The Who We Are update: Week 6

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

To discuss whether spag bol, pad Thai or tiramisu should be our national dish, go to Who We Are.
To discuss how the economic crisis will change our entertainment options, go to The Tribal Mind.

The ratings race, updated 9am Monday
The Pay TV industry has its own unique way of doing mathematics. It likes to lump together all of its stations (more than 80 of them) and count the total as one network, which it then compares with each of the free to air networks. This enables it to put out a statement like this, which arrived today:

"For the second year running, subscription TV had more viewers in summer than any other network. During the ten week period from November 30, 2008 to February 7, 2009, STV was the number one source of television, with 61.3% of all viewing in STV homes (6am-12mn), 24.8% of metropolitan viewing and 22.2% of regional viewing.

"In week 06, 2009, The Simpsons was watched by 151,000 viewers on Sunday morning, NCIS achieved its largest audience ever with 143,000 people on Sunday night and the American Idol Hollywood Show was watched by 112,000 viewers on Thursday night. The movie The Big Country was watched by 106,000 viewers, The Secret Millionaire achieved a record audience with 106,000 viewers and Hannah Montana was seen by 100,000 viewers. In sport, Live: Football: A-League S Final Leg 1 was watched by 122,000 people and Cricket: World Series Classics was watched by 103,000 people."

Now here's what the 73 per cent of Australians who do not subscribe to Pay TV were watching last week:

What Australia watched, week ending February 7
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TENNIS: 2009 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL Seven 2,246,000 733,000 798,000 329,000 194,000 192,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 2,008,000 493,000 684,000 367,000 239,000 226,000
3 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,874,000 589,000 586,000 306,000 159,000 233,000
4 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,654,000 437,000 528,000 309,000 155,000 225,000
5 TENNIS: 2009 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL INTRODUCTION Seven 1,622,000 497,000 574,000 264,000 134,000 153,000
6 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,552,000 392,000 569,000 276,000 164,000 149,000
7 LIE TO ME Ten 1,504,000 354,000 516,000 275,000 170,000 190,000
8 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,485,000 403,000 391,000 298,000 176,000 215,000
9 NCIS Ten 1,473,000 373,000 457,000 278,000 148,000 217,000
10 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,453,000 383,000 391,000 300,000 164,000 215,000
11 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,436,000 382,000 421,000 275,000 149,000 209,000
12 THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Ten 1,414,000 381,000 446,000 258,000 144,000 185,000
13 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,374,000 414,000 442,000 237,000 136,000 146,000
14 AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT Seven 1,313,000 375,000 388,000 269,000 121,000 160,000
15 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 1 Ten 1,306,000 349,000 404,000 264,000 120,000 168,000

Continued here

16 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,306,000 361,000 390,000 251,000 142,000 163,000
17 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,296,000 427,000 421,000 151,000 135,000 162,000
18 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,252,000 371,000 361,000 264,000 97,000 159,000
19 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,251,000 323,000 424,000 158,000 180,000 165,000
20 HOUSE Ten 1,242,000 302,000 414,000 216,000 135,000 175,000
21 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,213,000 341,000 335,000 303,000 94,000 140,000
22 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,208,000 287,000 509,000 195,000 140,000 77,000
23 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND GAME 2 SESSION 2 Nine 1,206,000 371,000 360,000 230,000 123,000 122,000
24 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 1,201,000 340,000 356,000 208,000 152,000 144,000
25 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,194,000 362,000 312,000 246,000 126,000 147,000
26 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,189,000 365,000 357,000 207,000 100,000 161,000
27 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 2 Ten 1,162,000 316,000 375,000 204,000 113,000 153,000
28 LIFE ON MARS Ten 1,160,000 308,000 347,000 179,000 152,000 173,000
29 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - LAUNCH Ten 1,156,000 292,000 376,000 239,000 120,000 129,000
30 NINE NEWS Nine 1,146,000 286,000 384,000 248,000 133,000 96,000
31 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND GAME 1 SESSION 1 Nine 1,124,000 297,000 350,000 200,000 135,000 140,000
32 ABC NEWS-SA ABC1 1,116,000 276,000 445,000 150,000 122,000 123,000
33 WIPEOUT AUSTRALIA Nine 1,088,000 333,000 365,000 162,000 97,000 132,000
34 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,086,000 339,000 364,000 181,000 91,000 111,000
35 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SAT Ten 1,074,000 228,000 486,000 146,000 114,000 100,000
36 TWO AND A HALF MEN -EP1 Nine 1,072,000 296,000 359,000 218,000 84,000 115,000
37 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 1,059,000 307,000 326,000 193,000 103,000 130,000
38 ADULTS ONLY 20 TO 1 Nine 1,056,000 298,000 334,000 211,000 101,000 111,000
39 SPICKS AND SPECKS-EV ABC1 1,032,000 344,000 273,000 199,000 95,000 121,000
40 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,018,000 260,000 346,000 218,000 108,000 86,000
41 ABC NEWS-EV ABC1 1,016,000 287,000 308,000 195,000 115,000 111,000
42 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 3 Ten 1,007,000 303,000 298,000 166,000 101,000 139,000
43 BROTHERS & SISTERS Seven 997,000 317,000 344,000 152,000 97,000 87,000
44 NEW TRICKS RPT ABC1 995,000 258,000 323,000 162,000 123,000 129,000
45 TWO AND A HALF MEN -EP2 Nine 986,000 278,000 327,000 207,000 72,000 101,000
46 DOMESTIC BLITZ -WED Nine 974,000 259,000 278,000 209,000 99,000 129,000
47 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 961,000 255,000 307,000 198,000 85,000 116,000
48 TOP GEAR SBS 960,000 266,000 308,000 188,000 113,000 85,000
49 THE BIG BANG THEORY Nine 952,000 271,000 271,000 213,000 75,000 122,000
50 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Seven 947,000 261,000 301,000 169,000 88,000 127,000

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,552,000 392,000 569,000 276,000 164,000 149,000
2 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,208,000 287,000 509,000 195,000 140,000 77,000
3 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC1 1,116,000 276,000 445,000 150,000 122,000 123,000
4 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SAT Ten 1,074,000 228,000 486,000 146,000 114,000 100,000
5 NEW TRICKS RPT ABC1 995,000 258,000 323,000 162,000 123,000 129,000
6 IN THE BUSH WITH MALCOLM DOUGLAS Seven 947,000 248,000 279,000 180,000 129,000 111,000
8 KATH & KIM (R, not the one in the picture) Seven 795,000 208,000 238,000 138,000 79,000 132,000
9 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO SHOW SUMMER SERIES -RPT Nine 793,000 227,000 261,000 187,000 118,000
10 THE BILL ABC1 778,000 198,000 252,000 114,000 108,000 105,000
12 CITY OF MELBOURNE SUMMER SPECIAL Seven 650,000 Not shown 650,000 Not shown Not shown Not shown
16 2009 sponsor name CUP: WEST COAST V COLLINGWOOD Seven 575,000 19,000 362,000 12,000 71,000 111,000
20 FAWLTY TOWERS Seven 541,000 206,000 Not shown 135,000 76,000 124,000
21 GARDENING AUSTRALIA ABC1 521,000 152,000 145,000 84,000 75,000 66,000
22 MYTHBUSTERS SBS 512,000 148,000 176,000 77,000 72,000 38,000
33 LIFE ON MARS SAT RPT Ten 349,000 88,000 133,000 54,000 35,000 40,000

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,445,000 379,000 429,000 288,000 168,000 182,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,402,000 409,000 366,000 237,000 175,000 215,000
3 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,306,000 361,000 390,000 251,000 142,000 163,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 1,272,000 365,000 402,000 254,000 155,000 96,000
5 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND GAME 2 SESSION 2 Nine 1,206,000 371,000 360,000 230,000 123,000 122,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,104,000 335,000 315,000 213,000 121,000 119,000
7 THE SIMPSONS FRI Ten 937,000 268,000 301,000 169,000 76,000 123,000
11 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 814,000 238,000 243,000 137,000 73,000 123,000
12 LAW & ORDER FRI EP 2 Ten 808,000 200,000 298,000 161,000 80,000 69,000
13 LAW & ORDER FRI Ten 805,000 239,000 267,000 153,000 75,000 72,000
14 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND GAME 2 SESSION 1 Nine 729,000 217,000 210,000 114,000 110,000 79,000
17 TRIAL AND RETRIBUTION: PARADISE LOST ABC1 662,000 162,000 200,000 100,000 72,000 128,000
19 M-SUPERNOVA Seven 642,000 231,000 153,000 116,000 81,000 61,000
22 WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB Ten 512,000 98,000 219,000 85,000 55,000 56,000

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,456,000 404,000 387,000 319,000 153,000 193,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,385,000 392,000 363,000 296,000 133,000 201,000
3 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 1,202,000 341,000 355,000 207,000 154,000 145,000
4 LIFE ON MARS Ten 1,148,000 304,000 346,000 175,000 151,000 172,000
5 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,089,000 308,000 308,000 227,000 119,000 128,000
6 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,086,000 339,000 364,000 181,000 91,000 111,000
7 NINE NEWS Nine 1,072,000 252,000 384,000 238,000 114,000 84,000
8 ADULTS ONLY 20 TO 1 Nine 1,061,000 300,000 336,000 211,000 101,000 112,000
9 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 1,059,000 307,000 326,000 193,000 103,000 130,000
10 7.30 REPORT ABC1 998,000 297,000 306,000 195,000 102,000 98,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC1 990,000 283,000 301,000 184,000 107,000 115,000
12 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 988,000 232,000 361,000 219,000 106,000 70,000
14 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 923,000 254,000 308,000 160,000 93,000 107,000
15 THE CELEBRITY SINGING BEE Nine 916,000 230,000 331,000 175,000 78,000 101,000
17 BONDI VET Ten 849,000 226,000 239,000 180,000 94,000 110,000 0
22 SCRUBS Seven 637,000 178,000 246,000 100,000 48,000 66,000
24 KITCHEN NIGHTMARES U.S.A. Nine 515,000 170,000 208,000 Not shown 66,000 72,000
35 REX IN ROME SBS 347,000 94,000 119,000 46,000 43,000 46,000
38 CARLA CAMETTI PD SBS 296,000 90,000 91,000 49,000 27,000 40,000

The ratings race, updated 11 am Thursday
Ten's strategy of starting House after the end of Spicks and Specks paid off last night. The grumpy investigator regained 400,000 viewers he'd lost last year. Combined with the success of So You Think You Can Dance Australia (hereinafter called SYTYCDA) , that gave Ten 25.2 per cent of the prime time audience, to Nine's 24.2 and Seven's 29.2. But The Biggest Loser continues to sink.

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,494,000 403,000 394,000 318,000 163,000 217,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,468,000 404,000 382,000 296,000 167,000 218,000
3 AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT Seven 1,314,000 375,000 388,000 269,000 122,000 160,000
4 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,251,000 372,000 361,000 264,000 95,000 159,000
5 HOUSE Ten 1,242,000 302,000 414,000 216,000 135,000 175,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,214,000 364,000 327,000 257,000 116,000 150,000
7 NINE NEWS Nine 1,071,000 236,000 382,000 233,000 122,000 97,000
8 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,042,000 347,000 275,000 201,000 96,000 123,000
9 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 3 Ten 1,010,000 304,000 299,000 166,000 101,000 140,000
10 ABC NEWS ABC1 982,000 273,000 311,000 180,000 115,000 104,000
11 DOMESTIC BLITZ Nine 971,000 254,000 278,000 210,000 99,000 131,000
12 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 968,000 237,000 334,000 205,000 107,000 85,000
13 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 955,000 233,000 322,000 192,000 79,000 130,000
14 THE MENTALIST Nine 948,000 295,000 280,000 163,000 110,000 101,000
17 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 867,000 237,000 268,000 162,000 82,000 118,000
18 LIFE Ten 851,000 181,000 296,000 149,000 89,000 136,000
19 FLASHPOINT Nine 843,000 242,000 290,000 120,000 101,000 90,000
24 24 Seven 602,000 170,000 196,000 99,000 62,000 75,000
29 CHANDON PICTURES ABC1 462,000 162,000 108,000 70,000 49,000 72,000
33 LONG WAY DOWN SBS 374,000 106,000 110,000 78,000 37,000 42,000
37 FOOD SAFARI SBS 357,000 83,000 121,000 79,000 34,000 41,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

The ratings race, updated 10 am Wednesday
There were so many new and resuming shows last night, the viewers did not know where to turn. So they resorted to habit, and made the ratings chart a reproduction of the Tuesday chart from six months ago -- with one exception. Ten's new psychodrama Lie To Me, with Tim Roth channelling Hugh Laurie as a grumpy investigator, drew 1.5 million, which is strong for 9.30pm.

Clearly audiences are hungry for entertainment that's a little more thoughtful than Wipeout Australia. Go to Comments to tell us what you made of the lineup.

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,873,000 588,000 586,000 306,000 159,000 233,000
2 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,653,000 437,000 528,000 308,000 155,000 225,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,556,000 402,000 419,000 335,000 178,000 223,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,502,000 364,000 408,000 321,000 175,000 234,000
5 LIE TO ME Ten 1,498,000 352,000 515,000 273,000 169,000 189,000
6 NCIS Ten 1,481,000 379,000 459,000 278,000 149,000 218,000
7 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,436,000 382,000 421,000 275,000 149,000 209,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,336,000 420,000 324,000 275,000 137,000 180,000
9 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,298,000 428,000 421,000 152,000 135,000 162,000
10 WIPEOUT AUSTRALIA Nine 1,173,000 332,000 364,000 224,000 121,000 132,000
11 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,163,000 354,000 352,000 203,000 99,000 156,000
12 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,130,000 319,000 322,000 225,000 130,000 133,000
13 NINE NEWS Nine 1,128,000 289,000 374,000 224,000 136,000 105,000
14 TWO AND A HALF MEN -EP1 Nine 1,078,000 299,000 361,000 218,000 85,000 115,000
15 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,044,000 300,000 337,000 216,000 106,000 86,000
16 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 1,019,000 307,000 320,000 160,000 102,000 131,000
23 ELI STONE Seven 679,000 166,000 242,000 98,000 68,000 106,000
34 SUNRISE Seven 373,000 122,000 83,000 94,000 25,000 49,000
36 DOCTOR WHO RPT ABC1 369,000 136,000 74,000 71,000 42,000 47,000
38 DIRTY SEXY MONEY Seven 331,000 83,000 151,000 31,000 19,000 48,000
40 DOCTOR WHO: CONFIDENTIAL CUTDOWN RPT ABC1 303,000 100,000 76,000 54,000 31,000 41,000
41 TODAY Nine 302,000 90,000 111,000 61,000 17,000 23,000
44 BASTARD BOYS RPT ABC1 270,000 85,000 97,000 40,000 16,000 32,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Tuesday
The "official" ratings year doesn't start till Sunday, but all the stations have brought out their biggest guns this week, in an effort to establish viewing addictions. Ten's attempt to lock us into Nat Bass's dancers on Sunday was undermined by the men's tennis final, but Ten got its revenge on Monday by using The Devil Wears Prada to steal viewers from Seven's Desperate Housewives. Next week Nine launches Underbelly 2 against the Despos, which will split audiences precisely by gender.

See below for first results on Boston Legal, 30 Rock, Biggest Loser and other favourites. and use Comments if you want to ask about any other shows. Go to The culture for previous years' viewing records (and Australia's favourite movies, DVDs and music).

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Network 7 1,542,080 397,097 403,498 304,661 208,500 228,324
2 TODAY TONIGHT Network 7 1,434,812 374,368 364,009 279,320 177,171 239,944
3 THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Network TEN 1,421,373 382,694 448,632 259,165 144,933 185,949
4 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Network 7 1,374,416 413,706 442,260 237,031 135,502 145,917
5 HOME AND AWAY Network 7 1,234,662 389,689 287,860 263,512 134,112 159,489
6 TWO AND A HALF MEN Network 9 1,212,373 341,145 336,063 302,600 93,292 139,273
7 NINE NEWS Network 9 1,172,468 286,910 376,390 286,173 129,051 93,944
8 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 2 Network TEN 1,154,282 314,912 372,141 202,737 112,426 152,066
9 ABC NEWS Network ABC1 1,135,284 312,379 369,064 214,865 130,109 108,868
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Network 9 1,093,182 279,056 359,951 237,638 119,601 96,937
11 BROTHERS & SISTERS Network 7 996,983 316,733 343,966 151,513 97,288 87,483
12 TOP GEAR Network SBS 974,320 269,482 313,125 191,164 114,570 85,979
15 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Network 7 947,268 260,864 301,375 169,199 88,375 127,455
17 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Network TEN 922,964 244,101 274,080 177,618 91,472 135,693
24 TERMINATOR 3 -RPT Network 9 648,915 208,463 147,164 134,748 79,314 79,225
25 BOSTON LEGAL Network 7 589,076 181,973 231,275 63,252 61,060 51,515
35 SOUTH PARK Network SBS 361,158 77,232 119,925 72,479 49,390 42,131
40 2008 NFL SUPERBOWL Network TEN 306,399 66,956 118,213 48,919 34,778 37,533
44 30 ROCK Network 7 281,305 57,522 110,876 31,329 37,882 43,696
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TENNIS: 2009 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL Network 7 2,245,725 732,543 798,064 329,165 193,519 192,433
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Network 7 2,007,831 492,644 683,558 367,125 238,717 225,788
3 SUNDAY NIGHT: SNEAK PEEK Network 7 1,751,046 458,030 567,224 361,454 173,041 191,296
4 TENNIS: 2009 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL INTRODUCTION Network 7 1,621,666 496,649 574,061 264,155 133,512 153,289
5 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 1 Network TEN 1,306,080 348,569 404,447 264,379 120,356 168,330
6 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Network 9 1,250,983 323,499 424,166 158,210 180,362 164,745
7 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - LAUNCH Network TEN 1,155,724 291,819 375,532 239,465 119,682 129,225
8 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND GAME 1 SESSION 1 Network 9 1,123,663 297,325 350,367 200,454 135,186 140,331
9 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND GAME 1 SESSION 2 Network 9 929,350 257,017 261,562 138,431 130,878 141,462
15 ELECTION Network TEN 585,785 167,013 167,879 101,472 56,328 93,093
29 OUT OF THE BLUE SUN Network TEN 263,061 71,183 94,100 42,932 27,388 27,459
32 COMPASS RPT Network ABC1 256,033 56,411 80,517 43,192 26,965 48,948

David Dale is the author of Who We Are -- A snapshot of Australia today (Allen and Unwin). For daily updates on Australian attitudes, bookmark http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

COMMENTS

THE BIGGEST LOSER and its desperate contestants appear a little on the nose - last in its timeslot which must be a worry for TEN - this show really is a shocker -enticing people to lose weight for money and then encouraging spats and drama between the contestants when they're at their lowest point - all for the cameras - the other night they had a table full of sweets and cakes all designed to heighten the drama and then when each contestant refused to indulge they brought out their favourite meals for one 'last supper'. Exciting television!!! They then got all the contestants to shed their clothes and host AJ reminded each poor devil that they're declared weight would be announced right there infront of the 'entire nation'....aargh...correction AJ ROCHESTER - only a fraction of the nation was watching!! It would appear the freak show you host just isn't that inspiring anymore - watching people humiliate themselves is just not that kocha. We're over BIG BROTHER, we're just about over all the other reality shows designed to degrade people and let's hope this year we all get over THE BIGGEST LOSER!

by GJ on February 03, 2009 at 10:00 AM

sneaky program monkeys at Seven actually had 30 Rock start ealrier than 11.30 - more like 11.20 last night - luckily I was watching and recording it (for a colleague who is surfing in Lombok). Apparently it will be starting earlier (like about 11.25 ish for the next few weeks). For those who have not the episode but will be watching - note Jack's (Alec Baldwin's) hairstyle during the episode - a fascinating development!
Happy Boston Legal is back - a few giggles. Sad it is the final season.

Tribal Mind remarks: Being early makes a change for Seven. There's a lesson there for future weeks. Just as well I had set my machine to record Despos then Brothers then Boston then 30 Rock. Anybody want to give us first reaction on any of those shows?

by Cathy on February 03, 2009 at 10:07 AM

So people still watch movies (with all those ad breaks!) on FTA. I'm just amazed!
I thought no-one could go past 7 last night, with Despos, Boston Legal, and 30 Rock.
Re Despos: poor Gabby, sad to see her decline into frumpiness. And where did they get that fat ugly kid from to play her daughter? If you had a kid like that, would you put her on public display, or seek treatment for the poor thing?
Really there were no other unexpected developments in 5 years in the lives of the ladies of Wisteria Lane. Susan dumped, Bree and Lynette no real change, Edie with a suss new hubby. I was a bit disappointed I confess.

by Sal on February 03, 2009 at 10:11 AM

very surprised at devil wears prada! just goes to show if ten put a good movie on it will rate well! biggest loser started pretty slow but we all know it will bounce back as it does and so will dance.

by ryan on February 03, 2009 at 10:15 AM

I was disappointed in despos. i think it's slowly lost it's 'must watch' status over the past couple of seasons, a little like Greys. i'll be watching underbelly next monday.

by Dannii on February 03, 2009 at 10:21 AM

so david do you know if oztam changes its subscribers or if we have been looking at the same type of people watching the same shows for yrs? if so i couldnt see how it could be anywhere near accurate.

Tribal Mind replies: OzTAM changes the sample gradually. Over five years they would be almost all new people.

by ryan on February 03, 2009 at 10:21 AM

Interesting DH lost to Devil wears Prada. With Underbelly on next week, i'm sure Seven would have been hoping for a bigger audience to get a head start, but Prada stole a large chunk i think. Brothers & Sisters was good, Boston Legal also good (but for some reason i was a little tired of Denny last night). And 30 Rock was just gold.
Now what do i watch 2moro night at 9.30. Never watched All Saints in my life, but the action might be worth it, or do i give Lie to me a go, but knowing Ten it will only last 2 episodes.

by Jed on February 03, 2009 at 10:39 AM

I was disappointed with Channel 10's sudden effort to support the Superbowl yesterday. Their 'specialist' Aussie commentary team turned it into a promo for AFL.
If they cared less and left just shown the US commentary it would have been fine. But the 'Aussie angle' of having Ben Graham in the Arizona team gave them a hook for promoting AFL on Ten.
Still, great game, especially the last 3 minutes.

Tribal Mind replies: I've put its audience figure into the chart above.

by merciless on February 03, 2009 at 10:43 AM

What a night Monday is. As a 30 something bloke, three potential shows at 7.30 that appeal. Despo's big deal. Underbelly can't wait. Here's the thing. There is nothing on in the 7.30 - 8.30 time slot that I'll watch until Friday, ie New Simpsons. Why is it that Two 1/2 Men (recorded), HIMYM (watched), and Top Gear (will now download) that appeal to the same demographic are on at once, yet nothing to appeal against the likes of Animal Rescue, or Getaway, Australia's Got Talent? BTW I won't watch any of those. Lucky Tuesday is $2 DVD day...

by JT on February 03, 2009 at 11:08 AM

Watched :
Top Gear - another good one & only 3 more sleeps till we see the boys. Is The Biggest Loser on at the same time as Top Gear??....if so Ch10 would be a bit worried that an SBS show beat them...haha
Despos - Mrs PJ's choice, I read while it was on but did note it started at the sheduled start time, almost fell over!!
Brothers & Sisters - Another Mrs PJ favourite.....more reading by me

by PJ453 on February 03, 2009 at 11:42 AM

The only good thing about the Biggest Loser is the final show, they recap every week and you get to see the final results. Why whould you bother watching it every night?

by Vanessa on February 03, 2009 at 12:52 PM

My problem with Biggest Loser is that it is really just a point and giggle freakshow, when it could actually be informative and entertaining at the same time. If they included diet and exercise tips and hints for the overweight viewers, it might encourage people to follow the program all the way along and perhaps lose some weight in the process. Unfortunately, a show about losing weight is slightly ironic when you consider that the viewer would be stuck to the couch with bag of potato chips in hand.
Despo's got off to a gentle start, really, but that has been the case with previous seasons too. Perhaps Prada beat it because a movie only demands two hours of your viewing life rather than some sort of commitment to an ongoing series. I have heard lots of great reports about series 5 of Despo's - it really gets going in the coming weeks.
Brothers & Sisters again excellent, the writing and performances are very sharp. I think Ch7 would be happy with close to 1m for a 9.30pm timeslot.
Boston Legal - meh - I think it lost its mojo last year, and even perhaps the end of the previous season too. It now comes across as a little tired, and I believe wrapping it up this season has been a good call.
Overall, I think Ch7 has a very strong lineup on most nights, perhaps excepting Wednesdays. Underbelly 2 will give Despos a run for its money, probably beating it out across the year. But Ch7 has far more consistent quality across all nights and timeslots so I think it will be another comfortable win for them this year.

by cronker on February 03, 2009 at 12:53 PM

I watched SYTYCD on Sun night but last night was Top Gear night so tuned in to that instead. I caught a bit of The Biggest Loser but really find the whole show a bit disgusting. Humilating people on national TV is just not good viewing to me. I won't watch again and have not watched in the past. I am entirely over reality TV, just not interested at all.
Not much on tonight but will watch the repeat of Dr Who and might try out Lie to Me to see if it's worth watching. That means of course that if I like it Ten will put it on at midnight. Happens to most shows I like.
Really not interested in Rafters or All Saints and would rather watch paint dry than watch one second of Wipeout. Ugh!
Will definitely give Underbelly a look next week though. And does anyone know when House comes back as I notice that Ten is advertising it like crazy but no start date? Also, any news on Lost or Heroes?

Tribal Mind replies: New House is on tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9pm. No news on Lost -- probably after 24 flops.

by em on February 03, 2009 at 01:27 PM

That's a good figure for C10 Super Bowl. I recall something like 200k is good in daytime. The figures for Melbourne (Ben graham connection) really stands out.

by canoli on February 03, 2009 at 01:37 PM

Looking forward to Season 8 Scrubs on 7 on Thursday night! 10:30pm - that's a pretty decent timeslot! Much rejoicing from the Beckala household! Still haven't figured out downloading, so watching it on youtube was getting ree-hee-hee-hee-ell-lly annoying! (Dr Cox rant, for those not in the know..)

by Beckala on February 03, 2009 at 02:24 PM

I'm surprised that HIMYM's double episodes didn't garner enough audience to even register...
DH was better than I expected. Eva Longoria gets to 'take the mickey' out of her former character iteration and her 'real' life at the same time. It's still a show with an experienced cast of quality actors and actresses who extract everything that the script allows them to - all wrapped up in 'Hollywood' style production values...
B&S shares much the same production values as DH in my opinion, but I sense that some of the situations that the characters are being 'set-up' for by the script writers in the latest series - if last night's episode is anything to go by, may well end up stretching my patience.
BL... How can anything with James Spader and William Shatner be anything other than quality Spades of Shatner? Yeah... Denny's penile dysfunction and his ensuing antics started to become a little bit like a circus act that maybe is running a little longer than some of us would like, but BL is a show that has always trod the path of "stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves", so Denny's flascitude when firmness was called for seemed to fit in nicely with the show's rationale...
Entertainment at the moment could be better, but it could very definitely be much worse. Maybe we're just spoiled...

Tribal Mind asks: Can we have a moratorium on acronyms for a while? I'm getting confused. In order, the programs referred to in the comment above are (I assume): How I Met Your Mother (which I've now put in the chart), Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, Boston Legal.

by Steve C on February 03, 2009 at 02:41 PM

When I DVR record SYTYCD it has to record the late parts of The Biggest Loser. Not the best images to project into my mind when getting ready for SYTYCD :=P.

by arthur on February 03, 2009 at 03:00 PM

i find it pretty funny to hear people say how they think biggest loser is disgusting. well atleast these people are doing something about their lives, half of you are probably sitting on your fat asses writing comments and eating chips!! grow up people

by ryan on February 03, 2009 at 05:07 PM

Great line up on Monday night for me from Desperate Housewives to Brother & Sisters to Boston Legal to 30 Rock. Tonight is good too from Packed to the Rafters to All Saints to Eli Stone to Dirty Sexy Money. Have to try and remember that Scrubs is on Thursday nights at 10.30pm now. A bit annoyed that Underbelly will be in the Monday night slot, since there isn't much else for me to watch for the rest of the week.

by J Bar on February 03, 2009 at 05:22 PM

the reality is(to pardon the pun) is that ten's SYTYCD ratings are down on last year, and by what appears to be a sizable margin. This is not a good start, and the ratings will tend to slide south going forward .....a bit like channel ten's share price ......

time to change your format ten .........

by Randwick Geoff on February 03, 2009 at 06:37 PM

Surely it would be better to treat obese people civily & commence a weight loss program with walking followed by moderate gym workouts when their weight is less.The 10 program upsets me. The abuse is not needed.

by doug on February 03, 2009 at 09:07 PM

Ryan, about Oztam changing their participants, I recieved a phone call the other day from someone doing a survey about TV habits and one question was wether I would be willing to participate at sometime in the future in what I assume is Oztam (I think they're the only ones). I said no. I know I wouldn't make a difference.
About 'The Biggest Loser', they're only 'doing something with their lives' after years of doing nothing but eat and sit and only now it seems for the prize money and a shot at more attention than they could ever dream of getting from stuffing their cake holes. I find myself torn between compassion & revulsion (vomit in my mouth type revulsion). Fat people, actually 99% of people, myself included, shouldn't take their clothes off. Why it passes as 'entertainment' is beyond me.
My tip for not becoming a tank: don't buy bigger pants. It works.

by darren on February 04, 2009 at 06:01 AM

Wipeout was OK, at least they diidn't do what they did with Hole in the Wall (used all their signed D list celebs to cross promote dull shows). Is basically the smaller twin to the american wipeout, being filmed as it is in argentina on the same set, as such it suffers because not much is funny than americans making fools of themselves and not being aware of it. Whereas the aussies were very aware of the cameras and as such clearly played up to them, something you didn't see in the american version. So gave it 8 New Scientist magazines, will give it another go.

by ned on February 04, 2009 at 06:54 AM

TM and em who wanted to know when Lost will be back - it is on from Wednesday 11 Feb at 10.30 - 24 is a double ep tonight and then I understand is moving to sunday nights.
All reports from overseas is this season of Lost is excellent so far. For those of us who have persisted that is good to hear.
TM you asked about what people thought of the returning shows on 7 on Monday - Desperate Housewives was OK - has potential. Brothers and Sisters good. Boston Legal (I am a fan) good fun and 30 Rock -as ever worth it.
Last night I recorded Lie to Me so have no feedback on that show yet, but watched the new version of All Saints and I am not 100% sure how I feel about it - had shades of Police Rescue for mine. Will see how it develops.

by Cathy on February 04, 2009 at 07:44 AM

Hey Ryan - while you assume that half of us sit on our arses, write comments and eat chips, you might also assume that all of us have a right to our opinion - if you were a long term contributor to this blog you will also know that we critique/comment on a variety of shows and some we view as high quality, others trash. I don't think most of us are alone in finding reality shows such as this disgusting where humiliation and degredation are the primary features.
Do you honestly think these people would parade themselves in front of 'the nation' unless there was fame and fortune on offer. Most respectable people who are obese seek professional help and many in the long term lose the weight with the primary motivator being their health and their family. If this show wasn't offering $200,000 and 3 months on an island resort, I guarantee there would be far few applicants.
And by the way I hate chips!!
As to last night's viewing loved PACKED TO THE RAFTERS and ALL SAINTS...I also loved BOSTON LEGAL the other night -Danny Crane's mobile going off in court was a classic!

by GJ on February 04, 2009 at 09:07 AM

Watched Seven all night last night. RSPCA, Find My Family, Packed to the Rafters. Decided to watch All Saints for the 1st time, never been interested before but it looks pretty good with the new response unit. I just didn't trust Ten would keep Lie to me, although good ratings for it last night. Then Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money. Tuesday has to be the best night. Still don't know what i'm gonna watch tonight because everything's screwed up with House starting at 9. Might have to give Criminal Minds a go.

by Jed on February 04, 2009 at 09:56 AM

Maybe they should just rename "Reality" TV to Humiliation TV.
I seem to have a missing comment or two. To summarise: I watched "Prada" because I missed the opening of the Despoes and it was easier to let the recorder just watch all that while I pottered online and enjoyed snippets of the frockfest out of the corner of my eye. And thank all the assorted deities it started (and finished) on time, because I had a complete braino (I blame the heat) and only gave it ten minutes overtime at the end. Phew! Am yet to watch it, but I did see the opening scene last night.

by tqd on February 04, 2009 at 10:00 AM

Oh garn! I missed out on 30 Rock. I caught some Desperate Housewives and it was moderate - agree with Cathy, it has potential.
Lie to Me was ok - watchable. I thought Tim Roth had an American accent from the commercials, but sounds like he's just using his English one. Seems to be a big trend recently casting British actors in lead American roles. Speaking of which, anyone watching Life on Mars (Ten, 9.30pm) tomorrow? From the preview, it looks exactly as the original.

by Kym on February 04, 2009 at 10:29 AM

if they didnt have the 200,000 on offer but still had the trainers then from what i have heard they are all at the stage either they loose weight or die, so i think they would still take up the chance. i do agree with you though there would be 1 or 2 who wouldnt stay.
as for last night, wow!! looks like ten is gonna do well this yr! lie to me was great! ncis was incredible, bondi was hell exciting and loser has the 1st training session which was inspiring. go ten! boo 7! sucked in 9:)

by ryan on February 04, 2009 at 10:44 AM

I watched Lie To Me last night. It was ok. Reminded me very much of House. Just a different profession and not as rude! Not sure I'll stay up to watch it every week (9.30pm bed time for me!) but if it was on at 8.30pm I'd definitely watch it.
Re: Lost season 5 - it is excellent so far. Only 3 eps have aired in the US. 3rd ep is awesome. I think the whole season looks like it may just answer lots of our questions (and pose many, many more!).
Re: Despos and Bros & Sisters - both are good seasons. Despos starts off a little slow but soon gets back into the hang of things. I think it's a better season than the last couple.
I think new episodes of House are on tonight judging from the episode description in the TV guide.

by mel on February 04, 2009 at 10:51 AM

Lead Balloon started slowly (plus I was making lunches & wasn't fully focused on tv) but in the 2nd half certainly got some laughs from it, will watch again next week. Enjoyed the repeat of Dr Who & Rose's "busty substances" & cemented my mistrust of cats!!! Looks like another pom has made good in the USofA with Lie to Me, especially enjoyed the showing of real people's body language & nice to see the actress from The Practice in a new role.
It will be interesting to see the ratings from Ch10 tonight with shows starting on the hour & not the usual standard proceedure of half hour ??
Oh darn.....I've spilt my chips while I was writing this!!!

by PJ453 on February 04, 2009 at 11:18 AM

Also forgot to mention (from my last thread) that Biggest Loser is also doing very badly in the ratings as well ....no matter how channel ten try to spin it, 16th is pretty poor .......

by Randwick Geoff on February 04, 2009 at 11:59 AM

The premise of Lie to Me is interesting, but not really interesting enough to be a TV series for multiple seasons, as the first episode was rather tedious and I suspect others are the same. As it started in the US on January 21,
my guess is season 1 is only 13 episodes, so it'll be interesting seeing if Fox give it a 2nd season or not and also if
Ten replace it with new Numbers show episodes (if LTM slips ratings wise for Ten, which I suspect it will, despite Ten overhyping LTM so much).

by Barry on February 04, 2009 at 12:13 PM

Thanks Cathy for the info on Lost. Will look forward to it. Recorded Lie to Me last night and will watch it either tonight or over the weekend. Will watch House tonight but not keen on the starting time as it really stuffs up anything else you start watching. Seems Ten want House fans to watch Dance. I wonder if their plan will work or will House have very ordinary ratings because of it. We will have to watch and see.
Watched the final ep for the season of Satisfaction on Showtime last night. And apparently there is another season being made. Pity this excellent Oz show never sees the light of day on FTA. SBS should pick it up as I am sure it would rate well for them. Next Tues the new Vampire show "Trueblood" takes the place of Satisfaction. Previews look great.

Tribal Mind asks: When you say "Pity this does not see the light of day on FTA", I have to ask: would that make it more "real"? Why should Pay stations not have their own shows?

by em on February 04, 2009 at 12:59 PM

I watched "Can Dogs Smell Cancer?" at 7.30 on SBS, NCIS at 8.30 on 10, Lie To Me at 9.30 on 10.
Pretty good night.
Nothing on FTA at 10.30 so over to SciFi to watch more of Battlestar Galactica season 4 (up to #8) now.
Bummer, forgot about Dirty Sexy Money on 7 at 11.30 and missed most of it.
Why won't the IQ allow a series record on 7's programs? It will for the other stations.
"Can Dogs Smell Cancer?": yes, but I knew that. My dogs did.
NCIS: Fancy Gibbs shooting Michelle to get the bad guy! He needs some target practice.
Lie To Me: enjoyed it, and will be back for more.
Battlestar Galactica: bliss! Best show on TV. Love it so much I'm watching season 2 again, on Saturday mornings, 3 eps in a row. Woo hoo!
Out tonight - will record 24, and also Life.
Also recording Dexter, The Street (new), Kyle XY, Leverage, True Dare Kiss, and Mobile on Fox. When to sleep? Where are the chips?
So much good stuff - I'm enjoying it while it lasts!

by Sal on February 04, 2009 at 01:00 PM

Amazing ratings for Lie To Me. Maybe Ten should have it on Wednesday nights and push House back to 9.30. Good figures for Eli Stone late at night and Dirty Sexy Money even later. Maybe Seven should have tried DSM in a 10.30pm slot before pushing it so late at 11.30pm.

by J Bar on February 04, 2009 at 01:34 PM

Kym - Re Life on Mars. From what I have read, it is almost scene for scene a reshoot of the UK version, right down to Gene Hunt's light grey shoes. Be interesting to see Harvey Keitel in this role, as I think Philip Glenister had it nailed (loved him in a completley different role in Hustle)
Seems prayers have been answered, for all those having Weed withdrawls.(so to speak :) ) Read on another site that Weeds is returning to Nein (allbeit late on a Tuesday night (just in time to conflict with DSM on 7 - love Donald Sutherland) from 17/2) with series 3 (they have recently been screening series 1 on HD). Now if I can only get Shirley to screen The Shield back on SD all will be right with the world, well better anyway.
Knew it had to happen - the new series of 24 conflicting with Mentalist / Flashpoint conflicting with House / Life & only 2 tuners in the recorder! Wasnt that taken with the Flashpoint " sneak peak" not helped by screening eps way out of order, so for me, I think it will be Mentalist (I want to see where the Red John thread is heading) and House / Life.
Thats life...

Tribal Mind remarks: The first episode may be a shot by shot remake, but after that, it becomes more mysterious.

by ozinoz on February 04, 2009 at 02:36 PM

Quoth Kym: "Speaking of which, anyone watching Life on Mars (Ten, 9.30pm) tomorrow? From the preview, it looks exactly as the original."
Yes, I caught a promo for it the other day, and it was EXACTLY THE SAME as the British show, shot for shot (apart from some fabulous scene-setting background images). Hell, why they didn't just get the British actors (it is a trend at the moment) and reshoot the whole thing in America, with them putting on American accents? It's pretty much what they're getting, it looks like.
And, hey, nobody told me Harvey Keitel was in it! (Maybe I was snoozing after eating too many chips when that news hit the intarwebs.)
I shall be watching it, but I'm not sure if I shall be enjoying it as yet.

Tribal Mind wonders: I rely on the readers of this blog to enlighten me about all things new in television. I am staggered that there could be a reader who did not know Harvey KTelProducts was in the US edition of Life on Mars. All the reports so far (which you guys are supposed to have read) suggest the US version is more intriguing than the British version. But lets hold judgement. I will get up at 6am tomorrow (Thurs) to publish your first reviews of Life On Mars.

by tqd on February 04, 2009 at 02:45 PM

Sal your IQ won't record 7's programs because 7 didn't sign up to that scheme due to their alliance with TiVo. So I doubt you'll ever be able to record 7 on IQ.
Does anyone know if TiVo can record foxtel programs? I don't think it can...

Tribal Mind feels the need to intervene in this discussion: Sorry, but you're talking through your hat. I have Foxtel IQ, and i use it all the time to record free to air programs. I couldn't do my job otherwise. Six months ago IQ could not record Seven programs that arrived via satellite, but this is no longer the case.

by mel on February 04, 2009 at 02:49 PM

Lie to Me was fascinating. Plus next week Sark from Alias is a guest star! (Heck I never watched Alias but I know who Sark is!).
Also watched the Doctor last night, his freckles were more noticeable at the start of his reign. Loving the fact the Sarah Jane episode with Anthony Head is soon!
Monday night: Did watch some Prada - never watched it before but was surfing on the laptop d/l'ing How I Met Your Mother/Top Gear - was out to dinner. Then a weak at the start (apart from the Coastguards Denny & Alan boarding a party girl vessel), strong at the end Boston Legal, and 30 Rock to close.
Tonight Spicks & Specks is back. Although I can't handle Guy Pearce. And that's about it for me tonight. Nothing else looks interesting.

Tribal Mind asks: What do you mean, you "can't handle" Guy Pearce? He's an actor doing his job, which includes appearing on programs such as Spicks and Specks.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 04, 2009 at 02:54 PM

if you were watching you would have noticed gibbs was all out of focus because he was shot and he couldnt aim.

Tribal Mind asks: If who was watching what? Who is gibbs? Please explain what show you are referring to, and to whom you are addressing your message. This is supposed to be a public discussion, not a private conversation.

by ryan on February 04, 2009 at 03:55 PM

Re Bereft Skerrick, I thought Sark was a small speck in the English Chanel near Guernsey. Strange name for a character. Now see it is Adam Monroe from Heros.
Thanks TM, but even though I am up and about by 6.00, wont be seeing LOM until the weekend, so no review at least from me. Not sure if the Yanks can do mysterous - look at direction Lost has taken. It is either in your face or so convoluted nobody, not even the writers, knows where it is going. That said, it might be interesting. Still looking forward to Michael Imperioli and his 70's pornstar mo.

Tribal Mind remarks: By Saturday, comment on LOM will be irrelevant. Sadly, almost nobody reads this blog at the weekend, despite my best efforts. How can I persuade the regulars to stay on board on Sundays?

by ozinoz on February 04, 2009 at 04:22 PM

Interesting to see how high "Find My Family" rated...
I've wondered whether such a show would attract a reasonable audience, and given that you'd usually only expect the sort of topic the series is based on to be of interest to only those who are directly affected by estrangement or adoption, to rate so highly is (to me anyway) an indicator to just how many Aussie families are able to relate to the situations their fellows in the show are going through.
I wonder how many of us are expecting to get a knock on the door from someone associated with the show?
Skeletons rattling?
Maybe I'm becoming a softie in my dotage, but it's a 'reality' show that uncovers truths about real Australians' pasts. Not just 'the Stolen Generation' or the "current flavour of the Month to feel sorry for" subsection of society; but people almost anyone of us could know - like the pregnant & single Italian immigrant who gave her son up for adoption 35yrs ago in the face of odds she couldn't cope with - or the Hippy 'Counter-culture' lady who as a girl had suffered the torment of having her son taken from her arms by a nurse in a Single Mother's Home...
These are stories that would in the past, never be told - and like many other parts of our history, remain totally unrecorded... that's it I'm done.
Normal transmission can now resume.

by Steve C on February 04, 2009 at 04:28 PM

To ozinoz who said he thought Philip Glenister had Gene Hunt nailed in Life on Mars (British version) but was excellent as different character on Hustle - need to correct you - Ash on Hustle is played by Robert Glenister - Philip's younger brother.. they look alike but are not twins.
And I second other comments on Life on Mars - apparently although the first few of the US version are identical to the British - the premise then changes as the US version did not want to end after two short seasons - they wanted a more open ended option.
And although I understand paytv such as Foxtel should and does have its own shows I am sad that some of the shows they have exclusively such as True Blood, or Mad Men (yes I know SBS now will show season 1) are ones I would like to see but I do not want Foxtel just for that.
Watching Criminal Minds and 24 recording House, Life, Spicks & Specks, Mentalist, Flashpoint and Cold Case so will only be able to comment on Criminal Minds and 24 tomorrow if anyone interested. The advantages of 2 recorders one with twin tuners...
Finding I do not watch much at 7.30 so tonight will catch up on Lie to me and NCIS (despite some spoilers form other TMers).

by Cathy on February 04, 2009 at 05:09 PM

TM: obviously you haven't seen Bedtime Stories. I just don't like Guy Pearce as an actor. Let me equate it to if any TV show that Shrieky-Lee Coulter is on. I give that a wide pass as well. Specks is a great show but sometimes their guests miss the mark. Go on Guy, prove me wrong!
I'm also wondering how many bloggers still remember K-tel? The Danoz of the 70's!
Don't know if I'll watch Life on Mars. The ads have run incessantly here on the South Coast. The more I saw them the less likely I'd watch.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 04, 2009 at 05:13 PM

I liked Lie to Me, but don't want to get too attached in case it disappears. Read elsewhere that ABC2 (I think) will be screening Torchwood seasons 1 & 2. Too late, I've seen them. Wonder who will show the season 3 of a week of specials? Will watch USA LOM but I am not sure I will like it(I knew about Harvey!!) I am definitely on tenterhooks waiting for Life, and Scrubs and Cranford!! The Mentalist is looking interesting too.

by 2paw on February 04, 2009 at 07:22 PM

Tribal Mind wonders: ....But lets hold judgement. I will get up at 6am tomorrow (Thurs) to approve your first reviews of Life On Mars.

I hope you mean Friday at 6am. SMH Guide has it on Thursday night not Wednesday. I read your comment and thought I'd just missed the first half. The US version looks a lot darker than the UK one. I'm looking forward to it.

Tribal Mind replies: Yes, I do mean Friday. Tomorrow I'll get your reactions to House.

by littlecrowhead on February 04, 2009 at 09:02 PM

Just read on TV Tonight that Torchwood will be going to where it should have been from day one. Well close to at least. As a (almost) birthday present to me, they're going to start showing TW (allegedly) at 10:30pm from Fri Jun 19 on ABC2.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 04, 2009 at 10:37 PM

really weird, i actually watched house last night!! i was drawn in and i loved it, i havnt watched house in about 8 months but now i will be watching the next ep

by ryan on February 05, 2009 at 03:31 AM

I've seen all the episodes to date of the US Life on Mars. The show does start off being quite identical to the UK version, but later episodes take the show in a new direction....which I think is a good idea! So the UK and US shows are quite different. I'm a big fan of the US version....it may start off slow but the show really picks up as it goes on.
Although reports have focused on Harvey Keitel being on the show...i think the best performance is given by the lead actor who plays Sam. He gives the character a lot of warmness. If anything it's Kietel who doesn't seem to have completely settled into a TV role....but he has gotten better as the eposides have gone on.
In terms of ratings...before christmas the show was really picking up in the US. The ABC then decided to move it and have put it after Lost - as they felt that as both shows have time travel themes they would suit. It's only been a week, but the ratings were down for Life on Mars in this timeslot. I hope they pick up as I don't want the show canceled.

by Helena on February 05, 2009 at 07:36 AM

Cathy - re Philip Glenister / Robert Glenister. Thank you. They are so alike, I hadnt realised they were brothers. I just put the "slight ageing" down to the vagaries of television production. Feel a goose now :)

by ozinoz on February 05, 2009 at 08:11 AM

House - the usual stuff. I believe it�s still watchable though. Guy Pearce on Spicks and Specks was alright � I�m still waiting for the new things they said they�ll do last year to improve it, because they�re too much in their comfort zone. The show definitely depends on who�s on to make it work. I�m checking out Life on Mars mainly because of Greg Hassall�s glowing review.
I can�t wait till Cranford either! Haven�t seen a period drama (with comedy) on ABC for awhile (not counting Fanny Hill, which I�ve yet to see).

by Kym on February 05, 2009 at 09:22 AM

The starting after Spicks & Specks (MrPJ) really worked for House (MrsPJ) last night the increase must have been double that were watching before Xmas. Had to record Long Way Down & the final of 7 Periods of Mr Gormsby which has to be one of the funniest shows ever shown on tv, even if it's soooooooo politically incorrect, well done by our "little brothers" from across the ditch!! The ABC news has beaten 2 & half men-repeat 2 of 3 nights so far this week.....has 2&1/2 it lost it's "appeal"????

by PJ453 on February 05, 2009 at 10:50 AM

Great to see House rating well again. Unfortunately i didn't watch it because of the bloody 9.00 start which would have meant missing 24. Although 24 won't be on Wed next week so now i'm thinking i should have just watched House. Criminal Minds was bloody good though. Never watched it before, but i liked.
And i really want to watch Life on Mars, but a 2 hour Grey's ep stuffs that up. It would be perfect if it was only 1 hr. Greys, then Life on Mars, then Scrubs. I guess i'll be flicking.

by Jed on February 05, 2009 at 10:54 AM

Didn't mind Lie to Me. Thought it was quite good a little similar to House. Will keep watching before I really pass judgment though as it often takes a new show awhile to settle in. Nice to see the girl from the Practice (Kelly Williams is it?) back on TV again. I always liked her.
As for House , much of the same as usual but then I suppose that's what makes it work. Still like it but hope the scripts are a bit better than last year when it all got a bit silly.
Will take a look at US Life on Mars tonight. I am not expecting to like it as I just loved the UK version and I just don't think the yanks can do it as well. But willing to give it the benefit of the doubt before I pass judgement.

by em on February 05, 2009 at 10:54 AM

Why does anyone watch 'Australia's Got (no) Talent'? The human being is a curious beast.
Do you think the resurgence of 'House' has anything to do with the "No repeats" promo? While that ad does remind everyone of past behaviour, I think it is a good sign for Ten. Much as I dislike most of Ten's trash, sometimes I think they're the only ones paying attention. They stay right out of the Nine versus Seven crap and sometimes there's shades of effort there (revamping the news, nice new Channel Ten promos, ditching Big Brother, teaching Nat Bass to smile, holding on to 'Meet the Press' when the other two are busy with current affairs for dummies, actually using their HD channels).
Looking forward to 'The Insiders' coming back this week (I think they are). Should be a cracker, as always. One of the few remaining vestiges (along with MTP) of um....what's it called? Oh yeah, Journalism.

by darren on February 05, 2009 at 11:20 AM

Hey TM, a little tetchy there with our Ryan!
We were talking about NCIS, and my comment about Gibbs shooting through the girl to get the baddie. Ryan correctly pointed out that Gibbs was unable to aim more specifically due to injury.
Ryan, I guess I've watched too many shows where people who are injured, even half dead, are able to do extraordinary things!
I've developed unreasonable expectations!
Tonight: I'm looking forward to Life On Mars, US version tonight. Loved the UK version. Having seen The Office, UK & US versions, and having loved both, I have an open mind. The lead actor, Jason O'Mara, looks a good choice for Sam. Harvey Keitel should be interesting.
The blond Annie will need to be good to equal the UK's Liz White. Strange that the female WPC is called Annie in both versions, but has a different surname. It's Annie Cartwright in the UK version, and Annie Norris in the USA. Just a dose of trivia for you.

by Sal on February 05, 2009 at 12:37 PM

Not an overly exciting night on the box last night. Daannii (can't remember if it's two 'a's,'n's or 'i's) on AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT is about the most exciting thing to watch on that show. HER FACE NEVER MOVES - she is a KYLIE lookalike but fascinating to watch. That face of hers has ALL the talent - that's where the 200,000 has gone!
As for shows like THE MENTALIST and CRIMINAL MINDS etc, they're all predictable formats with cops using their own 'special powers' to find the baddy and solve the crime. I find Simon Baker on THE MENTALIST a lazy actor to watch and I almost fall asleep everytime he appears on screen!
Very encouraged to see THE BIGGEST LOSER dive in the ratings - unfortunately it always starts slow and then picks up later in the year with the contestants, and only some of them, start to lose weight. I really do hope this is the last season though!

by GJ on February 05, 2009 at 12:51 PM

Re Life on Mars, I will be watching tonight to see how the US version goes.
A part of me is pleased that they are taking it in a new direction - otherwise, having watched the original UK series it would be predictable. However, I have some trepidation for the same reason - the US has a habit of taking a good short UK series and dragging it out until they have wrung every last drop of possible entertainment out of it.
I guess time will tell.

by Rob1966 on February 05, 2009 at 01:27 PM

Movies still occasionally do well. It has to be one that everybody hasn't seen on DVD with some known names so people remember it.
Desperate Housewives did OK at 1.3M. It wasn't rating better in the 4th series and it is into its 5th year as a soap.

by dewatf on February 05, 2009 at 01:48 PM

Lousy national ratings for 24 have forced Seven to predictably move it to
10.30 pm Sundays, when most people have to go to sleep. My guess is large numbers of Aus fans of this show download it (it's 7 episodes in, in North America) or watch it on online viewing sites like I do, as it's a very annoying show to watch when you have to contend to commercial breaks. Also it's a very serialised show, that you can't just watch when you feel like it and ratings wise there's been a noticeable downturn in the popularity of these shows, with Lost's 2nd last season being dumped at a 10.30 pm slot as well.

by Tony on February 05, 2009 at 02:47 PM

Thank Huey for the Hard Drive Recorder. Favourite 'must-see' shows in our home... Boston Legal, Dirty Sexy Money, Lost, 24 and At the Movies. All shoved into the graveyard slot but easy to record, delete the ads and watch a block of 'em. Who needs to spend heaps and waste time downloading?

by David @ Green Point on February 05, 2009 at 04:09 PM

Can someone who watched 24 tell me who the "new" Chloe is? A colleague who has been downloading it keeps stopping me mid sentence to tell me I remind him of the actress who plays the new CTU chick in 24 but cannot tell me who she is. I tried Googling but I do not watch it and have no idea what series they are up to. Thanks.

by Anon on February 05, 2009 at 04:12 PM

To Anon who asked who the "new" Chloe is on 24 - the actress is Janeane Garofalo (Janis) - she was also in The West Wing but played the vet in the movie the Truth About Cats and Dogs with Uma Thurman. And Tony who claimed lousy ratings for 24 were the reason 7 were moving it to sundays - untrue the move the sundays was in The SMH tv guide on Monday before even 1 episode of this season had been aired.

by Cathy on February 05, 2009 at 04:36 PM

Life on Mars should have a good ratings debue for Ten, but it's apparently not rating so great for the ABC network in the US. Keeping in mind LoM would be a fairly expensive show to make, being genuinely filmed in New York city and with the cost of 1970's clothes and props, ratings would have to be an issue. Then again, the show probably only has a couple seasons tops in it's premise anyway. The original UK show had a spinoff show as the lead actor in the UK LoM didn't want to do the show anymore after 2 seasons.

by Anne on February 05, 2009 at 06:53 PM

i just watched bondi vet, i was glued to the screen!!! what a great show and edited so well too. i will be tuning in next week

by ryan on February 05, 2009 at 09:28 PM

Must agree with ryan, I loved Bondi Vet, I just sobbed the whole way through. Then again, I'm just a sucker for animals!!

Then turned to Greys... Still not sure. Meredith is starting to really get to me. I just want to slap her at times. Although the new army guy seems good, interesting vibe there. And I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do with Melissa George. But stupid me, fell asleep on the couch before Scrubs, and woke up 20 minutes after it finished! Thank god for my PVR being already set up to record!

by Beckala on February 06, 2009 at 06:54 AM

Watched Life on Mars last night. I never saw the UK version so can't compare. I enjoyed it and will stick with it for a while.

Bondi Vet was great. Though I don't know how much of it I'll be able to watch. I tend to get very teary in those shows. Dr Chris is very watchable though!

by Nic on February 06, 2009 at 07:53 AM

Sucked in to watch Life on Mars. Meh. It just felt like Law & Order 1973 style. And the ads kill the flow. After the heavy promotion I imagine the Shirl Monkeys are awaiting the ratings with baited breath.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 06, 2009 at 08:54 AM

Cathy thanks for the info about Janeane Garafalo. I know her work well and that rumbling sound you heard earlier was me laughing at both the thought I remind someone of her and of her being in 24. Janeane is a well known leftwinger who was an ardent and vocal critic of Bush and his torturing ways. I googled her and 24 after I read what you said and apparently she thinks the casting is some sort of right wing joke and they will have her torturing in the show or being saved by Jack torturing someone.
Have a good weekend. I am off to Top Gear tonight so mine should start well.

by Anon on February 06, 2009 at 09:07 AM

Saw bits of LIFE ON MARS - wasn't overly impressed but will give it a few more weeks. Switched across to RAMSAYS and unfortunately not much to report there either. GORDON managed to swear and say f..k for the obligatory three out of every five words spoken, then found a dirty kitchen, an arrogant italian chef and crap food, yelled and screamed a bit more, then got all melancholy, switched the focus back to the restaurant and managed to turn the whole place around in less than an hour - great stuff! BUT BORING AND OH SO PREDICTABLE. Let's see a few restaurants really bomb. Surely a bit of spit and polish and just the presence of good ole Gord can't be enough to save all these dives - and what happens when he leaves - do they continue to rally or is it just a short term fix?? - you can probably see that I'm over RAMSAY!
The only other inspired bit of TV last night was watching the ex band member of HI FIVE bomb in the Australian version of SINGING BEE - not only couldn't she sing very well but she didn't know the words to such classic songs like GLORIA! The audience was left miffed and the chosen charity left with only a bit of loose change!

by GJ on February 06, 2009 at 09:17 AM

GJ - Ramsay, Singing Bee?? What are you doing watching Nine? No one does that anymore!!!
Watched Grey's for an hour and then flicked back and fourth the 2nd hour between Grey's and Life On Mars. Fairly impressed with it. I love the original, but the first episode was good enough to keep me watching. Got chills seeing the twin towers again.
I should have my shows all locked in now for next week. Knowing what to watch. Except Wednesday's. Want to watch Spicks, Criminal Minds and House. But missed first House ep and can watch Spicks Thursday on ABC2. But now there's nothing on at 9.30 wed to watch.

by Jed on February 06, 2009 at 09:50 AM

Hi TM
do you have the ratings for celtics vs lakers NBA game?

Tribal Mind replies: I have been through all 220 programs on the ratings chart for Thursday, right down to SBS Japanese News, which got 1,000 viewers, and I can find no reference to any celtics and lakers game. What station was it on, and what time?

by boston on February 06, 2009 at 10:01 AM

Life on Mars was alright. I'm waiting for it to move into its own territory, just like The Office (US), then hopefully we'll see some different things.
For anyone interested in voting for the Logies, here's the link: http://surveys.asteroid.com.au/bvbin/bvgate.cgi?SID=915663&NOJ=1
(It's Shaun Micallef all the way for me!)

by Kym on February 06, 2009 at 10:10 AM

Life on Mars, yank style, didn't do much for me, I'm afraid. It just didnt have the style of the UK version. And their Sam Tyler just didnt have any charisma at all!
And I never much cared for Harvey Keitel. But I will watch a few more weeks, maybe, and see how it develops. I just can't see it ending the way the real version did. Great ratings for Ten though.
Recorded Greys and Scrubs to watch over the weekend as I was busy watching new Dexter over on Showtime. Now that is a brilliant show. Just keeps getting better and better. Has me wondering just where the writers are going with it this year.
Would like to have watched new SVU but I can't record everything and something had to go. But it sure is great to have choice again.

by em on February 06, 2009 at 10:13 AM

Thursdays look like a blokey night on Ten, chick night on Seven and the dregs for Nine. Seven and Ten have been strong all week. It will be really interesting to see if this bad run will continue for Nine and whether all these odd programming moves have bitten them in the bum.
Brilliant ratings for Scrubs. It thrashed Gordon Ramsay which started an hour earlier. Enjoying Carla Cametti PD. Had a look at Bondi Vet but nothing different from all the other factuals on the box.

by J Bar on February 06, 2009 at 10:18 AM

Couldn't do anything but compare it with the original Life on Mars, but it will definitely get another viewing, even the different locations helped it. Loved Soprano's Chris with the 70's mo (he would have raised a lot of money for Movember) plus I thought his snozz seemed a little larger. I have this weird feeling that I've heard the actor playing Sam's voice somewhere before.....can anybody assist ?? Had to record Greys for MrsPJ.
Another one who will be starting off the hot weekend at Top Gear tonight...maybe I should report on Sunday to please TM.

by PJ453 on February 06, 2009 at 11:19 AM

I thought 'Celebrity Singing Bee' failed dismally last year. I wasn't going to ever speak of it again but isn't it like taking the Coogee gelato back to the kitchen and then re-serving it with a cherry? I can't even watch the ads. Although some things it's got going for it: Tim Campbell.....no wait, um.... girls dressed as bees shimmying like they're the 1975 Logie Dancers...no wait, um.....C-grade celebrities singing off-key and desperately trying to be noticed ....no wait, um......'20 to 1 Adult's Only Moments - Controversial Film Scenes' is on next....no wait.....

by darren on February 06, 2009 at 11:33 AM

Perhaps 9's poor turnout for the week has not been assisted by the fact the the 8.30 , 9.30 slot on just about every night in my TV Guide from the Sun Herald reads "To be advised". Just smacks of either laziness or desperation a la I'm not showing you mine until I've seen yours. I routinely go through the Guide on Sunday and set my PVR for the week, so 7 and 10 scored all my slots.

by LAH on February 06, 2009 at 11:37 AM

watched life on mars and loved it!!! what an awesome show, so funny too. im surprised it didnt rate aswell as lie to me cause it was alot better .

Tribal MInd adds: And what about the music? Any show that can perfectly fit David Bowie, The Who and the Rolling Stones will get my vote.

by ryan on February 06, 2009 at 11:53 AM

Life on Mars has an 'encore' viewing at 10.40 Saturday night.
To PJ453, Sam's voice in LoM reminded of Mel Gibson.
Having seen the original British version, I was pleasantly surprised by the US version. Will be interested to see in which direction it goes when it has US writers.
Also, am enjoying True Blood thanks to the wonderful world of downloading.

by Sacs on February 06, 2009 at 01:25 PM

Re: Ads and Life On Mars. I agree with Bereft Skerrick, whoever was cutting up the show last night ot put the ads either wasn't watching the show or just using a stopwatch. The stopwatch was going in our house last night and if you were wondering if there were a lot of ads, you are right. The average was 6 minutes of LoM and 4 minutes of ads. I haven't done the math.... I can't warm to Sam in the US version as I did to Sam in the UK.

by Scooterp on February 06, 2009 at 01:34 PM

Well, watched Life on Mars last night ... have to admit I thought it was okay, if a little "dumbed down" for the US audience (I don't recall the UK series explaining the 'time leap' as much, or maybe because I have seen the UK series I understand the premise and thus don't need the explanations). As for the adverts, I think Ch 10 need to work on placing them in better spots (and less of them!!!) - several ad breaks started half way through sentences, and I could swear some of the breaks were only about 3 minutes apart!

by Rob1966 on February 06, 2009 at 01:41 PM

Hey Darren - you mentioned the CELEBRITY SINGING BEES DANCERS - they reminded me of those desperate wannabes on POT OF GOLD with Bernard King - wouldn't he have a field day with this lot - ''Daaaaarlings,you're all terrrible...get off my stage and don't hurl those legs in my direction again...Neeeext!!".
The wonderful thing about POT OF GOLD was that it was a really bad show but it knew it was bad. Some of today's TV offerings think they are hip and cool when they are sooooo not!
BTW watched David Tennant's narration of EVEREST last night and it was another fine piece of viewing from the ABC.
Seven have some disaster pic about SUPERNOVAS tonight - glad I'm going out!

by GJ on February 06, 2009 at 02:14 PM

TM....couldn't agree more about the music...sure David Bowie but the rest of the music was great. From memory the UK show didn't play as many songs but concentrated on background music & one major song each episode...so if this keeps up it gets my vote too!! Yay for the 70's!!!
Sacs.....so you think Mel Gibson eh... will have to put a note somewhere for next week so I remember.
The Ads.....I had forgotten to mention them before, I think Ch10 promoted themselves just about as much as the ordinary adverts !!!

by PJ453 on February 06, 2009 at 03:00 PM

Watched the American Life On Mars: fab look, great music, and it's still a great story. Have to agree with others that Sam and Annie don't have the charisma in the US show that they did in the UK show. I will keep watching, to see how it differs from the UK, and if (like The Office) it can bring something new and interesting to the story. But it isn't the Must Watch that the British one was (possibly because I've seen bits of it before ;).
Quoth Tribal Mind: "I rely on the readers of this blog to enlighten me about all things new in television."
Yeah, well, so do I. I get my info from here, and from friends. Friends said: it's a turkey, it's got that guy from Star Trek on it as Gene Hunt, they scrapped it all, David E. Kelley's not there any more, etc. It all sounded absolutely disastrous. We moved onto more entertaining news, work got insanely busy, so I somehow missed concentrating on anything LoM related (assuming its turkey status) until reading the review in The Guide last night that it was *completely* overhauled, and in a Good Way. Once I'd read that, I was more curious about it. (I'm fickle.)
Oh, and I watched House on Wednesday. Mr TQD was in charge of the remote, and it was an easy transfer from Spicks & Specks over to Channel Ten. It's watchable (for the wonderful Mr Laurie, mainly; if he wasn't on screen, I found myself reading my book), but really rather formulaic.

by tqd on February 06, 2009 at 03:00 PM

Ten, please listen up ! No way will i watch Life On Mars again if it is riddled with ads & spoilt.

by doug on February 06, 2009 at 04:10 PM

LoM adds ... Well Rob1966, I recorded this on my HTPC and ran it through VideoReDo.
The results;
The programme ran for 58mins on TV (not counting the 'tail' add break). There were 5 breaks which when removed left 40mins 30secs of LoM. So easy to see why people are using HTPCs and PVRs to get some of their life back.

by Algenon on February 06, 2009 at 06:09 PM

Garbage!!! A show we also record on the HDR (Hard Drive Recorder) is Shark on 7 @ 2pm which resumed this week. Well, at least we had 4 episodes from Mon to Thurs. Today's scheduled slot was replaced by a repeat of last Monday's Desperate Housewives. If this trend of replacing programmes continues when ratings are not satisfactory, does it mean the Nine 6pm (Sydney) News will be replaced with repeats of the Mickey Mouse Club?????

by David @ Green Point on February 06, 2009 at 09:20 PM

Jason O'Mara (Sam from Life On Mars) was in 6 episodes of Monarch Of The Glen (as Fergal MacClure), 22 episodes of The Agency (A B Stiles), 5 episodes of Men In Trees, 2 The Closer, 2 Grey's Anatomy. Quite a body of other work listed too. Was born in Ireland, now is a US citizen.
See my favourite site: http://epguides.com and click on "L" for Life On Mars. Click on the program name, then click on Jason O'Mara's name, for his full bio.

by Sal on February 06, 2009 at 11:22 PM

TM, do you have the ratings for the Indigenous All Starts v Adelaide AFL game broadcast in all capital cities at 11:20 on ABC1 on Saturday night? Cheers

Tribal Mind replies: Yep, here we go:
73 NTAFL: INDIGENOUS ALL STARS VS ADELAIDE CROWS ABC1 110,000 11,000 28,000 10,000 48,000 13,000

by Dave on February 08, 2009 at 05:55 PM

I'm not a huge fan of Channel Seven or Nine at the moment but I thought Seven's coverage of the Vic bushfires yesterday was very well done - they interrupted normal programmming and gave extensive cross coverage of all the ravaged areas throughout the day and night!
I had family in the area and while ABC radio and Sky News were also very up to date I thought Seven on the FTA network also deserved enormous credit for a job well done!

by GJ on February 09, 2009 at 08:49 AM

Mr Dale, I seem to have no time to comment on the weekend. I wished to whinge that there was nothing on Saturday night while I had a headcold and just wanted something fun and entertaining (I think I just caught up on the Despoes). And to comment that Mr Bear was a bit unhappy that there was no cartoons on ABC on Sunday morning, but at least that meant that I got to see some news (awful news, I hope everyone's family and friends are all okay).
Strangely enough, ABC2 after a while bumped their music in favour of some kids' shows - maybe some other slack parents who just wanted the TV to babysit for an hour or so rang up and pointed out that bushfires and death-tolls aren't great viewing for the kids who usually watch ABC at that hour. (Very good coverage of the fires btw, kudos to the ABC breakfast news team.) And I wished to also say that I enjoyed Cranford, but because it ran 20 minutes late (because of extra news coverage, I assume?) I was a bit of a pumpkin and couldn't get up the energy to do more than turn the computer off.
Quoth GJ on February 06: "Seven have some disaster pic about SUPERNOVAS tonight - glad I'm going out!"
Oh, we caught some of that while channel surfing. What a turkey! It was truly appalling shite.
So there, several things I wished to mention over the weekend, none of which I quite found time to do. Commenting is much easier when I don't have kids underfoot. :)

by tqd on February 09, 2009 at 09:39 AM

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