The Who We Are update: Week 30

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

This forum is now a heritage item - worth studying but no longer current. For the latest on Australian attitudes and media trends, go to blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.
To discuss Australia's best satires of all time, go to The Tribal Mind.
To find out how to become a republic and absorb New Zealand, go to Who We Are.

The ratings race, updated 10 am Monday
In the picture, you see Channels Seven, Nine and Ten. Once upon a time, Nine would have been the biggest fish. Now Seven is the one with the teeth. Channel Ten, which was looking for a while as if it could become the second-biggest fish, frittered away its advantage early in the week, and the prime time audience shares ended thus: Seven 29.3 per cent, Nine 24.3, Ten 22.4, ABC 17.6, SBS 6.3.

This was Pay TV's rather contorted account of itself: "Examples of the largest and the smallest winning margins were seen on subscription TV this weekend. In Live: NRL Raiders v Broncos, 270,000 viewers watched the Canberra Raiders trounce the Brisbane Broncos by 56-0, delivering the Brisbane team its biggest ever loss. In Live: AFL Sydney v St Kilda, 196,000 people saw the Saints beat the Sydney Swans by a single point after scoring a behind with 20 seconds left in the match. In other sport, 139,000 people watched Live: Cricket: Ashes: Day 2 Session 1, 129,000 saw Live: AFL: On the Couch and 101,000 subscribers watched Live: NRL Saturday Pre Game Show (all on FOX Sports).

"This week's episode of America's Next Top Model on FOX8 was watched by 123,000 viewers (210,000 with the Plus2 audience included). The Sunday night broadcast of NCIS on TV1 was seen by 116,000 people while Monday night's Law & Order on W was watched by 109,000 people. The new season of Deadliest Catch on Discovery Channel set a year-to-date record of 105,000 people, this week's episode of Project Runway Australia on Arena was seen by 99,000 people and Curious George on Nick Jr. had its best result of the year with an audience of 85,000.

"In week 31, STV channels represented 21.8% of all metropolitan viewing between 6am and midnight, 20.7% of all regional viewing and 57.1% of all viewing in subscription TV homes."

What Australia watched, week ending August 1
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,983,000 488,000 553,000 413,000 273,000 256,000
2 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,932,000 576,000 619,000 322,000 181,000 233,000
3 DANCING WITH THE STARS 9 Seven 1,619,000 476,000 451,000 324,000 170,000 197,000
4 TALKIN' 'BOUT YOUR GENERATION Ten 1,616,000 491,000 505,000 255,000 148,000 217,000
5 WORLD'S STRICTEST PARENTS Seven 1,595,000 486,000 425,000 319,000 170,000 195,000
6 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,565,000 462,000 394,000 330,000 159,000 220,000
7 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Ten 1,534,000 497,000 405,000 241,000 201,000 190,000
8 SURF PATROL Seven 1,510,000 432,000 423,000 306,000 163,000 186,000
9 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,469,000 496,000 375,000 278,000 149,000 171,000
10 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,464,000 454,000 419,000 251,000 165,000 175,000
11 THE CHASER'S WAR ON EVERYTHING ABC1 1,456,000 512,000 408,000 247,000 138,000 152,000
12 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,449,000 419,000 369,000 320,000 147,000 194,000
13 AIR WAYS Seven 1,412,000 415,000 371,000 270,000 164,000 192,000
14 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,410,000 461,000 404,000 283,000 129,000 132,000
15 MERLIN Ten 1,407,000 437,000 335,000 274,000 132,000 228,000
16 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,381,000 398,000 478,000 251,000 106,000 147,000
17 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,380,000 358,000 368,000 326,000 149,000 178,000
18 GETAWAY Nine 1,300,000 336,000 460,000 266,000 118,000 120,000
19 SEA PATROL -EP2 Nine 1,284,000 381,000 366,000 246,000 149,000 142,000
20 SEA PATROL -EP1 Nine 1,282,000 387,000 365,000 247,000 131,000 151,000
21 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,256,000 370,000 327,000 258,000 156,000 144,000
22 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,248,000 419,000 380,000 161,000 150,000 137,000
23 UNITED STATES OF TARA ABC1 1,235,000 413,000 371,000 189,000 123,000 139,000
24 AUSTRALIAN STORY ABC1 1,222,000 392,000 347,000 220,000 111,000 152,000
25 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,218,000 394,000 400,000 194,000 100,000 130,000
26 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,205,000 338,000 383,000 229,000 118,000 137,000
27 BONES Seven 1,176,000 336,000 311,000 250,000 146,000 131,000
28 NINE NEWS Nine 1,159,000 306,000 380,000 234,000 136,000 101,000
29 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Nine 1,151,000 312,000 371,000 248,000 104,000 116,000
30 RUSH Ten 1,147,000 325,000 439,000 159,000 106,000 117,000
31 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,125,000 310,000 350,000 245,000 118,000 101,000
32 20 TO 1 Nine 1,118,000 319,000 327,000 227,000 125,000 120,000
33 NCIS EP 2 RPT Ten 1,097,000 282,000 323,000 197,000 133,000 162,000
34 NCIS RPT Ten 1,079,000 272,000 319,000 202,000 129,000 157,000
35 M-FINDING NEMO Seven 1,073,000 338,000 267,000 220,000 114,000 134,000

36 ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? Ten 1,064,000 345,000 304,000 179,000 109,000 127,000
37 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS Nine 1,058,000 313,000 301,000 177,000 133,000 135,000
38 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,056,000 301,000 342,000 165,000 131,000 117,000
39 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,046,000 349,000 279,000 186,000 103,000 130,000
40 THE AMAZING RACE Seven 1,032,000 272,000 318,000 201,000 119,000 121,000

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,380,000 358,000 368,000 326,000 149,000 178,000
2 M-FINDING NEMO Seven 1,073,000 338,000 267,000 220,000 114,000 134,000
3 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS Nine 1,058,000 313,000 301,000 177,000 133,000 135,000
4 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,056,000 301,000 342,000 165,000 131,000 117,000
5 ABC NEWS-SA ABC1 938,000 284,000 273,000 197,000 89,000 94,000
6 THE BILL ABC1 834,000 249,000 235,000 131,000 95,000 124,000
7 SATURDAY NIGHT AFL Ten 810,000 129,000 370,000 105,000 115,000 90,000
8 SUPERMAN RETURNS Nine 792,000 318,000 187,000 124,000 88,000 74,000
9 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SAT Ten 763,000 156,000 280,000 122,000 105,000 99,000
10 EAST OF EVERYTHING ABC1 749,000 237,000 187,000 158,000 74,000 93,000
15 SATURDAY AFTERNOON AFL Ten 576,000 53,000 290,000 21,000 139,000 74,000
83 SIMPLY FOOTY Ten 70,000 70,000
125 VFL FOOTBALL 2009-PM ABC1 36,000 36,000
132 RUGBY UNION: SHUTE SHIELD (NSW) 2009-PM ABC1 32,000 32,000
133 RUGBY LEAGUE: (QLD) 2009-PM ABC1 31,000 31,000
164 WAFL LIVE LEAGUE FOOTBALL 2009-PM ABC1 16,000 16,000
170 THE SANFL-PM ABC1 12,000 12,000
173 NINE'S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL LATE Nine 12,000 5,000 1,000 5,000
182 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 18: NORTH MELBOURNE VS CARLTON Seven 8,000 3,000 4,000
(OZTAM preliminary ratings, mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,464,000 454,000 419,000 251,000 165,000 175,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,427,000 409,000 340,000 344,000 147,000 187,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,307,000 356,000 311,000 331,000 141,000 168,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,124,000 328,000 258,000 267,000 150,000 119,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,039,000 258,000 351,000 223,000 123,000 84,000
6 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,021,000 265,000 319,000 211,000 104,000 123,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 995,000 269,000 302,000 218,000 124,000 83,000
8 ABC NEWS ABC1 964,000 343,000 260,000 156,000 93,000 112,000
13 NINE'S LIVE FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 683,000 387,000 296,000
15 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 678,000 213,000 163,000 143,000 79,000 80,000
17 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 18: NORTH MELBOURNE VS CARLTON Seven 641,000 18,000 387,000 14,000 121,000 101,000
19 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Ten 625,000 207,000 165,000 110,000 79,000 64,000
22 THE 2009 ASHES: TEST3 DAY2 S1 SBS ONE 522,000 164,000 163,000 74,000 63,000 58,000
32 NINE'S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Nine 351,000 200,000 150,000

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,498,000 441,000 391,000 310,000 149,000 206,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,398,000 398,000 365,000 316,000 135,000 183,000
3 GETAWAY Nine 1,301,000 336,000 460,000 266,000 119,000 121,000
4 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,217,000 329,000 345,000 255,000 147,000 141,000
5 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,210,000 361,000 391,000 221,000 112,000 125,000
6 RUSH Ten 1,147,000 325,000 439,000 159,000 106,000 117,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,133,000 305,000 391,000 224,000 100,000 113,000
8 20 TO 1 Nine 1,117,000 319,000 327,000 227,000 125,000 119,000
9 NINE NEWS Nine 1,111,000 309,000 367,000 208,000 123,000 105,000
10 THE AMAZING RACE Seven 1,032,000 272,000 318,000 201,000 119,000 121,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,013,000 344,000 251,000 196,000 104,000 117,000
12 THE FOOTY SHOW Nine 957,000 214,000 390,000 146,000 97,000 112,000
13 DOUBLE TAKE Seven 942,000 294,000 230,000 190,000 109,000 118,000
17 TV BURP Seven 846,000 261,000 231,000 143,000 113,000 97,000
18 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT Ten 835,000 223,000 265,000 170,000 80,000 96,000
21 NEIGHBOURS Ten 786,000 203,000 274,000 132,000 80,000 97,000
23 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 767,000 186,000 282,000 149,000 67,000 82,000
24 TRUE BEAUTY Seven 743,000 254,000 235,000 73,000 94,000 87,000
41 THE 7PM PROJECT DAY RPT Ten 339,000 81,000 95,000 72,000 47,000 44,000
74 PLONSTERS-AM ABC1 161,000 65,000 46,000 25,000 14,000 11,000

The ratings race, updated 10am Thursday
One door closes, another opens. The Chaser ends, but ushers in the stunning dramedy United States of Tara, in which Toni Collette gets to play four characters who inhabit the one body. That helped to give the ABC 22.4 per cent of the prime time audience last night -- well ahead of Ten's rapidly diminishing share.

With three more ratings days to go, the scores for the week stand at: Seven 29.7 per cent, Ten 23.9, Nine 23.0, ABC 17.4, SBS 6.1. Nine looks like coming in second for the week, not through any successes of its own (look at Australia's Perfect Couple in the chart) but because Ten has nothing after Tuesdays.

The 7pm Project has only 30,000 more viewers to lose before it reaches the point at which Taken Out got Yasmined.

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,629,000 477,000 436,000 331,000 158,000 226,000
2 WORLD'S STRICTEST PARENTS Seven 1,595,000 486,000 425,000 319,000 170,000 195,000
3 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,459,000 493,000 372,000 277,000 148,000 170,000
4 THE CHASER'S WAR ON EVERYTHING ABC1 1,452,000 510,000 406,000 247,000 137,000 151,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,425,000 451,000 355,000 274,000 144,000 200,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,329,000 433,000 347,000 249,000 156,000 143,000
7 UNITED STATES OF TARA ABC1 1,276,000 427,000 381,000 198,000 127,000 143,000
8 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,275,000 334,000 432,000 225,000 118,000 166,000
9 NINE NEWS Nine 1,166,000 296,000 377,000 233,000 148,000 113,000
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,143,000 302,000 352,000 269,000 115,000 106,000
11 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,081,000 324,000 313,000 181,000 129,000 134,000
13 RPA Nine 1,014,000 282,000 343,000 180,000 96,000 113,000
14 THE ALL NEW SIMPSONS WED Ten 1,005,000 270,000 300,000 195,000 98,000 142,000
22 NEIGHBOURS Ten 827,000 212,000 242,000 148,000 109,000 116,000
23 AUSTRALIA'S PERFECT COUPLE Nine 762,000 237,000 269,000 126,000 55,000 76,000
25 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 701,000 175,000 205,000 146,000 77,000 98,000
26 AT THE MOVIES ABC1 635,000 236,000 210,000 70,000 61,000 58,000
71 PRISON BREAK Seven 181,000 42,000 69,000 19,000 30,000 22,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Wednesday
This column asked the Channel Ten publicist responsible for 7PP if Ten was planning any changes in the light of the ratings collapse. He said no, and Ten would give it time to find an audience. "It's a slow-build kind of show," he said. More like fast-demolish, I'd have thought. 7PP's slight gain last night can be explained by people switching on early for Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, which should be on at 7pm five nights a week.

The prime time audience shares stand at: Seven 30.0 per cent, Ten 25.4, Nine 22,5, ABC 15.8, SBS 6.2.

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS Seven 1,926,000 574,000 618,000 322,000 181,000 232,000
2 TALKIN' 'BOUT YOUR GENERATION Ten 1,616,000 491,000 505,000 255,000 148,000 217,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,572,000 482,000 372,000 323,000 162,000 234,000
4 SURF PATROL Seven 1,505,000 431,000 419,000 305,000 163,000 187,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,479,000 441,000 372,000 318,000 151,000 198,000
6 AIR WAYS Seven 1,414,000 416,000 371,000 270,000 165,000 192,000
7 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,311,000 386,000 350,000 247,000 165,000 163,000
8 ALL SAINTS Seven 1,262,000 423,000 385,000 164,000 151,000 140,000
9 NINE NEWS Nine 1,222,000 315,000 402,000 261,000 154,000 90,000
10 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,132,000 326,000 321,000 226,000 131,000 127,000
11 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,130,000 297,000 351,000 254,000 133,000 95,000
16 GRAND DESIGNS ABC1 975,000 310,000 262,000 158,000 111,000 134,000
18 NEIGHBOURS Ten 809,000 260,000 233,000 121,000 102,000 92,000
20 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 786,000 207,000 260,000 133,000 93,000 92,000
23 THE SIMPSONS Ten 759,000 209,000 212,000 108,000 105,000 125,000
25 20 TO 1 -TUE Nine 676,000 192,000 222,000 121,000 64,000 76,000
26 THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE Nine 654,000 178,000 217,000 138,000 55,000 66,000
53 LIBERAL RULE SBS ONE 241,000 126,000 48,000 30,000 13,000 25,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Tuesday
Until 8.30 this morning, Channel Ten could console itself with the possibility that the plummeting audience for The 7pm Project happened because many viewers under 40 go out on Thursday and Friday nights. When Monday's ratings data arrived, it became apparent that the under-40s are actively avoiding The 7pm Project. Programs immediately before it and after it get many more viewers.

Go to Comments to tell us why you think 7PP has turned off so many. I mean, it's not THAT bad. Is it because Dave Hughes tries so hard he has now morphed from likeable to annoying? Is it because the newsreader imagines she can be as witty as Hughes and Charlie Pickering? Or is it because Ten failed to make use of what could have been the show's biggest asset: Ruby Rose?

In case you're wondering who is in the picture that accompanies this text, it's Yasmin. Remember her? Channel Ten does. It also remembers Taken Out, another 7pm project which got axed when it sank to 670,000. 7PP has 90,000 viewers still to lose before it reaches the limit of Ten's patience and gets taken out and Yasmined.

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,700,000 502,000 429,000 343,000 180,000 246,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,626,000 446,000 436,000 360,000 165,000 219,000
3 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,382,000 396,000 482,000 252,000 105,000 147,000
4 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,370,000 409,000 438,000 259,000 122,000 143,000
5 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,301,000 378,000 337,000 271,000 161,000 155,000
6 SEA PATROL -EP2 Nine 1,289,000 383,000 368,000 247,000 148,000 142,000
7 SEA PATROL -EP1 Nine 1,279,000 385,000 365,000 247,000 131,000 151,000
8 NINE NEWS Nine 1,238,000 353,000 398,000 245,000 130,000 112,000
9 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,217,000 394,000 400,000 194,000 100,000 130,000
10 AUSTRALIAN STORY ABC1 1,214,000 389,000 345,000 219,000 109,000 151,000
13 ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? Ten 1,064,000 345,000 304,000 179,000 109,000 127,000
16 GOOD NEWS WEEK Ten 992,000 261,000 302,000 179,000 117,000 134,000
17 TEN NEWS AT FIVE Ten 960,000 273,000 276,000 165,000 108,000 139,000
21 THE SIMPSONS Ten 868,000 239,000 263,000 142,000 114,000 110,000
25 TOP GEAR RPT SBS ONE 767,000 194,000 229,000 152,000 98,000 95,000
26 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 764,000 231,000 212,000 149,000 71,000 101,000
28 SPOOKS ABC1 633,000 197,000 195,000 89,000 69,000 82,000
29 SUPERNATURAL Ten 573,000 180,000 152,000 102,000 58,000 81,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

The ratings race, updated 10 am Monday
Even without MasterChef, Ten managed to humiliate Nine again last night. The prime time audience shares were: Ten 29.8 per cent, Seven 29.7 per cent, Nine 21.3, ABC 13.7, SBS 5.6. Dancing With The Stars enjoyed a resurgence, but Seven could not compete with Ten's two final treats for all the kids about to return to school: Merlin and Night At The Museum. It's true that movies no longer work on television, except sometimes ...

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,975,000 488,000 553,000 413,000 265,000 256,000
2 DANCING WITH THE STARS 9 Seven 1,618,000 476,000 451,000 324,000 170,000 197,000
3 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Ten 1,524,000 494,000 402,000 240,000 200,000 189,000
4 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,408,000 461,000 403,000 283,000 129,000 132,000
5 MERLIN Ten 1,407,000 437,000 335,000 274,000 132,000 228,000
6 BONES Seven 1,166,000 333,000 309,000 248,000 145,000 130,000
7 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Nine 1,151,000 312,000 371,000 248,000 104,000 116,000
8 60 MINUTES Nine 979,000 252,000 324,000 197,000 87,000 120,000
9 CASSOWARIES ABC1 919,000 294,000 232,000 183,000 109,000 101,000
10 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC1 895,000 296,000 239,000 168,000 87,000 105,000
12 OCEAN'S THIRTEEN Nine 746,000 232,000 222,000 146,000 65,000 82,000
16 THE LAST ENEMY ABC1 566,000 175,000 163,000 91,000 74,000 63,000
17 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 17: ESSENDON VS RICHMOND Seven 557,000 7,000 314,000 58,000 101,000 77,000
18 NINE'S SUNDAY FOOTBALL Nine 541,000 349,000 191,000
39 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 17: ADELAIDE VS PORT ADELAIDE Seven 233,000 233,000
46 OCEAN'S ELEVEN -RPT Nine 213,000 56,000 66,000 43,000 25,000 23,000
48 LAS VEGAS Seven 208,000 74,000 Not shown 59,000 38,000 37,000
70 TOUR DE FRANCE 2009 HIGHLIGHTS SBS ONE 138,000 32,000 31,000 43,000 16,000 16,000
83 SUPER LEAGUE Nine 112,000 61,000 51,000
84 SEVEN'S AFL: RND 17: MELBOURNE VS SYDNEY Seven 111,000 65,000 47,000
119 NINE'S SUNDAY FOOTBALL LATE Nine 40,000 20,000 13,000 7,000
155 HILLSONG WITH BRIAN HOUSTON Ten 18,000 9,000 2,000 3,000 1,000 3,000

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

COMMENTS

does anyone know what has happened with Harper's Island. Moving it to some ungodly hour was bad enough but with only a few eps to go to removing it completely is just plain crap! anyone know if it's coming back? Sometimes you have to wonder if shows were given more than 1 or 2 eps chance of making an impact they might gain ratings. Leave 7PP alone and let it settle in as one example. I don't love it but I hate HAway and Enuf 2repeatmen already.

by Karen on July 27, 2009 at 08:49 AM

60 Minutes was plunging to new, embarrassing depths last night - footage of a lame Jackass style "escape artist" having electrical clamps ripped from his nipples and being punctured with hypodermic needles attached to electric trains...seriously. It should be renamed "60 minutes of freaks, beat-ups and celebrity puff pieces". A sign of how bad things are at 9: I have a friend who works for the network who is now actually laughed at when she says who she works for. As in quips like: "Ha...so can we blame you for that Dance Your Ass Off rubbish". Getting to the point where hapless employees are embarrassed to say who they work for is a bit average

by NK on July 27, 2009 at 09:56 AM

movies do work but the network has to show a not before seen movie

by ryan on July 27, 2009 at 10:17 AM

Re movies working - maybe it is "family friendly" times and movies that work. A night at the Museum starteda t 7.30 and finished at about 9.30, not too late for its target audience (or even parents that have an early start on a Monday!) I think Ten will go well with their 6.30 movie next Sunday.
Re Hey Hey revival - oh dear, what does this say about Channel Nine? If you look over their last few years - they relied on CSI for many years for thier rating success, then Ramsay, and now 2 and a Half Men. Not many new ideas. Beats me why they do not show the quality programs that they have in the vaults. Cannot be worse than what they are showing now.

by Louise on July 27, 2009 at 10:41 AM

Wow didn't expect DWTS to go so well after the finish of Masterchef. >1.6m vs my expectations of about 1.3m.
Rugby league also got a bit of a boost.

by arthur on July 27, 2009 at 10:58 AM

I think Channel NoNo is in the middle of some sort of Runaway Event like when cattle stampede or when you know, just the right amount of warmth and rainfall and the locusts go nuts or when you don't cap your farting cows and islands disappear in rising seas. There's going to be no escape without pain It doesn't matter what they try it's not going to work because people see them as desperate nobs who think we're all morons. I don't know what it will take to slap some sense into them. But reviving (exhuming) Hey Hey It's Saturday is a great start! That's what happens when you read too many surveys and don't use your own eyes and that thing whatsitcalled, brayn.
I went and seen 'Red Cliff' on Saturday. Pretty good. Very melodramatic and there was a voice-over at the start that sounded suspiciously Russell Crowish and nearly made me walk out but I stayed and it was spectacular if a little patchy. David Stratton was perzackly right.
Also watched the sixth season of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and it's better than ever.
I predict a Channel Ten win next Sunday too with a 6:30 showing of 'Eragon' to keep all the magic-and-dragon-starved kiddies and not-so-kiddies happy. They're making some good choices lately. Some...

by darren on July 27, 2009 at 11:23 AM

Hey Hey revival? Hmmm. Can we also expect a Burke's Backyard resurrection - he had a long, long segment on ACA on Friday. Actually, I reckon Burke's Backyard would be great to bring back, and I am sure it would rate well over 1m each week, which is more than most of 9's programs achieve nowadays. Not so sure about Hey Hey - that's one corpse you don't want to exhume!

by NK on July 27, 2009 at 11:46 AM

What, you mean only 111,000 people watched me freezing my face off at Manuka Oval for the Swans game? Had they shown the Auskickers at 1/2 time (who had an excuse for a low grade of skills) surely the ratings would have been in the millions to watch the Skerrick boys running around!

by Bereft Skerrick on July 27, 2009 at 11:58 AM

Quoth darren: "David Stratton was perzackly right."
David Stratton made me regret being a lazy arse and not getting to anything at the Film Festival. (Again.) Still, I do like a bit of spectacle, I will hopefully get a chance to see this one on the big screen.

by tqd on July 27, 2009 at 12:52 PM

It's one to see on the big screen, tqd. Like Stratto sid, there's two hours missing and it shows and in places it's kinda cloyingly patriotic and the Russell Crowish bit reminded me of Cecil B DeMille somehow but in the end, it's just A Beautiful Thing.
And then you get to go home on a bus with 30 people who don't seem to have showered recently and something sticky on the window. Sigh.

by darren on July 27, 2009 at 02:33 PM

Saw the new Harry Potter on the weekend. Thought it was a trifle long and not much happened. Still I guess it was a set up for the big finale. A little disappointing though.
TV last night was a somewhat lacklustre affair. Don't like DWTHasbeens and 60 mins didn't have a story to interest me. In fact, 60 mins is a mere shadow of it's former self. A big waste of space filled with celebrity fluff pieces and other non newsworthy stories. Nine keeps wondering what it's doing wrong. Well, for a start they could make 60 mins a hard hitting current affairs program again. And stop showing reality tripe from the US and show something besides Two and a half idiots. Maybe hire someone with a BRAIN to manage the place. Too much to ask I suppose.
As for Ten it seems to have found the right formula for Sunday nights with making it a family orientated night. They should keep that up as I think showing a family movie or family type show at the early time is a great move. Liked Glee last week and think Sundays would be a great night for it.

by em on July 27, 2009 at 02:46 PM

ah Darren the glory of public transport unless like me you commute by ferry - they may not always turn up on time but you can avoid many of the unwashed masses - fresh air is a wonderful thing.
I too think Ros from Spooks is much tougher than any others (except of course Buffy or Sydney (Jen Garner))

by Cathy on July 27, 2009 at 04:11 PM

I too saw Harry Potter on the weekend and agree that not much happend in it. My husband, who has not read the books came out very confused and wondering why there was no action. They cut an awful lot out of the book.
Weighing into the Catherine McClements debate - I can't stand her character on Rush. I'm all for strong women but the character is just unappealing, there is no warmth there at all. And Buffy is HEAPS tougher!

Tribal MInd asks: But still nobody has explained to me how Dumbledore knew the Horcrux was in the cave.

by Nic on July 28, 2009 at 09:52 AM

I've decided that the 7pm Project is boring. I know it hasn't been on very long and I think the idea was fundamentally good, it's just not working. Hughes is too try hard, the other guy is just not interesting and the newsreader is boring. It all comes across as trying too hard and is just not working. It's all just a bit tedious.
It's kind of sad really as Nine is doing better with Two & half idiots than Ten can do with the Project.
I see the ghost of Yasmin in the wings. Repeats of Friends or Simpsons coming soon.

by em on July 28, 2009 at 10:34 AM

I am not sure what is more annoying - Dave Hughes and his lame-assed humour or the fact that Two and a Half Men pulled nearly 1.4m viewers and came in 3rd and 4th last night !
Goodness.

by Seb on July 28, 2009 at 10:37 AM

Hey TM,
Sorry it's a bit late, but tonight's finale of Lipstick Jungle on Seven got me wondering how it went last Tuesday night?
Thanks very much!

Tribal Mind replies: Sorry Ryan, that file has vanished way to the back of the cupboard, and I have to spend time today on work that actually earns me a living.
How's this for a deal: If you go to This week's Tribal Mind column and make a comment on Australia's tastes in television over the decades, I'll go in search of the data you want tonight after I've finished my paid work, and put the figure for last Tuesday's Lipstick Jungle in this space at 8pm.

by ryan on July 28, 2009 at 10:47 AM

7PP IS that bad. Talk about a bunch of try hards who try and get a laugh by making fun of everyone and everything. To me, putting other people down to get a laugh isn't entertainment. I'd rather watch repeats of 2 and a half men. Bring back Masterchef, now that was entertainment!

by Cate on July 28, 2009 at 11:03 AM

Have to agree with Em on 'The 7PM Project'. I think the idea has potential but they're doing a crap job. I've tried to give it a chance but it's not taking. No-one seems to be able to locate the cameras. There's still lots of awkward pauses where no-one seems to know who's turn it is. Kitty Flanagan's contributions are okay. Everyone's okay. Okay's not gonna save them from Yasminitude (or Yasminominy?). If they would just relax and have fun and talk over each other and stop bloody trying to be so sincere maybe it'd work. It's got a certain 'Roveness' about it where the humour is a bit self-conscious and tentative.
And for me personally, less Ruby is more. But whatever floats yer boat.....
Now, what to do about all those little snot-nosed brats on AYSTAFG?

Tribal Mind asks: Has anybody actually seen Ruby Rose do anything on 7PP?

by darren on July 28, 2009 at 11:23 AM

Never knew that Simpsons does so well at 6pm. Can you please put in figures for Neighbours for comparison? During Masterchef, Neighbours was actually rating higher than H&A.

Tribal Mind replies: I'l include Neighbours tomorrow (at 9.45am).

by Clem on July 28, 2009 at 11:33 AM

TM, as Nic says, there was alot of detail from the book left out of the movie. If I recall correctly, young Tom Riddle went to that location when he was in the orphanage, and I think he may have killed a fellow student there (not sure about that part). Dumbledore has done alot of travelling and research into what the Horcruxes may be, and put 2 and 2 together and assumed that Voldemort could have planted it there. And when they entered the cave he realised it had been 'touched' by magic so he knew he was on the right track. But of course as they discovered, the Horcrux Dumbledore and Harry found is a fake. Stayed tuned for Movie 7 (or 8) and all will be revealed.
By the way I personally loved the movie, think the acting has improved greatly, loved the casting of Jim Broadbent. But I really think it is better to read the books as well, especially the last book - hopefully with two final movies they will go into much more plot detail next time.

by Jill on July 28, 2009 at 11:35 AM

Tribal MInd asks: But still nobody has explained to me how Dumbledore knew the Horcrux was in the cave
This was explained in the book. "He Who Cannot Be Named" had gone there on a picnic while in the orphanage and it is inferred that he tortured some kids there. He has hidden the Horcruxes where there is a meaning in his past. They gleamed over the ring too -which was also a Horcrux and Dumbledore's injured arm. Like I said, they cut an awful lot out of the book. The book went into a lot of Voldermort's history which was relevant in the search for the Horcruxes.

by Nic on July 28, 2009 at 11:37 AM

At 7 O'clock we're glued to Juanita & the news that matters on ABC, so I can't comment on 7PP. If Masterchef was soooooo good why don't they do a "Masterchef-What are they doing now?" series. Even if they only get half the people watching, that's a mil. Too soon??
Poor Harry being tortured last night on Spooks, half expected Adam to storm the building, & wasn't Connie a nasty piece of work? With Ben not going to make a recovery, new people will have to be blooded, or should I've said trained"

by PJ453 on July 28, 2009 at 11:37 AM

Don't watch 7PM Project very often and believe that Dave Huges is the most over-rated "comedian" in Australian. However it is a bit of light fluff that you take it for what it is worth. I would have thought that it is quite cheap to make. So 10 could afford to keep and tweak it over time, providing they can get people back to watch it.

by Neil on July 28, 2009 at 11:55 AM

Well, Mr Dale, it's been a while since I read "The Deathly Hallows", but from (vague) memory, Dumbledore suspected the Horcrux was there, because he guessed they would be hidden in places that were of emotional significance to the young Tom Riddle. The cave was important because he'd tortured one of his young orphanage mates there (I think there might have been a hint that this was one of the first times he'd used magic as well, so it was also the start of him learning how to control his power).
So, what was cut out in the movie was a flashback (via the pensieve) to a traumatised young boy, more hints that this was a place that he'd visited (I think we saw one postcard), and then build up on the fact that you know he's a pretty scary little kid (he hurts the others).
Anyone who can remember better, please correct where I've gone wrong.

by tqd on July 28, 2009 at 12:49 PM

"Tribal MInd asks: But still nobody has explained to me how Dumbledore knew the Horcrux was in the cave."? Maybe he skipped a few pages ahead??? And any show that can keep Dave Hughes away from the viewing public must be congratulated. So, congratulations Network 10 on a splendid achievement.

by David @ Green Point on July 28, 2009 at 01:36 PM

TM asks Has anybody actually seen Ruby Rose do anything on 7PP
Yes, but only once. We don't have pay TV so that was literally the first time I had seen her (outside of the gossip columns) and I thought she was stunning and very natural in presentation style.
Neil says Dave Hughes is most over-rated comedian on Australia. That would make for an interesting survey, TM. I would say he is up there with Corrine Grant.

by Jill on July 28, 2009 at 03:22 PM

Put down your wands and take off your glasses. Step away from the life-size-Dobby figurine.....
What the hell is a Horcrux? I feel like I've stumbled on a coven of nerds.
Anyhoo, about MTV's Ruby Rose, I saw her once for about five minutes. Just long enough to get offended at a Lesbian Joke. Mostly she just does live crosses and stands with her inked shoulder to camera and looks supercool.
You get the feeling she goes home at night and washes off the tatts, irons her tank-tops, gets into a 'Snuggie' and watches Neighbours. Camera Cool. Wedded to the cue-card. I don't buy it.

by darren on July 28, 2009 at 03:25 PM

Most over rated comedian on australian tv ? Id have to put a vote in for Rove, in an hour long show each week (Rove Live) i might laugh once ....

As for the 7PP, two and a half hours a week of Dave Hughes is just too much. They would be better off making it a 1 hour show once a week on a Sunday re-capping the weeks top stories.

If 9 realy wanted to make an impact, possibly having a late afternoon celeb gossip show like TMZ (Arena Channel) on to rival 7PP?

by Matt on July 28, 2009 at 04:04 PM

Have only caught a small amount of 7PP but it was not enough to make me want to stay and continue watching - 7pm is when I catch up on other recordings, watch ABC1 news or cook dinner.
Will be recording United States of Tara this week -will see if all the hype holds true - although not a huge fan of Toni Collette - and was one a small number who did not love Muriel's Wedding, willing to give it a go.
Spooks was intriguing last night -not too many shows who will kill off series regulars without fear. Had already worked out who the mole was - next week's season final will be a must see.
Also have to give a shout to Being Human on ABC2 - good series and not too angsty all the time.

by Cathy on July 28, 2009 at 04:12 PM

How do you think Masterchef repeats would rate??

by James on July 28, 2009 at 05:01 PM

I'm anticipating next week's Spooks after seeing last night's. Hopefully there won't be many more deaths. Although I highly doubt that.
If they had Shaun Micallef on the 7PP, it'd fix everything. It is meant to be light-hearted haha, right? Frankly, I can't stand the panellists. Either too try hard or too dull. Darren, I concur that less Ruby is more.
Looking forward to Public Enemies this week. I'm really annoyed at the film industry though. I was craving for a rom-com on the flight back to Austraya, and there just wasn't a good one. I went through Duplicity, Doubt, Changeling - but they weren't very rom-com at all! In the end I had to settle for Confessions of a Shopaholic (it's alright, I fastforwarded, so only saw it in 2 minutes), and less said about it is better. Gone are the screwball classics!
I saw Cheri, which was ok. Whilst Michelle Pfeiffer is excellent, the boy was oh so wet. I'm with Stratto and Margaret about it - is it the actor or the character's fault?

by Kym on July 28, 2009 at 05:27 PM

Watched 7PP first episode, but nothing since. What's wrong with it? Too much reliance on clips (that became the Panel's downfall too), too much like Rove (don't mind Rove, but 7PP needs its own personality, and annoying "shaky" camera work on the interview with GIJoe girls. I felt sick watching that. No wonder they only showed about one minute of the interview.

Points for Ten trying something other than Seinfield or Raymond. Agree that it probably would have worked better as a once a week show.

Still it's MUCH better for than Fast Forward rewind....er.. I mean Double Take and it's ugly step sister TV Burp.

by Watcheditonce on July 28, 2009 at 05:51 PM

I think the thing working hardest against the 7pm Project is the uncomfortable juxtaposition between delivering actual news headlines and then making light of funny stories or stupid footage. It's hard to crack a smile at such shenanigans after hearing about a horrible murder or tragic plane crash. It's also difficult to take Bickmore seriously after watching her deliver fake news on Rove for the past couple of years (she delivers the real news in the same fake serious-newsreader's monotone that she used on Rove).

Give me The Daily Show anyday.

by Craig on July 28, 2009 at 08:28 PM

May I ask how the return of Las Vegas (in selected cities, I believe) rated on Sunday night?
We can now add it to the list of Seven shows that start off rating brilliantly as finish about as low as you can go on FTA.

Tribal Mind replies: It's in Sunday's chart now.

by Samuel on July 28, 2009 at 11:38 PM

I was thinking exactly that last night, Kym, about Micallef on 'The 7PM Project'. I always thought 'Talkin' 'Bout etc' was a bit beneath his talents (mildly amusing as it is) and 7PM would be the perfect platform for him to just go to town. Carrie Bickmore could stay and be his Ed McMahon. Hughsie and Pickering could go be correspondents (they really need funny correspondents). MTV's Ruby Rose could quietly disappear. Yeah.
I think they hobble themselves by reading too much news. Why do they have to read again what was read in the Real News at 5PM? Whyn't choose three or four stories that can be spun into a joke and leave it at that? I still think it could work but I'm slipping, faithwise.
I also think the main problem is that in their efforts to get the, what, 16 to 25 demographic, they've left themselves with a heap of 'cool' people with no experience of live tellie. Micallef could fix that.

by darren on July 29, 2009 at 05:58 AM

7pm Probe (short for 'problem', do y'think?) really is "Son of Rove", isn't it? And that's probably the real reason the show is still on the 10 schedule. It's produced by Rove's production house, and 'we must keep Rove happy'...

by David @ Green Point on July 29, 2009 at 06:59 AM

How bizarre! I was just reading on another SMH page that Katie Holmes just escaped from a burning car on the Melbourne set of her new movie. The article also said that in the movie she plays a character who is being chased by "wicked gnomes" which cracked me up, nearly choking me on my coffee!
Art imitates life, it seems.

by em on July 29, 2009 at 09:46 AM

I would love Micallef 5 nights a week. Cross Newstopia with 7pm Project and we may have a winner. TBYG has increased his popularity and recognition.
Cross promotion would kill it though (remember the first few weeks of the return of GNW with guest star Jensen Ackles - I'm sure many of the TM fangirlies do).
What exactly is Ruby Rose famous for? Snogging a nondescript Veronica? Hosts from cable TV don't always make the jump successfully. BugEyes & McFlippyHairdo from AusIdol did. RR hasn't.
And who the heck is this Sydney correspondent?
BTW how about adding a Sports Report on Friday night with the Oherrol girls? They are totallt awesome.

by Bereft Skerrick on July 29, 2009 at 09:53 AM

I caught less than 5 minutes of it and that was more than enough. What a bunch of irritating smart arses. No thanks. That's neither enlightening as far as the day's events go or even funny.

by Yuri on July 29, 2009 at 10:05 AM

I think it's hard for the 7pm Project to be mixing up the real heavy stories with the lighter comedy ones. I think the show should just be a lighter version of the news not the actual news. Just feature the odd and funny stories. If you tackle any of the more serious stuff, it should only be included if it leads to some funny banter and ridicule.
Wow. Nine have done even worse after chopping Dance Your Ass Off. Even more changes to their Tuesday night line-up next week? Packed to the Rafters and Talkin' bout Your Generation just surging ahead again. Are Seven regretting axing All Saints yet? Not many shows get close to those ratings at 9.30pm and not many on Nine or Ten do any more either.

by J Bar on July 29, 2009 at 10:38 AM

A major problem that I see for 7PP is the timeslot. They have to "keep it clean", no swearing, nothing too risque, edgy or just downright offensive. Clean satire doesn't work all that well for me.
Oh, and does TM or a reader have any more info about ABC2's scheduling of The Wire starting in August - what night, what timeslot? I can't find it anywhere. Very much looking forward to it.

by Wendell on July 29, 2009 at 10:51 AM

Good to see some optimism for the 7pm Project (because nothing will save...). I've caught it a few times and there's a lot that could be done to fix it. Ten are repeatedly saying they'll give it time, so hopefully they'll stick to their word and iron out the issues. I for one, think that they will. Why? Because they just don't have anything that will do over 900k in that slot. Simpsons, Futurama, Friends and Bondi have all been tried and failed. Other shows like The Office have been suggested but as much as I love that show, it surely won't pull in the masses.
But moving along from the 7pm project, why no comment on the complete and utter collapse from Nine on Tuesday night, TM? Aside from the fact that Sheen's 'sitcom' still pulls in the masses for what must be the 10th rotation of these episodes, their night just collapsed from there. They got absolutely flogged. Obviously one of their problems on Tuesday, aside from the juggernauts of the Rafters and Generation, is the fact that they have no consistency. They are chopping and changing, throwing everything at the night and hoping something sticks. People just don't know what is on Nine on a Tuesday. Worst part is, you just know they're itching to change the lineup again for next Tuesday - there's no way they'll leave Christine, 20 to 01 and CSI NY in there, when they did worse than the fat dancers (CSI NY pulling half as many viewers as DYAO did!)

Tribal Mind replies: If I commented every time Nine did badly, this forum would become very repetitious.

by R on July 29, 2009 at 08:49 PM

Speaking of Nine (again), what the f is that 'Perfect Couple' show? Saw a bit of it last night and geez, it's bloody awful.
As is Seven's 'World's Strictest Parents'. Pure crud.
Can't say I went much on 'United States of Tara' either, sadly.
And I hereby withdraw my waning support for 'The 7PM Project' (like a rat off a sinking ship I know). If a story about Kyle The Dickhead asking a fourteen year-old rape victim on National radio whilst hooked up to a lie detector "is that your only sexual experience?" barely gets a mention, and this from Dave Hughes the man Kyle threatened to "punch in the throat", what hope is there? It was the perfect storm of controversial stunt meeting potential well-deserved ridicule and it went with by a pathetic whimper.
Was expecting a formal apology and two weeks suspension for Dickhead and Jackie Moron in this morning's paper a'la 'The Chaser's mea culpa, but no, they're DEFENDING the whole thing! I don't understand. If there's a way of measuring stupidity and revolting or offensive behaviour by public figures, Dickhead's comments are much worse than the 'Make a Realistic Wish' thing. But it barely made the news last night (didn't see it at all on Nine or Seven although I may have missed it). What, are we all over getting offended now?
Ten should drop him from 'Aus Idol' immediately.

by darren on July 30, 2009 at 06:03 AM

I watched 7pm Project with interest last night following the whole Vile Randypants issue - knowing he and Dave Hughes have been in a feud for quite a while, I was interested to see how they would cover this. Dear god, they couldn't get that right! They really could have gotten into the whole issue but instead left it to two sentences, basically saying Vile is a bit of a d*&khead. Tell us something we don't know! I think a real opportunity was missed there - so I wonder if channel 10 was trying to protect their golden boy who they will be relying on in a few weeks for Idol, or whether they just don't have the intelligence to know how to cover an issue successfully. I have to say, I don't mind the 7pm Project, I usually get a small laugh out of it, I think the potential is there. But the awkwardness is just increasing, I don't feel it's getting better. The big coup of signing Ruby Rose is just turning into a disaster - I've never seen her on MTV so I don't know what she is like, but she just doesn't seem to have any real charisma or talent, just seems to be, as you yourself said TM, an "egocentric scatterbrain". Her interviews are appalling and her answering skills are worse. James Mathison actually did some funny material last night. Dave Hughes did a few funny gags too. But Charlie Pickering is not really enough to run the show - they definitely need a stronger 'host'. Look at how much better Top Gear Oz got with a new host - all it took was to change one person, and the show got a new lease on life. I don't know if getting rid of Charlie is the answer, but they need to do something.

On much better news, United States of Tara was fantastic. Absolutely loved it. Fascinating viewing. Toni Collette is incredible. That said, I think putting it in the comedy category of the Emmy Awards would confuse some - it's not an out and out laugh funny (although some of the moments with Buck were hilarious) but I think the best tag would be 'dramedy'. But I just love it, really intriguing television - so nice to have something of such quality on FTA.

by Beckala on July 30, 2009 at 06:56 AM

Well done ABC: I was glued to Aunty last night. SPICKS & SPECKS, THE CHASER BOYS, & UNITED STATES OF TARA: all terrific viewing! A nice send off for the Chaser dudes! And Toni Collette should win that Emmy she's nominated for!
Loving SPOOKS too, a terrific cast, and Ben's death was a total shock!
Channel 9: Exhuming the HEY HEY corpse is a sign they are in a real panic!
I only watch NINE these days for the news!

by Evan on July 30, 2009 at 08:19 AM

The reason 2 1/2 men rates better than 7PP is that its FUNNY!!!!
7PP just isnt funny, who wants to sit back and watch Dave Hughes yell at you, the host is fresh out of high school and has no credability.
I always get a laugh out of 2 1/2 men and it seems im not alone!!!!

by Don on July 30, 2009 at 08:48 AM

So we say farewell to The Chaser Team, probably just as well, even the last show had some of those nothingness sounds, tumbleweeds, coyote's howling, instead of spontaneous laughter bits. Having Chas living with botox for the next 4 months is some revenge for some of the so not funny things he's done this series.
But now we definitely have one of those "the king is dead, long live the king" happenings, with the starting of the Altered States of Tara. What a refreshing half hour of tv, it has all the credentials of being one of the hit shows of the year. I know it's a retorical question, but what has the ABC got when it chooses new shows that Ch9 doesn't?? Because even though they are running the 2 channels (note to Ch9......that's 2 channels, not 1 & a bit) on an oil rag, they keep coming up with winners. Hey, I'm not complaining, as a matter of fact I'm loving it!!!

by PJ453 on July 30, 2009 at 09:06 AM

As someone who absolutely detests Vyle Randipants and Jackie Ho I cannot believe 7pm project let it pass without much at all. A perfect story to get stuck into and nothing. Ten executives must have said to leave their "star" alone.
I was never going to go out of my way to watch Idol this year , but may have watched some of the last shows. Now I won't , simply to protest my utter contempt for Vyle and for Ten in keeping this moron around.
I wonder how many others will feel the same and will this reflect in Idol's ratings this year?
Recorded Tara to see at a later date as I am moving house tomorrow and was busy packing. Sounds great though and I am looking forward to sitting down to see it in a couple of days. ABC always comes through with the good stuff.

by em on July 30, 2009 at 09:56 AM

ABC - 3 shows in the top 7, go you good things !!
Sorry about the incorrect name for Tara, ie Altered instead of United. It's just when the Speilsmiester rang me for my input for the shows name, I came up with Altered as I thought United was too obvious.hahaha if it was only true!!

by PJ453 on July 30, 2009 at 09:57 AM

The final Chaser: Brilliant, especially the credits. USoT: edgy, dramatic, edgy, comedic, esp Buck. ABC comes out on top again. Nice to see my "8 cents day day* paying off, although now it is probably 10 cents. Thing with choices in new programs to buy is that Nein buys for LCD and expected bang for buck, ABC buys for entertainment with ratings a bonus. Although, wish ABC had picked up the Henry series now on PFV.

by Furlozza on July 30, 2009 at 10:10 AM

Not a Toni Collette fan - think it had something to do with her jumping on the celebrity PETA bandwagon about mulesing without being totally informed - perhaps it's because she drove me mad as Muriel. So not interested in Tara.

I'm jumping on the "If Vyle Randypants is on Idol I won't be watching" bandwagon. Disappointed with the way 7PM glossed over the story, are Ch Teen protecting its lone ratings hope (which dived badly last year). Lost respect.

As for Chaser. WHo will keep the bastards honest now?

by Bereft Skerrick on July 30, 2009 at 10:26 AM

any chance of putting ratings for all other shows at 7pm to see what people are watching instead of 7pm Project?

Tribal Mind replies: You have the numbers for Home and Away, ABC news and 2.5 men. Do you really need SBS?

by chris c on July 30, 2009 at 10:32 AM

Okay, if Channel 10 is determined to give The 7PM Project time, are they also doing anything to help it? Comments from above (not from me, I have better things to do at 7pm than watch TV) suggest that it might have some *potential* but I haven't heard any comments saying that Channel 10's changes are/are not working. So I'm guessing they're not actually trying to fix what is wrong, but are just leaving it to die a slow death.

And of course they wouldn't slap Vyle on the wrist when he's got Australian Idol hosting duties coming up. For what it's worth, the incident was mentioned on ABC late news update.

I think I shall write a letter to Channel 10 and whatever radio station Vyle is on. I was expecting they'd be forced into an apology without any input from me, but obviously not. (Not that I think I have any power, but, well, I do like to let my not-so-inner curmudgeon out every now and then.)

Caught the beginning of United States of Tara and I did like it. But I was recording it for Mr TQD, so switched over to watch My Name Is Earl in the meantime. Not an exceptional Earl episode, but I did like the "Adventures of Chuckleberry Finn".

by tqd on July 30, 2009 at 10:42 AM

Hmmm, seems I'm overwhelmingly alone in my USoT ambivalence. It may have just been a case of "too many dickheads and not enough decent tellie make darren go something something" last night. I've clearly lost my mind. And taste. But hey, I wasted four hours of my life waiting for 'The 7PM Project' to get better, so I think I can spare a few for USoT and have another look next week.
Also saw on Nine last night a promo for a new show called 'Drop Dead Diva' which funnily enough I was just reading about at Salon.com. It was in an article questioning the current obsession with Fat. They also talked about 'Dance Your Ass Off' and another show they nick-named 'The Fatchelor' (can't remember the real name but it's like 'The Batchelor' but with fat chick....hence, the Fatchelor). 'Drop Dead Diva' came off okay but I was thinking maybe Nine purchased a job lot of Fatty Boomba shows and await with keen anticipation previews of 'The Fatchelor'. That seems to be what Nine learned from the success of 'MasterChef'.....that people want more shows about ridiculing the morbidly obese. Geniuses.

by darren on July 30, 2009 at 11:29 AM

TM, how did the last ever episode of Prison Break go last night?

Tribal MInd replies: Thanks for reminding me. It's in the chart now, along with a pic of the hero, which I will never be able to use again after today.

by arthur on July 30, 2009 at 11:33 AM

Sadly, the Kyle & Jacki-O incident is a true reflection on what a sorry state the radio industry has become. Programme Directors rub their hands together with glee when they see their pathetic jocks grab a bucketful of media attention, no matter had critical. Radio's been heading down the sewer for a number of years and it'll continue, but get worse. 'Cause Austereo, Macquarie and DMG programme for cretins. For me, the fantastic radio days of the 2SM Good Guys (Phil Haldeman, John Mahon, Bob Rodgers, Sam Kronja, John Fryer, Tony Murphy, Mike Walsh, John Thompson, John Brennan and the original Bad Guy, Mad Mel Happy - still selling swimming pools in Sydney's west, Mel?) was when radio reached an all-time high. Those dizzy days of 1963-64-65 will never been seen again... more's the pity.

by David @ Green Point on July 30, 2009 at 01:58 PM

My view on Karl is about expectation. I have none. He cannot disappoint me. I have contempt for him, contempt for his listeners, and contempt for people who want to go on his show. I am sad that a 14 girl was put in that position but I sit in self-righteous indignation as I think most of Australia does - apart from those who like him. For me, the media and any politician to raise a fuss means that we actually care what he does OR we listen to him....
For the most part, I THINK the Chaser boys are likeable. I wouldn't want them against me but usually they pick on politicians and the greedy. They (actually their producers) got it wrong and we felt disappointed... One of "us" did the wrong thing. Then the media and politicans were up in arms because they could get some revenge.
United States of Tara was great but I missed the 1st ten minutes and no taping. Nine are woeful, but Ten must despair as they had MasterChef but it the scheme of things they are still 3rd.

by Tim on July 30, 2009 at 03:27 PM

I agree with Don re 2.5 men. As long as they keep bringing us great lines like "She lets me put my train set in her back room" I'm hooked.
Kyle is no longer suitable for Idol.

by bobmar28 on July 31, 2009 at 06:52 AM

Amazing Race was hillarious last night with the hillbillies losing their way and the blonde botox flight attendants carrying around a piece of wood around, and the men of short stature not being able to open the gate (with Phils raised eyebrow as he watched). And then Chuck on Fox8 is also getting better and better. I would expect that Chuck will move to FTA in the xmas season as it is family friendly with an adult edge to it.

by ned on July 31, 2009 at 07:54 AM

tqd, I think the producers of The 7pm Project are listening to feedback. I only saw bits of it last night but they seem to keep changing things and mostly for the better. At least they were smart enough to tackle the big news of the day with the controversy over Kyle Sandilands and didn't spend 30 seconds as they did the day before. The media commentator from Crikey was really good. Quite good that they spent more time chatting about a certain number of stories and less time covering the serious news headlines that don't lead to any discussion and you see on the regular news anyway.
darren, I think that fatchelor reality show might actually be called 'More To Love'. I saw some bits on Entertainment Tonight and felt the need to reach for a bucket. I know Nine are desperate but not sure these obscure pay tv shows like 'Drop Dead Diva' are going to be the answer to their ratings woes. Neither are cheap and tacky reality shows like Australia's Perfect Couple.

by J Bar on July 31, 2009 at 09:24 AM

Much happier with the 7pm Project last night. J Bar, your comments were spot on. The media commentator was great, she had a lot of interesting and analytical things to say. I now realise why Dave Hughes neglected to say anything Wednesday night - he himself said last night that he had made a vow to not talk about Vile anymore, because he felt that was what Vile wanted, the free publicity. So that at least made a bit more sense. All in all, the show worked much more last night than previous eps, J Bar again you were right - less stories, more time on them. Was unfortunate that the "Muffy" owners were a shocking interview - through no fault of the interviewers, they just seemed to embarrassed to say anything. Not sure why they agreed to go on the show. But that was the low point in an otherwise pretty good show - good improvements.
I watched Double Take last night. Dear god. I'm still regretting that 15 minutes of my life I will never get back. But I tuned back in for TV Burp - I'm a fan of Ed Kavalee's since his work on 'Get This' with Tony Martin and the late Richard Marsland. I actually got quite a few laughs out of it. Let's call a spade a spade, it's not quality television, it's not life changing - it's quick one liners using other tv shows as the punchlines. But he had a few good jokes, I found myself laughing a lot. I think they should swap Double Take and TV Burp - much better show (but that's not hard, Double Take is the worst thing I have watched in quite a while!).

by Beckala on July 31, 2009 at 09:56 AM

Agree with the diagnosis that TV Burp (gross name makes me cringe) is like Talk Soup/The Soup. It does have its moments. They take aim at all channels from what it appears, which is good. Didn't watch very much of Double Take but from the ads there's a fellow who uncannily looks like a young Peter Moon. If anyone says "Viktor, you are very unattractive man" to him the show will be dead to me.
Should they have to take one show out the back and shoot it, I'd say Double Take on the double!
Flicked between True Beauty (I'm not mean! Really I'm not!), The Footy Show (Only because Wendell Sailor was there - sure he did some awful things in the past but he served his penance, and he's gunna bring the Dragons some pretty silverware) and a bit of QANDA, just in time to see the Vyle Randypants discussion.
I watched the last 2 episodes of Prison Break. Only two I ever watched. Didn't inspire me to go get the DVD's for the whole lot.

by Bereft Skerrick on July 31, 2009 at 10:38 AM

In agreementalityness with all youse about much better coverage on 'The 7PM Project' of NobGate last night. Should give that girl from Crikey a regular spot on the panel.
In all fairness, after having read the transcript (not having ever tuned in to the Nobfest meself), Jackie O actually handled the situation with some compassion (although that doesn't explain having the whole minor-hooked-up-to-a-lie-detector-to-discuss-her-'sex'life thing in the first place). But Kyle seems to be utterly devoid of humanity. I can't understand why Ten wouldn't drop him in keeping with their new 'MasterChef'ly tenets of "upbuilding and positive reality shows". To keep him on would be a farce and an embarrassment. Can Marcia Hinze sit beside someone with Kyle's views for three months? Should Kyle continue working with youngsters when he clearly has no understanding of boundaries and what's acceptable (even as opinions)? He's truly repellant and should be replaced. There's plenty of better people for the job. How about Lucky Oceans from Radio National's 'The Planet' or Richard Kingsmill from Triple J? Even Glen A Baker or dare I say it, MTV's Ruby Rose? Unlikely but surely there are people whose musical tastes extend beyond Britney Spears and Pink who could bring some substance and experience to the show. It's a Golden Opportunity for Ten to get rid of him and step up. I won't hold my breath.
JBar, in agreeance with you re Nine and the cheap and the tacky (sounds like a soapie title), but I think the outer limits of their intelligence were way back.

by darren on July 31, 2009 at 11:27 AM

Bereft, I too was doing the True Beauty/Footy Show Tango, again, like you, have newly discovered love for "Hello Sailor" (damn State of Origin was dull without Roy and HG!!) thanks to his outstanding dragons performances. Loved the game last week where he was waving to the crowd as he ran in for a try. Reminds me of the good old days where Mundine and Blacklock used to somersault about a metre in front of our seats every time they scored! A friend of mine who passed away, he was a die-hard dragons fan for years, but gave up on them, always saying the Dragons would never win with Brown as coach and that he would return to them when Brown left. I like to think my friend is sitting up there going "yes, you can have it this year"!! Fingers crossed for the next two months on that one!!

by Beckala on July 31, 2009 at 12:46 PM

Darren, you're not the only one who watched Altered States of Tara and wondered what all the fuss was about. I just found it irritating. One good thing: FTA is forcing me to buy complete DVD sets, and every night the idea of going to bed early with a book increases in its appeal.

by Rupert on July 31, 2009 at 02:30 PM

Forgot to watch The Amazing Race last night to see Cletus and Brandine. I hope they're still in next week!
Caught up on United States of Tara, and I did love it. So well written. And while I'm no fan of PETA (or airheaded celebrities that jump on bandwagons), I do like Toni Collette's acting (yes, Muriel was painful, but that was the character, not her). I'll be back next week, with much glee in my heart.

by tqd on July 31, 2009 at 02:31 PM

Beckala - you've nailed it on the head. What Origin Missed This Year. HG and Roy. Was hooked when sitting in a Physics lecture in the late 80's on Melbourne Cup day listening to their call on a walkman.
I've been a regular listener to their sports calls. Usually listened to them and turned down the sound on Ch Nork. Last year they had me in stitches about their analysis of the uncanny talents of the Morris twins. Due to the asshattery on NRL/2GB gibbons, they were denied the chance this year because MMM only has rights on a Monday night. The games were poorer for it this year. I totally refuse to listen to the 2GB/network stations calls, and place them in the same asshattery league as The Footy Show. I listen to ABC and unashamed Dragons fan David Morrow.
Methinks on GF day, once Ben Hornby hath raised the trophy aloft, one should recognise me as the person doing the Snoopy-eqsue Easter Beagle Dance of Joy.

by Bereft Skerrick on July 31, 2009 at 05:25 PM

Caught up with 'Altered States of Tara' on ABC2 on Thursday and while I thought Toni Collette's performance was absolutely brilliant, I wasn't that impressed by the show. Quite glad that I stumbled across a new British comedy on just before it though, called 'How Not To Live Your Life'. A bit risque but very funny and quirkier, which I prefer in comedy.
7PP was below 700,000 but its ratings were actually higher this Friday than last week, so maybe it has turned a corner. Caught up with it online. Jane Hall did a realy good job replacing Dave Hughes and seemed to interact better with Carrie and Charlie. David Mott at Ch 10 has announced that they won't axe it but will give it a chance until the end of the year and will continue tweaking it. Anyway, it rated a better than the American So You Think You Can Dance did. It seems Ten need to tweak their schedule after 7.30pm. The gap between Seven and Ten is massive.

by J Bar on August 01, 2009 at 10:54 AM

Ten's week is full of bigger hits than Nine's, yet they are relegated to a distant third week to date. The 7pm Project is not doing them any favours. If Ten decide to persist with that tripe, I'm sure the Seven and Nine execs will be awfuly happy, with Home and Away and 2.5 Men pulling out huge leads.

by Name on August 01, 2009 at 01:08 PM

Wow, ACA are coming up with quality reporting. On Monday they have a story on Molly Meldrum and that "20-to-1 walking corpse man" whom apparently like dressing up as women. Sheer "quality" journalism!

by davo on August 02, 2009 at 01:57 AM

Since when did A Current Affair become an infomercial? This week they ran a 'story' on yet another product being offloaded on those annoying infomercials and advertorials on morning television. First it was a blanket that you wear that suspiciously just looked like a robe waorn backwards now it was chamois that can be used on the car, the dog and the dishes but hopefully not the same one. Even Tracey Grimshaw sullies her taterred journalistic name by getting involved in the middle of these stories. Aren't there any laws that prevent ACA running advertorials that purport to be stories?

Tribal Mind replies: Only the law of diminishing returns in ratings.

by infomercial watcher on August 02, 2009 at 02:12 PM

Infomercial Watcher, The Snuggie and the ChamWow! have become instant pop-culture icons along with The Ped-Egg, The Pavlova, The Hills Hoist and the Abdominiser ("Words can't describe how great I feel....I feel really.....really.........great"). Isn't that what the story was about, how we share a love of tacky commercails? '20 to 1' lives on that stuff. As does Nine.
Did anyone see 'Meteor' on Saturday night? I can't believe I watched it. It was hysterically awful and Jason Alexander died spitting blood under a filing cabinet after begging to be killed off earlier, surely. Peeeee-ew. Very funny.
Beckala and Bereft Skerrick, I detected some recognisable words (and, but, the) in your footy-speak but can you discuss in English?
Rupert, thanks for your USoT solidarity. I was just annoyed at her overacting I think. Could be wrong.

by darren on August 03, 2009 at 06:01 AM

The Sun-Herald

Who We Are

The Who We Are update: Week 30

COMMENTS

POST A COMMENT

Comments Terms & Conditions

RECENT ENTRIES

ARCHIVES