The Who We Are update: Week 7

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

This week of the blog is now a heritage item - worth studying but no longer immediate. For the latest discussion of Australia's popular culture, go here.
To discuss if Gen X and Y can overcome the boomers, go to Who We Are.
To join the postmortem on Australia, go to The Tribal Mind.

The ratings race, updated 9 am Monday
It was a week of guns, breasts, balls and ashes, with Nine dominating on the first three and Seven dominating on the last. Underbelly 2 gave Nine such a commanding lead on Monday, backed up by the cricket, that Seven could not recover, despite strong bushfire coverage.

Nine won the first official ratings week with 31.6 per cent of the prime time audience (Seven 27.5, Ten 20.4, ABC 15.5, SBS 5.0). The ABC is in a slump, with no programs in the top 30 and its million-plus efforts confined to Spicks and Specks and The 7.30 Report. SBS did best with Top Gear (808,000), Mythbusters (473,000), Long Way Down (383,000) and Rockwiz (359,000).

Ten would be disappointed with The Biggest Loser, but delighted with the continuing success of its new 9.30pm shows Lie To Me and Life on Mars. Are brisk three-word titles the new black in television?

The most watched shows on Pay TV last week included Soccer World Cup Qualifier Japan v Aus (Fox Sports 3) 273,000; The Simpsons (Fox 8) 204,000; NCIS (TV1) 174,000; and Bushfires live coverage (Sky news) 158,000.

What Australia watched, week ending February 14
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 UNDERBELLY: A TALE OF TWO CITIES - EPISODE 1 Nine 2,582,000 831,000 871,000 414,000 208,000 259,000
2 UNDERBELLYmEPISODE 2 Nine 2,397,000 767,000 818,000 362,000 215,000 236,000
3 SEVEN NEWS - SUNDAY Seven 1,896,000 530,000 518,000 389,000 176,000 283,000
4 NINE NEWS - SUNDAY Nine 1,896,000 568,000 774,000 320,000 234,000
5 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,786,000 470,000 528,000 398,000 151,000 241,000
6 TRIPLE ZERO HEROES Seven 1,725,000 481,000 536,000 331,000 148,000 228,000
7 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,688,000 527,000 536,000 278,000 151,000 196,000
8 CUSTOMS Nine 1,671,000 519,000 543,000 314,000 128,000 167,000
9 SEVEN NEWS - EXTENDED BUSHFIRE EDITION Seven 1,637,000 431,000 442,000 351,000 194,000 219,000
10 SUNDAY NIGHT Seven 1,634,000 434,000 472,000 378,000 132,000 218,000
11 SEVEN NEWS - MON-FRI Seven 1,608,000 442,000 437,000 317,000 181,000 231,000
12 ONE DAY CRICKET - ANZ GAME 3 PRIMETIME Nine 1,567,000 479,000 514,000 276,000 176,000 121,000
13 SEVEN NEWS - EXTENDED BUSHFIRE EDITION Seven 1,539,000 394,000 428,000 308,000 171,000 238,000
14 NCIS Ten 1,457,000 358,000 460,000 283,000 159,000 197,000
15 ONE DAY CRICKET GAME 4 PRIMETIME Nine 1,444,000 468,000 439,000 293,000 133,000 112,000

16 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,437,000 387,000 451,000 262,000 154,000 183,000
17 NINE NEWS SPECIAL -VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES Nine 1,401,000 329,000 591,000 202,000 149,000 131,000
18 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,396,000 354,000 402,000 298,000 149,000 191,000
19 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,361,000 376,000 424,000 257,000 122,000 182,000
20 AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT Seven 1,328,000 353,000 341,000 261,000 182,000 191,000
21 SEVEN NEWS - SATURDAY Seven 1,309,000 360,000 302,000 273,000 151,000 222,000
22 LIE TO ME Ten 1,306,000 327,000 399,000 275,000 158,000 147,000
23 NINE NEWS Nine 1,287,000 334,000 461,000 262,000 128,000 102,000
24 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,277,000 344,000 426,000 292,000 94,000 121,000
25 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,272,000 372,000 416,000 228,000 109,000 147,000
26 ONE DAY CRICKET - GAME 5 SESSION 2 Nine 1,252,000 395,000 337,000 268,000 123,000 129,000
27 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,237,000 382,000 377,000 195,000 107,000 176,000
28 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,236,000 346,000 331,000 257,000 143,000 159,000
29 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - TOP 100 PART 1 Ten 1,207,000 362,000 390,000 236,000 95,000 125,000
30 ONE DAY CRICKET - GAME 3 SESSION 1 Nine 1,177,000 386,000 333,000 218,000 129,000 111,000
31 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,127,000 369,000 338,000 173,000 121,000 127,000
32 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,123,000 332,000 293,000 223,000 122,000 153,000
33 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,116,000 299,000 387,000 250,000 102,000 77,000
34 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,113,000 315,000 392,000 208,000 109,000 88,000
35 AUSTRALIA UNITES Nine 1,101,000 251,000 465,000 185,000 115,000 85,000
36 THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE Nine 1,089,000 322,000 348,000 216,000 97,000 106,000
37 HOUSE Ten 1,086,000 329,000 286,000 185,000 130,000 156,000
38 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,070,000 341,000 281,000 200,000 110,000 138,000
39 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - TOP 100 PART 2 Ten 1,070,000 334,000 327,000 182,000 87,000 139,000
40 7.30 REPORT ABC1 1,056,000 329,000 330,000 184,000 98,000 114,000
41 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS Nine 1,047,000 293,000 318,000 209,000 97,000 130,000
42 TEN NEWS AT FIVE Ten 1,040,000 282,000 348,000 181,000 108,000 121,000
43 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC1 1,032,000 257,000 390,000 166,000 108,000 111,000
44 GANGS OF OZ Seven 1,026,000 359,000 281,000 170,000 103,000 113,000
45 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 995,000 321,000 225,000 207,000 111,000 130,000
46 ABC NEWS ABC1 990,000 309,000 304,000 168,000 88,000 120,000
47 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 985,000 286,000 298,000 194,000 85,000 122,000
48 NEW TRICKS ABC1 976,000 288,000 240,000 210,000 122,000 115,000
49 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC1 974,000 289,000 308,000 151,000 115,000 110,000
50 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 970,000 277,000 303,000 175,000 94,000 120,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,309,000 360,000 302,000 273,000 151,000 222,000
2 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,116,000 299,000 387,000 250,000 102,000 77,000
3 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS Nine 1,047,000 293,000 318,000 209,000 97,000 130,000
4 NEW TRICKS ABC1 976,000 288,000 240,000 210,000 122,000 115,000
5 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC1 974,000 289,000 308,000 151,000 115,000 110,000
6 KATH & KIM (R) Seven 885,000 271,000 223,000 225,000 62,000 104,000
8 IN THE BUSH WITH MALCOLM DOUGLAS Seven 868,000 231,000 219,000 220,000 84,000 113,000
10 THE BILL ABC1 836,000 224,000 243,000 134,000 102,000 133,000
13 FAWLTY TOWERS Seven 579,000 200,000 Not shown 214,000 72,000 92,000
14 2009 sponsor name CUP - BRISBANE V ST KILDA Ten 563,000 18,000 284,000 81,000 91,000 89,000
17 GARDENING AUSTRALIA ABC1 529,000 165,000 131,000 99,000 75,000 57,000
19 MYTHBUSTERS SBS 473,000 133,000 157,000 84,000 53,000 46,000
25 SECONDS FROM DISASTER: SPACE SHUTTLE CHALLENGER Seven 366,000 116,000 95,000 79,000 36,000 41,000
26 ROCKWIZ SBS 359,000 100,000 103,000 79,000 39,000 37,000
27 IRON CHEF SBS 357,000 99,000 109,000 80,000 34,000 36,000

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,428,000 412,000 378,000 278,000 167,000 191,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,267,000 355,000 334,000 260,000 124,000 195,000
3 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUS V NZ GAME 5 SESSION 2 Nine 1,252,000 395,000 337,000 268,000 123,000 129,000
4 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,237,000 382,000 377,000 195,000 107,000 176,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,051,000 272,000 394,000 185,000 117,000 83,000
6 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,004,000 330,000 287,000 162,000 92,000 134,000
7 TEN NEWS AT FIVE Ten 977,000 269,000 289,000 202,000 101,000 116,000
8 THE SIMPSONS FRI Ten 892,000 246,000 267,000 176,000 95,000 109,000
9 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 858,000 260,000 212,000 167,000 82,000 136,000
10 MEDIUM Ten 820,000 221,000 234,000 160,000 94,000 111,000
13 AFTER THE FIRESTORM ABC1 768,000 226,000 230,000 133,000 80,000 99,000
14 LAW & ORDER FRI Ten 760,000 186,000 230,000 138,000 94,000 112,000
16 TRIAL AND RETRIBUTION: PARADISE LOST ABC1 743,000 205,000 218,000 113,000 82,000 125,000
22 2009 sponsor name CUP: WESTERN BULLDOGS V ESSENDON Seven 456,000 317,000 72,000 67,000
24 UNDERBELLY -ENCORE Nine 422,000 212,000 113,000 97,000
34 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS - ENCORE Seven 304,000 84,000 111,000 64,000 24,000 21,000
46 THE FIRST ZIONIST BUNNY RPT SBS 217,000 61,000 76,000 39,000 21,000 20,000
49 THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW Nine 209,000 55,000 84,000 44,000 11,000 15,000
60 MORNINGS WITH KERRI-ANNE Nine 176,000 56,000 66,000 32,000 8,000 14,000

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,638,000 436,000 517,000 284,000 172,000 228,000
2 SEVEN NEWS EXTENDED - BUSHFIRE EDITION Seven 1,625,000 394,000 513,000 308,000 171,000 239,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,323,000 288,000 458,000 254,000 141,000 182,000
4 AUSTRALIA UNITES Nine 1,167,000 266,000 490,000 197,000 122,000 92,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,151,000 291,000 365,000 267,000 128,000 99,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,093,000 321,000 301,000 198,000 115,000 158,000
7 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Ten 995,000 322,000 225,000 207,000 111,000 131,000
8 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 993,000 288,000 302,000 194,000 86,000 123,000
10 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 968,000 288,000 265,000 219,000 82,000 113,000
12 LIFE ON MARS Ten 939,000 297,000 201,000 183,000 111,000 147,000
14 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 902,000 236,000 284,000 166,000 124,000 92,000
15 THE MAN INSIDE DAME EDNA ABC1 870,000 290,000 200,000 170,000 100,000 110,000
16 BONDI VET Ten 847,000 223,000 193,000 234,000 84,000 113,000
20 PRIVATE PRACTICE Seven 731,000 223,000 219,000 142,000 67,000 79,000
27 SCRUBS Seven 422,000 111,000 132,000 74,000 54,000 51,000
37 CARLA CAMETTI PD SBS 311,000 115,000 70,000 56,000 30,000 39,000

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,583,000 433,000 408,000 323,000 190,000 229,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - EXTENDED - BUSHFIRE DISASTER EDITION Seven 1,544,000 434,000 396,000 313,000 191,000 210,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,331,000 332,000 388,000 290,000 135,000 186,000
4 AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT Seven 1,328,000 354,000 341,000 261,000 182,000 190,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,263,000 330,000 451,000 269,000 122,000 90,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,242,000 303,000 468,000 257,000 112,000 102,000
7 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,234,000 346,000 330,000 257,000 143,000 158,000
8 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,079,000 299,000 385,000 196,000 113,000 86,000
9 HOUSE Ten 1,079,000 329,000 283,000 185,000 128,000 154,000
10 THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE Nine 1,074,000 310,000 351,000 211,000 97,000 104,000
11 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,072,000 344,000 280,000 200,000 110,000 139,000
12 TEN NEWS AT FIVE Ten 1,030,000 283,000 335,000 179,000 101,000 133,000
13 GANGS OF OZ Seven 1,028,000 359,000 284,000 170,000 103,000 112,000
15 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - GREEN MILE Ten 963,000 332,000 267,000 166,000 78,000 119,000
33 LOST Seven 405,000 103,000 102,000 92,000 45,000 63,000
What Australia watched, Tuesday -- approximately
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,685,000 526,000 537,000 277,000 151,000 194,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,677,000 436,000 475,000 354,000 188,000 224,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,556,000 363,000 503,000 328,000 170,000 192,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 1,503,000 462,000 477,000 313,000 153,000 99,000
5 NCIS Ten 1,460,000 360,000 461,000 283,000 159,000 197,000
6 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,438,000 388,000 449,000 262,000 155,000 185,000
7 LIE TO ME Ten 1,315,000 329,000 402,000 277,000 159,000 148,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,268,000 350,000 345,000 261,000 134,000 177,000
9 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,262,000 369,000 414,000 226,000 108,000 146,000
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,157,000 464,000 571,000 122,000
11 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,125,000 369,000 339,000 171,000 120,000 125,000
12 7.30 REPORT ABC1 1,073,000 322,000 370,000 187,000 88,000 106,000
13 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUS V NZ GAME 4 SESSION 2 Nine 982,000 Not shown 442,000 296,000 134,000 110,000
14 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 979,000 295,000 283,000 187,000 80,000 134,000
20 ELI STONE Seven 558,000 187,000 165,000 77,000 50,000 80,000
21 LEAD BALLOON ABC1 540,000 165,000 177,000 69,000 67,000 62,000
29 DOCTOR WHO RPT ABC1 415,000 127,000 85,000 98,000 48,000 56,000
The ratings race, updated 9 am Tuesday
Guns and bare breasts -- two details lacking from Desperate Housewives last night and plentiful in the new Underbelly. Result: the Despos lose 300,000 viewers and U2 sets a viewing record, capturing 2.6 million in the mainland capitals. That makes it the most watched non-sporting event of the past three years. For details on where it fits among the most watched of all time, go to The TV Australia loved.

Australians were so eager to see U2 that 1.5 million tuned in early and watched Customs, Nine's replica of Border Security. Seven's only strength was in its bushfire coverage. So far this week, Nine is averaging 36.8 per cent of the prime time audience, to Seven's 27.3, Ten's 17.7, ABC's 13.8, and SBS's 4.5. To tell us what you thought of U2, and the rest of last night's TV menu, go to Comments.

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 UNDERBELLY: A TALE OF TWO CITIES -EP1 Nine 2,584,000 831,000 869,000 417,000 207,000 260,000
2 UNDERBELLY: A TALE OF TWO CITIES -EP2 Nine 2,419,000 770,000 825,000 369,000 215,000 239,000
3 SEVEN NEWS - EXTENDED - BUSHFIRE EDITION Seven 1,731,000 468,000 440,000 371,000 191,000 262,000
4 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,657,000 462,000 417,000 329,000 187,000 261,000
5 CUSTOMS Nine 1,518,000 464,000 496,000 294,000 115,000 150,000
6 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,513,000 431,000 338,000 364,000 178,000 201,000
7 NINE NEWS Nine 1,462,000 361,000 557,000 305,000 128,000 112,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,252,000 306,000 476,000 259,000 115,000 95,000
9 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,240,000 330,000 415,000 288,000 94,000 112,000
10 7.30 REPORT ABC1 1,216,000 358,000 425,000 204,000 102,000 126,000
11 TEN NEWS AT FIVE Ten 1,200,000 344,000 432,000 182,000 126,000 116,000
12 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,141,000 360,000 244,000 246,000 142,000 149,000
13 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,115,000 337,000 409,000 170,000 82,000 117,000
14 NINE NEWS SPECIAL Nine 1,100,000 252,000 458,000 147,000 98,000 146,000
15 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - TOP 100 P2 Ten 1,066,000 333,000 325,000 181,000 88,000 139,000
16 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 971,000 275,000 303,000 179,000 94,000 120,000
17 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Seven 963,000 249,000 282,000 209,000 97,000 126,000
20 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - ELIMINATION Ten 865,000 287,000 230,000 163,000 79,000 105,000
21 TOP GEAR SBS 815,000 233,000 237,000 175,000 92,000 78,000
22 NEIGHBOURS Ten 777,000 241,000 251,000 135,000 79,000 71,000
23 GOOD NEWS WEEK Ten 761,000 184,000 234,000 155,000 105,000 82,000
24 BROTHERS & SISTERS Seven 752,000 227,000 265,000 117,000 71,000 70,000
25 FOUR CORNERS ABC1 709,000 200,000 177,000 166,000 78,000 88,000
29 BOSTON LEGAL Seven 510,000 147,000 178,000 79,000 52,000 54,000
32 DEXTER Ten 471,000 98,000 142,000 96,000 72,000 64,000
34 STEPHEN FRY: THE SECRET LIFE OF THE MANIC DEPRESSIVE ABC1 433,000 129,000 109,000 79,000 55,000 61,000

The ratings race, updated 11 am Monday
It was the opening night of the "official" ratings season, and thousands more people than usual turned on their TV sets, but all the best laid plans of the networks were thrown into confusion by the nation's need for news. The ratings chart below is only approximate, because all networks departed from schedule to keep us informed about the fires. Thus what is labelled cricket is partly news coverage; ditto what is labelled City Homicide and 24. The corrected chart appears beneath the original one.

Channel Nine won the opening bout by attracting 34 per cent of the prime time audience, while Seven got 30.9 per cent, Ten 18.7, ABC 13.7 and SBS 2.7.

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,903,000 529,000 527,000 389,000 176,000 282,000
2 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,883,000 592,000 825,000 233,000 234,000
3 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,766,000 470,000 509,000 398,000 151,000 240,000
4 TRIPLE ZERO HEROES Seven 1,732,000 481,000 542,000 331,000 148,000 229,000
5 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUS V NZ GAME 3 SESSION 2 Nine 1,657,000 490,000 568,000 282,000 187,000 130,000
6 SUNDAY NIGHT Seven 1,628,000 434,000 466,000 378,000 132,000 218,000
7 CITY HOMICIDE Seven 1,417,000 376,000 479,000 257,000 122,000 182,000
8 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - TOP 100 P1 Ten 1,204,000 361,000 388,000 237,000 95,000 124,000
9 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUS V NZ GAME 3 SESSION 1 Nine 1,145,000 392,000 339,000 173,000 130,000 112,000
10 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC1 1,036,000 248,000 402,000 166,000 108,000 111,000
11 BONES (R) Seven 961,000 297,000 310,000 163,000 78,000 112,000
12 FIREWALL -RPT Nine 957,000 189,000 317,000 239,000 93,000 119,000
13 ROVE Ten 882,000 263,000 294,000 157,000 72,000 96,000
14 THE RICH LIST Seven 856,000 277,000 331,000 103,000 67,000 77,000
15 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - THE WEIGH-IN Ten 840,000 258,000 238,000 174,000 70,000 100,000
16 WILD CARIBBEAN ABC1 779,000 219,000 293,000 120,000 67,000 81,000
17 CRANFORD ABC1 741,000 211,000 210,000 123,000 85,000 111,000 19 24 Seven 715,000 158,000 292,000 96,000 72,000 97,000
20 COMPASS ABC1 691,000 209,000 190,000 106,000 85,000 101,000
26 ARE YOU BEING SERVED Seven 477,000 148,000 140,000 85,000 37,000 68,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

Sunday's chart corrected:
1 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Network 7 1,896,274
2 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Network 9 1,895,889
3 BORDER SECURITY - AUSTRALIA'S FRONT LINE Network 7 1,785,866
4 TRIPLE ZERO HEROES Network 7 1,725,220
5 SUNDAY NIGHT Network 7 1,633,609
6 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND GAME 3 SESSION 2 Network 9 1,566,917
7 NINE NEWS SPECIAL -VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES Network 9 1,401,226
8 CITY HOMICIDE Network 7 1,361,332
9 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - TOP 100 PART 1 Network TEN 1,207,473
10 ONE DAY CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND GAME 3 SESSION 1 Network 9 1,177,405
11 ABC NEWS-SU Network ABC1 1,031,947
12 BONES (R) Network 7 899,143
13 SEVEN AFTERNOON NEWS - SUN Network 7 888,027
14 LATE NEWS - SUNDAY Network 7 885,657
15 ROVE Network TEN 857,216
16 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - THE WEIGH-IN Network TEN 840,156
17 TEN NEWS SPECIAL: VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES Network TEN 776,273
18 CRANFORD Network ABC1 742,783

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

Does anyone know whether Ch7 showed '24' last night ? It was scheduled for 10:30pm but given the tragic events of the day it may well have been replaced by News.

by Craig Burden on February 09, 2009 at 11:06 AM

No 24 last night, Craig. I kept the HD recording till about 12.30 just in case. 7 ran into whatever the next show would have been following their late night 10.30 news bulletin. Looks like we'll have to wait till next Sunday for ep 3.

by David @ Green Point on February 09, 2009 at 11:42 AM

CHANNEL SEVEN deserved their Number One ranking yesterday for their news coverage of the Victorian fires - they had extended broadcasting throughout the day and night and interrupted normal programming to bring some very relevant and informative reporting of the devastation that hit Victoria and Victorians. I've never been a big SEVEN fan, particularly when it comes to current affairs reporting but they were definitely on the mark yesterday so well done.
I spent most of the day channel surfing for coverage of the tragedy because I had family in the area so can't really comment on much programming over the weekend. I did catch SEVEN's new SUNDAY NIGHT program and thought it had a lot of potential - their report on the Britt Lapthorne murder investigation was compelling viewing - if they keep that sort of investigative journalism up they should do well!

Tribal Mind remarks: But Channel Seven did not get the number one ranking yesterday. More viewers went to Nine.

by GJ on February 09, 2009 at 11:57 AM

I guess we can't really judge on how well some shows did last night because of the devastating news. I wanted to try watch the Office, but after Red Dragon finished, I realised it was 1am already. Cranford was so delightful! I'm gearing up for Sunday already.

by Kym on February 09, 2009 at 12:28 PM

Whilst the fire coverage was good, couldn't the networks have run a message on what the schedule would be or when we might see a missed program eg "24 will be screened at 10.30 next sunday". Is that too much to ask!

by ned on February 09, 2009 at 12:47 PM

I think SYTYCD Australia went quite well (>1.2m), considering the massive turnoff to the other channels for bushfire news and/or cricket.

by arthur on February 09, 2009 at 01:14 PM

TM - put it down to sleep deprivation or whatever. I assumed SEVEN won the day - if they didn't they deserved to! And I suspect the only reason NINE won was because they didn't deviate from normal programming!

by GJ on February 09, 2009 at 01:36 PM

What happened to figures nine news in Perth last night?

Tribal Mind replies: The chart is a complete mess because everything changed to fit the fire coverage. The box for Nine news in Perth is empty, perhaps because Nine had planned to run the cricket straight through. I have asked for a corrected version.

by Chris on February 09, 2009 at 02:23 PM

I thought all the coverages (?) were okay but always prefer the ABC for their relative lack of prying into people's grief.
It's sad enough without the invasive and stupid questioning of people who've lost everything (i.e" "How devestated do you feel right now?" and "How on earth are you going to rebuild your life?").
And one reporter on Channel Nine said "Well, they say it's shaping up to be the worst fire in history but you'd have to say it's looking like it'll be even worse than that."
Worse than anything in the future as well I presume.
Good day for superlative-spotting.

by darren on February 09, 2009 at 02:59 PM

it seems to me that 7 had the stronger ratings over the whole night and should have won or gotten at least closer to 9's figure.
the cricket runninng from 6:30 til 10 has won the night. 9 will be glad that austrlais finally had a win and played decently when they needed it.

by TG on February 09, 2009 at 03:05 PM

I also missed watching 24 last night. However, the extended news coverage meant I could watch Cranford without it overlapping with 24. Ch7 schedule was really stuffed around. My HD tuner said a repeat of despos was on next but then it turned into an air crash investigation.

Tribal Mind remarks: Tomorrow at 9am OzTAM is issuing a whole new ratings chart for Sunday.

by merciless on February 09, 2009 at 03:50 PM

9 perth news- 180,000

by ryan on February 09, 2009 at 05:43 PM

Re Underbelly 2. Newton's acting talents are getting better with every turn. But did I correctly hear one thug greeting Aussie Bob with "How are ya, Roy?" Roy is the name of the actor playing Aussie Bob. And Griffith proved it was ahead of the rest of the world in 1977 as the motel the two investigating detectives stayed in was clearly shown to have a satellite dish on its roof... Thanks to 7 for keeping last nights Boston Legal on air with the late news following at 11.30.

Tribal Mind remarks: Yes, but no thanks for taking off 30 Rock.

by David @ Green Point on February 10, 2009 at 09:10 AM

Thoughts on underbelly anyone? We taped it as I wanted to watch Brothers and Sisters... and we made use of the cooler weather at 8:30pm and did some housework.

by Shell Shell on February 10, 2009 at 09:16 AM

Watched Underbelly but I just don't much care for gangster type shows. It was well done though, I give it that. And Matthew Newton can act which always surprises me, though not sure why.
Top Gear was great , as usual. I loved the whole "commie" car bit. And Jeremy's test drive of the Ford Feista made me want to go straight out and buy one. Especially the landing on the beach bit. Great stuff!
And I just have to comment on the networks fire disaster coverage. Tracy Grimshaw did a pretty good job I thought for the most part. It is all such an utter tragedy that I can't get my head around. I have lived in the bush but thankfully never had to face a fire. Only a flood and that was bad enough. At least things dry out , not destroyed completely. Let's just hope the networks treat the victims with the respect and concern they deserve. And don't start trying to outdo each other with sensationalist coverage. A bit of tact and respect, please networks.

by em on February 10, 2009 at 09:54 AM

I am really annoyed that Ch 7 did not show 30 Rock last night. I understand their schedule may have been running late because of the bush fire coverage, but why didn't they cancel the stupid show that was on after it instead!

by Vanessa on February 10, 2009 at 10:03 AM

Not one to blow Channel Nine's trumpet but UNDERBELLY deserves the hype it has been getting. I'd say on first impressions it's as good as the last series with even more of a grittier edge this time. It will keep NEIN secure in the ratings if last night is anything to go by.
Caught BOSTON LEGAL last night too and it never disappoints. I taped the ABC because the return of AUSTRALIAN STORY, FOUR CORNERS and MEDIA WATCH was too good a night to miss. Apparently MEDIA WATCH have some dirt on ALAN JONES which is always a bit of fun!

by GJ on February 10, 2009 at 10:32 AM

You have to wonder how much of the Customs figure is due to people tuning in for U2 at 8:30, only to discover Ch9 had deliberately run Customs 10 min late. It would be very interesting to see the figures before 8:30 and after 8:30, not that I expect TM to have access to that level of detail.

Tribal Mind replies: The weekly chart on Sunday.

by Vader on February 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM

Recorded Underbelly2 as Mrs PJ watches Despos & Bros&Sisos. Dashed from 2nd tv to start recording at 8:45, can't complain about the starting times of any shows this week due to the tragic events in Vic, although Despos did start when advertised. Was happy to record as we thought Ch9 would jamb as many ads/self promotions into the show as humanly possible. The rating figures are enormous. Does this mean Ch9 can win a week with 2 nights??? (Sun/Mon)

by PJ453 on February 10, 2009 at 11:33 AM

Record ratings for Underbelly. Can't comment on it yet. I've taped it for later in the week when there's nothing to watch. Sticking with Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters and Boston Legal on Mondays. Regarding Underbelly inaccuracies, on the radio this morning they mentioned that someone ordered a pot of VB in a Melbourne pub but it wasn't available on tap until the 1990s. Also, the music used for the 1970s scenes was wrong because Billy Field's Bad Habits wasn't actually released until 1981.

Tribal Mind remarks: I thought the music was the weakest link in an otherwise reasonable concoction.

by J Bar on February 10, 2009 at 11:41 AM

So who else other than me didn't watch Underbelly 2? And how long do you give Dexter in the Monday 9:30pm timeslot. There's 13 eps of Underbelly 2, methinks Shirl will be going for the jugular.

Tribal Mind replies: 17 million Australians did not watch Underbelly. Many of them don't watch a lot of TV at any time. I am curious as to why you, who watches a lot of TV, chose not to watch it or even record it. Can you enlighten us?
I doubt if Ten would bother to move Dexter. Nothing else would do any better against U2, so they might as well stick with what they've got.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 10, 2009 at 12:18 PM

please ten put simpsons back on sunday at six and get rid of out of the blue to give the biggest loser a better lead in!!! 306,000 is a pathetic lead in for a sunday night!!!!

by ryan on February 10, 2009 at 02:17 PM

I am obviously who did not watch the first Underbelly (have recordings but not yet watched) and am not likely to watch the second. Stuck with Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters and Boston Legal. Like others I understand why 7 did not show 30 Rock (and 24 the night before) but would have been happy to see them. Someone asked me today what new shows I had taken up - and surprisingly it is only 3 - Lie to Me, Flashpoint and Life on Mars. I have kept some regular ones but I would have thought I would have adopted more - then I realised the other shows were brain numbing - Farmer takes a wife, ladette, wipeout and the list goes on (and on and on)!

by Cathy on February 10, 2009 at 04:33 PM

As the ratings only offer an indication of how many numbers shows get, for all we know, the real viewer numbers shows get could be much higher. I'm not watching Underbelly 2, only because I'd prefer to downloading it in a few months when it's finished, to allow for commercial free viewing. It's only a TV show, so I can patiently
wait. With U2 only lasting 12 weeks, Nine need a lot more than this to win the year, which they won't, by dumping lots of shows they could've screened in a later timeslot, like Gossip Girl and True Blood.

by Anne on February 10, 2009 at 05:13 PM

I didn't watch Underbelly either. After seeing one show in the first series, I decided that I wouldn't waste my time on a show that had huge amounts of foul language and gratuitous sex scenes. If that makes me an old fart, so be it. I had a much better time watching shows that are entertaining like Top Gear and Brothers and Sisters.

by Rufus on February 10, 2009 at 06:54 PM

Why I didn't watch Underbelly 2 by Bereft Skerrick: didn't watch any of the first series either. Was it the sexification of the subject matter? The glorification of the violence and of the parties involved, many who continue to trade off their notoriety? I don't know. I'm not just a Doctor Who nut, I do watch a range of shows, but U2 doesn't fall into my Must See list.
You may be right TM: Dexter may be left be, but Shirl's track record leaves a lot to be desired. Plenty of other established series (Supernatural anyone?) have been discarded with better ratings.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 10, 2009 at 07:39 PM

Underbelly is based on real people & events but the result is a "fiction" spiced with sex to enhance the ratings but that fails as it is so contrived it is almost a comedy.

by doug on February 10, 2009 at 10:07 PM

I didn't watch 'Underbelly' (1 or 2) either. I agree with Bereft Skerrick about the "sexification" and "glorification" etc but then I think maybe I'm also just stubbornly contrary. Haven't seen 'Titanic' either and never will and am proud of my small-minded efforts.
By the way, congratulations to Channel Ten for screening , straight after another hour of heart-breaking bush-fire news, an episode of 'The Simpsons' featuring in the first five minutes a story-line where Springfield is engulfed by a bush-fire complete with residents trapped in burning buildings and Grounds-keeper Willie trying to put out the flames with a WetOnes and Mr Burns refusing to extinguish Walan Smithers who was immolating. Luckily Bart put it all out by riding a fire-extinguisher-powered skateboard through the main street, and the story-line moved on to other things but still.....I felt a bit sick. Imagined all the little kiddies down in Vic huddled in their tent around the last TV in town, waiting for 'The Simpsons' and.......
How about watching the episodes before you screen them Ten? Or was it some sort of sick 'tribute'? I normally don't jump on the wowser train but this was bad. That kind of behaviour will get you on 'Today Tonight'.

by darren on February 11, 2009 at 05:54 AM

Watched the first ep of the new vampire show "Trueblood" last night. Thought it was pretty good and will keep watching. Liked the whole steamy/sexy New Orleans setting and the fact that the main character is "different". It did remind me of Twillight though. Seems vampires are "in" right now in books and film.
Speaking of things spooky, anyone know when/if Supernatural is coming back?

by em on February 11, 2009 at 07:18 AM

I thought underbelly was quite good although I don't know about the acting. I don't recall Bob Trimbole having a north shore accent (darnce, charnce, plarnts)
Also didn't like the music much.

by bobmar28 on February 11, 2009 at 07:22 AM

Didn't watch Underbelly 2 either. Not against the glorification or the sexification, just plain not interested.

by arthur on February 11, 2009 at 08:08 AM

I've only seen the last ep of Underbelly series one, and it was engaging. I missed U2, but I am aiming to watch the repeat on Sunday (10.30pm).
Can Channel 7 peeve us off anymore with its scheduling? I wanted to write a strongly worded letter to them about jerking around with 30 Rock, but couldn't find the address. With all the news bulletings, couldn't they show a new schedule of the night?
Darren, definitely agree with Ten watching eps of The Simpsons before airing them. That was just too far.

by Kym on February 11, 2009 at 09:34 AM

ONE DAY CRICKET - AUS V NZ GAME 4 SESSION 2 Nine 982,000 Not shown 442,000 296,000 134,000 110,000
TM....."Not shown" I'm assuming that relates to Sydney?? So what did I watch from 9:20 after The Dr ?????? I'm sure it was cricket & I certainly live in Sydney.

Tribal Mind replies: Nine seems to have stuffed around with the listing it gave to OzTAM.

by PJ453 on February 11, 2009 at 09:42 AM

I watched a taped episode of FOUR CORNERS last night and thank god this series continues to survive, despite the demise of quality current affairs shows generally (think SUNDAY, NIGHTLINE etc). The first episode off this series addressed the global financial crisis and the impact it's having here and was very topical - gave the viewer lots to think about.
It's interesting to see the sharp divide between those who like UNDERBELLY 2 and those who don't - I think the program can definitely polarise opinion and while gangster type shows have never been my favourite I am enjoying the series.
The Victorian Bushfire coverage continues to impress but I think we could all do with a little less of the slow motion, gut wrenching scenes of people so morbidly upset it's just too harrowing to watch - yes we all appreciate how upsetting this is but for friends and families of victims who are watching this tragedy on TV it is just repeating the horror of it all and I just think the commercial networks over do that side of it a bit. Information on how we can donate and where the money should be going is now what the media should be focusing on and how families can re-build from this disaster.
Don't miss DAANNII tonight on AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT - if that forehead of hers move can you tape it and let me know. It never moved once last week even during the worst acts and that's not normal!!!

by GJ on February 11, 2009 at 09:48 AM

As there's a lot about the Melbourne crime scene the first Underbelly series didn't have time to cover (like Chopper Reid and other characters on the scene from 1985 to 95), that'd be about as far as the show can go, unless they want to do something dumb like Underbelly the Colonial years, set in the early 1900s, as older time periods make it more expensive to make. The 1995 Blue Murder production probably robbed them of a 4th series, but as BM was 3 hours and 20 minutes, they could possibly do their own version covering ground and featuring more characters over 13 episodes that BM lacked the time and budget to do. I'm from Qld and there's just isn't enough in the Fitzgerald inquiry in the late 80's to feature, as it'd make for fairly dull TV.

by Greg on February 11, 2009 at 10:00 AM

Lost fans, be prepared to have the series return of the show bumped tonight for more latenight bushfire coverage.
I know it's a tragic news event but do we need another bushfire exclusive at 10.45pm?

by merciless on February 11, 2009 at 10:06 AM

LOST had better be on tonight. The late night bushfire bulletins just play the same thing as the 6pm extended bulletin anyway.

Now onto Underbelly. Didn't watch it, it was my bday so i wasn't home, but i'm not interested in watching it either. Watched some of the first series and as doug says it is almost like a comedy. I like porn as much as the next guy but Underbelly just seem to throw in the nudity, swearing and blood and think that makes it a quality program. It's too try-hardy. Bad script makes the actors look like amateurs, which is a shame because they are great actors most of them. And its not just because its on Nine. I don't watch any shows on Nine but look at what they have to offer. If they had kept Pushing Daisies and Chuck i would be watching Nine. If they had treated Six Feet Under, Nip/Tuck, Weeds, Sopranos with some respect i would have been watching them too.

by Jed on February 11, 2009 at 10:58 AM

We did watch Underbelly, Mr Beckala is actually reading the book at the moment (and nearly got slapped for sitting there going "I thought he got killed (insert setting here) not like this" - nothing worse than sitting next to someone who gives everything away. He has learnt the lesson now after I yelled at him using the teacher voice!). Interested in the story, and I'm interested to see how Kate Ritchie goes (but apparently there's still a few episodes to wait for her). Matthew Newton - not terribly impressed - why oh why did we have to see him naked? Twice?! Music didn't work - mistakes there as mentioned above. Heard Merrick, Rosso and Kate Ritchie picking up on the other continuity errors - VB on tap, Mr Beckala also picked up on continuity errors - number plates were from 2008 in one scene, in another scene they had the year right, but it was the wrong colour (the 2000s yellow rather than the 70s yellow). I'm not fond of the over the top graphic scenes (I always have a book in my lap so i don't have to watch "the filth" for lack of a better term). Otherwise, watchable. Not sure if I'm raving about it, but i'll keep watching.
Must agree with merciless - the problem with all of these news specials is that they contain about 1 minute of new material, the other 29/59 minutes is based on what they have previously aired throughout the day. There is just not a lot of updating actually happening. If it was all or mainly new information, then i'd be happy to view. But by the time you get to the 10pm news updates, you have usually seen the same stories three or four times by that point! (Sunrise/Today, afternoon news, 6pm news and usually in one of the longer news breaks between programs) without really trying. And I agree with GJ, the focus should be about encouraging people to help and donate. I really respected what Austereo did yesterday - combined the MMM/Today afternoon shows (Hamish and Andy, Roy and HG), threw in a few other network personalities and did the whole two hours as a fundraising appeal. Excellent work, and it was really lovely to hear some people who have been going out and getting people to donate huge amounts of money, little kids giving up all of their pocket money, small companies passing the hat around. Getting emotional thinking about it now, really. The whole fire issue really gets to me, I live in the Sutherland Shire, I used to get evacuated at least 3 times a year when I lived in Menai (summer wasn't summer until we'd packed up the belongings for the 20th time while watching the fire brigade tear down our street), and in the 97 fires, somebody told me my house had burnt down (it hadn't, our neighbours put the hose on the flames before it took). I guess it's a bit of "there but the grace of god go I" mentality for me.

Tribal Mind asks: What book?

by Beckala on February 11, 2009 at 12:04 PM

How about watching the episodes before you screen them Ten? Or was it some sort of sick 'tribute'? I normally don't jump on the wowser train but this was bad.
Probably the 20th time Channel ten have repeated this episode. Channel ten execs got so bored and complacent that they didn't read the content and just authorised the showing. Be sure to see this episode next Friday followed by that famous old hit 'the towering inferno' ........

by Randwick Geoff on February 11, 2009 at 12:10 PM

ncis was great last night!! gets better by the week and lie to me is so interesting, good to see packed to the rafters loose 200,000.and alsaints doing not so well anymore

by RYAN on February 11, 2009 at 12:15 PM

Anyone know when or if Channel 7 is bringing back eps of Lost and/or Heroes?
I've seen them show twice a special catch-up ep of the previous series' for Lost which would suggest they are going to bring it back but i haven't seen it promoted.
Also, they brought Heroes back for one ep in the summer before the tennis started but it hasn't returned since. Anyone have answers?

Tribal Mind replies: All the TV program guides say Lost in on at 10.30pm tonight -- thought it could still be pre-empted by bushfire coverage.

by Mike on February 11, 2009 at 01:16 PM

Don't think anything (including Lost) will be bumped tonight. Seems the only shows to be shifted were 24 (Sun) and 30 Rock (Mon). Boston Legal made it on Monday while normal programming continued last night. The 6pm news bulletins seem to be where 7's placing major emphasis on the fire coverage - extending to 60 mins, etc.

Tribal Mind replies: As of 5.30pm, Seven tells me Lost is going ahead tonight.

by Anonymous on February 11, 2009 at 02:26 PM

While hearts and thoughts go out to the bushfire victims and indeed I dont know how we didnt get engulfed in fires of our own last weekend here in SA, I am a bit wary of the "Australia Unites" Eddy Everywhere extravaganza tomorrow night. Wouldnt watch it for that fact alone, let alone it being hijacked by one network for their own gain. Just is distasteful.

by ozinoz on February 11, 2009 at 02:33 PM

I didn't watch Underbelly. I recorded the first series but deleted it unwatched after viewing about 5 minutes. Yuk. Glorifying creepy crims, not for me thanks.
I enjoyed NCIS last night, and have Lie To Me and True Blood still to watch.
The ABC website encourages us to vote for the Logies. I thought I would for once, and started doing it.
Was rather gobsmacked at the list of "personalities" to vote for, is this the best we can do?
Got to where they wouldn't let me proceed until I voted for a reality show. You must be kidding. 100% crapola. No way would I vote for any of them, it was bad emough trying to find a lifestyle program to vote for. Don't watch any of them either! Picked the least offensive one there (ABC gardening). But a reality show, no way!
So it wouldn't let me proceed with the voting. They can go and get .......

by Sal on February 11, 2009 at 05:07 PM

Tribal Mind asks: What book?
Mr Beckala is reading "Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities" by John Silvester and Andrew Rule. He's desperately trying to get through it before the next episode of U2. I'm a bit different, I'd rather read the book after I see something.

by Beckala on February 11, 2009 at 06:33 PM

I have been kinda watching NCIS since a friend downloaded the 5 series for my girlfriend,
I think hes doing 6 but have not seen him to ask,however are Americans built differently to normal people.
Watching the morgue shots its interesting the Americans do not have any genitalia,how do they reproduce,all they have below the waist is a very bright light.
In English shows,we have all the bits on display,has the world changed for TV viewers in the US,why is this so as someone used to say

by John Ryan on February 11, 2009 at 08:49 PM

Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (the book): "It was the f**king best of bloody f**king times, it was the f**king worst of bloody f**king times. Show us yer tits....." Poetry.
By the way (ozinoz) if you think Eddie hi-jacking the bushfires is distasteful, wait 'til you see the miniseries. Already underway. Christine Nixon played by Kate Ritchie. Kevin Rudd stars as Kevin Rudd.
And by the (second) way, 'The Simpsons' again had a fire last night, had to evacuate the house and then another fire burned all their most precious possesions. Maybe there aren't any episodes that don't have devestating fires in them. Or maybe the Ten programming wonks are idiots. Maybe I need to lower my expectations.

by darren on February 12, 2009 at 05:55 AM

Any idea why ch7 is changing their HD line up?
Ads for lost's new season premiere last night were shown all night, 10:30 rolls around and its only screening on 7SD. They also did this with Border security on Sunday night.
Does anyone know why this is happening? CH7 push the sale of TiVo and its HD recording abilities yet I am continually forced to watch SD content.

by Matt on February 12, 2009 at 07:47 AM

Is anyone else out there getting a little tired of House? Last nights episode was pretty ordinary I thought. I think they need some new characters or some better scripts or something. It is all getting too predictable. And the "sexual tension" between House and Cutty is just annoying.
Recorded Lost so I hope it was on and reasonably on time. Though I always record what is on after a program I want to see now. I have learnt my lesson.
As for Nein's benefit concert tonight (or whatever it is) , whilst I appreciate the sentiment behind it I won't be watching. I can't stand this type of thing and won't watch anything that has Eddie Everywhere anywhere near it. I will make my own donation to the Red Cross and I don't need to be entertained to make me do so. The whole thing will probably be an exercise in self promotion for Nein anyway. Or am I just being too cynical!

by em on February 12, 2009 at 08:36 AM

A pox on all the houses of those at Nein! After waiting more than a year and having a schedule time of Tuesday at 11.30pm 17/2, Nein have yanked Weeds in favour of a repeat of Ellen Degenerate. Not content with having 2 1/2 Men multiple times a day, it seems Ellen is in for the same treatment. Dont knwo what it is with Nein, but I have given up watching. I'll pick up Underbelly on the DVD release so it wont have been ravaged to jam in commercials and protect childrens sensibilities and they screwed Flashpoint by screening eps out of order so there is no character development. Bunch of clowns...
ps: Darren - you owe me a new keyboard - Kate Richie as Christine Nixon brought tears to my eyes, and coffee to my nose & keyboard :)

by ozinoz on February 12, 2009 at 08:37 AM

Beckala....If Mr Beckala's error picking re "2000 yellow" concerns a Yamaha motor bike I'll have to ask our close friend who "lent" (no he didn't get paid, only allowed to watch the filming) his bike for the film. The producers were very particular about the age of the bike, but I know for a fact that his had been restored back to it's former beauty, so it could well have been a "2000 yellow". A good eye has MrB !!!

by PJ453 on February 12, 2009 at 09:02 AM

Matt posted: "Any idea why ch7 is changing their HD line up? Ads for lost's new season premiere last night were shown all night, 10:30 rolls around and its only screening on 7SD. They also did this with Border security on Sunday night."
Matt, they also did that with Scrubs last Thursday night. Imagine the swearing that occurred in my household when I went back to my recording, only to discover a repeat of Desperate Housewives rather than the new Scrubs I'd been waiting to show Mr Beckala for about 2 months (saw the first few eps on Youtube, but once I heard that 7 were putting them on at a decent time, decided to wait til they aired here). Won't make that mistake again this week!
em, not sure if I'm going to watch the Nein benefit concert either. I've already made my donations to Red Cross and RSPCA Victoria (and could others, if you are thinking of donating to the cause, please consider the RSPCA too - there are so many sick and injured animals out there that need our help too - everybody is loving the stories with the koalas that drink from the bottles, but nobody is pushing that charity for donations, when they really need it too. Off my soapbox now!). I really liked the Austereo one, but that was a bit different. This will be filled with such fabulous nine celebrities as...Eddie...Boys from Footy Shows..Bert...more with Bert...Bert doing some toupee humour...maybe that singing bee guy... I'm already cringing.
I find it horrifying and confusing that so many people watch Australia's Got (No) Talent. Flat out don't get it. What were the ratings for SYTYCD, TM? Just interested to see how it fared against a fellow talent show (although very very different in quality - some of the dancing on SYTYCD has been spectacular this year!)

Tribal Mind replies: In the chart now

by Beckala on February 12, 2009 at 09:21 AM

Darren - I too noticed the fire episode of Simpsons directly after (one of) the bushfire special. I recall actually wincing at the baste taste and timing of a character rolling around on fire while the houses burned down behind them.

by Lisa on February 12, 2009 at 09:28 AM

Yes the Eddie everywhere benefit concert tonight - wouldn't it be nice if Eddie donated his salary tonight towards the fire victims - he's on 5 million a year which is about $100,000 a week, which equates to about $20,000 a day - so what do you say Eddie?
I normally don't watch Telethons but I believe anything that will bring financial relief to the victims in Victoria is worth a look - I won't watch the whole thing but these one off shows raise big bucks and if the end result is a substantial boost in funds for victims of the fires then bring it on - as long as they don't keep repeating police trawling empty houses for bodies etc. This is not necessary and was a feature of two bulletins last night. We admire and greatly appreciate the work being done this area (difficult as it is) but this is not what people want to see on TV. The aerial shot (on Channel NEIN) last night of victims lying underneah blue tarpolins in a street that many locals would have identifed with wast just so inappropriate!!!

by GJ on February 12, 2009 at 10:12 AM

i was confused last night with sytycd saying geen mile,i for some reason thought the movie was gonna b on so i didnt watch it:( i flicked over in the last 20 mins and realised it was dance!

by ryan on February 12, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Beckala I think the 1.3 million who watched 'Australia's Got (No) Talent' includes small children & animals.
Is it just me or are the ratings this week (aside from Underbelly) really low this week? 'Home and Away' has disappeared completely (or was it not on last night? Who knows?) after being way down the charts. Put it on half an hour later and no-one cares anymore. Reflects the high quality of the thing.
A smart Channel (?) might conclude that there's only so much communal grief people can take rather than endlessly re-hashing the tragedy and milking it for all it's worth. I get sick of their 'you should be THIS sad or you're not a very decent human being' overtones.
This is how you should feel.
This is how you should be helping.
This is what should outrage you.
This drinking koala should make you go "ohhhhh".
They've moved on from warning people to drink water when it's hot (how on earth did the First Fleeters survive?) to treating everyone like a callous bastard who needs to be emotionally blackmailed into caring.
And that's my turn on the soapbox too.

by darren on February 12, 2009 at 11:28 AM

Just finished watching last nights ep of Lost. This show is once again back on track, and is edge-of-the-seat fun. Same with the new season of 24, after last years dismal storyline. Even Dirty Sexy Money has beefed it up. So why am I the only one who seems willing to give these 3 shows another chance? Top viewing!
By the way, TV Tonight has listed that Ghost Whisperer is being bumped tonight in favour of a double episode of Home & Away.

by David @ Green Point on February 12, 2009 at 11:29 AM

hey david, wondering if you could do a piece on the latest movies and how much they have made, especially australia. im interested to know what they have made so far worldwide and here in aus:)

Tribal Mind replies: The final result for Australia is the topic of next Monday's Tribal Mind column. In the meantime, go to my page called The films Australia loved, which is updated regularly.

by ryan on February 12, 2009 at 12:27 PM

For viewers who feel there's been and still is vulture like TV and print media overkill on the bushfire tragedy I agree, but since the media lives for tragedy and bad news, Australia's media is no different to how it's overseas counterparts operate. Greg Barns from the Crickey website has put it quite well : 'There's two words which immediately spring to mind over the media�s coverage of the Victorian bushfires - mawkish and disproportionate. Mawkish in the sense there now seems to be a competition by media outlets to own the grief and suffering generated by the fires. Page after page, hundreds of hours of TV footage and hours of radio programs all dedicated to bringing to light one story after another of loss and destruction and the inevitable grief that's associated with it. Is it not time for the media to get out of the way of these fires, or at least scale back their coverage. Surely the survivors and communities of these terrible events need to be allowed to grieve and begin to rebuild away from the prying and always intrusive eyes of journalists and camera crews, all told by their editors to come back each day with tales and images that will give them an edge on their competitors ? Of course this will not happen. The media will hang around this story, until it has milked every last drop of emotion and suffering, then the caravan will move onto the next big tragedy. That is the nature of the beast'.

by Burt on February 12, 2009 at 01:38 PM

On the subject of crime shows, for admirers of the acclaimed early 90's ABC show Phoenix, it's first series is now out on DVD. As it should've come out on DVD 10 or 12 years ago, it'd be interesting knowing what took the ABC such a ridiculously long period of time to issue this. The advent of forensic science has probably now rendered the show outdated.

by John on February 12, 2009 at 02:45 PM

David @ Green Point, you're not alone! I too enjoyed Dirty Sexy Money this week, having learned from experience to set the recorder with a healthy margin of error. Am also planning to enjoy Lost and 24 in the future, having downloaded the first two episodes of both last weekend.
(Two shows I need to see more frequently than once a week, for continuity, so like to get a few stored before I start viewing.)
Not to mention ad free and watermark free!
Have already donated to RSPCA Vic, and the Red Cross, so will not need to view nein tonight. Thank god. What a horrible thought, that people have to watch such drivel in order to loosen their purse strings.

by Sal on February 12, 2009 at 03:24 PM

David @ Green Point - after last seasons atomic bombs and other trivialities, sort have given up on 24 (seems too much how I imagine MacGuyver would have been) As for DSM, record it religiously - quite like Donald Sutherland (and the Natalie Zea / Lucy Liu scenery doesnt hurt either :) ) Have yet to see Lost, I just hope it starts to tie it all together soon, but I am still in mourning over the shafting of Weeds yet again. Oh well...

by ozinoz on February 12, 2009 at 03:27 PM

Of all Ch 9 TV personalities - Eddie "Everywhere in your face" McGuire hosting the telethon. Pfft, if you can even call him a TV personality.
House is still watchable, but that may be because I missed out on two seasons. I'm not keen on House/Cuddy either.
How did At The Movies do last night? It was a fine return for the pair. They've still got it, and were particularly funny last night, especially with David's adoration of Clint Eastwood.

by Kym on February 12, 2009 at 05:14 PM

Quoth darren: "Beckala I think the 1.3 million who watched 'Australia's Got (No) Talent' includes small children & animals."
Not a single small child or animal watches that tripe in our house. (And, believe me, small children can watch some stupendous tripe.) I wouldn't torture any of the cats & kittens with it either (don't ask, I've turned into a Crazy Cat Lady several decades early than originally planned).
Sad to say, I've watched nothing since Cranford on Sunday night. Damned lurgi has knocked out my willingness to stay up and watch TV when there is a delightful bed to go and snooze in. Don't think I've missed much (I've recorded the Despoes for later viewing).

by tqd on February 12, 2009 at 05:15 PM

To David @ Green point who asked if anyone still watches Lost and 24 - I am one although I was out last night at The Waifs concert and therefore recorded all my Wednesday shows - will catch up with them over next few days

by Cathy on February 12, 2009 at 05:17 PM

Well, for once I have something positive to say about Sandra Sully - her "sackcloth and ashes look" tonight totally took my mind off her strangulated vowels.

by Shoopie on February 12, 2009 at 07:32 PM

Burt, thanks for that Crikey.com quote. That's what I would like to be able to say if I could, like.....write stuff. Although I was thinking not "vultures" so much as "baitball". Either there's something really weird happening in terms of public grief or I'm emotionally retarded. Maybe both. 'Today Tonight' last night thought it might be helpful to go through a comprehensive list of past disasters. Ash Wednesday, Granville train disaster, 9/11, Bali Bombing, etc etc. Although they missed the Hindenburg and I didn't see The Holocaust or any Ebola outbreak stories either. It was like '20 to 1 - Reasons to Slash Away and End it All'. Really therapeutic.
Tqd, no, you haven't missed much. If this week was a 'Day of the Triffids' type scenario, you'd be one of the survivors retaining their eyesight. Lucky.

by darren on February 13, 2009 at 05:58 AM

I'm quite surprised at the bad ratings/retention of Lost. With those expectations, I expect the ratings for Private Practice to be utter crap.

by arthur on February 13, 2009 at 08:23 AM

Hi Mr Mind, would be great if you could post the ratings for the soccroos vs japan world cup qualifier match from wednesday night and also the A-League finals matches from Friday and Saturday when you compile your pay tv figures.
i watched the socceroos game but ventured into 3 different pubs who were showing the mundine fight on the big screen over the football. i ended up going to a mates place to watch. i'm interested as to how football rates compared to other sports.

Tribal Mind replies: I don't get pay TV figures until Mondays, and then only a top 20 for the week. If those matches are in the list, I will let you know in Monday's report.

by TG on February 13, 2009 at 09:30 AM

Kinda sad Carla Cametti has finished. I thought it was very enjoyable, well-acted and an interesting story.
Yes, I also enjoy Janet Evanovich novels, what's your point? Oh ok, yes it wasn't entirely original but very little is these days. I wonder if they're making more or if is was a one-off?

by genfie on February 13, 2009 at 09:31 AM

Did watch NEIN's telethon for about 15 minutes but just couldn't stomach Eddie - there's something slightly nauseating about watching a host who smugly swans around hosting the odd show here and there, claiming to be the poor man's friend yet earning more than most of will earn in a lifetime...and for doing what...sitting in front of an autocue for 2 hours. Give me break Eddie! I'm glad they raised 21 million and that should be congratulated but the show could have held its own without STEADY EDDIE!

Did watch a very disappointing documentary on BARRY HUMPHRIES on the ABC last night. I was expecting to see less of EDNA and LES and more of HUMPHRIES himself but I never quite got a feel for who Barry Humphries is. When interviewed as BARRY he still seemed to come across in character and seemed reluctant to let the interviewer go beyond the mask. Maybe that's the way HUMPHRIES wants us to see him but it did result in a very disappointing hour of television...although I did laugh myself silly when LES referenced to his girlfriend about ''having gone all the way back!"....sometimes as LES he is just priceless!

by GJ on February 13, 2009 at 10:17 AM

genfie on February 13, 2009 at 09:31 AM: I actually caught some Carla Cametti last night, and apart from some bodgy bits (the fake-est slap I've ever seen; Carla running around at night in a slinky dress, but seeing the need for a nice warm cardie once the sun comes up - I was getting goosebumps for her!; attempted strangulation with phone cord that left no bruise) I was quite hooked. Wish I hadn't left it to so late to watch!
Can't say I like Janet Evanovich, but I am a fan of Kinsey Millhone, and this fitted into that genre nicely.
Recorded Life on Mars, I wasn't really feeling like anything with angst last night. Still think the British Sam & Annie were much more watchable.

by tqd on February 13, 2009 at 10:27 AM

The last episode of Carla Cametti was a real let down, it was if they didn't know how to finish it. During writer's meeting....."what happens next??....um, "I know let's do a wedding!! everybody loves a wedding & we can can tie up a number of the loose ends!!" If only that was true.
Life on Mars was ok, but less of the good music this episode & I'll accept the voice sounds like Mel Gibson...a bit.
Great to see Kevin & Grand Designs back on, but why does our abc have to go back 7 years when they put the show back on??

by PJ453 on February 13, 2009 at 10:30 AM

Am really enjoying Dirty Sexy Money too and disappointed that it's wasted in such a late night slot. It's getting better and better each week. Carla Cametti was great but the last episode seemed to leave a lot open-ended. I suppose they're planning another series to continue those stories. Just caught up with Underbelly. Matthew Newton's kiwi accent is shonky but the rest of the acting is brilliant. I still think that's really dodgy that they mix facts and fiction in this series. The most annoying bit of fiction is having the policewoman of the previous series have a mother who is a policewoman in this series just so Caroline Craig can narrate this one too. Silly.

by J Bar on February 13, 2009 at 11:16 AM

Kym, I'm quite cross to have missed At The Movies (especially as I adore Clint). Normally it's a "must watch" here, but I think the trouble is that the ABC have such boring programs on at the moment (saw Cranford last year) that I thought they were still on summer repeat viewing.
Hope it will be shown again on Sunday.
Couldn't resist popping over to nein during a boring bit of Catalyst, in time to see the 2 guys from Men At Work doing the "Come From a Land Downunder" song. Yeay!
Thought the crowd was small and then realised it was actually coming from Whittlesea! Wow!
Great job there!
Then a montage of incredible photos, break your heart, then back to Eddie. Eek! Switched off quickly! $21 million, good job nein.
Then watched the final episode of True Dare Kiss - fantastic series on Pay. A few surprises there, hadn't guessed. There is so much good stuff on Pay at the moment, no time for second-rate programs. Are you listening FTA?

by Sal on February 13, 2009 at 12:21 PM

Looking at the ratings for Australia Unites last night, I think the rest of the population is over the endless coverage of these fires. Its very sad, but as stated above, time to move on and let the people involve grieve in private. self-interested media c

by Neil on February 13, 2009 at 12:35 PM

Re Kevie & Grand Designs. The reason for 2001 episodes is possibly they have not been screened on FTA before. Still interesting, but I really wish they could at least make a token effort and go back and revisit the projects when they were finished. Would loved to have seen how last nights Regency Mansion finished up. Too often they finish up and they are not even at lock up stage. To me it lessens the impact of the "Grand Design". Hope we see the 2008 episodes they shot last year, including a " live" house build Kevin did in a weekend (with audience etc) before too long.

by ozinoz on February 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM

Watched U2 last night & I don't think it's as tight as U1, probably due to the rushing it onto the screen, I guess we can't really complain because if Baz had filmed it we never would've see it. Made the comment to MrsPJ about all the boobs in full view at an 8:30 timeslot & she said it was ok "because they weren't real, therefore anybody can see them!!" I almost got rsi from pressing the forward button on the remote due to the ads, so will only be recording each episode & watching later.

by PJ453 on February 14, 2009 at 11:00 AM

I'd just like to comment on what a huge rating week of TV this has been - almost all of the top ten is over 1.6 and on both Sunday and Monday there were more than 5 million watching TV in the metro area.
The first week of last year had top ten shows that were doing 1.3.
I wonder if Underbelly can hold onto its audience?
I think it will drop considerably - but still rate very well at around 1.9/2 million.

by Alex on February 14, 2009 at 12:02 PM

Once again Channel 9 has shafted its loyal viewers. I sat down today at 1 to enjoy my hour with the Gilmore Girls and it has been moved again! Does anyone know where it has gone this time?

by Rufus on February 14, 2009 at 12:16 PM

wow the footy did hell bad last night!! poor 7 lol. all i can say is thanks for the air time and sucked in!

by ryan on February 14, 2009 at 01:13 PM

Wondering what time the "Sponsor Name" cup AFL aired last night in Sydney. We saw it on the South Coast late last night, after encore presentations of Desperate Housewives and Bros & Sisters. The majority figure in VIC would have been prime time.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 14, 2009 at 04:09 PM

by ozinoz, re Grand Designs: I agree with you on this one - have been a little disappointed that I didn't get to see the finished home on some of the episodes. I still really enjoy the show and am happy that it's back, along with some other abc shows that have returned.

by Cath on February 16, 2009 at 08:30 AM

by ozinoz, re Grand Designs: That ep has been on ABC before. I remember it quite well as it hooked me onto the series (I don't have Foxtel). I don't mind the repeats too much as I'm sure I missed out on some the first time around.

by merciless on February 16, 2009 at 11:58 AM

"re Grand Designs: I agree with you on this one - have been a little disappointed that I didn't get to see the finished home on some of the episodes"For that info check out the web site & look out for downloads of the follow up programs. The ABC does not show all the programs .The ITV , UK production is a commercial program & the ABC does not show the follow ups.

by doug on February 16, 2009 at 12:56 PM

The Sun-Herald

Who We Are

The Who We Are update: Week 7

COMMENTS

POST A COMMENT

Comments Terms & Conditions

RECENT ENTRIES

ARCHIVES