The Who We Are update: Week 42

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

To discuss reducing misery on this planet by eating more vegans, go to Who We Are.
To learn why TV tastes don't run in trends, go to The Tribal Mind.

The ratings race, updated 10 am Sunday
As you know, movies no longer attract big numbers on free to air television. People who didn't see a film at the cinema have had a couple of years to see it on DVD or on Pay TV before it reaches the commercial networks. But on Friday night a giant exception manifested itself: a kidflick in the Mary Poppins vein called Nanny McPhee. Anybody care to explain why the Nanny got more than a million viewers, beat the pants off Alexander and Munich, and boosted Channel Ten's morale in an otherwise sluggish week?

The week ended with Seven averaging 30.1 per cent of the prime time audience, with Nine on 25.3, Ten on 20.5, ABC on 18.8 and SBS on 5.3. Seven won every night but Monday.

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,137,000 305,000 325,000 223,000 89,000 194,000
2 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC1 964,000 302,000 280,000 168,000 89,000 125,000
3 THE BILL ABC1 942,000 280,000 307,000 153,000 94,000 108,000
4 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 941,000 261,000 295,000 209,000 101,000 75,000
5 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW Nine 875,000 264,000 207,000 189,000 93,000 123,000
6 ABC NEWS UP-DATE ABC1 828,000 262,000 255,000 138,000 76,000 98,000
7 ROUGH DIAMOND ABC1 820,000 257,000 257,000 124,000 78,000 104,000
8 M-SHARK TALE Seven 740,000 228,000 233,000 112,000 60,000 107,000
9 GARDENING AUSTRALIA-EV ABC1 660,000 183,000 221,000 120,000 62,000 73,000
10 JUMANJI RPT Ten 627,000 146,000 193,000 132,000 58,000 98,000
11 MONSTER HOUSE Nine 620,000 181,000 167,000 102,000 74,000 97,000
15 M-PRETTY WOMAN Seven 422,000 259,000 68,000 96,000
16 DUKES OF HAZZARD -RPT Nine 406,000 117,000 115,000 64,000 59,000 51,000
17 KING KONG RPT Ten 405,000 107,000 140,000 58,000 46,000 55,000
24 NINE'S HORSE RACING Nine 313,000 74,000 142,000 45,000 34,000 18,000
34 ROCKWIZ SBS 197,000 67,000 62,000 27,000 21,000 20,000
Continued here

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,524,000 488,000 460,000 273,000 127,000 176,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,273,000 330,000 340,000 269,000 152,000 182,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,164,000 294,000 300,000 247,000 137,000 185,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,118,000 341,000 305,000 218,000 112,000 141,000
5 NANNY MCPHEE Ten 1,044,000 295,000 322,000 181,000 105,000 141,000
6 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 964,000 276,000 255,000 216,000 99,000 118,000
7 TAGGART ABC1 958,000 269,000 315,000 145,000 96,000 133,000
19 FRIDAY NIGHT DOWNLOAD Ten 564,000 131,000 138,000 121,000 72,000 101,000
20 MUNICH Seven 541,000 158,000 164,000 97,000 48,000 73,000
24 ALEXANDER Nine 440,000 168,000 138,000 80,000 54,000 Not shown
35 ADVENTURES OF BOTTLE TOP BILL AND HIS BEST FRIEND-AM ABC1 268,000 83,000 94,000 35,000 18,000 38,000
40 GRIZZLY TALES FOR GRUESOME KIDS-PM ABC1 254,000 64,000 81,000 57,000 24,000 29,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Friday
The Strip seems to be making a comeback, unlike Heroes and Prison Break. Has it improved or is there less competition?

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,356,000 334,000 342,000 304,000 154,000 222,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,246,000 271,000 349,000 266,000 154,000 205,000
3 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,202,000 334,000 350,000 244,000 130,000 145,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,189,000 312,000 349,000 244,000 116,000 168,000
5 NATIONAL NINE NEWS Nine 1,090,000 261,000 348,000 281,000 104,000 96,000
6 LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT Ten 1,060,000 298,000 313,000 160,000 109,000 181,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,058,000 292,000 342,000 227,000 96,000 100,000
8 GETAWAY Nine 1,053,000 356,000 305,000 171,000 92,000 129,000
9 THE STRIP Nine 1,041,000 292,000 293,000 224,000 102,000 130,000
10 MAKE ME A SUPERMODEL Seven 1,038,000 266,000 282,000 236,000 105,000 149,000
11 LAW AND ORDER: SVU RPT Ten 1,029,000 269,000 333,000 173,000 105,000 149,000
12 THE AMAZING RACE 13 Seven 1,021,000 257,000 391,000 151,000 107,000 115,000
13 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,014,000 293,000 282,000 216,000 91,000 132,000
14 RPA Nine 1,008,000 267,000 324,000 143,000 129,000 145,000
17 ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? Ten 788,000 172,000 251,000 135,000 83,000 146,000
20 HEROES - THU Seven 706,000 193,000 240,000 118,000 82,000 73,000
30 PRISON BREAK - THU Seven 401,000 120,000 148,000 58,000 48,000 27,000
33 INSPECTOR REX RPT SBS 356,000 110,000 103,000 65,000 41,000 37,000
75 ZOMBIE HOTEL-AM ABC1 158,000 45,000 19,000 67,000 12,000 15,000

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,507,000 363,000 434,000 336,000 159,000 215,000
2 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,472,000 370,000 467,000 263,000 171,000 201,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,457,000 354,000 437,000 302,000 152,000 212,000
4 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED EP2 Nine 1,414,000 386,000 479,000 254,000 141,000 153,000
5 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED Nine 1,406,000 373,000 487,000 244,000 130,000 172,000
6 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,318,000 358,000 363,000 268,000 142,000 187,000
7 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,237,000 416,000 367,000 210,000 126,000 117,000
8 CRASH INVESTIGATION UNIT Seven 1,223,000 362,000 302,000 258,000 129,000 172,000
9 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,200,000 301,000 403,000 229,000 128,000 139,000
10 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,190,000 369,000 328,000 229,000 122,000 143,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,100,000 294,000 354,000 192,000 98,000 161,000
12 NINE NEWS Nine 1,068,000 253,000 341,000 269,000 115,000 90,000
13 CRIMINAL MINDS (R) Seven 964,000 260,000 325,000 149,000 122,000 108,000
14 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 962,000 241,000 335,000 226,000 87,000 74,000
15 HOUSE Ten 885,000 232,000 269,000 146,000 98,000 139,000
20 STUPID STUPID MAN (SERIES 2) ABC1 769,000 279,000 205,000 121,000 79,000 85,000
23 JAMIE'S MINISTRY OF FOOD Ten 700,000 182,000 198,000 129,000 69,000 122,000
24 FRINGE Nine 671,000 183,000 209,000 151,000 65,000 63,000
29 SUMMER HEIGHTS HIGH RPT ABC1 509,000 174,000 140,000 84,000 46,000 65,000
43 ADVENTURES OF BOTTLE TOP BILL AND HIS BEST FRIEND ABC1 303,000 75,000 123,000 44,000 22,000 39,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Wednesday
Nine still can't do any damage to Seven on Tuesdays, and has started suffering damage from a resurgent Ten. Last night Nine's local Ramsay clone, The Chopping Block, was beaten by Kenny's World, and new episodes of its strongest series, Two and a Half Men, were beaten by NCIS.

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,886,000 559,000 631,000 318,000 174,000 206,000
2 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,822,000 476,000 593,000 361,000 186,000 205,000
3 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,607,000 457,000 457,000 320,000 177,000 197,000
4 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,471,000 367,000 408,000 315,000 174,000 206,000
5 NCIS Ten 1,336,000 334,000 377,000 282,000 155,000 188,000
6 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,316,000 340,000 362,000 239,000 168,000 207,000
7 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,269,000 346,000 384,000 255,000 135,000 149,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,242,000 386,000 337,000 229,000 145,000 145,000
9 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,202,000 368,000 409,000 154,000 146,000 125,000
10 NINE NEWS Nine 1,181,000 337,000 373,000 243,000 130,000 98,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,137,000 351,000 326,000 211,000 103,000 146,000
12 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,120,000 322,000 354,000 224,000 122,000 98,000
13 TWO AND A HALF MEN -EP1 Nine 1,033,000 311,000 321,000 173,000 107,000 121,000
14 TWO AND A HALF MEN -EP2 Nine 1,023,000 303,000 323,000 171,000 114,000 113,000
15 20 TO 1 Nine 992,000 310,000 268,000 177,000 112,000 124,000
17 RUSH Ten 927,000 191,000 336,000 194,000 108,000 99,000
18 KENNY'S WORLD TUES Ten 890,000 213,000 314,000 147,000 94,000 123,000
20 THE CHOPPING BLOCK Nine 879,000 249,000 286,000 149,000 95,000 101,000
22 TWO IN THE TOP END ABC1 836,000 281,000 233,000 148,000 91,000 83,000
32 SURVIVOR: MICRONESIA - FANS VS FAVOURITES Nine 415,000 131,000 138,000 53,000 53,000 40,000
44 ERKY PERKY ABC1 292,000 50,000 99,000 61,000 28,000 54,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Tuesday
Channel Nine brought out its biggest gun to attack Seven's biggest drama, but CSI only managed to cut City Homicide's audience by 200,000. SBS will be in panic mode about the ever-decreasing numbers for Top Gear Australia. What went wrong there, do you think?

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 THE FORCE Seven 1,549,000 394,000 481,000 281,000 168,000 224,000
2 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,519,000 387,000 458,000 306,000 167,000 202,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,447,000 369,000 390,000 299,000 161,000 230,000
4 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,429,000 378,000 470,000 251,000 174,000 155,000
5 CSI Nine 1,349,000 388,000 434,000 244,000 117,000 166,000
6 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,325,000 323,000 356,000 259,000 148,000 239,000
7 TWO AND A HALF MEN -MON Nine 1,229,000 358,000 416,000 217,000 95,000 143,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,221,000 313,000 360,000 229,000 149,000 170,000
9 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,212,000 358,000 358,000 237,000 111,000 148,000
10 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,137,000 340,000 337,000 222,000 92,000 147,000
11 NINE NEWS Nine 1,110,000 299,000 326,000 242,000 140,000 102,000
12 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,039,000 261,000 320,000 219,000 127,000 112,000
13 ENOUGH ROPE WITH ANDREW DENTON ABC1 979,000 271,000 335,000 166,000 97,000 110,000
14 BONES - MON Seven 959,000 306,000 280,000 167,000 96,000 111,000
15 TIL DEATH Nine 937,000 268,000 306,000 182,000 68,000 113,000
16 FOUR CORNERS ABC1 910,000 263,000 282,000 174,000 69,000 124,000
17 AUSTRALIAN STORY ABC1 909,000 204,000 358,000 163,000 81,000 103,000
20 COLD CASE Nine 837,000 235,000 310,000 134,000 74,000 84,000
21 NEIGHBOURS Ten 811,000 246,000 241,000 178,000 61,000 85,000
22 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - THE LIVE VERDICT Ten 783,000 262,000 214,000 129,000 93,000 84,000
25 GOOD NEWS WEEK Ten 756,000 216,000 225,000 140,000 84,000 91,000
26 TOP GEAR AUSTRALIA SBS 668,000 211,000 180,000 124,000 69,000 84,000
27 SUPERNATURAL Ten 659,000 196,000 181,000 129,000 79,000 74,000
28 FRIENDS - DAILY RPT Ten 597,000 181,000 165,000 122,000 49,000 81,000
30 THE SIMPSONS Ten 559,000 157,000 176,000 108,000 38,000 81,000
33 OUT OF THE QUESTION - MON Seven 434,000 148,000 120,000 72,000 44,000 51,000
67 BOGAN PRIDE SBS 209,000 83,000 50,000 32,000 26,000 19,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

The ratings race, updated 10am Monday
A week that started wonderfully for Channel Nine, with 2.05 million viewers for the rugby league grand final, ended up like most of the others -- with a smashing win for Channel Seven. Seven had the next five most watched shows (Packed to the Rafters, Find My Family, City Homicide, The Force and Border Security) and averaged 30.7 per cent of the prime time audience for the week.

Nine averaged 25.9 per cent. Its only other good news was 1.3 million for its new US drama The Mentalist, most of whom stayed around for the second episode last night.

The disappearance of Doctor Who has done no harm to the ABC, which averaged 18.7 per cent of the prime time audience, thanks to Spicks and Specks (1.3m) Midsomer Murders (1.1m) and the news (1million). Channel Ten averaged 19.5 per cent, thanks to NCIS (1.3m) and Australian Idol (1.2), but did itself no good by replacing Kenny's World with Jamie's Ministry of Food , which drew only 764,000. After it, House managed only 858,000. See the Top 40 chart below.

SBS (5.2 per cent) must have been disappointed with the second week of Top Gear Australia, which drew only 669,000, but would have regarded 376,000 as healthy for the new comedy Bogan Pride.

On Pay TV, the most watched shows included the India vs Australia Cricket Test (297,000 for Session 3 and 276,000 for Session 2, on Fox Sports 2); America's Next Top Model (186,000 for Fox 8), and The Simpsons (164,000 for Fox 8).

The American Kath and Kim did best with women aged 18-49, and worst with viewers over 55 (just like the original). Go to Comments to tell us what you made of it.

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,624,000 384,000 488,000 389,000 163,000 199,000
2 SEVEN NEWS SPECIAL Seven 1,488,000 366,000 426,000 331,000 152,000 213,000
3 60 MINUTES Nine 1,357,000 383,000 388,000 294,000 138,000 154,000
4 THE MENTALIST Nine 1,258,000 365,000 341,000 257,000 118,000 178,000
5 V8 SUPERCARS RND 10: BATHURST D3 THE RACE Seven 1,240,000 380,000 379,000 246,000 142,000 93,000
6 KATH & KIM THE AMERICAN SERIES Seven 1,238,000 327,000 423,000 217,000 114,000 157,000
7 MIDSOMER MURDERS ABC1 1,209,000 382,000 377,000 161,000 143,000 145,000
8 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,194,000 336,000 360,000 248,000 121,000 130,000
9 DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Seven 1,167,000 355,000 362,000 180,000 105,000 165,000
10 V8 SUPERCARS RND 10: D3 POST RACE Seven 1,139,000 338,000 385,000 232,000 112,000 72,000
11 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,138,000 318,000 364,000 215,000 130,000 112,000
12 CSI: MIAMI Nine 1,066,000 296,000 339,000 186,000 103,000 142,000
13 ROVE Ten 1,010,000 259,000 324,000 194,000 100,000 133,000
17 BATTLEFRONTS Nine 857,000 230,000 232,000 196,000 94,000 106,000
27 CALIFORNICATION Ten 546,000 127,000 190,000 90,000 67,000 72,000
29 FIRST AUSTRALIANS SBS 392,000 137,000 122,000 54,000 33,000 47,000
30 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? SBS 381,000 105,000 126,000 67,000 40,000 43,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, week ending October 11
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINAL Nine 2,051,000 924,000 487,000 501,000 59,000 80,000
2 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,978,000 622,000 627,000 343,000 183,000 203,000
3 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,797,000 486,000 543,000 351,000 173,000 244,000
4 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,701,000 471,000 553,000 320,000 169,000 187,000
5 THE FORCE Seven 1,681,000 450,000 517,000 310,000 155,000 249,000
6 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,592,000 469,000 460,000 310,000 148,000 206,000
7 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,507,000 393,000 461,000 289,000 158,000 205,000
8 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED EP2 Nine 1,471,000 438,000 428,000 306,000 140,000 160,000
9 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,447,000 424,000 422,000 264,000 147,000 190,000
10 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED Nine 1,383,000 394,000 446,000 249,000 141,000 152,000
11 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,378,000 436,000 463,000 163,000 153,000 162,000
12 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,368,000 305,000 439,000 278,000 159,000 188,000
13 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,344,000 301,000 381,000 286,000 154,000 221,000
14 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,339,000 408,000 425,000 207,000 125,000 173,000
15 THE MENTALIST Nine 1,330,000 404,000 386,000 284,000 97,000 159,000
16 60 MINUTES Nine 1,326,000 420,000 363,000 270,000 106,000 167,000
17 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,315,000 261,000 417,000 281,000 146,000 209,000
18 TWO AND A HALF MEN -MON Nine 1,311,000 332,000 439,000 285,000 128,000 128,000
19 RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINAL PRESENTATION Nine 1,310,000 902,000 408,000
20 NCIS Ten 1,306,000 328,000 389,000 254,000 164,000 170,000
21 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Seven 1,304,000 344,000 379,000 247,000 145,000 188,000
22 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,275,000 340,000 327,000 309,000 109,000 190,000
23 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,263,000 293,000 371,000 247,000 138,000 214,000
24 CRIMINAL MINDS (R) Seven 1,219,000 297,000 395,000 210,000 151,000 165,000
25 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,215,000 338,000 425,000 212,000 114,000 126,000
26 CRASH INVESTIGATION UNIT Seven 1,163,000 330,000 305,000 235,000 115,000 178,000
27 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,162,000 325,000 345,000 219,000 121,000 152,000
28 MIDSOMER MURDERS ABC1 1,137,000 288,000 388,000 163,000 147,000 151,000
29 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,117,000 279,000 358,000 242,000 112,000 124,000
30 RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINAL ENTERTAINMENT Nine 1,107,000 494,000 253,000 274,000 36,000 49,000
31 NINE NEWS Nine 1,074,000 267,000 359,000 247,000 108,000 93,000
32 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,038,000 278,000 305,000 204,000 94,000 157,000
33 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,025,000 261,000 304,000 264,000 104,000 92,000
34 LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT Ten 1,023,000 270,000 320,000 187,000 119,000 127,000
35 20 TO 1 Nine 1,020,000 314,000 323,000 178,000 103,000 102,000
36 BONES - MON Seven 1,016,000 277,000 319,000 178,000 134,000 108,000
37 M-EIGHT BELOW Seven 1,014,000 276,000 352,000 176,000 101,000 109,000
38 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,003,000 245,000 337,000 228,000 101,000 92,000
39 ABC NEWS-SU ABC1 1,000,000 211,000 373,000 179,000 98,000 140,000
40 GETAWAY Nine 997,000 286,000 277,000 202,000 107,000 124,000
41 AUSTRALIAN IDOL - THE LIVE VERDICT Ten 971,000 285,000 297,000 180,000 113,000 97,000
(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

The biffo used to be a certain ratings winner for Ch Nein, wondering whether they'll renew their contact with it when it runs out.
Watched the Fords thump the Holdens @ Bathurst today. Any other hoons out there get sick of the ads? Don't the advertisers get enough advertising labelling every bolt and cotter pin on the cars?
Watched Who Do You Think You Are with David Tennant (who forgot?). Gee I could listen to that accent all episode long.

by Bereft Skerrick on October 12, 2008 at 07:32 PM

I forgot! How could I? At least I can consolidate myself with the fact that I had seen it online - but I was waiting to see David Tennant's Who Do You Think You Are on the big screen.

by Kym on October 12, 2008 at 07:55 PM

Recorded Who Do You Think You Are with The Doctor, and was planning on watching the train wreck of K&K US at the same time: only there was a typo in the guide and I ended up catching the closing credits, rather than the show itself. Saw enough of the opening of DWTS to run shrieking from the room. (Does anyone else out there know who any of those "stars" were? Red Symons was the only name familiar to me.)
Consoled myself with DVDs (couldn't watch WDYTYA without Mr TQD, he might get most upset) and then watched The First Australians. Learnt quite a bit of Australian history I was ignorant about. But am a bit peeved that they're showing this twice a week! Do they think I have no life?? (Well, yes, but that's beside the point.)
And yay for ad-free television! Didn't even notice they weren't there until about an hour or so in.

by tqd on October 13, 2008 at 08:20 AM

I suppose the high ratings for K&K USA was simply curiosity value? My local radio breakfast show talk back asked viewers to ring up with their opinion on it. Not one caller had anything good to say. So I would conclude that next weeks ep will be down siginifcantly in ratings? Didnt watch myself but I would have had to be strapped to a chair with my eyelids forced open to watch. Instead I channel surfed between 60 mins and Idol. The "talent" in Idol this year is quite ordinary. It really is like watching Karoke in the local RSL.
Damn! I forgot WDYTYA. Will have to hope for a repeat or download. How could I forget? Easy, been nursing sick son and suffering from brain fog and lack of sleep. That must also be the reason I watched Idol!

Tribal Mind remarks: The high figure may be a reflection of the fact that it started late, and the people meters were actually measuring the audience for the last part of the Seven news special before it. I have asked Seven for audience figures based on the actual timing of K&K. I thought it wasn't worse than most US sitcoms.

by em on October 13, 2008 at 08:45 AM

tm, how did the 'Deadly Awards' rate on SBS. It aired after First Australians.
thanks

Tribal Mind replies: Total 73,000 across the five capitals.

by Jim on October 13, 2008 at 08:55 AM

The regulators really are gutless letting the networks continue to run late in every single time-slot after 7pm.

Tribal Mind replies: What regulators? The only legal sanction is on obscenity and defamation.

by Ben on October 13, 2008 at 09:41 AM

I watched KAKUSA with a certain morbid fascination. Like when you see bloated carcass on the beach or some roadkill & poke it with a stick to see where all the parts have ended up (is that it's eye?...no I think that's a testicle. The eyes are fifty metres up the road. That looks like it used to be a leg though).
Who knew how much less funny it would be to call someone 'Phil' instead of 'Kel' or 'Ginger' instead of 'Kujo' or 'Greg' instead of 'Brett'? It's a curious thing.
I have to say though, it was a stroke of genius (of sorts) to have David Koch hosting the lead in. Kochie going overtime makes everything else slightly better. And I know he's an accountant (you can tell by the way he hosts television), but do people actually take his financial advice seriously when a few hours later he can be seen dancing in Martin Place with a guy in a Cow suit?

by darren on October 13, 2008 at 10:17 AM

I thought the US K&K wasn't that bad. Much better than most of the sitcoms we get from the US.
The trick is to not think of the original series; though that is hard, considering that's what Seven has been doing with the promos for the show.

by Serg on October 13, 2008 at 10:21 AM

Kath and Kim was never going to live up to the Australian version, but like TM said - it wasn't the worst American sitcoms.

by Billy on October 13, 2008 at 10:22 AM

I didn't think the American Kath & Kim was too bad either. You could be highly critical of the producers for changing so much of it from the Australian version but I think American audiences might like the show the way it is and it might keep the ratings that it had for its debut over there. Not bad ratings here but I'm sure it will drop next week. All the references to American products/brands/celebs means that some of the jokes won't be as funny for Australians and I still think the too perfect Selma Blair is miscast to play Kim. It was better than sitcoms like Two and A Half Men but I don’t know if I’ll go out of my way to watch it.
Both Australian Idol and Dancing With The Stars are fading fast. Battlefronts is seriously losing the battle. Was it beaten by Thank God You’re Here repeats? Rove did very wellagain and is back to scoring over a million again. The Mentalist only had a small drop from last week.
The News special did surprisingly well for Ch 7. Those ratings suggest that this slot looks good for them for a current affairs style program that they have been talking about for next year.

by J Bar on October 13, 2008 at 11:25 AM

RE Kath & KIM US I could only watch about 3 minutes before hitting the delete button (had recorded it) Truly awful... will not be watching that again. Instead I watched WDYTYA with David Tennant - very watchable and interesting history

by Cathy on October 13, 2008 at 11:34 AM

Have you noticed that 30 Rock has disappeared with trace--or explanation?

Tribal Mind replies: Yes, I've noticed, but the explanation is that last Tuesday's episode was the last in season 2. Season 3 has only just started in the US. For once, we can't blame Seven -- but we will be able to blame them (and illegally download) if they don't fast-track season 3 soon.

by Misrule on October 13, 2008 at 12:01 PM

Well I'm sorry to disagree, but I don't think I've ever seen anything as bad as K&K USA. It had me cringing with embarrassment. Australian? Who dear? Me dear? No dear!
Head for the hills! Run for your life! Dreadful.

by Sal on October 13, 2008 at 12:02 PM

Could only stomach about 10 mins of USK&K - it's just not funny - I didn't even crack a fleeting smile....let alone a laugh. I taped David Tennant on WDYTYA and watched it after Midsomer (oops, showing my doddery demographic again!).
I agree with both darren and em...on USK&K, I think it will be carrion and fed on by culture vultures - with the bleached-boned carcass being buried within the month. Anyone prepared to offer odds on survival?

by aj on October 13, 2008 at 12:11 PM

Just a couple of comments from me;
Bathurst, probably the worst broadcast I have ever seen of that race. The presenters, other than that ex footballer, knew what to do and did it well, but technically, pictures continually breaking up, poor camera crossovers, far too many adds, sound breaking up, perhaps if Seven had a look at Ten's last few telecasts of the race they could get an idea as to how to do it properly. A pathetic presentation of an iconic event, at least that's my view.
Second, your comment TM with regards to the regulators. I think that if you or anyone else really has a problem with the commercial networks running over time with their shows than perhaps you should organize a complaints campaign on the ACCC. The networks advertise the starting times of their programs. The advertising is clearly false and is calculated to be false and misleading to the advantage of the networks.
No good them claiming that they are "free to air", you and me and everyone else who buys anything anywhere is paying for the networks and their profits by having the sale price of the product ramped up, so there is nothing free about it.
The only way to force them to keep on time is to start laying complaints, many complaints against them, but forget the industry's regulator, they are too busy looking at eight years old cartoons for offensive material.
So lodge your complaints with the ACCC and see where that gets you. If they get enough of them, surely they can't ignore them.

Tribal Mind relies: I love your faith in the ACCC.

by Zjonn on October 13, 2008 at 12:19 PM

Ah, yes Darren. I also find it bizarre that Ch 7 think Kochie still has muchos kudos with matters financial. I watched some of it and I kept anticipating Kochie to cross over to the toothy guy for the "goss" in Hollywood... or an informercial for the Ped-egg... plus the Ch7 special was really nothing that hasn't already been said before

by Kate on October 13, 2008 at 12:31 PM

No Kate - it's not Kochie - when the worlds collapsing around us it's David Koch to the rescue!
And with his history of business and financial management, anyone who follows his advice has rocks in their head!

by Neil on October 13, 2008 at 02:33 PM

by Neil: It is funny that they gave him so much air time, do you recall that show that David & family did? It lasted just slightly longer than Yasmin.
Re US K & K - I watched a little out of curiosity, about 10 mins or so. I didn't judge it on the basis of being K & K as such but as a stand-alone sitcom on its own merits. It seemed too forced, too stilted and just not funny. Selma is really too young for that character to really work. For all this bagging of the US remake, people in glass houses. Australia is not alone in making bad remakes. Steve Vizard had a pale imitation of Late Show With Letterman and more recently The Strip is a loose remake of CSI Miami...

by kate on October 13, 2008 at 06:37 PM

Perth seems to like DWTS. It did much better than 60 minutes and Idol over there.
I have to admit I watched Trash Tonight and to me Matt seemed to have done a much better job than Anna Corren.

by Nick on October 13, 2008 at 07:03 PM

Missed the David Tennant ep of who do you think you are... can anyone recommend where one might see it online (apart from 2 mins on youtube?) Had a look at SBS site and not available that I could see.

by kate on October 13, 2008 at 09:15 PM

To all those complaining about how unlike the Australian version of Kath & Kim and how unfunny the US version is, I have got to say, I think it is EXACTLY like the Australian version - imature, boring and cringeworthy. My skin just crawls when ever I see an ad for the show that pro ports to be "Australian Comedy" - it is just plain embarrassing.

by ozinoz on October 14, 2008 at 06:54 AM

Re 30 Rock: TM wrote "Season 3 has only just started in the US. For once, we can't blame Seven -- but we will be able to blame them (and illegally download) if they don't fast-track season 3 soon."
No it is not returning till Oct 30th in the States but check out this preview in the meantime. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/10/oprah-aniston-martin-30-r_n_133600.html

by Harry on October 14, 2008 at 07:31 AM

TM Do you have the figures for Friends and Neighbours and the Simpsons - I'm curious to see how Ten's 6pm - 7.30pm is floundering against the other two :)

Tribal Mind replies: Is this sheer sadism? In the chart now.

by Jason on October 14, 2008 at 08:29 AM

TGA -Pity about the numbers because last night's epidsode showed some real improvement and I think it's developing its own style. It was far more restrained and when they talk about the cars with some insight and critique it was refreshing. But they still waste too much time on the pointless stuff, like hooning about in the paddock. It became boring quickly when there was no point to the task and that Charley guy is a liability, smug, annoying voice and irritating. Lose him .. after all James was a replacement on TGUK. Hope SBS stick with it and let it develop because it shows some potential.

by EdgarA on October 14, 2008 at 09:12 AM

I watched Top Gear last night but just can't get into it like I can with the UK version. Personally I watch Top Gear UK because the 3 presenters (Clarkson, Hammond & May) are funny. I don't watch it just for the car stuff. Does anybody know if SBS will ever show Top Gear UK again?
I also watched Rove on Sunday. Am I the only one who thinks it is funny and everybody should watch it? Is it tall poppy syndrome with aussies slamming Rove all the time?

by Irish on October 14, 2008 at 09:22 AM

In regards to top gear australia - i don't really watch top gear but i thought i'd watch the first ep of tga. I thought the hosts are absolutely terrible. There's obviously an audience out there in australia for a show bout cars, but we also hate tools and these guys appear to be massive ones.
I think danny green might have something to do with dwts winning over in perth. They love green over there don't they?
And sorry to be a pain TM, but any chance now of the figures for Adelaide United v Kuruvchi on oct 8 on foxtel? I'm just interested to know what interest it got here. That match made the news overseas.

Tribal Mind replies: Sorry to be another pain, but I only have from the Pay TV people the figures for their top 50 most watched shows of the week. That match was not on the list, so all I can tell you is that it must have got less than 64,000 viewers. If you contact whichever Fox Sports channel it was on, they may be willing to give you the audience size..

by JG on October 14, 2008 at 09:44 AM

Zjonn, the dreadful sports broadcast is a Channel 7 phenomenon I'm sure. I couldn't watch 7's Olympic coverage because the pictures kept breaking up and the sound was terrible. I thought it was my TV but SBS managed to broadcast without problems. And, on your point of complaining to the ACCC about programs running over time - forget it. The ACCC does nothing. Instead, isolate the companies that advertise on the shows that run over, write to the CEO of those companies and promise that you and your family will boycott their products until they heavy the stations into behaving. It works every time.

by Rupert on October 14, 2008 at 09:52 AM

Dear Producers of Top Gear Oz,
The Bog Standard Car segment last night was ridiculously long. Julia Zemiro is ok on Rockwiz, but your TG gibbons really didn't do their research before inviting her on the show. Not a car enthusiast. Not even a manual driver. Ownership of an '89 Corolla really isn't the epitome of greatness.
Plus, as interesting as the "challenge" was, it only had 2 components, and ended up reasonably pointless. Less is more - less challenges (the original doesn't do one every week) with more content to the challenge.
On the "What Were They Thinking" don't just stick the car on the wall - physically get hold of a specimen of one car e.g the Force 7 and go over it.
From the host comments on last nights' show studio filming is obviously during airing, and apparently without a Top Gear Oz forum on the SBS site available (allegedly not part of the deal with the BBC) you're only going by what the press is saying. The show needs fine tuning otherwise it's going to end up broken down on the M5 East.
No likey, Mrs Skerrick.

by Bereft Skerrick on October 14, 2008 at 09:57 AM

Myself and Mr Beckala both thought that Top Gear Oz style was much better last night. Less of the trying too hard, interesting challenge. Julia Zemiro was great. All in all, much happier. Still has a way to go, but good to see that improvement is occurring. I'll always prefer the UK one, but it's getting better. Oh, and I completely with EdgarA - Charley just has to go...

by Beckala on October 14, 2008 at 10:01 AM

Zjonn on October 13 at 12:19 PM, I couldn't agree more with what you say about 'Free-to-air' Networks.
It seems to me as if The Commercial Networks think the fact that people don't pay to watch means they can serve up any old crud and the viewers should be grateful.
I've always thought of it as more of a symbiotic relationship (like crocodiles & those little birds that floss their teeth for them although I'm not sure who's who), they entertain us, and we let them try to sell us stuff. That's the transaction.
You get the feeling though that they think people NEED television, as if nothing they do to the viewers will ever stop people watching. Patchy & unpredictable ratings might be a sign that they're very wrong.
It's also why watching the ABC is (for me) a very different experience. I feel like I have a relationship with the ABC. I like their people & most of their shows & it's not because it's ad-free, it's because they understand the role of the viewer (tax-payer), and respect their intelligence and also because they still imagine media & entertainment to be more about art than economics.
Unfortunately the only way to protest to the Commercials is to stop watching & unless your an Oztam guinea-pig, they won't know or care.

by darren on October 14, 2008 at 10:22 AM

I watched City Homicide on 13 Oct 2008. The comedy stakes have been taken higher than ever with this show. Surely parts of the dialogue were taken from out-takes of Funky Squad ... the non-sequitur ending of every episode, with only a couple of minutes to go, is a unique way of approaching crime-solving in crime shows, so that no viewer (or even scriptwriter) knows whodunnit.
I particularly enjoyed the actor who played the father of a rape victim. He had a very credible and believable Scottish accent, but unfortunately, he was playing the part of a Russian.
All television crime shows modify the realities of court and police procedure, but City Homicide treats them as if they don't exist!
On KAKUSA, if you think this is not too bad as an American comedy, it shows we have been exposed to far too much dross. Actors, writers, directors, producers, costumiers all seemed to have no idea what they were doing. Other blogs show stats something like: good 1/100 ; reserve judgement 1/100 ; not as bad as expected 5/100 ; didn't make it to the end of the show 93/100

Tribal MInd asks: There are other blogs?

by Professor Rosseforp on October 14, 2008 at 10:24 AM

Irish, I would love to be politically incorrect and say that tall poppy could be the only way the vertically challenged Rove could be called tall. No, I don't think it is tall poppy syndrome at all, I think it is more a case of that the show has perhaps (like many) outlived its prime, and it heavily features Peter Heiller (sic?) who is just not funny (and he knows it)
I also am not a believer in the tall poppy syndrome. True sustained talent will always be respected and will win out. The people who despair that they are the victims of tall poppy syndrome are generally those who got a lucky break and were unable to sustain it. There are also some people who are famous for just being famous and get paid to attend parties to generate publicity. Now I see any criticism of that behaviour not as tall poppy pruning but as a social correction, just as the stockmarket or housing markets have corrections. If anything, I think on the whole, Australians are desperate to prop up anyone who is even a medium poppy. Just watch the upcoming ARIAs as proof of this.

by kate on October 14, 2008 at 10:25 AM

We will be staying with TGA for the time being, (maybe only a challenge every 3 or 4 weeks instead of every week) but it won't take much to watch Australian Story instead of recording it as it happens now.

by PJ453 on October 14, 2008 at 01:19 PM

As for TODAY TONIGHT - different host - same trash!!
Still liking FRINGE but I may be in the minority.
And after all my dismal predictions for the US KATH AND KIM - I missed seeing it on Sunday - it appears most people gave it the thumbs down but I guess I will have a look and prepare myself for the worst this Sunday.
I am finding the elevation of DAVID KOCH on Channel Seven as the messiah of anything financial a little disturbing - can someone tell me how this guy ever became SEVEN'S biggest star - I think it all started when a few extra people started watching SUNRISE and now he fronts just about every show - will he be reading the news next - watch your back ROSCO!

by GJ on October 14, 2008 at 01:57 PM

Peter "I'm going to sit here when it's my turn to make a funny and cack myself laughing at how funny I think I am" Hellier is the main reason why I wouldn't watch Rove. Other reasons include Dave "even I want to punch you in the throat" Hughes and Ryan "dresses like an accountant and attempts intelligent humour, which you could equate to a battle of wits with an unarmed person" Shelton.
The Kevin Rudd, International Man Of Action parodies are usually funny. The interviews that Rove does are just pap. (Who would you turn gay for? Find some new schtick!)
But name me any other show that is prime time that shows International Acts a la Hey Hey in its prime? Good News Week tried to have guests (blatant X-promo) and once had musical acts (or was that Paul McDermott singing every week).
It's either Rove or more movies repeated from the Bridget Jones vault @ Ch Shirl. Or other fasttracked series which are yanked after 3 weeks of poor ratings. What would you prefer?

by Bereft Skerrick on October 14, 2008 at 02:56 PM

Am just back from seeing The Adventures of Priscilla - fantastic show, great costumes - if only TV was as exciting! As much as it pains me to admit it - am choking on my own bile as I type - Todd McKenney (sp?) was great. Was sitting in the centre front row so had a fantastic view... definitely worth seeing.
Is Kochie Seven's answer to Eddie Everywhere? With TV programming being so dire at present, I can't tell how much I am looking forward to the non-ratings period. Sigh.....
Drat, I missed USKAK - sounds as if root canal therapy may have been funnier.
Don't worry TM, this is the best blog.

by Shoopie on October 14, 2008 at 03:22 PM

Nine have become more competitive by putting CSI against City Homicide but at what expense? City Homicide dropped down a bit but so did CSI from what it was getting on Sunday nights. And again with Cold Case bringing Bones down a bit but those are shockingly low ratings for a show they was still doing very well at 8.30pm earlier this year.

by J Bar on October 15, 2008 at 06:09 AM

Just wanted to say how much I am enjyoing Packed to the Rafters. I think that it is a great show and that it is the only show my husband and I watch together every week. He says he doesn't like it yet he never misses it! lol..

by Michelle of canberra on October 15, 2008 at 08:46 AM

TM: Speaking of David Koch, just out of curiosity, how does 'Sunrise' compare to 'Erky Perky' (punching well above it's weight at #44, good ole Erky Perky)? Or for that matter, the seriously bizzare 'Gerald Boing McBoing'?
From memory, both 'Sunrise' and 'Today' rate pretty low though maybe not that low, so the question is: Why does Kochie (and all the others) have what seems to be an out-of-proportion influence and keep turning up all over the place with new shows & segments (Battle of the Choirs, National Singalongs, Where Are They Now, Kochie Saves Australia from Financial Meltdown, etc)? I don't get it.
Shoopie (October 14 at 03:22 PM), I know! I find myself looking forward to non-ratings as well, hoping for a bit of variety & a break from the relentless trying-too-hard from the Networks, just honest crap instead of crap dressed as entertainment (Kenny).

Tribal Mind relies: Sunrise 354,000. Can't find McBoing Boing on yesterday chart.

by darren on October 15, 2008 at 10:19 AM

I agree Michelle, i too like Packed to the Rafters. It's just so nice to have a drama that isn't some clone of an American crime show - I hate them all, yet they take up so much of our programming time, and now there's so many of them!! So PTTR is such a welcome relief. I think the high ratings reflects that crime show 'overload' that a lot of people are feeling.
I can't believe Kenny beat the Chopping Block!! Now, does that reflect renewed interest in Kenny, now that he's in the more interesting European countries, or a lack of interest in the Chopping Block? I don't mind the Chopping Block, but Mr Beckala loves Two in the Top End, and so we watch that, and I record The Simpsons, so there are no players left to record Chopping Block!

by Beckala on October 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM

Find My Family seems to be going from strength to strength and getting quite close to the top ratings performer of the week, Packed To The Rafters. What's really amazing about the success of PTTR is that it has some really strong rating shows up against it now and it still grabs some spectacular ratings. It's a top show though and gives me some laugh out loud moments so it deserves the ratings it gets.
Kenny's World did a lot better now, away from Bondi Rescue and sandwiched between The Simsons and NCIS and it beat the return of The Chopping Block. Some of those Chopping Block promos looked really bad. It was like they were trying to pull at the heartstrings by making it look like RPA or Find Your Family, when in fact it's more like a really bad reality/competition/game show.

by J Bar on October 15, 2008 at 12:31 PM

Quoth Bereft Skerrick on October 14, 2008 at 02:56 PM: "It's either Rove or more movies repeated from the Bridget Jones vault @ Ch Shirl. Or other fasttracked series which are yanked after 3 weeks of poor ratings. What would you prefer?"
A good DVD and a nice cup of tea.

by tqd on October 15, 2008 at 12:33 PM

Well, BATTLEFRONTS is gone from Nine's Sunday line-up, replaced by new 20 TO 01.
Good to see KENNY regain ground, because now there isn't as much competition in its new timeslot.

by cpandilo on October 15, 2008 at 12:51 PM

I haven't watched a lot of PACKED TO THE RAFTERS but I can see the appeal - there are shades of THE SUM OF US and other Australian dramas but its definitely very original and not a copy of another show - the sole reason I think it works is that it is not a 're-hashed' cop show, reality show, cooking show, garden show etc etc.
It was a brave move by SEVEN to create a drama/comedy based around simple family values but it works - BUT WARNING expect to see clone versions on NINE AND TEN very soon.
I notice NATIONAL NINE NEWS continuing its slide down the ratings ladder with THE ABC NEWS now running second most nights....and A CURRENT AFFAIR is just hovering above the one million mark - will 2009 see some dramatic changes - I suggest they bring back JIM WALEY and say all is forgiven! He had credibility both as a journalist and a newsreader but was dumped unceremoniously in an effort to woo a younger audience...that move hasn't worked and I think his return would be a positive for NINE!

by GJ on October 15, 2008 at 01:24 PM

Watched the end of The Chopping Block last night to find I had frequented one of the restraurants (Angelinas) about 6 weeks ago. The Spinach & Ricotta Lasagne was very nice. Does anyone know how long ago they filmed the episodes?

by Bereft Skerrick on October 15, 2008 at 06:15 PM

Packed to the Rafters is quite a good show, though with some pretty cringeworthy scripting moments. Like a lot of soaps, it's also full of improbable scenarios.
I'm also slightly worried about Erik Thomsen in it -- I'm not sure he or the director have any idea what he's supposed to be doing, as he's all over the place like the proverbial mad woman. It's okay for Rebecca Gibney to smile and look maternal, but Thomsen is a good actor who is underused or misused in this role.
All that aside, what a pleasure to see a domestic interior which is completely uncoordinated, cluttered and relatively lived in.

by Professor Rosseforp on October 15, 2008 at 06:24 PM

TM, don't worry about the ratings for 'Gerald Boing McBoing (if that's what it's actually called), I just like saying 'Gerald Boing McBoing'. It may not even be on at the moment, but stumbling across it one day I thought it was like 'Dora the Explorer' on acid.
The fact that Kochie & Co have more influence than the animated cockroaches on 'Erky Perky' (if they are cockroaches - they look a bit like snot-balls with legs really) will just have to remain a mystery of logic.

by darren on October 16, 2008 at 07:34 AM

A CURRENT AFFAIR again dipped below the 1 million mark which surely must be a worry for NINE - Both it and TODAY TONIGHT are just take offs of each other but obviously the success of SEVEN NEWS and its lead in is the reason TODAY TONIGHT rates so well.
To give a perfect example of how wacky TODAY TONIGHT is on Tuesday its lead in story was reaction to the Governments Economic strategy and an interview with a young girl representing pensioners groups - not your usual 'bang down the door' TT tonight reporting but wait for it - they followed this story with an in depth seven minute piece on the festish some adults have for dolls - including adult ones complete with hair and moving mouths etc. It basically sensationalised those families who can't have kids anymore with the reporter in a deadpan voice asking one poor woman who was clutching a very ugly looking fake baby "Some people watching might find you a little weird??"
Hullo!!! - most of those watching found the whole 'indepth investigation' unnecessary and exploitative'. The story essentially was out to mock those people less fortunate in the community who either can't meet a mate or can't have a baby - the reporters voice and narrative was essentially to point the finger at the subject matter and imply they were freaks. But remember this was an 'indepth investigation' that TODAY TONIGHT was essentially branding as another exclusive exclusive!!
As I've said before TODAY TONIGHT - different host...but exactly the same trash!!

by GJ on October 16, 2008 at 07:56 AM

Darren, I, too, can never understand the appeal of Kochie or the Sunrise cult. All those cheery, giggling people so early in the morning make me shudder. (I am not a morning person!)
But 7 seems to think people want to see him over & over again and just keep sticking him on whenever they need a host. I'm surprised he doesnt do TT! Sorry for the rant , it's just that I can't stand the guy. Oh and everytime I mention to someone lately that I dont like Sunrise or Kochie I get the strangest looks, like there's something wrong with me! (well, I wouldnt argue with that but that's not the point!) I sometimes think there is some subliminal stuff going on here. People who watch Sunrise get the message "you will love Kochie, you will love Kochie".......played over and over and over till it sticks. That could explain all the giggling.
Now I am off on hols for the next week. Going to sit on a beach up north and not watch TV. Dont suppose I'll miss much! I really, really need a holiday as you can probably tell!!!

by em on October 16, 2008 at 07:56 AM

fringe to soon be pulled? who wants to place bets on its replacement? i'm thinking 5 straight eps of 2.5 men may soon be on the charts with a csi (or spin-off) repeat second favourite!

by Matt on October 16, 2008 at 08:30 AM

Matt, how about replacing Fringe with '20 to 1 - Programmes That We Thought Would Work But Turned Out to Suck and Thereafter Moved to Grave-yard Timeslots'?
Em, much has been said of the cultish appeal of 'Sunrise'. I too feel uncomfortable with the whole happy-clappy nature of the thing. I think they're aiming for 'Partridge Family' but it's more 'Manson Family' There's something 'Little Pebble-ish' about that show. Something 'Exclusive Bretheren-y'. Everyone's way too happy for way too little reason. It's either religion or drugs.
GJ, Re: 'Today Tonighty with Whitey', that show about dolls really was awful (even by their standards). Just a freak show but using real people struggling to cope with real hang-ups. I was surprised the 'reporter' didn't laugh in their faces. Cringe-worthy.
About Matt White, I haven't been watching closely, but he seems to be quite good (although the show he's hosting is still crap). At least he doesn't add an inane comment ("Hmmm, makes you think.....") at the end, just straight into the next story.
It'll be interesting to see how long before he cracks it and says at the end of a segment "Come on, this is rubbish. Even I don't believe that" or some other independent comment. He & Bathy (and Andrew O'Keefe to a point) are always making their own jokes & small talk and Seven must feel a little bit nervous sometimes when they go off script. They'd much prefer they remain talking heads like Ian Ross, who usually looks, when the camera returns after a story, like he's just been hit in the back of the head with a heavy fry-pan.

by darren on October 16, 2008 at 09:33 AM

Fringe needs to be cut. :P Even double episodes of McLeods Daughters would have rated better than what Fringe and CSI:NY did. A Current Affair seems to have suffered a severe drop this week. TM, can you please tell us whether Neighbours is coming close to it now?

by J Bar on October 16, 2008 at 09:46 AM

Quite low for all networks after 8.30pm in general bar new Criminal Minds.

Bye bye for Fringe, I mean you'd expect Ten's ratings to be not so good but these ratings are simply intolerable for nein. Not surprised at Fringe's low ratings as (looking at responses from this blog) their shows are pure crap.

by arthur on October 16, 2008 at 10:28 AM

It might be my fault that Fringe is rating so badly. It's the only program I'm watching on Nein.
Obviously something wrong with me and my taste.
Watch out NCIS, Californication and Life, you'll be next 'cause I watch you too.
I shall scuttle back to Foxtel & BT.

by Sal on October 16, 2008 at 11:37 AM

If it weren't for 20 TO 1 and TWO AND A HALF MEN where would NEIN BE - struggling with SBS for the wooden spoon!

Why don't they have 20 to 1 - different ways Bert Newton has looked over the years - can someone tell me why he looks decidely stranger for some reason - either he's had a facelift or the one he had last time has reached his expiry date and is melting on the one he had before -maybe his eyes have been lifted?? - I can't put my finger on it - but then again who knows where it would end up if I did?

by GJ on October 16, 2008 at 11:50 AM

I know it may seem like Today and Sunrise have low ratings around the 300, 000 mark give or take but I'm pretty sure thats the average audience for the whole 3 hours. Now, I don't think there is that many people that watch the whole 3 hours of these shows. The audience from 6-7am is very different to the audience from 8-9am. In reality the total audience is prob closer to a million viewers every morning. Since there are 2 morning shows, thats 2 million viewers. That I think is a big reason why the networks value their morning shows so much.

by Todd on October 16, 2008 at 12:46 PM

Quoth darren on October 16, 2008 at 09:33 AM: "Matt, how about replacing Fringe with '20 to 1 - Programmes That We Thought Would Work But Turned Out to Suck and Thereafter Moved to Grave-yard Timeslots'?"

Brilliant idea darren, and I'm sure it'd be a solid rater for them. :)

Yay for Heroes tonight!

by tqd on October 16, 2008 at 01:55 PM

Am a bit sad to see Fringe doing Yasmin figures as it is not a bad show - just that there is a heap of alternatives at 8.30 pm wednesday - Nein would be smart to trial it at perhaps 9.30 pm and leave it there - may attract some viewers that way.

It is freaking me out but I now have Nein on my regular viewing (recording and fast forwarding the guff) schedule for The Mentalist, Fringe and Cold Case - not wow must see this show but watchable...

I have also persisted with Rush but it is scaring me that I can predict the next scene before it happens -it is not rocket science.

Happy Amazing race is back tonight - will catch it after I return from movies - off to see The Duchess - am interested if Keira will chew all her lines in this one.... my sister in law raved about it - a review I do take with a grain of salt!

On a pop culture note - where pregnancy and babies were the accessory and story in recnet times with stocks crashing it is divorce this week - quel surprise - Madonna & Guy and now David & Tea... colour me shocked .... not!

by Cathy on October 16, 2008 at 02:52 PM

The publicity blitz has already started for "Australia" the movie (not the economy although a publicity blitz on that is not far behind)
What do the bloggers predict for "Australia" the movie (not the economy) great success or expensive dud (actually the assessment could also apply to the economy)
I predict expensive dud not making back its expensive budget. Nicole has now topped the least return on salary twice in a row so her box office appeal has waned, Hugh Jackman used to have nice box appeal but after his Vegas show, he may not be able to salvage the movie on his own... the little Aboriginal actor seems great but as an unknown, he may not be able to salvage it. Unlike last summer, the movie also will open during a period of big block busters openings so it will have strong competition. Still I could be wrong.
Speaking of being wrong, note to any advertisers who may read this blog, she seems a lovely women, but can you give Roz Switzer some paid annual leave and give us a respite from her ads... overkill is an understatement... Not normally a person to criticize some one's personal appearance but I get so distracted by her pearly whites that I fail to see what product she is advertising and she is so insanely cheerful that it is too over the top... SMILE SMILE SMILE see this sponge, SMILE SMILE SMILE it absorbs water !!!! SMILE SMILE SMILE.... Here endth the rant.
And Re Cathy on October 16, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Actually, Keira chewing all her lines is the reason I will not see The Duchess. Suffered through Atonement (very aptly named film) and that was enough.

Tribal Mind replies: Go to The prediction for this column's foolish assertion about the fate of 'Australia' (and 'Mamma Mia'). I'd love to hear readers' theories.

by kate on October 16, 2008 at 10:42 PM

GJ, Bert's glossiness is obviously a result of all the dusting & polishing he recieves as one of Nine's 'warehoused' stars. 'Today Tonight' (my God, I need to get a life...) did an expose (how do you get a little dash over the 'e' in expose?) the other night on 'stars' being paid up to $80000 dollars per annum to do nothing except not be on Channel Seven, and be on standby for 'Hole in the Wall' and 'The Singing Bee' and for sitting in fake loungerooms commenting on '20 to 1 - Reasons We All Hate Channel Nine'.
Warehoused 'stars', although preserved and at the beck and call of frustrated and increasingly desperate programmers, are of course requiring of constant upkeep, including fawning, repeated flattery ("you're the Godfather of Australian comedy Bert, really you are"... "Yes, I am, aren't I. Would you like to hear a saucy joke?"), a bit of......ego.... stroking, and all those plastic overstretched facades require actual maintenace . Armour-Alling. A bit of Turtle Wax. Angle grinding at times.
It's a mini industry, the Star Warehousing business.
The down side is when you finally wheel them out to star as Eco from 'The Shak"'s Grandfather (I really, really need to get a life...) they react with the ambient conditions and occasionly have trouble blinking, walking, speaking and generally resembling 'humans'.
Were Bert not warehoused each night he'd have aged like the rest of us, lost his hair (a positive development) not be a constant reminder of how good he used to be in comparison and look just like any other 150 year old man. I think.

by darren on October 17, 2008 at 07:25 AM

Re Kate and her comments re AUSTRALIA -I would really like the film to do well - not so much for KIDMAN and JACKMAN who's pockets are already cash injected BUT for the AUSTRALIAN FILM INDUSTRY - and our tourism industry - that would be a positive.
My biggest fear is for a movie to make more than 100 million (and this has to to break even) it needs to do well in the US and I just don't think the americans are going to like it - a period piece set in a country they know little about with a couple of leads that are a bit on the nose - didn't russell crowe bail on the movie because of scripting issues - maybe a bad omen to start with!!
Even the title AUSTRALIA is kinda off putting and a tad 'self indulgent' -I cant predict whether audiences overseas will be that interested - if it does well here and in Britain then maybe it will do ok in the US. Remember Nicole Kidman and period pieces generally aren't goood money earners at the box office - think FAR AND AWAY with Tom Cruise - it didn't go far and simply got swept away at the box office!!

Tribal Mind requests: If you'd like to join this discussion about the likely success of 'Australia', go to The prediction

by GJ on October 17, 2008 at 08:17 AM

I'm also not going to see The Duchess because of Keira "Clenched Teeth". I do hope they don't make a remake of My Fair Lady with her. Went to see the production starring Richard E. Grant - absolutely fantastic!
Did anyone see Review with Myles Barlow by any chance? What are your thoughts on it? I thought that it was a fairly interesting concept and watchable, am hoping that it will grow more later on. It repeats again on ABC1 at 11.15pm tonight for those interested.

by Kym on October 17, 2008 at 09:18 AM

darren: cryogenics. I'm sure that Walt Disney would look similar to Bert.
Speaking of informercials, other "celebrities" who should banned for life are Kerry "I can speak continously for 5 minutes underwater" Armstrong - did you ever see the Cheerios informercial - I don't think she took a breath!
And Georgie McShouterson Parker. Enough said. Also anything involving a Daddo. Curse you AV Jennings website!

by Bereft Skerrick on October 17, 2008 at 09:30 AM

Has anyone else noticed that there's alot more Melbournians watching almost every show than there are Sydney-siders? Is this a new trend? I haven't noticed until the last few weeks. Is it because it's still a bit chilly down there and they're not going out? Or are they less cynical? 150000 more people in Melbourne watched 'The Amazing Race' than in Sydney. Almost every other show in the top 10 there was about 50000 or more watching in Melbourne. What gives?

Tribal Mind replies: Not a new trend, though mysteriously more apparent at this time of year. Been discussed a few times in the sadly under-utilised Tribal Mind archive down the right side of this web page.

by darren on October 17, 2008 at 09:41 AM

The competition is even on Thursdays at 8.30pm, with Law and Order just winning but The Strip is staging a comeback to over 1 million. It might get a second series (with lots of changes you would think).
The Amazing Race has had its best days behind it but does alright also just over 1 million. Make Me a Supermodel has also improved heaps and is now steady over that magic million. Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader might do better in its old slot on a Wednesday night or on Sunday at 6.30 pm when the younger kids could watch.

by J Bar on October 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM

The Strip was pretty good last night with great suspense. And even the lead acting seems to have improved surprise surprise! Pity about the dodgy coffee scene though, it's really weird how someone pours coffee onto a dish then pours it back into the cup to 'make it cooler'!
Prison Break not doing badly at all for a 10.30pm timeslot. Rose 14k from last week to over 400k.

by arthur on October 17, 2008 at 10:57 AM

Quoth Kym: "Did anyone see Review with Myles Barlow by any chance? ... It repeats again on ABC1 at 11.15pm tonight for those interested."
Ah, thanks Kym! We realised we'd forgotten it last night after watching Heroes (which I am still enjoying, so I'm not happy with the ratings: I don't want this one to be bumped into the graveyard shift!). Hurrah for ABC1 & ABC2 and their repeats!
Speaking of which, Mr Bear is a fan of Scrapheap Challenge, so I've been seeing quite a bit of that lately. I believe last night's episode was ten years old (I caught the copyright statement at the end, and there was a helluva lot of letters in there). But it's not all that noticeable: the host looks slightly more like Kryton than in the later episodes, but it's not like fashion in overalls and hard hats change all that much, even over 10 years.
I take it ABC2 still doesn't show up on the ratings chart?
Oh, and thanks for the ABC kids show ratings, good to see Bottle Top Bill (and His Best Friend Corky) is doing well, my kids are both transfixed by it. (Unlike Fifi and the Flowertots, I can't wait for a whipper snipper to take them out...)

by tqd on October 17, 2008 at 12:50 PM

If any Underbelly fans are interested, Vince Colosimo has said Nine want to milk 2 more seasons of the show, that both will be prequels and virtually none of season 1's actors (including himself) will be in
season 2, as it'll be set from 1975 to 1985 and will have more of a Sydney focus, not
just only a Melbourne one.
Peter O'Brien has been cast as Sydney racing crim George Freeman and Matt Newton (who knocked back a role in season 1) might play Terry Clarke (Mr. Asia). You'd think Sydney crim the late Abe Saffron would also be featured in a 2nd season. If there's a 3rd and final season, Vince said it'll be set from 1985 to 1995 and Vince reckons most (but not all) of season 1's characters will come back for it. Season 2's older time period setting, probably isn't likely to cause it to rate as well as the first series did and will also cause it to be an expensive series to make, but it'd still be fairly interesting to see. Whatever actor gets cast as Chopper Reid is likely to be in both series 2 and 3.

by Tony on October 17, 2008 at 04:39 PM

For those few Fringe fans and I am one - Nein has shelved it (on the shelf with ER methinks) and is putting The Mentalist in its place.
I am with you tqd re Heroes - this season is much better - still trying to work out what is going on and Sylar is just freaky!
In seeking the Duchess last night (and was OK not brilliant - looking forward to Burn After Reading this weekend) - must say Keira did not chew as much as usual - twas based on a true story and the parallels with Diana and Charles were a bit spooky - considering The Duchess of Devonshire was a great (to a number of greats) aunt of Diana. Freaked out my friend when I pointed out that the actor playing Charles Grey was the fiance from Mamma Mia...

by Cathy on October 17, 2008 at 04:58 PM

For Fringe series fans, download or watch it online as Nine have unsurprisingly dumped it from Wednesdays, due to declining Aus ratings, so don't blame them. I'd suggest Nine move the show to Nine HD like Nip Tuck has been (to 10.30 pm Mondays). I've missed eps 2 - 4 of Fringe, so if anyone thinks it's got a lot better, let me know as I found the pilot was extremely boring and also a big disappointment, so gave up on it.

by Chris on October 17, 2008 at 06:48 PM

Nanny McPhee rated well. Why? The "Premiere" factor? Or the Colin Firth in period costume factor? I'd say a little from both columns A and B. Or column C - "Alexander" was a 4 hour movie on Ch Nein. How did it rate TM? I do love my ancient history but Colin Farrell + Angelina Jolie = steer clear.
Nanny McPhee also defied a craptastic
lead-in! Will Download be put down? The ratings almost doubled when it finished!
Thanks for the Gruesome Kids ratings. It's narrated by Neil from The Young Ones.

Tribal Mind replies: Eric and Colin in the chart now.

by Bereft Skerrick on October 18, 2008 at 09:01 AM

Re the popularity of Nanny McPhee - two words - Colin Firth...

Tribal Mind replies: Nah, two other words, which appear in the headline.

by Shoopie on October 18, 2008 at 09:25 AM

David - do you have the figures for Nine's Gonzo Hour? (Hole in the Wall, Wipeout reheated) it didn't work last week so not sure why they're persisting, and they obviously downgraded the potential audience of Download.
I think Nanny McPhee's success is quite obvious (to me at least) kids stay up on a Friday night, you're a parent and you've got a choice between a kids movie that nobody remembers or two bloodbaths on the other channels (make that 3 the abc had the murder mystery demo - a strong one for Friday nights - sewn up) it's a no-brainer
Next week I hear Nine's going with Harry Potter on the Friday - expect good ratings for them as well - and I wouldn't be suprised if Seven wins tonight with Shark Tale.

Tribal Mind replies: I have them, but I didn't think anyone was interested any more. I was trying to match the depth of the chart to the depth of the photo. Rather than mess up my careful page design by adding them to the chart, let me just give you the totals: Hole 693,000; Wipe: 689,000.

by Jason on October 18, 2008 at 09:36 AM

I'm not sure how Harry Potter will rate. I'm pretty sure Nein showed them all about 4 months ago. Unless they're showing them all weekly in the lead up to a premiere installment.
TM: I'm confused at to your comment that Emma Thompson is hot (sadly Kenneth Branagh was an idiot and didn't remember it) but a picture of the BH&G bimbos? I'd rather you mess up your careful page design!

Tribal Mind replies: I don't want to waste your time with tedious detail, but you did ask: I can't put a pic of Emma Thompson on the page because I am not in the office and can't access the photo library. I used a pic of the BHG bimbos today because I had it in storage (an earlier column in the sadly underutilised Tribal Mind archive). I made the chart match the length of the pic.
If you click on this blog on Sunday afternoon (when I will be in the office) you will find that I have replaced the bimbos with ET. The hotness of ET, even as Nanny McPhee, remains a fact whether or not there is a pic of her on the page. Mind you, Johanna and Nigella aren't too bad themselves.

by Bereft Skerrick on October 18, 2008 at 10:23 AM

Download is a flop and so are Wipeout & Hloe In The Wall. Nice to see all this rubbish flop. Ch 9 might have rushed into those plans to make an Australian version of Wipeout. Amazing ratings for Better Homes and Gardens.
I've seen Alexander, Munich and Nanny McPhee and the only one I would consider watching again would be Nanny McPhee because it's a feel-good movie and fun. Alexander has some good moments but suffers badly by miscasting Angelina Jolie as the mother of Colin Farrell, when there's hardly an age difference betweeen the two and then there's Colin's dodgy accent and blonde hair not being maintained throughout the movie so we keep seeing his dark roots. Munich is good but it's a very heavy drama and terrorism and politics are not subjects most people would be interested in seeing at the end of the working week. A bit of fun and family entertainment is a better option.
f the worst period productions I've ever seen did well. Maybe Ch 10 should be thinking of more family entertainment for Friday nights. More stuff that the whole famiily can watch together. Maybe a variety show along the lines of Young Talent Time/Australian idol/Hey Hey Its Saturday at 7.30pm and family movies at 8.30pm.

by J Bar on October 18, 2008 at 12:45 PM

it prob rated well because it hasnt been seen anywhere, i have never heard of it and people like to see brats get pay back!! now ten needs to keep this up and play movies never shown, they should do some investigating

by ryan on October 18, 2008 at 03:46 PM

Woah, when only one show gets over a million you know it was a hot night, TM do you have any figures for the rest of Prime Time? IIRC Jumanji, King Kong, Pretty Woman, Monster House and Dukes of Hazzard.
I thought Monster House would do alright since it was a premiere but I guess the hot night won over.

Tribal Mind replies: Yes, I have those figures, but they are boring, and Pretty Woman was only on in Melbourne. I have put the shows you requested into the chart now. I don't know what IIRC means. It wasn't a hot night where this blog is.

by Jason on October 19, 2008 at 10:09 AM

Thanks TM - it was in hot in Melbourne, thought it might be in Sydney too.
IIRC = If I Remember Correctly

by Jason on October 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM

What is it with all channels re Friday and Saturday nights? Are these nights on all channels now sponsored by Video Ezy. Heaven help us when they reach the chuck-out table er I mean the bargain bin.

by Shoopie on October 19, 2008 at 01:38 PM

Jumanji/Monster House/Shark Tale - all three on at roughly the same time? Shark Tale was the poorest of the offerings (it's no Nemo) but still rated the highest. Be warned Shoopie: Toy Story I and II are on next week. Versus really crappy Rowan Atkinson movie. Versus "The Ant Bully" (must be a premiere never seen/heard of it)
Next in the continuing Sarah Palin series: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/18/sarah-palin-on-snl-with-t_n_135887.html with the suspected appearance of the subject herself in two skits.

by Bereft Skerrick on October 19, 2008 at 05:52 PM

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