Disqus - Latest Comments for Jon V

Re: Overnight Results for Tuesday, January 22

Jon V — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:11:49 -0000

Folks: Please, please, please - I beg of you - stop watching these reality shows. They are killing the Story/Writer/Actor/Director-driven dynamic that gives us the great dramas and sitcoms we love so much. The writer's strike is all about GREEDY PRODUCERS and NETWORKS who reap gigantic profits from sponsors and the yokels who watch these programs without having to pay for artistic quality. If you want to watch some jerk make a fool of himself, just pull out your old home movies or look in the mirror (gee that wasn't very nice... I guess i got angrier and angrier as I wrote).

Re: Women’s Murder Club: Renew or Cancel?

Jon V — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:24:07 -0000

Desperate Housewives meets Law and Order... how can that miss. I think you've got to give Angie Harmon another shot (and tell her to please eat something during the Hiatus. If the camera puts on 10 pounds she must weigh 87 lbs soaking wet - ummmm... soaking wet).

Re: Post-Strike Show Status

Jon V — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:34:51 -0000

I think 'Samantha Who' has a new episode Mon. Jan 28 and 'Big Bang Theory' has one in the can that has never aired (probably due to Chuck Lorre's stance on the strike).

Re: Overnight Results for Thursday, January 24

Jon V — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:52:40 -0000

WOW ! ! ! This is not the THURSDAY that I remember from just a few months ago. Are we sure that this is still one of the seven days of the week. NBC might be better off with a block consisting of Seinfeld, Cheers, Wings and Taxi.

Re: Overnight Nielsen for Monday, January 28

Jon V — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:33:11 -0000

Wow... It's a sad state of affairs for viewers when tri-runs of CBS comedies can hold their own with the other crap that's out thee. Can't wait for some new episodes from Chuck Lorre, et al for that nice two-hour block of guilty comedy...

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Friday Feb 1, 2008

Jon V — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:34:05 -0000

Six of the Top 10 shows from last week are "Reality' shows (not including 60 minutes which actually IS sort of a reality show). What a sad state of affairs for both Television and the American 'Culture'.

Re: Get Well Soon Michael Wilbon

Jon V — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:47:55 -0000

Whoever 'jaemes' is, he hit it right on the button. Can't tell you how many 'appointments' I've missed or cancelled to watch PTI, and if I can't be there, I DVR it as well as the following Sportscenter so I can catch the 'Final Take'. Get well Michael and 'Bam' Dan. If only Kornheiser could translate his PTI persona to his MNF role, he'd take the sports world by storm. Somebody stop making him do his 'feature column' on air and tell him just to be himself.

Re: Get Well Soon Michael Wilbon

Jon V — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:41:40 -0000

I live in Vegas and had a c-note on the G-Men plus 12 and a half a C on the moneyline (7 to 1, TYVM), due in part to the 'Mikes' - no not Golic and Greenberg - but Wilbon and Ditka. That's where I go for my NFL.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thursday, Feb 7: Lipstick Jungle? Get Lost!

Jon V — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:05:04 -0000

Hard to compete with the eloquence of John's CW analysis... so we'll try to dissect the 'Major Network' decisions. Firstly: 'Eli Stone' only gets its 5-13 weeks in the sun because of the writer's strike. Quirky and offbeat gets you a small, loyal following - but not for long if you can't connect with the larger 'demo' on some real basis (see 'Pushing Daisies). I'd probably rather watch 'Corner Gas' if forced to make a decision among these three. Secondly: 'Lipstick Jungle' is extremely off-putting to an increasingly growing, unhappy citizenry that is quickly becoming aware of the fact that the excesses of the wealthy are increasing the major rift between the 'haves' and 'have nots' - to the point of outright loathing. It's hard to sympathize with a housewife/mother who is having problems in her life while making $5-10-20 million a year.
Numbers for both of these series will steadily decrease until the striking writers can get enough well-written dramas and sitcoms (ala Law & Order/CSI, Two & a Half Men/Big Bang Theory) in the can so we will not have to decide between the above drivel and reality shows. I am increasingly DVRing reruns on local stations and cable and replaying them between 8pm-11pm so as to delude myself into thinking I am watching Prime Time TV.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thursday, Feb 7: Lipstick Jungle? Get Lost!

Jon V — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:21:35 -0000

... By the way... when did the 'Baby-Boomer' demographic become irrelevant, and, is there any way to get a numbers breakdown on the all-important 57-59 year-old age group viewership? Just wondering...

Re: Post-Strike Show Status

Jon V — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:48:49 -0000

How about a big hand for Bill Gorman, who has to have been working 25/8 to get out all of this info and reply to all of our well-meaning (if mis-informed) questions and comments...

Re: Post-Strike Show Status

Jon V — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:05:22 -0000

Re: Big Ban Theory 'one in the can' interrupted filming:

Here is the 'TV.com' link for 'The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization' episode that was supposedly done/aired but I never saw. Can anyone tell me if it was aired? An insider named 'Bill' (not Gorman, presumably) suggested that an episode did not finish filming because of the strike:

(cut and paste)
http://www.tv.com//the-cooper-hofstadter-polari...

Re: Post-Strike Show Status

Jon V — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:59:50 -0000

TY on both counts, Robert. My guess is the un-aired episode gives Lorre/CBS a one-week head start on other shows/networks that have exhausted their backlog of new episodes.

Re: Post-Strike Show Status

Jon V — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:10:41 -0000

Re: Rena and Bill discussing network strategies for this April/May season.

If I were a Network Honcho (and I guess I am at least a fantasy newtwork owner - click

http://www.tvbigshot.com/network/8623/

I would not waste first-run, top-rated shows like House, NCIS, etc against a lot of the drivel out there when my reruns are besting other new programming. I can sell advertising at better than average rates and hold back my 'heavy artillery' for sweeps and other big head-to-head ratings battles.

This is not necessarily good for the viewers, but I haven't seen many networks consider that in their decisions since the advent of reality shows.

Re: Women’s Murder Club: Renew or Cancel?

Jon V — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:37:04 -0000

Marilyn... I agree with you - and I am not the normal demographic for this show. Angie Harmon has 'the knack' (whatever that is) for keeping one's interest and the writing is good enough to hold my interest. It is not over the top (see all CSI's) or over-reaching (see recent Law & Orders). Hope it gets renewed and hope they keep it real.

Re: Post-Strike Show Status

Jon V — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 03:56:48 -0000

TY, Bill. Had to figure it would be the next new episode shown. Do I owe you the usual $200 a day plus expenses or can I just run a tab?

Re: Post-Strike Show Status

Jon V — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:42:56 -0000

The NCIS situation brings up several interesting points, such as:

Getting as many episodes of a viable show in the can prior to the SAG vote. Rank and file WGA and SAG members may want to get in some work prior to the vote, especially in this economy where they've seen their stock portfolios and home equity drop.

Producers will want to have as many of their top shows ready for future airings so as to have some kind of leverage/revenue streams with networks and sponsors.

Does the WGA settlement proposal create a template for SAG negotiations?

Does anybody (other than reality show producers and possibly networks) profit from another strike?

Hmmmmm....

Re: Online Video Increase Driven by Writer’s Strike?

Jon V — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:04:25 -0000

I'm not sure of what 'fresh content' you speak. My understanding is that writers (and now I assume, actors) want a piece of the advertising money associated with TV shows that are then shown on network-owned websites. That makes sense.

If we're talking about 'other' forms of 'webertainment' like YouTube or MyTube or His/Her/ItsTube, I guess those will increasingly draw people away from their TVs, but only to the point of saturation. And of course, networks can always advertise their replays on those sites and drag viewers back to their (the networks) website, at which point the new WGA/SAG contracts internet revenue stipulations kick in anyway.

Is comScore including reruns of TV shows on network websites as fresh? Do they monitor the Nielsen internet ratings? Does Nielsen monitor comScore ratings?

Is anyone else out there as dizzy as I just got???

Re: Nielsen Ratings Friday, Feb 8: House Leads Reruns

Jon V — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:46:28 -0000

I don't watch FNL, but those are pretty good numbers up against a couple of big dogs in Desperate and House (even if they were reruns). NBC might be wondering what it would do against the normal stuff ABC and FOX might throw up on a Friday night once the schedules settle back into their normal routine.

Re: Writers Reach Tentative Deal, Strike May Be Over Soon

Jon V — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:28:34 -0000

Would dearly love to see this strike over ASAP. I am not a voting member (I lapsed in 1990), but I was struck by what appears to be the most important issue of the settlement as currently negotiated. The producers have EXCLUDED reality and animation from the contract.

This would bother me as a Guild member and it bothers me as a TV and Movie viewer.

Guess what we will be seeing more and more of as the next several years go by?... more of these crap reality shows and more animated movies - neither of which I watch - and both of which are much more cheaply made and tend to be at or near the top end of the ratings and box office indexes. Which direction do you think producers and networks will take our fair mediums?

Oh, woe are we.

Re: Writers Reach Tentative Deal, Strike May Be Over Soon

Jon V — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:48:25 -0000

You said it Robert. Here is the key...

"...it isn’t going away until the public at large decides it wouldn’t rather laugh at other people’s stupidty than spend time making themselves better people."

Remember the movie 'Network' when people started screaming "... and I'm not going to take it anymore?" We need something like that to get people away from this 'Dancing with Idols' mentality. Every chance I get, I DON'T watch a reality show and I DO call it a bunch of crap. Let's get the word out and hope that this is just one of those 'pendulum swing' type 'fads'... you know like flappers and discos.

I'm watching The Grammys (kinda) as we speak and I can't believe how 'down hill' this and everything else seems to be running these days. Maybe the settlement will start the pendulum back the other way.

I wonder how many writers are going to have jobs to go back to in the coming weeks, months and years.

Here's hopin'

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thursday, Feb 7: Lipstick Jungle? Get Lost!

Jon V — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:46:36 -0000

Was just kinda kiddin on the square with the 'baby boomer' quip but both Ike and Robert make good points.

Advertisers hit me with their best shot on Golf boadcasts, PTI and CNBC. I guess they know what they're doin' cuz that's what I watch. It depends on what you're selling, I guess.

But I also love L&O, 2&1/2 and The Big Bang Theory, which makes me hard to pigeonhole. I don't think there are a lot of 'ad actuaries' staying up late to 'catch me where I live.'

Thanx, Lisa, for trying to take Robert to task for us - but he is keeping it real and I get it. My feelings are NOT hurt by NOT getting pitched to in my strike zone. I consider it an 'intentional walk' cuz I'm a dangerous hitter.

Re: Top Time-Shifted Broadcast Shows, January 21-27

Jon V — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:59:40 -0000

WOW !!! Percentage of increase in time-shifted, DVR veiwership. I'm not kidding... these are wonderful times we live in.

On a lighter note, CHUCK finishes one-two with FNL third on the % increase list. If I'm a network honcho, I'm really scratching my head as to how to interpret and what to do about these numbers.

Re: Top Time-Shifted Broadcast Shows, January 21-27

Jon V — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:26:36 -0000

Welcome to the nightmare...

I'm a MF'n FF'er... but that does not mean I do not stop for an MF'n moment to watch a commercial that I have not seen and review it (mostly cute girls, G-Bless me). I had to post and then leave for awhile - and I'm glad I did - cuz the point was if I'm a network honcho (and, as we all knew, a sponsor), what do I do about these numbers.

My answer would be that I discount them to a certain % (just as the stock market has discounted financials because of their sub-prime exposure) and go from there. I guess we go back to that advertising mantra of sub-liminal (hyphenated on purpose to refer [back]to sub-prime) advertising whereby you catch a 'persons' attention for a split moment and go from there. (People should know that I consider myself a DVR genius and watch 2-3 programs and a replay while recording #4/5 at any given time).

I'm happy to have contributed to such a stirring debate and refer all to the original point of 'scratching my head' as a 'network honcho.'

Re: Top Time-Shifted Broadcast Shows, January 21-27

Jon V — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:42:17 -0000

In re-reading the above, it comes to my attention that some might get the feeling that I am a sponsor or 'net-hon'... I am not. I was just putting myself in their position and got carried away.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun, Feb 10: CBS Grammys

Jon V — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:59:13 -0000

I wish that CBS would have let us know that they were going to run the 'Old Fog(erties)ies' out on stage towards more-or-less the end of The Grammys... I'd a paid more attention. I was replaying/surfing during most of the 'Show' and switched back over half-way through Jerry Lee Lewis. At my advanced age, I didn't think quickly enough to hit the record button (thinking it was too late) only to see 'Fog's', 'L'il Richard' etal reminding us (me) of why we (I) used to watch these awards in the first place. Does anyone have a copy of the last hour? Also, Herbie Hancock winning (again, after all of these years) gave me goose bumps. Sorry to gush... please disregard the preceding.

Re: Women’s Murder Club: Renew or Cancel?

Jon V — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:02:16 -0000

Irene... I am truly sorry. I will reschedule WMC as soon as possible. If I had only known...

Re: Women’s Murder Club: Renew or Cancel?

Jon V — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:03:46 -0000

I'm a baaad, baaaad boy.

Re: Nielsen Ratings, Mon, Feb 11: Proud as a Peacock

Jon V — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:01:54 -0000

Strange ratings numbers among the majors for Monday night. 35 million were watching at 8pm; then, at 8:30, 'The Captain' held almost all of the HIMYM viewers. But by 9pm people were switching off (or going somewhere else) - although many who remained switched to 2&1/2 Men (or did they switch on just to watch that?)

Is this usual? Will 'The Captain' find a place on the CBS comedy block? Where are the 8pm viewers going?

Re: Nielsen Ratings, Mon, Feb 11: Proud as a Peacock

Jon V — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:15:04 -0000

I see it now... that'll teach me to go out drinking on a Monday night (when there's no football) when I have important Nielsen numbers to crunch Tuesday afternoon.

Re: Top New Shows, December 10-16, Cane Surprises

Jon V — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:52:07 -0000

I think the problem with renewing Cane is that is is very expensive to produce (and difficult to schedule as well). The demo is loyal but smallish (and the week 12/10-16 was a bit of an odd one) on which to make year-long decisions.

Re: Post-Strike Show Status

Jon V — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:53:07 -0000

AAAAA-MEN

Re: TV Bigshot Blog posts for the Week Feb 4-10, 2008

Jon V — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:50:25 -0000

I wish I could have seen this a little earlier... I could have saved myself about 15 million on my two networks. I have been doing my own match , but missed a couple of the above 'sells'. Now I'll know

!NVN NewViewNetwork!
!DVR_Addict!
Pres, CEO and only employee

Re: Nielsen Ratings - Tue, Feb 12: All Hail Jericho?

Jon V — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:05:09 -0000

The 'Big Networks' pit three very nice shows against each other on Tues at 10pm, putting viewers in quite a quandry. Add to this the fact that FOX took all of those 'Idol' fans and rolled them right into the 'Big Secret' of the prime time wars... namely FOX's 10pm local station affiliate news.

We know a lot of people go 'somewhere' at 10pm, making all of the 'Big Three' numbers look mediocre at best. My guess is either they fall asleep, go on the phone or internet to discuss the 'Idol' results and/or leave the remote alone (at say 9:58pm or so) while the local FOX local news drones on in the background.

How do you combat that???

Re: TV Bigshot Blog posts for the Week Feb 4-10, 2008

Jon V — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:10:44 -0000

That was '... doing my own math,' above. You people must have imagined that extraneous 'c'.

Re: Week to Week Ratings Momentum, January 14-20

Jon V — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:44:45 -0000

Didn't know exactly what I was looking at, at first. But after a little time, you can see where things are going, to some degree.

Problem is, by the time you get this, it's too late for the contest. However, it does help predict if one of 'your shows' is in trouble or not and if it might be cancelled.

If the list would mention whether it was a rerun or not or scheduled at a different time, that would help. Any chance?

Re: Top Syndicated Shows, January 28 - February 3

Jon V — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:02:44 -0000

This is the stuff (especially 2&1/2, Family Guy and SVU) that I was DVRing and then playing back during prime time (while I DVR'ed that) so as to give myself the illusion of enjoying prime TV since the writers' strike.

Hope I'll remember how to watch TV once new episodes start airing.

(p.s.: changed my website [just click on Jon V] back to TV BigShot for awhile to accomodate other players interest... picked up a couple of first-time starters this week for the 'premiere bump'. Good Luck !!!)

Re: Nielsen Ratings - Tue, Feb 12: All Hail Jericho?

Jon V — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:19:13 -0000

Shaddysmom brings up another good point about viewing preferences that Bill or Robert mentioned the other day. A lot of people watch their favorite show and DVR another choice that plays at the same time.

How many out there (like myself), record their favorite (to be enjoyed, played back, FF'd, RW'd SP'd, etc. at their leisure) and 'kinda watch' their second choice 'live'. Do the networks automatically assume you are WATCHING your first and RECORDING your second choice - cuz they'd be wrong on my count.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Wed, Feb 13: Another Idol Moment

Jon V — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:34:07 -0000

Thought I'd point out that the Law & Order CI at 9:00pm was actually a rerun (although, not technically since it first ran on USA a couple of weeks ago). What does that say when reruns from cable can get those kind of numbers (even though 'Moment' won the slot)?

I wondered why NBC 'relegated' L&OCI first runs to cable, but then I realized it was a promotion - like sending one of your best people to go open the 'New Branch' in London. Bill/Robert (when you get a chance), how is that working out for NBC/USA? I don't know enough about the numbers to figure it out.

Re: The “Strike Effect” Through February 4-10, 2008

Jon V — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:22:07 -0000

I see where the chart uses the color green to represent FOX's ratings. How appropriate.

If I were a FOX programmer, I would put my resume' out on the biggest web page I could build, take the 'Greenest' offer I could get from another newtwork, grab my bonus from FOX and settle back to playing golf twice a week while throwing darts at the prime time schedule board.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Wed, Feb 13: Another Idol Moment

Jon V — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:41:31 -0000

Top ratings on USA and then good rerun numbers on the mothership... I'd say LOCI (one of my favorites) and other such cross-network arrangements will be a big topic of discussion between DW and GE in the off season.

The flagship status of LOCI (and Monk) and all of the cross-advertising they bring, surely pays off on the bottom line - for both Wolf and GenElec, etal.

Re: Weekly Top Cable Networks: February 4-10

Jon V — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:47:10 -0000

USA cable numbers were discussed earlier, but I saw one 'funny number' in the above chart that maybe the NFL and ESPN might want to look at. I see where ESPN finally overtook HGTV (again) in the ratings.

For the week (1-27 to 2-03) leading up to the Super Bowl (with all the hype, etc.), the Home & Garden network (HGTV) actually out drew ESPN (it was just a couple of hundredths). Did HG run some gigantic promotion or were people (like myself) tuning out the stupidity that is ESPNFL the week prior to 'The Bowl'.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thur, Feb 14: Lost & Survivor

Jon V — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:12:13 -0000

I remember when Thursday's used to be a great TV night for me (the 80s and 90s and even earlier this TV season). Now, not so much.

What first came to mind, though, when I saw last night's numbers was:

What audience did the people at ABC/Eli Stone and NBC/Lipstick Jungle think they were targeting with these programs. Not the average American TV viewer, that's for sure.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, Feb 15: House Rerun Smacksdown Celine Dion

Jon V — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:29:03 -0000

Robert/Bill - I've got a good question for you. I bought Las Vegas last week on the TVBS contest, looking ahead to last night's season finale (and intend on buying Amnesia for next week). Should I wait until the results come out next (Tues/Wed) and get the ratings price bounce on a show that is done and not get the premiere points for a new show. Or do it now and have Amnesia on my schedule for the coming week (or both)?

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sat Feb, 16: Bad Boys, Bad Boys

Jon V — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:43:19 -0000

So FOX wins again with this dummed down crap. Now I know why Bush got elected AND THEN re-elected.

Guess NBC is happy with second place throughout the night with L&O (and her children) reruns.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 17: CBS Losing Badly With Younger Audiences

Jon V — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:38:57 -0000

What a chump i am. Took the new FOX animations on my TV BigShot entries to have a nice night with all of their fans... and got creamed.

What happened?

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 17: CBS Losing Badly With Younger Audiences

Jon V — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:05:56 -0000

I shoulda mentioned that the only FOX I use are the Sunday animations because I hate reality. Figgered they had been hyping the NEW episodes all week on all of their big ratings-winning shows and i would benefit without selling out. Now FOX finally gets 'creamed' and I'm all over it like s**t on stink.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 17: CBS Losing Badly With Younger Audiences

Jon V — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:08:32 -0000

Yah... what was up with Knightrider kickin butt? Are we about to trend back to the 80's... I think I've still got some bell-bottoms in storage. Is this a strike-related interim issue or just a fluke. (By the way, bought a new 'Stang last year cuz I just gotta have it).

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 17: CBS Losing Badly With Younger Audiences

Jon V — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:21:54 -0000

You go Ana. Love a girl who can crunch numbers.

It's a mele out there for programmers. Anything goes until next season. They're just throwin half-cooked spaghetti against the fridge right now.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 17: CBS Losing Badly With Younger Audiences

Jon V — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:27:49 -0000

Also just noticed... despite all of the big numbers total-viewer wise, the 18/49s were abyssmal. Were all the young kids watching the NBA all-Star game at bars and then partying?

The difference between total and 18/49 was the biggest spread I can remember.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Mon Feb 18: More Monday Domination for NBC

Jon V — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:48:01 -0000

As a change os subject, I have recently re-watched 'Welcome to the Captain' and the 2nd and 3rd episodes are really quite good.

Considering the lead in was a re-run of HIMYM (and not one of the better ones), 'Captain' held 88% of the viewers, 84% of the 18/49 and 91% of the HH.

You folks should give this show a chance. It's got good connections (John Hamburg -Along Came Polly, Something About Mary, etc., Jeffrey Tambor - who's surprisingly good in this, Raquel Welch -admittedly cameos, and the cutest girl on TV - Joanna Garcia). There is also an off-the-wall bellman named Jesus (with a 'J', mind you) and it is very well-written in an understated, wry, TV-insider kind of way.

Check it out... I have it listed on my tv.com site as a 'guilty pleasure'.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Mon Feb 18: More Monday Domination for NBC

Jon V — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:55:30 -0000

P.S. 'The Captain' did better holding viewers (percentage-wise) coming out of HIMYM than 'Old Christine' did coming after 2.5 Men. If that means anything...

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue Feb 19: Idol, Jericho and Big Brother

Jon V — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:47:14 -0000

Mentioned this last week, but maybe it bears repeating for all of you Jericho fans.

The Tuesday night, 10pm time slot is extremely competitive. All three shows would probably be doing better if they could find an easier spot. I don't know where that would be and appaently, neither do the networks.

Also, comparing 10pm Nielsen (total viewer) numbers to, say 8pm or 9pm numbers, doesn't work because there is a big drop off in TV's turned on in a lot of areas at that time.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Wed Feb 20: Idol Rules, CBS Needs to Fire People

Jon V — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:40:19 -0000

I have been watching TV since the early 1950s and I've seen a lot of shows come and go - good and bad.

Now what's all this I here about some show called 'American Idol'. Who are the stars and who is it written by? What's the plot line and how many Emmys has it won for best actor/actress, writer, director, screenplay, etc?

It seems to get very big ratings, so I'm guessing it's vey well done. Is it as good as 'Law & Order' (which is in its 18th season, and did pretty well in the ratings last night)?

I'm guessing this is just a fad, right?

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Thur Feb 21: Can FOX Be Stopped?

Jon V — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:33:10 -0000

Don't get me wrong - 'Without a Trace' is a nice little show. Because it's now syndicated I usually catch it on (I think) TNT.

But it's success - last night, especially - is more an indictment of the two NEW shows it was up against, namely ELI and LIPSTICK.

That's got be embarrasing for ABC/NBC. I'm tempted to watch one and DVR the other just to decrease the shame.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, Feb 22: Price Beats Amne$ia

Jon V — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 11:22:54 -0000

Does anyone remember a little movie called 'The Ratings Game' where Danny DeVito gets a hold of the Nielsen mailing list, sends all of the families on a cruise and then has his cronies break in to their houses and watch a crappy little show that he produced so as to 'fix' the ratings.

It was a comedy, but I remember thinking to myself how easy it might be to skew the ratings with a more subtle plan or plans. It really seems like FOX has figured something out. No one I know watches these 'Reality Shows' yet they continue to clobber the competition.

Maybe I just don't know those kind of people, but maybe FOX is getting to a significant portion of them through some kind of advertising ploy or something. 12,000 people doesn't seem to be a significant enough number to make major network decisions on, especially if those 12,000 people are 'sheep' type people. We need more 'cat' and 'dog' people in the Nielsen ratings households.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sat Feb, 23: Another Criminal Night

Jon V — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:20:05 -0000

The Nielsens don't track the viewing preferences of 'intelligent people'... just people.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sat Feb, 23: Another Criminal Night

Jon V — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:23:47 -0000

Just realized that the Saturday viewer n umbers for COPS is about equal to the number of people who are wearing court-ordered ankle monitors and can't leave home.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Mon Feb 25: ABC Wins Again, But…

Jon V — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:23:25 -0000

You'd think in this day and age with everyone plugged into cable (or at least with a TV account of some sort) that they could just take a BIG random sampling of what people are watching. I think the networks DON'T want the real numbers out there because it COULD cost them advertising $$$.

On a different note, last night's numbers are going to be skewed by the Movie Special, A Raisin in the Sun, so not a lot of new info as far as renew or cancel for 'bubble' shows.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 24: Record Lows for Oscar

Jon V — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:42:24 -0000

Don't know how many of you realize that FOX ran (more or less) its normal Sunday night animation shows, WITH half-hourly NASCAR updates on the rained-out event.

They kept teasing with 'it's gonna resume shortly' (the next worst thing to out-and-out lying) and held a great deal of NASCAR nation (I'm not one of them) hostage.

I'm wondering how this effects my TV BigShot points because I bought the animation block 'on sale' this past week, knowing they have NEW episodes coming up - starting this Sunday.

Points or No Points???

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 24: Record Lows for Oscar

Jon V — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:01:21 -0000

Oh... yeah, BTW. I am in Vegas (Pacific Standard) so the race was still 'iffy' as we watched the 8-10ish prime time. Boy, how do your churn those numbers against what I thought was the worst Oscar show I ever saw (I've been watching them since 1954 - yes, '54).

Back to you, Bill/Robert

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Mon Feb 25: ABC Wins Again, But…

Jon V — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:11:46 -0000

The 90-95 million with some kind of cable is a far cry from the 12,000 TV's that are monitored by Nielsen.

If the cable companies are somehow able to tell us about time-shifted watching, they certainly can give us more representative numbers on total viewers than the 12K Nielsen families (who could very easily be swayed by some sort of 'anomaly' like local affiliate lead-ins to prime time, etc).

The point is, the Nielsen Ratings need to be replaced by a much larger survey... but for some unknown reason (and I smell conspiracy) this is being avoided by exactly the people we 'think' would want to do it.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 24: Record Lows for Oscar

Jon V — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:16:30 -0000

Does the Supreme Court handle TV BigShot appeals???

Actually, as long as it doesn't lower the 'prices' of Simpsons, FamGuy and AmDad, I guess it won't hurt me.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun Feb 24: Record Lows for Oscar

Jon V — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:28:45 -0000

Just gotta reply to 'plusaf'

No offense, BUT (that's a big 'but'), Bush/Cheney have the WORST approval ratings EVER. And it took two 'fixed' elections to get them in there - despite efforts by the intelligentsia and the talentsia.

'Don't it make my red states... Don't it make my red states.... Don't it make my 'Red States' Blue...ue...ue...

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, Feb 26: Idol Dominates, Jericho crushes Quarterlife!

Jon V — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:20:29 -0000

Bill/Robert -

Last week, I checked ahead on 'Back to You' and saw that it was in 'the Gaahhden Spot' right after AI, so....

Snatched it up on both TV BigShot entries for the week. Do you think the price will be raised to the HH... or will they fudge like they do sometimes when there's one of these scheduling anomalies?

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, Feb 26: Idol Dominates, Jericho crushes Quarterlife!

Jon V — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:28:00 -0000

BTW... re: quarterlife.

If you compare the 18-49/share and HH numbers to the total viewer numbers for the time slot, '2-bits' (feel free to use that... I use your '2.5 Men' freely - thanks) did better than it appears percentage-wise (if that means anything).

10:00 ABC Prime: WWYDNow? 7.64 2.9/8 6
CBS Jericho 6.9 2.2/6 4
NBC Quarterlife 3.86 1.6/4 2.5

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, Feb 26: Idol Dominates, Jericho crushes Quarterlife!

Jon V — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:01:57 -0000

Since '2bits' is the first real net-to-TV experiment, seems to me that NBC (and all of the other networks) will prob stick with it and tweak until they get the info they want/need.

I would expect that they made a commit to stick with it for X amnt of eps, regardless of numbers (I'm sure they were hoping for better).

Don't write this off too soon... they really didn't promote it on the TV side a great deal. I would try different methods before I cancelled - just to get a read.

It's a new frontier... trial and error.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, Feb 26: Idol Dominates, Jericho crushes Quarterlife!

Jon V — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:19:27 -0000

Right you are... I'm not a watcher and I don't think it will work out (for this show and at this time).

I was thinking more in terms of the 'experimental' results and the networks seeing if they can somehow find a crossover method that works. For that reason, I would continue the 'trial' and see if there is some information that can be gleaned for future reference.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, Feb 26: Idol Dominates, Jericho crushes Quarterlife!

Jon V — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:55:29 -0000

Bob/Bill -

When you guys get to be my age [sheesh - did I actually type that], you'll understand the wisdom of long-term thinking. The writer's strike is the perfect excuse to screw around with some off-the-wall stuff and see if it has a future.

The 'Alphabets' have already conceded the season to FOX, so, to use Bill's bring-up-some-minor-leaguers analogy, let's throw them some curveballs and see if they can hit.

They've got until September before they're in another pennant race.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Thur, Feb 28: FOX Cannot Be Stopped

Jon V — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:05:43 -0000

Bill - There is a real bottom line on determining whether a show is profitable for a network.

How much does a 1/2 hour of programming cost to buy or put on the air vs. how much advertising money can it bring in p/hh.

If a show cost $4 million per 1/2 hour and I sell $6m in advertising, I've made $2m for the 30 minutes. If I can get one hour for only $3m and I sell only $8m for the hour, I've made $2.5m per 30 minutes.

That's why 'According to Jim' can stay on when another, better show might get cancelled. Does everyone remember when the six "Friends" wanted $1m each per episode. That had to have cost NBC $8-10m for a half hour show. But the advertisers were on board (although, not for long).

AmIdol doesn't cost that much to make (although Crowell prob makes a mint... he's in a very nimble negotiating position because he has next to no 'talent' to pay). Popular ensemble-cast shows have their cost go up every year (through contract renegotiations) until they finally become to expensive to produce and there is no room for the network to make money.

Cost per half hour vs. revenue per half hour - Deal or No Deal.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Thur, Feb 28: FOX Cannot Be Stopped

Jon V — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:57:24 -0000

I agree with you 100% (although Dick Wolf, NBC, USA et al are an exceptional situation).

I think the main reason is that there is not enough profit room for big production-cost shows that you mentioned to make money on cable... yet. If the networks keep losing share to cable that may change things.

Greedy producers are once again the problem. To get 'good' talent, you have to pay. To have a 'good' show you have to have talent.
Most producers would rather try another, new premise than continue on with a marginally profitable older show that hasn't shown that snap, crackle, pop they were hoping for. They all want that 'Next, Big Thing'. Also, no one is building new studios in Hollywood. You need a 'big' hit to keep your square footage.

The whole landscape needs to change... and that just might happen with these new Guild contracts, the ratings on Reality, Net-to-TV (and vice-versa), cable-viewer inroads, etc. It's gonna be a new age for TV, shortly and I'm not sure I'm gonna like it if 'only' profit-margin is still the number one driver.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, Feb 29: Price Definitely Right for CBS

Jon V — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 05:52:38 -0000

I would expect that the average viewer would choose Drew Carey over Dennis Miller. Miller is more of an 'acquired' taste where as Carey is more 'meat and potatoes' (hold the potatoes.

I actually like both - I think they are among the funnier 'mainstream' comedians - with staying power - over the last 10 to 15 years.

However, I don't think the margin is quite as big as the ratings suggest. I think it has more to do with the fact that 'PIR' is in it's gazillionth year and has developed quite a loyal following that feels 'vindicated' by seeing 'its' favorite son/daughter finally make it to the 'big show', whereas 'Am' has only a week of 'tradition' behind it.

I do agree that NBC should move 'Amnesia' out of harms way before people 'forget' to watch it.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sat, March 1: Could Paris and Lindsay Best the Bad Boys?

Jon V — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:35:51 -0000

Thought I would mention for those in the TVBS game. If you don't get the HH number, a good estimate can be made by subtracting the 18-49 number from the Millions-of-viewers number and you'll be pretty close.

For instance:Cops numbers = 6.1 mil/view minus 2.1 (18/49) = 4.0 or a 40 million price tag. L & O at 10pm should be 6.5mv minus 1.5 (18/49) equals 5.0 (even though this show does not count because it is out of time slot).

Bob/Bill - Have u noticed this and is it fairly accurate when there is no HH number available and you have to make your last minute programming changes for the week?

Re: Lies, Damn Lies and Les Moonves: CBS Most-Watched No More

Jon V — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:25:03 -0000

I wanted to respond to Patrick's take on the 18-49 'demo' because I fall in the middle of the 'retiring' boomer group,

Actually, not respond so much as totally agree. The 45 to @62 group should be recognized as a major advertising target for 'big ticket' items. I am not going to change the beer or soda I drink, but I might buy a different new car (love the new Jaguar commercial featuring Deep Purple's 'Hush' -can't afford it though, I'm sure)) because of a well-crafted commercial on a show I watch.

I assume that advertisers, with all of their surveys, are aware of this and have enough clout to keep an 'older' slanted show on the air if they think it reaches their target consumer.

Once again, ratings are not the only gauge of whether a show is kept or not. Advertisers can speak with their checkbooks (and often do as a way of top product execs exercising their power to keep a show on that hits 'their' consumer or that they and their friends may like).

The old 18-49 'chestnut' should be revisited as the boomer-nation ages. It was a phenomenon when it was recognized and that shouldn't change until the boomers are all mostly in their graves.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun, March 2: Oprah Goes Primetime

Jon V — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:06:43 -0000

Oprah skewed this week's Sunday ratings (plus NASCAR ran late) so it's hard to figure what the regulars (especially in reruns) fared against each other. Simpsons had an excellent HH (yeah, TVBS), but then FOX seemed to slowly trail off.

This is the only day of the week I watch FOX, and I just wanted to mention that the new sitcom, Unhitched was excellent. When I compare this premiere episode to, say, the Seinfeld or Cheers pilots, they look like junior high school productions next to this new Farelly Brothers' show. Check it out... it's very 2.5 Men edgy/funny and well written.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sun, March 2: Oprah Goes Primetime

Jon V — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:22:24 -0000

Unhitched is definitely a 'late' night time slot show. You'd have thought FOX would have done a better job of leading into this one, but it did follow FamGuy here in the PST, which would be the same type of viewer. It would also do well if it followed Two and Three Quarters Men (Jake is getting older as you'll see in the next new ep) because, in my opinion, it is Seinfeld meets Sex and the City and 2.5 Men in New York for a threesome.

BTW, is this Oprah show going to be a regularly scheduled program or was it a special... I don't pay attention to these types of things?

Re: Jericho Nielsen Ratings — Not So Good

Jon V — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:44:55 -0000

Just wanted to say that I am very impressed with the loyalty viewers seem to have for Jericho.

I am not a watcher (it's not in my wheelhouse), but I am tempted to start (if my DVR can fit it in). I am hoping for all of you Jer fans that it gets renewed. You folks have earned it.

Re: Top Time-Shifted Cable Shows, February 11-17

Jon V — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:52:07 -0000

Re: Marc's Live +7

We mentioned the dynamics of FFing through comms, catching glimpses and the subliminal etc (which TV has been accused of for over 40 years) a couple of weeks ago, and I agree that there's something there.

I'm sure there are graduate students doing research as we speak, and that they will find a % number that makes sense in terms of time-shifted commercials. Two weeks and a coupla thou viewers oughta give them a number with in a .point of the real deal.

Re: Quarterly Net New TiVo Subscribers 2001-2008

Jon V — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:56:49 -0000

I could see their growth slowing (they've been out for about 4 years now) but didn't expect them to lose viewers. But I know why.

Cox Cable here in Las Vegas made me a deal where I got my DVR receiver for free and three free months of service, and then added only $10 p/m to my cable bill thereafter.

Hard for TiVo to compete against that.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:26:18 -0000

Re: election results...

OH and TX represent @ 12% of the US population and therefore, about 1500 Nielsen households. I would imagine that the networks, advertisers and Nielsen simply ascribe the ratings points to the show that was regularly scheduled nationwide with Nielsen points based on whatever local affiliate those familes watched the results on.

It's such a rare occurrence that it's hardly a blip on the screen for advertisers who have long-time relationships with networks or programs. Maybe there's a 2% one day reduction from normal fees or perhaps they all shrug it off and look at the bigger picture. The only people really effected by the skewed ratings are those who are fighting to have THEIR program renewed and are worried about every slight fluctuation in viewership.

Whatever happened in TX or OH last night will have no bearing on whether a show is cancelled or renewed.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:15:27 -0000

Jericho vs Jim

Jericho probably costs 3 to 5 times as much money to produce as does According to Jim... that is a major consideration.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Wed, March 5: Woe is Big Brother

Jon V — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:39:15 -0000

I see where 2.5 million viewers left 'Moment' between 9 and 9:30. That seems awfully high for a one hour show. Haven't ever watched it, so I don't know if there is an obvious reason - like bad contestants, etc. Is there anything to be made of this (for TVBS's sake) and will the points/value be the avg. of the two half hours (9.7/8.4)?

Re: TV Bigshot Strategy Blog Discussion

Jon V — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:45:07 -0000

Thanks for pointing out the L & O move, but I think it's not quite as simple as that. It's going to take about a 10-12 mil hit next week in value. You can sell now for 77 mil and buy two shows for next week that will approx. equal L & O's points and then rebuy L&O
next Wed with the proceeds from the sale of those and pick up about another 10-20 mil in value the following week.

It's a tough call. But I think buying a couple of the new shows (NewAm, Canterbury, etc) debuting this week (if you haven't already) with the proceeds of the sale of L&O gives you double value in and out. I think there is 30-
40 mil or more in value to be picked up that can then be used to purchase new episodes of established shows coming back from hiatus that will show big gains two weeks down the road just by juggling L&O and two debut shows.

I'm trying to chop out extra money to load up on returning hits for their comeback debuts. (Did any of this make sense???)

Re: TV Bigshot Strategy Blog Discussion

Jon V — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:49:19 -0000

P.S. I'm in 530th place, so I'm not going to win the thing. But it's not whether you win or lose - it's how you play the game. (Or so say us losers).

I put in my TVBS site if you click on my name... haven't sold L&O yet - I'm still trying to do the math and see how these debuts go.

Re: TV Bigshot Strategy Blog Discussion

Jon V — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:52:31 -0000

P.P.S - Just checked my TVBS and I moved up to 504th on adjustments.

Re: TV Bigshot Strategy Blog Discussion

Jon V — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:02:44 -0000

One more PPPS: I refuse to buy reality shows, on principal, which pretty much took me out of the running 4 months ago.

Re: TV Bigshot Strategy Blog Discussion

Jon V — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:07:00 -0000

Re: Bill

The L&O move is in addition to all of the shows I am sure I am keeping already, (like 'Christine' which I think has a big night Monday) and a coupla others that should score well and add price value as well.

Re: TV Bigshot Strategy Blog Discussion

Jon V — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:12:28 -0000

I'm only playing with 520 mil. Learned to late that I wanted to be increasing my bankroll so that I could buy more shows, by then I was hoplessly behind. If I knew then what I know now...

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:54:24 -0000

Bill/Robert -

Remember that exchange a few weeks ago about being a FOX programmer. Can't stress enough what a job they are doing using AmerIdol to capture viewers and numbers and then switch these people to new nights and times.

Case in point: New Amsterdam. The AI bleed over not only made me watch the last couple of AI minutes, but I see where they got a first 15min of 14.9mil. It held 12.4 and now they are switching it (and its followers, who seem to be blogging and posting up a storm on the tv.com web pages) to Monday at 9pm following the debut of Canterbury, which appears to be in soft against a HIMYM rerun and the weakening 'My Dad..".

Brilliant

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:40:33 -0000

Re: frankj/NewAm

I happened to check out some board posts and blogs on New Amsterdam (and then looked at the profiles of the posters). This show (and others of this genre) seem to hit a chord with the 18-34 group who are very net-savvy and devoted. I was doing a little homework for the BigShot game and was struck by the passion and networking these viewers have for shows with supernatural overtones.

As for 'Sarah' - the show just didn't have the staying power that one might have guessed. I have to blame the producers/directors/writers for not coming through for their fans.

I am not a real fan of either, but checked them out a little before passing. NewAm does have a certain chemistry, but these kinds of storylines don't hold my attention.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Thur, Mar 6: Fox Youth Wins, Age Loses

Jon V — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:09:37 -0000

Laine... Eli did have a big drop-off in the second half-hour while the other two shows kept their viewers. Part of the reason was last night's storyline was not the usual, whimsical plot of the first five episodes. It was more serious and I kind of drifted off (while watching the DVR this morning).

It may also be the 'left the TV on the same channel after my favorite show' syndrome accounting for the rest.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Thur, Mar 6: Fox Youth Wins, Age Loses

Jon V — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:16:42 -0000

P.S. Is the show already over for New Amsterdam? It looks like it nearly crashed and burned if you compare the first half hour the other night vs. the last half hour last night - from 15mil/view to 9m/v and 1st to 4th in its time slot. (Tougher competition, though).

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:14:58 -0000

I did like all three of the movies, which is unusual for me. I stopped going to theatres a long time ago and just wait until they hit the pay channels (saw T1 at a theatre). I saw T2 thrice and T3 twice (say that three times - also unusual). It was a good franchise.

I don't know what happened to TSCC, but it seemed like it died for no reason I could figure other than they didn't follow through after a big start. That's usually the fault of the back and/or front talent. Just a guess though.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:44:15 -0000

Robert... You got me thinking about why TSCC tanked and I realized that when they put it on Mons, it went up against the CBS sitcoms that split the demo. Many of those in that demo are not DVRers and they had to make a choice. It prob hurt both networks, but this is one that FOX lost. Monday has been FOX's achilles heel in a year where they are stomping everyone else.

Karen... I read that story, and if the per/person cost is better for the networks on the net side, one can certainly understand why the number crunchers are pushing to explore and expand.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:33:20 -0000

TSCC was a very big show for me on TVBS. I made close to 90 mil and picked up @250 points and only owned it twice for a week each time (including the awesome premiere week). Don't wish it any harm but as Robt said, it is a closed plotline covering the time between T2 -T3.

Also the genre has a smallish (but faithful) viewership and the opening week was a monster causing me to have much higher expectations on the numbers side. I have never seen even one minute of it, so can't comment on its quality.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:18:21 -0000

re: FOX canceling...

I mentioned I had been checking out NewAm posts and blogs, and if there was one comment that stood out more than any other, it was "...hope FOX doesn't cancel it after half a season."

So yah, these kids are wary of FOX getting them invested and then pulling the rug.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:03:24 -0000

Went to my TVBS page thia morn and happened to look back on TSCC history for points... sheesh.

I made over 620 points with Sarah including 476 (still my one show, one week record) in her debut with a whopping 370 growth points that week (and owned it for 3 separate weeks as well).

I like Sarah a lot better now... might have to watch.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Tue, March 4: Jericho is Toast

Jon V — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:11:43 -0000

Oh... and couldn't find the TVBS strategy thread so I will mention here. Loading up on Monday shows is a great way to 'manipulate' the system. You get the overnights on Tues and then buy or sell accordingly ahead of the Wed changes. It's prob worth an extra 5-20% p/w on top of whatever else you do.

If you started from 'day one' using that strategy (and of course picking big growth shows for the week) you would be right in the mix for the lead.

Re: Nielsen Ratings - March 9: Diminishing Oprah, Returns

Jon V — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:57:55 -0000

Haven't received my-email with the overnights the last coupla days. Lucky I saved the main page to my favorites.

Anything I should know about???

That said, really sorry to see 'Unhitched' getting un-loved in the ratings. I DVR it and usually have watched it three times within the first 24 hours. I even let the commercials play through (at least once) in case the sponsors are listening.

Kind of glad to see Oprah slip somewhat. Nothing personal (but not really a fan), I'm just looking for any hint that this 'Reality' craze might slow down to where we only have the top few shows stick and the rest go away (instead of well-written shows with professional talent).

Re: Top Time-Shifted Broadcast Shows, February 18-24

Jon V — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:06:48 -0000

A real potpourri of different types of shows in this list. I think it says something about each - and viewers habits - but not sure what.

If I were a Net/Boss, I would pay attention to these numbers. They portend the future of TV, to some degree. If I were a producer, I would not mind my show making this list (theoretically). It may not be good for business, but I know that I only DVR my favorites, so I would be projecting that same process on my viewership.

(p.s. - I'll mention this here as well as Sunday's Nielsen results... haven't rec'd my daily email from TVbtN in a coupla days - what's up with that.

Re: Nielsen Ratings - March 9: Diminishing Oprah, Returns

Jon V — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:40:18 -0000

OK... I noticed that when I posted this evening on the Sun/Nums page, I was the first. I'm guessing that means a lot of other people didn't get theirs as well.

Like I said, I've got this saved as favorite so I can always just click on it. The email is just a reminder that the numbers are out.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Mon March 10: Julianna is no Summer Glau!

Jon V — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:30:03 -0000

Didn't Sarah have the good fortune of a FOX blitz and an easy schedule before she settled into her more Canterbury-like numbers.

I can understand Robert's obsession (I don't really know why I say that), but Bill, Julianna M should be right in your (and my) wheel house.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for Mon March 10: Julianna is no Summer Glau!

Jon V — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:34:42 -0000

p.s. Meanwhile no comments on the soap-opera type situation with the CBS sitcoms as six different sitcoms are vying for what appears to be only for slots from 8-10pm.

Things get real next week and I'm gearing up my TVBS picks for the new schedule. Bargains on almost all CBS MON/SITS.

Re: TV Bigshot Strategy Blog Discussion

Jon V — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:34:03 -0000

Just happened to see this at the top of the recents as I was toggling. Thot I'd give an update...

Picked up 2 spots in the standings (to 500th exactly - I've gained on the field every week for the last 10 weeks but I have a feeling I can't go any higher).

471 points for the week (7093 total) - didn't get any credit for AmerDad which appeared one hour earlier than normal (doesn't seem fair and 31 million more in value (all New Amsterdam) to $551mil total. Now I'm just picking my favorites with no chance to even make top 100.

Buying and selling premieres about my only strategy these days. Later

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, March 14: The Price is Right Again

Jon V — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 23:30:16 -0000

What happened to the TVBS website????

Helloooo... I got money I ain't spent yet.

Bob/Bill, anybody...

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, March 14: The Price is Right Again

Jon V — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 09:45:01 -0000

This is the next morning... and still nothing. 3rd day ina row...trying other protocols... still getting error message.

Running out of water and provisions, we'll camp here to rest the wounded.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, March 14: The Price is Right Again

Jon V — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 09:46:06 -0000

Maybe You can cut and past a link that will at least get me to the start page...???

Don't know what else to do at the moment.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, March 14: The Price is Right Again

Jon V — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:00:49 -0000

p.s. Here's the message I get (on both of my entries):

Warning: mysqli_connect() [function.mysqli-connect]: (HY000/2005): Unknown MySQL server host 'master.tvbigshot.digitaria.com' (2) in /var/bravotv_big_shot/includes/mysql_connect.php on line 6
Couldn't connect to database

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, March 14: The Price is Right Again

Jon V — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:18:34 -0000

Just tried both of these and about 5 or 6 other roundabout ways of backdooring the site, and I still come up with that same message (above). That's 20-25 tries in three days and always the same.

Never had this problem (or any prob) getting on the site before. Don't get it, and haven't seen any traffic on the net discussing it. Did see a google search that alluded to this when I popped in one of the TVBS addresses into the search box - but that's it.

Well, guess I'm scr*wed.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, March 14: The Price is Right Again

Jon V — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:29:58 -0000

Just came aross a chat room where many are discussing this very issue. I will see if I can find what the solution that someone came up with is.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, March 14: The Price is Right Again

Jon V — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:41:48 -0000

WOWWWW....

some techno-junkie supplied a new IP address (http://67.202.1.172)
that allows you to get to the home page. let's see what happens from here.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, March 14: The Price is Right Again

Jon V — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:49:35 -0000

I'm in and set for this week... whew!!! Apparently there were a number of people with the same issue and the techno guy created a new IP then save as favorite to get back in.

Re: Nielsen Ratings, March 16 - Oprah and Sundays, a Vanishing Act

Jon V — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:56:57 -0000

Highlights of the day... Unhitched (poor ratings I'm afraid - next week will be the acid test with two NEW eps sandwiching a FamGuy).

The NCAA brackets (which will scr*w up a lot of peoples TVBS schedules for the next 3 weeks), and, of course...

The TIGER WOODS 25-footer that just rolled into the cup with the Nike logo clearly identifiable - eerily similar to the chip on the 16th at Augusta a few years back that the advertising gods let hang on the lip for a second with the logo magically in just the right spot.

You could throw the rest of Sunday's evening schedule on to the scrap heap.

Re: Nielsen Ratings, March 16 - Oprah and Sundays, a Vanishing Act

Jon V — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:03:08 -0000

Oh yah... and CNBC (don't ask me how I found this show) did a special on Eliot Spitzer, in prime time, which was immediately followed by the amazing story on the demise of Bear Stearns Co. - a cautionary tale for all of us and a very scary moment as the Asian markets (which were just opening) took a big tumble, signalling the start of another worldwide downturn in the economy.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Tue, Mar 18: Idol Beats Dancing, Online Won’t Save Jericho

Jon V — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:32:54 -0000

We've rehashed a lot these scenarios before - Idol, Dancing, Jericho (terrible slot for that here).

What about the over-looked debut of Miss Guided. How real are those numbers following 'Dancing with the Smucks' (love Judy Greer AND Brooke Burns, Chris Parnell)? For those who don't have the time, this isn't just for high-schoolers (I could quote you a couple of mature/adult lines - but won't).

There's always room for another good sitcom with likeable actors and good writing.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thu, Mar 20: NCAA No Deal for CBS?

Jon V — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:27:57 -0000

Ahhh!!! Right in my wheel house.

Watching the NCAA tournament while DVRing Miss Guided (it's good for what it wants to be) and Eli Stone (this is much better than I thought - I turned off the pilot and panned it the next day in a review) eeking out a win at 10pm.

Considering what a terrible day I had yesterday, things sure 'brightened up' when the sun went down.

Re: It’s Official: CBS Cancels Jericho

Jon V — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:12:00 -0000

I was not a regular viewer, but in the past few months I have seen more passion on the part of those who were than I can remember in recent years for any 'bubble' program.

I hope that some cable network will put it in reruns and think about making new episodes.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Mon March 24: Youth Demo Loves Britney?

Jon V — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:33:51 -0000

Thnaks for NON-picture of Spears... We had already seen 'too' much of her a couple of years ago.

Also not happy with her outdrawing TBBT, but anything that gets people watching the Must CeeBS comedy block works for me. Can't wait for numbers.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Mon March 24: Youth Demo Loves Britney?

Jon V — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:45:47 -0000

Tried to submit comment very similar to Steve's (above) but it didn't go through... so

... DITTO.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Tue, Mar 25: Idol Beats Dancing, Au Revoir Jericho

Jon V — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:43:06 -0000

Despite links and other info provided by this space and by the spaces this is linked to, I have note yet been able to find the 'definitive' numbers for Monday Night (3-24).

As this is a very big TV day and TVBS day (2.5 Men was a mong the top five shows of the week last week, but could not even win its time slot - wow), it has become my most important TVBS night. It's not uncommon (at the right price) for me to have shows going up against each other.

Please find me a link (with HHs, hopefully) for Monday.

Oh, and I mad a coupla posts this past week that disappeared into thin air after i hit the 'Submit Comment' button. Any ideas on that?

Re: Nielsen Ratings Tue, Mar 25: Idol Beats Dancing, Au Revoir Jericho

Jon V — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:48:20 -0000

Haven't been able to post this week. I submit and then the blurb disappears into the either net. So I erased my contact link in case that was causing TVBTN a problem and am retrying.

(here's what I tried to submit earlier):

Despite links and other info provided by this space and by the spaces this is linked to, I have note yet been able to find the 'definitive' numbers for Monday Night (3-24).

As this is a very big TV day and TVBS day (2.5 Men was a mong the top five shows of the week last week, but could not even win its time slot - wow), it has become my most important TVBS night. It's not uncommon (at the right price) for me to have shows going up against each other.

Please find me a link (with HHs, hopefully) for this past Monday.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Tue, Mar 25: Idol Beats Dancing, Au Revoir Jericho

Jon V — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:50:53 -0000

p.s. - That WAS the problem... my website link must be on the 'restricted' list - so I pulled it.

Had several comments this past week, but they never posted and reposts came back 'oops... didn't you just say that'.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thur, April 10: American Idol Back on Top With Surprise Boot

Jon V — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:57:33 -0000

Two things I noticed about last night...

For some unknown reason, people switched off 30 Rock (the best of the 4 NBC sitcoms, in my opinion, now that Scrubs is winding down) in droves (to do what, he asked?), and...

Eli Stone held an amazing 96% of the DesHW rerun lead-in (with a so-so episode - against two established dramas) which bodes well when it switches to following the NEW DHWs starting this Sunday.

NBC must be scratching their heads (happen to know they like 30 Rock best of the four).

And ABC is really trying to give Eli it's best chance to renew because it looks like multiple Emmy nominations if it continues on.

Another night of not knowing which way is up for me.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thur, April 10: American Idol Back on Top With Surprise Boot

Jon V — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:31:30 -0000

I LOVE Eli Stone... meant a so-so episode (gay monkeys not the best topic for a show on the bubble).

Up against return of established ER and WOT... really not bad numbers. Bad slot.

This Sunday should be the breakthrough with a NEW Eathquake ep following a NEW ep of the Teri Hatcher Show (DWH).

Looking for Eli to go forward (and seeing that ABC is giving it it's No.1 hit as a lead-in) makes me think it will be back as one of those sleeper hits that really comes into its own in season 2.

It's already there for me

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thur, April 10: American Idol Back on Top With Surprise Boot

Jon V — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:27:31 -0000

And Robert, one of your other little favorite handicapping tools (or is it one of mine)... Office is a LOT cheaper to make.

Re: Final Thursday Numbers: The Office vs. CSI - They’re Both Great, But..

Jon V — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:06:13 -0000

Thought I'd throw in my 2 cents worth on these.

Very good numbers for both shows. If I were a Network TV BigShot (oh that's right - I am), I would be very happy with both (oh, that's right, I am happy with both).

But I will tell you that I don't watch Office anymore because, in my opinion, the premise got old real quick for me. I thought Steve Carel was hilarious in the coupla movies he did before Office, and I was really looking forward to the series. I labored through most of the first season and finally passed. I didn't like the character he created (even though I still like Carel - funny, huh).

I live in Vegas and was a big CSI fan the first coupla years, but then they went 'Hollywood' on me (as do a lot of shows where relatively unknown actors start making big money with a big hit and get big-headed).

I am just coming back to CSI for another go around because many of my friends around the world are fanatics and consider me 'lucky' to be so 'close to the action' - I feel obligated.

Beyond all of that... numbers speak and they're both good (and I own both on TVBS), so I'm rooting for both.

Re: Final Thursday Numbers: The Office vs. CSI - They’re Both Great, But..

Jon V — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:10:25 -0000

p.s. Robert/Bill - can you get me some numbers on the Masters when they come out???

Jon

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 13: Housewives Were Back, But Ratings Look Desperate

Jon V — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:35:25 -0000

Thanks for the Master's Numbers - wish i could bought that on TVBS.

As for DHW-Eli... funny that a new ep of DH (without a natural disaster) didn't match up to the new ep WITH a natural disaster at the end of the 'season', while Eli (WITH a natural disaster - earthquake) had it's most viewers ever. So, therefore, Natural Disaster = increased viewers... right?

Also, Eli WILL be back. ABC isn't wasting this golden opportunity (behind DHW) for nothing and, even though it didn't hold as good a % of Desperate as I would have liked, 9.19 (not including DVR+) is a pretty good number for 10pm on a SUNDAY night (one of the death slots). The DVR+ on Eli might set a % increase record (if there is one) because that's exactly when people are packing it in early to start out there Monday morning work week.

Whew... I'm tired. Later.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 13: Housewives Were Back, But Ratings Look Desperate

Jon V — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:03:58 -0000

You make some good points for B&S and BL... but recently, Sunday night has been 'go to sleep' night. The recent Sunday Total Viewers numbers have been abysmal - for all shows.

I wasn't happy with 9.2mv after 16mv for DHW, but compared to tot/views late on a Sunday the past several weeks, thought it was a pretty good amount. (also, I will be interested in the DVR+ numbers).

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 13: Housewives Were Back, But Ratings Look Desperate

Jon V — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:06:55 -0000

Oh... and p.s. - that IS why I think Eli will be renewed (ABC with a real vested interest). That and the fact that I expect 3 or 4 series Emmy nominations and 4 to 6 episode nominations - mainly writing and individual acting performances.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 13: Housewives Were Back, But Ratings Look Desperate

Jon V — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:00:41 -0000

Rob - I am on a website (tv.com click my name and search Eli Stone and then click on Waiting for the Day or the discussion links)) where people are going coo-coo for Eli over the past 3 or 4 weeks. It is not what I would have expected me to like - believe me - it's just really well-written, well-acted and the characters and actors are very likeable.

The premise shounds kind of smarmy, I know. But Victor Garber will get two nominations (he's long overdue) and there will be two or three writing nominations. There are usually several great scenes per week and I'm assuming there will be a coupla noms out of those, and a coupla episodes have been as good as about any others I've seen this year. So 7, 8, 9 wouldn't surprise me.

Sam - Eli is in tough this week, I think, but 6.5 mil would be all right against ER and WOT. I think ABC is not going to worry about this Thurs unless it's really bad.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 13: Housewives Were Back, But Ratings Look Desperate

Jon V — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:10:10 -0000

Hope bill and Robert don't mind... I'll put in a link that you can cut/paste to go to this ep's front page. But don't dawdle and make sure you come right back to TVbyTheNubers - the greatest website in the history of the internet.

http://www.tv.com/eli-stone/waiting-for-that-da...

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 13: Housewives Were Back, But Ratings Look Desperate

Jon V — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:11:21 -0000

That should be "Bill", "Numbers" and it's a link.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Mon April 14: CBS Feels Young Again

Jon V — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:50:30 -0000

I'm pleased to hear that Berman prefers Christine over ROE, as do I.

But, I thought it was common knowledge that ABC is negotiating to take Christine and build a (Tues/Wed? ... hope not Thurs) sitcom block around her and Scrubs.

That's fine with me because, Except for one or two shows, my Tues/Wed is boring.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Mon April 14: CBS Feels Young Again

Jon V — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:57:28 -0000

Oh, and TBBT was my favorite new show of the season (until recently). They came back from the strike with TOO much emphasis on Sheldon (who is my favorite character) and it seems to have thrown the show off balance.

Also, last night's HIMYM (I also like this show) was a bit of a downer due to the plot line. Would normally expect close to a million more viewers for both of these shows (what happens when Monday Night Football starts in September?).

Eli Stone is my NEW best new series of the season.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Mon April 14: CBS Feels Young Again

Jon V — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:14:36 -0000

Robert - Misinformation is the number one negotiating tool for TV shows (and athletes) so I don't believe until I see.

But this one has some of the other earmarks...
Of dcourse it could be a ploy by the Christine people (with helpt from friends at ABC?) to get a bigger slice from CBS.

My understanding was that Christine was very unhappy with the way it was treated by CBS (don't know exactly why).

Re: Nielsen Ratings Tue, April 15: American Idol Wins / Kristy Lee Cook Must Lose!

Jon V — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:04:00 -0000

Robert - I do not watch AmId either, and rely on Kornheiser for my updates (guess Wilbon watched last night if he told the truth on PTI). My understanding is that everyone thinks that she should have been gone.

CSI Miami - I wrote a blog a coupla months ago asking CBS to move it to Tuesdays and give us a 3-hour sitcom block so as not to have to cancel the two odd-men-out of their 2-hour block (guess 'The Captain' and 'Christine' were those). Can't stand Caruso, and Procter has gotten under my skin as well - but it still rules the ratings roost and CBS could have picked up a coupla time-slot wins by moving it around.

They cancel Jericho and replace with utter crap... the collateral damage is also to the network, whose viewers jump ship because of decisions like this.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thur, Apr 17: The Office IS A Hit (Duh!)

Jon V — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:17:36 -0000

Office has excellent number, but I do agree that it is lacking in likeable characters.

Earl fans have been complaining that the current direction of the show is not what they tune in for - but since the coma story has to play out, they're stuck waiting for the 'old' Earl to return.

Eli consistently gets among the highest tv.com ratings and has a very loyal following:

http://www.tv.com/eli-stone/soul-free/episode/1...

I predicted 6.5 mil/view in against a new ER (which did terribly, I thought - is this the last year?) and a good rerun of WOT.

30 Rock is my favorite of the four NBC sitcoms, but I wonder if it is 'too' to be following Earl (two completely different viewer demos).

Eli was kind of obligated to have the season finale a cliffhanger because of its status. Regular viewers knew what to expect, at least if you read the forum posts for the show.

A non-scientific poll open to all tv.commers did not show a single person who thought the show should be canceled.

http://www.tv.com/eli-stone/show/68652/do-you-w...

But remember to come right back to TV by the Numbers when you're done looking.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thur, Apr 17: The Office IS A Hit (Duh!)

Jon V — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:59:27 -0000

Thanx guys...

Eli does find itself in a Jericho position - but with 'just enough' more viewers to get renewed - I think.

also... the 30 Rock blurb should have read:

30 Rock is my favorite of the four NBC sitcoms, but I wonder if it is ‘too’ smart to be following Earl (two completely different viewer demos).

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sat Apr 19: FOX Wins, CW Does Something Right

Jon V — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:42:30 -0000

Seems to me that if the CW took some of their best network programs and stacked 'em on Saturday's they migh be able to score some big ratings against the drivel that is Saturday night.

Loyal fans of their favorite shows would make Sats their night and people with no other real choices just might tune in.

There are a couple of CW shows that I might watch, but they're in against one or more of my regular shows.

Can't even remember what I watch on Saturdays if i'm home... I guess whatever looks good on cable.

The L&O trilogy last night was the third time in 6 weeks for some of the episodes... didn't even bother.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sat Apr 19: FOX Wins, CW Does Something Right

Jon V — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:02:38 -0000

Well... Give Ms. Ostroff a jingle and show her both sides of this arguement.

We'll split the consulting fee. (LFMAO)

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 20: Desperate Housewives Keeps Losing Viewers

Jon V — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:58:22 -0000

The Simpsons usually outdraw FamGuy... last night was nearly a tie and the Simpsons had more competition.

I like both, and gun to my head, I would take TS over FG... but it's almost the same viewers who watch both (except for Bill, I guess). They are running recent reruns against a lot of new stuff right now.

Fox will come out with new eps as these other shows run out of gas and you'll see 8mil/view for the Simpsons and 7.5m/v for FamGuy soon.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 20: Desperate Housewives Keeps Losing Viewers

Jon V — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:11:34 -0000

"See for yourself" (hoped the link would be in there)...

This was the 'Star Wars' parody week... must see TV for all FG fans. Can you go back further, because I thought I remembered comparing the two for my TVBS a while back and thinking that the Sims were the better value?

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 20: Desperate Housewives Keeps Losing Viewers

Jon V — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:14:56 -0000

p.s. - This episode (Blue Harvest) also garnered a lot of one/first-time viewers who may have come back last night to see if they had been missing something these past few years.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 20: Desperate Housewives Keeps Losing Viewers

Jon V — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:17:41 -0000

Bill - I think what we were saying is that you ARE a Simpsons guy and NOT a FamGuy guy.

This is the 20th year for the Simpsons (if you include the little blurbs on Tracy Ullman).

I think that is what is called 'a generation'.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 20: Desperate Housewives Keeps Losing Viewers

Jon V — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:57:04 -0000

I'll take your word for it...

It must have been a TVBS cost vs. ratings thing that I remembered.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Mon April 21: Nobody Watched Gossip Girl and CBS is Young Again

Jon V — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:21:59 -0000

Compare these numbers and Big Bang doesn't have nearly as bad a rating as we might think:

CBS Big Bang Theory 7.51 2.9/8 4.6
NBC Deal or No Deal 10.02 2.6/7 6.2
FOX Bones 8.64 2.7/7 5.8

the 18/49 and Share numbers are very good compared to more widely viewed competitors

Re: Nielsen Ratings Mon April 21: Nobody Watched Gossip Girl and CBS is Young Again

Jon V — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:21:42 -0000

DeeJay -

Gossip Girl is extremely 'clicquie' - I don't mean that in a bad way.

I bought the show on TVBS against all odds this week... but if you like the show (I saw 10 mins of it once), you know tons of people who also like it (I don't know those kinds of people - ask anyone). It's one of 'those' shows.

I've had a number of 'those' shows (like PTI???) that is an acquired, lonely, taste-type show. that you either like. as do your friends, or you're out on an island with it.

C'est la vie.

Re: Nielsen Ratings April 23: Waving Goodbye to Jesse L. Martin on Law & Order

Jon V — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:43:26 -0000

Just watched last night's L&O... wow.

I have seen every ep of every L&O ever and the 'mother show' seemed to be going down hill recently. But this was one of the best episodes in years.

Sorry to see Jesse go (but he's got two projects including a bio where he plays Marvin Gaye - what a career move)... and he went out with style and grace.

Anthony Anderson (I loved him in Me, Myself and Irene as one of Jim Carrey's 'kids') takes over and he did a real good job as the IAB detective that helped Lupo break the case last night. I guess they're going to team up now.

Good numbers for L&O last night, but I wanted to see 15mil/v and a 10HH (yah... I TVBS bought it for this week - what did you think?)

Re: Size Does Matter, But…PTI & Around the Horn

Jon V — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:07:45 -0000

'Average age for PTI is 36 and average household income for PTI viewers is $63,000. That average income is quite high for any show and particularly for one with a relatively young audience."

They hit me right on the button... 23 years ago. Guess I was ahead of my time.

Oh yah... did you hear this one?

What's the eighth planet from the Sun?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Neptune.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thur, Apr 24: New CSI and Grey’s Are Back, and Down Over Last Year

Jon V — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:41:05 -0000

Robert - Please don't throw out the baby with the bath water.

The HH numbers are very important to me (that's how and why I started coming here in the first place).

Just make people aware that they are subject to change (unless we can figure out exactly how they come up with the HH - in which case just 'divulge' the equation and I'll crunch my own numbers).

I do see where the HH's for Lost and WOT seem way out of whack considering the 18/49 and share numbers.

Is it based on advertising dollars per minute in certain age groups or do the networks and sponsors get together to decide what they think a show is worth?

Re: Nielsen Ratings Thur, Apr 24: New CSI and Grey’s Are Back, and Down Over Last Year

Jon V — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:47:21 -0000

p.s. - (***EARL & SCRUBS SPOILERS***)
.
.

Earl came out of his coma at the end of last night's show which should return a number of alienated viewers.

Dr. Kelso said good-bye to the show last night and it appears that Dr. Cox will become the new Chief of Medicine - don't know if that's good or bad for the show. Most of us liked 'Coxie' right where he was.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Fri, April 25: Moonlight Is Back and CBS Wins the Night

Jon V — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:50:01 -0000

Some spirited debate going on here today... SORRY TO BE LATE TO THE PARTY (LMAO).

Friday is a day that I have been tuning out, lately, because it's a different schedule very week and the networks seem to throw 'spaghetti at the fridge' to see what sticks.

CBS looks like they finally got it right last night... I prob should have tuned in. Moonlight is interesting and in answer to someone's question, it and New Amsterdam are similar in premise but quite a bit different in production. However, if you like one you'll prob like the other.

I will be tuning in next Friday (God willing).

Re: Nielsen Ratings Sat, Apr 26: A Very Bleh Night

Jon V — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:09:32 -0000

Dearme -

By 2013 there will only be a couple of 'Emergency Broadcast' systems operating. They will beam short, informational and survival-type messages directly into a small receiver installed into your cerebral cortex.

Of course there will be only a few hundred thousand people who will receive these broadcasts, as 99% of the population will be wiped out in the 'Great Conflagration of 12-21-2012, and most of them will be living in the sides of mountains scraping for food water and gasoline.

At least according to the screenplay I am thinking of writing.

The working title is 'Highway Warrior' with a lead character named 'Mad Mac'.

Seriously, though... the major networks are aligning themselves with major cable networks os as to exert more control over our widening choices. When, not how or where will be the thing as Robert and Bill have pointed out.

10 years seems like a good number, but remember, we were supposed to have flying cars and colonies on the moon by now.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 27: Housewives Desperate for Last Year’s Ratings

Jon V — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:15:23 -0000

Wow... Manic Monday here at TVBTN???

I was more impressed with the 18/49 and Share numbers for Simpsons and FamGuy in relation to their total viewer numbers and compared to other shows with many more viewers.

Also... Bros & Sis brought out more viewers than I've seen in awhile for a late Sunday Night.

Can you guess which three shows I have on my TVBS network this week?

p.s. - DHW has 'jumped the shark' I'm afraid... it's all downhill from here.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 27: Housewives Desperate for Last Year’s Ratings

Jon V — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:21:22 -0000

That's why I 'couched' the comment in 'shark' terms.

I stopped watching... couldn't take it anymore when they all turned into a bunch of Hollywood divas.

Re: DVR Viewers LOVE Desperate Housewives!

Jon V — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:58:22 -0000

I'm trying to come up with some reason why nos. 14, 17, 18 and 19 have so many DVRers in relation to their live audiences.

They are vastly different shows (the only thing I can think of is that they are up against solid competition so people watch one and record the other).

Didn't think there were that many Earl viewers that own DVRs.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 27: Housewives Desperate for Last Year’s Ratings

Jon V — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:14:42 -0000

I think Sweeps started yesterday... even though it's not May yet.

Re: DVR Viewers LOVE Desperate Housewives!

Jon V — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:11:26 -0000

Rob - You inferred what I did indeed (half-jokingly) imply.

I watch Earl and I really love the writing on it (those guys will go anywhere).

I did/do think that they have a much larger portion of viewers that relate (first-hand) more to the 'ambience' of the show than do other shows.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Mon Apr 28: Youth Favors FOX’s House

Jon V — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:54:17 -0000

Went back to watch House today on the old DVR and... BLACK SCREEN. Boy am I hot... if anyone knows where or when I can see this ep, please let me know.

TBBT is awesome last night with all of the allusions to The Time Machine... if you missed it, find away to see this one.

Samantha Who had great numbers (prob because the previous two eps were really good more than last night being great). Still, it's good to see this show doing well because it has really come back well from the strike with more emphasis on going forward than 'not' remembering the past.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Mon Apr 28: Youth Favors FOX’s House

Jon V — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:33:06 -0000

Thanx, Dave. I didn't realize that Hulu got 'em that quick.

RE: Samantha Who...

Meant to mention that when I switched over to catch the start during a ROE commercial, I found the end of DWTS with Dolphin, Jason Taylor, dancing up a storm (I don't watch... but that was pretty good).

I'm sure that 8 minute carry-over had a lot to do with Samantha's numbers - I'll be interested in seeing the 15 minute breakdown on that show when you guys see it. It's an anomaly worth looking at.

Re: Nielsen Ratings Apr 29: Is A Drunken Paula Abdul Good for Ratings?

Jon V — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:16:17 -0000

WMC was much better off as a Friday show (slot winner, etc.). I saw this as a test to see if Angie could compete against her old franchise, L&O. I won't read too much into this first week's results.

WMC was a good show last night, but SVU had Robin Williams and a ripped-from-the-headlines story that was going to be hard to beat.

Believe it or not, in my last minute shuffling on Sunday, I ended up with both of these on my TVBS network... not one of my strategies.

Re: TV Bigshot Strategy Blog Discussion

Jon V — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:23:49 -0000

Mr. SFTV -

The trick is to take those shows that go on hiatus out of your lineup on Sunday and then go back in and rebuy them on Mon/Tues and then sell them again on Wed/Thurs/Fri to get the added value. Then you replace them by the Sunday. It costs a million per transaction and it's a little more work, but that's what the leaders have been doing since the get go (and me since December).

p.s. I've gone from 2500th place to 380th during that stretch.

Re: Top Syndicated Shows, Wheel of Fortune #1

Jon V — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:34:45 -0000

Wow... I had no idea these shows were picking up those kinds of numbers. 2.5 is a do not miss/DVR in reruns here, with Simpsons, FamGuy and Seinfeld (how many times have I seen these now) not far behind.

BTW... where/what is WKND, didn't see it mentioned - a Superstation, I imagine.

Re: Grey’s, Desperate Housewives and LOST Lead Youth Surge for ABC (Nielsen Top 20 18-49 Demo Shows)

Jon V — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:00:29 -0000

Dave/Robert -

I seem to remember a similar discussion a few months ago.

The 50&up crowd doesn't change their product affiliation based on commercials. We've made up our minds and we're branded for life.

You youngsters are still making some of those decisions and companies are looking to grab you now and make you a lifer.

Someday I'll regale you with the brands I landed on years ago, the reason why and for how long I've been with them.

p.s. a majority of my decisions are now based on cost unless something has a special 'taste' to it.

Re: Nielsen Ratings April 30, 2008: CBS Improves, Boston Legal and Law & Order Suffer

Jon V — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:50:15 -0000

MAN... have things heated up on this site lately. We're turning Robert and Bill into prison guards. LMAO...

It looks to me like Criminal Minds got all of the 'non-reality crowd' at 9pm and rolled 'em over to CSI:NY at 10pm.

Tough spot for BL... This slot and Mondays are the the most competitive battlefields in TV. Why do these networks keep bumping heads in certain time/day slots - ego?

I think THEY think that we only watch TV on certain nights because they see the total viewers during those times, when in fact, we watch when there is good stuff on.

Spread it around and make your own audiences, you network nincompoops.

(Tries to think of something nasty to say to Bill/Robert, but can't).

Re: Nielsen Ratings April 30, 2008: CBS Improves, Boston Legal and Law & Order Suffer

Jon V — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:10:25 -0000

p.s. - Bill

re: WMC... I thought the same thing and said as much at tv.com on a forum.

Angie is a former L&Oer and they might have thought they could cut into one of her old affiliated alums (which they prob did - just a little).

But it wan't enough to make it worth while with a show that hasn't come to its full potential and realized its audience yet.

Re: Boston Legal Pokes Fun at Own Dubious Status

Jon V — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:39:08 -0000

... and now back to our regularly-scheduled commenting.

Politics aside, thanks to Robert for the opening blurbs on BL cuz I can only DVR one and watch one (or DVR two) shows at a time - and apparently the networks think it's smart to take three good programs and run them simultaneously - forcing me to miss something somewhere.

RE: Fourth Wall... I did not know that... thnx.

Re: Boston Legal Pokes Fun at Own Dubious Status

Jon V — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:14:38 -0000

Guess Who -

You gotta admit that the sub-prime has left tons of victims... why would you immediately go to 'Liberals' as bashing Bush on this one.

I think you just showed your true colors by politicizing a nationwide problem and getting 'extremely' defensive about it.

You may need to re-assess the color of glasses you're wearing when you seem to be on the 'extreme right' of everything.

p.s. - according to world economists, the U.S. economy is in the worst shape since the depression and it is mainly because of Bush and Cheney's policies on Economics, Energy, Monetary decisions and International Diplomacy... and that's a fact.

Bush and Cheney (along with 'the Boys' have drained off nearly a TRILLION dollars from 'our' economy and put it in the hands of the rich and powerful.

Re: Nielsen Ratings for May 1: Where Are The TV Viewers Going?

Jon V — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:13:13 -0000

It looks like the 8:00-8:30 slot averaged about 39 million viewers, but then at 9:00 suddenly there were 50 mil/view.

This might be in line with some of the sports that was going on elsewhere early.

An increase of 11 mil/view prob has also Daylight and quality of programming as the cause as well.