The Who We Are update: Week 14

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

This week of the blog is now a heritage item -- worth studying but no longer current. For the latest discussion, go here

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 DOC MARTIN ABC 1,331,000 355,000 363,000 263,000 177,000 173,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,155,000 293,000 295,000 270,000 102,000 196,000
3 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 989,000 204,000 263,000 219,000 128,000 174,000
4 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC 978,000 298,000 268,000 194,000 92,000 126,000
5 HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE -RPT Nine 967,000 279,000 240,000 185,000 115,000 148,000
6 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 923,000 249,000 269,000 184,000 116,000 105,000
7 SATURDAY NIGHT AFL Ten 891,000 112,000 445,000 114,000 114,000 106,000
10 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Seven 779,000 196,000 240,000 157,000 74,000 113,000
11 MICHAEL PALIN'S NEW EUROPE Seven 720,000 203,000 198,000 157,000 47,000 115,000
14 THE BILL ABC 672,000 221,000 229,000 139,000 83,000 Not shown (but what was on the ABC in Perth instead?)
15 SATURDAY AFTERNOON AFL Ten 653,000 51,000 272,000 51,000 78,000 202,000
19 TOP GEAR (SERIES 1) SBS 419,000 128,000 129,000 78,000 47,000 36,000
Continued here

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,305,000 350,000 428,000 228,000 136,000 163,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,299,000 336,000 335,000 276,000 145,000 207,000
3 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,266,000 366,000 314,000 266,000 132,000 188,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,221,000 324,000 328,000 233,000 132,000 205,000
5 MIDSOMER MURDERS RPT ABC 1,110,000 323,000 324,000 191,000 128,000 144,000
6 ABC NEWS ABC 1,064,000 268,000 351,000 198,000 112,000 135,000
7 NATIONAL NINE NEWS Nine 1,022,000 243,000 355,000 229,000 109,000 86,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 957,000 249,000 327,000 204,000 97,000 80,000
12 NINE'S LIVE FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 790,000 471,000 Not shown 319,000 Not shown Not shown
16 STATELINE ABC 730,000 193,000 255,000 115,000 89,000 78,000
17 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 3: WESTERN BULLDOGS VS ST KILDA Seven 724,000 19,000 446,000 13,000 131,000 114,000
21 HATING ALISON ASHLEY Ten 625,000 183,000 181,000 85,000 94,000 81,000
23 GRUMPY OLD WOMEN RPT ABC 585,000 180,000 161,000 96,000 85,000 63,000
24 SEVEN LATE NEWS Seven 480,000 137,000 173,000 84,000 46,000 40,000
25 NINE'S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 480,000 301,000 Not shown 179,000 Not shown Not shown
What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,502,000 488,000 323,000 333,000 146,000 212,000
2 RAMSAY'S KITCHEN NIGHTMARES Nine 1,479,000 395,000 486,000 217,000 173,000 207,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,299,000 350,000 331,000 279,000 149,000 190,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,253,000 363,000 286,000 272,000 138,000 195,000
5 THE FOOTY SHOW Nine 1,186,000 309,000 460,000 159,000 138,000 120,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,180,000 309,000 392,000 264,000 118,000 96,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,155,000 312,000 384,000 262,000 99,000 98,000
8 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Seven 1,106,000 263,000 314,000 248,000 123,000 158,000
9 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 1,078,000 308,000 319,000 208,000 103,000 140,000
10 GETAWAY Nine 1,077,000 320,000 308,000 209,000 98,000 142,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC 1,034,000 246,000 327,000 214,000 109,000 138,000
12 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 946,000 271,000 248,000 196,000 95,000 137,000
13 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 923,000 300,000 247,000 168,000 99,000 109,000
15 SAMANTHA WHO? Seven 883,000 221,000 207,000 230,000 95,000 129,000
19 LIFE ON MARS ABC 757,000 242,000 220,000 111,000 83,000 101,000
20 SAVING KIDS WITH DAMIEN LEITH Ten 751,000 256,000 154,000 138,000 104,000 100,000
26 FAMILY GUY Seven 516,000 147,000 151,000 81,000 73,000 64,000
31 LET THE MUSIC PLAY: THE BARRY WHITE STORY ABC 457,000 124,000 142,000 64,000 72,000 55,000
33 AMERICAN DAD Seven 418,000 113,000 125,000 62,000 54,000 63,000

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,463,000 336,000 422,000 327,000 150,000 228,000
2 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,459,000 376,000 418,000 269,000 164,000 232,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,303,000 330,000 354,000 254,000 136,000 230,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,300,000 384,000 312,000 241,000 154,000 209,000
5 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,222,000 311,000 445,000 243,000 144,000 79,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,206,000 275,000 448,000 253,000 140,000 90,000
7 UNDERBELLY Nine 1,195,000 529,000 Not shown 306,000 169,000 191,000
9 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC 1,095,000 279,000 374,000 186,000 125,000 131,000
10 THE REAL SEACHANGE Seven 1,090,000 290,000 288,000 207,000 121,000 184,000
11 THE CHOPPING BLOCK Nine 1,081,000 319,000 351,000 183,000 114,000 113,000
12 HOUSE RPT Ten 994,000 270,000 302,000 153,000 115,000 154,000
18 M-GOLDENEYE Seven 865,000 256,000 271,000 135,000 102,000 101,000
23 CASHMERE MAFIA Nine 676,000 204,000 223,000 93,000 89,000 68,000
38 AT THE MOVIES ABC 353,000 105,000 133,000 39,000 40,000 36,000
40 CSI: MIAMI Nine 351,000 Not shown 351,000 Not shown Not shown Not shown
50 NEWSTOPIA SBS 241,000 70,000 82,000 38,000 15,000 37,000

The ratings race, updated 11am Wednesday April 2
Between them, Seven, Ten and the ABC conspired to sink Channel Nine's boat on Monday. Despite massive publicity, including a profile of Lisa McCune on 60 Minutes, Sea Patrol and The Power of Ten couldn't bring NIne more than 23.4 per cent of the prime time audience, while Seven scored 27.0, Ten scored 23.2 , the ABC scored an amazing 21.0 and SBS scored 5.4. Seven remained ahead on Tuesday, which was a much less lively night.

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 NCIS Ten 1,470,000 375,000 425,000 316,000 165,000 189,000
2 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,450,000 403,000 413,000 303,000 135,000 196,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,366,000 325,000 373,000 293,000 147,000 228,000
4 KITCHEN NIGHTMARES U.S.A. Nine 1,323,000 335,000 450,000 215,000 158,000 165,000
5 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 1,311,000 358,000 379,000 257,000 137,000 180,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,288,000 378,000 314,000 268,000 140,000 189,000
7 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,284,000 306,000 355,000 256,000 134,000 232,000
8 IT TAKES TWO Seven 1,204,000 366,000 348,000 215,000 125,000 150,000
9 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,179,000 322,000 361,000 254,000 135,000 105,000
10 NINE NEWS Nine 1,117,000 277,000 346,000 257,000 137,000 101,000
11 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,074,000 299,000 342,000 171,000 126,000 137,000
12 ABC NEWS ABC 1,060,000 257,000 354,000 196,000 112,000 141,000
13 WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB Ten 1,045,000 269,000 329,000 179,000 134,000 134,000
14 LADETTE TO LADY Nine 971,000 266,000 331,000 133,000 124,000 118,000
17 THE MOMENT OF TRUTH Nine 873,000 236,000 258,000 180,000 110,000 89,000
21 STUFF ABC 718,000 173,000 229,000 117,000 97,000 102,000
22 MY SHOCKING STORY Seven 596,000 163,000 185,000 92,000 85,000 72,000
25 FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT ABC 535,000 156,000 177,000 71,000 71,000 59,000
26 HOW ART MADE THE WORLD-EV ABC 513,000 164,000 147,000 75,000 77,000 50,000
31 TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES Nine 421,000 113,000 130,000 66,000 59,000 52,000

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BORDER SECURITY (R) Seven 1,767,000 481,000 471,000 360,000 206,000 249,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,497,000 402,000 379,000 304,000 176,000 235,000
3 SCU: SERIOUS CRASH UNIT Seven 1,466,000 367,000 419,000 308,000 179,000 194,000
4 ENOUGH ROPE WITH ANDREW DENTON ABC 1,455,000 317,000 603,000 186,000 167,000 181,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,413,000 395,000 350,000 290,000 158,000 220,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,381,000 383,000 329,000 306,000 163,000 199,000
7 SEA PATROL II - THE COUP Nine 1,238,000 403,000 325,000 225,000 142,000 143,000
8 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - RESULTS Ten 1,180,000 315,000 420,000 205,000 109,000 131,000
9 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,175,000 292,000 408,000 259,000 113,000 102,000
10 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,132,000 306,000 374,000 182,000 120,000 149,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC 1,118,000 305,000 344,000 227,000 108,000 134,000
12 NINE NEWS Nine 1,112,000 273,000 336,000 259,000 139,000 104,000
13 MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL GALA 2008 Ten 1,039,000 272,000 395,000 153,000 110,000 108,000
14 MEDIA WATCH ABC 1,024,000 284,000 326,000 167,000 112,000 134,000
15 FOUR CORNERS ABC 1,009,000 299,000 280,000 179,000 114,000 136,000
16 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - ELIMINATION Ten 1,007,000 243,000 348,000 188,000 109,000 120,000
18 AUSTRALIAN STORY ABC 943,000 276,000 302,000 177,000 82,000 107,000
24 POWER OF 10 Nine 704,000 213,000 215,000 114,000 76,000 87,000
27 DIRTY SEXY MONEY Seven 606,000 168,000 219,000 100,000 62,000 57,000
28 MYTHBUSTERS RPT SBS 499,000 130,000 145,000 79,000 78,000 66,000

The ratings race, updated 8am Monday March 31
Channel Seven had the biggest audience in a week that wasn't worth winning. Deprived of of interesting drama, those Australians who couldn't make it to the DVD store settled for fly-on-the wall documentaries: Border Security (7) got 1.75 million viewers in the mainland capitals, SCU: Serious Crash Unit (7) got 1.64 million and Bondi Rescue (10) got 1.57 million.

Nine did OK with the Olympic swimming trials, attracting 1.17m on Thursday and ending the week with an average of 25.3 per cent of the prime time audience (to Seven's 28.5 and Ten's 22.9). The ABC stuck to normal programming, and was rewarded with 17.7 per cent of the prime time audience and 1.31m for Doc Martin and 1.22m for Midsomer Murders, while SBS scored 564,000 for Mythbusters (and averaged 5.7 per cent).

With the Easter break over and Australians assumed to be safely back in front of the box, the real battle for the year begins now, as signified by tonight's confrontation between the naval gazers of Sea Patrol and the loose livers of Desperate Housewives.

In the first skirmish Sunday night, Seven's Gladiators wiped the floor with Ten's The Biggest Loser and, by running overtime, chomped into SYTCDA. But Seven's past hero, Grey's Anatomy lost viewers to the ABC's seachange dramedy, East of Everything, with the result that Nine won the night by default: Nine 30.4 per cent of the prime time audience, Seven 29.3, Ten 20.8, ABC 15.1, SBS 4.3.

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 GLADIATORS Network 7 1,847,324 441,270 596,358 392,644 214,812 202,241
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Network 7 1,578,912 362,895 479,828 394,057 148,054 194,077
3 POLICE FILES - UNLOCKED Network 7 1,571,086 406,457 510,499 294,719 191,009 168,401
4 CSI Network 9 1,550,941 386,621 470,218 298,758 205,685 189,659
5 60 MINUTES Network 9 1,404,188 399,551 419,746 280,755 122,191 181,944
6 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Network 9 1,325,528 381,862 369,155 267,305 174,451 132,755
7 MY NAME IS EARL Network 7 1,244,180 307,579 400,913 221,318 166,415 147,956
8 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA Network TEN 1,233,747 353,702 353,211 266,247 140,070 120,516
9 GREY'S ANATOMY Network 7 1,138,053 336,579 324,333 216,867 134,242 126,032
10 ABC NEWS-SUN Network ABC 1,125,453 299,548 333,472 239,452 113,290 139,691
11 EAST OF EVERYTHING Network ABC 1,006,677 362,385 297,409 144,609 86,050 116,225
12 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - THE WEIGH-IN Network TEN 973,523 258,676 290,866 189,756 104,387 129,837
13 BROTHERS & SISTERS Network 7 962,390 296,487 319,222 151,142 102,927 92,612
14 ANIMAL EMERGENCY Network 9 949,234 265,984 234,963 213,719 98,233 136,335
15 RFDS: ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE Network 9 890,005 250,354 211,407 201,617 101,263 125,364
16 ROBIN HOOD Network ABC 778,227 241,562 185,146 145,497 95,407 110,615
17 ROVE Network TEN 777,329 238,040 252,239 122,827 78,226 85,997
21 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 2: GEELONG VS ESSENDON Network 7 608,421 8,323 328,169 68,614 129,295 74,020
28 NINE'S SUNDAY FOOTBALL Network 9 455,225 271,640 158,506 25,079
31 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Network SBS 373,992 118,414 119,355 56,711 36,449 43,063
32 ALI G INDAHOUSE RPT Network TEN 360,792 97,980 118,586 38,850 63,832 41,544
33 GILMORE GIRLS Network 9 342,046 90,644 104,553 56,172 41,219 49,458
49 AFL: RND 2: SYDNEY VS PORT ADELAIDE Network 7 199,063 70,227 Not shown Not shown 128,836 Not shown
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

David Dale is the author of Who We Are -- A snapshot of Australia today (Allen and Unwin). To discuss Australian attitudes, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

COMMENTS

Gladiators: How is it that a pre-produced, pre-recorded program that is about 6 months old can run 10 mins overtime?! Oh, that right, its on 7, who never let the program get in the way of the advertisements. We remember Gladiators from a decade ago as some good natured Saturday night family tv - another performance like last night, and it will return to being just a memory.

by ozinoz on March 31, 2008 at 07:02 AM

Whoo Hoo HD programming in the SMH Guide - Thank you to the powers that be!

Pleased that some things are trickling back into the schedule although I note Channel Shirl is persisting with House repeats - surely there is something they can show at 8.30 wednesday that is not a repeat .... oh what am I thinking!

Quite enjoyed the SBS Who do you think you are series - both British & Oz versions although the last few episodes did not (at least to me) trace a whole heap of the family tree - and focussed on one or two particular people or aspects

by Cathy on March 31, 2008 at 07:14 AM

'East of Everything' did very well, even with all that big competition on the commercial networks. Aussie drama is back in vogue!

by J Bar on March 31, 2008 at 08:54 AM

Thought Gladiators was reasonably good, but don't know if the concept can sustain more than a season. Would also prefer that they streamline it to a) get the flow & b) not run overtime.
Loved the diversity (couples and solo dancing) on SYTYCD. However must say that the judges come across as being really biased. Can't understand why they went hating on Anthony & Jemma when there were far worse performances last night.
Very disappointed to see CSI and 60 Minutes rate so well. These programs must be the most repetitive (CSI) and sensationalist (60 Minutes) tripe I've ever seen... Switched off them long ago.

by arthur on March 31, 2008 at 08:58 AM

Can't understand why people think 60 minutes has lost it. Didn't anyone see last night's hard-hitting piece on Lisa McCune? She sometimes goes to the beach. She's got a few kids. She's in 'Sea Patrol' (Monday nights at 8.30). She's really nice. She's got a husband. She's in 'Sea Patrol'. Did I mention, apparently she's in 'Sea Patrol'? Cutting edge journalism that.

by darren chard on March 31, 2008 at 10:14 AM

Couldn't deal with Gladiators last night - just not my thing. Saw enough of it during Sunrise this morning (home sick with a damn respiratory infection, so am experiencing the joy of daytime television today!) to know I made a good choice. Biggest Loser was the lesser of two evils.
SYTYCD was better with solo dances, but must agree with arthur re: bias in the judges. heard from a girl who went that they highly edited the judges comments, apparently they were very harsh on demi during her solo (which was this appalling hip hop dance thing where she swapped hats about four times, and did a lot of kicks), but a lot of their comments were edited out.
Must say, am loving Brothers and Sisters over Greys at the moment. Greys I could skip, but can't live Brothers and Sisters. I think Greys has lost a bit of its credibility, whereas B&S stays very true to life - you could really believe that these stories happen. Greys has turned into a sophisticated soap opera - yes, a quality drama, but the storylines are turning into pure soap sometimes.

by Beckala on March 31, 2008 at 10:17 AM

Thanks for the guide listing what's on the HD channels. Good work SMH guide!

by merciless on March 31, 2008 at 10:17 AM

@ darren chard on March 31, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Yep was going to say exact same thing re the 60 minutes Lisa McCune interview. I only saw around 30 seconds while switching during ad breaks, but in that time 'Sea Patrol' was pimped at least twice!
Thought SYTYCDA was a much better episode last night. The choere was much improved from previous eps.
Caught the end of East of Everything and thanks to the ABC website was able to quickly download it and watch it from the beg. I enjoyed it and think it has potential. What do others think?

Tribal Mind asks: What is a choere?

by krissyg on March 31, 2008 at 11:06 AM

The analysis of 60 minutes by darren chard is brilliant.... it does describe most free to air current affairs / news programs that involve more promos and fluff and less news or current issues - I get more on current issues from Spicks and Specks than anything on offer from Nein or Seven - channel shirl is still in news denial - we don't tell you about the news .

by Cathy on March 31, 2008 at 11:26 AM

Yes 60 minutes last night was just a crass piece of cross promotion to co-incide with the release of Sea Patrol 2 - and Peter overton's overly flirtatious jaw dropping gushing over Ms Mclune didn't help matters - the whole show has become a joke.

Good to see Biggest Loser and Rove slipping in the ratings - both are over done and over -exposed and I think finally the viewing public are beginning to agree!

by GJ on March 31, 2008 at 11:40 AM

TM,
May I ask how the Swans vs. Port game went yesterday afternoon on Seven? While it's doubtful, an increased interest in the game thanks to Sydney's improved performance would be nice.
Thanks.

Tribal Mind repliies: I have put it in the chart now. It did so badly I didn't even notice it when the figures came in this morning.

by Samuel on March 31, 2008 at 12:40 PM

TM,
How did Compass on the ABC and Suburban Secrets on Seven go last night? Arrived home late last night and these two mildly interesting shows became my 'primetime' viewing. Thanks.

Tribal Mind replies: C 470,000; SS 485,000.

by Steve on March 31, 2008 at 12:41 PM

I caught the finale of The Mint on Nein Saturday night/ Sunday early hours . Omg , whatever the hosts were on , I want some ! The words " sniffed , snorted and imbibed " come to mind . Lyle was so hyper he became incoherent at times , they all shamelessly plugged their new ventures , and something was sure flowing behind the scenes . Utter chaos and madness prevailed , yet it was strangely rivetting viewing . I wonder if the ratings caused a blip on the radar before sinking into rating's oblivion ?

by jane doe on March 31, 2008 at 01:23 PM

ABC2 is going to broadcast a LIVE telecast of "Swan Lake" from the Opera house on April 9.
The ABC web page says:
ABC2 Live Presents Swan Lake will be the first performance in a series of live events on ABC2 in 2008 and will successfully launch ABC2 as a place where live performance on TV happens.
This should bring some life to digital TV.

by Gary on March 31, 2008 at 01:51 PM

Tribal Mind asks: What is a choere?
Bad spelling on my part. Unsuccesfully trying to shorten choreography and throwing a typo as I did it.

by krissyg on March 31, 2008 at 02:43 PM

Tribal Mind asks: What is a choere?
Choreography on Dance. I can't comment on how good it was last nite as I was in the middle of cooking dinner, but compared to the US version it has been crap so far. I did like the contemporary dance set up by Kellie Abbey. Interesting I found myself switching off the tele after dance, nothing that was watchable after that last nite.

by WD on March 31, 2008 at 02:49 PM

Channel 9 this year have just lost it. Its that simple. Sea Patrol looks b-o-r-i-n-g, and doubt hasnt improved since its first lacklustre first season. The only thing that rates on this stupid channel is Kitchen nightmares and the odd CSI. And i still cant believe that moment of truth rubbish is still on.

Tribal Mind asks: What about rugby league? That rates.

by jenny on March 31, 2008 at 03:40 PM

TM, thanks for the AFL figure. The game did pathetically in Sydney, but in Adelaide it was on par with the other afternoon AFL game.

by Samuel on March 31, 2008 at 06:34 PM

Nine have lost all credibility when it comes to news and current affairs. Unless it has some commercial tie in - it doesn't get a run on their shows. Before they used to blend them into some sort of story line. But now they all but have the salesperson out from doing the pitch direct to camera.
What amazes me is that the stupid shows continue to rate. Have we no media savvy in this brave new media rich environment?

by Neil on March 31, 2008 at 08:46 PM

For all you Terminator: SCC fans, it's been shunted to 10.30pm from tonight onwards.

by arthur on April 01, 2008 at 07:11 AM

Denton got great ratings for his first show back. I guess a lot of people tuned in to see what Wayne Carey had to say for himself. Me, well, I dont give a damn about some violent , egotistcal footballer so I watched th Comedy Gala over on Ten instead. Needed a laugh but there wasnt really that many on offer. It was ok , a good way to relax before bed but then there wasnt much else on offer last night.
Wouldnt touch Sea Patrol either. Just boring.
What really amazes me is that Border Security still gets number 1 every week. Why? I just dont get it. It continues to amaze me. It is hardly riveting television.

by em on April 01, 2008 at 07:18 AM

Though they're to blame themselves for letting SYTYCD go to 9 pm, Ten would have to be concerned at Rove's disastrous national ratings for his first show this year
(777 000), as his first show last year had a million extra national viewers.

by Burt on April 01, 2008 at 08:13 AM

TM, Good to see the return of Enough Rope rate very well. Would this be one of the most watched episde for the show? The results of Power of Ten weren't high. I don' see it lasting
And why did Nine replace Underbelly (repeat) last night? I missed the new version last week and wanted to watch it last night.

Tribal Mind replies; Denton was the most watched abc show this year but not the most watched denton of all time

by Jimi on April 01, 2008 at 08:21 AM

Power of 10 - Absolute Turkey .......

by Randwick Geoff on April 01, 2008 at 08:50 AM

Hey TM, just wondering how Footy Classified did in Melbourne last night at 10.30 compared to the Boston Legal repeat. Haven't seen any figures for the show yet and it continuing is dependant on how it performs in Melbourne.
Thanks

Tribal Mind replies: And presumably you are hoping it goes off so that something smart can take its place?
You are unlikely to get your wish, because it got a healthy 246,000 in Melbourne (and 79,000 in Adelaide and 63,000 in Perth). You may have to be content with Seven and its repeats of Boston Legal (which got 124,000 in Melbourne).

by FS on April 01, 2008 at 09:20 AM

Seven isn't much better with their news/current affairs - their idea of news is interviewing sally from H&A or the "stars" from their karaoke show. I think 9 is improving. 7 is on its way to becoming the new 9. Why don't the regular contributors on this blog have a nickname for Ch 7? Those nicknames are annoying btw.

by Cornelius on April 01, 2008 at 10:37 AM

Having given up on Grey's at the end of last season (is that why you spend so long sitting in Accident & Emergency, because the doctors are having love crises?), we have now also given up on B&S. Can't stand Sally Field crying one more time. And please, the "I'm only telling you, so don't tell (insert name)" has been flogged to death.

by David on April 01, 2008 at 10:48 AM

I couldn't figure who could possibly be interested in Denton's first guest of the year - Corey (or Carey?), a footballer and thug. Not the party boy.
But look at the ratings.
Am I out of touch.

by Sal on April 01, 2008 at 10:50 AM

Sal, I watched Wayne Carey last night and it was great television....certainly better than watching a PR piece on the latest celebrity ... hello Lisa McCune...tick tick tick.
Beckala... (just between you and me) I have been checking out SYTYCDA's website and reading the blogs - yes, it's embarrassing, I know - and apparently they edited the judges' comments on Rhys' solo as well. If you watched the elimination last night you would have seen some of it - one of them said it was self indulgent ...??? Also what on earth did Jason mean when he said that Jack's solo was too literal? I am suggesting that the judges are taking themselves waaay too seriously... seriously.
Cornelius ... you aren't the first to complain about our nicknames nor will you be the last. Just take them in the manner in which they were written, ie, FUN.

by Shoopie on April 01, 2008 at 04:33 PM

Hi could you please explain how to read these new figures you have now! Regards John.

Tribal Mind replies: What new figures? The charts are the same as ever. The program name, the station, the total audience across five mainland capitals and then the individual capitals.

by John on April 01, 2008 at 07:07 PM

Thanks Tribal Mind that's very interesting Footy Classified has certainly developed a solid following. BL has dipped atleast 40-50% based on that figure but i suppose reruns of season 2 are hardly must see for a niche audience that no doubt already own the DVD such as myself. It would have made sense to play season 3 and run it straight into brand new season 4.
Anyone know if seven plan on starting 'slowtracked' season 4 at the conclusion of the present season 2 repeats?
Thanks

by FS on April 01, 2008 at 07:13 PM

Wow, tragic figures for Power of Ten. Wondering if it's the lame concept or the totally unappealing host of the show. Many people don't watch Today because of Steve Jacobs. Do you think they'd watch P10.
It'll be gone by the end of April, then they won't pay the contestants who haven't had their episodes screened, then ACA can picket Today!
Yeah like that'll happen.
I'm off to investigate what channels are on my HDTV this week.

by Bereft Skerrick on April 01, 2008 at 08:05 PM

A nickname for Ch7? I propose SE7EN (with Kochie taking the place of Kevin Spacey - I feel like I am being punished for my sins whenever he is on)

by Wendell on April 02, 2008 at 10:30 AM

Just a bit confused - why is the headline "McCune simply not as sexy as Longoria"? Didn't more people tune into Sea Patrol than Desparate Housewives?

Tribal Mind replies: Yes, in total, but more people under 55 tuned in to Despos. People over 55 are not interested in sex.

by Tilly on April 02, 2008 at 10:52 AM

TM, thanks for the AFL figure. The game did pathetically in Sydney, but in Adelaide it was on par with the other afternoon AFL game.
by Samuel on March 31, 2008 at 06:34 PM ....
Is the Sydney figure all that bad considering that the game was actually shown on Foxtel at the same time without commercial breaks in Sydney?

by BK on April 02, 2008 at 12:21 PM

I didn't think Steve Jacobs was that bad on Power of 10. I think it's good that Ch 9 didn't roll out one of the usual old codgers and decided to try someone new. The concept of the show is not very appealing though. How annoying to hear the audience 'enthusiastically' oohing and aahing before each percentage figure is revealed as the dial spins up and down. Shonky!

by J Bar on April 02, 2008 at 02:26 PM

Wow - haven't been able to follow Underbelly due to my work commitments, have been waiting to buy it on DVD later in the year - but caught tonight's episode and loved it. Great stuff, even if it is on Nein.

by cronker on April 02, 2008 at 08:39 PM

Shoopie, agreeing with you about SYTYCD judges - I love it how Jason tries to make himself an expert with his so-called secret 'dance lingo' he feels he has to translate. On Sunday, he was 'translating' that a dance had to be 'entertaining'. Phew, thank god, I don't think any of us could have cracked that code otherwise! And why, oh why, have they all started talking about Light and Shade with every single contestant?! I thought we had finally gotten rid of that phrase with the demise of Holden from Idol!

TM, How is Spicks and Specks doing? Just wondering if there is a difference in their ratings without the strong lead-in of Chaser. Can't stomach Stupid Stupid Man, because I think it's stupid stupid stupid stupid. Watched House for the first time last night, and am now regretting that I didn't get into it sooner! Fortunately, with Channel 10 the way they are, give it six months, and I'll have seen the entire thing through repeats.

by Beckala on April 03, 2008 at 05:49 AM

As someone who loves Cashmere Mafia (I honestly cant tell you why) does anyone else out there understand what is going on with this series? It ended up as a double episode last night and was advertised as a series final but definitely did not end like a series or season final would. Are there any more seasons to come for this show? There seemed to be lots of unfinished story lines so I'm hoping it will be back so that I can find out how things ended up.
Regarding Underbelly, absolutely love the show but am having a continuing argument with my husband about the amount of (I think unnecessary) nudity each week. According to the hubby it is necessary to keep the story line going and I'm just too oldfashioned but really... !

by Amym on April 03, 2008 at 05:52 AM

I see that 7 have dropped The Vicar Of Dibley from Sunday. Despite having seen all of the series and last 2 eps, it was good to revisit Dibley, and it seemed to be doing okay in the ratings too, oddly enough.

Will they schedule it back to Saturday's or have they done a 9?

by wordisout on April 03, 2008 at 06:17 AM

Nein are really heading downhill . Couldnt happen to a nicer station. Maybe it will make them rethink their programming (yeah, right!)

Sad to see Sarah Connor fallen away to barely nothing. I didnt mind it at first but it just didnt get me in enough to stick around. Pity. Is it really a top rating show in the US or is that just Nein advertising nonsense?

I have been loving The Tudors on Showtime . What a fantastic drama! Am surprised ABC havent bought the rights for FTA. They would have a ratings winner for sure. Just love it. Does anyone know if there is a series 2 as next week is the final episode and it is no where near the end.

by em on April 03, 2008 at 06:22 AM

Having a discussion over on the ABC forum about Midsummer Muddles and I noted that for some bizarre reason it seems to rate quite well. Am I hallucinating or does it really get over 1 million viewers each week?

by genfie on April 03, 2008 at 07:51 AM

em I have not seen the show but I do know that the second season of The Tudors has started in the States with Henry doing more of what Henry enjoyed doing most.

by Cat on April 03, 2008 at 08:28 AM

TM any idea why Newstopia jumped from 196 K to 241K this week? Is it simply people watching again after Easter?

Tribal Mind replies: When the sample from which OzTAM estimates the audiences is 3,000, it only takes a few of the sample people changing their viewing habits to make the audience seem to jump by 40,000.

by Cat on April 03, 2008 at 09:36 AM

em...Apparently as far as I'm aware Terminator-SCC was shown after some big football match in the US where it got an audience of 18 milion which is considered quite big there. Nine obviously jumped on this and used it in its promotion here. Since then the audience in the US has dropped considerably like it has here also.
It amuses me when Networks think a hit in the US will automatically mean a certain hit here...Especially with comedies!

by cc on April 03, 2008 at 09:59 AM

As someone who loves Cashmere Mafia (I honestly cant tell you why) does anyone else out there understand what is going on with this series?
Posted by Amym April 3.

Cashmere Mafia was a victim of the Writers Strike and wasn't renewed by the american network that owned the rights to screen it. They originally filmed seven episodes then the writers went on strike and the network screened it in the US and were going to complete the series if the fans and the critics liked it - sadly it got a very lukewarm response in the US so it wasn't renewed - thats why it ended so strangely -it wasnt technically the end of the season but there were no further episodes made!

by GJ on April 03, 2008 at 10:00 AM

"Tribal Mind replies: Yes, in total, but more people under 55 tuned in to Despos. People over 55 are not interested in sex."

TM - Tell that to Jack Nickolson, will you ?

by Kate on April 03, 2008 at 12:49 PM

by genfie on April 03, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Why shouldn't Midsomer rate? It is well acted, well-scripted and generally has very pretty scenery and settings... and a crime is investigated and resolved without all the gimmickery of CSI ... I watch it and enjoy it. It is also a good show to unwind to on a Friday night... glass of wine & a mystery show

by kate on April 03, 2008 at 12:54 PM

Thanks Cat, for the info re The Tudors. I will look forward to seeing Season 2 whenever that may be.
And thanks CC for the comment re Term -SCC. Yeah, your right. What rates in the US doesnt always rate here. Aussies and Americans dont always have the same taste. But networks just dont seem to get that and fill our screens with American sitcoms most of us dont give a damn about.
Then again, I suppose they have to fill our screens with something and we dont make enough Aussie shows to do that ourselves. Still I'd prefer more British comedys to US rubbish.

by em on April 03, 2008 at 01:23 PM

Blue Water High returned yesterday afternoon for series 3. I know it's a show aimed at teens but I've enjoyed it as a good Aussie series. They've made a lot of changes in the third series but most notably it seems like they've changed the filming format. While most Aussie series have gone to HD and the picture quality looks more like a film, Blue Water High seems like they went the other way. It looks like they've changed to a cheaper video format. It also looks like some of the internal scenes are filmed in a studio now, like Neighbours and Home & Away do.

Considering the success of the show overseas, I didn't think they needed to cut production costs. Does anybody out there know anything about the changes and whether they've just done it to save money or has it anything to do with digital/HD?

by J Bar on April 04, 2008 at 06:25 AM

I am feeling totally sane this morning. Gotta love a show that ends with the hero throwing himself off a building to get back to his imaginary girlfriend!

by Cat on April 04, 2008 at 06:52 AM

I've got a bit of a soft spot for Blue Water High as well. It's soapie-like, but it's 100 times more realistic than Neighbours and H&A, considering that no one gets swept away in a monsoon, there are no plagues of locusts and nobody has a long lost son/daughter/mother/father turn up.

by Bereft Skerrick on April 04, 2008 at 09:05 AM

I'm glad there were no spoilers to ruin the final of "Life on Mars". Did anyone guess that was the way it would finish?

by Gary on April 04, 2008 at 10:50 AM

Banal Karl Stefaboring was having another rant this morning on the TODAY SHOW!! - this time about the guy who is pregnant in america and due to give birth very soon - in Karl's words its nothing but a freak show and the couple should be condemned - so says Karl!!! I now know why Banal Karl is so loved by the nein network - his views are so right wing and belong to the 2GB ultra right wing conservative hall of fame - Lisa Wilkinson was just aghast at his comments this morning and I'm sure she cringes every time he opens his mouth - I think he's trying to be a bit controversial (a la kochie) but it doesnt work.
Speaking of horrid programming moves - david oldfield he of one nation fame is now working at 2GB - good grief what will be next - Pauline Hanson doing drive time!.
Finally it's disappointing to see that the BIGGEST LOSER is still hovering around the one million mark - this is the show that puts overweight people through the most rigourous exercise regime - then offers them plates of donots to claim immunity - then throws them back into the gym only to offer them another plate of cream cakes to tempt them to stay another week on the show - its an appalling way to demonstrate supposed weight loss and yet it rates!

by GJ on April 04, 2008 at 02:05 PM

Re the conclusion to Life On Mars: I was left rather dissatisfied - I felt it should have ended with Sam running off the roof.
What a great series though. Only two seasons, and with only a slight dip at the beginning of the second, it was great television.
Very rare these days!
Only things as good that I can think of are Dexter and Dirt (both Foxtel).

by Sal on April 04, 2008 at 02:06 PM

I forgot to add: fans of Life On Mars might be interested in a new show which started in February.
Ashes to Ashes - "A female police detective has an accident and wakes up to find herself thrown back in time 27 years, where she soon conflicts with DCI Gene Hunt's team, which she recognizes from the reports made by DCI Sam Tyler about his own trip to 1973 after a similar accident. "
It stars Philip Glenister, plus the gorgeous Keeley Hawes (Zoe from Spooks) as DI Alex Drake.
Hope it's not too much of a good thing!!!

by Sal on April 04, 2008 at 02:13 PM

I watched Blue Water High, and I too was very dissappointed with the cheap film quality, it looks like it is shot with a cheap hand camera the quality of the film was appauling

by dave on April 04, 2008 at 05:19 PM

hi TM
Seven had a late news bulletin for the first time in years last night - possibly trialling for a return.. Do you know how it rated? (i believe it was 11.30pm in the AFL states, 10.30 elsewhere). I'm wondering if there's enough of an audience to sustain late news on three commercial networks, is the culture changing that more people are staying up this late at night, wanting news?

Tribal Mind replies: I've put it in the chart, above

by ryan on April 05, 2008 at 10:17 AM

According to eBroadcast's schedule, last night The Bill was showing in Perth like everywhere else. Not sure why it didn't apparently register.

Tribal Mind wonders: On OzTAM's ratings chart this morning, there is no figure for The Bill in Perth. We'll just have to wait for the Westies to wake up and tell us why.

by Cyril Washbrook on April 06, 2008 at 08:32 AM

Just saw the new Dr Who and loved it. Much relief that Catherine Tate (Donna) is significantly toned down. Big surprise at the end of the episode and Bereft I think Master nearly 7 will be very happy.

by Cat on April 06, 2008 at 01:00 PM

by Cat on April 06, 2008 at 01:00 PM

To be fair to Catherine Tate, Donna was meant to be really, very annoying in the Runaway Bride episode...

by Kate on April 06, 2008 at 08:29 PM

TM,
Apologies for the late enquiry, but do you still have the figures for Stupid Stupid Man last Wednesday on the ABC? It's been interesting to follow how an original Foxtel scripted series is doing on FTA. Thanks in advance.

Tribal Mind replies: 619,000.

by Ryan on April 07, 2008 at 09:35 PM

Do you have the ratings for Gardening Australia on Saturday night, TM? It's regular viewing for older viewers like myself.

by Elizabeth on April 08, 2008 at 11:15 AM

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