Who We Are
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The Who We Are update: Week 40
This week of the blog is now a heritage item. For the latest discussion, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.
To discuss if there is too much Australian content on television, go to The Tribal Mind
To discuss what movies our kids should study in English lessons, go to Who We Are
What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,263,000 326,000 347,000 257,000 122,000 210,000
2 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,084,000 272,000 350,000 234,000 129,000 99,000
3 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 1,036,000 260,000 281,000 226,000 114,000 155,000
4 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC1 995,000 287,000 291,000 201,000 103,000 113,000
7 THE BILL ABC1 796,000 252,000 236,000 116,000 87,000 106,000
8 MEN IN BLACK II RPT Ten 795,000 178,000 308,000 143,000 84,000 82,000
9 STICK IT Nine 794,000 227,000 225,000 160,000 68,000 114,000
11 GARDENING AUSTRALIA ABC1 710,000 199,000 213,000 151,000 72,000 75,000
13 M-THE SHAGGY DOG Seven 577,000 167,000 191,000 154,000 66,000
14 M-DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY Seven 574,000 147,000 212,000 149,000 66,000
15 BLACK HAWK DOWN RPT Ten 554,000 108,000 218,000 86,000 58,000 84,000
21 MYTHBUSTERS: MACGYVER SPECIAL SBS 377,000 89,000 126,000 75,000 47,000 40,000
22 IRON CHEF RPT SBS 307,000 66,000 142,000 47,000 25,000 27,000
35 ROCKWIZ SBS 209,000 63,000 72,000 42,000 22,000 11,000
Continued here
The ratings race, updated 10 am Saturday
At this point in the week, Seven is averaging 30.6 per cent of the prime time audience, with Nine on 26.2, the ABC and Ten neck and neck on 19.0 and SBS on 5.3.
What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,373,000 428,000 400,000 240,000 141,000 164,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,334,000 312,000 412,000 272,000 141,000 197,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,179,000 283,000 377,000 224,000 119,000 176,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 1,127,000 284,000 358,000 275,000 110,000 100,000
5 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,097,000 327,000 350,000 199,000 109,000 112,000
6 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,091,000 296,000 368,000 225,000 97,000 104,000
7 TAGGART ABC1 1,060,000 284,000 330,000 185,000 114,000 147,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 992,000 218,000 370,000 221,000 103,000 80,000
12 M-WAR OF THE WORLDS Seven 807,000 227,000 276,000 139,000 83,000 81,000
17 NEIGHBOURS Ten 645,000 211,000 176,000 133,000 53,000 71,000
18 AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL FRI Ten 572,000 149,000 195,000 105,000 70,000 54,000
19 SNAKES ON A PLANE Nine 545,000 157,000 174,000 82,000 62,000 71,000
31 MIAMI VICE Ten 335,000 79,000 100,000 69,000 38,000 49,000
33 ADVENTURES OF BOTTLE TOP BILL AND HIS BEST FRIEND-AM ABC1 323,000 102,000 120,000 31,000 26,000 44,000
What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,440,000 344,000 429,000 314,000 146,000 208,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,280,000 316,000 374,000 247,000 143,000 200,000
3 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,155,000 323,000 362,000 208,000 116,000 146,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 1,092,000 310,000 357,000 254,000 100,000 72,000
5 GETAWAY Nine 1,070,000 294,000 353,000 228,000 85,000 111,000
6 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,061,000 286,000 337,000 214,000 110,000 114,000
7 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 1,049,000 304,000 331,000 183,000 90,000 141,000
8 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,041,000 295,000 323,000 221,000 75,000 127,000
9 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,040,000 299,000 342,000 225,000 104,000 71,000
10 GHOST WHISPERER - LATE Seven 971,000 270,000 318,000 149,000 94,000 140,000
11 7.30 REPORT ABC1 949,000 286,000 275,000 192,000 76,000 121,000
12 LIFE AT 3 ABC1 946,000 320,000 274,000 166,000 81,000 105,000
13 MAKE ME A SUPERMODEL Seven 928,000 257,000 292,000 168,000 89,000 122,000
14 LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT Ten 921,000 251,000 290,000 188,000 89,000 103,000
15 THE STRIP Nine 883,000 260,000 228,000 202,000 95,000 98,000
16 ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? Ten 871,000 211,000 316,000 165,000 74,000 106,000
22 Q & A-LE ABC1 625,000 229,000 184,000 98,000 48,000 65,000
25 FAMILY GUY Seven 482,000 127,000 174,000 75,000 54,000 52,000
31 AMERICAN DAD Seven 386,000 97,000 153,000 60,000 37,000 39,000
The ratings race, updated 10 am Thursday
What is going on? Why would a show that drew 1.3 million viewers six months ago now get only 802,000? If any reader of this blog used to be a viewer of House, please go to Comments and tell us why you stopped and what you are doing instead. You don't seem to be watching Spicks and Specks in any greater numbers, and you're certainly not watching The Hollowmen. Nor are you watching Nine's new sci fi thriller Fringe. So where the hell are you? Please explain before Ten exiles the grumpy doctor and his team to Yasminland.
Seven is averaging 30.9 per cent of the prime time audience, with Nine on 25.7, Ten on 19.6, ABC on 18.5 and SBS on 5.3. The question now is not who will win the year, but whether Nine can improve on its (record low) share of 2007.
What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED EP2 Nine 1,651,000 474,000 547,000 300,000 150,000 180,000
2 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED Nine 1,512,000 426,000 492,000 279,000 150,000 165,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,497,000 388,000 420,000 300,000 156,000 233,000
4 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,338,000 369,000 387,000 260,000 143,000 179,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,317,000 317,000 397,000 268,000 130,000 205,000
6 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,312,000 334,000 413,000 232,000 147,000 185,000
7 CRASH INVESTIGATION UNIT Seven 1,257,000 357,000 374,000 236,000 124,000 167,000
8 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,234,000 325,000 381,000 263,000 136,000 128,000
9 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,212,000 373,000 357,000 208,000 120,000 155,000
10 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,165,000 367,000 348,000 194,000 111,000 144,000
11 NINE NEWS Nine 1,148,000 296,000 390,000 245,000 118,000 98,000
12 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,104,000 310,000 329,000 247,000 118,000 101,000
15 FRINGE Nine 901,000 260,000 275,000 187,000 86,000 93,000
16 THE HOLLOWMEN ABC1 877,000 261,000 281,000 138,000 86,000 111,000
19 HOUSE Ten 802,000 228,000 263,000 127,000 87,000 96,000
23 LIFE Ten 682,000 145,000 231,000 145,000 79,000 82,000
24 KENNY'S WORLD Ten 664,000 190,000 181,000 108,000 90,000 95,000
25 BONDI RESCUE: BALI Ten 632,000 197,000 157,000 127,000 62,000 88,000
27 VERY SMALL BUSINESS ABC1 608,000 186,000 204,000 88,000 56,000 74,000
28 FRIENDS - DAILY Ten 598,000 170,000 171,000 105,000 70,000 82,000
29 KITCHEN NIGHTMARES U.S.A. Nine 593,000 162,000 206,000 85,000 82,000 58,000
42 ALAN SUGAR: THE APPRENTICE Seven 319,000 86,000 95,000 50,000 49,000 39,000
89 NEWSTOPIA SBS 142,000 41,000 41,000 41,000 7,000 13,000
What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,836,000 581,000 595,000 284,000 152,000 223,000
2 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,701,000 500,000 525,000 327,000 143,000 206,000
3 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,617,000 430,000 459,000 340,000 149,000 239,000
4 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,507,000 399,000 396,000 318,000 158,000 236,000
5 NCIS Ten 1,320,000 347,000 361,000 283,000 152,000 176,000
6 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,302,000 355,000 343,000 233,000 143,000 228,000
7 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,285,000 410,000 419,000 150,000 133,000 173,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,267,000 391,000 328,000 242,000 129,000 176,000
9 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,252,000 330,000 383,000 258,000 128,000 153,000
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,205,000 308,000 354,000 281,000 129,000 133,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,170,000 334,000 347,000 232,000 96,000 161,000
12 NINE NEWS Nine 1,128,000 298,000 341,000 270,000 114,000 105,000
13 WIPEOUT Nine 1,092,000 276,000 349,000 184,000 125,000 158,000
16 20 TO 1 Nine 944,000 318,000 273,000 162,000 89,000 102,000
19 RUSH Ten 871,000 209,000 307,000 165,000 98,000 93,000
20 TWO IN THE TOP END ABC1 861,000 272,000 253,000 167,000 76,000 94,000
30 SURVIVOR: MICRONESIA - FANS VS FAVOURITES Nine 463,000 146,000 167,000 50,000 51,000 49,000
35 MAKE ME A SUPERMODEL: OFF THE RUNWAY Seven 419,000 127,000 124,000 59,000 53,000 56,000
63 BANANAS IN PYJAMAS-AM ABC1 217,000 54,000 76,000 30,000 16,000 41,000
69 GIRLS OF THE PLAYBOY MANSION Nine 204,000 68,000 63,000 31,000 28,000 14,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,670,000 447,000 521,000 303,000 177,000 222,000
2 THE FORCE Seven 1,627,000 467,000 447,000 308,000 154,000 251,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,581,000 434,000 450,000 321,000 156,000 221,000
4 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,481,000 419,000 407,000 295,000 146,000 214,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,443,000 398,000 389,000 264,000 167,000 224,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,257,000 373,000 361,000 222,000 132,000 170,000
7 TWO AND A HALF MEN -MON Nine 1,198,000 336,000 402,000 212,000 116,000 132,000
8 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,193,000 313,000 376,000 258,000 122,000 124,000
9 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,173,000 325,000 345,000 223,000 109,000 171,000
10 BONES - MON Seven 1,159,000 300,000 348,000 217,000 140,000 154,000
11 NINE NEWS Nine 1,144,000 322,000 319,000 273,000 123,000 107,000
12 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,140,000 306,000 324,000 272,000 129,000 109,000
13 TOP GEAR AUSTRALIA SBS 933,000 270,000 321,000 160,000 88,000 94,000 (see below for last week's British score)
14 AUSTRALIAN STORY ABC1 902,000 260,000 284,000 184,000 72,000 102,000
15 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - THE LIVE VERDICT Ten 893,000 269,000 236,000 166,000 128,000 93,000
16 TIL DEATH Nine 888,000 243,000 314,000 169,000 71,000 91,000
19 ENOUGH ROPE WITH ANDREW DENTON-LE ABC1 820,000 262,000 262,000 119,000 74,000 102,000
24 THE TRIANGLE Nine 709,000 217,000 236,000 132,000 67,000 57,000
25 90210 Ten 616,000 203,000 161,000 120,000 69,000 62,000
32 BURN NOTICE MON Ten 438,000 123,000 132,000 79,000 60,000 44,000
33 OUT OF THE QUESTION - MON Seven 437,000 108,000 144,000 69,000 59,000 56,000
34 SOUTH PARK SBS 430,000 101,000 131,000 90,000 55,000 54,000
46 BOSTON LEGAL Seven 310,000 61,000 117,000 53,000 43,000 36,000
53 THE MIGHTY BOOSH SBS 254,000 59,000 60,000 55,000 40,000 40,000
The ratings race, updated 10am Monday
It's that time of year when sport splits the nation. The AFL Grand Final drew 2.49 million viewers in the mainland capitals on Saturday (way below the 3.15 million it managed in 2006). Meanwhile only 898,000 watched the NRL preliminary final. The AFL total included included 331,000 Sydneysiders, while the biffo could manage only 24,000 southerners (to see how this year's results fit with the most watched shows of the 21st century, go to The culture).
That result clinched the week for Channel Seven, which averaged 29.9 per cent of the prime time audience, while Nine got 27.1, Ten 20.0, ABC 17.8, and SBS 5.2. Apart from the footy, the most watched shows included Packed To The Rafters (7), Find My Family (7), Border Security (7) and Wednesday's new episodes of Nine's latest Bandaid Two and A Half Men (9). You can see the full Top 40 chart below.
The mystery of the week was why the new season opener of House drew only 914,000, after the previous season had averaged 1.3 million. One theory is that the show which preceded it, Kenny's World, is actively driving viewers away from Channel Ten. Kenny's audience has trickled down from a million to 754,000 in three weeks. Ten's only consolation last week was 1.3 million for Australian Idol, which beat Seven's former champion Dancing With The Stars.
The ABC scored with Spicks and Specks, Midsomer Murders and Doctor Who (all 1.2m) while SBS was pleased with 939,000 for Top Gear and 442,000 for South Park. Pay TV scored with Futurama (Fox 8) 191,000 Camp Rock (Disney Channel) 190,000 and Family Guy (Fox 8) 183,000.
Over the ratings year so far, excluding the Olympics, Seven has an audience share of 28.0 per cent, while Nine has 27.5. That looks bad for Nine but last year was worse -- its audience is up 1 per cent while Seven's is down 3.2 (and the ABC's is up 6.6).
On Sunday the main channels were nearly neck and neck -- Nine with 25.3 per cent thanks to 60 Minutes and CSI Miami, Seven with 24.6 thanks to a resurgent Dancing With The Stars, Ten with 23.4 thanks to Australian Idol, and ABC with 22.3 thanks to the "death" of Donna Noble (nicely positioned for a Rose-style revisit in two years). That left SBS with a mere 4.4.
What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,448,000 396,000 420,000 316,000 134,000 181,000
2 60 MINUTES Nine 1,343,000 363,000 408,000 285,000 134,000 152,000
3 DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Seven 1,213,000 361,000 412,000 203,000 99,000 138,000
4 DOCTOR WHO ABC1 1,207,000 391,000 334,000 229,000 127,000 125,000
5 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,202,000 389,000 332,000 233,000 134,000 115,000
6 MIDSOMER MURDERS ABC1 1,184,000 385,000 360,000 187,000 121,000 131,000
7 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,181,000 305,000 384,000 248,000 151,000 94,000
8 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC1 1,181,000 321,000 373,000 231,000 111,000 145,000
9 ABC NEWS UPDATE ABC1 1,154,000 383,000 330,000 184,000 122,000 136,000
10 CSI: MIAMI Nine 1,053,000 297,000 312,000 214,000 114,000 117,000
11 THE OUTDOOR ROOM WITH JAMIE DURIE Seven 1,047,000 321,000 305,000 203,000 96,000 121,000
13 BATTLEFRONTS Nine 963,000 261,000 302,000 209,000 111,000 79,000
14 OUTBACK WILDLIFE RESCUE Seven 961,000 274,000 306,000 173,000 92,000 115,000
15 ROVE Ten 892,000 223,000 323,000 146,000 102,000 98,000
19 PRIVATE PRACTICE Seven 685,000 198,000 229,000 118,000 66,000 74,000
21 DEXTER Ten 611,000 146,000 213,000 89,000 89,000 74,000
27 JAMES MAY'S 20TH CENTURY SBS 356,000 103,000 98,000 80,000 47,000 27,000
37 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? SBS 257,000 66,000 89,000 47,000 38,000 17,000
42 DOCTOR WHO: CONFIDENTIAL CUTDOWN ABC1 223,000 87,000 50,000 32,000 24,000 31,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
What Australia watched, week ending September 27
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN'S AFL: GRAND FINAL Seven 2,490,000 331,000 1,295,000 231,000 304,000 329,000
2 SEVEN'S AFL: GRAND FINAL: PRESENTATIONS Seven 2,467,000 347,000 1,246,000 241,000 322,000 310,000
3 SEVEN'S AFL: GRAND FINAL: POST-MATCH Seven 2,008,000 281,000 1,059,000 196,000 241,000 230,000
4 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 2,006,000 376,000 914,000 255,000 215,000 246,000
5 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,943,000 577,000 580,000 383,000 168,000 235,000
6 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,738,000 471,000 488,000 337,000 192,000 250,000
7 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,717,000 551,000 478,000 308,000 170,000 210,000
8 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,707,000 480,000 474,000 318,000 171,000 264,000
9 SEVEN'S AFL: GRAND FINAL PRE-MATCH ENTERTAINMENT Seven 1,640,000 153,000 953,000 137,000 199,000 198,000
10 THE FORCE Seven 1,594,000 476,000 426,000 297,000 165,000 231,000
11 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED EP2 Nine 1,543,000 489,000 500,000 254,000 144,000 156,000
12 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,486,000 512,000 343,000 286,000 173,000 172,000
13 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,483,000 410,000 386,000 294,000 164,000 230,000
14 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED Nine 1,451,000 395,000 495,000 268,000 154,000 139,000
15 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,439,000 318,000 382,000 346,000 154,000 238,000
16 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,398,000 368,000 390,000 278,000 147,000 214,000
17 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,374,000 364,000 383,000 255,000 160,000 212,000
18 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,340,000 454,000 393,000 228,000 135,000 130,000
19 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,321,000 374,000 380,000 251,000 135,000 181,000
20 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,303,000 389,000 413,000 236,000 155,000 110,000
21 CRASH INVESTIGATION UNIT Seven 1,297,000 359,000 334,000 263,000 141,000 200,000
22 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,294,000 339,000 390,000 252,000 131,000 182,000
23 60 MINUTES Nine 1,266,000 351,000 372,000 247,000 119,000 177,000
24 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,248,000 424,000 368,000 201,000 101,000 154,000
25 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,232,000 354,000 359,000 220,000 133,000 167,000
26 WIPEOUT Nine 1,231,000 353,000 422,000 199,000 129,000 128,000
27 MIDSOMER MURDERS ABC1 1,218,000 354,000 355,000 193,000 139,000 177,000
28 GETAWAY Nine 1,216,000 329,000 404,000 227,000 111,000 146,000
29 RUGBY LEAGUE FINAL SERIES PF1 Nine 1,214,000 597,000 273,000 327,000 8,000 9,000
30 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,213,000 361,000 402,000 162,000 132,000 157,000
31 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,211,000 342,000 371,000 235,000 130,000 132,000
32 NINE NEWS Nine 1,202,000 320,000 373,000 267,000 135,000 108,000
33 M-CARS Seven 1,195,000 278,000 459,000 192,000 132,000 134,000
34 BATTLEFRONTS Nine 1,174,000 346,000 313,000 230,000 148,000 137,000
35 ABC NEWS-SU ABC1 1,159,000 327,000 360,000 203,000 125,000 145,000
36 DOCTOR WHO ABC1 1,156,000 371,000 280,000 212,000 124,000 169,000
37 SEVEN NEWS SPECIAL: YOUR MONEY - SURVIVING THE CRASH Seven 1,148,000 265,000 358,000 254,000 107,000 163,000
38 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - THE LIVE VERDICT Ten 1,140,000 338,000 394,000 173,000 132,000 102,000
39 THE FOOTY SHOW Nine 1,129,000 214,000 599,000 101,000 123,000 91,000
40 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,125,000 299,000 362,000 250,000 117,000 98,000
(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
"Only 898,000 watched the NFL preliminary final."
Gee, American footy must be really popular in Australia now. Lol.
Tribal Mind replies: Ooops. Fixed now.
- by arthur on September 29, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Re last night's Dancing With the Stars. Mrs D has been an avid viewer of this series and has stayed with it. Towards the end of last night's ep, she commented that Daniel McPherson is quite good as compere - so I sought her views as to why the show is down in viewers. She thought for a moment, then said it's not the show, just the timeslot. Maybe 7 would be wise not to tackle the 7.30 Sunday spot again with one of their more popular brands. Let the opposition win Sunday - then bombard them for the rest of the week.
- by David @ Green Point on September 29, 2008 at 08:48 AM
I thought Dr Who would have had slightly higher ratings. What a fantastic ending! About another year (disregarding downloading) to the next episode, the Christmas special, which reunites David Tennant with David Morrissey. Can't wait. Meanwhile, I was led to this: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=EhcNXCkor5I&gclid=CIG367rl_5UCFRlRagodDFJJEA - which I found utterly abstract, since I was browsing through Wuthering Heights on IMDB. Does anyone know more about Myles Barlow? Apparently he airs on ABC2 16/10 and ABC1 17/10.
- by Kym on September 29, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Wow.. that 7.30pm Sunday timeslot was hotly contested! Not much in it between the 4 networks. The figures would indicate that approx 5 million people were watching TV at that time.
- by Clem on September 29, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Cracker Dr Who last night...it had everything....even Dr Donna!! she revelled in the saving of the world part. Never watched Dancing with The Stars but 7.30 Sunday is not the time for it when an ABC show beats it one week & nearly beats it the next.I hope Aussie Top Gear goes well
- by PJ453 on September 29, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Very close figures in the 7:30pm timeslot last night. Who did rise by 50K, Cutdown was on at 10:50pm last night hence the low figure.
Would have been more awesomed out by Doctor Who last night had I not been spoiled, but on 2nd viewing picked up many things/nuances I missed first time around. Note ABC didn't show the preview of the "Xmas" episode.
For those who missed my comment last week, Newstopia is back on Wednesday! Only found out by accident i.e. watching at 1am on Sunday morning.
- by Bereft Skerrick on September 29, 2008 at 10:26 AM
The ABC must be pleased with 4 shows in the top 10 last night. TM, can you give the percentages for last night? Thanks.
Tribal Mind replies: In the report now, along with embiggened doctors. Thanks for the reminder.
- by Gary on September 29, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Bereft Skerrick said, 'Note ABC didn't show the preview of the "Xmas" episode.'
Yes, I noticed that too, and I had told my mum to watch out for Dervla Kirwan!! I agree that it was an excellent story, I think it was better than last year's Master storyline, John Simm notwithstanding!!!
What shall I watch now? I might give The Mentalist a go, even though it seems to be a darker version of Psych....
- by 2paw on September 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
thanks for the link (Tina Fey as Sarah Palin).
Does anyone know when the U.S. Vice-Presidential Candidate debate is being shown on the ABC? I thought I heard somewhere it was on Saturday morning again (same as Barack Obama & J McCain).
Should be amusing.
- by darren on September 29, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Doctor Who beat Idol...WOOHOOO!!!!!
Even though I watched the episode months and months ago, I'm so totally proud that a good section of the australian public has some semblance of good taste in FTA TV.
but yes, cracker of a finale
- by LJ on September 29, 2008 at 01:46 PM
awesome, LJ, 'Doc Who' beat Oz Idol'....
btw, channel 7 have got to be joking, surely, a half hour of OOQ before Boston Legal tonight, for godsakes, isn't there any intelligence or sensitivity in their programming dept. ? or even a sense of humour, oh hang on, that's probably their idea of a joke!
- by gigdiary on September 29, 2008 at 04:54 PM
TM, would you be able to indulge me with a two shot of Andre Rieu and James May from Top Gear? The resemblance is remarkable.
Tribal Mind replies: Could you kindly remind me next Sunday morning? The only day I go into the office, and thus have access to the photo library, is Sunday.
- by merciless on September 29, 2008 at 05:00 PM
To T.M.Why do you still list the ratings numbers as fact not estimates? My understanding of the technique to compile the ratings is flawed in that the survey audience is picked with a bias to commercial tv viewers as the company that compiles the figures Oztam is owned by the FTA networks.Do you have independant research to verify the ratings numbers you publish ?
Tribal Mind replies: Where do I use the word "fact"? The OzTAM website (http://www.oztam.com.au/pdf/About_Oztam/Oztam_brochure.pdf) explains how the sample is collected. I quote the OzTAM estimates because, flawed as they may be, they are our only insight into the TV tastes of Australians. If there is other research, I would love to hear about it.
- by doug on September 29, 2008 at 05:09 PM
"That result clinched the week for Channel Seven"
But the AFL Grand Final has no bearing on prime time figures which is what you've reported?
Tribal Mind replies: So nothing connected with the grand final occurred in prime time? Must have been something else then.
- by Andrew on September 29, 2008 at 08:18 PM
I watched Top Gear Australia last night. I can't say that I was all that impressed. Charlie Cox came across a little pompus (sp?) to me and they also seemed a little forced. I will watch again next week to see if it improves but it doesn't seem to be as slick as the good old UK version. What are others thoughts?
Looking forward to "seriously fast tracked" NCIS tonight.
- by Nic on September 30, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Hmmm. Let the dissection of Oz Top Gear commence. Missed the first 20 minutes due to a crisis from Nana Skerrick, came in with the review of the Porsche.
I figure that the skinny guy is meant to be the Hamster - lively and crazy, but came off manic. And doesn't have the same teeth.
The older guy was meant to be Captain Slow - I remember the rapport James May had a few weeks ago when they were shows Season 2 of the Original. It was instant. This fellow was not so much Captain Slow but Captain Slow Starting.
The star of the show however was Warren Brown - I daresay, although appearing younger, he's the Jezza of the bunch. A natural.
Eagerly awaiting the ratings figures. I'll leave the last comment to Master 7.25, who liked the show, his favourite part was with the sharks and the Mini Moke, but he didn't like the characters or (OMG) the accents.
- by Bereft Skerrick on September 30, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Home on holidays at present (not going abroad) but managing to avoid to wasteland of daytime tv - good food month is a timely distraction.
Suggestions for avoiding Out of the Question before Boston Legal - I took my rubbish and recycling out - thereby avoiding the rubbish on the box! See the news that Anna Coren is going to CNN and Matt White is taking the tabloid tv hotseat - maybe he will bring some gravitas to the timeslot - or maybe not
- by Cathy on September 30, 2008 at 08:58 AM
With the talk last week about House's new season not opening so well, if it helps, the Kenny show is one off 6 ep show and would only have 2 or 3 eps left. It'd be a source of considerable frustration to Ten, that they don't own the Thank God You're Here show, because when it was a lead in to House, both shows were rock solid national raters. If Working Dog were to say they'll come back with TGYH next year in say April 09, by that time House season 5 will only have about 5 or 6 eps left to it.
- by Joe on September 30, 2008 at 09:54 AM
"...while the biffo (NRL) could manage only 24,000 southerners". That could be because Channel 9 in Victoria insists on screening it after midnight, even when the Melbourne Storm are playing. I can't help thinking the resources spent in propping up the game in Melbourne, which recognises no other code besides AFL, might be better spent in a league-loving country like PNG.
- by Yuri on September 30, 2008 at 10:37 AM
ok,ok so Top Gear Aussie wasn't LOL & no asthma attacks from Mrs PJ, which has happened wathing Clarkson et al, but lets not forget that the English show has been on forever, James May is the newest member & he's been there a minimum of 5 years. It was well filmed, the fellows were a little uptight, but it was better than what else was on (except for Australian Story ofcourse) Will tune in again.
- by PJ453 on September 30, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Heh, Even Top Gear Australia beat Idol! As did Australian Story! 933K is a good debut score for TGA but I daresay it'll be less next week.
- by Bereft Skerrick on September 30, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Let's talk Top Gear. Watched it last night and two problems are apparent and something that I suspected would happen; access to vehicles and commercial imperatives. Australia's ultraluxury and supercar market is tiny (just a handful) and very far away. The second problem and something that NBC has is of negative reviews (UK Top Gear has certain cars that they really hate). Word is that NBC has specifically chosen vehicles that would get reasonable good reviews so as to not annoy advertisers.
PS: Give the show to Warren Brown.
- by canoli on September 30, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Recorded Top Gear last night, will watch later in the week. I do have my fingers crossed for the Aussie version, but I'm keeping my hopes low, just in case. It's not the cars I watch TG for anyhow, it's the banter and the silly stunts. They got pretty decent ratings anyhow, I hope they keep it up!
Sort of watched Burn Notice. I worked out that I can muck around on the internet, and then come in for the last 15 minutes, see Michael in character, some things explode, and get a bit of banter. The plot made no sense this way, but it's not like I'm watching this series for anything but fun MacGyverisms.
- by tqd on September 30, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Thanks to all those avid researchers who find Tina Fey skits; can't get enough of them. Switched on TG Australia last night to hear Warren Brown say "Silence of the Lamborghinis" and switched it right off. Won't venture near that again.
- by Rupert on September 30, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Australian Idol is dying a slow death and 90210 seems dead. I flicked over to AI briefly and saw that even Kyle was baggingthe format of the Monday night results show where the worst 3 performers from the previous night perform again. How much 2.5 Men is too much? I would say 1 episode a week but there seem to be about 10 episodes of it in prime time now each week.
Out of the Question severely reduced the ratings of Boston Legal and these two did nowhere near as well as the Boston Legal/30 Rock combo did. Stupid programming move Seven. You want some advice. Move OOTQ to 11.30pm and show BL at 10.30pm and continue with repeats after the last new episode next week. Show Scrubs and 30 Rock repeats from 10.30pm Tuesdays. That would give you two nights of shows with cult followings and a guaranteed ratings boost.
- by J Bar on September 30, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Very annoyed last night to find Boston Legal on so late.
Saw 10 seconds of the previous show before muting the sound and picking up a book.
Why do they put rubbish like that on at all? Will I remember 30 Rock tonight?
Why do we even bother.
Channel BT is so much easier.
- by Sal on September 30, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Watched "In Treatment" on Foxtel last night. What a fascinating, well acted program. Who knew that Melissa George could act? Anyone who has access to Fox and didnt catch it , tune in. It was well worth viewing. As I understand it, it is on every night at 8pm with a different "patient". Concluding every Friday when Gabriel Byrne gets to visit his own therapist. Certainly something different and as we always say on this forum, innovative, interesting TV is what we all want. In my humble opinion "In Treatment" certainly was!
- by em on September 30, 2008 at 12:52 PM
TM, may I ask how The Triangle went against 90210 last night?
I would have thought a four hour repeat movie would have flop written all over it, but then again Ten can't seem to catch a break lately with such low results for Idol and Burn Notice. I personally don't mind 90210, but it's something I tape rather than watch live.
Tribal Mind replies: I've put them both in the chart (above) now.
- by Samuel on September 30, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Surprised that it was a new episode of Out Of The Question last night. Turned on the TV when arrived home to set the DVR and found that they were discussing current events! Despite this the humour was still old and tired - is Glenn Robbins attempting to be the commercial Adam Hills? Todd from DWTS tied that already and failed miserably.
Truly it has to be part of the Kath & Kim contract with the channel. It's not like networks haven't bought something good (questionable) or popular before and had to buy shite as part of the deal. Cavemen anyone?
- by Bereft Skerrick on September 30, 2008 at 01:21 PM
As Sal said; 30 Rock is on tonight. It's the finale so don't miss it if you're a fan.
- by merciless on September 30, 2008 at 01:38 PM
As 7 foolishly opted not to renew their Fox output deal that Ten were happy to take up (which I'm unsure is for all Fox TV product, or is for both Fox TV and also all Fox cinema movies, that 7 still show), the list of Fox shows they still have is now dwindling.
Boston Legal. The show is unfortunately being cancelled (I'm guessing it's presumably because of low US ratings) and it's 5th season will only have 13 eps I believe.
Bones. This good show is in it's 4th season and will hopefully go on for another 3 or 4 more.
Family Guy, American Dad. Like The Simpsons (that's become and still is, a now extremely mediocre show in recent years, in going into it's 20th season), FG will probably go on for about for the same period, but is M rated so can only be shown after 8.30 pm. Ten will screen Cleveland, the FG spinoff series, featuring FG's African American character, who's voiced by a white guy.
Prison Break. The show is in what looks like it's last season, that 7 will probably shaft to a 10.30 pm timeslot . If a women in prison spinoff gets launched, Ten would get it.
24. 24 has probably 2 seasons left and like BL and PB, doesn't rate that highly for 7 and will likely also get shafted to a 10.30 pm timeslot when it's 7th season starts in January, as season 6 did. My guess is, the revamp of the show is something 7 may want to try testing out at a 9.30 pm slot.
- by Anne on September 30, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Out Of The Question is not a good show, it is neither factual nor is it comical. It is just boring. The majority of the questions even if you didn't know the answers you could take an educated guess and Glenn taking his kit off seemed such a desperate attempt. Nice bloke but not the best compere or comedian. The guests were also dull. Really bad move on Ch 7 part's to cannabilise this scheduling on Monday night. BL and 30 Rock had regulars who would despite the late hour would tune in but now they will switch to Channel Download.
- by kate on September 30, 2008 at 02:40 PM
JBar, with the rare exception of Supernatural, pretty much all America's CW network shows (including now 90210) fare poorly (ratings wise), when shown on a standard commercial TV network here, hence the reason Ten sensibly moved CW network shows like Smallville, Veron Mars (that's now finished), One Tree Hill and Everybody Hates Chris, over to 10HD.
- by Simone on September 30, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Anne, I don't think Boston Legal is being "canceled" as such. David E Kelly decided that this year's season would be the last, he has another project which he is keen to concentrate on & it has been given the green light. Unlike some, David also wanted to end the show while fans (at least most of them) think that the show is still worth watching and does not push it too far past its prime. I think David & Co are also going to be hard pressed to dream up story lines that beat Denny as a Presidential candidate & Nantucket wanting a "bomb" of their very own
- by kate on September 30, 2008 at 07:38 PM
A comment from Mr Skerrick about the behind the scenes Make Me a Supermodel. "Meanwhile back in the model mansion" made him remark that they're making the model wannabes sound like meerkats.
- by Bereft Skerrick on September 30, 2008 at 09:55 PM
As I didn't see CPandilo say anything, for viewers who aren't into downloading or online viewing, these fast tracked shows (for what Aus networks want viewers to think are, when reality is quite different) kick off in coming days.
The Mentalist (Nine). Sunday 8.30. Already 2 episodes in overseas. Can any viewer downloaders who've seen both The Mentalist detective show's first two eps, offer comment on how you think it'll fare with Aus viewers, as I haven't got round to seeing it.
Supernatural season 4. First 2 eps on Monday, after 90210 flopped and has been moved to Fridays. Never mind that by next week, Supernatural will be into it's 4th episode overseas.
Heroes season 3 (Seven). Thursday Oct. 9. Same comments made for Supernatural above, apply for Heroes as well.
Prison Break final season 4 (Seven). Thursday Oct. 9 at 10.30 pm. This will be in it's 7th episode overseas, by next week.
For viewers who are fans of seasons 5 of these 3 shows (Boston Legal � season 4 finishes up on Seven next Monday, Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives), Lipstick Jungle season 2, Pushing Daisies season 2, Dirty Sexy Money season 2, Smallville season 8, Private Practice season 2, download them or watch them online, as none of these shows are getting fast tracked by Seven, 10HD and Nine.
- by Chris on September 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Noticed that Seven is showing 'Pirates of the Carribean (XXIV?)' on Sunday night at 8:30pm. Are they bringing forward the end of DWTS and pulling out the big guns (shelving 'Private Practice') all in an attempt to sabotage Nine's premiere of 'The Mentalist'? It will succeed (or am I getting screening times mixed up?).
And for all you 'Australian Idol' doubters who thought the show was irrelevant and a tired format & pointless garbage, tune in this Sunday because ....wait for it... they're all singing ABBA SONGS!!!! Yes, someone's had the brilliant idea to get YOUR Australian Idols to sing 30 year old songs that no-one ever wants to hear again. Blame Meryl Streep & Julie Walters & 'Mamma Mia'. I do. The soul-destroying sight of 50 or so middle-aged women dancing in the sparkling sunshine on a Greek Island has convinced some people that ABBA is hot again. If they're trying to get middle-aged women who get up & dance in cinema aisles wearing three-quarter length trousers & clogs to buy Australian Idol CDs then it might work. I don't think that's what they're trying to do.
Get ready to see Shrieky Lee (that one still works, Bereft Skerrick) in a Tangerine one-piece jumpsuit with flares & wide lapels & ruffles up the wazoo. James & Andrew in matching 1970's best man powder blue tuxedos. Then there's the judges.....shudder.
- by darren on October 01, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Despite the fact that it always unfortunately rates poorly for SBS, the excellent Newstopia show is back again on SBS tonight at the same lousy 10 pm timeslot as before, for those are are fans of it. Also on SBS on 9pm Monday, overweight female Aus comedy character actor Rebel Wilson, stars in a 6 part show called Bogan Pride.
- by Drillbit on October 01, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Ch 7 have created a powerhouse on Tuesday nights with Packed to the Rafters, All Saints still doing very well and so are the factuals earlier on. If only they would show Scrubs & 30 Rock at 10.30pm.
The NCIS ratings were not too shabby either and probably took a few viewers away from PTTR. Ch 10 would have been hoping for similar results for House last week but didn't get them. Rush is struggling against All Saints. Still think that this crazy programming that has damaged Rush. It should be moved to Wednesday nights at 9.30pm immediately.
- by J Bar on October 01, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Thanks for nothing Ch 7. Stayed up till 11:30pm for 30 Rock finale, only to find that it'll be on next Tuesday instead because of chest beating about the Wall Street crisis. There was no prior notification that I saw.
This is the type of disdain that network treat cult shows with. 'Big deal you swept all before you at the Emmys. We're only interested in the LCD (lowest common denominator).'
You are dead to me Channel 7!
Tribal Mind remarks: Thanks for that news. I had recorded what I thought was 30 Rock to watch tonight after House. Now I'll watch Newstopia instead.
- by Bereft Skerrick on October 01, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Bereft, i take it you were not watching any channel 7 shows earlier in the evening as they kept putting banners across the bottom of the screen alerting to the cross-over to Wall St at market opening.
To quote the SBS lady (from Fast Forward days), "I will suspending an electric hedge-trimmer above my head which will decapitate me should I be so rude as to fall asleep during that one".
- by David on October 01, 2008 at 11:11 AM
by Bereft Skerrick on October 01, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Tell me about it Bereft, I suffered through the vacuous Supermodel "I'm not fat, I have big bones" crap only to be rewarded with Dubya...
J Bar - speaking of struggling - that was me attempting to follow the action on Rush with the edgy and "out there" camera movements. Mon Dieu, I needed a strong dose of anti seasick pills. Memo to the producers - stop letting your kids do the filming.
I cannot believe the banality of 20 to 1 last night. And for pete's sake, Nein, drop the talking heads - what does a D list celebrity in Australia know about the love affairs of Hollywood stars etc. Don't tell me, they read about them in No Idea. And someone really should tell Bert that he is wearing someone's pubic hair on his head (can I say that on here?)
- by Shoopie on October 01, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Drillbit, I thought "Bogan Pride" was a show about our new state premier.
"Bogan entertainment for bogans" sums him up.
Trees? Who needs trees?
Ah, love the smell of petrol in the suburbs.
- by Sal on October 01, 2008 at 12:21 PM
30 Rock stuffed around again. Dropped at teh last minute for a news report nobody really wanted to watch anyway. Your in my bad books again Ch 7.
- by J Bar on October 01, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Chris on September 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Re The Mentalist - as far as I know only 1 episode has been aired thus far, the second one airs today. I enjoyed the first episode and thought it was well acted and cleverly done. How it will be received? No idea. Simon is nice to look at and Australian audiences on the whole like American crime shows so it should do o.k. In the US, its rating were very healthy but it benefited from a nice lead in from the show airing before.
- by kate on October 01, 2008 at 12:41 PM
I watched TGA last night (recorded) and must agree with most of the comments already made - some tweaks that would help include:
1. Let Warren Brown be the host
2. Give Charlie either the flick or a few "under" acting lessons
3. Give "the other bloke" (as my workmates keep referring to him) a couple of valium to c..a..l...m.....d..o..w..n.
Another thing, the original Top Gear started off slowly and with only a few stunts and I think that while SBS is trying to attract the non-petrol heads, the very reason a show like this attracts people is because it appeals to the petrol head blokes.....we girls are a bit tired of looking at metrosexual wannabes - a bit of bloke talking about the things they love (engines, torque, overhead-cam doorhandles etc.) is what makes these shows genuine!
Ok, end of rant.
- by AJ on October 01, 2008 at 12:45 PM
I forgot to record the final 30 Rock last night. *goes off to kick something as there are no Channel Seven executives nearby to yell at*
Stupid bloody shuffling of the stupid bloody schedule.
Yay for Newstopia tonight!
- by tqd on October 01, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Re 30Rock: I set the HDD to record for an hour and so I got the Stock Market Panic Show as well as Cavemen. Cavemen??? I will persevere next week in case they 'accidentally' show the 30Rock final. Again.
- by 2paw on October 01, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I too am mad at Ch 7 for showing a crisis over 30 Rock and giving minimal warning! I even watched a bit of Make Me A Supermodel - Off the Runway to make sure I wasn't late! They really do know how to jerk good comedy about.
- by Kym on October 01, 2008 at 02:46 PM
As a fan of the UK version, I had to have a look at the local version. I guess it can be compared to the early versions of the show which had been shown by SBS recently.
New people finding their feet, somewhat working that bit too hard making much of their banter seem contrived but hey, it has possibilities. It will take these blokes at least a full series to settle in and probably as long for the audience to get used to them.
There may need to be changes, as I am sure all three characters are on notice to perform, that's the nature of the industry and my initial impression is that Brown settled in best, Pizzati tried much too hard, was far too animated and needs a better ad-lib script writer as well as coaching in delivery and Cox needs to settle in and get a bit of line delivery coaching.
The Stig character needs to be a real racing driver, the bloke who was driving made some fundamental steering wheel handling mistakes, that and he needs to be Australianized, there is no reason why he couldn't have a local name, perhaps they can have a competition to name him.
Tribal Mind remarks: Presumably you are talking about Top Gear.
- by Zjonn on October 01, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Yeah, sorry, I noticed a number of comments about Top Gear Australia and just added my bit forgetting that my comments were going to come in at the end, still, that was my take on Top Gear Australia.
- by Zjonn on October 01, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Tribal Mind remarks: Presumably you are talking about Top Gear.
Nope, Ch 7's stock market special :)
Didn't watch this stock market special as would never follow any advice given to me by Kochie
By the way, caught some of ACA, with all of the market downturns & mothers freezing children news stories & Presidential election debates , they devote a whole and really stretched segment featuring Ben Dark (Ch9 Getaway reporter) being interviewed about a burgular who broke into Ben's house and who had since been sentenced for 2 years jail. While no doubt distressing for Ben & his wife, it is no really top line news in such a "big news" week. It was also so stretched out... not a quick flyaway piece under a minute, no, it was a minute by minute description of what happened. It almost became very comedic. Tracy - "So Ben, since you sleep in the nude, I'll have to buy you a pair of jim-jams" ... I don't normally watch ACA or TT as their low journalistic standards very much irritate me and I think it will be a long time until I watch them again.
- by Kate on October 01, 2008 at 06:20 PM
David: like Shoopie I suffered through Meerkat Supermodel Manor, down here on Prime there weren't any alerts tickering across the bottom of the screen.
At least next Tuesday the Meerkat Supermodels won't be on - something called My Shocking Story (about obese teenagers) is on instead.
- by Bereft Skerrick on October 01, 2008 at 06:25 PM
by Bereft Skerrick on October 01, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Ditto Prime here - nothing.
Tribal Mind asks: Where?
- by Shoopie on October 01, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Kate: I accidentally saw that interview with Ben Dark when I was averting Nana Skerrick's calamities on Monday night. For so much serious news going on in the world, the soft serve shite that ACA serves up as Baskin Robbins is disgraceful. Perhaps they should rename themselves A LCD Affair.
Newstopia back to its best tonight, however SBS's transmission wasn't. A Big snafu around 10 minutes in, in the middle of what I'm sure was an excellent Sarah Palin joke. The comments page of their website keeps on spitting back my comments, and after the show all I could view was the ad and not the show itself.
Now I'm attempting to watch the show. The moustache is a worry. What an interesting time in world events to be back.
BTW: the Palin punchline: Her sons were named Track and Trig after bogan white trash.
- by Bereft Skerrick on October 01, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Vale 90210 - axed in another act of bastardry by Channel Shirl. Don't bother getting into any series they show because just as you figure it out it'll get axed. They must have a ridiculous amount of cash to splash around if they can play musical chairs with their scheduling. Or is it the money they save by showing Bridget Jones & Love Actually umpteen times.
Apparently there's a Who Do You Think You Are coming up on October 12th about David Tennant. It'll be its highest rating episode!
And Vale Rob Guest: never saw anything he was in but he was the longest serving Phantom which has got to mean something. Although he was also the host of Man O Man.
- by Bereft Skerrick on October 02, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Hole In The Wall was shafted for the second time last nite (despite being scheduled). Nein replaced it with 2 1/2 men again, making that the second week that 2 1/2 men's been on four hours a week.
- by arthur on October 02, 2008 at 07:56 AM
TM - re my previous comments on Kenny and Bondi Rescue - time for Channel 10 the start canning this crap .....Time to change your format Channel 10 - nobody is watching you .........
- by Randwick Geoff on October 02, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Ch 10 have really stuffed up their Wednesday nights. Bondi Rescue Bali and Kenny's World ratings are appalling and are affecting the rest of the night. Those House ratings are unbelievably bad and is now fourth in it's slot, even beaten by the terrible Fringe and The Hollowmen which has been dropping off. House, Fringe, 90210 are good examples of why fasttracking does not really work. I think people would rather wait and see the whole series early in the new year rather than have it interrupted by summer. I still like House, even though the new format means that they've sidelined the original main characters which I really liked. Ch 10's late running programming means that if I watched House, I would miss the start of any other shows that I want to watch later on teh other networks. So now I just tape House and watch it after The Hollowmen, Very Small Business and Newstopia.
2.5 Men is threatening to become the highest rating show in Australia. What is wrong with Australia? This show isn't remotely funny. Hopefully it will completely overexposed now and like Kitchen Nightmares will soon be dead. KN was even beaten by lowly-rating Friends repeats.
- by J Bar on October 02, 2008 at 09:16 AM
TM, you got me! I don't understand either why House has suddenly dropped numbers. Are people just sick of House's antics? I am finding the show a little silly now but I dont want to watch Fringe.
Saw it twice, that was enough. But numbers are up for it? Did Nein run around and bribe people to watch it?
And why is Nein showing so much 2 half men? They are flogging it to death. Dont they have anything else to show?
- by em on October 02, 2008 at 09:44 AM
I really loved House and looked forward to Wednesday. Now I can't stand the 7.30 onwards lead-in to House and have fallen into the habit of watching Seven. Absolutely loving Criminal Minds. Can't believe it's been going for a couple of years and I'd never watched it. I don't even flick over to House in the ads. I'm afraid to say my love of House no longer lingers. I had started to get sick of the repeats of House as had most people, but I also found the story lines were getting very same 'ol same 'ol.
- by Suze on October 02, 2008 at 10:13 AM
This whole fast tracking business is getting ridiculous. There is no reason at all why a show like House needs to be fast tracked. As for its appalling ratings. Its very hard for a show to get good ratings, when every show preceding it for the night is a dud. My opinion, drop House for now & start again during the new ratings season in 09.
What I am curious about is why Australian Idol did so bad this week, considering its been doing quite good the previous few weeks. The talent on the show is considerably better this year than it was last year and as a whole seems to be a lot tighter. Perhaps it was just a 1 off blip.
- by Josh on October 02, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Funnily enough, after giving Fringe a chance, I've now decided to record it and Ramsey and watch House instead. Nine must be worried by Ramsay's popularity fall from "timeslot saviour" to "hey, those are good for SBS" numbers.
BTW, being 45, I like watching the antics of a pair of 40-something men behaving in a very un-PC fashion as they do in 2.5 Men. Apparently, a lot of others do too. Following that up with a curmudgeon like House is a nice guilty viewing pleasure progression. (My fiancee plays World of Warcraft on her Macbook alongside me and grits her teeth when she occasionally hears some of the dialogue).
- by Yuri on October 02, 2008 at 10:23 AM
As an avid House fan, it was a shock when I found out that it was back on, I don't think there was enough advertising. Also, I've been a purchaser of the House DVDs, so, because I've missed the first episode of the new season, I may just download it (legally!) or wait 'til I get the DVDs...`
- by Will on October 02, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I've been a House regular, and still am, but I'm not surprised by a dip in ratings. To me, the show was great when it started, but as it went along, it became more and more unbelievable. Then last season they removed the regular cast and shoved them into minor supporting roles. To me it's lost that magic now.
- by Michael Alexs on October 02, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I wonder how 9's "new" series of Survivor rated this week, TM...The whole series has been and gone in the US, which coincidentally started screening its truly new Survivor and The Amazing Race editions this week...both online and they're both semi-promising (if you like that sort of stuff)
- by NK on October 02, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I've never watched an episode of House and never will, but I guess the storylines are turning people off. It's dropped dramatically in the US, too, with the new season losing 6 million viewers.
Tribal Mind wonders: Why would you never watch such a show? The "storylines" (medical mysteries) have been attracting 1.3 million up to this month. I was interested in what had changed. What is it about the show that turns you off?
- by Fielding on October 02, 2008 at 11:56 AM
House is an excellent show for what it is (as a commercial network show) and bad writing certainly isn't it's problem. You do wonder just how accurate a measurement of real viewers these ratings are, but someone sensibly stated it'd help if it had Thank God You're Here (that Ten don't own or have any say in, for doing new eps), as a lead in or any similar show that can generate extremely solid national ratings for Ten. I'd say Ten will keep sticking with House, mainly because they have nothing else decent to replace it and they certainly won't get higher ratings from Life (that follows it) being moved to 8.30 pm and House to 9.30 pm as Life isn't as good a show.
With House, Ten may find it doesn't really pay to fast track it and to show a new season in early February uninterrupted except for non rating weeks.
Similar to House, NCIS is also shuffling it's cast, with 3 of the main ones to be recurring characters only.
- by Drillbit on October 02, 2008 at 11:57 AM
KITCHEN NIGHTMARES USA is out of the schedule with it being replaced by an encore of THE MENTALIST next Wednesday @ 9.30 on Nine.
The following Wednesday, Nine are expected to premiere Season Two of HELL'S KITCHEN.
HOLE IN THE WALL is now moving to Fridays @ 8pm (from next week, after WIPEOUT @ 7.30) with Nine now showing TWO AND A HALF MEN repeats on each Wednesday from 7-8.30pm.
MMAS: OFF THE RUNWAY has been axed by Seven with it being replaced by MY SHOCKING STORY next Tuesday @ 10.30.
Due to the 7 NEWS SPECIAL last Tuesday, 30 ROCK wasn't on but it will air next Tuesday @ 11.30 with the Season Final. BEYONG BOILING POINT returns the following Tuesday (Oct 14) on Seven @ 11.30.
90210 is moving to Fridays 8.30 from next week. It has been replaced by new fast-tracked SUPERNATURAL from this Monday @ 8.30pm.
With GOOD NEWS WEEK returning the following Monday @ 9.30 so BURN NOTICE is now out of the schedule and will probably return this Summer.
So the Froday Night Movie will be on at 9.30 from next week on Ten with Ten repeating the Bourne Supremacy next week.
Well, hasn't HOUSE crashed. What do you people want - Ten fast-tracks and you don't watch? Perhaps Ten should've kept it till next year. So much for fast-tracking. BTW, I'm still watching HOUSE and am enjoying it, the same goes for LIFE.
BOSTON LEGAL will be replaced by new LOUIS THEROUX from Monday week due to BL finishing its season next Monday.
Nine will be fast-tracking CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION & COLD CASE from 8.30 Monday, October 13.
I enjoyed OUT OF THE QUESTION on Monday night though Seven should've waited till October 13 (after BOSTON LEGAL wraps up its season next Monday).
Randwick Geoff, BALI & KENNY aren't crap. KENNY is an enjoyable series which isn't doing well because of a large flock of those original viewers now watching TWO AND A HALF MEN on Nine (including myself). If HOLE IN THE WALL was still on at 8pm Wednesdays on Nine then I would watch KENNY'S WORLD.
Andrew, but it was the AFL Grand Final that delivered a major pick-me-up to 7 NEWS (and probably CARS with people not bothering to switch to FUNNIEST VIDEOS) last Saturday so it could be said that the AFL Grand Final had an indirect effect on Seven's Saturday night performance which would've helped Seven beat Nine last Saturday as is evidenced by the massive increase to 7 NEWS' viewership last Saturday to 2 million from previous weeks where it gets around 1.3 million.
- by cpandilo on October 02, 2008 at 01:11 PM
With the House and Fringe shows being screened against each other here, ironically in the US, both shows are
screened on the Fox network, with House opening for Fringe.
- by Simone on October 02, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Sooooo, let me get this straight: I forgot to set up the recorder for 30 Rock on Tuesday night. But obviously Someone Up There likes me, because something dreary about the stock market was shown instead.
Sorry to all the people who stayed up only to see Kochie (ew!), but HUZZAH! YEEHAH! WOOT!!!! YAYAYAYAY!!
*ahem* I am feeling rather cheerful right now.
Half-watched S&S/Hollowmen/VSB/Margaret & David last night (while pottering on the 'pooter, trying to get its creaky old system to show me Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, with no luck). I wasn't paying 100% attention, but I do think that Hollowmen is getting better and better. Less of a one-trick pony, this season. Recorded Newstopia, to watch asap...
- by tqd on October 02, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Also, for the readers of this blog that watch GRAHAM NORTON on ABC 2, the show is moving to 10pm this Friday due to the WNBL. Next week, it will move to Thursday @ 10pm.
- by cpandilo on October 02, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Nein says "ve vill show ze 2 1/2 men until you vatch it. It may be crap, but you dummies vill eventually succumb".
And they have.
How absolutely pathetic.
We really do deserve to be treated like mushrooms if we watch stuff like that.
- by Sal on October 02, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I previously wrote that HELL'S KITCHEN would be on 9.30 Wednesdays on Nine from 2 weeks time - it has now been changed to new CSI: NY.
- by cpandilo on October 02, 2008 at 04:56 PM
30 Rock has been rescheduled for 11.30pm Tuesday.
- by Pertinax on October 02, 2008 at 05:07 PM
TM I think House is down because of the poor lead in shows - like Randwick Geoff and J Bar said - it is such a turn off it is hard to wait for House - although I do record the other shows (Spicks and Specks et al, Criminal Minds and Fringe)and watch House live... The Doc is as annoying as usual but I am still a fan. I think Shirl with serious fasttracking should stick to Supernatural and save House for next year. I am happy the Winchester boys are back!
Maybe Shirl should try something else on Wednesdays....
Should be noted that Shirl of all the FTA networks has the fewest programs in reserve - Nein has about 5 cupboards full - Pushing Daisies, ER etc and Seven has Eli Stone and Reaper - think we will see only a few over summer
- by Cathy on October 02, 2008 at 06:05 PM
I used to watch House (and switch channels to do it), but dropping the main supporting actors has taken away the interesting relationships. The repetition of solving strange and unusual diseases no longer seems very appealing.
- by Ruth on October 02, 2008 at 06:55 PM
easy, the ratings system is a pathetic system and can't tell what so ever! we have over 20 million people and how many have a oztam box??
Tribal Mind replies: 4,000.
- by ryan on October 02, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Well, I wasn't a regular Hlouse viewer, but I was a regular 7:30-8:30 wednesday channel 10 viewer. I will not view Bondi Rescue or Kenny's world. for the first time, I viewed 2.5 men. I didn't love it, but I find Bondi so boring, I had to search for something else. So I'm wondering how many others did the same thing... Personally, I just returned to S&S and Hollowmen - I'd been viewing SYTYCD, and now i'm returning to my regular viewing (I'd been recording S&S and HM).
Sad about Channel Teen axing 90210. It was the best trashy tv on the box - as one of the generation who was obsessed with the original, myself, and quite a few friends, are extremely disappointed about this. It's also had me questioning the ratings system again - every time i've brought 90210 up with friends or colleagues, they've all been viewers. For example, out of 30 workmates, 20 viewed it. None of us are part of the ratings system though. But based on anecdotal evidence, it was actually doing quite well. ryan, I agree, I don't think the ratings system is accurate. It's the same thing with the Gilmore Girls - it never seemed to rate well, yet everyone I knew watched it!!
- by Beckala on October 02, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Randwick Geoff, BALI & KENNY aren't crap. KENNY is an enjoyable series which isn't doing well because of a large flock of those original viewers now watching TWO AND A HALF MEN on Nine (including myself).
Cpandilo - my very point ..... they wouldn't change if their programs were better than 2.5 men - but we are talking about channel 10 and their poor trashy way of creating the perception that they are hip - to a generation that is probably watching foxtel or downloading - Channel 10's shares will nosedive even further .....
Turnover of shows include big brother, 90210, taken out, likely are Kenny and Bondi rescue ...... and the list will just keep on growing and growing.
Stop playing shit channel 10 and change your format ........
- by Randwick Geoff on October 03, 2008 at 06:42 AM
How long do you think before 60 minutes does a story on Charlie Sheen? Similar to their hard hitting report on Gordon Ramsey earlier this year when his show was still hot.
- by Tom on October 03, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Pertinax:-
>30 Rock has been rescheduled for 11.30pm Tuesday.>
After the way the show has been jerked around the last few weeks (hell, the way it's been jerked around since it started screening in Australia!), I couldn't be bothered waiting, so I obtained the season finale through The Usual Sources, and watched it yesterday -twice! It's good - _extremely_ funny.
- by Mark on October 03, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Maybe Ch 10 should swap 'Thank God You're Here' repeats on Sunday nights with Bondi Rescue/Kenny's World on Wednesday nights.
I'm still persisting with The Strip. Last night's episode was an improvement. They seemed to get rid of a lot of the shakey camera work, the story was interesting and the acting had improved, even the guest actors in the minor roles were better. Some of the dialogue was still cliched and some of the wardrobe is still dodgy at times, but generally the show has improved. I wonder if the audience will hang around to notice.
- by J Bar on October 03, 2008 at 08:04 AM
I agree with Beckala & Ryan that the Oztam ratings are hard to believe, but what can you do?
Re: 'House', I've never really watched it either. It seems to me to have the same weakness as Agatha Christie stories, Law & Order stuff, CSI etc etc.....a mystery is set up (the quirkier the better), they look for whodunnit /whatdidit etc etc, solve it in the last 10 minutes, then next week on to something else pretty much the same but with slightly different lines.
Although I'm wondering if the BIG problem is with Fast-tracking. Are The Networks teaching people to have shorter & shorter attention spans? Used to be they'd only show programs from the U.S. after they'd been proven popular over there, then run full seasons in regular slots. Now, it's new & over-hyped for weeks in advance, only to be revealed as yet more crap, and yanked off into nether-regions after a few weeks (if that) ie: '90210', 'Fringe' (stay tuned), etc etc...
People can't be bothered starting into a new show or new season when they know it'll require chasing it all over the schedule if it's not an instant success.
By the way, does anyone KNOW someone who's an Oztam guinea-pig? What do THEY watch? Do they actually exist or are they just brains in bottles of bubbling amniotic fluid hooked up to televisions?
- by darren on October 03, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Terrible figures for The Strip (5-city figure this time), though I thought the episode was actually quite good. I wonder if it'll get the bone soon.
- by arthur on October 03, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Looks like The Strip is the third local drama flop for Ch 9 this year after Canal Road and McLeods Daughters. seems like they can't do anything right apart from showing 10 episodes of Two and Half Men per week
- by J Bar on October 03, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Does the fact that 2 & 1/2 Men, which is rating well, indicate that there is no other worthwhile comedies on tv presently? Besides the old stalwart The Simpsons, what else is funny on tv, and by funny I mean humerous not crap. Maybe we'll see a return of quality comedies like Frasier, or if there is something new of quality?
- by JT on October 03, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I'm still a fan of House, and I also love Criminal Minds, and I'm currently still watching Fringe (although it may well drop out soon), so on a Wednesday, I tape all 3, and watch something previously taped. Any show I really like gets taped so I can watch without ads. This tends to leave us watching (half-watching) other shows like Ramsey etc live. Also, I think the real reason House is failing is because Ch10 consistently shows House in the same time slot, even when repeats, so many people may not even be aware that it's new episodes...It's not really a common time of the year for "new" shows - fast-tracking may well be throwing some people off.
And for the record, I quite like 2.5 men - it is quite funny and light-hearted, making it easy to watch when doing other things, which is how I like my live tv.
- by LR on October 03, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Viewer numbers are really on the slide if Thursday and Friday nights are anything to go buy - it would appear around 600,000 people just switch off as the week progresses given the 2 million plus numbers often achieved earlier in the week
TM do you have any ratings figures for Q and A last night - I think last night's show was the best of the season - it featured PETER COSTELLO, DAVID MARR AND FORMER ALP RECRUIT CHERYL KERNOT - and didn't the insults and accusations fly -very enjoyable final show!!
Tribal Mind replies: In the chart now.
- by GJ on October 03, 2008 at 12:54 PM
House has lost its novelty appeal & become repetitive .Plus the usual turn off ..the ads , 18 minutes per hour of irritation. It seems overall viewer numbers have dropped .Top shows used to get 2 million or more regularly.New shows like True Blood may do ok .
- by doug on October 03, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Shirl's programmers must have been listening - they are moving Kenny to Tuesdays and dumping Bondi Rescue Bali - outting Jamie Oliver on Wednesday before House.
Also for Amazing Race fans - 7 is showing latest season from Oct 16 (on Thursdays) - colour me happy.
Tribal Mind asks: How did you find this out?
- by Cathy on October 03, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Another reason i do not like House.Now i have the best HD large screen , crisp & very clear i like to see outdoor vistas with plenty of color etc. House is indoors & looks very flat in color .Life, the new tv show is much better even the indoor shots are bright & clear.
- by doug on October 03, 2008 at 09:07 PM
David, The TV Tonight website posts news and programming changes as soon as the networks announce them. It's usually the fastest off the mark with the latest changes.
- by J Bar on October 03, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Tina Fey has been at it again. Check out http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/27/tina-fey-as-sarah-palin-k_n_129956.html where apparently they didn't have to change many of her responses.