CSI

8:30pm – Monday, May 16 on Channel Nine

Following his escape, Nate Haskell, the notorious “Dick & Jane” killer, resurfaces when he e-mails a disturbing video to the father of one of his brides, threatening to take her life.

Mundine inspiration for Spartacus role

Australian actor Dustin Clare has said he modelled his character in Spartacus: Gods of the Arena off boxer Anthony Mundine. Clare says he drew inspiration from the way Mundine carries himself in the ring.

Downton Abbey wins BAFTA TV Craft awrads

New ITV series Downton Abbey has led the way at the recent BAFTA TV Craft Awards in the UK, picking up two prizes for direction and sound.

CSI actress labels Bieber a brat on set

CSI cast member Marg Helgenberger has described Justin Bieber as being immature on the set of the crime series when he guest-starred. The actress told a radio station that Bieber acted like “a brat”.

Jersey Shore fourth season delayed

Production on Jersey Shore’s fourth season in Florence, Italy has been delayed due to a visit to the city by the Italian president. Florence officials were said to be reluctant to give permission to film during the visit.

Palin gets reality series

The daughter of former American vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has landed herself her own reality show. 20-year-old Bristol Palin will have cameras follow her as she moves from Alaska to Los Angeles to work for a charity.

Trump defends against racism

Donald Trump has denied being racist due to the fact that a black contestant won The Apprentice back in 2005. Trump was defending himself against recurring allegations of racism and cited Randal Pinkett’s 2005 win as a reason why he shouldn’t be seen as racist.

8:30pm – Monday, May 9 on Channel Nine

Langston and Sara turn to Lady Heather for help in tracking down the culprit responsible for injuring a woman before she was seemingly mauled to death by a mountain lion. Meanwhile, Nick and Dr. Robbins manage to rescue the unborn baby of a teenage girl who appears to have committed suicide.

The Biggest Loser Families, Ten 7.30pm.

Joe & Nathaniel continue to battle it out in the elimination dual – one of them will go home, leaving just 6 as the end of the 2011 series of The Biggest Loser draws nearer. The contestants find out what their bio-age is now. Also airs on Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm, but not Friday due to the Royal Wedding.

Winter Wipeout, GO!, 7.30pm.

A new series of Wipeout on GO with a new twist and new winter themed games including Spinning Ski Lift, Snowplow Sweeper and Big Balls with a new twist, the Snow-tivator.

NEW CSI on Nine, 8.30pm

Finally new episodes of CSI are back on Nine, after being bumped for weeks on end by The Million Dollar Drop. New CSI bumps out Million Dollar Drop which was previously scheduled for 8.30pm Monday. It is followed by new CSI: Miami. At this stage, new CSI and CSI: Miami remain on Monday nights.

The View, (corrected) on W, not on Nine.

As most people have the day off, those who wouldn’t normally see day time TV are able to tune in. Today’s show is a must see for Grey’s Anatomy fans as Sara Ramirez who plays Calliope – Callie – on the show will be interviewed. There are some intense story lines coming up for her character. As the US is 6 weeks ahead of us, there is the possibility of spoilers and no doubt the much talked about musical episode of Grey’s will get a mention.

ANZAC Day TV.

Having ANZAC Day on a weekday means the usual breakfast and morning TV shows are on and will provide coverage of the news and events surrounding the day. Sunrise on Seven starts at 5am, while Today on Nine is from 5.30am, after the 5am news. ABC News 24 has live ANZAC Day coverage from 4.30am, ABC News Breakfast from 6am, while ABC1 will broadcast the various marches and services around the country (check local guides).

At 12.30pm, the Dawn Service from Gallipolli airs live on Nine and ABC1, followed by the Villers Bretonneux Dawn Service from around 1.30pm. On 7TWO, all day from 3am – 6pm, is the documentary series ANZACS, and on Seven at 7.30 is The Lost Diggers of Fromelles. Meanwhile, GEM are airing Colour of War: The ANZACs from 2pm – 5pm.

The traditional ANZAC Day AFL match between Essendon Collingwood airs on Ten and ONE HD from 2pm, with a two hour special ANZAC Day from the MCG from midday, before the game. After the game at 5.30pm on ONE HD is the AFL Post Game Show.

Sunday May 1.

60 Minutes airs at the earlier time of 6.30pm, as the Logies will be telecast from 7.30pm. Throng will be live blogging and tweeting (#logies) all the Logie news as it happens.

Monday May 2.

New episodes of The Big Bang Theory moves to its new time of Monday, 7.30pm. New Mike & Molly follows at 8pm. At 8.30pm, is new CSI, followed by new CSI: Miami. Note that new CSI & CSI: Miami commence on Monday nights from Monday April 25.

Tuesday May 3.

7.30pm Tuesday is the new timeslot for Customs from Tuesday April 26, which of course continues into May. AFP is at 8.00pm and Sea Patrol 8.30pm. Top Gear 9.30, followed by new Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA at 10.50pm.

Wednesday May 4.

Another all new night – with documentary series David Attenborough’s Madagascar at 7.30pm, then new RPA at 8.30pm. At 9.30, the premiere of new series BIG – which has been nearly two years on the making. While BIG is all about losing weight, it is not an attempt to copy Ten’s The Biggest Loser.

Thursday May 5.

The line up for Thursdays at this stage remain TBA. Getaway should remain at either 7.30 or 8pm. Obviously the Footy Shows remain at 9.30pm.

Friday May 6.

NRL Markets. Australia vs. New Zealand is at 7.30pm, while at 9.30pm, City Vs Country as part of the lead up to the State of Origin.

Sunday May 8.

At 6.30pm is the premiere of In Their Footsteps – a series currently being heavily promoted by Nine. 60 Minutes remains at 7.30pm, while Blood Brothers premieres at 8.30pm. 9.30 TBA.

Monday May 9.

7.30 New The Big Bang Theory, 8.00 new Mike & Molly, 8.30 new CSI, and 9.30 new CSI: Miami

Tuesday May 10.

7.30 New Customs, 8.00 AFP, 8.30 Sea Patrol, 9.30 Top Gear rpt.

Wednesday May 11.

7.30 Madagascar, 8.30 RPA, 9.30 Big.

Friday May 13.

NRL markets – The Bulldogs take on the Dragons (again) at 7.30pm in Sydney, while Brisbane will see their Broncos take on the Panthers at 7.30pm. At 9.30, swap the matches over.

Programming and details subject to change.

8:30pm – Thursday, April 14 on Channel Nine

While investigating the murder of a convicted ex-cop, the CSI’s stumble upon a list in his prison cell with names of several individuals he believed might have been his wife’s true killer.

Massive changes to the schedules of both Nine and GO! have come through overnight. Judging by the time they came through, it was a late night for programming staff at the Nine network last night.

Part 1.

Nine.

Sunday April 17.

Harry’s Law moves to 10.30, and will be a NEW episode – season 1, episode 8 “In The Ghetto“. A repeat of CSI: Miami moves to 9.30pm, replacing the previously scheduled repeat of Harry’s Law.

Monday April 18.

A Big Bang Theory repeat replaces Two and a Half Men at 7.30pm. This is season 3, episode 20 “The Spaghetti Catalysis. Mike & Molly [updated] remains at 8pm.

At 8.30, is a CSI repeat, followed by a repeat of CSI: Miami. 8.30 – 10.30 was TBA until now.

Tuesday April 19.

Completely different night now – no Big Bangs, and no Top Gear after this week’s abysmal ratings. Kitchen Nightmares is also gone.

At 7.30 is a repeat of Customs, followed by a repeat of RBT. At 8.30, is the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – a free to air first.

Wednesday April 20.

Big Bang Theory at 7.30pm, followed by Two and a Half Men at 8pm.

NRL markets: RPA: Where Are They is at 8.30pm. Embarrassing Bodies at 9.30, Amazing Medical Stories is at 10.30pm, AFL Footy Show from 11.30pm.

In AFL states, the AFL Footy Show screens from 8.30pm [corrected]. The change of night is due to the fact that AFL this week is played on Thursday night, instead of Friday due to Easter. Amazing Medical Stories 10.30pm.

Thursday April 21.

At 7.30 is RBT repeat, and Getaway at 8pm. At 8.30, instead of CSI is The Big Bang Theory S3E22, followed by a new episode of $#*! My Dad Says at 9.00pm.

At 9.30pm in AFL states is RPA: Where Are They Now while the NRL Footy Show is on at 9.30pm in NRL markets.

Sunday April 24.

9.30 CSI: Miami, repeat, followed by NEW Harry’s Law at 10.30pm.

Monday April 25.

7.30 The Big Bang Theory, followed by Mike & Molly repeat at 8.00. CSI at 8.30pm, CSI: Miami at 9.30pm. All repeats. 10.30 is Adults Only Two and a Half Men except for NRL states that see Footy Classified.

Tuesday April 26 – UPDTED.

7,30 is a new episode of RBT. New series AFP about the Australian Federal Police premieres at 8pm. At 8.30 is the premiere of Sea Patrol: Damage Control, followed by Top Gear at 9.30pm and Kitchen nightmares USA at 10.55pm. CSI: NY is OUT of the schedule once again.

Wednesday April 27.

Big Bang Theory at 7.30pm, followed by Two and a Half Men at 8pm.

NRL markets: RPA: Where Are They now is at 8.30pm, Embarrassing Bodies at 9.30, Amazing Medical Stories is at 10.30pm (Syd/Bris), AFL Footy Show from 11.30pm.

In AFL states, the AFL Footy Show screens from the special time of 8.30pm. The change of night again is due to the fact that AFL this week is played on Thursday, Amazing Medical Stories from 10.30pm.

Thursday April 28.

At 7.30 is a William & Kate special, with Getaway at 8pm. At 8.30, is The Big Bang Theory S2E9, followed by a new episode of $#*! My Dad Says at 9.00pm.

At 9.30pm in AFL states is RPA: Where Are They Now while the NRL Footy Show is on at 9.30pm in NRL markets.

Friday April 29.

Coverage of the Royal Wedding starts at 4pm in eastern states. News and ACA at 6pm and 6.30 respectively, Wedding coverage from 7pm.

In NRL markets, Brisbane Broncos Vs Canterbury Bulldogs airs from 8.30pm, South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks at 10.30pm. Wedding continues on GEM. Elsewhere, the Wedding continues on Nine until 11pm.

Characters revealed for new Chris Lilley series

Summer Heights High creator Chris Lilley has announced the characters for his new comedy series Angry Boys. Lilley will play a juvenile detention worker, an overprotective Japanese mother, a former pro surfer and a black rapper as well as reprising his role as the Sims brothers from his first series We Can Be Heroes.

MTV announces two Jersey Shore spin-offs

MTV has announced two Jersey Shore spin-off series that will feature Snooki, JWoww and Pauly D. The first will feature the girls as they deal with life and love while the second will follow Pauly D as he travels the world as a DJ.

Italian Jersey Shore delayed

The season of Jersey Shore set to be shot in Italy has been delayed thanks to the banding together of Italian nightclubs and hotels who are against the series. Venues are reportedly resistant to allowing the series to shoot on their premises due to the extreme behaviour of the cast members.

Lost actress to guest on CSI finale

Lost actress L. Scott Caldwell will make a guest appearance in the season finale of CSI. The actress will play the former mother-in-law of Laurence Fishburne’s Langston.

8:30pm – Thursday, April 7 on Channel Nine

A string of deaths, including a gamer found dead on his couch and a newly divorced man at the bottom of a pool, instigate a bet among the CSI’s as to whether they’ve “hit for the cycle” – a homicide, a suicide, an accidental and a natural death all in one night.

GEM is Nine’s third channel and the channel that took away Nine’s main channel HD simulcast when it launched September 26, 2010. The announcement for the new channel came two weeks after Seven announced it would launch its third channel 7mate on September 25, right after the 2010 AFL Grand Final.

Unlike ABC News 24 and 7mate, GEM did not move to a different LCN (logical channel number) than the channel it replaced Nine High Def or 9HD, causing some confusion to viewers not familiar with the change.

From the outset, GEM promised viewers a mix of general entertainment and movies “in stunning high definition”. Using Lisa McCune as the face of GEM, the channel was planned to aim more towards a female demographic while still providing sport on high definition in order for Nine to meet their HD sporting commitments.

As the channel went to air, questions were raised about how sport would fit into a female skewed channel and what would happen to being able to see Nine’s main channel content in HD. GEM was to air the Four Nations Rugby League in HD, as well as Nine’s summer of cricket in HD including the Ashes and One Day series but the network back flipped on these HD simulcasts, in favour for GEM’s own unique programming which would supposedly deliver more ratings to the network as a whole than HD simulcasts of sport would.

GEM has been used on occasion to provide sport coverage when the main channel has provided rolling news coverage of major natural disasters and events.

Before GEM went to air, many of Nine’s regular programs were simulcast in HD on Nine’s HD channel. Nine even rebuilt some of their news studios to look better in HD. Regular shows like Two and a Half Men, Top Gear, The Big Bang Theory, The Mentalist, all of the CSI franchise as well as local productions like the various Underbelly series were all able to be seen in HD on Nine High Def or 9HD. During prime time, there was generally more content in HD than there wasn’t.

With the advent of GEM, that is no longer the case. Other than ONE HD, GEM is the only HD multi channel promoted as being a HD channel. While the content of GEM does not appeal to the majority, there are a number of shows on GEM in HD including repeats, encores or simulcasts of content from Nine.

HD programs on GEM include Today 5.30am – 9.00am weekdays, The Closer, Law & Order, The Ellen Degeneres Show at 5pm weekdays, The Mentalist, the Harry’s Law replays on Friday nights as well as the CSI’s on Saturday nights. Most of the movies that GEM play are in HD – even some of the old movies that fill weekend day time timeslots are in HD as such – which of course is possible, using the original film as a source. Gone With the Wind for example – made in 1939 – plays on GEM in HD (next airs Sunday April 10, 3.30pm).

McLeod’s Daughters which airs on weekdays at 3pm is in HD, as is hit sitcom Friends, now airing in double episodes on weekdays at 6pm – having been remastered to both wide screen and HD.

Including Friends, there is 27 hours of HD programming per week on GEM during the prime time hours of 6pm to midnight. That amounts to an average of just under 4 hours per night out of the 6 prime time hours. Saturday night has the most, with movies from 6.30 and three CSI’s after the movie, while the Thursday night line up is devoid of anything HD after 7pm.

During the day, there is a further 6.5 hours of HD content on weekdays and varying amount on weekends, depending on which of the movies are made in HD.

In terms of a free to air source for HD content, GEM exceeds that of ONE HD, but still leaves a lot of the more populous content from Nine’s main channel that the network has available in HD, airing in standard definition only on Nine’s main channel.

Nine say that where ever possible, they source all content in HD. Good news for the future perhaps. Nine even has HD versions available of content that airs on GO! Many of the movies in their library are in HD.

An interesting side point, with the current programming on GO! being made up of mostly movies and Big Bang Theory repeats, if GO! was a HD channel, it would have just as much, if not more content in HD than GEM does.

If providing HD content was the focus here, between GEM and GO, Nine could have a channel that is 100% HD in prime time, leaving all the non-HD stuff for the second standard definition channel.

Next time: 7mate – the channel that occupies Seven’s HD stream.

Note: HD programming details based on the week April 10-16, 2011.

To read more about thoughts of what Nine should to get the most out of their digital channels, click here.

Click here to go to part one, and index.