The Who We Are update: Week 9

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This week's forum is now a heritage item - worth studying but no longer current.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.
House and Despos are hits with the timeshifters, but if the timeshifters fast-forward through the ads, why should the networks care about the extra audience? Which leads to a fundamental issue: how do the makers of TV commercials stop people from fast-forwarding? For the background on all this, and to discuss your playback habits, go to Lets do the timeshift.

To nominate television's most annoying, overhyped and underrated people and programs, go to The Bogies 2010.

The ratings race, updated 10 am Monday
The week doesn't really count towards the year's official ratings, because the winter Olympics are a special event, but for what it's worth, the prime time audience shares went like this: SBSTWO 0.4%; ABC3 0.5%; ONE 0.9; ABC2 1.3; 7TWO 3.3; GO 3.4; SBS1 4.8; ABC1 14.6; Ten 19.7; Seven 25.2; Nine 26.8.

This was Pay TV's account of itself for the week: "On Saturday night, the Mardi Gras Special on Arena brought the colour and spectacle of the 2010 Sydney Mardi Gras parade to 133,000 viewers around Australia. Family Guy on Fox8 was watched by 109,000 people, The American Idol Performance Show on FOX8 was watched by 103,000, Zack And Miri Make A Porno premiered on Movie One with 77,000 and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? was watched by 72,000 on UKTV. NCIS on TV1 was watched by 72,000, Property Ladder on LifeStyle Channel was seen by 65,000 and Helen West on 13th Street was watched by 64,000 viewers.

"In sport, Live: Cricket: Twenty20: NZ v Aus Game 1 on FOX Sports was watched by 189,000 people and 180,000 watched the Dragons and Rabbitohs play the traditional Rugby League season opener in Live: Rugby League: Charity Shield. Live: AFL: NAB Cup Geelong v North Melb was seen by 157,000 people, Live: Rugby Union: S14 Reds v Blues was watched by 106,000 people, Live: Football: EPL Chelsea v Man City was viewed by 68,000 and Live: Football: A-League Semi Final by 65,000 people (all on FOX Sports).

"In week 9, subscription TV channels accounted for 22.9% of all metropolitan viewing between 6am and midnight, 21.7% of all regional viewing and 57.0% of all viewing in subscription TV homes."

What Australia recorded in the week ending February 20 and watched within seven days
Description Overnight audience Consolidated audience 000's Increase % Increase
1 HOUSE Network TEN 946,000 1,081,000 135,000 14.20%
2 THE GOOD WIFE Network TEN 1,208,000 1,308,000 100,000 8.30%
3 GREY'S ANATOMY Network 7 866,000 963,000 97,000 11.20%
4 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Network 7 1,087,000 1,183,000 96,000 8.80%
5 CASTLE Network 7 963,000 1,059,000 96,000 10.00%
6 CRIMINAL MINDS Network 7 1,095,000 1,186,000 91,000 8.30%
7 BROTHERS & SISTERS Network 7 903,000 993,000 89,000 9.90%
8 BONES Network 7 1,251,000 1,339,000 88,000 7.10%
9 NCIS Network TEN 1,369,000 1,457,000 88,000 6.40%
10 TOP GEAR -EP1 Network 9 1,685,000 1,772,000 86,000 5.10%
11 GREY'S ANATOMY-EP.2 Network 7 911,000 995,000 84,000 9.20%
12 DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME Network ABC1 803,000 885,000 82,000 10.20%
13 COUGAR TOWN Network 7 1,093,000 1,168,000 75,000 6.90%
14 THE MENTALIST Network 9 1,231,000 1,306,000 74,000 6.00%
15 BURN NOTICE Network TEN 423,000 495,000 72,000 16.90%
16 LOST Network 7TWO 180,000 247,000 67,000 37.20%
17 MONTY PYTHON: ALMOST THE TRUTH THE LAWYER'S CUT-EV Network ABC1 806,000 867,000 61,000 7.50%
18 SILENT WITNESS Network ABC1 933,000 993,000 60,000 6.40%
19 LAW AND ORDER: SVU Network TEN 904,000 961,000 57,000 6.30%
20 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Network 7 897,000 952,000 55,000 6.10%
(OzTAM mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, week ending February 27
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,397,000 374,000 481,000 259,000 110,000 173,000
2 NCIS Ten 1,384,000 399,000 374,000 264,000 154,000 193,000
3 MY KITCHEN RULES-TUE Seven 1,355,000 330,000 422,000 252,000 179,000 172,000
4 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,292,000 364,000 351,000 274,000 129,000 173,000
5 THE MENTALIST Nine 1,279,000 393,000 421,000 202,000 110,000 153,000
6 CUSTOMS Nine 1,276,000 374,000 380,000 241,000 114,000 166,000
7 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,274,000 308,000 385,000 249,000 156,000 176,000
8 AIR WAYS Seven 1,267,000 311,000 399,000 248,000 149,000 161,000
9 THE GOOD WIFE Ten 1,260,000 347,000 355,000 260,000 117,000 180,000
10 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,247,000 311,000 368,000 241,000 154,000 174,000

11 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,241,000 302,000 349,000 249,000 162,000 178,000
12 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,241,000 333,000 411,000 244,000 130,000 121,000
13 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,198,000 298,000 359,000 221,000 141,000 178,000
14 TWENTY/20 - AUSTRALIA V WEST INDIES Nine 1,197,000 367,000 343,000 229,000 125,000 133,000
15 MY KITCHEN RULES-MON Seven 1,193,000 316,000 373,000 224,000 141,000 140,000
16 THE BIG BANG THEORY Nine 1,156,000 325,000 376,000 207,000 107,000 141,000
17 NINE NEWS Nine 1,156,000 334,000 373,000 232,000 102,000 115,000
18 BONES Seven 1,155,000 312,000 349,000 227,000 162,000 105,000
19 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,143,000 278,000 350,000 221,000 144,000 150,000
20 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,122,000 280,000 367,000 201,000 148,000 126,000
21 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,110,000 333,000 351,000 191,000 117,000 118,000
22 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,106,000 268,000 310,000 234,000 129,000 165,000
23 TALKIN' 'BOUT YOUR GENERATION Ten 1,085,000 299,000 327,000 245,000 85,000 129,000
24 TWO AND A HALF MEN -WED Nine 1,078,000 260,000 356,000 222,000 90,000 150,000
25 SUNDAY NIGHT Seven 1,027,000 258,000 310,000 215,000 108,000 135,000
26 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,023,000 284,000 355,000 202,000 75,000 107,000
27 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,016,000 292,000 294,000 176,000 122,000 133,000
28 COUGAR TOWN Seven 1,014,000 270,000 293,000 202,000 125,000 124,000
29 VANCOUVER GOLD 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: DAY 11 Nine 1,013,000 323,000 316,000 180,000 110,000 85,000
30 VANCOUVER GOLD 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: DAY 12 Nine 1,012,000 308,000 320,000 156,000 126,000 103,000
31 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,002,000 298,000 270,000 211,000 90,000 133,000
32 GOOD NEWS WEEK Ten 993,000 236,000 351,000 169,000 114,000 123,000

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,106,000 268,000 310,000 234,000 129,000 165,000
2 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 942,000 296,000 307,000 176,000 106,000 58,000
3 ABC NEWS-SA ABC1 868,000 217,000 312,000 135,000 99,000 105,000
4 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS Nine 766,000 235,000 212,000 166,000 86,000 68,000
5 M-SISTER ACT Seven 743,000 176,000 244,000 133,000 75,000 114,000
6 WHIZZ KIDS - WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE Nine 674,000 231,000 186,000 131,000 71,000 55,000
7 VANCOUVER GOLD 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: DAY 14 Nine 652,000 206,000 173,000 134,000 71,000 68,000
8 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SAT Ten 638,000 187,000 178,000 106,000 72,000 95,000
9 THE BILL ABC1 611,000 187,000 169,000 107,000 71,000 76,000
10 GARDENING AUSTRALIA ABC1 585,000 134,000 247,000 91,000 58,000 55,000
11 BLUE MURDER ABC1 550,000 161,000 154,000 95,000 73,000 67,000
12 VANCOUVER GOLD 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: DAY 14 (LATE) Nine 528,000 165,000 137,000 99,000 68,000 59,000
13 BED OF ROSES ABC1 492,000 124,000 148,000 108,000 56,000 57,000
19 MONSTER MOVES SBS ONE 337,000 75,000 117,000 67,000 35,000 42,000
26 2010 brand name CUP - ST KILDA V SYDNEY Ten 267,000 35,000 160,000 14,000 32,000 27,000
30 IRON CHEF SBS ONE 244,000 55,000 97,000 45,000 23,000 24,000
38 M-CALL ME: THE RISE AND FALL OF HEIDI FLEISS Seven 209,000 57,000 65,000 49,000 17,000 22,000
40 HEARTBEAT-SAT 7TWO 200,000 39,000 58,000 38,000 38,000 26,000

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BITTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,122,000 280,000 367,000 201,000 148,000 126,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,110,000 240,000 340,000 229,000 148,000 152,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,075,000 240,000 363,000 200,000 128,000 144,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 1,015,000 274,000 327,000 206,000 105,000 103,000
5 SILENT WITNESS ABC1 919,000 271,000 263,000 148,000 104,000 133,000
6 ABC NEWS ABC1 860,000 273,000 264,000 126,000 77,000 120,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 856,000 207,000 322,000 165,000 83,000 79,000
8 VANCOUVER COLD 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: DAY 13 Nine 818,000 246,000 238,000 166,000 86,000 82,000
20 2010 brandname CUP: HAWTHORN V WESTERN BULLDOGS Seven 423,000 4,000 298,000 7,000 60,000 54,000
25 SUNRISE Seven 355,000 106,000 80,000 84,000 35,000 49,000
30 TODAY Nine 308,000 90,000 89,000 72,000 24,000 34,000
37 HITLER'S BODYGUARD SBS ONE 240,000 83,000 66,000 35,000 32,000 24,000
45 BLACKADDER GOES FORTH GO! 178,000 35,000 56,000 28,000 26,000 33,000
48 VIRTUAL ADULTERY AND CYBERSPACE LOVE RPT SBS ONE 173,000 48,000 43,000 32,000 24,000 26,000

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,178,000 289,000 351,000 223,000 152,000 163,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,175,000 271,000 352,000 242,000 151,000 158,000
3 NINE NEWS Nine 1,091,000 304,000 329,000 247,000 101,000 110,000
4 COUGAR TOWN Seven 1,014,000 270,000 293,000 202,000 125,000 124,000
5 VANCOUVER GOLD 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: DAY 12 Nine 1,007,000 306,000 317,000 155,000 126,000 103,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 952,000 262,000 320,000 208,000 67,000 95,000
7 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 948,000 217,000 370,000 184,000 66,000 113,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 942,000 269,000 266,000 159,000 132,000 116,000
9 GETAWAY Nine 917,000 216,000 293,000 186,000 99,000 123,000
10 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Seven 913,000 255,000 243,000 198,000 104,000 114,000
17 GHOST WHISPERER Seven 761,000 221,000 209,000 146,000 99,000 85,000
19 THE NEANDERTHAL CODE ABC1 641,000 172,000 203,000 122,000 71,000 73,000
20 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 607,000 143,000 162,000 163,000 71,000 68,000
26 HOT SEAT Nine 547,000 143,000 161,000 140,000 49,000 54,000
27 DEAL OR NO DEAL Seven 508,000 107,000 157,000 83,000 89,000 72,000
31 FAMILY GUY Seven 385,000 103,000 136,000 60,000 41,000 45,000
32 TODAY Nine 367,000 129,000 99,000 64,000 31,000 45,000
36 SUNRISE Seven 323,000 76,000 79,000 88,000 37,000 42,000
37 GOURMET FARMER SBS ONE 312,000 70,000 122,000 54,000 25,000 40,000
53 STARGATE ATLANTIS 7TWO 162,000 42,000 38,000 39,000 21,000 23,000
78 HEROES 7TWO 112,000 39,000 16,000 33,000 14,000 10,000
85 E.R. GO! 103,000 34,000 31,000 12,000 20,000 6,000

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,260,000 315,000 347,000 248,000 168,000 182,000
2 CUSTOMS Nine 1,259,000 369,000 378,000 238,000 111,000 163,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,226,000 334,000 327,000 231,000 154,000 180,000
4 CRIMINAL MINDS Seven 1,198,000 298,000 359,000 221,000 141,000 178,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,178,000 378,000 371,000 228,000 96,000 105,000
6 RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE Seven 1,143,000 278,000 350,000 221,000 144,000 150,000
7 SPICKS AND SPECKS ABC1 1,111,000 334,000 351,000 191,000 117,000 117,000
13 RPA Nine 988,000 306,000 288,000 172,000 110,000 113,000
14 ICU Seven 937,000 252,000 270,000 182,000 104,000 128,000
16 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA Ten 879,000 286,000 272,000 151,000 67,000 103,000
20 GANGS OF OZ Seven 679,000 167,000 218,000 124,000 83,000 87,000
21 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 665,000 160,000 193,000 153,000 73,000 86,000
33 POH'S KITCHEN ABC1 404,000 98,000 141,000 76,000 36,000 53,000
36 TODAY Nine 368,000 113,000 117,000 76,000 22,000 41,000
39 SUNRISE Seven 327,000 97,000 76,000 79,000 35,000 41,000
54 LOST 7TWO 187,000 72,000 53,000 25,000 10,000 27,000
58 LOST-ENCORE Seven 159,000 45,000 51,000 37,000 10,000 15,000
61 TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES GO! 152,000 40,000 54,000 19,000 23,000 17,000

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,475,000 372,000 444,000 300,000 166,000 193,000
2 NCIS Ten 1,384,000 399,000 374,000 264,000 154,000 193,000
3 MY KITCHEN RULES-TUE Seven 1,355,000 330,000 422,000 252,000 179,000 172,000
4 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,304,000 346,000 344,000 265,000 154,000 196,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,223,000 362,000 402,000 227,000 104,000 127,000
6 TWENTY/20 - AUSTRALIA V WEST INDIES Nine 1,126,000 365,000 324,000 203,000 110,000 124,000
7 GREY'S ANATOMY Seven 1,016,000 292,000 294,000 176,000 122,000 133,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,013,000 259,000 324,000 188,000 130,000 111,000
9 BONDI RESCUE Ten 1,002,000 298,000 270,000 211,000 90,000 133,000
13 BROTHERS & SISTERS-TUE Seven 852,000 260,000 290,000 126,000 86,000 89,000
14 THE BIGGEST LOSER (AUS) Ten 830,000 234,000 230,000 206,000 67,000 94,000
16 KEVIN MCCLOUD'S GRAND TOUR ABC1 737,000 188,000 261,000 107,000 95,000 86,000
17 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 725,000 170,000 189,000 184,000 74,000 109,000
30 TODAY Nine 362,000 120,000 97,000 71,000 33,000 41,000
31 SUNRISE Seven 341,000 97,000 65,000 95,000 32,000 53,000
46 BIG LOVE SBS ONE 173,000 44,000 67,000 28,000 8,000 27,000
50 SAMANTHA WHO? Seven 154,000 46,000 45,000 30,000 20,000 14,000
178 DURHAM COUNTY ABC2 38,000 12,000 17,000 2,000 1,000 5,000

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 TWO AND A HALF MEN Nine 1,386,000 371,000 478,000 256,000 109,000 172,000
2 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,355,000 340,000 362,000 263,000 187,000 204,000
3 THE MENTALIST Nine 1,286,000 394,000 424,000 203,000 110,000 154,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,264,000 309,000 352,000 247,000 166,000 190,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 1,244,000 351,000 425,000 244,000 98,000 125,000
6 MY KITCHEN RULES-MON Seven 1,194,000 316,000 374,000 224,000 141,000 140,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,180,000 330,000 420,000 230,000 72,000 128,000
8 THE BIG BANG THEORY Nine 1,168,000 325,000 382,000 212,000 108,000 141,000
11 GOOD NEWS WEEK Ten 1,000,000 237,000 354,000 171,000 114,000 124,000
13 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Seven 935,000 273,000 273,000 165,000 104,000 120,000
27 ROSS NOBLE'S AUSTRALIAN TRIP Ten 525,000 125,000 171,000 97,000 76,000 56,000
35 SUNRISE Seven 353,000 88,000 84,000 99,000 34,000 48,000
36 TODAY Nine 347,000 101,000 102,000 84,000 24,000 37,000
47 JUDGE JOHN DEED 7TWO 227,000 40,000 82,000 35,000 35,000 35,000
48 HEARTBEAT 7TWO 212,000 47,000 65,000 31,000 36,000 33,000
58 30 ROCK Seven 164,000 46,000 64,000 38,000 7,000 9,000
137 DANTE'S COVE GO! 52,000 3,000 17,000 15,000 15,000 3,000

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,292,000 364,000 351,000 274,000 129,000 173,000
2 BORDER SECURITY Seven 1,276,000 308,000 385,000 249,000 157,000 178,000
3 AIR WAYS Seven 1,267,000 311,000 399,000 248,000 148,000 161,000
4 THE GOOD WIFE Ten 1,256,000 346,000 354,000 259,000 116,000 180,000
5 TWENTY/20 - AUSTRALIA V WEST INDIES Nine 1,247,000 360,000 358,000 250,000 140,000 139,000
6 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,237,000 334,000 411,000 242,000 130,000 121,000
7 BONES Seven 1,156,000 312,000 349,000 227,000 162,000 105,000
8 TALKIN' 'BOUT YOUR GENERATION Ten 1,091,000 301,000 329,000 245,000 86,000 129,000
9 SUNDAY NIGHT Seven 1,027,000 258,000 310,000 215,000 108,000 135,000
10 HOUSE Ten 958,000 244,000 328,000 182,000 86,000 118,000
12 CASTLE Seven 893,000 237,000 277,000 132,000 140,000 107,000
14 DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TENNANT ABC1 840,000 296,000 198,000 170,000 68,000 108,000
16 MONTY PYTHON: ALMOST THE TRUTH THE LAWYER'S CUT ABC1 740,000 254,000 196,000 127,000 65,000 98,000
19 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S TWENTY/20 Nine 519,000 174,000 170,000 72,000 46,000 57,000
58 UFC 110 MAIN CARD LIVE ONE 123,000 17,000 50,000 20,000 15,000 20,000
59 UFC 110 THE MAIN EVENT LIVE ONE 122,000 11,000 55,000 18,000 17,000 22,000
(OZTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

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

How did the UFC (One HD Sunday afternoon) go? UFC is a no-holds-barred bloodsport fighting championship that has taken off in popularity, a bit like wrestling in that regard.

Tribal Mind replies: In the chart now (and a strong result for ONE). But what actual sport is it?

by arthur on February 22, 2010 at 10:17 AM

For Arthur - is this the same event that was available thru Foxtel's Main Event PPV for $39.95 yesterday???

by d@gp on February 22, 2010 at 10:44 AM

UFC ("Ultimate Fighting Championship") is MMA ("Mixed Martial Arts"). All you need to know is here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts and here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Fighting_Championship

Personally, I'm terrified by the whole concept. How long will it be until someone dies in one of these contests? I was put off boxing for life by Nigel Benn v Gerald McLennan in 1995...

by Wendell on February 22, 2010 at 10:49 AM

UFC should not be screened until late at night. It's pretty ugly. I am also a appalled to see it has made it's way onto a couple prime time news bulletins. If you like it, fine, but it just isn't PG veiwing.

by SG on February 22, 2010 at 11:33 AM

Overall, I'm surprised at the strong Melbourne viewership of UFC compared to the other cities. Even if you factor that the event was held in Sydney (Homebush), 18k stadium attendance + 14k = 32k average falls well below the 52.5k average that Melbourne got.
I didn't see it (couldn't be bothered) but a lot of people had been talking about it for the week.
@ d@gp
I don't know as I don't have Foxtel.

by arthur on February 22, 2010 at 11:56 AM

The "death" of The Dr last night wasn't as horrific as it could of been. The little kiddies devistation of losing one hero was quickly replaced by seeing the new Dr appear. Tennant was certainly good & will be hard to top, but I guess that's been said numerous times before.
Monty Python was really enjoyable, especially with plenty of footage we hadn't seen before.

by PJ453 on February 22, 2010 at 12:16 PM

Sorry Arthur and UFC fans - my mistake. Got confused with the March Foxtel magazine which has a UFC PPV the day before Wrestlemania on March 28/29 (which will now cost $34.95 - swines!). It wasn't this expensive to see Mark Lewin & Skull Murphy go for it at the Sydney Stadium eons ago...

Tribal Mind pleads: Can we get back to real television now? Any more views on the new doctor, whether The Good Wife will last, whether House is back in a rut, etc.

by d@gp on February 22, 2010 at 03:25 PM

The Doctor will keep similar numbers. I predict a small drop but fans are fans and playing the Doctor elevates the actor to a higher position. Also this re-invention has sky high production values so the cringe of 70's / 80's Dr. is gone... This change reminds me of Peter Davison replacing the much loved Tom Baker. In my opinion that worked and it was only after Davison that the first series went down.
The Good Wife won't last - I say this because I like it and I rarely pick winners.

by Tim on February 23, 2010 at 09:01 AM

"Real Television"??? You surely don't mean 7's "The White Room", do you?
What did I say a fortnight ago?
"It'll be gone within 3 weeks."
Hi Ho Everybody!

by d@gp on February 23, 2010 at 11:12 AM

After staying up to watch 'Good News Week' last night, I am afraid we may have a 'United States of Kevin' situation developing. Will the real Kevin Rudd please stand up? I got the feeling three minutes in someone told him through an earpiece to uncross his legs and sit with them moderately spaced. Like a man. And ignore Tom Ballard, he's one of those skeptical young people. And laugh moronically at your own pissweak jokes. And flirt with a female staffer planted in the audience to laugh moronically at your pissweak jokes. Because the ladies love a manly flirt. And RM Williams ankle-boots. Tragic.
Oh, and can someone please explain what actually happened on 'Doctor Who' the other night? I watched but it may have made more sense if I didn't.

by darren on February 23, 2010 at 11:28 AM

anyone see the scientology report on ACA/TT(?) was forced to watch as was at parents for dinner last night.
The folks didn't understand why people would believe Creation by Aliens and i said as opposed to Spirit from the Sky coming down to earth to impregnate mary--oh dear religious arguments started by TT/ACA are always fun aren't they!!!!
TM do you know when Mad Men 3 DVD will be out does it need to be shown on foxtel first? it is my favourite show and like to watch a season over a weekend rather than over 13 weeks
Supernatural i miss you, ER-are we there yet? House is definately back to same old same old.

Tribal Mind replies: It could be that Mad Men 3 DVD won't be out till after SBS has shown it -- after Foxtel and six months at least.
Interesting to note that the DVD of the fifth season of The Wire has a sticker on it saying "As shown on GO!" The sticker should read "As excessively delayed because Nine/GO took so long to show it".

by Jac on February 23, 2010 at 11:28 AM

See that the white room has been closed up and packed away - not surprised. Wondering when that will happen to Cougar Town - I gave it 2 weeks but meh... off my list. However I must say I do not mind the Good Wife - a bit predictable and sometimes an explanation is missing - suddenly this week they had moved form a house to an apartment in the city with no major fanfare.
Having just gone over my mental list of new shows - the Good wife seems to be about the only one I have continued with, but then again there is not too much on offer in the way of new shows just yet - methinks a few will be held back for a while.
House sober is a bit weird, but he still is manipulative so it is watchable.
I timeshift both the Good Wife and House (and caught up with them last night).

by Cathy on February 23, 2010 at 12:31 PM

Watched the final fling of David Tennant again, and then last night (Mon) watched the 4th series final on ABC2. Both were great episodes and was enjoyable seeing 'old' mates of the Dr's. Second time round, David's episode was more 'heart-tugging' as I knew what to expect, but am disappointed at it's ratings.
As for the other shows, Tribal Mind, have not watched them, although when I return to normal service I may9ie recover from jet-lag and fall into usual routine). To be honest, just looked at tonight's line up and was definitely NOT overly impressed. Might give Grand tour a look-in, but think I shall either be hitting the channel change button a lot, or reading "Windows 7 Bible" (I kid you not, that IS the title.)

by Furlozza on February 23, 2010 at 12:45 PM

Yeah darren, I felt like I needed the student study notes (cheat sheets) to follow some of Doctor Who. Especially trying to remember or work out everything that was happening with all the past regular characaters.

by J Bar on February 23, 2010 at 02:31 PM

Not about programming but advertising for programs. I just wish the stations would cease & desist all "over-hyping" of yet to be screened "televisual feasts" to quote Basil Fawlty. We have seen what happened to Cougar Town and if I have to listen to the man with the John Laws danglies telling me "Australia will never be the same" after we have watched V the reimage (which has only had marginal success after viewer numbers have dropped 35% from 1st to 5th episodes) I am liable to do damage to what ever is handy. Stop talking cr*p!

by ozinoz on February 23, 2010 at 02:41 PM

TM perhaps you should have a competition to design stickers/ fliers for DVDs of TV shows seriously delayed if not late by Free to Air Channels.

by Cathy on February 23, 2010 at 03:12 PM

Hi TM, can you please include the result for Dante's Cove on GO for Monday night? This show is hilarious and overheard quite a few people who watch it too. I wonder if it has a real following.

Tribal Mind replies: Not in Sydney, anyway. In the chart now.

by Clem on February 23, 2010 at 04:15 PM

Really enjoyed Kevin Mcloud's Grand Tour last episode last night. Hopefully there will be new eps of Grand Design soon. Always enjoy his shows.

And I have to comment once again on Nine's coverage of the Olympics. It really is woeful. Too many ads, not enough sport and Eddie Mcquire. Enough to turn anyone off. Really, when will someone at Nine tell Eddie it's time for him to stay in the board room and not appear on our screens anymore. Every time he opens his mouth something stupid comes out. He is such a tool.

by em on February 24, 2010 at 09:50 AM

I agree em; Nine's coverage of the Olympics is dreadful. Do any of the commentators know anything about sport? I assume Alyssa Camplin knows a thing or two about skiing off a cliff and turning cartwheels as you come down, but even she sounds like an idiot. Leila McKinnon is obviously someone who got the job because she married well. Go figure. However. Be patient with The Good Wife. I watched a few episodes in the US late last year and the tension will build as more and more of the husband's activities are uncovered.

by Rupert on February 24, 2010 at 11:29 AM

Em, spot on re Kevin's Grand Tour, saw that Grand Designs Revisited is back on in the usual day/time as from this Thurs 6:05.
We'll be watching 1 of our Monday recordings tonight, either Big Love or Durham County. Recording the SBS double episode of The Killing (cop/murder drama from Denmark, Sweden ? (one of those ABBA countries) as well for probably Friday viewing.

by PJ453 on February 24, 2010 at 11:40 AM

em said : And I have to comment once again on Nine's coverage of the Olympics. It really is woeful. Too many ads, not enough sport and Eddie Mcquire. Enough to turn anyone off. Really, when will someone at Nine tell Eddie it's time for him to stay in the board room and not appear on our screens anymore. Every time he opens his mouth something stupid comes out. He is such a tool.

But don't you have Foxtel? Why would you watch someone you don't like on Ch9 when you can watch the games on Foxtel? We don't have Foxtel, so don't have the option.

by Jill on February 24, 2010 at 11:42 AM

Hi Clem,
Dante's Cove is addicting for the following reasons:
a) so bad it's good - the scripts are terrible and the plotlines......
b) gratuitous nudity, including full frontal. Mostly male, but they throw the occasional girl in.
c) the sex scenes are more unconvincing than actual porn (see point a)

by Glory Days on February 24, 2010 at 11:53 AM

Em, coverage of the Winter Olympics has gone downhill since the local networks decided to put their "Stars" in the spotlight and NOT use a direct feed from the host broadcaster including commentators. In 'the old days', you knew that it may have been biased to America, but at least the coverage of the sport was going to be commentated on correctly, without obvious bloopers. Oh for the days of the ABC coverage... that's ABC America.
Window's 7 Bible is proving to be much more interesting than the box at the moment.
But this might change tonight with S&S, and The Beast... or whatever Denton's new show is called *grin* Good ol Auntie

by Furlozza on February 24, 2010 at 12:06 PM

To Jill, yes I have Foxtel. But the winter olympics coverage was an extra $65 and I was too stingy to pay it. Mainly because I work during the day so I didn't think I would get much benefit out of it. I had hoped that Nine would show a decent recap of the highlights of each day in the evenings. But as usual with Nine my expectations were not met.

by em on February 24, 2010 at 01:03 PM

Whilst I haven't watched much of nines coverage, there is enough of it leaking onto the payTV coverage to be annoying. Absolutely agree that the nine commentators know nothing of the sports and are reading cheat sheets. Also the raised voices whenever an australian shows up, so over that. But am still loving the PayTV coverage. The biathlon and all the cross country have been sensational and the commentary informed and balanced. Everyone gets a mention and then onto the race. The skiing has also been good as has the somewhat slow game of curling (They need timeouts!), the norths answer to cricket. The luge/skeleton/bobsleigh has been great but again the nine footy commentary is overdone. But its all in glorious HD.

by ned on February 24, 2010 at 04:24 PM

Em - I didn't know it was extra to get the Olympics. Another reason I'm not tempted by pay TV. Something decent comes along and they want you to cough up to see it. It is predictable that Nine are putting on their 'star' lineup to host the games. Ch7 always did. The only one I like watching is Ken Sutcliffe. Without wanting to get personal, I find Leila more annoying than Eddie - she seems to shouts at you, rather than talk to you. Eddie doesn't grate on me. Just my opinion.

by Jill on February 24, 2010 at 05:28 PM

Colin Firth is the perfect man. Why? Apart from being the best Mr Darcy ever, apparently he took the advice of his repairman to take the role he's nominated for an Oscar for. Anyone who goes and gets something repaired in this time of waste, especially a movie star would could just get their hired help to buy a new fridge, is totally awesome.

Tribal Mind marvels: Did you get all that from Firth's speech at the BAFTAS? All I understood from that speech was that he had written a refusal letter to the filmmaker, but got interrupted when somebody arrived to repair his fridge, and never got around to sending the email.

by Bereft Skerrick on February 24, 2010 at 07:12 PM

Looks like Seven is bumping Royal Pains to Sunday nights 11pm, following Scrubs. not surprising since it was a very ordinary show. But do we get 30 Rock at 10.30pm now? No. They want to run more factuals at 10.30pm and 11pm and keep 30 Rock at 11.30pm. What is wrong with these Ch7 programmers? They showed a repeat episode in the first weeks of non-ratings and it had over 500,000 viewers. Why have they got such a grudge against this show and won't at least give the new epsiodes a chance at 10.30pm? Can anyone find out what their problem is?

by J Bar on February 25, 2010 at 07:50 AM

(a) Anyone wanting entertaining coverage from Vancouver should tune in to 'The Colbert Report Winter Olympics Specials (Defeat the World!)' now showing (finally) on ABC2. Eddie McGuire he aint.
(b) Good to see someone finally make some incisive commentary on the Tiger Woods saga last night on 'Hungry Beast'. Funny. The rest of the show was pretty good too. As usual.
(c) It will be interesting to see what comes of Channel Seven's 'Animal Rescue' of those completely healthy koalas out at Gunnedah yesterday. I think Channel Seven's gone rogue. Hopefully the RSPCA has a humane way to solve the problem.
(d) On Colin Firth, does the 'Oooooooh Mr Darcy' factor extend to mooning over his dreaminess even as he plays a flamboyant gay man? I wonder. Supposed to be a beautiful lookin movie which is reason enough for me. And Julianne Moore.
(e) Point form is fun.

by darren on February 25, 2010 at 08:42 AM

Tm are you referring to Lost as the best sci-fi series :P?

Tribal Mind replies: That's for you to decide. There are other candidates. Wednesday is a wonderful night for fantasy fans.

by Rich on February 25, 2010 at 09:09 AM

As someone not really into sport, but enjoying Winter Olympics, I resisted early temptation to pay "early bird" rates of $50 for the coverage on Foxtel. A day or two after the games started I got a letter from Foxtel thanking me for being a loyal customer and if I go to the channels I get them for free. (About time, foxtel. You like to look after new customers, but not faithful ones, ie, no free IQ upgrade to IQ2)
So I flick to them now and then and the coverage is great. It's about the games, not endless gabfests and no Eddie.

by Glory Days on February 25, 2010 at 09:37 AM

Eddie McGuire is poison to any show ... he is just so unlikeable - he'd be headed for the King Gong of Bogies after his Winter Olympics performance, surely.
Speaking of which, 9 just shows random highlights of sports we don't know and athletes we've never heard of. It would have been so simple, and so much better, to have a brief explanation of each skiing event before showing highlights - an overview of the course, a quick rundown of the hardest bits and a couple of key rules and a mention of which countries usually dominate (and how the Aussies are likely to fare). That whole wrap would take 2 minutes max, and would probably keep people tuned in for longer than that 2min investment.

by NJK on February 25, 2010 at 10:10 AM

Let me agree: Eddie is a tool of a host and can be nasty to the interviewees and his co-hosts. But he is nasty - remember shit s/wich and boning... Poor Leila must be struggling with her sleep. The bags under her eyes are quite impressive. Finally Nine's backflip over Johnny Weir (the gay skater Eddie made his joke about) is hilarious. He seems to be on EVERY night now.
Let me disagree: Eddie is an awesome commentator of the events. Especially at the snowboard and ski-cross. These are new events which I agree are one of the most exciting things at the games. His energy is actually really good.
My problem with the Olympics was the build-up - basically telling me how great it is going to be and how I have to care - We are Australian and I don't care about the Winter Olympics! Also the 9 celebreties can get too much.
BUT, when it is on, I love watching it and I don't have a problem with the coverage. I cannot say it is worse than others. It is a great thing to have on in the background. And Torah winning was a tremendous and exciting moment.
What did people honestly expect from a Winter Olympic coverage???

by Tim on February 25, 2010 at 02:08 PM

To Tim:
Q. What did people expect from Winter Olympics coverage?
A. Maybe a bit more Winter Olympics! The actual screen-time of events would be about 25% of total coverage I reckon. If you took out the ads, the in-between bits, the scripted studio chit-chat (did anyone else see Leila stumble on reading the oh-so-spontaneous line "I can't wait for that one" while talking about something coming up later the other night?) and the painful hosting/interviewing segments, you'd be left with a few fleeting minutes of action.

by NJK on February 25, 2010 at 02:27 PM

Eddie is terrible & i have to mute the sound.9 really try hard to mess up an Olympic telecast.

by doug on February 25, 2010 at 02:54 PM

No more factuals Seven. Give us 30 Rock in a decent timeslot. You gave us Scrubs and Boston Legal at 10.30. Why not 30 Rock?

by Bloke from the Sticks on February 25, 2010 at 03:09 PM

Heard a rumour that the third series of Underbelly won't be on screens until after Easter. That's a long time to be hyping up this show. V will be on Sundays and Survivor will be on after Top Gear on Tuesdays.

by Levendis on February 25, 2010 at 03:11 PM

More sport and less Eddie actually, Tim. A lot less Eddie.

by Rupert on February 25, 2010 at 04:02 PM

Eddie's a shoo-in for the Wintry Crusty Frozen Bogey...

by Wendell on February 25, 2010 at 05:38 PM

Timeshifted last night with Big Love & Durham County (TM does anybody watch it, 8:30 Tues ABC2 ???) This Canadian drama would fit perfectly into the ABC1 Friday night drama/murder/police slot. With a bit of luck it will be repeated on ABC1 like they have with Beautiful People, Being Human & as from Sunday My Place.
And as for the Winter Os / Eddie etal, care factor zero, but we're beating England, yay!!!!!

Tribal Mind replies: I have included Durham County in the Tuesday chart, above.

by PJ453 on February 26, 2010 at 06:07 AM

PJ I would watch Durham County except that I've already seen it on Showcase last year. Any audiences for FTA for a show that's already been on Foxtel is likely to be down. At least it has a consistent timeslot and didn't end up on Ten. Thankfully I don't need them for my Dexter fix.
Ironically, Foxtel is about to start screening Big Love Series 1.

by Glory Days on February 26, 2010 at 07:24 AM

Caught up with the recording of Doctor Who last night. The ending put Peter Jackson's interminable ending of "The Return of the King" to shame. Almost.
But yay for seeing Martha again!
I felt they could have done more with it. I'm not sure what, but I didn't feel enough excitement watching it, even with John Simm and Timothy Dalton and Lady Marchmain. Until we got the new Doctor - I always love the transition phase. Young, but not as gormless as he might be. Looking forward to seeing him in the role properly. (Anyone know how long we have to wait?)
Also glad to have Colbert Report back. We were wondering if maybe there was an issue with Channel Nine having Olympic coverage rights or something, because it took so long to get Steven Colbert back!
To answer darren: I didn't swoon over Colin Firth's Mr Darcy (frankly, no one's ever bettered my mental image of the character from the book), but I did think he was delightfully rumpled in "Easy Virtue" and I am looking forward to seeing him in "A Single Man". I like the hair and glasses look, tres fantastique.

by tqd on February 26, 2010 at 01:59 PM

Glory Days.... don't have PayTV so there's probably a plethora of shows that have passed us by. But as they say....those who wait.

by PJ453 on February 26, 2010 at 02:26 PM

Does anyone here have any inside info as to when ABC-TV will screen the 4th season of Doc Martin? The DVD is released on Monday in England and, as we speak, it's winging it's way Down Under to my letterbox...

by d@gp on February 27, 2010 at 03:33 PM

Channel Shirl are living up to their nickname again. Surely they can't seriously expect me to watch Good News Week anymore. Firstly they pander to Krudd, and now this week they have Shrieky-Lee as a panelist. Do they not want ratings? Do they not want me to watch their show? Or are they truly scraping the bottom of the celebrity barrel?

by Bereft Skerrick on February 28, 2010 at 08:12 PM

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