The Who We Are update: The vicar uplifts Seven

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

To discuss why Pay TV programs have so few viewers, go to The Tribal Mind

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Network 7 1,368,000 416,000 352,000 281,000 125,000 193,000
2 THE VICAR OF DIBLEY Network 7 1,237,000 277,000 403,000 237,000 136,000 184,000
3 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Network 9 1,172,000 268,000 401,000 241,000 152,000 110,000
4 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Network 9 1,155,000 279,000 361,000 224,000 149,000 142,000
5 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Network 7 926,000 253,000 270,000 205,000 82,000 116,000
6 ABC NEWS-SAT Network ABC1 880,000 227,000 279,000 149,000 96,000 129,000
7 THE WIZARD OF OZ -RPT Network 9 878,000 214,000 297,000 153,000 80,000 134,000
8 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SAT Network TEN 869,000 161,000 282,000 161,000 110,000 155,000
9 THE BILL Network ABC1 748,000 229,000 226,000 140,000 61,000 92,000
10 M-THE RECRUIT Network 7 725,000 162,000 214,000 157,000 76,000 116,000
11 BATMAN BEGINS -RPT Network 9 720,000 172,000 264,000 134,000 67,000 82,000
12 SATURDAY NIGHT AFL Network TEN 704,000 357,000 131,000 120,000 96,000
13 GARDENING AUSTRALIA Network ABC1 658,000 156,000 226,000 112,000 80,000 84,000
14 SATURDAY AFTERNOON AFL Network TEN 647,000 67,000 293,000 34,000 132,000 121,000
15 ABC NEWS UP-DATE Network ABC1 626,000 193,000 198,000 98,000 49,000 87,000
16 WILD AT HEART Network ABC1 625,000 181,000 171,000 148,000 58,000 69,000
17 MIDSOMER MURDERS RPT Network ABC1 614,000 168,000 200,000 102,000 60,000 83,000
Continued here.

The ratings race, updated 11.55am Friday
Channel Nine won last night and clinched its hold on the week (with 27.7 per cent of the prime time audience to Seven's 26.6) but Pamela Anderson's hold on the younger audience slipped a little as Big Brother headed back down towards a million viewers.

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,436,000 372,000 420,000 269,000 159,000 216,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,366,000 378,000 391,000 252,000 146,000 199,000
3 GETAWAY Nine 1,286,000 398,000 372,000 224,000 134,000 157,000
4 THE CELEBRITY SINGING BEE Nine 1,266,000 383,000 422,000 167,000 144,000 150,000
5 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 1,220,000 368,000 356,000 214,000 135,000 146,000
6 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,175,000 307,000 384,000 235,000 101,000 147,000
7 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,159,000 361,000 345,000 184,000 124,000 146,000
8 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,140,000 293,000 345,000 243,000 135,000 124,000
9 MY NAME IS EARL Seven 1,128,000 336,000 316,000 244,000 98,000 134,000
10 NINE NEWS Nine 1,107,000 292,000 365,000 238,000 104,000 108,000
11 LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT Ten 1,101,000 312,000 363,000 201,000 95,000 130,000
12 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Seven 1,083,000 295,000 317,000 225,000 118,000 129,000
13 BONES Seven 1,075,000 293,000 324,000 213,000 106,000 139,000
14 BIG BROTHER - PAMELA ANDERSON'S TRICKS OF THE TRADE Ten 1,023,000 292,000 288,000 198,000 109,000 136,000
15 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,015,000 250,000 327,000 243,000 100,000 96,000
23 ALL NEW FUTURAMA Ten 804,000 214,000 256,000 136,000 84,000 114,000
24 THE AMAZING RACE Seven 797,000 222,000 313,000 88,000 91,000 82,000
29 Q & A ABC1 486,000 166,000 141,000 73,000 43,000 62,000
31 INSPECTOR REX RPT SBS 445,000 125,000 141,000 89,000 42,000 48,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Thursday
Give that woman a permanent job! The advent of Pamela Anderson brought an extra half million viewers to Big Brother and gave Channel Ten a bigger audience share than Channel Nine last night (24 per cent to 23.8). But a whole other bunch of viewers (we don't want to say smarter, funnier, and more socially aware, but you can) stuck with the ABC between 8pm and 10 pm, giving it a massive 20.6 per cent of the prime time audience. Give those Working Dogs a permanent program!

With all the action going on elsewhere, the new season of Prison Break slipped in unnoticed, as you'll see at the bottom of the chart, below.

Channel Seven won the night, thanks to RSPCA Animal Rescue, but not well enough to offset the huge lead Nine had established on Sunday. The prime time audience shares for the week stand at: Nine 27.7%, Seven 26.6%, Ten 21.0%, ABC 17.6% and SBS 7.2%.

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,554,000 428,000 424,000 288,000 174,000 240,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,439,000 416,000 417,000 247,000 161,000 199,000
3 BIG BROTHER - PAMELA ANDERSON ENTERS THE HOUSE Ten 1,417,000 417,000 410,000 290,000 145,000 154,000
4 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,349,000 365,000 428,000 257,000 155,000 145,000
5 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,349,000 361,000 409,000 246,000 128,000 205,000
6 THE GRUEN TRANSFER ABC1 1,302,000 365,000 427,000 239,000 131,000 140,000
7 NINE NEWS Nine 1,293,000 390,000 386,000 290,000 121,000 106,000
8 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,286,000 380,000 392,000 272,000 123,000 119,000
9 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,242,000 371,000 381,000 284,000 115,000 92,000
10 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,230,000 305,000 383,000 243,000 114,000 185,000
11 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,220,000 364,000 355,000 210,000 119,000 172,000
12 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,208,000 346,000 348,000 224,000 119,000 171,000
13 THE HOLLOWMEN ABC1 1,185,000 374,000 425,000 156,000 100,000 130,000
14 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,163,000 320,000 375,000 181,000 107,000 181,000
15 THE NEW INVENTORS ABC1 1,054,000 301,000 327,000 218,000 108,000 100,000
16 MISSING PERSONS UNIT Nine 1,051,000 316,000 327,000 184,000 120,000 103,000
18 BIG BROTHER Ten 957,000 292,000 261,000 183,000 108,000 114,000
21 NUMB3RS Ten 900,000 245,000 292,000 178,000 98,000 87,000
22 COLD CASE Nine 886,000 261,000 267,000 170,000 89,000 99,000
23 FIRE 000 Nine 857,000 287,000 270,000 148,000 70,000 81,000
27 PRISON BREAK Seven 727,000 211,000 249,000 90,000 87,000 91,000
36 FOOD SAFARI RPT SBS 429,000 134,000 113,000 86,000 46,000 50,000
37 THE PASSIONATE APPRENTICES SBS 419,000 119,000 130,000 69,000 47,000 54,000

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,560,000 425,000 426,000 317,000 164,000 227,000
2 THE ONE - AUSTRALIA'S MOST GIFTED PSYCHIC Seven 1,468,000 411,000 374,000 327,000 157,000 199,000
3 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,447,000 429,000 476,000 232,000 153,000 157,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,385,000 377,000 367,000 285,000 157,000 200,000
5 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,343,000 376,000 397,000 276,000 151,000 143,000
6 WIPEOUT Nine 1,339,000 425,000 422,000 222,000 139,000 130,000
7 NCIS EP 2 RPT Ten 1,318,000 357,000 424,000 231,000 152,000 155,000
8 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,274,000 388,000 397,000 211,000 134,000 143,000
9 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,266,000 344,000 358,000 319,000 135,000 111,000
10 NINE NEWS Nine 1,229,000 334,000 378,000 274,000 131,000 113,000
11 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,220,000 337,000 311,000 257,000 134,000 180,000
12 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,205,000 321,000 384,000 249,000 117,000 133,000
13 NCIS EP 1 RPT Ten 1,071,000 251,000 325,000 214,000 123,000 157,000
16 BORDER PATROL NZ Seven 936,000 271,000 263,000 202,000 102,000 97,000
21 BIG BROTHER Ten 857,000 250,000 245,000 177,000 91,000 94,000
22 LADETTE TO LADY Nine 792,000 246,000 284,000 96,000 87,000 79,000
26 RAMSAY'S BOILING POINT Seven 616,000 192,000 172,000 125,000 73,000 54,000
29 MEDICAL MAVERICKS: THE HISTORY OF SELF-EXPERIMENTATION-EV ABC1 549,000 165,000 133,000 116,000 71,000 64,000
32 BILL GATES: HOW A GEEK CHANGED THE WORLD SBS 519,000 167,000 148,000 107,000 44,000 53,000
34 HOW TO HAVE SEX AFTER MARRIAGE Nine 477,000 160,000 122,000 77,000 63,000 55,000

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,583,000 417,000 518,000 260,000 163,000 225,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,548,000 423,000 406,000 328,000 145,000 245,000
3 BORDER SECURITY (R) Seven 1,485,000 436,000 432,000 280,000 130,000 208,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,426,000 417,000 371,000 276,000 139,000 224,000
5 SURF PATROL Seven 1,408,000 384,000 445,000 254,000 137,000 190,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,383,000 391,000 442,000 277,000 152,000 121,000
7 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,313,000 355,000 437,000 260,000 139,000 123,000
8 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,309,000 369,000 421,000 197,000 148,000 174,000
9 THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE Nine 1,270,000 363,000 394,000 229,000 137,000 147,000
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,242,000 362,000 412,000 248,000 132,000 89,000
13 DAVID ATTENBOROUGH'S LIFE OF MAMMALS Nine 1,197,000 327,000 335,000 250,000 138,000 148,000
18 ELDERS WITH ANDREW DENTON ABC1 876,000 261,000 273,000 154,000 75,000 113,000
19 BIG BROTHER Ten 867,000 224,000 263,000 157,000 109,000 114,000
20 GOOD NEWS WEEK Ten 862,000 244,000 283,000 131,000 102,000 101,000
21 BIG BROTHER NOMINATION Ten 853,000 240,000 252,000 153,000 99,000 109,000
22 TOP GEAR SBS 838,000 224,000 254,000 145,000 110,000 106,000
23 THE F WORD Nine 806,000 178,000 308,000 127,000 93,000 101,000
26 FOUR CORNERS ABC1 731,000 238,000 190,000 151,000 57,000 95,000
27 BOSTON LEGAL Seven 713,000 213,000 249,000 80,000 84,000 87,000
29 MARK LOVES SHARON Ten 676,000 196,000 215,000 94,000 97,000 74,000
41 30 ROCK Seven 372,000 118,000 129,000 36,000 52,000 38,000

Channel Nine and the ABC broke records last week, and Channel Seven breathed a sigh of relief. The 2.14 million viewers in the mainland capitals who watched last Wednesday's State of Origin game was the highest audience for such an event since OzTAM started measuring ratings in 2001. The 1.25 million who gathered on Sunday to see Kylie Minogue in French maid uniform was the highest audience for any Dr Who episode.

And now that the big biffo is over until grand final time, Channel Seven can get on with its attempt to prove it can win the second half of the year without needing to include the two weeks of the Olympics. Seven's fightback continues tomorrow with episodes of an ancient Gordon Ramsay series and on Wednesday with the replacement of Ugly Betty with the traditional family favourite RSPCA Animal Rescue, which is "counterprogrammed" against Nine's Fire 000.

The ABC benefitted by providing a refuge for the biffophobes on Wednesday, drawing 1.1 million for both Spicks and Specks and The Gruen Transfer. SBS drew 872,000 for Top Gear (see the Top 40, below).

Seven is cheered by the notion that if Nine had not swamped Wednesday with the State of Origin, the week's audience shares would have been very different from: Nine 29.5 per cent, Seven 27.6, Ten 19.8, ABC 17.5 and SBS 5.6.

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 60 MINUTES Nine 1,946,000 571,000 559,000 362,000 211,000 242,000
2 DOMESTIC BLITZ Nine 1,578,000 481,000 479,000 264,000 168,000 185,000
3 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,565,000 475,000 509,000 242,000 194,000 145,000
4 CSI Nine 1,555,000 388,000 467,000 306,000 188,000 207,000
5 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,527,000 341,000 452,000 345,000 166,000 222,000
6 GLADIATORS Seven 1,258,000 287,000 430,000 239,000 135,000 168,000
7 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC1 1,227,000 369,000 332,000 254,000 116,000 155,000
8 BATTLE OF THE CHOIRS Seven 1,159,000 326,000 382,000 200,000 123,000 129,000
9 DOCTOR WHO ABC1 1,112,000 381,000 282,000 229,000 88,000 133,000
10 VALENTINE'S DAY ABC1 1,037,000 330,000 353,000 140,000 99,000 115,000
13 BIG BROTHER LIVE EVICTION Ten 965,000 256,000 306,000 172,000 113,000 119,000
14 PRIVATE PRACTICE Seven 935,000 302,000 271,000 170,000 89,000 103,000
15 DEXTER Ten 932,000 241,000 337,000 129,000 91,000 133,000
17 DOCTOR WHO: CONFIDENTIAL CUTDOWN ABC1 921,000 292,000 272,000 178,000 75,000 104,000
18 ROVE Ten 871,000 241,000 296,000 131,000 90,000 112,000
21 BIG BROTHER SUN Ten 753,000 222,000 224,000 116,000 93,000 98,000
23 WIMBLEDON MEN'S FINAL Nine 656,000 182,000 208,000 95,000 68,000 102,000
24 LIPSTICK JUNGLE Seven 642,000 199,000 221,000 104,000 58,000 58,000
27 NINE'S SUNDAY FOOTBALL Nine 459,000 275,000 167,000 17,000
28 FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS Ten 444,000 118,000 162,000 53,000 52,000 58,000
29 TRINNY & SUSANNAH UNDRESS Seven 421,000 115,000 143,000 68,000 55,000 40,000
31 CAR OF THE FUTURE SBS 372,000 107,000 111,000 74,000 44,000 36,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, week ending July 5
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 STATE OF ORIGIN RUGBY LEAGUE 3 - MATCH Network 9 2,145,000 920,000 329,000 708,000 81,000 107,000
2 60 MINUTES Network 9 1,810,000 523,000 519,000 354,000 185,000 229,000
3 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Network 9 1,661,000 454,000 489,000 275,000 205,000 239,000
4 CITY HOMICIDE Network 7 1,611,000 441,000 541,000 282,000 158,000 188,000
5 AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT Network 7 1,587,000 508,000 410,000 235,000 221,000 214,000
6 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Network 7 1,571,000 450,000 428,000 398,000 146,000 149,000
7 SEVEN NEWS Network 7 1,557,000 435,000 427,000 294,000 161,000 241,000
8 DOMESTIC BLITZ Network 9 1,514,000 395,000 448,000 291,000 182,000 198,000
9 BORDER SECURITY (R) Network 7 1,503,000 425,000 433,000 262,000 160,000 224,000
10 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Network 7 1,495,000 459,000 416,000 249,000 171,000 199,000
11 CSI Network 9 1,469,000 375,000 462,000 276,000 183,000 174,000
12 STATE OF ORIGIN PRE MATCH Network 9 1,403,000 583,000 269,000 459,000 92,000
13 SURF PATROL Network 7 1,383,000 410,000 410,000 230,000 140,000 193,000
14 TODAY TONIGHT Network 7 1,369,000 401,000 377,000 230,000 153,000 207,000
15 HELL'S KITCHEN Network 9 1,354,000 379,000 446,000 205,000 138,000 187,000
16 GETAWAY Network 9 1,348,000 444,000 371,000 239,000 119,000 175,000
17 NCIS Network TEN 1,313,000 344,000 358,000 243,000 168,000 200,000
18 DAVID ATTENBOROUGH'S LIFE OF MAMMALS Network 9 1,303,000 345,000 398,000 255,000 155,000 150,000
19 STATE OF ORIGIN POST MATCH Network 9 1,290,000 516,000 253,000 459,000 62,000
20 THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE Network 9 1,266,000 363,000 441,000 224,000 125,000 115,000
21 PRIVATE PRACTICE Network 7 1,263,000 412,000 405,000 215,000 108,000 124,000
22 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Network 7 1,251,000 278,000 330,000 291,000 128,000 224,000
23 DOCTOR WHO: VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED Network ABC1 1,248,000 434,000 344,000 214,000 111,000 145,000
24 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Network 9 1,224,000 338,000 384,000 240,000 133,000 129,000
25 NCIS RPT Network TEN 1,211,000 349,000 333,000 191,000 144,000 194,000
26 HOME AND AWAY Network 7 1,198,000 367,000 313,000 210,000 133,000 176,000
27 NINE NEWS Network 9 1,198,000 335,000 378,000 244,000 135,000 106,000
28 WORLD'S GOT TALENT Network 7 1,196,000 365,000 352,000 181,000 156,000 143,000
29 ABC NEWS Network ABC1 1,186,000 323,000 384,000 223,000 106,000 150,000
30 ABC NEWS-SUN Network ABC1 1,185,000 354,000 349,000 243,000 103,000 135,000
31 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Network 9 1,176,000 327,000 332,000 238,000 161,000 117,000
32 BATTLE OF THE CHOIRS Network 7 1,159,000 348,000 384,000 174,000 115,000 138,000
33 A CURRENT AFFAIR Network 9 1,156,000 323,000 370,000 245,000 118,000 99,000
34 ALL SAINTS Network 7 1,148,000 381,000 366,000 127,000 140,000 135,000
35 GLADIATORS Network 7 1,136,000 316,000 376,000 207,000 121,000 115,000
36 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Network 9 1,127,000 329,000 264,000 242,000 115,000 178,000
37 SPICKS AND SPECKS-EV Network ABC1 1,126,000 304,000 395,000 172,000 140,000 115,000
38 THE SIMPSONS TUES Network TEN 1,126,000 316,000 344,000 172,000 141,000 152,000
39 WITHOUT A TRACE Network 9 1,119,000 300,000 368,000 175,000 152,000 124,000
40 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Network TEN 1,106,000 324,000 354,000 186,000 134,000 109,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)

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

COMMENTS

from Gallifreyone:
"Voyage of the Damned has scored the highest Australian ratings ever for Doctor Who in the modern era. According to David Dale 'Voyage' rated 1,248,000 viewers in the five major capital cities. The record breaking Christmas special, starring Australian Kylie Minogue, was only beaten in its timeslot by Channel Nine's 60 minutes which was the top-rating programme of the day with 1.8 million viewers ('Voyage' was the top ABC programme for the day and 7th overall). The previous highest rating Doctor Who episode for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation was 'Rose' which scored 1.1 million Australian viewers back in 2005. As way of comparison, the ABC's top programme for the preceding week was 'Spicks and Specks' which received 1.35 million viewers."

by Cat on July 06, 2008 at 08:28 PM

Thanks Cat for letting me know last week you were still around, albeit snorkling with William McInnes - shades of Sea Change?!
Caught a few minutes of 60 Minutes last night whilst dinner was being prepared - saw a bit of Liz Hayes - what on earth has happened to her - looks like botched botox.... the whole family was surprised at her look so much so we were all creeped out.
Gave up on Lipstick Jungle after one ep - did not draw me in - but then again I was not a Sex and the City fan either...

by Cathy on July 07, 2008 at 09:31 AM

Wasnt as impressed with last night's DR WHO as I was with previous week and I'm not sure I can totally relate to Catherine Tate as the Dr's assistant - I expect her to break into one of her zany characters any minute and at times last night wasn't sure whether I was watching DR WHO or THE CATHERINE TATE SHOW!
Still the fact that I can watch DR WHO on a SUNDAY NIGHT in preference to BIG BROTHER is a big plus.
Can't wait for the debut of the HOLLOWMEN this week - early reviews are good and THE WORKING DOG team rarely disappoint!

by GJ on July 07, 2008 at 09:33 AM

Was sort of excited that ABC was going to start showing Doctor Who Confidential, having not d/l'ed it or seen it before. Boy I was wrong. It's like seeing the actors from The Simpsons do the voices. Takes away the magic and the fantasy.
And sure I know David Tennant is Scottish, but seeing him dressed as The Doctor and speaking in his natural accent. Just. No.

by Bereft Skerrick on July 07, 2008 at 09:50 AM

Caught the back half of Private Practice after driving my girlfriend back to her place. Didn't seem to miss anything hehe. Next time I'll probably just watch the last half hour of episodes instead!
Am very worried about Lipstick Jungle's ratings (found it was something like 670k) - they'll probably get the can soon.

by arthur on July 07, 2008 at 10:08 AM

Have been meaning to watch Dexter on d/l but finally caught it last night. Thought it was great. Channel Shirl will give it a month then graveyard it.

Tribal Mind replies: This may be an exception to the usual network madness. For the timeslot, it did well last night.

by Bereft Skerrick on July 07, 2008 at 10:57 AM

While we're on the subject of records being broken surely BIG BROTHER getting less than a million viewers for a SUNDAY NIGHT EVICTION must be a first - last night's 965,000 viewers must surely mean the end for the franchise - it's just not worth watching anymore!! - and bringing PAMELA ANDERSON into the house - what's she going to do - strut around in slow motion in a red swimsuit with a boogie board under one arm and RIMA under the other - scintillating stuff!!!!

by GJ on July 07, 2008 at 11:08 AM

Good to see Dr Who's ratings up there. Wasnt that impressed with Cahterine Tate but hopefully will get used to her. Still I suppose there will be no more of that "romantic tension" in this season with her and maybe a bit more comedy. And I agree, Bereft, seeing Confidential did take some of the magic off the show. These "extras" are I suppose made for DVD release really and I wonder why ABC decided to air them?

Gave up on Private Practice after last week and same with LJ. Just not that interested I'm afraid.

And Dexter had reasonable ratings I thought. I wonder how it will fare long term though on FTA. Time will tell.

by em on July 07, 2008 at 11:11 AM

I enjoyed Doctor Who, didn't mind the "Confidential" that followed, but I did think it was rather strange that I found Catherine Tate funnier as herself in the Confidential than as any of her characters (including Donna).
Loved the bit when the Doctor first spies Donna though, thought that was great. (And Mr TQD spent a while trying to get a recalcitrant and grumpy Miss Boo to say "am I bovverred?" this morning so obviously her presence in Doctor Who affected him in strange ways...)
Recorded Dexter to watch at a more reasonable hour. Enjoyed Roman Holiday (for the zillionth time, but obviously not since I met Mr TQD, because it was his first time watching it). I see they've scheduled "Sabrina" in for this weekend. However, I already own that on DVD so I might continue my sporadic watching of Big Love this Saturday night.
Mr Dale, I assume that Roman Holiday didn't make a blip in your ratings chart? I guess I'd better go and chase up last week's blog...

by tqd on July 07, 2008 at 11:50 AM

GJ on July 07, 2008 at 09:33 AM. Hang in there, i promise Dr Who gets better. I really loved the last few episodes....

by vanessa on July 07, 2008 at 11:58 AM

The Doctor Who Confidentials are shown on UK TV after each episode (I think they're on BBC 3 but I'm not sure). And for those who are a bit wary of Catherine Tate, keep watching - she gets a very dramatic subplot in the finale, which is otherwise a bit of a mixed bag.
Someone mentioned Tennant's real accent - one of the reasons I don't like him is that I know he's putting on a stupid fake accent as the Doctor and it annoys me.

by Fielding on July 07, 2008 at 12:31 PM

I'm trying to persevere with PP & LJ - I guess I'm missing Greys and SITC more than I thought!
PP takes a long time to get a little way, though and I can't get used to seeing an overmade up, craggy-looking Brooke Shields.....and was that Debra Winger in last night's LJ looking positively crone-like?
I'll give them both one more week and then I might purchase Greys dvd seasons and start from the very beginning.
On a totally different tack, I might have missed some discussion on this in recent times but what do we all think of TiVo? Is it worthwhile? (am totally non-tv-techno here, so be kind in your responses!)

Tribal Mind replies: Re last question: it would be cheaper to subscribe to Foxtel IQ, where you can record all the pay stations as well as the Free to Airs.

by AJ on July 07, 2008 at 12:38 PM

Very good to see "Valentine's Day" come second in its timeslot and very strong ratings. It was a pretty good collection of characters and had some good laughs.
I don't think they should turn it into a full series but I wouldn't mind seeing another telemovie or two if they could get the whole cast back together and could come up with interesting stories for sequels and a script as good as this one.
Enjoyed the Dr Who confidential too after the show.

by J Bar on July 07, 2008 at 02:09 PM

BURN NOTICE returns Monday, July 21 @ 10pm on Ten. Here the rest of Season One will air & I expect Season Two to follow (ratings permitting).
From this Thursday, there will be double episodes of THE AMAZING RACE @ 9.30 on Seven, meaning that FAMILY GUY & AMERICAN DAD are gone.The STARGATE: ATLANTIS final will follow @ 11.25pm and replacing ATLANTIS from Thursday week @ 11.25pm will be KING OF THE HILL.
Also, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM returns to Nine on Tuesday, July 15 @ 12am (Wednesday morning) with double episodes.
It's disappointing to see BOSTON LEGAL drop back to 10.30.
TM, last week the new episode of BOSTON LEGAL was on at 10.30 (after CRIMINAL MINDS) in Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth and on at 9.30 in Sydney & Melbourne (no Crim. Minds on Monday here). BOSTON LEGAL "GOLD" was only on in Sydney & Melbourne @ 10.30pm after the new episode.

by cpandilo on July 07, 2008 at 04:54 PM

Roberterta ta ta W-w-williams. T-tiger p-p-p-rint b-b-b-bikini. P-p-p-projectile vomittt-t-t-ing. N-n-nightmares. C-c-c-cold sweats.

by darren on July 08, 2008 at 07:14 AM

I actually don't mind Lipstick Jungle.. I must be the only one. lol.

by Am I alone on July 08, 2008 at 07:15 AM

City Homicide was quite good last night. Interesting ep on bullying at schools and if that school is in any way realistic as to how schools are today, well, my hats off to teachers. Really, I couldnt blame the teacher that lost it and went berserk with the nail gun. Excellent show,hope the high standard keeps up.
And loved Denton's interview with Helen Thomas last night on Elders. What a courageous, intelligent, woman! Pity today's jounalists dont have half the integrity that she showed throughout her life. And anyone that had the guts to say publicly that GWB is the worst presdient ever gets my respect. Great interview , Denton!

by em on July 08, 2008 at 08:22 AM

Roberterta ta ta W-w-williams. T-tiger p-p-p-rint b-b-b-bikini. P-p-p-projectile vomittt-t-t-ing. N-n-nightmares. C-c-c-cold sweats.
by darren on July 08, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Darren - once again you very aptly describe how I felt last night - turned on ACA for my nightly dose of current affairs tripe only to see Roberta "I am a good person" Wlliams doing a photo shoot - time to change channels and surprise surprise - there's TODAY TONIGHT and ANNA COREN showing us more of the same - and this is suppose to be quality CURRENT AFFAIRS - someone please bring back FRONTLINE and put these two primetime shows on notice! I switched off and went for a run with the dog - at least she doesnt strut around in a leopard skin bikini at dusk!! (well not while I'm around anyway!)
Interesting to read that SUNRISE is once again facing a 'crisis' with its bland morning weatherman doing the harold holt - apparently he's left the SUNRISE family - 'disappeared' was the wording used in today's reports - How shocking!! could he now be banished from the CULT that is the SUNRISE family - and was it KING KOCHIE who led the revolt - stay tuned - it will probably be the lead story on TODAY TONIGHT!!!!

by GJ on July 08, 2008 at 08:34 AM

Careful with your TiVo editorialising, David (July 07, 2008 at 12:38 PM). TiVo is (as I understand it) a one-off purchase with no ongoing subscription (it's just a super-PVR with some internet support). By comparison, Foxtel IQ requires connection fees, subscription and an extra monthly fee for the IQ features.
I'm sure a Ch7 and/or Foxtel stooge will correct me if I'm wrong.

by Wendell on July 08, 2008 at 10:30 AM

Apropos of nothing...we're not getting Ugly Betty back until after the Olympics. I already miss my Grubstick. *Sigh* How will I cope?

by genfie on July 08, 2008 at 11:29 AM

darren: solidarity brother! You are not alone in your projective vomiting. Remember that this deal was brokered by Vyle Randypants. Just. Wrong.
Society, if this is what you want to see, then you are dead to me.

by Bereft Skerrick on July 08, 2008 at 12:21 PM

To answer AJ's question re TiVo (AJ on July 07, 2008 at 12:38 PM) I'm pretty positive about it. I'm already a PVR user (Topfield TF4400) and I'm still amazed by how it transforms your viewing habits and enables you to avoid ads and always have something worth watching available. Great value at what I paid ($450).
TiVo's price looks pretty good at $699 considering it's HD standard (my PVR is SD as are most PVRs). The proper internet support, Season Pass and reported user-friendliness all sound good. I just wouldn't jump in straight away - wait and see how it rolls out.

Tribal Mind replies: TiVo is a wondrous invention but in this case it will only be usable for the five free to air stations, not the pay stations.

by Wendell on July 08, 2008 at 12:35 PM

Huge ratings for City Homicide and Boston Legal retains almost all its audience in the late 10.30 slot. Liptick Jungle can only dream of those sort of ratings.
Big Brother is now regularly fourth in its timeslot and way behind the competition. Big Brother nominations does the same and is almost beaten by Top Gear on SBS. Surely it can't go on next year.

by J Bar on July 08, 2008 at 12:58 PM

GJ; no it wasn't pretty. Peas & carrots all over the walls and carpet and Roberta Williams in close-up technicolour straddling a velvet covered bed and trying to pout without losing the chewy (shudder).
Regarding David Brown (a.k.a. Brownie), I think he's been banished for insisting on calling Mel 'Melissa', Kochie 'David', Nat 'Natalie' and Beretts "Mark' and refusing to wear more yellow. He's been taken to the Sunrise 'retreat' (a razor-wired compound in the Blue Mountains patrolled by Anna Coren clones) for intensive 're-education' ("you must use nick-names, you must use nick-names").

by darren on July 08, 2008 at 01:43 PM

I'm with Wendell on the TiVo. One known upfront cost vs ongoing fees of $70-$100/mth is the way to go for me.
Of course, if you think Pay TV is good value or already have it, then the IQ is only $15/mth more.
I am actually surprised at the reasonable price - but I would also be waiting a while before jumping in to let it settle down & also to see what the competition comes up with.
Now if my current PVR died I might be more keen to make a decision!

by Shark on July 08, 2008 at 02:30 PM

Last night at midnight, 9 brought back E.R.
Wow. On 30 Jan this year they stopped showing it, at season 13 episode 13.
What did they have advertised last night?
Season 10 episode 1.
E.R. is one of those series where box sets are released for purchase years after the event, but season 10 can actually be purchased here now.
Sorry 9, I've not waited for you.
I've already watched season 13 from where you left off (episodes 14 to 23), and also season 14.
Gee they were good.
No ad breaks, and I esp didn't miss the creepy sex/phone ones.
Looked at the TV guide for the rest of the week, and sorry 9, you don't exist for me.

by Sal on July 08, 2008 at 02:32 PM

Well, ACA and TT have done themselves proud with last night's exposure of a convicted drug dealer strutting around in a leopard-skin bikini. I guess they figure that as they both no longer have any credibility as current affairs shows left to lose, then they have nothing left to lose. Kudos to both Darren and GJ for risking mental health issues and optical damage to report back to us less adventurous viewers.

by Shoopie on July 08, 2008 at 03:14 PM

I concur with Wendell, buying a PVR about 4 years ago certainly changed my viewing habits (not least by permitting 'zapping' of adverts).
As for TM's comment re TiVo - so what if it only allows recording of the 'free-to-air' channels? Having had foxtel twice (once by choice, and once as a necessity to get FTA TV), and on both occasions getting rid of it as soon as I good (despite having to pay a disconnection fee), I don't see a problem with only being able to record FTA. With a few exceptions, unless you are sports mad, Foxtel shows are repeats of old FTA or repeats of other foxtel shows on a 3 month rotation.

by Rob1966 on July 08, 2008 at 03:26 PM

TiVo will access the standard 5 FTA stations plus ABC2, SBS News, the commercial networks' 3 HD channels and (so I hear) additional SD channels to be launched next year.

Tribal Mind replies: I should have been more precise. TiVO will access the free to airs but none of the subscriptions, while IQ accesses everything (at greater long term cost).

by Wendell on July 08, 2008 at 03:51 PM

quoth Tribal Mind: "TiVo is a wondrous invention but in this case it will only be usable for the five free to air stations, not the pay stations."

Some of us can barely keep up with the five FTA stations! (Six, if you include ABC2, which I do.)
I've got a PVR and love it. I'd definitely be far more interested in a TiVo than in a Foxtel subscription. But it's not on the cards yet: I'm still happy with the PVR and I'm not convinced a TiVo will work well with the FTA channels having no clue about finishing programs within the scheduled time.

by tqd on July 08, 2008 at 04:41 PM

I agree with Vanessa about Dr Who- the best episodes come later and with others who have commented that Catherine Tate really improves as the series gathers pace to a far better finale than last years mess. It looks like being the number one show of the week in the U.K. which would be as high as it has ever gone.
Em rumour has it two ex-Dr Whos are joining Torchwood to replace those characters that left at the end of season 2 and if correct they will be good additions. Also apparently the Brigadier is appearing in the second series of the Sarah Jane Adventures. Now if Ten would decide to show Torchwood and the ABC got around to showing SJA that would keep both the adults and kids in my family happy.
Cathy wrote: Thanks Cat for letting me know last week you were still around, albeit snorkling with William McInnes - shades of Sea Change?!
Exactly my thoughts as he stood in front of me in his wet suit on the dive platform - right up until he turned around and whacked me in the head with his rolled up clothes - he is tall and I am not. As he later dropped his sunnies on my foot without even noticing I was thinking less Seachange and more Curtin. To be fair he was way too hyperactive to really remind me of Curtin.

by Cat on July 08, 2008 at 07:24 PM

Wipeout is going to own the ratings for 9 Tuesday night!
I'll be shocked if it doesnt win its timeslot.

by Ryano on July 08, 2008 at 08:48 PM

Why didn't anyone let us know that Colin Firth is in the country? I watched ACA tonight (compared to leopardskin losers being on last night it had to be better) and there he was. Doesn't tempt me to go and see the movie though.
Now onto some tripe. Wipout (I think it was called that) was perfectly aimed at Master 4's mentality whilst I worked back tonight. Truly Ch Nein are scraping the bottom of the barrel.

by Bereft Skerrick on July 08, 2008 at 11:00 PM

Shoopie,

Darren is certainly spot on with his very accurate portrayal of night time current afffairs and 'morning' television - his dry wit is the highlight of my morning...and your right... both ACA and TT have done themselves proud - what's next - oh I know... Roseleigh and Mercedes Corby doing a mother/daughter spread for RALPH - both current affairs shows will be fighting for that one!!

While I've been bagging BIG BROTHER I will be watching with interest to see how PAMMY saves the day with her surprise entrance tonight - will she turn TRAVIS straight AND make his voice break - will she pluck CHERRY's cherry or will she simply join the throng in the group bed and spend a typical Wednesday night at home - stay tuned!

by GJ on July 09, 2008 at 08:42 AM

Cat - the Sontarans will be appearing in the Sarah Jane Adventures along with the Brigadier.

Tribal Mind asks: Reference?

by Fielding on July 09, 2008 at 10:27 AM

I'm shocked at the strong ratings for both new shows at 7.30pm 'The One' and 'Wipeout'. Very strong ratings at 8.30pm too. All three shows in that timeslot got over 1.2 million. Although, who would have ever thought that a rubbish show like 2.5 Men could beat NCIS and All Saints? I think Ch 7 stuffed up last week by showing 'World's Got Talent' and shifting 'All Saints' to 9.30pm because they opened the door to 2.5 Men becoming a hit at 8.30pm.
How embarrassing for 7 and 9 that all the reality rubbish after 9.30pm failed miserably.

by J Bar on July 09, 2008 at 10:44 AM

GJ, you are certainly a braver person than I, watching BB tonight to see PA enter the house. I must admit to being a little curious having always been a sucker for train wreck TV, but I think even I will not go there. Ten must be desperate indeed. But I predict the highest ratings for BB this year as hormone crazed teenage boys tune in. And a few hormone crazed adult men too I am sure!
Last night caught the last few mins of Wipeout and that's exactly what it looked like to me. A total wipeout indeed. High ratings but will it last? Doubt it. And what did 7 have on? Oz Idol for Psychics? And Cameron Daddo for host? Can't that guy get a real job?
Cat, Torchwood getting 2 new characters? Ex Doctor's? Any idea who and what their characters will be? I thought that the character played by ex-Buffy star Spike (sorry, can't remember his real name) might become a regular. He would make a great part of the cast and his character had all that history with Jack. But then I was always a Spike fan.
And Darren, you really should stop watching current affairs programs, you know. Your health could be seriously at risk!!! And as for the Sunrise Cult, please stay away. Those beady little eyes of Kochie and the twittering,demonic laugh of Mel is enough to cause serious damage to one's brain. Beware!

by em on July 09, 2008 at 11:26 AM

GJ, stop it, I'm blushing.
Shoopie, no darrens were harmed in the viewing of ACA the other night. It's a sad indictment of television in this country that the only entertainment to be had from it is watching crap and then making fun of it. I only watch so I can come here and play.
TM: I thought you might be interested in some observations to further back up your theory that the over-55's are ruining tv for everyone. Heard my neighbours last night absolutely kacking themselves at the antics of Mr Sheen & co. on Two & a Half Men. They fit into the 85 to 125 year old chain-smoker demographic. Other interests include playing Slim Dusty at 6:00 on Sunday mornings (and singing along), getting into their jammies at lunchtime, and cooking their chops to a cinder causing the smoke alarm to go off several times in a row. They're the ones you're talking about aren't they?
Come on Nine & Seven, these are your raw materials. Get to work. "Emphezaema Emergency" anyone? (yeah I know I spelt it wrong).

by darren on July 09, 2008 at 11:35 AM

Thanks to all for the insights on TiVo. I'll do as the brains trust of this blog advises and wait.
Re ACA and TT, am proud to say that I haven't watched either in years! I find the 6pm-7pm (sydney) ABC timeslot far more interesting.
I didn't even attempt to look at The One or Wipeout.....oh for the glory days of The Sullivans, then A Country Practice, then a good old Golden Years of Hollywood Movie!
(Oops, sorry, I was channelling John Howard there for a second, but you know what I mean!)

by AJ on July 09, 2008 at 12:30 PM

The sequel to Underbelly will be called Underbelly 2: Just the Belly.

To get an earlier timeslot there will be no violence and the story will be based around the characters (only the women, because all of the men are dead or in prison) and their hilarious attempts at "selfploitation".

Other characters such as sisters, mothers and scrag school friends who they never liked will also come forward and cry foul over the media coverage, while they themselves become part of the circus.

In the final episode, no one in the country is left who has not appeared on either ACA or TT and the shows are finally forced to fold.

by Scriptwriter on July 09, 2008 at 12:39 PM

Has anyone heard any patter on The Hollowmen - Working Dog's new production - which debuts tonight on the ABC? Seen a preview DD? Worth a watch?

by Wendell on July 09, 2008 at 12:56 PM

I too am shocked at the strong ratings for the 7.30pm slot for Ch 7 and 9. I didn't watch 'Wipeout', but did catch a glimpse of 'The One' and that is definitely one really stretched rubber band. I reckon ABC will do quite well tonight from 8.30pm. I'm hoping 'The Hollowmen' will be good. I want it to be good.

by Kym on July 09, 2008 at 02:07 PM

Re Tivo: From what I understand of Tivo being introduced to Australia is that you purchase the machine for approx $699 but then you do have to pay a subscription fee for the electronic guide (i.e. digital code for programs airing or to air) The subscription fee for this guide has not been disclosed yet but it would be cheaper than Foxtel's in the long term. Main problem with Tivo is that it is being introduced by Channel 7 in partnership with Tivo and this means that Channel 9 will not want to provide the digital code to their programs, whereas with Foxtel they would as they own part of it. So if you are mainly a Ch 7 viewer then Tivo would be your choice or Foxtel if you mainly watch sports and Ch 9... Don't know if ACCC can force 9 to provide their code but still early days of Tivo, imagine many teething problems. Foxtel must have some qualms though as they have stepped up the IQ advertising ten fold. Me, I don't watch enough sport or FTA to justify either expense. Still happy with the luddite VCR which will do me for now.

Re Doctor Who: Catherine Tate really does grow on you with each episode and she has really surprised me with very good acting. She totally outacts and outclasses the other two assistants, Billie (Rose) and Freema (Martha) Sorry, Cat - without saying too much as spoilers, having seen the finale (like you) I thought it was a mess, equal to last year's or worse as it was done over 3 episodes. So many plot holes you could drive a Mac truck through and very bad under & acting apart from David, Catherine, Julian, & the actor who plays Donna's grandfather. You know what it is like when little children mix all paint colours together in same pot thinking they will get a rainbow, instead they get cluggy browny black, that is how I feel about RTD scripts, he badly mixes all the plot elements he has thought of, throws everything in and ends up with cluggy sluggy plot.

by Kate on July 09, 2008 at 02:39 PM

Loved Hollowmen last night. Anyone that works in a large company, let alone the public service will recognise characters. My husband now wants to be known as "Murph" after one of the characters. The Gruen Transfer just seems to improve each week. I think Will is letting the panellists shine. Good move. ABC has a mortgage on Wednesday nights in our house.

by Louise on July 10, 2008 at 08:40 AM

I think Catherine Tate in the first ep was very good. I went back to view the old eps on tape, and whilst Freema wasn't too bad, Billie did annoy me a bit. I'm just wondering how the last ep is going to pan out - there are so many companions! I can probably see why it might be a mess.
Good to see the ABC did well - 'The Gruen Transfer' was excellent. 'The Hollowmen' wasn't too bad, but I am hoping it will get better later though.

by Kym on July 10, 2008 at 08:42 AM

Re Hollowmen - as a public servant (not feds) there was a lot that was familiar about it. Did not think last night was brilliant but very watchable.
Caught the Gruen Transfer for the first time must say I loved the "war" ads!
And Cat on William McInnes whacking you with rolled up clothes and hitting you with sunnies - I apologise on behalf of someone who is more likely a relation.... I think he is a distant cousin.... and having seen his Australian story ep on monday I get the hyper comment - a big kid or puppy too big for its feet are images that come to mind

by Cathy on July 10, 2008 at 08:43 AM

Caught part of Hollowmen last night. Kept on waiting for Rob Sitch to break into some Frontline-isms. Will be interested in seeing the ratings this morning. Loved the spin.
Scriptwriter, are you related to Darren?

by Bereft Skerrick on July 10, 2008 at 08:46 AM

PAMELA ANDERSON ENTERING THE BB HOUSE - well what can anyone say!!!
Probably some of the best and worst television I've ever seen in my lifetime.
BEST - because it showed viewers how inept and hopelessly outclassed hosts VILE AND TACKY O really are - they were absolutely gushing at getting the opportunity to effectively interview a tired old PLAYBOY centrefold and their jaw dropping responses to just about every question was just so cringeworthy it was compelling - TACKY O was almost vomiting with excitement (like we all were) and VILES twitch almost turned into an aneurism stretching across his face and to his nether regions - not a good look!!
...AND the questions!!!
VILE to PAMMY (who he declared the most famous blonde in the world!)
'Why do the paparrazzi follow you around - I mean why do they do it Pammy?'
PAMMY - 'er der....to sell magazines I think??'
Mindblowing!!
I will admit to really enjoying the whole 2 hours - Pammy fluffing her hair every five seconds in TACKY O's face - VILE just being vile. PAMMY doing the splits on stage minus the underwear - TACKY O refusing to do same, claiming 'she is not bendable'. PAMMY sqealing and smiling at any cat call from the audience - including the grandfather with the eyepatch in the frontrow and the whole magnificent way PAMMY treated her hosts - with a bored 'please don't ask me anymore baywatch questions' look...I ABSOLUTELY loved it!!!! - its the tackliest show I've seen all year...and I have cable!!!
As for some quality television last night THE HOLLOWMEN didn't disappoint!!

by GJ on July 10, 2008 at 08:48 AM

Absolutely loved Hollowmen! Agree with Louise - July 10, 2008 at 08:40 AM re ABC and Wednesday nights - just look at the quality we have had from Aunty this year - Robin Hood, Bed of Roses, Spicks & Specks, Gruen Transfer, Catherine Tate, plus the movies....
Makes you wonder why the PTB at FTAs haven't poached all the development staff!

by AJ on July 10, 2008 at 09:40 AM

Loved Hollowmen last night. Big winner for the ABC and Working Dog. As far as I'm concerned ABC has me Wednesday nights. And a lot of other viewers too, I see after reading the ratings. Gruen seems to have it right now and Will seems to have taken his jokes back a notch which makes the whole program work a lot better. Great stuff, ABC.
And BB huge ratings for Pammy. TM, were they the highest for BB for the year?

Tribal Mind replies: Yes, and why do the initials BB remind us of Pammy?

by em on July 10, 2008 at 09:50 AM

I will have to leave the blog and no longer even lurk after reading this quote from the head of Foxtel: "David Dale's Tribal Mind has lost touch with where the tribe is heading"
For some bizarre reason it planted a vision in my brain of DD in native American costume leading us all into Death Valley with his poor (in the view of Foxtel) reading of our heading. I think I will be safer reading a blog with GPS strapped to its chest. I shall check you out David inthe Sun Herald occasionally to see if you have regained a Foxtel acceptable sense of direction. Adieu.

Tribal Mind asks: Where did that quote appear?

by Cat on July 10, 2008 at 09:52 AM

The hollowmen was watchable (it only plays to a fairly small segment of viewer imo) but definitely not to Frontline standards. I hope it gathers a bit more steam in the coming weeks as I really admire the Working Dog team.

by Nigel on July 10, 2008 at 10:35 AM

Tribal Mind - the Sontarans are a warmongering alien race who appeared in 4 classic Doctor Who adventures, The Time Warrior, The Sontaran Experiment, The Invasion of Time, and The Two Doctors. They just got a revamp in the latest series of NewWho, in a 2 parter that also saw the return of a departed character.

by Fielding on July 10, 2008 at 10:49 AM

Thank you, GJ, for your description of Pammy on BB.
I must confess that I have never actually watched an episode of BB, but it's been around for so long that it has been impossible not to see a bit here and there as you channel surf.
So I was left wondering what on earth would Pammy do in the show?
Walk around in a red cozzie?
Um, does she do anything else?
Well, the ratings are in, and more bums were on seats for her debut, so what do I know, eh?
ABC for me on Wednesday & Friday nights. Excellent viewing both nights.

by Sal on July 10, 2008 at 11:45 AM

To Mr Walsh, leader of the Foxtel Tribe.
You may call the programming on Foxtel a "feast", but if all you're feeding us is different types of manure, served on a silver platter, you're not going to have many pigs at the trough.
Forcing us to have Fashion Channel and TVSN is not what I'd call "choice" either.
You serve up an unsatisfactory selection on your menu, should I want condiments or side dishes, I fork out for things I don't want. Would you like "Ovation" with your "How To"? No? Tough.
And at a-la-carte prices, my tribe will be dining somewhere else tonight.
No Likey, Bereft Skerrick

by Bereft Skerrick on July 10, 2008 at 12:04 PM

TM... The Foxtel quote was in todays SMH letters to the editor.
ABC rules on Wed nights!

by PJ453 on July 10, 2008 at 12:18 PM

TM,Well, there's the obvious Big Boobs of course, but I like Boring Bimbo better.

Tribal Mind replies: I was thinking more of the shape of the letters.

by em on July 10, 2008 at 12:43 PM

Cat - re the DD Tribe - are we not like the survivor tribes - except we do not vote other tribe members off the island - just networks....or programs!

by Cathy on July 10, 2008 at 01:12 PM

Haha TM, Seven fooled you as well. It wasn't the new season of Prison Break - they are just playing out the remaining 5 episodes from last season.
Why on earth do networks promote shows as a 'New Season,' when clearly they are just playing out the remaining episodes from last year?

Tribal Mind replies: But if they have not been seen in Australia before, it's a new season to us. We'd have been screaming louder if Seven had launched into the new US season without concluding the last one.

by Rich on July 10, 2008 at 02:13 PM

The Hollowmen was OK but disappointingly predictable. The signposts came almost from the word go - it was NO frontline!
It really needed a spike or twist at the end, whcih Frontline was exceptionally good at delivering.
The characters were extreme unsympathetic (now that might be real life Canberra but it doesn't help in a TV show).
I too, hope it picks up, cause it's a great pedigree. However you're only as good as your last effort...
The Gruen Transfer was great. Wil Anderson still annoys,less frequently now, his mugging to the camera was a bit too much last night.
The NZ ads were just brilliant - especially the extra holiday version! Perfect TV. Who'd have thought we'd say that about advertising????

by David @ Wahroonga on July 10, 2008 at 02:35 PM

TM, the quote from the boss of Foxtel is from the SMH letters page today http://www.smh.com.au/letters/?page=fullpage

Tribal Mind replies: Thanks. I'm not seeing the SMH this week because I'm in Queensland, (using a Blackberry to tend to my blog duties)

by Wendell on July 10, 2008 at 03:10 PM

I'm unsure if it smacks of an act of desperation by Ten
(but it's looking that way), but it's been reported they paid
Pam Anderson 500 G to come out for BB.

by Drillbit on July 10, 2008 at 05:32 PM

Last night both Today Tonight and A Current Affair each devoted an entire segment early in their programs to Pamela Anderson's "protest" at a local KFC outlet, where she handed a letter to a cheerful KFC manager and claimed that KFC "boiled live chickens to death" despite being apparently unaware that KFC does not slaughter it's own chooks but instead buys them from large well-known poultry brands just like everyone else.

Both current affairs programs predictably sneered at Channel Ten and Big Brother for this apparent cock-up (no pun intended) against the show's major sponsor. However the night before on Ten's late news they had informed their viewers precisely what Pamela would be up to the next day and the stunt that she was going to pull. Both TT and ACA were fully suckered into giving BB a massive publicity boost in their high-rating prime time spots.

If only Channel Ten's marketing department had thought up such brilliant publicity schemes more often and earlier in the series rather than towards the final week and a half of the show might it perhaps have fared somewhat better in it's average ratings.

by tide on July 11, 2008 at 05:20 AM

TM: Just wanted to say thankyou for yesterday's headline (hollow men / filled woman etc). 'Twas a thing of rare beauty.
Drillbit @ July 10, 05:32 PM: I have a theory on the sudden appearance of Pammy that it's not so much about desperation for ratings but desperation to cure Kyle's 'chest infection' (hissy fit) of a few weeks ago.
E.G:
"Kyle, come out from under the bed, you have contractual responsibilities to fulfil."
"Don't wanna. Go away."
"I was hoping I wouldn't have to stoop this low but what the hell, it is channel ten after all. Kyle, we're in talks with Pamela Anderson. We're hoping she'll appear on the show."
"Pammy?"
"What do you think?"
"Pammy? Can I touch her?"
"No Kyle."
"Can I look at her chest with my one-blinking-eye gaze & make inane comments about her chest & look at her chest some more?"
"I think that'd be about what we'd expect."
"Where are my pants?"

by darren on July 11, 2008 at 08:39 AM

I missed last nights PART 2 OF PAMMY ENTERING THE BB HOUSE but have lost virtually all interest now - on Wednesday night VILE and TACKY O were falsely claiming that PAMMY would be in the house for 3 days - by that the hapless viewer was sucked into the belief that PAM and her boobies were living, breathing and sleeping on site for 3 days -which would have been mildy interesting - what would she look like first thing in the morning? - would she and her prime assets melt under the gold coast sun and would she ever divulge the real whereabouts of her 'mystery tatoo' or had that secret already been exposed following her splits on stage.

Unfortunately none of these mindblowing titbits would be revealed because PAMMY was only 'visiting' the house 'on and off 'for 3 days - she was actually staying at the VERSACE HOTEL up the road - where naturally no cameras would be allowed.

ALL a CHEAP AND TACKY grab for ratings really -still it got me and other tragic TV VIEWERS hooked and I guess that's what matters!

I will now go and buy a big bucket of KFC -vomit it all up - in honour of you PAMMY and....NETWORK TEN of course!!

by GJ on July 11, 2008 at 08:47 AM

The daily rag is reporting that Ch 10 will confirm the axing of Big Brother. Something which everyone predicted, especially when they appointed Kyle and Jackie O... Please networks, take heed, Jackie O really is the Angel of Death for any show.....

by Kate on July 13, 2008 at 06:45 PM

Amazed that no-one has commented yet (at this stage) and LOVE ACTUALLY being on AGAIN this Friday Night on Ch Shirl! I've got an idea for you Shirl - how about showing stuff you've put on the backburned (or onto HD that we Regionals haven't seen). Like Veronica.
Now for something a little more obscure: I watched the Channel Nein Footy Show this morn, and waited for a preview of the Dragons vs Canberra game (still waiting fo the Dragons to start playing). Their preview was essentially "oh BTW the Dragons are playing the Raiders today". I waited 59 minutes for that. Craptacular. Perhaps if they did away with the egos covering the biffo on Ch Nein and actually dealt with the game Nein may fare better in their ratings.
Rove in his monotone-ologue "confirmed" the demise of BB. So after a silicon bang, BB will go out with a whimper. Skanky O surely is becoming the "ted McGinley" - the kiss of death - for any TV show she's involved with!

by Bereft Skerrick on July 13, 2008 at 08:10 PM

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