Analysis: Before the Game returns to Ten in 2012

In case you missed the news today, Before the Game will return to Ten in 2012, ending months of speculation as to whether it would switch to Seven (in which it would lose at least one of its current panellists in Dave Hughes) or just disappear altogether. But the fact it is remaining on Ten is probably the best news possible for both fans of the show and fans of footy in general. Here's why:- The show will be able to air for one hour every week, as opposed to before, when it occasionally had to ...

Thursday Opinion: Who Said Australian Comedy Was Dead?

... Well, it was probably me, among many others, after a very weak, but not necessarily abnormal year for Australian comedy in 2011. I won't say anything other than "Lilley" and "Elton", as between the two of them, they seemed to encapsulate the simultaneous disappointing and unambitious content that Australian comedies seem to favour. But after only a couple of months into 2012, there have already been two shows that have had more laughs to be had in only three episodes than in all of 2011. Of ...

Analysis: Who will fill Ten's host vacancies?

So, in 2011 Ten had two reasonably successful shows: The Circle (if only because it managed to chip away at Kerri-Anne's audience enough to spook the execs into trading her in for a younger model) and Can of Worms (only because it was able to weather the initial barrage of criticism for a haphazard format and uncertain tone to complete its run of episodes and therefore warrant another run in 2012). There's also Ten's new breakfast show... called Breakfast, which, months after being announced, ...

Analysis: Breaking Bad (UPDATED - Season 4) Death Count [SPOILERS]

Interested in how many people have died on AMC's hit show Breaking Bad? Well, here's the place to find out... Remember, it's very possible to make a case that all of these deaths can be tied back in one way or another to the actions of one Walter White... if you're willing to debate, shoot off below in the comments. For those playing at home, that's now 231 deaths (unofficially). Bring ...

Well, this is awkward...

So, after a long absence, I'm back. Who cares, I know. But anyway, here's something: Ricky Gervais today tweeted: "G'day Australian fans An idiot abroad 2 starts this Wednesday on your lovely channel 10 And Karl goes to your neck of the woods for a swim" Now while this is a nice little tweet to us Australian fans (he knows we exist!!), it unfortunately is incorrect. Now let me make clear: this is no fault of Ricky's, I'm sure, and this isn't a post to attack His Greatness, rather, to attack the ...

To Do List: The Office Season 8

(Minor season 8 spoilers) It's hard to believe, but the Office has made it to an eighth season, and while it still ranks among the top comedies on TV- both ratings and critically wise- it is showing some natural signs of wear and tear. And with the exit of the most central character and star in Steve Carrell's Michael, will the show be able to find a new spark, or will it be the show's ...

Teaser: The Office new boss to be a new cast member?

Surely, after all this stringing out of the new Office boss talk (which realistically began soon after Steve Carrell's departure was announced), they wouldn't introduce another outsider into the mix? Well that seems to be the case, as, in addition to James Spader, there will be another addition to the cast, who may step into the boss' chair.  Here's the quote from NBC Chicago: "...they've kept a lid on the revelation of a SECOND major cast add, a mysterious someone who'll step into ...

A quiet word on last night's Joy of Sets

OK, so we've all had a night to stew on the Joy of Sets... The show itself was a unique beast - at least in Australia- as there has been no show with so much critical acclaim, and the biggest madly devoted cult following, as that of Get This (or the team of Tony Martin, Ed Kavalee and the late Richard Marsland). This show was almost never going to live up to expectations, and even ...

5 Second News: Geelong vs West Coast to be live across Australia on Ten

The match will kick off at 2:20pm, and AFL fans should consider themselves very lucky with this news, as Ten have shown nothing but contempt for Footy fans since they lost the AFL rights. And, as is the case with the Grand Final, it most likely won't be broadcast in HD- so tune into Channel T ...

Celebrity Apprentice Australia: Names Revealed!

Well, the official names for the Celebrity Apprentice Australia have been released... and it seems to have landed with more of a thud than a bang- but hopefully there will be some surprise packages. Here are the "celebrities" for this inaugural series: OK, so there's your sports stars in Wendell Sailor (NRL), Lisa Curry, Warwick Capper and Shane Crawford (AFL). Reality TV veterans ...

Review: At Home With Julia: Style with not much Substance

While this new ABC comedy based on the life of Prime Minister Julia Gillard is superbly acted, it isn't as funny as you would hope it to be.  So, no one knew quite what to expect coming in to this show, but the big questions were; "Is it necessary?" and "Is it a unique, comedic look at our flagging leader?" Well, let's start with the positives: The show looks great; from the actors, ...

Your First Look at Modern Family Season 3!

Thanks to SpoilerTV, here is your first look at Season 3 of Modern Family... and there's already a location change (albeit a brief one) on the cards.  Episode 1 of the third season will be called "Dude Ranch" and here's what it's about: "Our favorite family decide to don their cow boots and hats and head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for some fun and adventure in the great outdoors. While ...

Heads Up: The Joy of Sets to premiere Tuesday September 20

At long last, Channel Nine has decided on an air date for the much-anticipated show, The Joy of Sets... Or the televised incarnation of Get This. It's September 20, where it has a timeslot of 9pm Tuesdays. Don't know about you guys, but I think I have some unrealistically high expectations for the show, but if it's even half as good as Get This was, Tony (Martin) and Ed (Kavalee) ...

AFL Finals Update: Geelong vs Hawks live to Sydney and Brisbane

The AFL has today announced that Sydney and Brisbane will be able to watch Friday night's preliminary final between the Hawks and the Cats LIVE... but only on 7mate, Seven's digital channel. More updates to come ...

AFL Finals Week 1 FTA Viewing Guide

Here's where you can catch all your favourite players and coaches in the lead up to the first week of the AFL Finals Series. (This post updates) Monday  Geelong coach Chris Scott on One Week at a Time - One HD - 9:30pm Thursday  Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse on The Game Plan - One HD - 8:30pm Friday Preliminary Final - Geelong vs Hawthorn - Channel Seven ...

News: Seven to air its Week 1 AFL Finals Live

zimbio.com According to the Herald Sun, Channel Seven will be going ahead with live footy for at least the first week of the AFL final series- which is exactly the way it should be, of course. This means that the Geelong vs Hawthorn match will air live in Melbourne on Friday night (and 10:30pm in Sydney) at 7:30pm (with the match commencing at 7:45pm) NOT 8:30pm as it is advertised. The ...

News: Wild Boys beats Underbelly in its premiere, but Australian drama the big winner!

Australian drama seems to be in the best shape it has been in in recent memory, with the top two shows on Sunday being Wild Boys and Underbelly. Wild Boys pulled 1,674,000 for its premiere, topping the night, and giving Seven yet another hit Australian drama. Its early time slot in 7:30pm didn't hurt it, and Nine didn't put up much opposition with a fairly weak 60 Minutes. However, Nine wouldn't be too disappointed, with Underbelly:Razor grabbing 1,550,000 (though Seven still won the night). ...

Heads Up: The Slap to premiere Thursday October 6

The ABC drama will premiere at long last on October 6 at 8:30pm. The 8 part show, based on the novel by Christopher Tsiolkas, will call Thursday nights home- which will presumably push Crownies out to 9:30pm. The show centers around the aftermath of a man who "slapping" a child at a barbecue... Who said there's not enough Australian comedy on ...

News: The Big C Renewed for a Third Season

Showtime has decided to renew quirky drama The Big C for a third season. While this while please fans of the Laura Linney show, as well as Channel Nine, who broadcasts the show on their digital channel GEM, other people will be a bit puzzled by this news. I for one am one of them; the show started off as a fairly decent drama about a woman with cancer, but has developed into a show with bizarre plots and a revolving door of guest stars that would leave many wondering where the show is going. Nonetheless, ...

Opinion: Packed to the Rafters... With Men

What on earth was the deal with Packed to the Rafters last night? In the Seven drama's first post-Rachel episode (Jessica Marais departed the show to pursue other avenues overseas, hence her character left the sunny borough for greener pastures in the big Apple), the show was remarkably heavy on male characters. Whether this was a concerted effort or not, it would still be mildly disconcerting ...

News: The Chaser has a "new" show - The Hamster Wheel

theage.com.au Well, after all the rumors of the Chaser boys splitting up or going their separate ways, they will be back with a "new" show on the ABC again.  The show, called The Hamster Wheel will "examine the contemporary media landscape, where everyone from journalists to political fixers is perpetually at risk of spinning out of control"- something that sounds like a cross ...

5 Second News: Good News World to Premiere Monday 5th September

The "rebooted", "refreshed" version of comedy stalwart Good News Week will premiere September 5, Monday 9:30pm. I don't like to judge shows before they air, especially not Australian ones, but this looks pretty bad. You be the judge: It looks to be a mix between a sketch show, and all manner of other things. Oh dear, let's hope this won't be as bad I think it will be ...

Your First Look at The Joy of Sets (In Pictures!)

Take a look at the following photos posted on the Facebook page of upcoming Channel Nine show "The Joy of Sets" (featuring Tony Martin and Ed Kavalee). Those hoping for a "Get This with pictures" type scenario will be delighted with the following images. Basically, if the words "Warwick Capper" and "Long Blonde Locks" mean anything to you, you will not be able to wait for this show... There's ...

News: Community Season 3 Promo released!

Take a look at the first new trailer for Community season 3 below. We know already that it will feature John Goodman (who features in the clip) in a recurring guest role (as Vice Dean Laybourne), as well as Martin Starr and Michael Kenneth Williams. And it's clear Goodman is being used as a large selling point this season... you can see him cut Dean Pelton down to size in the ...

News: David Hicks' first TV interview on 7PM Project

In what is a massive coup for the Monday-Friday news program The 7PM Project, it has nabbed an exclusive first interview with ex-Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks. Ten are promoting this as Hicks' "First Australian TV interview" in which he goes "one-on-one" with 7PM co-host Charlie Pickering. It will apparently be "Tell all", with nothing off limits. Even though the ABC say ...

AFL Guests: Before the Game Round 21: One for Dogs and Pies fans

In the penultimate round of the Home and Away AFL season, Before the Game has some good guests lined up. This week on the show, see Bob Murphy from the Western Bulldogs who will likely have some interesting things to say about the sacking of former coach Rodney Eade, as well as the Pies' Travis Cloke. Peter Helliar's Strauchanie will also appear (it seems Peter Helliar can only get ...

Casting: Stephen Collins to play Andy's dad on The Office

Today it was announced that TV veteran Stephen Collins (Private Practice, Seventh Heaven, No Ordinary Family) will appear on The Office's eighth season as Andy's dad. Andy, played by Ed Helms, joined The Office in early Season 3, and since then has become a fan favourite. However, the fact that we will be seeing Andy's dad could in fact mean that there is more of a focus of Andy ...

Analysis: Breaking Bad Death Count (Up-to-date - S04E05)

After the news that Breaking Bad has been renewed for a fifth and final season, why not take a look at an up-to-date (as of Season 4 Episode 5 of Breaking Bad) list of all the people that have kicked the bucket as a result of Walter White's (initially well-intentioned) actions. Can you guess what the total death toll is? And more pertinently, what will it be at the end of the series? (Thanks ...