★★★★★ 0/5

Live from Planet Earth slips to 384,000

Curiosity over the comedy backlash wasn't enough to lift Ben Elton last night, while Neighbours is now outrating George Negus on TEN.

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There were more problems for Nine on Tuesday night as Ben Elton Live from Planet Earth took another hit, dropping to a flat 384,000. Curiosity at all the backlash wasn’t enough to see the show lift from its 455,000 figure last week.

The show was soundly defeated by Parenthood on 729,000 and Lie to Me on 741,000. Elton wasn’t shying away from the criticism last night, pointedly referring to the claims the show had been too rude and constantly taking potshots at Twitter, which returned fire throughout the night.

Tuesday night went all Seven’s way, winning from 6pm right through to late night.

Packed to the Rafters was the night’s top show on 1.81m viewers, ahead of NCIS (1.13m) and Top Gear (792,000). Another strong night for My Kitchen Rules (1.43m) over Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (850,000) and The Big Bang Theory (958,000) plus Top Gear.

On TEN 6PM with George Negus (366,000) is now lower than Neighbours on ELEVEN (383,000), although its late night replay lifted from Monday, now at 302,000. There are worse problems for the 6:30 TEN Evening News (316,000).

On ABC1 Qi was 564,000, Foreign Correspondent 537,000 and Life At 5 461,000.

The Future Of Food on SBS ONE pulled 215,000.

Seven Network won the night, a long way ahead of the competition.

Week 7

82 Responses

  1. They probably did what they did with the audience of Mick Mollys “The Nation” they had like a free open bar in the foyer where people were getting jolly before going in to see the show.

    Or maybe it is funnier in a studio as its happening live in front of you and its like seeing a stage show?

  4. David, I love what you do on this blog, but could you maybe start a second one called something like “People-Who-Want-To-Bring-Every-Discussion-About-Anything-On-Television-Back-To-Hey-Hey Tonight .com.au”?

    That way, maybe the comments on your stories here might be left to people who want to stick to the topic.

    Thanks.

  5. I’ll admit that there was a marked improvement, so instead of being cringingly unfunny, it was just plain unfunny. Ben, if you are listening here are some insights.

    Firstly, stop back announcing the acts that weren’t on-set hilarious by proclaiming them as satire, explaining why people weren’t laughing. Also, stop pleading for the viewers to stick with you at every commercial break. You also proclaim The Young Ones and Blackadder were similarly panned. What made those shows was the likes of Rik Mayal and Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Laurie. (besides The first season of Blackadder is terrible from start to finish).

    In terms of the show itself, the snobby couple have bombed for 2 weeks running. It’s time to cut them. Guineveve Morris should not be limited to just one character, she is the best part of the show. The guy who did Gillard was great, but the skit that the impression appeared in was a waste. He does a great Rudd and many other impersonations so use him! Girl Flat is a waste. The only character that is newsworthy for satire is Lady Gaga. Beyonce and Lily Allen just don’t cut it for satirisation and Amy Winehouse gags are just lazy.

    Here endeth the lesson.

  6. May I add: I think the performers are mostly impressive, the writing is holding it back. How about a few co-writers, Ben? Please? (You know, if it’s on next week)

    1. Conspiracy theories abound. I was in the audience for Week 1 and there was no laugh track added (or even sweetened) to the broadcast. It’s live, that’s impossible to do. It’s a post production task. Sometimes shows do just get people who crack up and a lot will depend on where they are seated in conjunction to the mikes.

  8. Just because Ben Elton’s show isn’t working out, doesn’t mean they should bring back Hey Hey, which may have rated better than Ben Elton, but nowhere near enough to cover the production costs.

  10. Raymond J Bartholomew’s raucous laughter throughout last nights show was a highlight for me, it actually generated some belly laughs from our lounge room where there weren’t any.

    Give that man his own show with him simply laughing for half an hour, ‘Laughter Therapy with Raymond J!’ …He could just sit on a cushion eating Minties and Fantails and massage the person on his right whilst laughing uncontrollably at nothing. Anyone who has been to a 9 taping will know what I mean.

  11. @JB, I also noticed the mole in the audience laughing really loudly trying to give the crowd a kick along. I also suspect they used a laugh track but maybe that was just in QLD.

  12. Ben Elton was just plain awkward last night. The celebrity interview with Chris Smith was cringe worthy (even though ‘Elaine’ is hilarious). He looked as though he had no idea what was going on and didn’t get any of the jokes.

    I’ve given it a fair chance and unfortunately won’t be going back for more.

  13. I really wish Ch 10 would listen to what people are saying and move George Negus to 6.30, and ditch the 6.30 news. I have also been missing 7pm show because i now have the channel elsewhere at 6.30 and often forget to change back

    Listen to us!

  14. Well, I watched Ben Elton’s show and I quite enjoyed it compared to the previous week. They really did improve it! Not my fave show by any means, but I’ll continue to watch.

    I also watched Neighbours and watched more of George Negus instead of watching either the 7 or 9 news. George has a good little program (last night he interviewed Malcolm Turnbull) so I hope it goes well.

  17. Flicked during the ads. Sounded like Nine hired a guy to sit in the audience and laugh every 5 seconds. He was very overzealous, and at things that weren’t funny.

    Wish Ten would admit it is wrong, and move George Negus to 6.30. I would actually watch it at that time and watch every night. At the moment there’s nothing on at 6.30 so i go for run.

  18. Live from planet earth, going, going and gawn!! I suspect something else will be on other than ben elton next tuesday night after these “tremendous figures” it got for it’s 2 shows.

  24. Awful to hear of the ratings problems for Ten between 6 and 7. Will definitely be watching these shows every night. Trash like ACA cannot be allowed to win.

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