10 Programming

Even more programming changes at Ten as they try to keep their ratings head above water thoughout summer.

After the success of the premiere of Stargate Universe last Monday, the network has opted to swap around the planned time lots for Supernatural and Stargate Universe (incidentally – Stargate Universe has been renewed for a further 20 episodes by Sy Fy in the US). That means Stargate will be seen at 8.30pm Mondays while Supernatural will be seen at 9.30pm. Starting Mon Dec 21.

On Saturdays, Don’t Forget the Lyrics has been dumped but the show will remain on Sundays. Merlin repeats move to 6.30 with movies from 7.30pm. This happens from Saturday Dec 26^th.

Source: Tv Tonight.

A seriously fast tracked Oprah special will be seen on Ten tonight (Tuesday Dec 15) at 7.30pm. The Oprah special – called “Christmas at the White House” sees Oprah usher in the holidays at the White House, visiting President Obama and the First lady as they prepare for the families first Christmas there. Oprah will also sit down for an exclusive interview with the First Couple. The special has only aired in the US today as well.

That means that Accidentally on Purpose and the Office will not be seen tonight, returning to their Thursday night time slot as usual.

In an attempt to fight back from very low summer ratings which has seen Ten fourth behind Nine, Seven and the ABC for last week, Ten have changed their Friday night line up as well. Even during ratings season though the network was having difficulty with Friday nights.

The new line up sees another episode of Malcolm in the Middle at 8pm – so combined with the 6.30 episode, it surrounds the 7pm Project and a movie – “The First Wives Club” at 8.30pm. Bondi Vet repeats, Law and Order and Outrageous Fortune will no longer be seen.

Malcolm in the Middle could well become Ten’s Two and a Half Men with double episodes to air over the week that sits between Christmas and New Years while the 7pm Project has a week off. Be interesting to see what the programming will end up as on Friday Jan 1, 2010 given that Malcolm is now on at 8pm Fridays.

Some programming information from TV Tonight.

Stargate Universe is coming to Ten!

Stargate Universe – the newest of the successful Sci Fi Stargate franchise will have its free to air premiere on Ten on Monday December 14 at 9.30pm, following new episodes of Supernatural. Stargate Universe previously premiered on the Sci Fi Channel October 9 giving that channel its highest ever ratings.

From Monday December 7, at 6.30pm weeknights, Malcolm in the Middle will replace Neighbours, which has its season finale on Friday December 4.

New episodes of Glee continue on Sunday nights at 7.30pm on Ten, following the US version of Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader at 6.30 Sunday nights.

Programming Information subject to late change.

With all our fave shows for 2009 coming to a close in November, we have here our first glimpse of summer television viewing courtesy of Ten – the first of the three commercial networks to reveal their summer line up.

Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader US – Sunday Nov 29 6.30pm
Although the local version has not done too well, Ten will be taking their chances over summer with the US version. Fifth graders Laura, Jacob, Spencer, Kyle and Alana will help contestants find out if they are smarter than a fifth grader.

Glee – Sunday Nov 29 7.30pm. New episodes.
NEW EPISODES continue in to summer! Nov 29 sees S1 Ep 11. Glee – Sundays 7.30 from Nov 29.

Just For Laughs – Montreal Comedy Festival 2009.
Paul McDermott hosts a night of laughs with highlights from the Montreal Comedy Festival 2009. Comedians appearing include John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Martin Short, Jimmy Carr and Ross Noble.

Futurama – Mondays 8pm from Nov 30
Returns with season 6, episode 9.

Supernatural – Mondays 8.30pm from Nov 30
Returns for season 5 with a double episode.

Accidentally on Purpose – Tuesday Dec 1 7.30pm
New comedy series starring Jenna Elfman and Grant Show. In the first episode, when Billie (Jenna’s character) receives a box of chocolates instead of a marriage proposal, she oges out and gets drunk with her girl friends. A hang over is not the only thing she picks up on her night out.

The Office – Tuesdays and Thursday 8pm from Dec 1.
Returns with season 5.

White Collar – Tuesdays 8.30 from Dec 1
The premiere of White Collar is on Wednesday Nov 25 at 9.30pm after the finale of Celebrity Masterchef. The series continues on Tuesday nights at 8.30.

Numb3rs – Tuesdays 9.30 from Dec 1
Series return with season 5, episode 8.

Simpsons Hour – Wednesdays 7.30pm from Dec 2
What Ten schedule would be complete without an hour of the Simpsons somewhere? Homer is back to the old Wednesday night time slot with a double dose. This weeks eps from season 10.

The Cleveland Show – Wednesdays 8.30pm from Dec 2
The Cleveland Show is a new animated series that follows everyone’s favourite sotf spoken neighbour, Cleveland Brown to his hometown in Virginia as he settles down with his childhood sweetheart, her unruly kids and his own 14 year old son, Cleveland Junior.

Little Britain USA – Wednesdays 9.30pm from Dec 2
The series repeated from episode 2.

Californication – Wednesdays 10.05pm from Dec 2
Season premiere of the first episode of season 3.

Rule of Engagement – Thursdays 7.30pm from Dec 3
Its back – starting from season 3, episode 1.

Lie to Me – Thursdays 8.30 from Dec 3
The repeat catch ups continue with Lie to Me playing out from Season 1, episode 2.

Law and Order CI – Thursdays 9.30pm from Dec 3
Law and Order is back on Ten. Season 8, episode 1.

Bondi Vet – Fridays 8pm from Dec 4
Repeats from the start. Good chance to see what you missed out on.

Law and Order – Fridays 8.30pm from Dec 4
Did I say this already? Law and Order is back on Ten. The original franchise returns with season 19, episode 19.

Outrageous Fortune – Fridays 9.30pm from Dec 4
Series return, season 5.

Don’t Forget the Lyrics – Saturdays 6.30pm from Dec 5
Been singing the wrong words for too long? “I’m your penis – I’m your fire – sure desire”. Its back to help us all out on karaoke night. See who gets their lyrics right for a chance of winning a million dollars.

Merlin – Saturdays 7.30pm from Dec 5.
The first series played out from episode 1. Catch up and see what everyone was talking about ear;ier this year – or just see it again before Ten airs season 2 in 2010.

And that is not all.

Other shows coming to Ten over summer include Stargate Universe – the Sci Fi channels’ highest ever rating show and a New Years Eve special hosted by Shaun Macallef.

The 7pm Project continues through summer while Neighbours has its season finale on Friday December 4 at 6.30pm.

For the final week of the ratings year, Ten have a big week lined up with a collection of season finales and Christmas specials – yes – Christmas specials – one month early!

Here is the summary.

1. Sunday Nov 22 6.30pm. Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation Christmas Special. Shaun Micallef is back to find out which generation knows the most about Christmas. Baby Boomers a represented by resident panellist Amada Keller and guest Denise Scott – comedian. Gen X sees Charlie Pickering join forces with Nova radio presenter Dylan Lewis while Gen Y feature Josh Thomas being joined again by Ruby Rose.

2. Sunday Nov 22 7.30pm. It’s the Grand Final of Australia Idol for 2009 live from the Sydney Opera House. The final two take to the stage to see who will be crowned the winner for 2009. This year’s 12 Idols will be there as will last years’ winner Wes Carr and Guy Sebastian – the first Australian Idol. Guests include Michael Buble, Mika, Jordin Sparks and of course Ricki-Lee Coulter.

3. Monday Nov 23 7.30pm. Rove Presents: Hamish and Andy Regifted, Another Very Early Christmas Special. All of Hamish and Andy’s favourite bits for the year will be nicely packaged up into this somewhat early Christmas special.

4. Monday Nov 23 8.30pm. Good News Week season finale where the years’ Good News Week Awards will be announced.

5. Tuesday Nov 24 7.30pm. Celebrity Masterchef Semi Final 3. The four remaining contestants face the infamous croquembouche – but this one made even more complex than the one we saw in the original Master chef with a chocolate swirl incorporated. One contestant will be eliminated.

6. Wednesday Nov 25 7.30pm. Two hour Celebrity Masterchef finale. The three remaining contestants take part in a three part challenge. Round 1 is the taste test where they must identify as many ingredients as possible in a dish. Round 2 is a dessert only invention test while round 3 is the final challenge where they must recreate a dish from Andrew McConnell (2010 The Age Good Food Guide).

7. Thursday Nov 26 7.30pm. Season finale of Glee, with season 1, episode 10. Glee will return in 2010.

8. Thursday Nov 26 8.30pm. Two hour season finale of Rush. Rush will return in 2010.

9. NCIS is on as usual Tue Nov 24 8.30pm, followed by Lie To Me at 9.30. NCIS:LA is not on that week (Wed Nov 25). A new series called White Collar premieres 9.30 Wed Nov 25.

7pm Project and Neighbours of course remain on at their usual times.

So that is it for Ten in the last week of the official ratings period. The following week – week 49 starting November 29 will see a very different line up on Ten as well as all channels as free to air TV dives into the annual TV waste land of summer television.

Last night in Melbourne, Ten put on their night to launch their 2010 programming.

Ten programmer David Mott had confirmed that the following shows will be returning to Ten in 2010:

Masterchef season two, The Biggest Loser – which should start in February, So You Think You Can Dance Australia, Australian Idol – yes – despite poor performance this year, it will be back, Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation, Rove, Recruits Bondi Rescue and Rush – for which a third season was recently confirmed in any case. Neighbours, of course, is back after being on air now for 25 years.

International shows in 2010 include: Merlin, House, NCIS, NCIS:LA, Dexter, Californication, Burn Notice, Numb3rs, The Simpsons, Jamie Oliver, Lie to Me and Law and Order SVU.

New series to start in 2010 include: The Good Wife, Cleveland and Modern Family. Local drama Offspring which is described as Brothers and Sisters meets the Secret Life of Us is hoped to proceed into a series. Also 2010 should see the Hawke telemovie air on Ten.

The 7pm Project will continue through summer into the new ratings year. The show which has not been ratings very well will be tweaked to improve its overall appeal and improve ratings. This means that daily episodes of reality shows like the Biggest Loser and Masterchef will air at 7.30pm instead of 7pm.

With the Dehli Commonwealth Games to air on Ten in October 2010, the network are looking at their options for Australian Idol which traditionally runs from August to November. Ten are yet to discuss with Fremantle Media – who product Idol – how they will adjust the show for 2010 to help boost the ratings. David points out though that Idol plays a function bringing content to consumers in a number of different ways. It’s not just straight out broadcasting – there is online, catch up and mobile content now as well.

David Mott confirms that Ten will launch a new channel in 2010 that will replace the standard definition signal for ONE, leaving ONE only as an HD channel.

“We are assessing where Nine are at, where Seven is at, so it gives us the ability to go ‘OK where do we see our channel going forward?’ We are technically ready”.

Source: Tv Tonight.

Channel Ten Programming for week 43 (Oct 18 – 24)

1. Australian Idol – Sunday 7.30pm: The final 6 perform the biggest hits from the movies and theatre in stage and screen night. Guest judge yet to be announced.

2. Rove – Sunday 9.30pm: Guests this week include Seth Green promoting his animated TV series “Robot Chicken” and Barry Humphries promoting his new book “Handling Edna”.

3. Are You Smarter than a 5^th Grader – Monday 7.30pm – Season Finale. Dr Chris Brown playing for the charity Assistance Dogs Australia is the last this year to take on the 5^th Graders.

4. Celebrity Master chef – Wednesday 7.30pm: Cooking off this week are fashion guru Alex Perry, cricketer Simon Katich and comedian Wendy Harmer. The Pressure Test challenge will be based around a dish prepared by one of Australia’s favourite cooks, Stephanie Alexander.

5. Burn Notice – Thursday 9.30pm – Season Finale. The second season ends with a bang or two. What will replace Burn Notice at 9.30 Thursday? Supernatural season 5 maybe? Hopefully we will find out this time next week.

6. And don’t forget:

NCIS – Tue 8.30 S7E04

NCIS:LA – Wed 8.30 S1E04

Lie to Me – Tue 9.30 S2E03

Three Rivers – Wed 9.30 S1E02

Nurse Jackie – Mon 10.35pm S1E05

Little Britain USA – Mon 10.00pm S1E05

And, if you like a good countdown,

Spearman Experiment Tue 7.30pm. Find out later what they will be counting down… or if the show is still on given its poor ratings of late.

Programming subject to late change.

Channel 10 programming for the week starting October 11

1. Australian Idol – Sunday Oct 11 7.30pm. The final 7 will take part in “Big Band” night with Harry Connick Jnr as guest judge and Mentor.

2. Rove – Sunday Oct 11, 9.30pm. More of Hamish and Andy feature. Mrs Rove – Tasma Walton is also on the show talking about her new book “Heartless”.

3. Are You Smarter Than a 5^th Grader? Mon Oct 12 7.30pm. Celebrity contestants are Merrick and Rosso.

4. Good News Week, Mon Oct 12, 8.30pm. The show will feature the exclusive announcement of the new name of the NRL (National Rugby League). The NRL has been so badly damaged by a litany of off-field scandals there are calls for the game to trade under a new name (because clearly that was the problem!). Good News Week will tell us what that will be. Also on the show the search for Miss Chiko Roll and Feather Plucking Mother Plovers – something to do with birds and Spring…

5. NCIS S7E03. Tue Oct 13 8.30pm.

6. Lie to Me S2E02. Tue Oct 13 9.30pm. Mekhi Phifer – best known for his role of Pratt in ER joins the Lightman Groups as a permanent partner.

7. NCIS:LA S1E03. Wed Oct 14 8.30pm

8. Celebrity Masterchef. Wed Oct 14 7.30pm. This weeks’ three celebs are: Anna Bligh, Eamon Sullivan and Simon Westaway.

9. Three Rivers. Wed Oct 14, 9.30pm. Premiere S1E01. Three Rivers is a medical drama that goes inside the emotionally complex lives of organ donors, the recipients and the surgeons at the pre eminent transplant hospital in the country, where every moment counts. Stars Alex O’Loughlin. Speaking of medical dramas, ER is back on 9 at 10.30 Thursdays from Oct 8. And then there is Mercy on Channel 7 Mon 9.30pm. Interestingly, there is reference to a hospital called Mercy in ER. While we are at it, Grey’s Anatomy season 6 just debuted in the US for season 6 with a double episode and was one of the highest rating shows in the US for the week. We probably won’t see that here until channel 7 airs it Feb 2010. Private Practice starts next week in the US and follows Greys Anatomy. Detour over.

10. Ten’s Thursday nights. Oct 15. 7.30 Glee. 8.30 Rush. 9.30 Burn Notice. A good night for Ten.

11. Supernatural. No word as to when the promised fat tracking of season 5 will air on Ten. All I can say is that it is not before Oct 17 unless there are late changes.

Programming subject to late change. Programming info here all courtesy Channel 10 except when other shows have been mentioned which are highlighted in other posts on Throng.

Here’s some quick programming updates from the various networks.

Channel 9

1. ER – will finally return to our screens at 10.30pm on Thursday October 8. The medical drama takes off from episode two of season 14, with episode 1 having already aired way back in January this year. ER just has season 14 and 15 left before it finishes forever. In the US, the finale of ER was seen back in April this year. Also earlier this year, 111 Hits on pay TV played seasons 9 – 13.

2. Secret Millionaire. A show about rich people giving to the poor and based on a UK format will air on Thursdays at 9.30pm from October 8. The series is narrated by Russel Crowe.

3. Channel 9’s movie for Tuesday Oct 6 is Transformers. It starts at 8.30pm and is a first run movie for free to air TV. That week is school holidays in pretty well all states.

Channel 10

1. The new CBS series “Three Rivers” which is a medical drama will be fast tracked to channel 10 and will air on Wednesday nights at 9.30 after NCIS: LA. The first episode can be seen on October 14.

Channel 7

1. Amazing Race Season 15 – will start on channel 7 on Thursday October 8. Timeslot yet to be confirmed but is likely to be 8.30pm.

2. Beauty and the Geek Australia – will also start on Thursday October 8. Timeslot to be confirmed.

3. Destroyed in Seconds – will air on Mondays 8pm from October 5. That means that Highway Patrol will be on Mondays at 7.30pm from Oct 5. On Monday Sept 28, 7.30 sees an extra episode of Border Security followed by Highway Patrol.

4. Worlds’ Strictest Parents – on Wed Sept 30, a “see where they are now” episode airs that shows us what has become of some of the teens featured in the show. That is the finale of the series. No word yet as to what will be on channel 7 Wed 7.30 from Oct 7.

Sources: Media Spy and TV Tonight.

[Updated to reflect new information received Sept 18]

[Updated to reflect changes to Australian Idols' time slot as well as other flow on changes.]

Channel 10 programming for the week starting September 27.

1. Sunday Sept 27, 7.30pm. P!nk night has been moved back one week to Oct 4. Sept 27 is 80′s night. Rove follows at 9.30pm.

2. Monday Sept 28, 7.30pm. On Are You Smarter than a 5^th Grader, Ian Thorpes appearance draws to a close. He is then followed by Ian “Dicko” Dickson and Dave Hughes later in the show.

3. Monday Sept 28, 10.00pm after Good News Week. Originally it was planned that the season 5 premiere of Supernatural was to air with its 1^st episode, picking up where the last season left off. This is one week after it’s US premiere.

As a result of the Australian Idol time slot change, Little Britain USA and Nurse Jackie will be moving to Monday nights after Good News Week which means they will usually air from 10pm. STILL No word yet as to where Supernatural will end up. The two shows will not air on Sunday Sept 20. Mon Sept 28 will be their second episodes.

4. Tuesday Sept 29, 8.30pm. Also fast tracked, will be the premiere of season 7 of NCIS – just one week after they see it in the US. This is followed by a repeat episode scheduled for 9.30pm

5. Wednesday Sept 30, 7.30pm. Celebrity Masterchef kicks off. Returning to judge the 18 celebrity contestants will be Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston whose opinions, judgement and commentary will not change with this new realm of contestants.

6. Wednesday Sept 30, 8.30pm. The premiere of the new NCIS franchise, NCIS: LA starring Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J. At 9.30, a repeat of NCIS will follow.

7. Saturday Oct 3, 3pm. One Tree Hill is back for season 6.

8. Dexter is no longer on Monday nights, being moved to 11.30 Saturday from Oct 4.

9. LIE TO ME confirmed for its season 2 return at 9.30 Tuesday Oct 6, after new NCIS. That brings the NCIS episode count back to 3 per week. One new NCIS, new NCIS:LA and one repeat after NCIS:LA.

Programming subject to late change.