The Who We Are update: Week 20

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

This week of the blog is a heritage item -- worth studying but no longer current. For the latest media trends in Australia, bookmark blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.
To learn why Star Trek is the definitive entertainment of the 21st century, go to The Tribal Mind.
To nominate the best books about Australia, go to Who We Are.

The ratings race, updated 10 am Monday
Ten started last week with a big advantage, thanks to Merlin, Masterchef and Two Apostrophes. But then the biffo scandal played into the hands of Channel Nine, boosting numbers for A Current Affair and The Footy Show, and Nine has resumed its traditional ranking as Still The Two. The average prime time audience shares were: Seven 28.3, Nine 25.7, Ten 22.9, ABC 17.4, SBS 5.6.

Sadly, the massively pre-publicised episode of Four Corners that started the week's frenzy got only 1 million viewers in the mainland capitals, which suggests that most football fans don't care, or can't find the ABC on their remotes.

This was Pay TV's account of itself for the week: "124,000 people watched FOXTEL Sport's live coverage of the Manchester United/Arsenal game in which Manchester United took out its third consecutive English Premier League title. It was the highest EPL audience of the year and the third highest ever for EPL on FOX Sports. 289,000 people watched the Melbourne Storm prevail over the Sydney Roosters in Live: NRL Roosters v Storm and 262,000 viewed the Eagles defeat the Demons by four points in Live: AFL West Coast v Melbourne (all on FOX Sports).

"Australia's Next Top Model on FOX8 was watched by 177,000 viewers this week while Selling Houses Australia on Lifestyle had its biggest audience of the year with 129,000 people. NCIS on TV1 was watched by 107,000 people, 100,000 saw Thursday night's episode of M*A*S*H on FOX Classics and Eastenders on UKTV had its best result of 2009 with 88,000 viewers. In children's programming, Hatching Pete premiered on Disney Channel with 82,000 viewers and ICarly on Nickelodeon had its best result of the year with 75,000 viewers.

"Subscription TV was the number one source of television across all homes in week 20. STV channels accounted for 22.5% of all metropolitan viewing between 6am and midnight, was 21.8% of all regional viewing and 58.6% of all viewing in subscription TV homes."

What Australia watched, week ending May 17
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TALKIN' 'BOUT YOUR GENERATION Ten 1,599,000 444,000 484,000 279,000 158,000 235,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,572,000 428,000 439,000 320,000 168,000 216,000
3 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,571,000 426,000 369,000 370,000 163,000 242,000
4 THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE Seven 1,551,000 461,000 485,000 313,000 120,000 171,000
5 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,490,000 426,000 495,000 276,000 178,000 115,000
6 MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA - CHALLENGE Ten 1,472,000 422,000 459,000 265,000 141,000 186,000
7 NCIS Ten 1,435,000 376,000 373,000 299,000 178,000 209,000
8 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,434,000 364,000 434,000 327,000 148,000 160,000
9 THE ZOO Seven 1,431,000 376,000 440,000 271,000 153,000 192,000
10 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,418,000 387,000 385,000 296,000 152,000 198,000
11 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,416,000 437,000 405,000 228,000 173,000 172,000
12 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,358,000 501,000 372,000 227,000 136,000 121,000
13 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,320,000 363,000 380,000 255,000 126,000 197,000
14 MERLIN Ten 1,306,000 418,000 313,000 243,000 122,000 211,000

15 SUNDAY NIGHT Seven 1,299,000 338,000 344,000 299,000 144,000 175,000
16 BONES Seven 1,271,000 361,000 334,000 235,000 141,000 201,000
17 BORDER SECURITY USA Seven 1,266,000 307,000 365,000 273,000 121,000 199,000
18 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,261,000 318,000 435,000 231,000 115,000 162,000
19 THE FORCE - BEHIND THE LINE Seven 1,258,000 292,000 346,000 282,000 121,000 217,000
20 THE GRUEN TRANSFER ABC1 1,239,000 439,000 401,000 173,000 115,000 112,000
21 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,231,000 349,000 402,000 266,000 110,000 105,000
22 NINE NEWS Nine 1,227,000 348,000 399,000 251,000 124,000 106,000
23 TWO AND A HALF MEN -EP1 Nine 1,218,000 320,000 432,000 239,000 92,000 136,000
24 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,212,000 341,000 345,000 239,000 128,000 159,000
25 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,184,000 298,000 377,000 238,000 166,000 105,000
26 60 MINUTES Nine 1,181,000 359,000 351,000 248,000 113,000 110,000
27 GETAWAY Nine 1,175,000 320,000 398,000 232,000 116,000 109,000
28 MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA Ten 1,172,000 338,000 362,000 196,000 131,000 144,000
29 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,163,000 344,000 300,000 238,000 133,000 148,000
30 TRIMBOLE: THE REAL UNDERBELLY Nine 1,154,000 341,000 374,000 186,000 117,000 136,000
41 THE TREASURER'S BUDGET SPEECH 2009 ABC1 1,075,000 391,000 316,000 243,000 93,000 31,000
56 FOUR CORNERS ABC1 1,001,000 402,000 213,000 214,000 75,000 98,000
62 TEN NEWS AT FIVE Ten 955,000 271,000 274,000 164,000 113,000 132,000
71 DEAL OR NO DEAL Seven 860,000 248,000 264,000 172,000 83,000 94,000
89 BUDGET 2009: THE RIGHT OF REPLY ABC1 735,000 263,000 216,000 172,000 71,000 12,000
94 TOP GEAR AUSTRALIA SBS 689,000 235,000 196,000 119,000 62,000 76,000
102 HOT SEAT Nine 604,000 180,000 202,000 95,000 78,000 49,000
116 HARPER'S ISLAND Ten 560,000 147,000 187,000 105,000 64,000 57,000
134 TRAWLERMEN SBS 460,000 137,000 129,000 89,000 45,000 60,000
286 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2009 ONE 150,000 31,000 45,000 23,000 25,000 26,000
312 THE GRUEN TRANSFER ABC2 138,000 49,000 32,000 14,000 15,000 28,000
333 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC2 126,000 50,000 35,000 10,000 11,000 20,000

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,434,000 364,000 434,000 327,000 148,000 160,000
2 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,184,000 298,000 377,000 238,000 166,000 105,000
3 BILLY CONNOLLY: JOURNEY TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD Seven 1,104,000 267,000 357,000 250,000 121,000 110,000
4 NEW TRICKS RPT ABC1 1,002,000 326,000 288,000 168,000 94,000 126,000
5 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS Nine 999,000 265,000 307,000 201,000 104,000 123,000
6 KATH & KIM (R) Seven 912,000 213,000 309,000 200,000 95,000 96,000
7 THE CASTLE -RPT Nine 909,000 261,000 273,000 205,000 79,000 91,000
8 THE VICAR OF DIBLEY Seven 851,000 207,000 270,000 168,000 92,000 115,000
9 ABC NEWS-SAT ABC1 828,000 279,000 252,000 129,000 70,000 98,000
10 SATURDAY NIGHT AFL Ten 796,000 76,000 293,000 97,000 136,000 194,000
11 THE BILL ABC1 789,000 256,000 226,000 101,000 87,000 120,000
20 SATURDAY AFTERNOON AFL Ten 443,000 50,000 233,000 58,000 52,000 50,000
21 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2009: SEMI FINAL 2 SBS 414,000 118,000 151,000 57,000 53,000 35,000
30 ABBA THE MOVIE RPT SBS 252,000 77,000 77,000 36,000 33,000 29,000
104 RUGBY LEAGUE: (QLD) 2009-PM ABC1 42,000 42,000
112 RUGBY UNION: SHUTE SHIELD (NSW) 2009-PM ABC1 38,000 38,000
113 VFL FOOTBALL 2009-PM ABC1 38,000 38,000
139 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 8: FREMANTLE VS HAWTHORN Seven 29,000 23,000 6,000
146 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 8: FREMANTLE VS HAWTHORN - AFTER THE GAME Seven 27,000 23,000 4,000
160 NINE'S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL LATE Nine 21,000 16,000 5,000 1,000
And I swear to god there are no other football matches any further down the chart.

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,480,000 446,000 408,000 258,000 169,000 199,000
2 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,416,000 437,000 405,000 228,000 173,000 172,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,294,000 369,000 374,000 236,000 150,000 165,000
4 MIDSOMER MURDERS ABC1 1,150,000 363,000 339,000 183,000 121,000 145,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,110,000 310,000 349,000 212,000 119,000 120,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,092,000 289,000 313,000 219,000 149,000 122,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,079,000 307,000 367,000 205,000 108,000 92,000
8 MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA Ten 1,030,000 334,000 306,000 160,000 111,000 119,000
14 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 8: FREMANTLE VS HAWTHORN Seven 778,000 40,000 422,000 15,000 130,000 171,000
15 NINE'S LIVE FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 768,000 448,000 320,000
25 NINE'S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 454,000 303,000 151,000
33 LIFE ON MARS FRI Ten 354,000 57,000 154,000 59,000 48,000 35,000
42 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2009: SEMI FINAL 1 SBS 276,000 64,000 112,000 32,000 43,000 24,000
159 NINE'S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL LATE Nine 37,000 23,000 11,000 3,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Friday
The chart below contains an interesting revelation: more than 120,000 people in the mainland capitals watch Spicks and Specks and The Gruen Transfer when they are broadcast a second time on ABC2. Presumably these are not the same people who watched on Wednesday. If OzTAM added the Thursday numbers to the Wednesday numbers, S&S and TGT would be in the top five shows most weeks. If you are one of those who watch 24 hours later, please tell us why, below.

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,468,000 398,000 420,000 300,000 158,000 191,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,355,000 368,000 363,000 275,000 175,000 173,000
3 GETAWAY Nine 1,176,000 319,000 399,000 232,000 116,000 110,000
4 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,161,000 302,000 413,000 243,000 106,000 97,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,150,000 312,000 366,000 253,000 123,000 96,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,147,000 340,000 264,000 229,000 159,000 155,000
7 20 TO 1 Nine 1,141,000 319,000 371,000 190,000 122,000 139,000
8 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 1,128,000 342,000 318,000 210,000 124,000 134,000
9 THE FOOTY SHOW Nine 1,101,000 313,000 378,000 188,000 114,000 107,000
14 MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA Ten 1,007,000 275,000 327,000 173,000 101,000 130,000
16 PRIVATE PRACTICE Seven 883,000 230,000 313,000 138,000 105,000 97,000
17 DEAL OR NO DEAL Seven 867,000 255,000 262,000 179,000 92,000 80,000
21 BUDGET 2009: THE RIGHT OF REPLY ABC1 721,000 262,000 217,000 171,000 71,000
24 HOT SEAT Nine 603,000 169,000 189,000 105,000 89,000 51,000
84 THE GRUEN TRANSFER ABC2 138,000 49,000 32,000 14,000 15,000 28,000
96 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC2 126,000 50,000 35,000 10,000 11,000 20,000

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE Seven 1,551,000 461,000 485,000 313,000 120,000 171,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,510,000 385,000 402,000 326,000 168,000 227,000
3 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,373,000 505,000 378,000 229,000 138,000 123,000
4 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,372,000 427,000 390,000 346,000 100,000 108,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,356,000 361,000 345,000 309,000 128,000 213,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,328,000 408,000 417,000 274,000 116,000 112,000
7 THE GRUEN TRANSFER ABC1 1,239,000 439,000 401,000 172,000 115,000 112,000
8 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,212,000 341,000 345,000 239,000 128,000 159,000
9 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,197,000 329,000 386,000 248,000 108,000 126,000
10 MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA Ten 1,191,000 346,000 367,000 187,000 140,000 151,000
11 RPA Nine 1,115,000 324,000 331,000 239,000 116,000 105,000
14 THE MENTALIST Nine 1,047,000 344,000 322,000 188,000 106,000 87,000
15 COLD CASE Nine 1,040,000 299,000 365,000 136,000 136,000 105,000
16 WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU Nine 1,032,000 325,000 308,000 221,000 88,000 90,000
20 HOUSE Ten 863,000 227,000 243,000 157,000 101,000 136,000
21 DEAL OR NO DEAL Seven 846,000 226,000 265,000 170,000 79,000 106,000
26 FAMILY GUY Seven 711,000 177,000 237,000 124,000 88,000 85,000
27 HOT SEAT Nine 619,000 180,000 214,000 100,000 75,000 50,000
28 NUMB3RS Ten 599,000 169,000 184,000 101,000 75,000 70,000
34 TRAWLERMEN SBS 466,000 139,000 131,000 90,000 45,000 61,000
53 LOST Seven 235,000 67,000 83,000 37,000 26,000 21,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

The ratings race, updated 10 am Wednesday
This is the week that Channel Ten can begin to dare to hope that it might do the unprecedented and end the year as number two station. That would be the ultimate humiliation for Channel Nine. In the chart below, look at how Nine's expensive renovation game show compares with Ten's expensive cooking game show. At this point in the week, the average prime time audience shares stand at: Seven 29.4 per cent, Ten 25.7 per cent, Nine 24.1, ABC 15.9, SBS 4.9.

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,674,000 452,000 482,000 352,000 168,000 220,000
2 TALKIN' 'BOUT YOUR GENERATION Ten 1,599,000 444,000 484,000 279,000 158,000 235,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,517,000 415,000 416,000 314,000 151,000 220,000
4 NCIS Ten 1,435,000 376,000 373,000 299,000 178,000 209,000
5 THE ZOO Seven 1,431,000 376,000 440,000 271,000 153,000 192,000
6 FIND MY FAMILY Seven 1,320,000 363,000 380,000 255,000 126,000 197,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,270,000 357,000 423,000 267,000 117,000 106,000
8 MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA Ten 1,252,000 368,000 375,000 200,000 132,000 177,000
15 THE TREASURER'S BUDGET SPEECH 2009 ABC1 1,141,000 389,000 313,000 241,000 92,000 106,000
17 BUDGET SPECIAL 2009 ABC1 1,069,000 374,000 295,000 236,000 94,000 70,000
18 LIE TO ME Ten 986,000 251,000 296,000 181,000 117,000 141,000
19 10 YEARS YOUNGER IN 10 DAYS Seven 973,000 288,000 298,000 153,000 109,000 124,000
22 HOME MADE -ELIMINATION Nine 889,000 244,000 307,000 171,000 84,000 83,000
27 MUMBAI CALLING ABC1 576,000 218,000 153,000 73,000 47,000 85,000
78 WHEN BORAT CAME TO TOWN SBS 147,000 32,000 57,000 18,000 22,000 18,000

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,728,000 460,000 483,000 365,000 176,000 244,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,563,000 418,000 427,000 340,000 158,000 220,000
3 NINE NEWS Nine 1,336,000 343,000 479,000 285,000 125,000 103,000
4 MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA Ten 1,331,000 350,000 423,000 248,000 157,000 153,000
5 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,281,000 352,000 419,000 273,000 122,000 115,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,262,000 384,000 330,000 260,000 126,000 162,000
7 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,262,000 318,000 435,000 231,000 115,000 162,000
8 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,215,000 294,000 404,000 252,000 122,000 143,000
9 TRIMBOLE: THE REAL UNDERBELLY Nine 1,151,000 341,000 373,000 187,000 114,000 135,000
10 RECRUITS Ten 1,116,000 325,000 279,000 243,000 124,000 145,000
14 FOUR CORNERS ABC1 1,013,000 404,000 215,000 218,000 75,000 99,000
21 DEAL OR NO DEAL Seven 878,000 245,000 283,000 175,000 78,000 96,000
23 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 7: COLLINGWOOD VS ST KILDA Seven 790,000 13,000 530,000 10,000 112,000 126,000
24 SCRUBS - MON Seven 773,000 277,000 Not shown 234,000 99,000 163,000
25 TOP GEAR AUSTRALIA SBS 689,000 235,000 196,000 119,000 62,000 76,000
28 HOT SEAT Nine 608,000 156,000 216,000 106,000 73,000 57,000
29 SUPERNATURAL Ten 600,000 125,000 185,000 121,000 67,000 102,000
30 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 578,000 352,000 Not shown 226,000 Not shown Not shown
45 BOSTON LEGAL Seven 261,000 178,000 Not shown 83,000 Not shown Not shown

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,571,000 426,000 369,000 370,000 163,000 242,000
2 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,491,000 426,000 495,000 276,000 179,000 115,000
3 MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA - CHALLENGE Ten 1,470,000 422,000 457,000 265,000 140,000 186,000
4 MERLIN Ten 1,305,000 417,000 312,000 243,000 122,000 210,000
5 SUNDAY NIGHT Seven 1,298,000 337,000 343,000 299,000 144,000 175,000
6 BONES Seven 1,269,000 359,000 334,000 235,000 141,000 201,000
7 BORDER SECURITY USA Seven 1,267,000 308,000 365,000 274,000 122,000 198,000
8 THE FORCE Seven 1,256,000 292,000 346,000 281,000 121,000 216,000
9 60 MINUTES Nine 1,181,000 358,000 350,000 248,000 113,000 112,000
10 CSI Nine 1,074,000 304,000 314,000 217,000 134,000 106,000
11 HOME MADE Nine 1,021,000 286,000 329,000 191,000 95,000 119,000
12 ROVE Ten 1,012,000 255,000 368,000 165,000 102,000 122,000
15 CSI: NY Nine 841,000 225,000 280,000 133,000 111,000 91,000
21 NINE'S SUNDAY FOOTBALL Nine 572,000 321,000 251,000
61 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 7: WEST COAST VS MELBOURNE Seven 153,000 153,000
64 AFL GAME DAY Seven 151,000 93,000 30,000 29,000
83 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 7: ADELAIDE VS WESTERN BULLDOGS Seven 102,000 102,000

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

I watched Home Made last night - it's the kind of show I can see myself getting into - I was a big fan of the Block (when you're young and in the house market in Sydney, renovation is the only way you are going to ever own a unit - and hopefully soon a home - so I like getting ideas from the experts). I like the concept. Didn't get to know the decoraters too well - it's that first ep "who are you, wait, what team are you on" disorientation. But I liked it. I hope it goes well and stays on air. It's probably the only show I'm watching on 9 at the moment!
Watched MasterChef last night - I am starting to get into it more - but I still don't LOVE it. Channel 10 seem to have a pretty solid Sunday night.
Will be very interesting to see how 4 Corners goes this evening. They've certainly managed to get themselves huge amounts of pre-publicity - it's the story everybody is talking about. Will also be interesting to see if they "out" any other players - it was supposedly involving a group, but only one person named. TM, has this controversy affected the games ratings? Either positively or negatively?
Finally, Top Gear Oz back tonight. Will be interested to see what others think of James Morrison's inclusion - I think he is much better than Charlie Cox from the filming I saw.But I hated Charlie Cox!!Warren has taken on more of a dominant role too - he interviewed the celebrity - which I think he did well. So i'll look forward to your thoughts tomorrow, TMers!

by Beckala on May 11, 2009 at 09:41 AM

Is a host really necessary for Masterchef? Seems to me the judges are more than capable to run the show. Merlin still alright - some light hearted fun. When watching it, just have to wipe mind of what you thought of the legends.
Good to see and hear Chaser returning 27/5. The commercials Auntie's running such a teaser, I seriously thought there was a second Summer Heights for a sec.

by Kym on May 11, 2009 at 09:45 AM

Ouch! That's gotta hurt. 'Home Made' had crappy written all over it but I didn't expect that.
I gave it a good look. I was very confused.
What is it? Is it a competition? It's like they started 3 weeks into it and cut out all the auditions and stuff.
The designers are not very good although many of them are pretty.
The renovation 'afters' are not much different to the 'befores'.
There's no new plasma screen TVs (so far).
There's no host, just a guy they keep interviewing who pronounces every 's' as a double 's' (not that there'ss anything wrong wth that, it'ss jusst exsstremely annoying).
And they keep going on and on about how handy their Telstra mobiles are with their Telstra video-conferencing feature and how they all piled into their Chrysler Jeep vehicles and how they enjoyed the drive to the work-site in their Chrysler Jeep vehicles. I dunno, it's almost as if they're trying to sell us Telstra mobiles and Chrysler Jeep vehicles. Just a hunch.
A coupla handy hints, Nine: people hate Telstra almost as much as they hate Channel Nine and having Product forced down their throats.
And Cameron Williams Saturday AND Sunday is Cameron Williams two times too many. People hate Cameron Williams almost as much as they hate Telstra. Even if you don't turn on the TV you know he's there, with his....you know....indefinable....thing....
It's like trying to describe a sheet of A4.

by darren on May 11, 2009 at 11:27 AM

So; does finding a murder victim in a large convection microwave oven on an international flight count as "cooking"?
If so, then Bones definitely fits the "cooking as the new renovation" trend...

by Steve C on May 11, 2009 at 11:37 AM

I had intended on watching Home Made until I realised Catriona Roundvowels was hosting. Then I was history.
Top Gear Oz is back tonight. Will be interested in the ratings tomorrow. Surely James Morrison will lower the annoying wanker quotient.

by Bereft Skerrick on May 11, 2009 at 12:36 PM

I saw the ads for Home Made and I'm sure that the model was a Dodge JOURNEY. How could a car sponsoring a reality show be called anything else?
Anyhoo I agree with you darren about Cameron Williams. In his first incarnation back on Ch7 I used to think he was a bit of a spunk (not in the Colin Firth class mind) but he got entangled in too many scandals and his sleaze quotient is quite high. Shudder.

by Bereft Skerrick on May 11, 2009 at 01:57 PM

Bereft, I saw no sign of Catriona on Home Made - just some random token designer as the mentor - the contestants do the narration themselves.
I think you'll like new Top Gear, Bereft! James Morrison, so much better!!

by Beckala on May 11, 2009 at 02:24 PM

Yes Steve C I do think Bones qualifies as cooking etc with the body is in oven - however was fascinated to see a little old lady who had managed to smuggle aboard not only plastic knitting needles but also tweezers (or a nail file) not sure which one that was... surely US security was not that lax!
Darren - I think the challenge is now to describe a sheet of A4. Agree with you re Cameron Williams - did a brief channel surf yesterday morning and noticed that for a brekkie show Nein had bowls of snakes, peanuts etc - not really good breakfast food - what are they trying to tell the Mums & Dads - lollies are a good alternative first thing in the morning!

by Cathy on May 11, 2009 at 02:48 PM

Anybody watch Harpers Island last night on Ten? Do you know how it rated? Nothing like a bit of gore and suspense just before you go to bed to help you sleep soundly!

by Irish on May 11, 2009 at 03:13 PM

Ok what happened to 30 Rock? Where have 7 hidden it now?
Speaking of product placement Darren, a certain phone maker and a pissweak brewer must be happy to know that they will survive for a couple hundred more years. I am not sure what impressed me more about JJ Abrams version of Star Trek - his reinvention of the series or finding a way to spruik products in a sci-fi movie set that far in the future?

by Cat on May 11, 2009 at 03:59 PM

Ah Ha!! I see what they're getting at!
In good economic times, people blow their dough on improving (whatever that actually is...) what they believe to be their biggest asset - hence the abundance of reno shows. In tougher economic times, the networks can fall back on grabbing viewers more interested in a well fed stomach, than forking out a bundle on a risk that may not yield hoped for returns in a depressed housings market.
I know I'd much rather eat well while living in a dump, than starve just so I could live in a mansion...
Cathy wrote: "what are they trying to tell the Mums & Dads - lollies are a good alternative first thing in the morning!"
Either that, or the Dental Surgeons Association of Australasia has found a subtle way of getting parents to spend part - if not all; of their Government handouts on getting patients back into the dentist's chair... :{

by Steve C on May 11, 2009 at 04:07 PM

TG-A: definitely an improvement over last year. Now they actually look like they are having fun, with no one trying to top them all. James is a damned good investment and hopefully will produce further dividends for the show.
GNW: bugger me, it was actually funny last night. Don't know who the American comedian was (watched a bit of the new SBS show "A Day in the life, or whatever), but he and Adam Hills on the coach, and Mr Amos with AH ..... in jokes, out jokes and just outrageous.

by Furlozza on May 11, 2009 at 08:32 PM

Well that just shows how successful that product placement was for 'Home Aid' when I can't even remember the brand. It could've been a Ford Commodore for all I know. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't product placement supposed to be unnoticable and not like on '30 Rock' with Snapple and GE?
Re Cameron Williams (aka The World's Most Tedious Human), if only he was as witty and interesting as a sheet of paper. The lollies on the counter are there to keep people watching while he's on ("Oh shit, Cameron Williams is explaining why a joke should be funny, I'm going to change channels...wait! They've got lollies!").....
'MasterChef' was suspensful last night. I dont know what a Tarta Tatin is but boy is it scary.

by darren on May 12, 2009 at 06:00 AM

I can answer that question for you beckala. NRL seems to be winning the ratings war.

I guess viewers have deciced that all the other rugby league players and fans are not responsible for the actions of a few idiots who should not even be in the game.

by bobmar28 on May 12, 2009 at 06:59 AM

Cameron Williams needs to go! That or get a personality transplant. Can't stand the guy.

Top Gear Oz style was ok.I think James Morrison does a good job but it just seems to be trying too hard or something. It may get better but I really don't know why we had to have an Oz version anyway. Seems totally unnecessary to me.

Cat, I haven't seen the new Trek yet but hope to get there this week. Will look out for the product placement you mentioned.
Caught Wolverine last week and thought it pretty good but not as good as the other X Men movies. Also saw "The boat that Rocked" . Now that is a top film and a great soundtrack. My son bought me the CD for Mum's day and it is brilliant. Highly recommend it for anyone who loves 60s music. Great stuff.

by em on May 12, 2009 at 07:28 AM

I'm going to stick with Top Gear oz, they approached the show a bit differently & James is an improvement. They certainly stack the people in for the filming. Spooks seems to be going over the top & very convaluted.
I've hit a blank trying to describe an A4 piece of paper.

by PJ453 on May 12, 2009 at 09:43 AM

Seeing (and hearing) the product placement in Star Trek has me wondering if there was any show you could not include a blatant plug? Could Mr Darcy, instead of stammeringly asking about Elizabeth's family, on seeing her at Pemberley tell her that the grounds were so fabulous because he uses Yates Liquid Fertiliser? Could David Attenborough plug SolarHeat as a way of saving the planet? By the way em the two I referred to occur in early Earth bound Kirk scenes.
I only visit this blog now when I need a question answered but alas that does not even work in the exceptional manner it use to.

Tribal Mind replies: In fact, it seems you only visit this blog now when you want to complain about it or tell us you don't visit it any more. What question did we fail to answer?

by Cat on May 12, 2009 at 10:01 AM

Only watched 1/2 of Top Gear Oz last night - was DVR'ing for the kids - what I saw was infinitely better than Season 1. Watched Scrubs instead, despite the fact I've watched right up to the series finale.

Missed GNW and disappointed I did because of AH. Watched 4 Corners instead. As a life long Biffo fan I'm stunned but strangely not surprised at the revelations. I didn't realise that Brian "Boo Hoo" Smith had swear words in him.

by Bereft Skerrick on May 12, 2009 at 10:03 AM

I enjoyed Scrubs last night.

The 'wedding' was well scripted, and the characterisation remains great. Although viewers must still be in puzzlement as to what the janitor's name is...

by arthur on May 12, 2009 at 10:43 AM

"The last Boston Legal EVER" last night on 7!? NOoooo....

"Gotta love" how they intimate they won't repeat the show to death at implausibly late time slots (not that different to the first release treatment it received from them there I suppose), while patently hoping their shoddy treatment ellicits the sort of viewer response they seem to think they can measure and manipulate.

Why can't the network boffins get it through their numb skulls, that happy and content viewers aren't complaining viewers. Just because the network gurus seem to feel we ought to be ringing them up with "congratulations" for doing something we like for once - and we don't rush to the nearest phone to do so, doesn't make the "goad the viewers into reacting" a worthy alternative for obtaining "realistic" viewer feedback.

It'd be nice to jerk some of the network programmers and executives around a bit for once in return for their treatment of viewers. "Oh, you might have ordered that fillet mignon Mr Stokes, but it has been reprogrammed for cooking way past your bedtime - but if you'd like to purchase one of our "save it for later" devices, you can enjoy it long after you would have liked to have had it."

Bet they wouldn't find such treatment all that funny...

by Steve C on May 12, 2009 at 10:56 AM

We have idiot football on Monday nights now here in Hick City (eight days a week doesn't seem enough for some people) and my two favourite shows - Boston Legal and 30 Rock - have disappeared. Does anyone have a clue where they might have ended up? No wonder more people are learning to download. If anyone has suggestions on how to transfer the download files onto DVD so that I can run them on my TV I'd be glad to hear about it.

by Rupert on May 12, 2009 at 10:57 AM

Rupert: Boston Legal and 30 Rock will return in Hick City (Melbourne?) next Monday. Plus, Melbourne is one week behind Sydney and Brisbane in terms of episodes for Scrubs, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers & Sisters.

by Johnson on May 12, 2009 at 12:05 PM

Rupert: 30 Rock should be back next week, and I guess that you'll get the Boston Legal finale as well. Apparently we here in NSW are getting some craptacular Celebrity Extreme Detox/Rehab/Bowel Motions/something similarly banal (or should that be anal).

Little to no fanfare about the Last Boston Legal Ever! down here on Prime. Mr Skerrick was quite surprised when I said it was the series finale.

I tend to refer to http://au.tv.yahoo.com/tv-guide/ for TV guide info.

BTW I have Windows DVD Maker which came as a part of my package when I upgraded computers at home 12 months ago. Burns onto DVD quite well.

David Attenborough doesn't pimp Solarhart, but Richard Morecroft does. At least on ads down here on the South Coast.

by Bereft Skerrick on May 12, 2009 at 12:20 PM

Mr Dale I disagree with your comment to Cat mainly because I agree with him about not getting a response to questions and more general comments. I also do not think he just complains but who would notice if he did? I have noticed a real tendency developing here for a few people to totally dominate the discussion to the exclusion of others. Quite a few regular contributors from the past seem to have moved on and the number of posts have dropped dramatically. Particularly if you consider the number of individuals who contribute. Given your comments perhaps those of us who want to drop by occasionally should do so silently or not bother any more. I doubt I will be the only one to take the second option.
Cat and Rupert I do not know what 7 has done with 30 Rock but I highly recommend downloading because you will also avoid the charming late night ads.

Tribal Mind replies: I'm worried that you say "to the exclusion of others". The only readers' comments I exclude from this blog are those which might subject the commenter to legal action for defamation or obscenity (two or three a day), or those which seek to advertise products (20 a day).
I don't favour any contributor over any others. I try to answer all questions, but there may be busy days when I don't notice a question buried in a long comment.
The "Who We Are Update" part of the blog is a reflection of its readers. The comments of Darren alone are worth the time it takes to click on this bookmark. Readers who wish the blog to be more entertaining should make it so by sending in entertaining comments.

by Harry on May 12, 2009 at 01:26 PM

Rupert, we use Nero for all our CD and DVD making (burning).
A free trial version is available, just Google "Nero".
Irish, I have the first 2 episodes of Harper's Island now, but will wait until I have more before I start watching. Three reasons - I hate having to wait a week between episodes (rotten memory for detail); I don't trust FTA TV stations (look how late The Office was last Sunday); and also I get sick & tired of fast forwarding through what seems like hours of ads. I got RSI of the thumb recently from a TEN program (NCIS).
Q: how come a silly car race was on TEN on Sunday night, when they have that TEN HD station dedicated to sports?
I was hoping I'd never see sports on TEN again! Silly me.

by Sal on May 12, 2009 at 01:32 PM

Rupert I think I read elsewhere that Melb was getting the last Boston Legal next monday (18 may). 30 rock was taken off for an AFL game - I too hope it will be back next week.
As much as programmers annoy me about how and when (if ever) they screen the shows I like I have to echo some comments from last week - at least Seven have screened all of Eli Stone and Boston Legal - and albeit a late time (10.30 or more) they are consistent.
Em I too liked Wolverine - at lot to do with our Hugh really and that The Boat that Rocked was a whole lot of fun. Off to support the Aussie film industry tonight - Samson and Delilah - will I agree with David and Margaret who gave it 5 out of 5?

by Cathy on May 12, 2009 at 01:34 PM

BTW, TM..... you mean you weren't able to find a publicity pic for TG-A series two but had to rely on an oldie??

Tribal Mind replies: Actually I was curious to see if anyone would notice.

by Furlozza on May 12, 2009 at 02:11 PM

I think it doesn't matter what the Janitor's name is anymore. I have a feeling once I learn it, it'll be a tad disappointing. It was a pretty good ep last night.
After a fine Boston Legal was peeved there was football. Maybe I should consult TV guide more.

by Kym on May 12, 2009 at 03:31 PM

Bereft Skerrick GNW is repeated after midnight on Sat or Sun night, which was good as I missed last week's ep and caught up that way.

by Susan on May 12, 2009 at 08:11 PM

I've seen The Star Trek film twice. The first time with only 5 other people in the cinema (First day at 4pm!!) Last night there was a whole row of people behind me who crinkled wrappers and talked for The Entire Film. Even in the silent parts. I loved it, in spite of the product placement. Think I might squeeze another viewing in this week. Should I see Wolverine???
I almost had a conniption when I read that the last ever Boston Legal was last night, and Scrubs too. I thought we had the football. Thank goodness I kept reading, it seems it will be on next week.

Tribal Mind replies: Alright, that clinches it. I'll do Saturday's column on the Star Trek movie, having done last Saturday's on Wolverine (click here to read it and comment).

by 2paw on May 12, 2009 at 09:05 PM

Maybe I should consult TV guide more," writes Kym.
----------------------------------------
Don't you actually mean search for one that isn't hopelessly incorrect, or being "updated", or screwed around with because there's "a special event"... like the constant "Budget Updates" that have thrown out program times by 30 minutes minimum tonight, for instance?
Consulting a diviner might yield more accurate results... or learn to love channel surfing!

by Steve C on May 12, 2009 at 11:03 PM

GNW is also available on-line from the ten website.

by Louise on May 13, 2009 at 09:22 AM

TBYG, or TAYG as Mr Micallef likes to call it, is not a one week wonder :) Much more fluid last night. Although Gen X wuz robbed!
Ta for that Susan I have seen it sometimes when I should be sleeping on early Sun AM, but since my sleeping patterns are stuffed up by the networks I'll probably catch it!
Oh dear, Borat is very unattractive man. Dear TM, please find a gratuitious reason to put up a picture of Colin Firth!

by Bereft Skerrick on May 13, 2009 at 10:14 AM

2paw, Yes, see Wolverine! It's good! It has a naked Hugh, always good!
And I'm off to Trek this weekend for sure. Not sure how I will take the new story though as I am an old Trekkie from way back. Shatner will always be Kirk to me.
Pushing Daisies last night was excellent again. Those on here that don't have Foxtel do yourselves a favour and buy it on DVD. Quirky but great storytelling and the most colourful sets I've ever seen. The colours astound me!

by em on May 13, 2009 at 10:14 AM

I haven't caught Home Made yet, but have become quite addicted to Masterchef. Mm...food.
Talkin'...Generation was better last night. The more I watch it, the more I'm saddened that there's no Newstopia. Oh well so long as there's Micallef somewhere.

by Kym on May 13, 2009 at 10:15 AM

Watched TBYG for the first time last night & found it clunky & only a few laughs, but anything was going to be better than the budget (even though it was just a rehash of everything that was "leaked"...damn those beaurocrates!!) Back to normal proceedings next week with a) 7:30 - watch something recorded, b) Foreign Corro at 8pm & then c) watch something recorded.

by PJ453 on May 13, 2009 at 10:49 AM

Haha, does anyone know what went on in that SBS Borat show?

by arthur on May 13, 2009 at 10:52 AM

I thought 'Ho? Maid?' would've rated through the roof last night given all the designers appeared with good ol' Eddie on 'Miyonaire HotSeat'.....isn't that the way it works? You spend heaps of money on a fatigued format, forgo the auditions and just get pretty people with no talent, get them all tickets to the Logies (haha that's looking so funny right now) and then cross-promote it every chance you get until evryone tunes in on Budget Night to turn it into a Hit. Works every time......
Boy are those actors.....sorry, Designers, dumb! They're as smart as ex Kmart catalogue models who've gotten tired of photo-shoots for trackie-daks and answered an ad in The Daily Stoopid for "up-and-coming designers (no talent necessary but must have pecs of steel or bits wot jiggle)".
Ended up Eddie had to give them $10000 to go away. Geez.
For all those recommending 'Wolverine', is there any reason a non-female (aka man) might want to see it?

by darren on May 13, 2009 at 11:20 AM

TM Do you have figures for Nine's Rerun of Underbelly last night and also for the late news specials on the budget? Cheers

Tribal Mind replies: Since I'm in trouble for failing to answer questions (but what questions were they?) I'd better tell you fast (and please say if you're disappointed with the service and how I can possibly do more to please you).
31 UNDERBELLY UNCUT -RPT Nine 420,000 157,000 120,000 67,000 76,000
33 NINE NEWS SPECIAL Nine 396,000 119,000 160,000 56,000 33,000 28,000
58 LATELINE BUSINESS-LE ABC1 202,000 69,000 70,000 34,000 24,000 5,000
60 WORLD NEWS AUSTRALIA LATE SBS 196,000 76,000 66,000 23,000 16,000 15,000
115 PARLIAMENT QUESTION TIME-PM ABC1 71,000 18,000 21,000 21,000 5,000 7,000
136 HOW TO DIVORCE WITHOUT SCREWING UP YOUR KIDS RPT ABC1 39,000 13,000 10,000 11,000 3,000 3,000

by Jason on May 13, 2009 at 11:22 AM

I didn't watch the Borat show more than 2 mins (though I did watch the great Cutting Edge special on American Debt - scary stuff) but near as I can figure it was a doco about a small eastern european village that was ridiculed in the Borat movie, I guess to show what life there was really like

by Jason on May 13, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Quoth em: "Shatner will always be Kirk to me."
While watching the new Star Trek movie, I did occasionally look at Sylar and think "yup, you grow up into Spock" but every time I tried to think of the new young Kirk as Shatner, I just got a mental image of Denny Crane instead.
Ah, Project From Hell at work finally finished, so have time to waste my time here again. Having said that, I haven't watched much TV for ages...
But Mr TQD did record the final "Boston Legal" for me (he's a definite keeper, I didn't even have to ask him in my many SMSes pushing back my finishing-at-work time later and later on Monday night...), and I really enjoyed it. I saw the first ep of "Merlin" many months ago on a downloaded copy and thought it was terribly silly, particularly Giles aka Uther chewing the scenery. But somehow I did make an effort to record ep #2 to watch... Many, many eps of Mad Men to catch up on (sigh). And a mate lent us "The Dresden Files" on DVD, and they're perfectly fine supernatural mysteries, but, well, the books were better.
And I really enjoyed the new Star Trek movie. Great fun. Didn't even notice the product placement, but now you mention it... Needed more Scotty, however.

Tribal Mind remarks: Thanks for that. Can I pass a remark: I'm delighted that some readers have moved from TV to movies. My hope for this blog was that it would be a forum for discussion of popular culture trends -- meaning TV, movies, songs, websites, magazines, clothes, CDs, tweets and anything else that caught people's attention. I live in hope that on Friday night, when I put up a preview version of the column (about Star Trek) that will appear in Saturday's Sydney Morning Herald, somebody will send in a comment --at the bottom of THAT column, not here.

by tqd on May 13, 2009 at 12:36 PM

Re the mini-bruhaha about 'comment-domination', if you're cranky and you know it, leave a comment. If you like, call me a nob. I can take it. I probably comment too much but it's only because I'm bored and I want to play and I find it amusing. A good ol' back-and-forth with someone about crap tellie is just the thing to banish those 3:30 blues I find.
In the words of Tim Minchin...."You don't eat pig. I don't eat pig. Why not not eat pig together?" (substitute "don't eat pig" with 'hate Eddie McGuire' or 'think Cameron Williams is a tool')....
Life's too short to be grumpy. Play instead.

by darren on May 13, 2009 at 02:40 PM

And I thought Cat was a girl....

by darren on May 13, 2009 at 02:42 PM

When this blog first started, we had a lot of pent-up anger to release!
Now here we are, still able to bitch about the same things,'cause nothing much's changed!
FTA stations still showing garbage in primetime, anthing half decent airs after 10pm, along with the slutty ads, late starts, etc etc.
TM, thanks for still providing a place for us to meet and have a bit of a bitch or whatever.
Most of us do not regard you as an employee by the way - we appreciate what you do, but make no further demands.
Please feel free to answer questions. Or not.

by Sal on May 13, 2009 at 03:07 PM

Life without snarking on this blog is like a fish without a bicycle. Seriously though, I don't think we appreciate TM enough for all of his unpaid effort on this blog. Even if he's mean to me sometimes!
So, thoughts on whether The (Lack Of) Footy Show will survive after the recent scandal?

by Bereft Skerrick on May 13, 2009 at 04:08 PM

Thanks everyone for the DVD making suggestions. Hick City isn't Melbourne (I love Melbourne) but Adelaide. Home of the nation's only newsworthy groin strain. Oh, and bush grave capital of the world; they love me for constantly pointing that out.

by Rupert on May 13, 2009 at 04:13 PM

TM can I echo Sal's comments I am always intrigued to see what has annoyed us this week and I promise when I see Star Trek I will comment on the Star Trek piece - and look for the product placement.
Also Darren I too thought Cat female not male - perhaps Harry knows better than us.
For Dr Who fans (and I do not know if this is a new ep or not) ABC has scheduled DR Who Planet of the Dead on Sunday 31 May at 7.30 pm.

by Cathy on May 13, 2009 at 04:17 PM

by darren on May 13, 2009 at 02:42 pm
Yeah, me too Derwood.
Has anyone seen the new Knight Rider yet? Gave up in disgust about half way through - didn't even wait for the token guest appearance from "The Hoff".

by Shoopie on May 13, 2009 at 05:07 PM

Shoopie: watched the Knight Rider movie last year. Except for the really pretty Mustang (and gratuitous Ford vehicle placement) it was MEH. Thinks it's a case of see The Hoff before he ends up cold on a slab with alkyhol poisoning.
ABC were advertising Dr Who during the break between Spicks & Specks & Gruen. Nice placement, wonder how it'll rate actually being in Ratings Season.
Derwood! Hehehehehehe.

by Bereft Skerrick on May 13, 2009 at 08:12 PM

I can't see the footy show surviving. I prefer the Barefoot Rugby League show on NITV.

by bobmar28 on May 14, 2009 at 05:35 AM

I agree with Sal! Thanks for all you do, TM! And there are days where I think I would be smashing my head against a desk in frustration if I didn't have the witty comments to read in my lunch break - particularly the other day when I was convincing my year 9 students that the movie Galipoli was NOT a documentary, and Mel Gibson was NOT alive in WWI, and for that matter, neither was Shakespeare. I wish I was exaggerating, but I was seriously asked those questions :-( So thanks to all of the regulars too!
There is a Knight Rider movie?! Dear god!
I can't see the Footy Show surviving. But I think that was already the case without the Matthew Johns issue - I was watching it last week, and some of the skits were just pathetic - the humour has just hit below rock bottom - just pathetic, immature and homophobic and it was only Mr Beckala's quick hands that stopped me throwing the remote at the tv... (Homophobia is my most hated thing - I spend my days trying to teach tolerance because kids these days can be judgemental so when shows like this make ridiculous comments and base entire scripts about how horrific it would be if someone had a gay brother, it makes me incredibly angry)
But also, after seeing Fatty patting Matthew Johns on the back with the smug "Well said, let's get on with the show" after his so-called "apology" - every time I see it my skin crawls - I think they have as many issues with Fatty as Matthew - i've seen a lot of people very angry about his (Fatty's) whole attitude who I think will vote with their feet - probably not this week, I think they'll get a lot of viewers because people want to see how they deal with this issue; but next week I can see people beginning to vote with their remotes. And hopefully it can just end!
I will be waiting with baited breath to see the ratings for ACA and then tomorrow for the Footy Show. Very interesting to see how this pans out - once again, Channel 9 are in major trouble.

by Beckala on May 14, 2009 at 07:04 AM

Saw the Star Trek movie and, despite the clunky product placement and the odd tendency for women to walk around in their underwear for no apparent reason, it was good. More emotionally than intellectually satisfying because the plot was quite pedestrian but the characterisation and acting was excellent.
Also, Spock is hot.

by genfie on May 14, 2009 at 07:50 AM

@ bobmar28
I sometimes accidentally stumble across the Barefoot Rugby League show but have no idea when it runs - what are the runtimes?
@ all
Also my previous question - does anyone know what went on in that SBS Borat show?

by arthur on May 14, 2009 at 08:36 AM

arthur asked: does anyone know what went on in that SBS Borat show?"
The program followed the trials and tribulations of the villagers of Glod, Romania as they attempt to clear their name after being unkindly portrayed
in Sacha Baron Cohen's famous 2006 film.
It appears little, on the surface, has changed two years after Baron Cohen's crew departed. The village still has no sewerage or running water, and few of the residents have regular work.

by TGO on May 14, 2009 at 09:55 AM

Arthur, as far as I know, the Borat show was about a village that was used as part of the Borat movie and they talked to some angry locals. Here is a link to a review from SMH:
http://media.smh.com.au/entertainment/the-guide/when-borat-came-to-town-510391.html
The text review is off the site, but this was left on there.

by Beckala on May 14, 2009 at 10:14 AM

re Beckala at 7.04am. Your comments on the footy show and Paul Vautin were spot on. Disgusting. Channel Nine really need to act to save any reputation they may have left with viewers and advertisers.
I watched Tracey Grimshaw's interview with Matthew Johns (first time I ever remember watching ACA actually), and thought her interview style and questions were quite powerful. He was pathetic.

by Suze on May 14, 2009 at 10:30 AM

actually david i dont agree. i think ten would be happy not having to pay a million dollars for each ep of tgyh and end up with lower ratings than the first 2 seasons. and also they have talk about your generation which is rating better and doesnt cost anywhere near what tgyh costs.

Tribal MInd replies: Indeed. But TGYH combined with TBYG and MC (that's MasterChef) could have made the difference this year between Ten staying at number three or bumping Nine from number two spot.

by ryan on May 14, 2009 at 11:44 AM

You're right Suze about Tracey Grimshaw's interview, it really was a good showcase of her skills and proof that she is a lot better than what she often has to deal with on her show. One of the best interviews I've seen in a long time.

by Paul on May 14, 2009 at 11:46 AM

Still a bit out of touch (there's been (another) football scandal, right?), but last night was my first "normal" night in a long time: not only was I home in time to chat with the kids during dinner & take them to bed, I got to have dinner with Mr TQD and then be driven absolutely NUTS by Channel 7 running late with Earl.
There are some things I didn't miss about TV the past few weeks.
And I'm trying to remember to go to this blog from the main page (instead of just using the autofill in my address bar) so I can see ALL the Tribal Mind glories. I might actually make a comment about movies at the right spot, if I can keep this up. :)
I loved Gruen's "Nine Out of Ten Experts". Awesome stuff.
And I got to see the Doctor Who promo too. Most excited, I do like my Who. Thanks for the screening date, Cathy!
Derwood, loving it.

by tqd on May 14, 2009 at 12:54 PM

Bereft, the Dr. Who is one of the specials on this year before we get a new Dr.
The Time Team on Tuesday night went to air in the UK on January 4 2009. And this time they are showing the shows in the same order as they were shown in the UK unlike the 2008 season which were all out of order.
For the Time team fans, here is the web site:
http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/T/timeteam/episode_guides/2009/index.html

by Gary on May 14, 2009 at 01:11 PM

Beckala, take a look at Annabel Crabb's article today re MattyJohnsGate. It's good.
And by the way you other two, I haven't been called Derwood for twenty years. Wasn't funny then. Not funny now. I'm deeply hurt and offended Shoopie and Bereft Skerrick (if those are your real names). Deeply.

by darren on May 14, 2009 at 01:18 PM

I hope the Footy show is put out of it's misery. I haven't watched in years and Paul Vautin has always been a tool (as my son would say!). The whole footy culture has to be changed, they all think their untouchable and can do what they like. I didn't see the interview last night between Tracey and Johns but I don't feel the least sorry for him. A bunch of boof heads with too much money and no brains. So I hope the Footy show's viewers show their utter comtempt and stay away.
TM, as some others have mentioned, I, too, am grateful to the time you spend editing and moderating our comments. It's great to have a forum to vent about our most hated/loved TV shows and the idiocy of the networks. Maybe we don't change anything but it's great to know we're not alone.
Reading this blog makes a nice break from my boring job. And seeing as I now have to work till I'm 67 (thanks, Mr Rudd) I need something to entertain me! It's also been a great way to learn about shows I may not have known about as my fellow bloggers (and you, TM!) have such good taste.

by em on May 14, 2009 at 02:00 PM

the new chaser promos are great!
i've seen one with gruen and one with summer heights high. both vgood.

by TG on May 14, 2009 at 02:02 PM

Et tu, tdq? (yes, I know but it rhymes that way). I'm getting schoolyard flashbacks...."Derwoood, Derrrrwoood..."
Speaking of movies, has anyone seen 'Samson and Delilah' yet (someone here siad they were going to). I'm thinking of going on the weekend. From what I've seen, and heard (from D & M) it's well worth it. 'Twill be interesting to see how it fares at Cannes (because we only exist if overseas people like our stuff). Maybe finally a movie that says something real about Australia (unlike 'Australia').

by darren on May 14, 2009 at 02:14 PM

Yes the latest Chaser ad promoted by Gruen was great. Also loving the SHH one. Anyone seen the canned ad for Gruen? Caught it last night and it is a debatable one.
The pic of Dr Who promo looks like both Michelle Ryan and David Tennant are too cool for school.
I've just gained quite some respect for Tracey Grimshaw and her interview techniques. That's interviewing. Now check out the ads ACA's running. They're really capturing the moment.

by Kym on May 14, 2009 at 02:30 PM

ok I know I'm a lot older but have I missed something ??? What's all the angst about fellows ?? Let's remember who the enemy are, the media & the commercial channels especially & as for you TM keep up the good work.
Darren 2 things, I thought Cat was a girl too & the Annabel Crabb article today is definitely worth a read, especially all those footballers who have too much money, too much time & certainly very little in the way of grey matter (oh & white matter as we learnt last week). As for The Footy Show....care factor of ZERO!!
Normal programming will continue shortly.....

by PJ453 on May 14, 2009 at 02:54 PM

Since I'm already popular with Derwood, may I suggest that Channel Nork could always replace Johns or Vautin with Cameron Willams.
I'll be over here ducking for cover.

by Bereft Skerrick on May 14, 2009 at 03:01 PM

Darren (and I will stick with Darren although other moniker did make me giggle). I was the one who said they were seeing Samson & Delilah this week and yes it does meet all the kudos it has been receiving - brilliantly shot and heart wrenching highly recommend you do take the trip to the cinema. Must say although I do think it says a lot about Australia those of us who are not the First Australians should be ashamed of what it does say. It really brings home the beauty and the harshness of the outback. I went on cheap Tuesday to the Dendy and the cinema was almost full - latecomers were heading for the front rows - a good thing for an Australian movie. Now this weekend is either Star Trek or Defiance - I gave my friends the choice - space action or drama with nazis.
I did not watch Four corners nor ACA last night so cannot offer my two cents on these shows however will echo others and say please read Annabel Crabb's piece - very well said.

by Cathy on May 14, 2009 at 04:07 PM

Thanks for the annabel suggestion, darren
Annabel was most enjoyable, a good read. RE: The Johns saga - Apparently TT is joining the fray - I have channel 7 on in the background (and i'll admit it, the remote is on the other side of the coffee table, and I just couldn't be stuffed getting up to get it mid-email!) and the ad announced on tonight's TT they were showing "the evidence channel 9 refused to air" and are apparently "naming and shaming the other players". Not sure how that works legally... but will probably give it a look. Dear god, on Deal or No Deal, some guy has just gotten out a guitar and the contestant is singing a personalised song about his 'deal' experience - is this show always this painful?!?!
Must admit, I got completely sucked in to the Chaser's SHH ad - got very excited at the thought - then realised I was a complete idiot! Sometimes I can be a sucker for advertising - Mr Beckala occasionally gets sucked in to wanting Hungry Jacks on a Friday, then last week I got sucked in by the new Red Rooster smoky bbq chicken burger. Sigh. Must be more aware, or will end up switching phones to telstra next time I see an ad for Home Made!

by Beckala on May 14, 2009 at 04:44 PM

Sorry, darren, I just couldn't help myself. I *loved* Bewitched as a child, even to the point of wanting to name a daughter Tabitha. Luckily I grew out of that phase before Miss Boo came along.
If it makes you feel any better, Turkey was my nickname applied by less-than-nice schoolyard "chums". Feel free to send some tortured childhood memories my way.
Haven't seen Samson & Delilah yet, but I'd really like to. I'd also really like to see Max & Mary.
And after all that boasting of finishing the Project From Hell, here I am still, working back late. Again. *sob*

by tqd on May 14, 2009 at 06:30 PM

yes david they might have won in ratings but infact the last 2 weeks, the last 30 mins of masterchef has beaten tgyh in all key demos.

Tribal Mind asks: Ah, the "key demos". Coincidentally, that's the phrase Ten uses in its press release every morning.

by ryan on May 14, 2009 at 08:11 PM

Ch 9 could use Jackie O as the replacement on the Footy Show. That should just about guarantee it will be finished for good.

by TGO on May 15, 2009 at 01:07 AM

Bereft Skerrick, that's great idea. Cameron Williams and 'The Footy Show' were made for each other ("He he he, what Fatty's trying to say Phil is, well, you see, chickens wouldn't normally cross the road just to get to the other side, but, unexpectedly, this particular chicken did, and that's why it's funny.. Coming up next, grown men dressed as women to divert attention from their latent homosexual tendencies.....you see, sometimes.....Well, I'll explain afterwards").....
Thanks for the review Cathy. I've seen the writer / director in a couple of interviews and he's got some good stuff to say. Smart guy.
Tqd, that's a scab better left unpicked (childhood).

by darren on May 15, 2009 at 05:59 AM

Arthur... The Barefoot Rugby League show is on 7.30pm Wednesdays and replayed at 3 pm Thursdays on NITV.

by bobmar28 on May 15, 2009 at 06:27 AM

Darren - see, I resisted the urge to call you Derwood, Dagwood or Dino - I am prostrate with grief that I may have unwittingly exposed a childhood scab. Please accept my most humble
apologies... Ok, enough grovelling.

by Shoopie on May 15, 2009 at 07:19 AM

Thanks for the recommendations about Samson and Delilah. I was considering seeing it and now I will.

by genfie on May 15, 2009 at 07:27 AM

Am off to see Star Trek tonight. Can't wait. For some reason that stupid old Star Trek song is in my head. You know the one, "Star Trekking across the universe, on the starship Enterprise under Captain Kirk"...........I was singing it out loud too and what's even scarier I seem to remember all the words! Sorry, people, it's been a long, long week. I think the stress is getting to me!!!!!
Darren & Bereft, Cameron Willams on the Footy Show! Perfect place for him that is if we have to have him on our screens at all.

by em on May 15, 2009 at 07:43 AM

TM, can we see the ratings for Private Practice last night? It was a double episode linked with Grey's Anatomy, and I'm interested to see if viewers stuck around, or whether they were too tempted by the biffo scandal. As for the Footy Show, is that an increase in ratings? Is it by much? Just wondering how the scandal affected it - will be very interested to see what happens to the numbers next week.

Tribal Mind replies: I was trying to keep the chart short so people running their eyes down it would get to S&S and TGT quickly. But I have now inserted PP.
Re TFS, it's an increase of about 200,000.

by Beckala on May 15, 2009 at 09:00 AM

Just a quick reminder to those who will record Bones, Castle or 24 on sunday night on Seven that they wont be broadcast in HD this Sunday so unless you want to record a mix of the Despos & Stone Phillips and Anne Curry then record on Seven Digital (7, 71, 72 or 73). I also thought that Cat was a miss. Darren did you have a witch of a mother-in-law?

by cpandilo on May 15, 2009 at 09:05 AM

Shoopie, did you just call me a scab? This getting offended stuff is fun, I'm starting to see why people wallow in it. Anyone who still retains the ability in 2009 to distinguish between prostrate and prostate is okay in my book. Live long and prosper.
I also answer to Dags, Dazzle, Daz, Dazza, Hey you, Maaate and Get out of my way Moron.

by darren on May 15, 2009 at 09:10 AM

Sorry TM - have to add something on movies again - to tqd - do see Mary & Max but if you are expecting a light hearted piece - don't. My description after seeing it was poignant - no other ones fit. Tissues may also be required depending on how emotional you get. That said it is worth seeing.
On TV don't know if there are others still watching Heroes but I have to say it is better than the previous season - am quite intrigued with it. And genfie - Spock in the new Star Trek may be hot (will know once I see it - friends voted for Defiance this weekend) but he will always be Sylar to me.

Tribal Mind replies: No need to apologise for discussing movies here. Anything about popular culture is fine. But I hope you will comment on the Saturday column about Star Trek when I put up a sneak preview at 6pm tonight.
Do you consider Sylar hot?

by Cathy on May 15, 2009 at 09:27 AM

No TM - I find him (Sylar) very scary and his eyebrows are a work of art! Will definitely read your column on Star Trek and comment when have seen movie.

Tribal Mind remarks: So are Spock's. Zach Quinto may become typecast as the eyebrow king.

by Cathy on May 15, 2009 at 10:04 AM

Quoth Tribal Mind: Ah, the "key demos". Coincidentally, that's the phrase Ten uses in its press release every morning.
*snort* I almost laughed coffee out my nose then.
In response to your question: I usually actually catch S&S/Gruen on Thursday night, as Wednesday night is usually a busy social night. This week was all topsy-turvy though, so I did manage to see them on Wednesday. I don't bother recording them because I already record too much, and I don't mind if I miss them. They're great entertainment, but they're hardly to be savoured like my dramas, and need the luxury of recording and then ffwd'ing through the ads.
Cathy, I was aware that Mary & Max would be sad in places - I did shed a tear or too during Harvey Krumpet as well. But thanks for the warning!
I forgot Heroes was back. I haven't finished watching last season anyhow (I do record too much). We recorded a few eps, but missed some, so finally gave up, deleted the ones we'd recorded and vowed to get them on DVD when we had time.

by tqd on May 15, 2009 at 10:29 AM

em: I have "Star Trekkin" on vinyl by "The Firm". I am sure I also have "Doctorin' The Tardis" by The Time Lords somewhere.
Was doing a "cull" of the Jr Skerrick toy collection last night so got trapped watching Grey's Boreatomy. What a bunch of sourpusses! Would it be too much to wish for a helicopter to cut them all to bits or fall on them a la ER?
I did however turn over to Channel Nork to see them attempt to milk the ratings on The Footy Show. Apparently early in the day Fathead called the incident "a shebang". Not a good career move.
Watched the boorish AFL show later in the evening . I'm not sure which of the Footy Shows has the most asshats.
Caught some strange movie at midnight on 7HD with Christopher Meloni from L&O and John MCGinley from Scrubs with a Kojak haircut! When the boss asked if they'd met I filled in the dialogue. "I'm Dr Cox, you must be Judy? Re-heee-heee-ly!"

by Bereft Skerrick on May 15, 2009 at 10:41 AM

Dear TM, I believe Zach Quinto shaved off his eyebrows for the role of Spock and the eyebrows in the film are 'stunt' eyebrows!!!!
Em, thanks for the Wolverine advice. Huge Ackman naked may be the only thing to recommend the film thus far.
I am looking forward to watching Castle, though it may not screen here in this 'hick' town!! I did watch the first 13 minutes online at Castle's Network, whichever one it is, and Susan Sullivan is pretty great, as well as Nathan Fillion.(who will always be Captain Tightpants to me)

by 2paw on May 15, 2009 at 11:03 AM

Zachary Pinto is the only actor with eyebrows large enough to be hacked away to reveal the hidden Vulcan but they reportedlay just shaved 'em off and stuck on some prosthetics. A missed opportunity for product placement if ever there was one (Mr Spock uses Nads).
Also thinking of going to see 'Synecdoche' (but only if I can learn to pronounce it) because Charlie Kaufman is a god and 'Gommorah' because after 'The Sopranos' and 'The Wire' I've developed a disturbing interest in organized crime.
Cpandilo, I'm never had the misfortune to find myself married so my MIL is non-existent (the best kind, boom tish).. That's my token stereotype joke for the day.
Next week I'm taking a vow of silence. Maybe.

by darren on May 15, 2009 at 11:15 AM

TM - I watch Spicks & Gruen on a thursday if I missed it on a Wednesday. It's good knowing that it is on again the next day as it means if you've got something on on a Wednesday, you won't miss the show! Also if it is a particularly good episode, you can watch it again!

by PeteC on May 15, 2009 at 12:29 PM

What's his head from The OC is the Eyebrow King! You know, the guy who played the dad! The lawyer guy who rescued the street waif! Don't know his name 'cos I never watched it, but HE is the Eyebrow King!If you need me I'll be in front of my TV at 7:30pm watching my beloved Dragons pummel the Woof Woofs.

Tribal Mind asks: And will you watch the rapes afterwards?

by Bereft Skerrick on May 15, 2009 at 01:05 PM

2paw, Mr TQD was terribly excited about Castle - he couldn't remember the name, but did mention "Captain Tightpants" and we swore we'd be watching. I doubt his pants will be nearly as form-fitting however.
And, Bereft Skerrick, I'd just gotten "The Girl From Ipanema" out of my brain, and now I've got "Doctoring the Tardis" stuck in there! The pain, the pain.
darren, Margaret & David managed to pronounce it, and it sounded nothing like how it was spelt (sy-neh-dickie, almost). I'm sure the good people at the Dendy will hear all manner of different versions of the name. It did sound good too, but when am I going to find the time to see all these movies???
Finally (I hope, but it is Friday afternoon after all), I agree that Sylar is one scary creation, but Spock is rather, well, yummy.

Tribal MInd replies: Alright, I give in. I've put up tomorrow's column now. with pic of both. Let me know if you'd like it bigger.

by tqd on May 15, 2009 at 01:14 PM

Inspector Lynley owns eyebrows! I thought he and the OC guy were related (I think the name is Peter Gallagher). There are so many good films out there, but I never seem to make them. Tulpan was on the top of my list.

by Kym on May 15, 2009 at 04:18 PM

Um...at least Matthew Johns got rid of the damn swine flu off the telly!!!!

by Mintpatty on May 15, 2009 at 08:45 PM

Good point, Mintpatty!! Matthew Johns also managed to distract people from the budget too! I wonder if any other news stories are going by, unnoticed, thanks to the NRL scandal!!

by Beckala on May 15, 2009 at 09:32 PM

Watch the rapes afterwards? Are you for real? What an insult.

Tribal Mind asks: An insult to whom?

by bobmar28 on May 16, 2009 at 07:35 AM

Hi TM, could you add the ratings for the Eurovision Song Contest SF1 last night on SBS.

Tribal Mind replies: Gees, just when I thought I'd covered all the footy fans. But thanks for reminding me -- it gave me an excuse to use a pic of the glorious Zemiro.

by Nick on May 16, 2009 at 10:24 AM

TM: I'm sure the Biffo boys behaved themselves last night under closer scrutiny. The Dragons boys moreso since they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and didn't want to push their luck.
A new one for tqd: Aga-doo-doo-doo push pineapple shake the tree! (insert maniacal laugh).

by Bereft Skerrick on May 16, 2009 at 10:26 AM

i wonder how nrl would rate in melb if it were shown live?
37k at midnight is actually good, afl gets smashed in sydney and bris each week and get they pursist.

by marshall on May 16, 2009 at 10:49 AM

Ms Skerrick, you are just plain CRUEL.
Mr Dale, thank you for the Eurovision ratings. Can you please repeat them for tonight's second semi-final and tomorrow's final? I unfortunately missed the start of last night's semi-final (wah! Czechoslovakia and Belgium looked like quintessential Eurovision songs!) but haven't laughed so hard in ages while watching Bulgaria's entry. Quoth Mr TQD: "I am Gaydar, fourth level bard/thief!". Well, maybe you had to be there (and have had a glass of wine or two), but I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe.

by tqd on May 16, 2009 at 11:55 AM

Hooray for Eurovision! Corn, cheese and everything else tasty, it has it all. Tqd, you can check contestants out at: http://www.sbs.com.au/eurovision/
Am missing Terry Wogan's spot on commentary though.

Tribal Mind asks: Are you saying something against the sainted Zemiro?

by Kym on May 16, 2009 at 03:01 PM

An insult to the 99% of decent rugby league players and fans.

Tribal Mind replies: Sorry, I should have said "watch the group sex afterwards".

by bobmar28 on May 17, 2009 at 07:01 AM

Wow. 23,000 for Friday Night Footy from 2-2.45am early on Saturday morning. Certainly better than previous weeks. Disappointing Saturday Night Footy figure 'specially considering the great match last night. Hope these close games happen more often and more Sydney viewers start watching this great Aussie game. I hope we can see some 100,000 viewer games soon here in Sydney. I also like the promotion of AFL by Ten. Go Swans!

by cpandilo on May 17, 2009 at 09:42 AM

Tribal Mind replies: Sorry, I should have said "watch the group sex afterwards".
--------------------------------------
Rather than watching the hormonal girlies in the crowd at the matches frantically waving their signs with "marry me now" or "I'll do anything with you" like barely disguised admissions of how much they don't mind the thought of getting a worthy banging (worthy of a decent media deal if a ring isn't forthcoming from at least one of their targets that is) from either their favourite player or their favourite team?
Perhaps it is the main course that is more appealing to some people when it comes to lampooning, rather than their admitting the power of the 'entree' in easing one's way into the main courses.

by Steve C on May 17, 2009 at 11:25 AM

Why on earth would the second Eurovision semi-final rate about double the first Eurovision semi-final? It's pretty much the same stuff (but all the most tragic acts were in the first one, by what I assume was some sort of fluke). And there was many more people in the auditorium on the second night too. I shall assume it's just on at a better viewing time.
And I do love Ms Zemiro, I think she's talented and gorgeous, but I miss Mr Wogan still. He was perfect.
And a clash tonight, between the Eurovision final and Captain Tightpants! There will be some shuffling between channels and watching Eurovision on timeshift in order to fit it all in. How annoying.

by tqd on May 17, 2009 at 01:18 PM

SCRUBS NEWS - ABC in the US has renewed Scrubs for a 9th season. Zach Braff and Sarah Chalke will be in the first 6 episodes, with Donald Faison (Turk), John C McGinley (Dr Cox) and Neil Flynn (Janitor) apparently sticking around for the entire season. (in the interests of referencing fairly, my information was from perezhilton.com). Judy Reyes who plays Carla hasn't been signed up but is apparently available for guest roles. I'm guessing Christa Miller will be there til the end, as she's married to Bill Lawrence. But the idea is, Zach and Sarah will be playing a major part in the transition to the new format, with I guess John, Donald and Neil taking on the major roles in the new format. Apparently it could change formats - rather than being a single camera it could be turned into multi camera, which will give it a completely different feel. I'm not sure if the new interns will take on the major roles with the three veterans as mentors only... Mystery as to the form it would take.

I just watched the Janitor's wedding double episode the other night (we have so many tv commitments on Mondays that I have to record) and thought it was fantastic! But it was the exception of the season. I haven't really liked some of the episodes - Bill Lawrence's commitment to giving every cast member 2 episodes off means (for me) it was really uneven - weird teaming up of characters, and too much attention on the interns who were annoying at times. I don't think these characters have it in them to last a whole season alone. And Dr Cox without JD... I just can't see myself viewing past Zach Braff's last episodes. And from what so many people have said who have seen the last episode, is that it ended perfectly (I think Ms Skerrick, you were one who made that comment - apologies if I was mistaken!). I just can't see Scrubs without Zach. He has such a huge influence within the show - quite often, he's directing, he's choosing the music, he is of course the voice of Scrubs... As much as i'm a fan (huge fan, I would state that it is my favourite show), I would prefer to end it season 8...

by Beckala on May 17, 2009 at 07:38 PM

cpandilo@may17.100,000 viewers for the swans? Talk about wishful thinking.

by bobmar28 on May 18, 2009 at 06:31 AM

Re: the news that Scrubs has been renewed - a remark from Mr Skerrick. WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT? My opinion? I'm torn. The last episodes did end it perfectly (I don't think I did say it Beckala but I probably thought it) and so much is tied up by the end of the show (I don't think I'm spoiling anything). Yes I'll be a sucker and watching it of course.

by Bereft Skerrick on May 18, 2009 at 08:15 AM

TM - Do you have any figures about how the ANZ Netball Season games are rating on C10? C10 usually show a game every Sunday Afternoon form 2-4pm. And would you also know weather or not the ratings on 10 was the same/more/less than what Netball were getting on the ABC?

Tribal Mind replies: NETBALL: ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2009 LIVE (Ten) got 25,000 in Sydney 36,000 in Melbourne, 18,000 in Brisbane and was not shown in Adelaide or Perth. Sorry, no data on earlier sports.

by Sally on May 19, 2009 at 01:02 PM

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