The Who We Are Update: The last week of TV's sleepy summer

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

This week's forum is now a heritage item - worth studying but no longer current.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.
For the winners of the Australia Day limerick contest, go to Who We Are.
To discuss why Avatar won't make $100 million, why Keneally will win the NSW election, and why MasterChef won't get the same audience this year, go to The Tribal Mind.

The ratings race, updated 10 am Monday
This was Pay TV's account of itself for the week: "The American Idol Auditions was the number one program on STV in week 6, with 157,000 viewers watching the program on FOX8 on Thursday night. Midsomer Murders on UKTV was seen by 111,000 people, America's Next Top Model on FOX8 was watched by 105,000 and Bryan's episode of Come Dine With Me Australia on Lifestyle Channel was viewed by 104,000 people. Law & Order: SVU on TV1 was seen by 90,000 people, Hannah Montana on Disney Channel was seen by 78,000 people and Two and a Half Men on Arena was watched by 76,000 people. Taggart on 13th Street was seen by 68,000 people, iCarly on Nickelodeon by 67,000 viewers and Judge Judy on Bio by 62,000 subscribers.

"In sport, Live: Cricket: Ford Ranger Cup on FOX Sports was seen by 79,000 people, Sky Racing's Sky Raceday was seen by 66,000 viewers and Live: Football: EPL Liverpool v Everton on FOX Sports was viewed by 65,000. Subscription TV was the number one choice for TV around Australia with STV channels accounting for 23.2% of all metropolitan viewing between 6am and midnight, 21.8% of all regional viewing and 57.1% of all viewing in subscription TV homes."

What Women aged 25-54 watched, week ending February 6
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TENNIS: 2010 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL Seven 556,000 200,000 196,000 89,000 38,000 34,000
2 GREY'S ANATOMY-EP.2 Seven 520,000 141,000 141,000 118,000 56,000 64,000
3 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 458,000 127,000 121,000 106,000 50,000 54,000
4 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - TOP 100 Ten 427,000 133,000 124,000 74,000 47,000 50,000
5 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 405,000 115,000 126,000 78,000 38,000 48,000
6 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - LAUNCH Ten 404,000 108,000 123,000 86,000 38,000 50,000
7 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 1 Ten 402,000 95,000 114,000 89,000 49,000 55,000
8 HOUSE EP 2 Ten 388,000 92,000 99,000 93,000 56,000 48,000
9 BROTHERS & SISTERS Seven 387,000 119,000 117,000 69,000 40,000 43,000
10 HOUSE Ten 378,000 92,000 91,000 93,000 54,000 49,000
Continued here

11 MY KITCHEN RULES-TUE Seven 374,000 120,000 106,000 68,000 39,000 42,000
12 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 3 Ten 368,000 97,000 112,000 80,000 33,000 46,000
13 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 338,000 66,000 111,000 68,000 46,000 47,000
14 MY KITCHEN RULES-MON Seven 337,000 104,000 108,000 47,000 41,000 37,000
15 THE MENTALIST Nine 324,000 80,000 109,000 69,000 33,000 33,000
16 THE BIG BANG THEORY Nine 320,000 79,000 103,000 72,000 29,000 37,000
17 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 318,000 79,000 83,000 85,000 32,000 40,000
18 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 316,000 91,000 98,000 57,000 30,000 40,000
19 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 310,000 76,000 76,000 79,000 35,000 44,000
20 CUSTOMS Nine 303,000 91,000 87,000 57,000 24,000 45,000
21 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - ELIMINATION Ten 292,000 81,000 71,000 78,000 23,000 38,000
22 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 285,000 82,000 91,000 54,000 24,000 34,000
23 GOOD NEWS WEEK Ten 285,000 75,000 97,000 55,000 31,000 27,000
24 HOME AND AWAY Seven 283,000 89,000 84,000 48,000 33,000 28,000
25 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 281,000 77,000 77,000 67,000 23,000 37,000
26 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 275,000 76,000 98,000 50,000 35,000 17,000
27 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 2 Ten 275,000 77,000 79,000 55,000 28,000 35,000
28 SURVIVOR: SAMOA -FINALE Nine 264,000 76,000 75,000 53,000 28,000 33,000
29 ICU Seven 262,000 76,000 76,000 44,000 23,000 43,000
30 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED Nine 255,000 62,000 91,000 50,000 17,000 34,000
31 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 252,000 66,000 69,000 50,000 25,000 41,000
32 SURVIVOR: SAMOA -REUNION Nine 250,000 84,000 68,000 41,000 26,000 31,000
33 SEVEN NEWS Seven 249,000 68,000 64,000 54,000 28,000 35,000
34 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 248,000 79,000 73,000 47,000 19,000 30,000
35 MEDIUM Ten 246,000 80,000 68,000 45,000 34,000 20,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,157,000 347,000 276,000 242,000 113,000 178,000
2 ABC NEWS-SA ABC1 1,057,000 299,000 359,000 190,000 84,000 124,000
3 M-COOL RUNNINGS Seven 930,000 261,000 236,000 220,000 94,000 119,000
4 A TOUCH OF FROST Seven 879,000 252,000 269,000 158,000 97,000 102,000
5 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 801,000 225,000 298,000 137,000 78,000 63,000
6 BILL ABC1 762,000 195,000 218,000 146,000 93,000 110,000
7 BED OF ROSES RPT ABC1 675,000 171,000 202,000 167,000 58,000 78,000
8 ABC NEWS UP-DATE ABC1 652,000 166,000 189,000 165,000 63,000 69,000
9 TAGGART ABC1 649,000 170,000 182,000 114,000 90,000 93,000
10 STAR WARS: EPISODE II - ATTACK OF THE CLONES RPT Ten 649,000 174,000 173,000 139,000 58,000 105,000
11 GARDENING AUSTRALIA ABC1 556,000 194,000 104,000 130,000 56,000 73,000
12 STAR WARS: EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH RPT Ten 556,000 159,000 168,000 103,000 50,000 75,000
25 IRON CHEF SBS ONE 276,000 73,000 80,000 54,000 31,000 38,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TWENTY/20 -AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN Nine 1,273,000 362,000 385,000 245,000 151,000 129,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,103,000 293,000 301,000 231,000 125,000 153,000
3 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,081,000 270,000 352,000 201,000 125,000 133,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,018,000 237,000 286,000 228,000 121,000 146,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 970,000 277,000 323,000 189,000 92,000 90,000
6 HOME AND AWAY Seven 924,000 228,000 293,000 161,000 125,000 117,000
7 A TOUCH OF FROST Seven 826,000 231,000 269,000 124,000 98,000 105,000
8 ABC NEWS ABC1 741,000 193,000 232,000 158,000 61,000 97,000
9 TEN NEWS AT FIVE Ten 737,000 198,000 231,000 145,000 81,000 82,000
10 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 727,000 197,000 212,000 168,000 58,000 92,000
11 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 639,000 230,000 281,000 60,000 68,000
12 SILENT WITNESS ABC1 625,000 184,000 136,000 135,000 78,000 93,000
13 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 587,000 266,000 252,000 69,000
14 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 576,000 152,000 161,000 132,000 65,000 65,000
15 NCIS FRI RPT Ten 531,000 148,000 140,000 110,000 60,000 74,000

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,269,000 368,000 362,000 223,000 156,000 160,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,225,000 329,000 375,000 230,000 138,000 152,000
3 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - TOP 100 Ten 1,154,000 339,000 329,000 224,000 123,000 139,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 1,070,000 298,000 394,000 211,000 71,000 97,000
5 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,056,000 297,000 326,000 184,000 141,000 109,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,053,000 283,000 387,000 224,000 52,000 107,000
7 GETAWAY Nine 971,000 294,000 320,000 164,000 75,000 116,000
8 ABC NEWS ABC1 920,000 219,000 324,000 168,000 88,000 121,000
9 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 916,000 285,000 295,000 174,000 47,000 115,000
10 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 874,000 250,000 245,000 177,000 74,000 127,000
13 MIGHTY SHIPS Seven 844,000 199,000 258,000 163,000 104,000 120,000
19 SEVEN AGES OF ROCK ABC1 559,000 190,000 151,000 82,000 71,000 66,000
27 FAMILY GUY Seven 379,000 79,000 151,000 51,000 59,000 40,000
31 GOURMET FARMER SBS ONE 337,000 100,000 94,000 75,000 29,000 39,000
36 OZ AND JAMES'S BIG WINE ADVENTURE SBS ONE 283,000 88,000 83,000 55,000 29,000 28,000
54 MY KITCHEN RULES QLD: SNEAK PEEK Seven 164,000 40,000 55,000 40,000 19,000 11,000
55 STARGATE ATLANTIS 7TWO 157,000 37,000 36,000 46,000 21,000 17,000
62 EXTREME: CELEBRITY REHAB Seven 139,000 33,000 42,000 29,000 17,000 18,000
83 HEROES 7TWO 118,000 29,000 16,000 41,000 20,000 13,000

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,271,000 273,000 424,000 238,000 147,000 187,000
2 CUSTOMS Nine 1,235,000 331,000 388,000 223,000 117,000 176,000
3 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,229,000 293,000 390,000 247,000 133,000 166,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,130,000 253,000 380,000 204,000 131,000 163,000
5 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,110,000 285,000 354,000 184,000 147,000 140,000
6 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED Nine 1,098,000 272,000 387,000 204,000 90,000 144,000
7 NINE NEWS Nine 1,085,000 311,000 348,000 221,000 94,000 110,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,045,000 303,000 360,000 188,000 80,000 114,000
9 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,045,000 265,000 286,000 208,000 116,000 170,000
10 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,043,000 283,000 356,000 178,000 88,000 139,000
11 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,035,000 346,000 264,000 189,000 95,000 140,000
12 ICU Seven 1,016,000 257,000 304,000 188,000 115,000 153,000
13 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 3 Ten 1,011,000 264,000 315,000 209,000 98,000 125,000
15 COLD CASE -EP1 Nine 843,000 223,000 275,000 146,000 93,000 106,000
16 GANGS OF OZ Seven 823,000 226,000 241,000 173,000 77,000 106,000
19 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 737,000 208,000 179,000 161,000 71,000 118,000
23 BURN NOTICE Ten 614,000 141,000 229,000 101,000 75,000 68,000
24 NEIGHBOURS Ten 600,000 147,000 199,000 119,000 71,000 64,000
25 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 581,000 134,000 177,000 153,000 54,000 63,000
29 MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE Ten 503,000 145,000 165,000 66,000 62,000 65,000
40 CHANDON PICTURES ABC1 269,000 74,000 69,000 57,000 26,000 43,000
44 INSPECTOR REX SBS ONE 223,000 66,000 71,000 42,000 20,000 24,000
46 REX IN ROME SBS ONE 202,000 54,000 55,000 34,000 22,000 38,000

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,287,000 302,000 396,000 273,000 149,000 168,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,271,000 296,000 369,000 265,000 159,000 182,000
3 GREY'S ANATOMY-EP.2 Seven 1,213,000 300,000 349,000 265,000 141,000 157,000
4 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,200,000 313,000 321,000 270,000 143,000 153,000
5 MY KITCHEN RULES-TUE Seven 1,182,000 340,000 352,000 234,000 119,000 137,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,079,000 265,000 398,000 215,000 84,000 118,000
7 NINE NEWS Nine 1,072,000 266,000 383,000 209,000 104,000 109,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,056,000 259,000 317,000 213,000 141,000 127,000
9 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,026,000 247,000 330,000 220,000 86,000 142,000
10 ABC NEWS ABC1 976,000 284,000 279,000 181,000 97,000 135,000
11 SURVIVOR: SAMOA -FINALE Nine 906,000 249,000 290,000 176,000 88,000 102,000
12 KEVIN MCCLOUD'S GRAND TOUR ABC1 905,000 309,000 268,000 126,000 77,000 125,000
13 SURVIVOR: SAMOA -EP1 Nine 892,000 233,000 291,000 166,000 88,000 114,000
14 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 2 Ten 872,000 245,000 250,000 175,000 84,000 118,000
17 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 786,000 200,000 205,000 176,000 78,000 127,000
21 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 577,000 160,000 154,000 130,000 58,000 74,000
30 WHY ARE THIN PEOPLE NOT FAT? SBS ONE 401,000 120,000 120,000 72,000 34,000 54,000
53 BIG LOVE SBS ONE 167,000 53,000 59,000 30,000 10,000 15,000
57 PANIC ROOM GO! 162,000 29,000 66,000 29,000 23,000 15,000
62 UGLY BETTY 7TWO 155,000 28,000 68,000 27,000 15,000 18,000
72 24 7TWO 134,000 26,000 54,000 20,000 15,000 19,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Tuesday
Channel Ten sent out the following media statement this morning: "Due to a system error in data submitted to OzTAM, Overnight ratings data available for Network Ten today contained a number of errors.
Corrected key data - including preliminary timeslots - for your use as follows:
The Biggest Loser (19:31 - 20:38)
Total people 806,000
Good News Week (20:38 - 22:14)
Total people - 827,000
Top program rankings: All people - 16, 18-49s - 4, 16-39s - 3, 25-54s - 7
Ross Noble's Australian Trip (22:14 - 23:12)
Total people - 632,000
Timeslot winner in total people and all key demographics."

What Ten seems to be saying is that Loser had fewer viewers than they thought, while Good News Week and Ross Noble had more. Anybody care to comment on Ross Noble's show?

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,519,000 399,000 525,000 305,000 112,000 177,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,389,000 341,000 380,000 298,000 175,000 196,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,328,000 306,000 385,000 301,000 146,000 191,000
4 THE MENTALIST Nine 1,257,000 337,000 448,000 229,000 110,000 132,000
5 THE BIG BANG THEORY Nine 1,241,000 329,000 426,000 250,000 96,000 139,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,205,000 319,000 403,000 236,000 109,000 138,000
7 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,158,000 334,000 388,000 222,000 73,000 141,000
8 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,116,000 356,000 371,000 183,000 86,000 120,000
9 MY KITCHEN RULES-MON Seven 1,103,000 307,000 361,000 179,000 125,000 130,000
10 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,054,000 246,000 349,000 213,000 138,000 108,000
11 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 1,026,000 273,000 321,000 194,000 102,000 136,000
14 BROTHERS & SISTERS Seven 872,000 244,000 267,000 155,000 87,000 117,000
16 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 817,000 230,000 226,000 185,000 77,000 99,000
20 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 674,000 162,000 208,000 143,000 65,000 97,000
21 GOOD NEWS WEEK Ten 640,000 161,000 230,000 113,000 71,000 65,000
22 NEIGHBOURS Ten 598,000 160,000 169,000 140,000 65,000 64,000
23 MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE Ten 547,000 146,000 192,000 86,000 56,000 67,000
27 MAN VS WILD SBS ONE 444,000 151,000 124,000 72,000 44,000 53,000
28 MYTHBUSTERS SBS ONE 437,000 121,000 111,000 86,000 45,000 74,000
42 30 ROCK Seven 219,000 64,000 76,000 35,000 22,000 23,000
293 THE JAY LENO SHOW 7TWO 7,000 1,000 2,000 0 1,000 3,000
311 ALL MY CHILDREN 7TWO 5,000 1,000 0 1,000 2,000 0

The ratings race, updated 10 am Monday
Technically, the ratings year doesn't start till next week, but the stations are keen to get their claws into viewers early, and are launching their biggest shows this week. Last night Seven set a record for the year that will be hard to beat -- 2.4 million in the mainland capitals -- but Ten managed to capture a million non-tennisians and insomniacs for the relaunch of House, which had sunk to 800,000 diehards last year.

Below we break down last night's viewing by age group, and the various charts show that House seems likely to do a Lazarus act this year. Will you stay with House after last night's performance? What else will hold your attention in the first half?

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TENNIS: 2010 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL Seven 2,352,000 747,000 844,000 408,000 176,000 176,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,602,000 332,000 496,000 357,000 186,000 231,000
3 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - LAUNCH Ten 1,169,000 328,000 363,000 230,000 99,000 149,000
4 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 1 Ten 1,166,000 339,000 334,000 236,000 125,000 132,000
5 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,077,000 240,000 309,000 250,000 172,000 105,000
6 ONE DAY CRICKET -AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN GAME 5 SESSION 1 Nine 1,058,000 305,000 368,000 189,000 125,000 71,000
7 HOUSE EP 2 Ten 1,040,000 278,000 288,000 238,000 119,000 116,000
8 HOUSE Ten 1,038,000 282,000 290,000 228,000 116,000 121,000
9 ABC NEWS-SU ABC1 886,000 235,000 331,000 130,000 77,000 113,000
10 ONE DAY CRICKET -AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN GAME 5 SESSION 2 Nine 863,000 242,000 237,000 178,000 116,000 90,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

What people aged 16-39 watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN'S TENNIS: 2010 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL Seven 695,000 257,000 271,000 88,000 46,000 34,000
2 HOUSE EP 2 Ten 496,000 112,000 149,000 139,000 46,000 50,000
3 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 1 Ten 493,000 129,000 140,000 111,000 55,000 59,000
4 HOUSE Ten 487,000 113,000 141,000 136,000 47,000 51,000
5 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - LAUNCH Ten 464,000 129,000 141,000 96,000 48,000 50,000
6 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 275,000 68,000 72,000 63,000 49,000 23,000
7 ONE DAY CRICKET -AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN GAME 5 SESSION 1 Nine 252,000 75,000 76,000 48,000 41,000 11,000
8 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 251,000 54,000 91,000 48,000 27,000 32,000
9 HOUSE - BEHIND THE SCENES Ten 246,000 78,000 59,000 66,000 19,000 24,000
10 ONE DAY CRICKET -AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN GAME 5 SESSION 2 Nine 237,000 61,000 66,000 51,000 35,000 24,000

What people aged 25-54 watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN'S TENNIS: 2010 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL Seven 1,044,000 370,000 363,000 169,000 74,000 68,000
2 HOUSE EP 2 Ten 682,000 174,000 173,000 173,000 78,000 83,000
3 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) - LAUNCH Ten 670,000 173,000 206,000 144,000 59,000 88,000
4 HOUSE Ten 664,000 170,000 170,000 168,000 76,000 80,000
5 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA - AUDITION 1 Ten 663,000 162,000 196,000 151,000 73,000 82,000
6 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 600,000 128,000 185,000 133,000 72,000 81,000
7 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 502,000 115,000 146,000 118,000 76,000 45,000
8 ONE DAY CRICKET -AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN GAME 5 SESSION 1 Nine 440,000 135,000 152,000 75,000 55,000 22,000
9 ONE DAY CRICKET -AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN GAME 5 SESSION 2 Nine 394,000 106,000 109,000 85,000 52,000 42,000
10 HOUSE - BEHIND THE SCENES Ten 329,000 99,000 77,000 75,000 37,000 40,000

What people aged over 55 watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TENNIS: 2010 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL Seven 974,000 266,000 357,000 185,000 77,000 89,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 787,000 155,000 229,000 188,000 90,000 125,000
3 ABC NEWS-SU ABC1 581,000 169,000 215,000 70,000 50,000 76,000
4 ONE DAY CRICKET -AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN GAME 5 SESSION 1 Nine 470,000 114,000 170,000 95,000 50,000 41,000
5 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 418,000 71,000 126,000 107,000 68,000 48,000
6 ONE DAY CRICKET -AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN GAME 5 SESSION 2 Nine 357,000 84,000 106,000 76,000 51,000 40,000
7 TENNIS: 2010 AUST OPEN - MEN'S FINAL PREVIEW Seven 347,000 101,000 191,000 55,000
8 M-ROMULUS, MY FATHER ABC1 341,000 90,000 106,000 55,000 37,000 53,000
9 WHALE SHARK ABC1 333,000 90,000 101,000 54,000 29,000 58,000
10 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SUN Ten 325,000 70,000 117,000 61,000 25,000 51,000

David Dale is the author of The Little Book of Australia -- A snapshot of who we are (Allen and Unwin). For daily updates on Australian attitudes, bookmark blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

COMMENTS

We did the reality marathon on ten last night (well, actually I had dinner outside, and recorded it to view later, if I'm being really accurate). Biggest Loser - dear god the editing job was awful - for those who may not have heard, they had to edit out a couple because one of the contestants was charged with a pretty serious crime, so ten made the decision to just edit them out completely. This means that all of the weigh-ins basically involved the contestants on the scales only, and Hayley Lewis, so they wouldn't show said couple; odd choice of shots to edit out the couple in things like the opening; Not showing any of the workouts completed before the first weigh-in (eg, one guy lost 13kgs, but the only exercise we saw them do was the 4km "marathon"). Very choppy. I get the feeling they are going to whiz through the first two weeks (the couple was the second to be evicted) - so they don't need to worry about how to cut them out. I'm not sure how the first eviction is going to go either. Odd one. Also not sure how successful the 7:30pm timeslot will go - there are quite a few nights when i know there is no way i'd watch because there is stuff on other channels - I think 10 have made a stupid decision putting it on at that time and sticking with the 6-7:30 programming - I'd get rid of Malcolm in the Middle for a start, that is killing them, and I'm not sure that 7PP will get anywhere NEAR the ratings BL usually got last year.

SYTYCD looked good - I do like it, it is my favourite of the reality shows because they don't feel the need to utterly humiliate people a la Idol - most of the time when there are people put in for comedic purposes, the people are in on the joke as well. What I don't understand though is how they manage to completely suck you in - I study film and television texts for a living, I know how to deconstruct texts and could do it in my sleep, yet 2 mins in watching the Aboriginal boy dancing (if you saw the ad, he was the one with white paint) and I was crying - completely sucked in and manipulated to respond emotionally! Yet I'm completely aware of it at the same time!! Weird... Will be interesting to see whether the crowds will follow it to the new night.

by Beckala on February 01, 2010 at 10:12 AM

I enjoyed SYTYCD last night. But forget TBL! I have no interest in seeing people being humilated for the sake of ratings. And be damned if I can figure out why Ten have it on at 7.30 anyway and why are they sticking with Malcolm in the Middle? Never liked that show and seems like most viewers don't either. They are killing Neighbours with that lead in. Ten need to bring back Simpsons or something.
As for House I recorded it for later viewing. By the time Dance was over I was ready for my bed. My Foxtel IQ box will get a workout this week. Especially tomorrow when the finale of Survivor is on and over on the ABC Kevin McClouds Grand Tour of Europe sounds lovely. Also have to record Satisfaction on Showtime.

Also will have a look at GNW tonight and probably record the show on the ABC about the Great Wall of China. That sounded interesting too. Busy viewing ahead.

by em on February 01, 2010 at 11:12 AM

Speaking of manipulation Beckala, what to make of the story in the SMH today about a Channel NoNo presenter getting in trouble for posing for 'Ralph' and meanwhile 'hosting' a programme spruiking the benefits of moving to Victoria and thinly disguised as a 'tree-change' type reality show. Normally not a problem for Nine floozies to get their norks out but you see: The show is produced by the Vic Government (I doubt it's made explicit in the credits). Not a good look for taxpayer-funded stuff being linked to soft porn. And the 'Ralph' photoshoot was arranged by Nine! A little cross-promotional profile raising (among other things). The moral implications are just too complicated so let's just not have any, eh? Oh what a tangled and not very interesting web we weave.
Speaking of 'So You Think You Can Sob', does anyone know if it is possible to dance without crying? I haven't noticed that happening. If they don't cry the standard trigger is for Matt in the Hat to ask: "How much do you want this?" to which the answer is invariably: "I want this soooooo much. You have no idea. Rilly rilly rilly rilly bad.....boohoohoo....whaaaa"...geez. Rivetting.
Saw 'The Road' on the weekend. Not impressed. I was hoping the cannibals would get that bloody whining kid. Although I'm happy to be disagreed with....

by darren on February 01, 2010 at 11:18 AM

Certainly felt like the tennis ball last night...7 9 79 7 9 7 9 7 9. Is Federer the greatest sportsman of all time??? On the other end of the scale was Pakistan's "captain" thinking the ball was an apple.
Recorded House for MrsPJ & I have to somehow get through the Depos tonight.
Anyway "drivers start your engines", "on with the show" & "may the best team win". It's ratings time.

by PJ453 on February 01, 2010 at 11:36 AM

Darren - sobbing was across channel art last night Murray sobbed after the tennis too... PJ453 - love the description of the cricket ball as apple. I too recorded House for viewing this evening.
Am happy as lots of shows I regularly watch are making an appearance this week - Silent Witness and Spicks and Specks on ABC, 24 and Heroes (with Lost on next week) amongst others.
No reality (unless Amazing race makes an appearance).
This week am only trying two new shows -will see what Royal Pains is like tonight, and the Good wife on sunday night.
Darren have not seen The Road yet - off to Invictus tomorrow night - last weekend saw Up in the Air - my view good but not excellent..

by Cathy on February 01, 2010 at 01:10 PM

Really enjoyed House, even if it was a bit unbelievable. Have not watched it for years but decided to have a look and thought it was great. Will definitely have another look.
Always been a fan of TBL and wondered why it was so odd last night. Now i know. Thanks for the update

by Amym on February 01, 2010 at 01:37 PM

For anybody that thinks that Avatar won't live up to the hype, fear not it's not just a movie it's an experience. Cameron's taken watching movies to a new plane. Sure the story was just a "boy meets girl, girl hates boy, boy wins over girl, girl hates boy again, boy wins over girl again, everybody lives happy ever after....except everything that's dead". At nearly 3 hours it sure keeps you interested.

by PJ453 on February 01, 2010 at 02:17 PM

I haven't watched House for ages, but recorded it on the Foxtel IQ and watched it later. Nearly missed the end as the IQ stopped recording before 11.08pm, which was the finishing time, luckily I was expecting TEN to run late.
It was very enjoyable & I will probably watch more.
Have to be picky now that there are lots of shows returning.
I seem to find more of interest on ABC2, 7-2, and 9-2 (Go) than on the main channels!

by Jen13 on February 01, 2010 at 04:30 PM

Beckala: I didn't know anything about the reduction of contestants, missed that news as was away camping. I found there was a lot less stuffing around because of the forced edit. Sure there was a heck of a lot less exercise/challenges shown which stuffed up the continuity. But there was a lot less of the stuffing around/dramatics. I'm guessing that because of the forced edit this won't be a template for future episodes, especially since *spoiler alert* the missing contestants were eliminated Wk2. How the heck did they do that weigh-in without us noticing? Did they just hope that we wouldn't notice them amongst the other hefty contestants?

by Bereft Skerrick on February 01, 2010 at 04:38 PM

darren, the new SYTYCD reminds me of a Hamish and Andy sketch they did during the audition process last year, where they had Hamish as a contestant and Andy as the judge:
H: Um, I just really need this.
A: Why?
H: Well, my sister broke her leg (sob), but then she got better
A: You're losing me
H: Yeah, but also my mum got really sick (sob)
A: Tell me about that
H: She had a really bad cold
A: um, not sure if that's...
H: But then my grandma died. Admittedly she was 105, but it was still really sad (sob, heaving sobs)
A: hooray, you're going to Sydney
H: YES!! I mean, I miss you grandma!!
Cathy - I loved Up in the Air (but the previous movie I had viewed was Avatar, which I was not impressed with - disclaimer, didn't see it in 3D, so only had the crap story and crapper acting to focus on). Next on our list is also Invictus, and Precious.
RE: Biggest Loser - the eliminated team was the "light blue" team - they have been edited within an inch of their lives. In some respects, it's not noticeable, in others it is ruining the show and causing a lot more "captain obvious" statements - Hayley walks in. Contestant "I saw Hayley walk in and I was nervous" - which I know is par for the course, but there are some sections which you can just tell are filler.
Have recorded MKR - not sure if I will be a fan or not - purely that "state against state" crap has put me off.

by Beckala on February 01, 2010 at 08:33 PM

Do you have the figures for Monday 1st for Jay Leno Show on 7TWO at midday and All My Children on 7TWO at 1pm.
Would be interested to see how these shows rate on daytime digital.
Thanks TM

Tribal Mind replies: In the chart now. Looks like your family is the entire audience.

by dave on February 01, 2010 at 09:28 PM

Beckala I must say I understand your disappointment with 'Avatar'. I thought it was astounding but made the mistake of going to see it again and then noticed the story. Shoulda left it alone.
Saw a bit of 'My Kitchen Rules' (aka Dinner With Bogans). Looks cheap. Like being at a dinner party where no-one knows anyone and has no desire to know anyone and can't wait for coffee because it signals the end of an interminably dull evening of making small talk about where the moronic hosts got their cutlery. I don't think Garry, George and Matt need worry. What I don't get is where the contestants come from. I hate reality shows where they skip the audition process. Who are these people? It leaves an emotional hole right in the centre of the whole enterprise. Although I'm not sure it would be a great improvement in this case. Some people should just stick to chops and three veg.

by darren on February 02, 2010 at 05:58 AM

What is it with television channels & Tues night at 8:30?????
From SMH The Guide shows worth watching :
ABC1 Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour
SBS1 Big Love
7 Greys (MrsPJ
ABC2 Durham County (The Guide's show of the week)
Thank heavens we've only watched 4 minutes EVER of Survivor & Zero/Zilch/Nought of the SYTYCDA
What's going to misss out?

by PJ453 on February 02, 2010 at 06:12 AM

Watched House last night and I must say that I was impressed. I sort of lost interest last year and didn't watch reguarly but I will be back this year. At least for awhile.
Also tuned into GNW last night but it wasn't really funny. Just mildly amusing.

by em on February 02, 2010 at 08:08 AM

PJ453, I just had the exact same thought about tonight's tv! Although there is one difference - I do watch SYTYCD and not the ABC stuff - but I'm torn!! We simply don't have enough recording devices. Fortunately SYTYCD changes soon to only being on Wednesday so it will be a little more manageable.
em, agree with your assessment of GNW. I usually love it but was just...meh!
And for all you TBYG fans - this week (Sunday) they are having a special 3D episode - 3D glasses are free with Womans Day and TV Week - I got my pair!!

by Beckala on February 02, 2010 at 08:27 AM

Chose Mentalist over Despos last night, but next week we'll watch Despos and record Mentalist. Mentalist has become too much 'by the numbers' show and, as such, was a letdown last night.
Sad news for Allan Shore fans of The Practice - Foxtel's 111 concludes the current season 5 next week and then reverts to repeating season 1.
No reply from Foxtel to my e-mail seeking screening dates for seasons 6, 7 & 8 (the latter being the season to introduce Spader's brilliant character who went on to, as we all know, Boston Legal.

by d@gp on February 02, 2010 at 08:48 AM

Whoa! Who did the casting for My Kitchen Rules?? Could you find a duller, more poorly spoken, uglier bunch than the contestants (and judges) featured last night? The bloke hosting the dinner looked like a sweaty undertaker, the other couples were either stupidly bitchy or downright beige and the judges lacked colour.
Darren is right - it was like being at a boring, awkward dinner party where no-one talks. And I imagine we're going to have to sit through another five or so as we visit all the other couples' homes to have dinner there too. Will be interesting to see how this rates, and whether those ratings plummet or climb....I suspect the former.

by NJK on February 02, 2010 at 08:59 AM

MKR was strange with the other contestants judging each other for 40% of the score! Yeah, that's going to work. A contest where the judges are the nicest and sweetest people on the show. I would have like to have seen Pete or Manu consult on the menu. Not give them dishes to do, but at least say, what are doing? Ans: Kipfler mash; Judge: Don't do it, no starch... Contestant: OK....
I have never watch Despos so am not going to start now (although the Twins / Boob job discussion shown as a Sneak Peak in the tennis) was hilarious. So for the rest of Aus, the Mentalist beats Despos because the Ment is a show that you can drop in and out of. To watch Despos I feel I have to be been there from the beginning. May not be true, but that is the feeling. Plus Simon is an Aussie.
Agree with PJ453 that Tuesday has an enormous choice, though for me it is only Big Love, Durham or Kevin... Down to Big Love or Durham... Still thinking.

by Tim on February 02, 2010 at 09:09 AM

Tuesdays 8.30 - you forgot the ticking clock - 24 is back on 7two - recording Greys and 24 for me

by Cathy on February 02, 2010 at 10:58 AM

Tonight, I think the option will be: record "Durham", watch Kevin. I think architecture can deal better with interruptions from small children (one of which just started Kindi and is *exhausted* but Just Won't Sleep).

Caught the second half of Despoes last night (after wrangling said small child back into bed for the sixth time), and was quite completely lost. I'd forgotten how much I'd skipped watching last year! Think I picked up the basics though. Doubt it'll return to its Must See position on my schedule, but still pretty good fun. I agree with Tim: Simon's an Aussie. That'll always give The Mentalist an edge.

Oh, saw bits of "House" on Sunday. I'm as meh as ever about it. It just tries to be too clever for its own good, and it's obvious. I do love Hugh Laurie though, he's always been brilliant.

darren, sorry you didn't like "The Road". I won't be seeing it (I think reading the book was enough), but I was hoping it would be incandescent. (Just because I don't want to see it doesn't mean I don't want it to be good.)

Avoiding MKR. For so many reasons.

by tqd on February 02, 2010 at 11:01 AM

One other thing, did anyone notice the other night that SYTYCDA is sponsored by The Navy? They've got a really cool ad where being in The Navy looks like an endless schoolies week. I have a feeling the opening number when the competition starts might be choreographed to a song called 'Yvan eht Nioj'. I blame Matt Groening.

by darren on February 02, 2010 at 11:19 AM

For those thinking of watching Durham, I highly recommend it. It is a one-off series that screened on UKTV last year.

by Glory Days on February 02, 2010 at 11:59 AM

Personally, i gave up on Despos , House and Greys a couple of seasons ago, They just stopped being 'must watch' for me. Now most of my viewing is foxtel: satisfaction, dexter, the number one ladies detective agency etc. Just waiting for Mad Men to come back! Although i will be trying that new channel 10 show on Sunday..

by Danna on February 02, 2010 at 12:18 PM

darren, that's too funny! I caught Mr Bear wandering around the house sining 'Yvan eht Nioj" the other day, too. While we don't watch SYTYCD or any of that ilk, the kids have invented a new game, where their stuffed animals have a dance competition. (You haven't lived until you've seen a very well loved toy monkey spin on its head and end its routine with the splits.) I've dubbed it "So You Think Your Dolly Can Dance".
Since they're obviously not getting this reality TV meme from us or our (brand new HD flat screen) TV, I can only blame the schoolyard.

by tqd on February 02, 2010 at 12:26 PM

Yes, Darren, I noticed that too. Very strange sponsor. And I saw another interesting ad on Ten last night just before GNW. The camera panned down a hall to an open door. The sign outside said "celebrity support group" . Inside seated in a circle were Ten celebritys all baring their souls in thearpy. It was quite good actually and certainly a different way for a network to advertise it's shows for the year. Look out for it. It even had the judges from MC with much chest thumping, tears and everything! Quite funny. (though they obviously got the idea from House)

by em on February 02, 2010 at 01:07 PM

I thought Desperate Housewives was back in fine form and full of laugh out loud moments again. I suppose it's suffering some viewer fatigue and The Mentalist is just the latest 'new' show to take it on. I'd say both shows have a large following of women and like Cold Case a few years ago could give Despos a bit of a scare. The Mentalist doesn't rate anywhere near as high as Underbelly in that slot though. I still liek Brotehrs and Sisters but am not as enthusiastic about last night's episode.
Meanwhile, Royal Pains was just awful. It's not even close to being as good as Boston Legal and I hated sitting through it waiting for 30 Rock. Seven need to show the much better 30 Rock at 10.30pm quick smart.

by J Bar on February 02, 2010 at 01:09 PM

Tqd, it would have to be one of them dollies wot cry outta their googly eyes to be truly representative.
Re 'The Road' I'm really hoping someone will tell me I'm wrong and I'll try again but it left me cold. Empty. The eating-human-flesh bits have been toned down but the whole thing just feels dull and hollow. And Kobi Smit-McPhee may be a child prodigy but in this he just whines and blubbers and is pathetic. Not how I remember the book. That'll teach me to...you know, look forward to things.

by darren on February 02, 2010 at 03:29 PM

J Bar nice to see someone else had a similar view about Royal Pains - twas a royal pain to watch - suprised SMH Guide gave it a thumbs up - TM you need to talk to your colleagues about their taste - clearly missing in this instance.
I have seen the first few of the new 30 Rock - a friend had downloaded about 8 eps - good fun.

by Cathy on February 02, 2010 at 03:31 PM

em: surprised the Ch Shirl ad made it to the light of day considering that Mental Health groups have taken offense at it.
TBYG in 3D? I am SO there!
I have photos in Master 5.5's pre school book from last year where it seems that he'd set himself up as Matt Preston in the cubbyhouse and was judging the creations "created" by his preschool friends. He starts school tomorrow, I can only hope the fixtures have been nailed down, that breakables have all been put away, and that the fees will cover the damages. It also means no more early morning Tv in our household (usually ABC/ABC2/ABC3).

by Bereft Skerrick on February 02, 2010 at 03:54 PM

Anyone catch the Ch 7 news break from Brissy this arvo.
In the background behind the 'talking head' was someone looking at naked totties.
Classic. Might be a new job advertised tomorrow.

by Algenon on February 02, 2010 at 05:10 PM

darren, I don't remember any crying in "The Road". Well, not from the characters, at any rate. Tough bastards, the lot of them.
And no dollies wot cry outta their googly eyes allowed in our house. Mr Bear does rate Miss Boo's teddies harshly ("Mummy, that was *my* bear's special move, she's just stealing it so I'm only giving her four out of ten"), and she just says "okay" happily. He's a mean judge.

by tqd on February 02, 2010 at 05:22 PM

In addition to my previous comment re TBYG...... BASIL BRUSH! BOOM BOOM!

Tribal Mind remarks: Yeah, yeah, but will the 3D glasses we stole from Avatar work on TBYG?

by Bereft Skerrick on February 02, 2010 at 08:32 PM

I watch the Mentalist because it's a great show. What baffles me is why anyone would watch Desperate Housewives.

by bobmar28 on February 03, 2010 at 05:30 AM

I suspect the whole T''BYG 3D thing is a Micallef-led prank on the whole nation and just the thought of 1.5 million people sitting their loungerooms with silly glasses on and saying "Dese fings don't werk" is all he's after. I'd like to propose a 'Shaun Micallef as Australia's Answer to Stephen Colbert Action Group' (SMAASCAG) to see what can be done to get him into a serious / hilarious talkshow. We could call it 'Newstopia' or something. He's substansially wasted on a gameshow.
Tqd, Re Re 'The Road', yer right. In the book the kid was kind-hearted but mostly quiet. Innocent but stoic. In the movie he just cries. Like a girl. The book was, as you say, incandescent. The movie strikes me as sorta undecided - art-house or gore-fest? And gets stuck in the middle somewhere. No heart. And the theatre smelled like wet dog. Sigh...

by darren on February 03, 2010 at 05:59 AM

darren: I suggest that Micallef aim higher. He should be named PM for life. I can imagine him in Parliament sitting on his high horse. It's in the bin!
Seriously though, now that Joe Hockey is guesting, how long will it be before Kruddy himself guests?

by Bereft Skerrick on February 03, 2010 at 10:01 AM

Am still in shock and despair that Russell was robbed of the prize on Survivor. What a bunch of plonkers on that jury. At least Russell returns for the Heroes/Villans series, although with those figures I wonder what time Ch9 nine will show it.

by Jill on February 03, 2010 at 10:08 AM

Saw House on Sunday night and really enjoyed it. I had abandoned House after the repetitive plot line got to me (Its X, No its Y, Shite the patient almost died, Ah...its lupus!). But Hugh Laurie was great in the season opener.....horrible feeling it wont last but I am interested and will watch again!
I was looking forward to Greys Anatomy (having caught last seasons final after deserting it for several weeks) but after hoping Izzy would finally depart, I was sad it was George. Must be saving her for the next ratings slump. I was a bit shocked by the whole laughing at the funeral bit....what the?? Not sure if this is going to last either and it will be back to shlock romance dramedy shortly.
Best news is I got TIVO for Xmas so I can record and delete at will....

by Jessp on February 03, 2010 at 10:52 AM

Wow neighbours at 500,000 what a fall!! Maybe, its time to go, neighbours!!
Malcom in the middle had got to go, bring back The Simpsons.
Thank god for GO

Tribal Mind replies: But aren't the Simpsons on 23/7 already?

by Don on February 03, 2010 at 10:56 AM

Mr Dale, I'm guessing Mr Micallef's 3D glasses are going to be of the red/blue variety, not the new fangled "Avatar" variety.
I did rather enjoy Kevin's new show last night, although I misunderstood what it was going to be about (I saw 1/2 of one preview in passing). I did want to see more of that theatre, however. Due to some miscommunication however, we didn't record that other show on ABC2. Oh well.
I did see that QI would be back on next Tuesday, 9:30, ABC1. Woot.
darren, Re: wet dog smell. Could be seen as atmospheric, perhaps? Oh, and some time ago I recommended David Malouf's new book, "Ransom", without having actually read it. I have now read it, and am doubling my recommendation. Wonderful stuff. Makes me want to go and dust off that copy of The lliad that has remained unread on my shelves for years.
Micallef for PM! I'd back that. (At the rate of showing my lack of current knowlege: what is Joe Hockey guesting on?)

Tribal Mind requests: This has never worked before, but lets try again. Would readers be so kind as to explain briefly what they are referring to when they make comments? Then this might look like a forum which welcomes new readers, rather than a club of esoterica. References such as "Kevin's new show", "that theatre", "that other show on ABC2" and "woot" might have the effect of making some readers feel excluded. I am also contemplating a ban on acronyms, which tend to slow down conversation while the reader goes to check the program guide for a show that happens to have those initials. The answer to your final question is T''BYG (many people forget the all-important apostrophes).

by tqd on February 03, 2010 at 12:14 PM

Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour was both entertaining & educational. His simple explanation of why Venice just doesn't sink into the mud answered a lot of my questions.
My biggest problem last night was that I was relegated to the 20yr old tv due to the "big mother of a tv" was screening Greys for MrsPJ & our on it's last legs "bedroom" tv doesn't like ABC very much. Cranked up the old vcr (that's a tape format for you youngens)for Big Love & recorded Durham County on the hard drive for later viewing.
Had a financial summit & it was unaminously decided that we're off to the local Good Guys on Sat morning to get a new 2nd tv!!!
Oh & I couldnt let this opportunity to go by without saying how saddened I am that George on Grey's will no longer grace our screen.....yeah right.

by PJ453 on February 03, 2010 at 12:20 PM

Royal Pains was terrible. I've heard that The Good Wife is another overhyped drama that is a dud.

by Harriet on February 03, 2010 at 12:50 PM

PJ453: if your old TV hates Grey's WAAHHHHHH-natomy then if obviously has very good taste.
Pappy Skerrick bought a new TV which has some new fangled wireless thingy where he can view shows on the TV from his hard drive. So he can watch the TV shows and movies he hasn't d/l'ed.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 03, 2010 at 06:24 PM

The wet dog smell evident in the theatre at the George Street cinemas in which I viewed the recently released movie 'The Road' was not atmosphere. I think it was because it was screening in what they call "Traditional" theatre as opposed to "Maxi Big Bloody Screen" and Cinemaxi Even Bloody Bigger" and "Super Duper Hyper Maxi Huge" and which you only pay $17 for a ticket but the down side is they don't clean it by the looks.
Regarding previous comments about the Shadow Minister for Takeaway Joe Hockey's appearance on 'Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation', yes, we can look forward to a lot more of that Pollie-Pimping this year. I actually saw KRudd on 'The 7:30 Report' the other night. Strange to see him actually having to answer real questions instead of "Watcha do over Chrissie Kev?" (Mel Doyle). Maybe he'll find a moment to appear on 'The Insiders' for the first time in 2010?

by darren on February 04, 2010 at 06:00 AM

TM, woops Tribal Mind, half the fun of this "forum" is trying to understand what contributors are endeavouring to say.
tqd, completely understood your comments re "Kevin", "that theatre" (and wasn't it great). The "other show on ABC2" (Durham County, which we watched last night & it's certainly not for the fainthearted, but worth watching). ok you lost me with "woot", but I too will enjoy seeing QI (now there's a problem the actual name of the show is an acronym, what do we do now???)
Great to have S&S back, oh sorry forgot Spicks and Specks.
Bereft, are you saying that the tv & the hard drive are in 2 different rooms?? That would be good, but wouldn't help in the "Tues 8:30 good show bonanza can't watch everything at once problem"

by PJ453 on February 04, 2010 at 06:36 AM

Re PJ453 and QI - how about Queue Eye :)
I just want to know what happened to Reaper on 7(2) - we have had 13 of 31 episodes. I thought all of these new digital channels was supposed to aleviate all of the chopping and changing of schedules, although I see 7(2( are bringing back Samantha Who at about 11.30pm on a Thursday night, in place of something else that made such a memorable impression that I have no idea what its name was...

by ozinoz on February 04, 2010 at 07:58 AM

PJ453: I wasn't able to totally investigate as I was on my way home after a 12 hour trip from the Gold Coast calling in to help install the TV for the technologically bereft. We were able to put a movie onto USB and plug that into the back of the TV.
I think you need to get a wireless adaptor to hook into a home network, but according to the manufacturers website "Transfer your videos, music and photos from your PC or from your DLNA mobile device."

by Bereft Skerrick on February 04, 2010 at 08:00 AM

Just heard that our favorite personality Kyle Sandilands is going to be back on TV as a judge on Australia's Got No Talent.
Isn't that just wonderful?

by em on February 04, 2010 at 08:21 AM

Well that should be the end of Australia's Got Talent, now that Kyle (the kiss of death) Sandilands appears to be onboard. He will no doubt ride another show into the beach.

by TGO on February 04, 2010 at 11:04 AM

I miss Reaper too (although really, couldn't handle any more shows on a Tuesday). I was quite traumatised by 'Durham County' - argh! I'm not even sure I can watch it again despite its show of the week status. I am enjoying the new episodes of Sesame Street though, a lovely take on 'Man vs Wild' this morningl.

by Rex on February 04, 2010 at 11:15 AM

Interesting story on Crikey about 'A Current Affair' doing a 'story' on a car hoon last night. Apparently the EXCLUSIVE video footage was actually lifted from YouTube and was originally (in 2007!) an audition tape submitted to the producers of 'Top Gear Australia' by some guy who wanted to be the Stig. Nine presented it as 'Help Us Catch This Maniac and Make The Streets Safe Again' campaign. Hahahaha...... mercy. Anyway makes fun reading. Hopefully the guy they defamed will sue them off the air. Nice to have dreams.
It's almost as funny as Jeremy Clarkson doing a promo for 'Top Gear' and having to say "Coming to the home of entertainment" (Channel Nine that is). Hilarious.

by darren on February 04, 2010 at 11:25 AM

The Ten Network and the Executive Producer have driven Neighbours off a cliff with teen skewed storylines and characters. The show doesn't have that basic charm of family, friends, community and neighbourhood any more. I have been a Neighbours fan for almost all of its 25 years but have never been as dismayed with the show as I am right now. I don't know if I can keep watching any more. The show has barely any families now and it is dominated by boring teen storylines for teh sake of showing teens on screen. Ten need to stop interfering with this view of making producing an ideal show for teen viewers and introduce some older characters and adult storylines that might appeal to a wider audience. It's time to launch a rescue effort for Neighbours before it drowns in the ocean.

by Katerina on February 04, 2010 at 12:13 PM

Darren I saw that story last night but I am sure it was on Today Tonight on 7. They were basically running the line that Top Gear causes hooning and is a highly irresponsible show. I took it to be more of the let's-create-a-story-that-bags-that-successful-show-on-another-network tricks. A let's bag Top Gear before 9 even gets it to our screens. I seem to remember them pulling a similar stunt running numerous anti-Ramsay segments when Gordon was all the rage.

by LAH on February 04, 2010 at 12:56 PM

Mr Dale, my apologies. I was rather tired the other day and did a lot of typing without explanations or proof reading.
I wasn't going to explain "woot" at any rate, because I thought that was standard netspeak, until PJ453 was lost there as well. According to Urban Dictionary (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=woot!): "It is a expresion of joy."
Hm, someone can't spel.
And thanks for all your translations of my goobledegook, PJ453.
Anyhoo, very glad to see "Burn Notice" back on last night. Big dumb fun, one of my favourites.

by tqd on February 04, 2010 at 02:31 PM

LAH, yes, I read some more. It was Tuesday on ACA ('A Current Affair') and then last night TT ('Today Tonight') caught on and turned it into a hatchet job on 'Top Gear'. ACA also had a follow up last night in which they (allegedly) selectively edited a policeman saying that this guy could be prosecuted but that was a beat-up too. It's what we've come to expect really but why don't Seven follow up with a story about why Jernalism is so crap on the two "flagship" commercial channels? Oh that's right, because their next story is about a chihuaha getting stuck in a drain pipe....
'The 7PM Project' (which incidentally has been very flat the last week or so....winding up?) has better crafted stories.
I don't watch either ACA or TT but the discussion over what journalism should be and why has it come to this always intrigues me. Dunno if I'm sad, embarrassed or disgusted about it all. Probably just bored.
Maybe tonight's feature on ACA can be about that piano-playing kitten. Animal cruelty or feline conspiracy? Hard-hitting like wet toilet paper. Kyle Sandilands is guest-hosting TT. Because Seven has balls. Jesus H Christ.

by darren on February 04, 2010 at 03:06 PM

Kyle Sandilands - 7's melanoma monent? Separately (in response to Customs scoring well) I was going to write that 7 may be in trouble this year anyway... Honest - I was! Nine's news seems to be hanging in there, there is Top Gear, Underbelly and everyones fave 2 1/2 Men ;)))) Hey, I am no fanboy, just a gaze into a crystal ball. My predictions are usually woeful, so look for Kyle to be this years biggest star...
Biggest Loser moment...
Contestant: We walked downstairs and there was Hayley in the house. And when you see Hayley, something big is going to happen...
No way! She was just there to see if anyone wanted a caramel slice... You are on the show - of course something is going to happen. Too soon for the recap to start annoying me.
Criminal Minds and Burn Notice for me last night.

by Tim on February 04, 2010 at 03:58 PM

Quoth Tim: "Too soon for the recap to start annoying me"
I dunno, I'm annoyed already and I haven't even watched any of the show. The recaps have to be the MOST annoying thing about modern TV.
Oh, apart from "Next: Spicks & Specks" flashing up on a banner on The Colberrrrr Reporrrrr (ABC2) last night, about five minutes before the end. Well, yes, I am perfectly capable of reading my TV Guide/wielding my electronic program guide, so knew that already. Bloody annoying, one always does hope that the ABC will steer clear of the more annoying commercial channel tics. And one is almost always disappointed. (Recap! During the news! WTF!)

by tqd on February 05, 2010 at 10:14 AM

One of the funniest episodes I have seen of 'How Not to Live Your Life' last night on ABC2. This show is very naughty and some would say quite rude, as it pushes the limits, but it is hilariously funny.

by J Bar on February 05, 2010 at 10:21 AM

I agree "How not to live your live" is a great laugh and was a real find for me only catching some of the last series last year. very naughty and somewaht strange. Hope the ABC repeat it as I have missed a few episodes.

by ned on February 05, 2010 at 12:08 PM

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