This week Channel TEN’s 7PM Project notches up 8 months on air.
After repeated attempts at developing a show to fill the timeslot, including Taken Out and even the infamous Yasmin’s Getting Married, TEN has held its nerve with the Roving Enterprises show, despite figures which many assumed would sound the death knell.
Last week it averaged 653,000 viewers, and has doubtless impacted on TEN’s early evening schedule.
But has it found its feet? Has it improved its mix of news and comedy and is it time for audiences to revisit the show?
TV Tonight turned to television critics and found an audience just as split as the one at home.
Michael Idato from the Sydney Morning Herald has mixed feelings about whether the show has improved or not.
“Yes and no,” he says, “I think the production is much, much tighter but in terms of answering a more important long-term objective – what is the show, exactly? – it is still sometimes a little unclear. That’s an issue with the news / comedy balance which they still struggle with. As a new and creative element of TEN’s schedule, it’s excellent.”
James Manning from Mediaweek also likes what he sees, and notes technical hitches have been ironed out.
“Issues with camera angles have been fixed, the number of stories packed into each episode have been dropped and interviews are handled well by the guests with no abrupt endings,” he says. “The hosts are doing a pretty good job and it seems (TEN Programmer) David Mott and (Producer) Craig Campbell recruited well when they launched.
“The mix of news and comedy does work, but I wouldn’t mind if there was even more gags, but that’s probably not the show’s brief.”
Amanda Meade from The Australian, who admits to being a semi-viewer, agreed.
“I don’t see a lot of 7PM but I do like what I see and I think there’s a real need for a light, entertainment-based news show like this,” she said.
“I like all the hosts, and enjoy the regular comic bits by Kitty Flanagan.”
But Dianne Butler from the Courier Mail admitted she is no longer a regular viewer.
“I’m not watching it anymore. I did at the beginning and now I keep forgetting it’s on. I don’t think it’s by accident my brain is doing this either,” she said.
She also doesn’t believe the show has been treated unfairly by media.
“It’s the opposite,” she says. “There’s been massive goodwill from the media and from TEN because they like the people on the show. Plus, I don’t know, but I think maybe because Dave Hughes and whoever all work on other things that are successful, there’s the feeling that The 7pm Project is too -that it’s just an extension of those other jobs.”
Critics were also divided about some of the show’s hosts.
Richard Clune from the Sunday Telegraph agrees the show has tightened since dropping its “inane” crosses to Ruby Rose. He is a supporter of Charlie Pickering as the central host.
“He is driving this show, passionate about the medium and the news and there’s an obvious desire to make this work. He knows what he’s talking about, flicks between serious and funny in a facile way and I believe he will go far – but maybe this isn’t the show for him given that the audience hasn’t responded,” he says.
Michael Idato calls Pickering one of the best television discoveries in recent years.
“He’s bright, smart and likeable. Pay television deserves a little credit here as it has in the last 15 years demonstrated a real ability to unearth real talent (Jabba, James Mathison, Brendan Moar) at a time when free to air has recycled familiar faces to the point of audience exhaustion. The most interesting thing about Pickering / Bickmore / Hughes is that as a trio they have settled into a very comfortable dynamic. In effect, their collective chemistry is greater than the sum of its parts.”
But Richard Clune isn’t so enthusiastic about news presenter Carrie Bickmore.
“I feel I’m not alone here. She seems somewhat like a female token on that panel – she’s able to deliver a solid, well-articulated female point when necessary, but just who is she and why do I care…?” he asks.
Richard Clune says Dave Hughes’ schtick hasn’t changed in 15 years, and says nobody outside of Victoria is that interested in the Melbourne comedian.
“He needs to go,” he says, adding that Hamish and Andy would add more to the show.
“TEN paid big bucks for Lee and his offsider Blake – now put them to use in lifting 7PM before you need to scrap it.”
While critics responded to James Mathison, there was less enthusiasm about the contributions by Ruby Rose.
Mediaweek’s James Manning said, “James Mathison and Ruby Rose seem to have all but disappeared. Don’t miss them too much because with three hosts that’s probably enough. Ruby seems to have lots going on elsewhere.”
Michael Idato even went as far as to dub Mathison a ‘superstar.’
“He’s intelligent, is just offbeat to work in a medium where most of his peers are bland and difficult to distinguish from the pack,” he says. “Ruby Rose has been underwhelming. She’s ubiquitous at the moment, which creates challenges of its own – such a high level of over-commitment means that almost everything she does looks as though it’s done on the run, with little research or preparation. A more experienced presenter could hide those frayed edges, and she doesn’t always do a very good job of that.”
Several critics made mention of regular panellists on the show, most of whom provide a generational contrast to the show’s three hosts.
“I’ve enjoyed them working in more commentary from people who tend to polarise with their varied opinions – namely (Steve) Price, (Neil) Mitchell, (George) Negus, although I doubt they cut through to TEN’s desired younger demos?” asks Richard Clune.
But there was sharp criticism from others.
Andrew Mercado from TV Week said, “I switch the channel the moment I see Steve Price. He is totally inappropriate for the show (and TEN’s audience in general). If they want a regular redneck, they need to find someone younger and more relevant.”
Amanda Meade agreedm saying, “Producers could try a bit harder to get some ‘credible’ guests on, that is, someone a little more interesting than failed shock jock Steve Price and a little younger than George Negus. Try for some big hitters with real credibility.”
But Michael Idato notes Negus’ Monday night appearances as one of the show’s better contributors.
“For the most part they work well, but the standout is George Negus, and in that sense it answers the question of whether the show should be more news / topic focused, or more comedy free-form. The best moments on the show have been those which tap into the news, so I believe a slightly straighter, slightly sharper but more in-depth approach is the smartest route.
“One of the show’s weaknesses is that the conversations are cut short too frequently. When the show is able to harness people like George Negus, it’s wasteful not to let those conversations get more in-depth.”
There were genuine concerns the show has impacted on other TEN brands.
“The big casualty so far is The Biggest Loser which had its numbers pummelled because it was displaced out of the timeslot it has historically occupied on TEN’s schedule. That’s a huge impact for TEN, for Fremantle (who make it) and for Shine (who own it). I would imagine all three parties have been wringing their hands over the numbers,” says Michael Idato.
He notes So You Think You Can Dance Australia has also taken a hit from The 7PM Project and warns that as Masterchef approaches, three underperforming franchises would be too high a price to pay for one show’s modest success.
But Dianne Butler says TEN will probably stick with it.
“It gives them a platform to push other product, people … And what else are they going to do anyway? Their highest rating show at the moment is the News at five o’clock in the afternoon so there are plenty of other problems apart from this one to sort out,” she says.
There was universal applause for TEN’s loyalty to the show.
Andrew Mercado summed it up, saying, “I couldn’t admire TEN more for their loyalty but it’s not enough to just sit there and hope the audience finds it. Why doesn’t Rove step up and become an occasional panelist – surely that would bring in a few more eyeballs?
Richard Clune says part of the problem is that younger viewers have already received their news throughout the day via the internet and suggests it could be retooled as a longer, weekly show in a later timeslot which would allow it to be even more risqué.
“Ultimately I think TEN and the team – minus Hughes – have given it a fair crack and for that they’re to be congratulated… But it hasn’t worked and it’s time to either pull it apart and start again or simply walk away,” he says.
Finally, few critics were able to nominate a highlight from the show’s life thus far, although Michael Idato observed that Adam Lambert’s take on the opposition leader’s comments about feeling comfortable around gay people was an intelligent and topical treatment of a news story.
And as the show continues a cultural shift on the TEN audience at 7:00, he says it’s almost impossible to navigate between news and comedy because people react to that balance according to their own taste.
“For me, no, it needs to be focused a little more in the news and a little less in scripted comedy or punchline-delivery moments,” he says.
“In a very broad sense The 7pm Project serves as a current affairs program, albeit one tailored almost entirely to TEN’s stated target demographic of 16-39, and frequently offers more insight into topical issues than either A Current Affair or Today Tonight.”
Maybe it’s time for another look after all?
ive only tuned into this a few times, i would prefer to watch the news.
charlie is too smarmy for my liking & dave..well, i dont think he has any place on there, unless the point is to bring the show down with this raving lunatic.
carrie is okay, i enjoyed her work on rove, but i wouldnt watch the show for her.
you only have one maniac waving a pen now compared to all of them previously, get rid of that last pen and the program will improve out of sight
Well – I personally love this show!!! And, I am glad to see the ratings starting to pick up.
I think Charlie is a great host, however, the standout for me has to be Carrie Bickmore. Dave can be annoying – but he still is pretty funny!!
I do not know about the entire demographic breakdownof the viewers, but from general conversations at work and with friends this show is becoming really popular with our generation (22-35 year olds).
Ravi, March 17, 2010 at 9:47 pm – you have absolutely nailed my thoughts on the show. Charlie is still far too pompous and grating for me to watch this show in anything other than short bursts (I can’t stand him on TBYG either). Dave I warm to and then dislike – but he does have a knack, as someone else said, to cut through others waffling and high mindedness. I enjoy that. I think Steve Price is awful, and George Negus can be irritating – particularly his ranting about ‘what about the Jews and the Muslims? Can they put up signs?’ during an item about a Sydney council putting up ‘Merry Christmas’ signs. They cut away from the council member without asking him. A stupid way to end a story with someone’s PC rant that went nowhere. The show still does have it’s awkward endings and moments.
The critic who suggested Rove should make an appearance is an idiot. We’ve had more than enough of him.
Well, is it only Charlie fans who use this comment area??? We love Carrie. I cant stand Charlies wooden, pushy performance. The reason the show seemed awkward at first is Charlie was meant to be a co-host but used every opportunity to blast Carrie rudely out of the way as if it was some type of “please like me most” competition. How can anyone say he has hosting talent?? I dont mind Hughesy. I love Denise’s comments, George, Steve Price and the Doctor are great. James Mathison and all the interstate crosses are excellent. Overall I like the show, it’s a light take on the harsh news of the day. Any doubts about what I say just watch it when cohosted with Andrew Ginsberg or Hugh Rimington??
This mornings Rumour File says that the Project will end… soon (sorry I missed when)…
re: Ryano. So what your saying is BL will do better if it is put up against weaker competition?…. yeah that makes sense only for the fact you’re assuming it will be up against weaker competition. What “you people” don’t understand is BL is BS – no matter where it is.
They should stick with it.It is extremely useful for those of us who cannot be home in time for 5 or 6pm News Bulletins or those of us who watch Simpsons/Neighbours in the same hour and cannot hold out till 9:30pm for SBS World News.
What a Shame My Mother would rather watch Charlie Sheen rather than 7pm Projects Charlie.At this rate Ten might as well go back to old episodes of friends
Good on Ten for sticking with it. While total figures are low, it does very well in younger demos, as does Loser and Dance.
Although I think Dance on Wednesday nights should be only 90 minutes so that Burn Notice can start at 9.30, and the Thursdsay results show should be 30 minutes so programming can remain 8.30, 9.30, etc. That would help improve Ten’s shares generally.
Masterchef as a 7.30 strip should dominate as people will flick over from what they watch at 7pm. Really don’t buy the lead in arguement at all.
Carrie is atrocious, I’m not sure whether they made sure she has enough brains to form an opinion but you’ve really got to wonder if she thinks anything through when she starts to spout the following:
“Men don’t have body issues”
“Why can’t the Catholics & Protestants just get along? They’re basically the same”
etc…
Personally I have no issue with Dave Hughes but I know a lot of people who can’t stand him, especially when he tries to put himself forward as the ‘common man’ even though he’s making millions of dollars each year.
The main problem with the show is that a lot of people absolute despise either Carrie or Dave and that is massively hurting their chances at growing their audience. It’d possibly work better for Charlie to host it alone with segments from the guests most like ‘The Daily Show’ or ‘The Colbert Report’
what u people dont get is its not about 7pm as a lead in that hurts the bl its the fact its pushed bl to 7.30 against way stiffer competition.
I find that as a family we watch this show regularly togethor, and while the older guests such as negus might not be strictly 10 Demo, they do add more expertise and even though my parents don’t like him , it’s someone familiar on the screen.
No matter what, Ten needs to keep this show on. But that have soem decisions to make. First about the panel…Dave Hughes isn’t right for the show, make the call. But most importantly the timeslot needs to be considered. Personally i don’t think it’s to blame for TBL bad ratings, we’ll see when Masterchef starts if there is damage. But if they decide it is causing problems for these shows and want them at 7 again, don’t axe 7PM Project but move it to 6.30. Then decide on Neighbours, either 6pm or 4.30 would be my options (doubt they’d axe it).
But Project is a good show and is a great alternative to other crap on that time. Honestly though it would also be a great alternative to the crap on at 6.30 and being a current affairs program would be probably provide greater competition.
Yo Idato, if 7pm is blamed for Biggest loser’s failure does that line of thinking also apply to Neighbors and Simpsons’ lead in to 7pm?
very harsh comments MClune re :” but just who is she and why do I care” – funny, I thought the same thing about you when I read your comments… but you’re called critic so I guess I must take your notes on board and as a backyard critic myself I grade yo an f for frustrated wanna-be producer. I’m one myself so I can spot my own kind
Pickering is the greatest find in the genre of intelligence, sarcasm and lack of warmth – panel member at best.
Bickmore is a strong host brings warmth and female POV, not strong in politics but I’m not sure she was hired as political hard hitter.
Hughes is best when critiquing weird funny video clips – panel member at best
the Critics have failed to acknowledge the real problem i-the person/people who run it. You can not have it all guys – news, comedy targeting 18-50+ out of anyone’s league for a 1/2 hour show.
I thought tonight’s show was terrific. We love watching it as a family.
I don’t pretend to understand ratings and programming like many on here, all i know is that it’s a fun show to watch, it’s a great way to get the kids interested in what’s going on in the world and it promotes many discussions with the people I work with.
I hope it stays around for some time.
If they fired Carrie Bickmore and replaced her with a host who was less conservative, uptight and whiney I might consider watching again.
She really ruins the show for me. There has to be a better talent out there.
a big issue was calling it the 7pm project. it makes a time slot change impossible it also makes it sound like a never ending experiment.
Was Amanda Meade suggesting George Negus lacks credibility? Compared to who on the show? Maybe it’s just an unfortunately worded quote which links him to Price (based on age presumably). Like others, I think the major issue is ch 10 (or the producers) need to make a clear decision on what they want the show to be. If it’s meant to be funny then why even bother with news headlines? I also don’t think a look at the news has to be 100% serious – if you want news and nothing else you’d be watching ABC/SBS at that time.
If they want to have it both ways then maybe keep Charlie as permanent host (mostly straightforward and occasionally funny) and then shift other regular panelists depending on the night. Fridays seem to be a bit of a throwaway night – so get comedians on to talk crap. On bigger news days (eg when parliament sits) make sure panelists are booked who are comfortable dealing with more serious issues. The frustrating thing is while I don’t expect them to be experts on issues I would like them to be prepared enough to engage with the experts they do bring on. Part of what makes the Daily Show work is Jon Stewart is confident enough to go back and forth with a guest even though he may be out of his depth in terms of expertise. Maybe if they were more engaged they’d be prepared to back their opinions rather than resting on a one-liner to remove themselves from difficult conversations.
Change the name to just Project and only have it at 7pm in non ratings period. 7pm should be for Master Chef and TBL..
Great article, David. I completely agree with all of the ‘experts’ here, and I think most people now have come to the consensus that Charlie Pickering has been the only thing holding the show together. Let’s face it, would anyone watch a show hosted by Hughesy and Carrie? To the news-savvy demographic it appeals to, it is not satirical or opinionated enough to provide a point of difference to watching the ABC or SBS news. People who are serious about their news will watch the latter two shows; or wait for Q & A. Hungry Beast also offers more diverse stories and a less conventional approach to news.
I agree with you Brian, put Neighbours on at 6 and shift 7pm to 6:30 and compete it against the other current affair shows. It is a helluva lot better than the other tripe on in that time slot and would provide people with a decent alternative. Neighbours isn’t doing that well at 6:30 anyway. Who knows? Maybe it’ll do better in an earlier time slot?
I don’t mind the 7pm Project; a lot better than H&A and Two and A Half Men. But, 7pm Project just isn’t getting the numbers. Put TBL and Masterchef where they once were and put 7pm Project back on once both shows have finished.
It deserves to do better.Having Said that from 1994 to the present time with a few exceptions Ten has relied too much on old US Sitcoms of all sorts to fill the 7pm timeslot.The last attempt before this 7pm Project was Friends and to be honest those shows were all getting long in the tooth and old.Would it be any different had Nine kept Temptation on instead of resorting to the Cheaper 2.5 men imports.
I do enjoy 7pm Project, but I also have issues with the timeslot. Pushing the majority of its shows back by half an hour makes me not want to watch them as there’s shows on other networks that now conflict. Surely TEN isn’t naïve enough to think we’ll loyally watch their shows if the timeslots don’t match up with other networks? “Oh, I’ve missed half of My Kitchen Rules. May as well stay on this channel then”. I don’t think so.
It’s time to can the 15-20 year old episodes of The Simpsons at 6, and bring everything forward half an hour. I know “The 6.30pm Project” doesn’t sound as catchy, but surely it’d do better here than the steaming pile of dog s**t that apparently passes for “current affairs” on Seven and Nine.
Wow – this has really divided people hasnt it?
Personally, I think the 7pm Project is great! I thoroughly enjoy it, especially Carrie Bickmore and Charlie Pickering- they make the show!
However do you think if the lead in show (Neighbours) pulled the same ratings as its competitors ACA and Today Tonight that the 7pm Project would be much more competitive? Maybe the real problem lies in its 6.30 slot? The 7pm Project since the return of Neighnours this year has continually rated better than its lead in show – something that H&A and Two and a Half Men have not been achieving with such consistency.
no longer watch it and have nothing to warch at 7.00 now
Have to made do with ACA on NBN
Ten do a seven and drop it for 3 months and put MC back on at 7.00 like 7 did with sundays to make way for other shows.
Without looking at ratings,i think this show and Good News Week have some very friendly faces behind the scenes at Channel 10.They probably have run out of ideas so they have decided to stick with them both.Foxtel for me
I don’t care if the show is crap or not, at least I’m not watching 2 and a half men
Best article for a long time David. While I don’t think The 7pm Project is actually that bad, I think Ten should axe it. Last year I wouldn’t have been saying this, since I thought the show should be given a chance before Ten made a decision on it. Well now it has been given a chance, and it’s causing nothing but problems. Its own ratings are still not overly great, and it’s sabotaging the ratings of other Ten shows. In the case of The Biggest Loser, viewers getting bored may be part of the reason for its declined ratings (after all it’s a reality show), but the new timeslot is undoubtedly playing a part too. In previous years, I would watch The Biggest Loser due to the lack of alternatives, but now that it’s at 7:30 there’s just too many other things on to worry about watching it.
When it started, I thought it was crap, barely watched it and found it lame.
Now it’s set on series link and I watch it most nights with my dinner.
It’s better than anything else on around this time slot, and is generally always entertaining. I like the panelists, and I used to hate Dave Hughes until this. Now I quite like him and even am over the grating voice of his.
Charie is a refreshing change of pace from the usual females you’d expect on aussie tv comedy programs. She’s normal, nice and not tying to be crude or shocking, thank god!
Pickering also does a good job.
Who ever that idiot in the article was that mentioned they should put Hamish and Andy more on the show, obviously does not get the show. Those two aren’t funny, and whatever their style is would not work at all on this sort of show. Whoever that was really must not understand much about the comedy or tv shows. Seriously… those guys do gags and just act as if they’re saying something funny. Totally wrong for a discussion light entertainment show. I generally fast forward their bits on it.
I would definitely be annoyed if it was taken off, it is a valued regular addition to my tv viewing special. I hope they stick with it for many years and just let it evolve and grow. It’s done at great job at this over the 8 months.
The 7pm project is a terrible name though…
This is the never ending story. It can’t attract an audience. The few it does claim to love it. Those who want TBL at 7pm want it axed. Ten refuse to axe it & on & on it goes. I don’t like it & I don’t watch it. I would probably watch TBL if it were on in that timeslot. I don’t watch TBL at 730pm because I prefer other shows at that time. However, It’s up to Ten. If it affects Masterchef, I think they will axe it.
People are harsh. The show gives us the news headlines, a couple of opinions and an occasional interview. I really don’t think it’s that bad. As far as the hosts are concerned you are never going to please everyone. Why don’t the people calling for it to be axed have a good look at ACA and TT which are totally embarrassing and shameless in their efforts to see who can exploit people the most in the name of “news” and reconsider what really needs to go.
I’d rather The 7PM Project than endless re-runs or what every show is flavor on the month. It’s a good idea and opened TEN up to having live crosses to events and new if needed, a great idea in a tough time slot.
I used to watch regularly but now I just watch if I am not walking the dog at that time.
Charlie – excellent host, witty and intelligent;
Dave – meh. Could take him or leave him, I too prefer Denise Scott, Tom Gleeson or Chrissie Swan;
Carrie – main reason I have stopped watching, KFed summed it up prefectly. I cringe when she spouts the female view because she is so flipping wrong all the time. Her comments about the cake protector took the cake! (pardon pun);
James Mathieson and Kitty Flanagan very good and should be utilised more;
Ruby Rose – hope she never comes back, she added absolutely nothing and her 30 second interview cuts were just a waste;
Steve Price – I’d prefer it if he weren’t given air time.
George Negus – v. good, nice to have someone so smart on the panel.
i won’t watch and too be honest i haven’t watched it. probably because it’s just trying to be a funny current affair versionand none of them are really funny even before the show started.
i wonder who the moron was who thought steve smith would a good edition to the show
It doesn’t matter if the show is good or not ( which it isn’t) the fact is it has never done anything for ten. I would love to know how much it costs to run the show? its not like advertisers are wanting their product shown during a show which can’t win any demo. And people say the simpsons should go, well even with its crap numbers it can still win 16-39 which 7pm can neve do! Axe it Ten!
7pm has always been and will always be Home And Away time … the rest may as well give up!
Mind you, get rid of Dave Hughes and more people would watch the Project!!!
Jack!
although if it does go i will miss some of the excuses.
“it makes a profit so ten can afford for it to rate like sh*t”
“anything then puts there will be a flop so they may as well stick with this flop”
“it’s cheap so why do ratings matter”"
i say axe it.
i know ten are looking for a year long consistent show. but at what cost? the whole network going down?
last year they had a good rating show at 7:00. and decent rating shows at 7:30. this year they have a bad rating show at 7:00 that is not going anywhere and The biggest loser at 7:30 is doing worse than almost all of the 7:30 shows from last year. the other week TBL was even down yoy on guerilla gardiners which was porbably the worst rating 7:30 show for ten around that time.
why are they sticking with it.
the decision shouldn’t have anything to do with the content and who likes it. Australia doesn’t and that is who matters.
I like Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering – I just don’t like the format or content of this show. Put trashy reality T.V. in the 7pm slot and then Ten should commission legitimate Aussie comedies to play after that on weeknights…i.e. Hamish & Andy doing stuff, sketch shows, narrative comedies by people like Jason Gann, Robyn Butler, Rebel Wilson, Magda Suzbanski.
Love the show.. pretty much my fave thing 10 is showing at the moment alongside Neighbours and TBYG. It has been a long time needed too, as even though it is pretty different the last time 10 had a daily current affairs show was with Alan Jones and Hinch. Although I guess you could throw The Panel in there as that was a mix of guests as well, but that wasn’t on daily. 7PM also fills a void for people to do promo (just shame about the short time they get on) until Hey Hey starts up again or 10 gives Hamish & Andy/Micallef a variety show.
If this wasn’t on though and TBL or Masterchef was still showing at 7.00PM, wouldn’t have any difference for me. If I still wanted to stay on 10 after watching Neighbours to see them, I would, but I don’t. Not a fan of all the current ‘reality’ shows. Did like Big Brother, tho. I liked TBL Australia when it was Bob & Gillian and not Shannon & Michelle. Thought the Commando is alright, so I watch occassionally for him. Masterchef.. don’t need to watch people cooking either, so yeah, I’ll continue watching 10 News at 5, switch over to 7 or 9 news after, come back to 10 for Neighbours, watch 7PM. Then most probably change to another channel, or if there’s nothing there just switch off altogether.
I’ve been watching 7pm Project since GO! took off ET from at 7pm. I don’t think everything has been perfected. The cameras still tend to move around a bit too much and sometimes Charlie is looking at the wrong camera before it switches.
I do like Fridays when they have Chrissie Swan or Denise Scott they make it a bit interesting.
I still miss James Mathison and wish that he was on more. I really lokst interest in Ruby Rose as she was a bit OTT with her presenting and it came across as “I’m on MTV!!!!!!!!!!!! and too good for this”.
I think just stick to a wrap up Friday special. We don’t need it on everyday of the week.
I like to check in to see what’s on the schedule, then choose whether to watch or not. Most often I watch only parts and mute the rest.
Charlie – I like him. I agree 100% with Richard Clune’s assessment.
Carrie – I also like her. She is a little weak and soft, in more ways than one, but I find her a pleasant personality.
Dave – He’s fine on shows like GNW or his radio show, but here he seems uncomfortable and unnecessary. I look forward to when Denise Scott sits in, who is much more facile and amusing.
James – His infrequent outbursts of comedy are gold. He’s pitched at just the right level.
I don’t mind George Negus and Steve Price being there, their role is to provide a different point of view, both from age and experience, and their political viewpoint, but I wouldn’t miss them if they were replaced with younger versions.
Sometimes they have too many handsome Doctors on and not enough pretty scientists and librarians.
Give up on the celeb interviews, it’s not a gossip show. But maintain the visiting celebs as panel hosts.
And finally, too many live crosses with satellite delays. Four or five per episode seems excessive. In fact, this is for all News shows.
I think it’s pretty clear – the people are not watching. Every single other show is judged by eyeballs, so should this one be.
It’s interesting to see what all the critics think, but at then end of the day – who cares, right? TEN should pull the show, be proud that it stuck with it for so bloody long, and play repeats of It’s A KnockOut until it finds something more suitable.
For my views on the show, just read what James Manning said; it’s the opposite of that.
I watch it frequently, and while it has smoothed out a lot of kinks – it’s no longer like an awkward party where nobody has anything to say – it remains not really news and not really funny. I feel like The Panel, which wasn’t set up as being nearly as newsy, was actually a lot more informative and a lot funnier.
Clune’s assertion that Dave Hughes is of no interest to people outside Victoria is just wrong, and sounds like a construct of lazy journalism / personal bias. How do you account for all his sell-out shows in Sydney and Brisbane? Meanwhile, Carrie Bickmore is “able to deliver a solid, well-articulated female point when necessary”? I’m not convinced he watches the show. My exact problem with her is that she doesn’t do any of that. In fact, often her input will be so shockinly naive – I’m too polite to use the word stupid – that I can almost feel the country cringing in unison.
Although I think moving The Biggest Loser was a big mistake for Ten, I would like to say that that show has been truly awful this year and 7PM shouldn’t get all the blame for the bad ratings. It’s just lost its way, as Ten’s highly-formatted reality shows (BB, Idol) seem to do a few years in. Apparently Australians have shorter attention spans than our overseas counterparts, because we need change, but these shows can’t really change. So what we get is the old stale segments and then “All! New! Surprises!” that seem half-arsed and not very surprising at all.
I’m more a fan than not. Ten’s biggest mistake was putting too much pressure on it with their pre-launch promotion, no show could have lived up to that hype after the MasterChef juggernaut.
The Hughesy haters are harsh but I am inclined to agree. I like his stand-up but on TV you need people who are capable of stringing a sentence together. Then again he has a knack of cutting through the crap when everyone else is getting too earnest. Carrie has grown as a host. I wonder if she should anchor and free Charlie up to do the jokes that he tries to wedge in to the discussion.
What I do appreciate enormously is that finally we have a commercial current affairs show that treats its viewers like they have brains. Generally 7pm finds interesting angles on the news, and some of their longer stories touch topics that ACA/TT wouldn’t dream of doing. Maybe they’re paying the price for overestimating the Australian public’s intelligence… but then like some below, I know teenagers who won’t miss it so that’s a god thing for Ten and for the nation! The ratings are creeping upwards out of summer, and when 2.5 Men isn’t on (eg cricket) 7pm picks up enormously. Stick with it Ten.
I have a new found respect for James Mathison, I don’t miss Ruby, I like George but he should stop doing jokes, and Steve Price I can take or leave but I’d rather him than Andrew Bolt any day.
I’ve said it in other threads but I think TBL is dropping more because it’s had its day. The punters will come back for MasterChef. The promos already have my workplace buzzing.
I like Dave! it’s Carrie I find completely redundant. Overall, I don’t love it but I like it, and they have certainly improved a lot.
But, as others have said, now that Daily show is on ABC2, I’ll watch the first 15mins, then switch. Not very loyal, I know.
For my views on the show, just read what James Manning said; it’s the opposite of that.
I watch it frequently, and while it has smoothed out a lot of kinks – it’s no longer like an awkward party where nobody has anything to say – it’s remains not really news and not really funny. I feel like The Panel, which wasn’t set up as being nearly as newsy, was actually a lot more informative and a lot funnier.
Clune’s assertion that Dave Hughes is of no interest to people outside Victoria is just wrong, and sounds like a construct of easy journalism. How do you account for all his sell-out shows in Sydney and Brisbane? Meanwhile, Carrie Bickmore is “able to deliver a solid, well-articulated female point when necessary”? I’m not convinced he watches the show. My exact problem with her is that she doesn’t do any of that. In fact, often he input with be so shockinly niave – I’m too polite to use the word stupid – that I feel the country cringing in unison.
Although I think moving The Biggest Loser was a big mistake for Ten, I would like to say that that show has been truly awful this year and 7PM shouldn’t get all the blame for the bad ratings. It’s just lost its way, as Ten’s highly-formatted reality shows (BB, Idol) seem to do a few years in. Apparently Australians have shorter attention spans than our overseas counterparts, because we need change, but these shows can’t really change. So what we get is the old stale segments and then “All! New! Surprises!” that seem half-arsed and not very surprising at all.
I also change if Steve Price is on. I have a limited ability to tolerate Hughes so I watch it occasionally but now Daily show is on I’ll only watch the first 10 minutes. It is a lot better than when it started but I still think it doesn’t know what it wants to be. I’m not sure if it’s to blame for the Biggest Loser drop in ratings. That format was getting more tired than the contestants.
Great article David and some interesting comments on the show. I gave the 7pm a chance mainly because it’s one of the few alternatives on at that time. However, since ABC2 have started showing TDS/TCR, there is now no reason for me to bother with 7pm.
very good article David.
Hopefully 7pm doesn’t damage Masterchef’s numbers causing 7pm to get the chop, if so I hope a late night weekly hour show is planned as a backup rather than just removing it outright. It’s not as though Ten don’t have a 930pm slot that this couldn’t easily fit in to, maybe against the Footy Show.
and as for the chorus of disapproval for Dave Hughes, will happily join the choir -he can be funny, but the format of the show is not suited to him.
The show is very cheap for Ten to make and they should also have a Sunday night version at 6 pm with different people. A repeat of The Simpsons that Ten show at 6 pm weekdays and on Sundays, costs them 25 grand each time one is aired. They should move the show to 6 pm, Simpsons repeats to 6.30 pm and move Neighbours to 7 pm to compete against Home & Away.
People have voted with their remotes. Despite the vocal opinion of the minority who think it is decent, there is no denying it is a flop and audiences are not resonating with it. The only reason the trash is still on air is because Ten’s expectations are rock bottom.
My whole family enjoys the show as it is nice and light and not bogged down with current affair type stories
I just don’t understand why Dave is still on there when it is quite clear that his jokes fall flat and that he doesn’t bring any intelligent comment to the table. Steve Price has turned me off the show completely, he makes me angry whenever he opens his mouth.
Is the problem that Rove and Craig are too proud to change the format, or are they more worried about giving their friends jobs? Peter Hellier’s lame brand of humour left a sour taste in my mouth whenever I watched, and I’m certain they only kept him on because he was Rove’s BFF, despite the fact the ratings breakdown would show that whenever he was on screen people changed the channel.
My family and I would watch it more often if Dave Hughes went. Viewing a mega repeated 2.5 Men episode is far preferable than a show with him in it!
I like Richard Clune’s idea of a longer, weekly show in a later timeslot as I’m never able to watch it, 7pm being an inconvenient time for me to sit down in front of the TV. I can tell you that there’s at least one thing it’s achieved – my teenage son is happily watching the news for the first time.
I still quite like it……George Negus irks me though – he’s great on SBS, but on this he just seems to try too hard…..
as for Kitty Flanagan, that is when I switch off!!! I just don’t find her funny…..
I really like the show now, though I do just have it recorded every night and probably fast forward through about 5 minutes (plus ads obviously) of it on average when I do watch it. Dave Hughes probably could be replaced, but Charlie and Carrie are good after I thought Charlie especially was a bit weak early on.
They need to do something big just to get the million plus people who watched the first couple episodes to check it out again, it’s massively improved on the mess of the first few weeks.
It’ll be interesting to see the effect that ABC2 running the Daily Show/Colbert at the same timeslot has, nominally they’re similar shows (aside from TDS’s total American slant) and it’s obvious that 7pm has tried to walk a similar path with Pickering and Stewart (politically smart, intelligent comedians)
Agree about the comments re: Dave Hughes… I don’t mind him on the radio, but on TV it’s just the same tired jokes over and over and he adds nothing to the show.
I don’t watch. Its too short; trying too hard to be funny; has too many awkward cross promotions; and I can’t seem to connect with any of the hosts. Especially Pickering – when somebody is billed as a brilliant comedian and commentator, I expect more than the jokes of a 12 year old and a few throw away lines. – Harsh, but true.
It’s still tedious, despite production values having obviously becoming better. Charlie is a decent enough presenter, it’s just that he has almost nothing to work with most of the time.
If they removed Dave and Carrie, both of whom I find grating in the extreme, I’d possibly even find it watchable, though it would still be little more than chewing gum for the brain.
The only thing keeping it from sinking with all hands is the fact that there’s very little else on at 7pm. If ABC2 aired The Daily Show on the hour, instead of the silly timeslot it now has, they would blow it clean out of the water.
I’m actually watching it more now. I’ve been defending it since the start cos i thought it had potential, but i was only ever really watching every now and then, but now i’m watchign every night. It’s fixed most of the problems is a very entertaining show.
Last night they discussed the drink driving limit, and they had an honest open discussion with them revealing themselves have been done for drink driving. And then they moved straight into light hearted, funny story without a hitch, before it was awkward, but it’s blends well now.
Kitty Flannigan is always a highlight to me. I think Charlie and Carrie are great. Dave Hughes still needs to go, or the very least just be a guest panelist and appear once a week. Steve Price is terrible and stuck in the 50s doesn’t relate at all to todays generation, and while George Negus can be dull sometimes i think he actually has some things worth saying.
Overall though, it is a good show. It is not responsible for the rating woes of Neighbours, TBL & SYTYCD. The ratings have shown that people tune in for 7PM and then tune out at 7.30, i’m one of them. We’ll see when MAsterchef starts though, maybe that will reveal the truth.
I love the idea of The 7PM Project, it just has never really quite got there with too many clunky moment to not make me cringe. To be honest, although I know it is better than when it first started, that first month on air was terrible and unfortunately, that is where it lost me as a regular viewer.
It is a shame because they have good talent (minus Dave) and TEN are doing a great thing by sticking by it, unlike what Seven and Nine would have done to it.
Maybe it’s time for a set change and a re-launch?
Great story/article!
Rumour has it that if 7pm damages Masterchefs numbers, even slightly, it’s gone.
Too many hosts.Too much pen holding & pointing.Too much laughing at things that are not funny.
I have tried but i just cannot watch.Boring television at best.
The sad part is,what would be the alternative?
Channel 10 hit on a good idea several years ago with Level 23 or 24???
But it just didn’t take off.In todays fast paced world something like that should & could work.7pm Project is for people who started on the drink earlier in the day & will laugh at anything,even George Negus.
Get it off!
Interesting comments. Have to agree totally with the consensus on Ruby Rose’s presence. She was quite average.
I was a skeptic when they announced this show would be airing ,however if you dont like Home and Away and sick of sitting thru 2.5 men for the 15th time then this show is fantastic,its even better when Dave Hughes isnt on and the less Carrie has to say the more inclined Iam to stay tuned into this show,a few more tweaks and they should have it as good as it gets
I tend to agree with the comments by these people.
Ruby Rose – don’t like her and glad she is off there – she added nothing anyway
James Mathieson – would like to see more of him – he’s pretty funny
Charlie Pickering – not too bad as host, don’t like him on TBYG
Carrie Bickmore – i like her, maybe Charlie and she could co-host more
Dave Hughes – no comment. OMG this guy is totally unfunny. I’ve noticed they’ve reduced what he does to only make “funny” comments on clips of the day.
George Negus – I like him and his left views would go down well with audience
Steve Price – WTF is he doing there?? He was a talkback radio host that has no TV prescence at all. Surely they could find some younger right-wing person for the show.
Excellent article David. Well done.
I think the question “what is the show, exactly?” is the big question. I stopped watching the show about two months ago (and went back to ABC News) when I realised that other than a few headlines of news, I wasn’t actually getting anything from the show.
I really enjoy 7PM. It is informative and It approaches stories from a different angle to the other current affairs shows which are basically carbon copies of each other. Negus is always a higlight. Carrie works well but I’m not sure about Charlie and Dave, i think there is one too many male hosts on the show and this just complicates proceedings.
Great story David. At a time when networks cancel or move show every week, Ten must be congratulated for sticking with this. I agree Masterchef has been impacted by 7pm however I think Dance cannot blame this show for their issues.
Fantastic story David. We all love these well researched and written “focus” stories you do. Great work! Thank you!
However one thing you have failed to acknowledge yet again (surprise, surprise!) is that total people figures are less relevant that 18-49 viewing figures. Especially for Ten, and even more so for this show.
So you sum up it’s ratings success by providing one total people number for 1 of it’s 32 weeks on the air. Hardly an account of the show’s performance.
Total people matters a whole let less than 18-49. And at Ten, even more so. Why not acknowledge this?
Looking at Monday night 18-49 viewers just gone in the 7pm slot, we see that “2.5 Men” had 513,000 viewers, “Home and Away” 413,000 and “The 7pm Project” had 402,000. “ABC News” had 221,000
That shows, that “7pm” is fact very competitive. It’s #3 yes, but it is a very competitive #3 coming within a whisker of “Home and Away” Considering the production costs of a studio panel show v a nightly soap, Ten would come out on top of Seven on a cost basis.
Sure, would Ten love “7pm” to be doing a litttle better – yes. But it is not that far behind Nine and I suspect some nights pips “Home and Away” into 2nd position.
Also, how about some historical ratings comparisons. Show us what 7pm has averaged over it’s 8 months on the air V “Home and Away” and “2.5 Men” then we could really see the trend. Much like the fantastic TVbythenumbers site.
I know you say you don’t have access to all the demo info – but it’s findable on the web. It would be nice to at least have TvTonight acknowledge that 18-49 is more important than overall viewers.
Alot of problems have been caused because of the 7pm project:
shows that used to start @ 9.30 now start at 10 and thats too late for most people to watch an hr show till 11pm( 11.15 most times). The biggest loser now has 5 nights of intense competition @ the 7.30 slot where most big shows are put on other networks so it cant compete aswell as the 7pm slot where its against the same 2 shows everyday. Ten finds it hard to win any demo for the 7pm project anyday. It just puts ten’s whole schedule out of whack, and for what? what has ten got in return in the 8 months> ?
If masterchef is put on @ 7.30 like loser i can guarantee you that it will loose viewers with the stiffer comp.