I do control it - like a security blanket, and SHE can't use it well. Somehow 'House' didn't 'get our attention' as it usually would, and after a few minutes of The Belly we kinda got into it. And we forgot about Lewis - shucks. Liked old mate Ramsay in USA last night - he's growing on me. See you over on AMAL.
- by Rexx on February 15, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Shoopie wrote: Hey, Cat did you notice Kevin's hair? I thought he must have borrowed Ray's rug til I noticed the date - 1998!!!
Yes Shoopie - I was late turning it on and thought who is that with Tom Baker hair? It was interesting to see what he was like in earlier series - for one more willing to contribute (the plan for the garden and the gilding) than later eps where he was more of an observer.
I am going to be calling Thursday night Masochists Night from now on. My two shows for the evening are Life on Mars and Lost. They are both stories with a continuing mystery with twists and turns whose frustrations I put up with because they are entertaining regardless.
- by Cat on February 15, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Hey,what happened yesterday? Went to send a post and no security code so I couldnt. Now cant remember what I said so it can't have been anything too great.
Maybe we werent allowed to comment on Underbelly? I know .....a conspiracy!!
I watched too much X Files!
- by em on February 15, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Answer re 7 Thursdays: Any Kiwi real-life-o-drama.
- by TenWordLimit on February 15, 2008 at 09:13 AM
re ch 7 Thursday: Lost is more suited to a 8.30pm timeslot. Family Guy is more suited to a 'more adult' timeslot (though 10.30pm would be too late).
Best to switch Lost and Family Guy over.
- by arthur on February 15, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Does anyone know when the 7 signal will start being retransmitted via the Foxtel Satellite service?
7 should move Out of the Question and Family Guy to 10-ish Friday nights, replacing them with new episodes of Boston Legal (best show on TV) as the lead-in to Lost (which I still think is great)
Tribal Mind: Seven is hoping for next Friday.
- by David @ Replay on February 15, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Putting Lost between two cartoons seems a strange programming decision. Seven should put Lost at 8:30. Out of the Question is a nice half hour of entertainment, but would probably be better at 9:30. Then Family Guy and American Dad could follow.
- by Matt on February 15, 2008 at 09:33 AM
OUT OF THE QUESTION would have to be one of the most boring shows I have ever seen - last night's show had a panel of nobodies - it really has no action or humour and last night it was like watching paint dry -I could never watch it again and SEVEN have made a poor decision in putting this in prime time - it just doesn't work.
RAMSAYS KITCHEN NIGHTMARES was another classic - full of drama, mass expletives and the usual fall guy - in this case Mike the Manager who was lucky to keep his job - compulsory viewing on a thursday night - I love it!
BIGGEST LOSER continues to lose viewers which is not surprising and good to see RPA doing well - it least it gives viewers good healthy tips unlike BIGGEST LOSER!
- by GJ on February 15, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Lost was brilliant again last night. It deserved double the audience it got.
- by Alex on February 15, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Loved Sarah Connor - Sci-Fi junky so was bound to be the case. Enjoyed Underbelly - not normally an Aussie Show fan for acting reasons but was impressed enough to keep watching. Can anyone shed some light on - where Cane has gone? Will Burn Notice disappear? has Lipstick Jungle been shown on free2air or are people downloading - a skill i can't master. and finally Karl on 2day - wasn't a fan but he has grown - the picture perfect smiles and giggly family crap of sunrise makes digesting my weeties very difficult.
- by Karen on February 15, 2008 at 10:10 AM
RE:: What should seven show Thursday - don't they have the rights to Lipstick Jungle? Why don't they start showing that, just to get people hooked back into Lost. Plus, with the writer's strike over, they may get new eps in time for the gap - they can 'fast track' new ones. Or maybe they should just put Lost back in their original timeslot - which was 8:30pm. Personally I missed it last night - early night after a horrid day (damn drivers on the road were obviously not feeling the love of Valentine's Day!) but have recorded it for over the weekend viewing. OR they could start Family Guy 8:30, American Dad 9:00. I did watch the Robbins quiz show last night, but it was just a bit too much of a S&S clone (just not a music focus).
- by Beckala on February 15, 2008 at 10:11 AM
If Lost can't maintain an audience, I think Ch7 don't really have that much in the bank to counteract Ch9 and 10 on Thursday nights.
Perhaps Criminal Minds (if they have new eps) or an early return for City Homicide? The lead in shows are fairly ordinary too. I would push Glen Robbins back to 9.30pm and make OOTQ a bit more adult in tone.
TM - can you please let us know the figures for Life on Mars? Great, great show that just gets better this season. Hopefully ABC1 are getting reasonable figures for this show.
Tribal Mind replies: Life on Mars figure is in the chart.
- by cronker on February 15, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Hey Cat, I know what you mean about Lost and Life on Mars. Am loving both but the mysteries drive me crazy.
The ratings for Lost are awful. I just hope 7 wont move it to some late night slot . How about Brothers and Sisters on at 8.30 Thurs leading into Lost? Not that I care, ABC has me now on Thurs 8.30.
- by em on February 15, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Can anyone reader viewers who saw it offer comment on the 7HD exclusive show The Night Cap that's on at
10.30 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have a HDTV, but forgot about it.
- by Burt on February 15, 2008 at 10:31 AM
I think Ch 7 should put Lost on at 8.30 again. They only moved it to 9.30 last year so they could screen Heroes at 8.30. Without Heroes, why not go back to the original? I'm a huge Lost fan but I actually download the shows as I get sick of the way 7 stuffs it around. I know they are only a week behind at the moment but wait until easter etc etc and they'll end up weeks behind. But having said that, if I actually watched Lost as televised by Ch 7 I would not be watching it anymore because of the 9.30 timeslot... I need my beauty sleep!
- by mel on February 15, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Ch7 could have a show called RNS (Royal North Shore) to compete with RPA. With the recent dramas at the hospital there would be no shortage of stories...
- by cc on February 15, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Lost should be put back on at 8.30. Why Seven would think Out of the Question and Family Guy would do better than Lost in an 8.30 timeslot is beyond me. Family Guy is more suited to later timeslot...and Seven should try and re-build the audience for Lost as it's a great show and deserves more viewers
- by Helena on February 15, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I tend to agree that Family Guy's timeslot isn't quite right. 9:30 would be better. Great show last night though, one of the funniest for a while. "I'm gonna pretend you're the new york knicks" LOL.
- by DragonLass on February 15, 2008 at 11:24 AM
There's a lot of good advice in here for TV programming 'exec's' (so-called). Four questions - do they read it (hope so)?, Does TM talk to them? Why are some of them in their jobs when we can do it better? Would a monkey with a word processor left to his own devices create better programming?
- by Rexx on February 15, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Agreed. The Thursday line up on 7 is totally bizarre. I scratch my head wondering who thought that line up would work? It's odd because 7 have been very solid in their scheduling lately - the move of Brothers & Sisters to Sunday proved a good choice, with Dirty Sexy Money getting the advantage of the DH lead in.
But Thursday's schedule just looks inept.
- by cronker on February 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Karen, to answer you :
Where Cane has gone ? Ten took it off after 8 eps and 5 more left to screen. I believe CBS have cancelled it.
Lipstick Jungle. Only 5 eps have been made ; I greatly doubt Seven will show it till there's more and if they see whether or not it takes off in the US.
- by Sally on February 15, 2008 at 12:16 PM
What should Seven show on Thursday - why not repeats of LOST IN SPACE with Dr Smith and the robot - I'm sure the creators of LOST got some of thier inspiration from the Robinson families adventures when they were lost in space -wouldn't it be creepy if the characters on LOST came across an old relic of Jupiter Two?? - now there's a twist!
- by GJ on February 15, 2008 at 12:55 PM
First Post,
Lost is getting back to the mystic of season 1, but will there be enough viewers for seven to continue showing it? I thought that Sarah Connor is a great pick up for nine, they just need to find a timeslot for it, maybe 8:30 thursday once the footy shows return?
RE Seven thursdays: Why can't seven show Lost at 8:30 and show Stargate Atlantis after at 9:30?
TB: I have noticed the exclusive SCIFI lineup on channel 10 HD every thursday. Does 10 get to include both HD and SD rating together for the timeslots? If not any indication of how low the rating are for the HD channel?
Tribal Mind replies: The HD channels get even smaller audiences than Pay TV, so none of their programs appear in the daily top 100.
- by WD on February 15, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Seven is dissappointing me with their treatment of Lost - the show is better than ever right now and that 9.30 timeslot only applied to Syndeysiders anyway - putting it on at 9.30 after a lackluster piece of shite is killing the show.
Glenn Robbins should be ashamed of that show, zero effort = zero viewers and that's where they're headed!
Also If Ten got the rights to Family Guy their ratings would double overnight!
- by Jimmy James on February 15, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I watched Out of the Question for the first 2 weeks because there was nothing else worthwhile on TV. Its lightweight and mildly entertaining but nothing more.
Last night was a different story as it was up against has huge competition in RPA, SVU & the brilliant Life On Mars on ABC1.
Even ABC2 screened the comedies shown on ABC1 from the previous night, so OOTQ would have been my 4th choice in that timeslot last night.
Whatever Seven programmes for 8.30pm - 9.30pm Thursdays is going to get beaten.
Burt asked about The Night Cap. After the first 10 minutes, it reminded me of ameteurs on Community TV. That probably explains why its on only on 7HD.
And 7, I've given up on American Dad because you've separated it from Family Guy (I don't watch Lost).
- by Sacs on February 15, 2008 at 01:33 PM
I think Lost is suffering from the twin impact of terrible lead-in and the so slow it's glacial plot development of the last season. People lost interest and couldn't be bothered coming back - more fool them.
The rot actually starts at 7:30, not 8:30. The Amazing Race isn't bringing in the viewers that Getaway is, people are turning off for Out of the Question (becoming an apt name for the show) and Family Guy and then turning back on for Lost.
This suggests to me that Lost is on too late. Maybe it wouldn't be as affected by The Amazing Race lead-in as by OOTQ, and some of the loyal fans may return to the more friendly timeslot.
While I'd love to see Boston Legal in an earlier timeslot, I can't help wondering if it's too "quirky" for primetime, especially when its up to Season 4. But any move to bring it back soon and at 9:30 on a Thursday would be welcomed by this little non-colour-specific duck.
- by Ozpuck on February 15, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Very amusing Seven spent a lot of money promoting OOTQ and it already looks like a dud! Interestingly the two decent shows on Seven this week were ALL SAINTS and LEWIS, and the network have hardly gone out of their way to pimp either.
I agree: the ABC badly needs another series from the Chaser guys or Chris Lilley.
- by Idiot Box on February 15, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Tenwordlimit says "Answer re 7 Thursdays: Any Kiwi real-life-o-drama"
Haven't we got enough Aussie real-life-o-dramas? Why Kiwi.
(ps that was eleven words - hope you don't mind)
- by JB on February 15, 2008 at 03:15 PM
May I ask how Catalyst performed last night, please TM? Thanks.
Tribal Mind replies: Quite well for the ABC -- 828,000
- by Ryan on February 15, 2008 at 03:35 PM
To GJ on February 15, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Out of the question on Thursday was doomed before it started, one of the panelists was Fifi Box... sorry but she is often more vacous than Kate Langbroek used to be... Not sure why Channel 7 don't continue with Bones on Thursdays ... I really enjoy the show (& yes, it is all about me ;P) I watch it now via d/ls... Or even Shark would maybe work on Thursdays.... Seven should be kicking Ch9's butt considerably but it isn't due to programming choices & there is still too much one-upmanship programming going on, what I mean by that is We'll put our number 1 show against your number 1 show... O.k I know the objective is to steal audience share but to divide does not always mean to conquer, it invariably means that the network has cannibalised its audience share... take Wednesday night 8.30 as a prime example
- by kate on February 15, 2008 at 03:48 PM
am I going crazy or did I hear Ch7 promoting a show that had been "medium fast tracked". I was washing dishes so am not sure whether I just imagined I heard it. Is there anyone out there who can confirm or deny?
I think the biggest loser is suffering for a number of reasons including unappealing trainers (this seems to be a universal complaint from fans) and their insistance of creating drama with things like "the walk" and "the warehouse". If they let it flow more organically, I think they would do a lot better but as it is, it just seems too contrived
- by krissyg on February 15, 2008 at 04:26 PM
krissyg I heard that as well. Medium Fasttrack. The heck? Sure, last nights Family Guy episode is 3 months old, but I guess it's faster than they usually show it!
- by Bereft Skerrick on February 15, 2008 at 07:21 PM
The 2 Aus trainer hosts of The Biggest Loser are basically bogans (in comparion with TBL's 2 US trainer hosts) whom Ten would be wise to replace for the next series.
- by Steve on February 16, 2008 at 11:06 AM
JB wrote on February 15, 2008 at 03:15 PM
"Tenwordlimit says "Answer re 7 Thursdays: Any Kiwi real-life-o-drama"
Haven't we got enough Aussie real-life-o-dramas? Why Kiwi.
(ps that was eleven words - hope you don't mind)"
I was pretty sure that was a facetious suggestion
(ps a colon isn't a word - hope you don't mind).
- by tafkao on February 16, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Thanks TM, Followup question, which someoneelse may answer. If the same show (say the cricket) is shown on HD and SD channels the station can combine the viewer? As the ads etc are all the same?
Im guessing thats the case. Just wondering as it would become important later on in the year with the major sports events such as the F1 and AFL which hopefully will be on tenHD
- by WD on February 16, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I totally agree with the negative comments about the ticker tapes on Sunrise and the Today show. I was actually watching Sunrise but I thought keeping those ticker tapes there during such an important event in Australia's history was annoying and disrepectful. I changed channels to ABC1 to avoid the spam, where I was distracted by the TOO BIG, TOO BRIGHT and TOO BLUE ABC1 watermark.
Does anybody actually think that these news tickers are actually useful or necessary? I think Sunrise and Today have news tickers that are too wide. They take up too much of the screen with all that info taht is constantly repeeted. Can't they just run it a few times through the hour and leave us ticker free for the rest of the time?. Maybe they should have a look at the new style of news headlines that BBC and Sky News UK use, without a ticker, where the headlines are flashed up every few seconds, right across the bottom screen.
- by J Bar on February 16, 2008 at 03:06 PM
TM, can you tell us how the AFL NAB Cup game between St Kilda and Richmond rated nationally and in Melbourne last night? Thanks.
Tribal Mind replies: I presume that's some sort of football match you're referring to. I've put it in the chart now.
- by Johnson on February 16, 2008 at 05:45 PM
TM, how did Inspector Lynley Mysteries go in the ratings last night?
I don't think Seven will be too pleased to lose the first week to Nine. But will Nine's winning streak continue? That is the million dollar question.
Tribal Mind replies: 629,000, which is bad for that kind of show on a Saturday.
- by Samuel on February 17, 2008 at 09:11 AM
It seems to me to be a "chicken & egg" type question, are the ratings on Saturday bad because of what is on offer or is what on offer so bad because networks think everyone is out on Saturdays... Inspector Lynley may have rated somewhat better if it had actually started at the correct starting time... Why Ch7 put a double episode of repeats of Vicar of Dibley on, I don't know... it cannibalised Inspector's ratings...
SYTYCD is so far lacklustre compared to the American version. Natalie can't ad-libbed to save her life.... The judges seemed to be justifying their choices of choosing the these people in the top 20...
By that way, Nat is finally discreet with the "girls", now we just need Rhiannon to hitch up the breeches.. Even just to hipster level.... a wardrobe malfunction is immenient otherwise...
- by Kate on February 17, 2008 at 06:59 PM
A few letters published in the SMH today about the ABC.
My favourite:
"I was at home watching the new ABC logo on Wednesday night. Apparently there was a TV show going on behind it, but I couldn't make out what it was.
"
Funny, bad sad 'cause it's true!
- by Sal on February 18, 2008 at 01:55 PM
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People probably didn't catch it because the ABC has inexplicably buried it on Sunday afternoons but the first episode of Ken Burns' fantastic WW2 documentary series 'The War' screened at 2pm today. 'The War' like all of Burns' docos is meticulously researched and incredibly involving. It is very US-centric focusing on the experiences of citizens of 4 different US towns but I still found it very moving and well worth watching.