Hot Tip: Torchwood

The teaser ads are out on TEN for Torchwood.

Coming soon? But when?

Torchwood is the spinoff from Doctor Who by writer Russell T. Davies.

It stars the very sexy John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness. His team located in Cardiff defend Earth from alien threats.

TEN has committed to two series of the sci fi and I'm hoping they have better luck with this than they did with The 4400 and Jericho (neither of which was much good). Battlestar Galactica on the other hand was a ripper but it didn't rate either, shafted to the dead zone of programming. So where will Torchwood wind up?

I have an idea...

If we look at TEN's big international dramas (House, NCIS, Law & Order, Numb3rs etc) most have a good 6-8 weeks or more of new episodes.

But Supernatural could finish up on July 2 or even June 25 if it has a double episode finale (it's a two parter after all).

Torchwood would sit nicely for the Supernatural's sci-fi audience. So if it doesn't create a new slot somewhere (ie after Rove or somewhere else) look to Monday nights on either July 2 or July 9.

Of course dumping Cops would also create a welcome opening sooner!

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And joining The Nation are....

Jackie O who signed with Nine in February is joining Mick Molloy for The Nation.

'O' (it stands for O'Neill, her former husband Ugly Phil)will present showbiz and gossip on the new nighttime show starting in two weeks' time.

Sportscaster Tiffany Cherry, stand-up comics Gary Eck and Paul Calleja and actor Nikki Osborne will also appear as regulars.

It's Molloy's second attempt at his own variety format with the Nine Network.

Press Release:

The Nine Network Australia today announced Mick Molloy’s new television project, The Nation, will premiere on Tuesday, June 5 at 9.30pm.

Mick Molloy swaps his tracky daks for a snappy suit to sit at a desk and let rip with a topical, news-based program – with an edgy difference.

Every week The Nation will take a humorous look at the people and events making news. Mick will be joined at the news desk by a roster of comedians and entertainers as they dissect the real world of politics, current events, sport and entertainment.

“I promise that every episode will end with a dog that can ride a surfboard and do long division,” said Mick Molloy

Stars of the airwaves such as 2Day-FM breakfast co-host Jackie O and Nova drive co-host Akmal Saleh will join Mick each week to review the news.

Jackie O, who signed with the Network in February, will keep viewers up-to-date with the latest entertainment news and gossip making headlines locally and around the world, while comedian Saleh will provide his own unique and humorous views on the state of the nation.

Sportscaster Tiffany Cherry, stand-up comics Gary Eck and Paul Calleja and actor Nikki Osborne will complete the regular weekly lineup on The Nation.

“Not since Woodward and Bernstein has there been such a hard hitting, high flying news and current affairs team.”

Making light of his return to live television Molloy said: “I won’t be doing all the heavy lifting this time round – I’m too old for that.

“I’ve recruited some great talent to help carry the load and we’ll have a revolving door of special guests each week.”

Molloy, the star and brains behind the award-winning movie Crackerjack, co-hosted Nine’s successful Sunday sports program Any Given Sunday last year following his call up to join the network’s commentary team for the lawn bowls at the Commonwealth Games last year.

Now join Mick and his talented team when they take the news apart on The Nation, premiering Tuesday, June 5 at 9.30pm on the Nine Network. Read more...

Hi5's new Sun light

When Hi-5 returns in June they will introduce their newest member, Sun Park.

Current member Kathleen deLeon Jones will step aside for the ninth series to have her baby, allowing Park to take her place. Children around Australia will learn of Kathleen's maternal plans when they tune in on Monday June 11 (I'm guessing the finer details will be left to their imaginations!).

When the series ends she will return with her new baby, Mikayla.

Hi-5 is now seen in 118 countries around the world.

Press Release:

The ninth series from multi-Logie award-winning, international children’s sensation, Hi-5, with their new friend Sun Park, will return to air on the Nine Network from Monday, June 11 at 3.30pm weekdays.

The new series opens with Kathleen deLeon Jones announcing her pregnancy and introducing new Hi-5 friend Sun Park who will be looking after her space and exploring puzzles and patterns.

The series end is rounded off when Kathleen returns to the screen with her new bundle of joy, Mikayla.

Focusing on education and positive messages, Hi-5 makes learning fun for 2-8 year olds using
music, colours, shapes, words and physical activity. This is all brought to life by Hi-5’s five young,vibrant presenters.

• Sun Park works with puzzles and patterns
• Nathan Foley explores shapes and spaces
• Kellie Hoggart introduces word play
• Tim Harding makes music and
• Charli Delaney gets your body up and moving

“We are extremely proud of Hi-5’s success locally and internationally. In today’s saturated childrens market, it is a massive achievement to have nine years worth of quality programming that is not only entertaining but also educational. Following another amazing New Zealand tour, we are glad to have the cast back in Australia for a fresh fun new series of Hi-5,” said Channel Nine’s Director of Commercial Development, Martin Hersov.

Clocking up over 3000 Songs of the Week and Songlets in a massive 390 episodes since their
inception nine years ago, Hi-5 now airs in over 118 countries globally.

“In our ninth series it is great to see Hi-5 still evolving and maintaining its relevance and freshness, not only in Australia but in many countries around the world,” said Creator and Executive Producer, Helena Harris. “This series really takes the lid off imagination and is bursting with variety, great songs and action. And of course kids will be learning along the way.”

In addition, as Healthy Active Ambassadors, appointed by the Australian Government, Hi-5 will be promoting good health for our kids. Hi-5 stays true to its original messages of encouraging children to enjoy being active through dance, movement and play and to eat lots of good food that’s not only yummy but makes you strong and healthy too.

Hi-5 Series 9 commences Monday, June 11 at 3:30pm on Channel Nine. Read more...

BB Special: 'The Works'

Fans of Big Brother will note another special coming up at 7:30pm on Wednesday June 6th.

The title is simply, "The Works."

The show is believed to be a Behind-the-Scenes special (thanks to Behind Big Brother Australia).

Without Thank God You're Here ready, can't you just feel TEN stretching out these Wednesday specials?

See also: Big Brother Watch.

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Howard fury at McLeod's scene

This is the McLeod's Daughter's scene that reportedly caused John Howard's office to blast the Nine Network last week.

In the scene Phil the mayor tries to coerce garage employee Patrick to sign a new agreement of more pay through bonuses for hard work.

But Patrick isn't impressed.

"Well it's not actually your choice," says Phil. "It's either my way . . ."

"I'll take the highway," says Patrick. "I quit."

Crikey says Howard's office was so incensed it has called Nine's head of Drama, Jo Horsburgh to "please explain."

There is no direct mention of Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs).

Read more...

BB watching Work Choices

Reports yesterday that claimed crew members on Big Brother's Friday Night Live games were being paid token fees of $50 for their efforts are now under the scrutiny of government officials in Queensland.

But it would seem that Southern Star Endemol can pay the rates under government regulations.

A spokesperson from the Queensland Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, John Mickel, was satisfied the payments fell under the government's WorkChoices regulations.

The MEAA, which represents artists and crews, said SSE had complied fully with disclosure and safety precautions but was concerned over the legality of pay rates.

So its back to you Mr. Howard. You've never liked the show, but are your new industrial laws may be helping to keep it alive...?

Source: Courier Mail Read more...

Rowe didn't want to go

Jessica Rowe has spoken for the first time about her exit from The Today Show.

According to newspaper reports, Rowe was ready to return to the morning programme but, "Channel 9 is taking the program in a different direction and those plans didn't include me."

It is believed the modified format will place greater emphasis on news, allowing each city affiliate to present their own news, instead of a national update from Sydney. I've been saying for ages Nine needs to focus more on News, which has long been its brand, than the lightweight approach of Sunrise, thus creating a point of difference.

Nine has announced Lisa Wilkinson from Weekend Sunrise as her replacement from next Monday.

Hopefully some other changes are coming too, especially including Mr. Alan Jones? Read more...