Housemates Travis and Katie talk it out. Source: Provided
Wasn’t last night’s Big Brother Australia’s eviction of Gemma one of the most awkward and rage ensuring events to be ever be seen on a reality program? The first housemate eviction for 2014 drew anger from viewers on social media after her ousting with the way it was handled compared to schoolyard bullying as Gemma found herself in a situation that is nothing short of humiliating.
After the announcement of the public vote which saw Jake and Gemma receiving the least amount of votes to stay, we were forced to endure watching the housemates, one by one and face to face, choose between the two, of whom they’d like to stay over the other. The resulting effort was utterly painful for viewers and more so for Gemma with only Priya opting to stand behind Gemma – for which we can only assume was a strategy play on her behalf.
“The eviction process was horrible.”: Gemma Kinghorn is booted out of Big Brother. Photo: Channel Nine
While Gemma was clearly always going to be the first to be ousted (her strategy of trying to be polarizing like last years winner Tim played heavily against her), viewers stood behind the towering redhead with support after the way she was ousted.
Brutal eviction-not a surprise, but brutal just the same. Love the crowd's reception of Gemma. Quite classy, as is #BBAU. @BBAU9@BBAUStorm
Thursday saw channel 9 drop the new promo for Big Brother Australia 2014 and it’s got a lot of people talking about what to expect for the new season with a theme of Noah’s Ark and a massive storm used for this years advertising push.
Check out the new promo below:
As you can see, host Sonia Kruger is playing Noah while she directs the housemates (are they couples?) into the ark and just like the biblical story, they arrive, two by two, offering shelter and safety from the impending storm where, Sonia then explains: “A storm is brewing… on the inside,” and to top it off, last years winner Tim Dormer make an appearance right at the end of the clip, dressed in his trademark skeleton onesie.
Fans of the reality series are noting that this year, the series is starting much later than normal and how will it play into the networks lineup with The Block Glasshouse still airing. It has been revealed that Channel 9 are planning on using the strong numbers for The Block as a lead in to this new series of Big Brother which will see the show pushed back to an 8:30pm timeslot while The Block is still airing (once The Block Glasshouse finishes, Big Brother is expected to move back to a 6:30pm/7:30pm timeslot)
This season will also see Big Brother have a fully digital and integrated platform, allowing viewers more engagement and interaction than ever before. “Australia, this year it is power to the people. Your first chance to control what happens in my House starts before night one. You decide more than just who stays and who goes.” Sonia Kruger says of the new series – “This is without a doubt going to be the most exciting series we’ve ever seen. From night one, Housemates will have to make immediate judgments which will have far reaching consequences into their Big Brother experience.
“In this day and age, with the prevalence of social media, people are forced to make snap judgments on other people based on tiny bits of information. Our Housemates are going to have to make quick decisions based on first impressions. “I also hear our 2014 Housemates are the most opinionated and most controversial ever, and buttons will be pushed.”
The Daily Mail UK have revealed extensive renovations to the Big Brother compound with a larger pool, a new elevated living area, a tree house and possibly a second secluded pool while BehindBigBrother.com has revealed that the series will be the shortest in Australian Big Brother history – running only for 80 days and nights.
Big Brother Australia 2014 is scheduled to begin with a double night ‘housemate entry’ special on Monday September 8th on channel 9
Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki in The Big Bang Theory, season 7 Photo: Warner Brothers
“How many repeats can Big Bang Theory fans really watch?” is the question of the moment as production on the shows eighth season has been halted due to a pay dispute between the main stars of the cast and Warner Bros Television.
In a move similar to that of the Friends cast, stars Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar are looking to move into the $1 million dollar an episode price range, up from the $325,000 per episode they are currently earning.
While the show has been greenlit for a further 3 seasons (taking the show into 2017), production on the eighth season failed to start with cast members not arriving for the seasons first table read (scheduled for yesterday 31st July) surprising the studio (Warner Bros) and halting production, which was first noted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch are the only two cast members to have been secured into a new contract earning themselves a hefty pay increase.
The Big Bang Theory pulls in around 20 million viewers weekly in the US and here in Australia, new episodes can bring in over 1 million viewers.
Until the situation is resolved with both parties happy, production on season 8 will not go forth. Guess it’s time to break out the repeats – again.
Team Will’s Anja Nissen Wins The Voice Australia Series 3. Source: Provided
Yes, I was team Jackson Thomas all the way and right up until the end, was getting excited that he could actually take out the prize, but there beside him was the big voiced blonde Anja Nissen who in the end, took out The Voice Australia Season 3.
With rocker Frank Lakoudis and duo ZK bumped out (I blame ZK’s terrible ‘Don’t stop believing’ GLEE moment from last week) many were tipping Team Kylie’s sweet sounding Johnnie Rollins to win with SportsBet placing the 29-year-old at 1.5 odds to win but it wasn’t to be with Johnnie the next to be ousted leaving Jackson and Anja as the final two.
Anja who is the first pop artist to win, looks set to possibly break The Voice winners curse that has seen series one winner Karise Eden go into hiding while promising new music for the last two years and last years winner Harrison Craig, while doing well, pretty much aimed at the nan and pop demographic.
Judge Delta Goodrem with 9 year old hopeful Molly. Source:Provided
Mixing The Voice Australia with cute as button children sounds like an easy sell but the syrupy cotton candy soaked result was a lot to stomach – especially for this fellow who doesn’t mix children with his reality show competitions.
While the grand prize is well thought out – a $50,000 music scholarship, the idea of putting children onto the stage and having them being open season for savaging on social media (MKR’s Chloe and Kelly and The Blocks Steve and Chantelle anyone?) is somewhat a little off-putting.
Opening up the hugely popular singing competition to “the next generation of great Australian talent” i.e: kids aged between 8 and 14, The Voice Kids is a sugar coated and tamed down version of the show we have come to watch and sometimes scoff at.
The format is the same as we’re used to seeing but with the added presence of eager stage mums and singer Prinnie Stevens on-hand to give the widdle hopefuls some encouraging words of wisdom before being thrust onto the stage. Premiering last night, of all the contestants to ‘audition’, only one act – identical twins Katie and Emily missed out on turning a chair – but to ease the pain of rejection, they were given a spin in coaches Joel and Benji Madden’s chair.
Speaking of Joel and Benji Madden, they, along with Spice Girl Mel B and former The Voice Australia coach Delta Goodrem are there to build their team while playfully fighting among themselves and fawning over each cute little contestant.
So the big question is, Is there any real talent? Possibly, and if so, it’d come from those edging towards the 14 year old cut-off, but in general, this fluffy and bubbly answer to bring us more The Voice is one I can happily do without.
Now that all of the main networks (CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC) and some cable networks (TBS) have given us their new pick-ups for the 2014 Fall season, I’ve trawled through all the trailers (that were available…come on CBS, pull your socks up!) and complied a list of what I think could be ratings hits (like last years The Blacklist) and what could be cult sleepers (Orphan Black anyone?)
Drama:
The Mysteries of Laura (NBC)
The question begs…is this a comedy or is it a drama? I don’t think NBC really know either hence the somewhat confusing trailer offered up but that said, this Debra Messing led dramedy could have something going for it if you look at it like it could be ‘had Miss Congeniality had a husband and children’ type of way.
Secrets and Lies (ABC)
If you recently watched an Aussie show with the same title, then you’ll have an idea of what to expect. This Secrets and Lies is based right off our very own production with Ryan Phillippe stepping into Martin Henderson’s shoes playing Ben, a man who finds the body of a little boy and suddenly becomes suspect number one. Added bonus – a very toned down Juliette Lewis playing cop.
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC)
This will be the fourth major program by Shonda Rhimes to make it’s way to ABC – Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and Private Practice plus How to get Away With Murder and the trailer already looks a whole lot more interesting than the 6 seasons of Private Practice that was given to us. There’s sex, blackmail, murder and Viola Davis..it’s an easy win.
CSI: Cyber (CBS)
There’s no trailer yet but for those who caught Patricia Arquette’s recent guest gig on CSI will have already gotten a taste of what to expect. Yes, it’s another CSI spin-off but this time, it’s all about cyber crime which is very current and ‘hip’ and we all like Patricia Arquette right?
Stalker (CBS)
Granted, I’ve never really been exposed to much of Maggie Q’s work and the premise of her character as being a sort of freelance anti-stalker specialist who knows some hand-to-hand combat skills is a little off but the trailer offered up by CBS actually adds suspense and intrigue of what’s to come. Ignore Dylan McDermott here, he’s always annoying to begin with and usually takes some warming up to.
Madam Secretary (CBS)
Why CBS chose to give us a trailer that looks like it gives us the entire first episode in the space of five minutes I’ll never understand. I was excited by this right from Tea’ Leoni’s addition to the cast and while it’s different to see her in such a serious light, the political theme is working well for shows like Scandal and The Good Wife.
State of Affairs (NBC)
I’m wondering if we’ve had enough time to actually like Katherine Heigl again? I’m still in that mid-swing where i’m starting to come around again and if there are others like me, then hopefully this show will bring us competently back. Apparently this will have a Blacklist-cum-Homeland-cum-Zero Dark Thirty feel to it (there’s the depiction of Middle Eastern descendants as terrorists – of course) and Alfre Woodward plays the President of the USA.
American Crime (ABC)
Desperate Housewives Alum Felicity Huffman makes her return to series television along with Timothy Hutton in this dark and racially charged legal drama that follows those involved and affected by a murder and ensuing murder trial.
Empire (FOX)
The last time FOX attempted a series based off a mogul and his ’empire’ they gave us SKIN (2003) which only lasted 3 episodes before being cancelled. Here, instead of porn, Empire gives us music and what i could only assume to be a nod to Lil’ Kim and starring Terrence Howard. Could Chris Lilley’s S’Mouse fit in here? Probably, but at least it looks better than Skin ever did.
Comedy:
Fresh off the Boat (ABC)
Yes, the title is a bit…..Cougar Town/Trophy Wife (and possibly racist though it depends who you ask) but Fresh Off the Boat looks like the funniest of the new stuff coming our way and while the show is a focus on a Taiwanese family making the adjustment to living the American Dream, clearly Constance Wu (as mum Jessica) is the one to watch for.
The Odd Couple (CBS)
It’s been a tough run for Matthew Perry the last few years. His last handful of projects (Studio 60, Mr. Sunshine and Go On) all tanked and the only thing people really watched him in recently was his guest gig on Courteney Cox’s Cougar Town but now, his fourth attempt at a show could be his lucky gig. It’s a TV remake of the classic movies (Jack Lemon and Walter Matthou or Tony Randall and Jack Klugman) and see’s Perry teaming up with Thomas Lennon who we last saw in the terribly horrible Sean Saves the World. I can only assume this will be better than Sean failing to save the world.
Mulaney (FOX)
It’s a little bit Seinfeld, it’s a little bit Friends, it’s a little bit of a 90’s comedy throwback. Mulaney is an ensemble comedy about a stand-up comedian and the “friends and mentors who lift him up, hold him back and push him around” including Martin Short. Here’s hoping Short contains his zany like Robin Williams did in The Crazy Ones – but then again, that didn’t turn out so good for him.
Paranormal/Supernatural/Superhero:
The Whispers (ABC)
I was so enamored by Lily Rabe as the Stevie Nicks loving swamp witch Misty Day in AHS Coven that seeing her all professional and business suits is a little shocking but here is in this creepy new paranormal-esque show with creepy kids that clearly see something the adults can’t.
Constantine
Based off the DC Comics Hellblazer series, Constantine follows a supernatural detective who finds himself defending the world from dark and eerie forces. It’s a little bit Supernatural meets True Blood meets Penny Dreadful.
The Flash (CW)
Spin-off from the cult-ish Arrow and another DC comics star, The Flash get’s his own show and judging by the trailer, die hard comic fans will be pleased with the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance of legendary bad guy ‘Reverse Flash’ plus there’s the addition of The Flash’s alter-ego Barry Allen’s love interest Iris West.
Extant (CBS)
I’ve already talked about Halle’s new sci-fi drama but now Extant has officially been picked up to series by CBS, they’ve given us an extended trailer which also fills us in more on her creepy prophetic child. A woman on a 13 month solo space mission returns to earth and finds she’s pregnant – impossible right? Not in space!
So what takes your fancy? Is there something you’ve seen which I’ve not added to the list – and if you mention the new shyte by TBS…I will shoot you.
Upset win … Brad, Sophie and Dale congratulate a shocked Steve O’Donnell and Chantelle Ford. Picture: Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia
The Block Fans Vs Faves closed out with massive profits and a shock win with underdogs Steve and Chantelle taking out top spot and breaking a The Block profit record.
Steve and Chantelle….they won The Block….
Who knew parquetry walls and plywood cupboards were in such high demand these days?
Their apartment sold for $2.4 million dollars, $636,000 above reserve which also netted them a further $100,000 for winning this season seeing the couple walk away with a total of $736,000 for their ‘efforts’ during the shows 10 week build.
Fan favourites Brad and Dale were up first (their reserve was set at $1,802,750) and a fierce bidding war saw the boys sell their apartment for $2.31 million — $507,250 above reserve. viewers favourite and my pick to win, Kyal and Kara, sold their apartment for $2.44 million — $567,250 above their reserve of $1,872,750.
Last years winners Alisa and Lysandra took first place when a final bid of $2.375 million — a massive $616,000 above the reserve of $1.759 million was made but it was Steve and Chantelle, they of the spotlight curtains, black basins, parquetry walls and bad editing that ultimately had the apartment that everyone wanted to buy.
We got our first glimpse of the completed upper levels of The Block last night (main bedroom, ensuite, walk in robes and landing) and I must say, I have serious issues with one certain reveal.
Brad and Dale, in all their wisdom, decided to extend their ensuite into the main bedroom, sacrificing space to allow half of the room to be classified as a wet area to hold a bath. There is no other bath in their apartment, this is the only one.
Seriously.
Now, I can see some sort of inspiration taken from last year when the twins, Alisa and Lysandra, opted to place a bath in their walk in dressing room. Their final result was nothing short of spectacular and were scored accordingly so by the judges but Brad and Dale’s finished product, while it looks high quality, is not practical in its placing.
Not only have the boys sacrificed space to allow for a bath in the main bedroom, they’ve also managed to halve their buyer demographic with the only bath in their apartment taking up half the main bedroom, families or couples looking to have children won’t be interested in attempting to bath their youngsters in the main bedroom!
While I may be a little less than thrilled with the boys finished room, the judges were rather impressed. With one set of scores still to be revealed (what’s with the cutting of the ep?) Brad and Dale and Steve and Chantelle are both tied for first place with a winner to be revealed in tonight’s episode of The Block.
Who will win? Did you like Brad and Dale’s bath in the bedroom?
Steve and Chantelle celebrate their first room win on The Block: Fans v Faves. Source: Supplied
Am I the only one who’s feeling a bit uneasy about how these apartments on The Block: Fans Vs Faves are turning out? To be clear, I wasn’t that worried at the start (well, only for Steve and Chantelle) as rooms like second bedrooms and main bathrooms were being churned out with mostly impressive results. But after last night’s living/dining rooms were revealed, I’m beginning to question some of the layout decisions being made resulting in some rather confined living spaces and how this will affect the final outcome at auction.
I’m no builder or interior designer, but, It is well known these areas living/dining/kitchen are always going to be the most used spaces within a house, and especially with the size of the apartments given to the contestants, why did Brad and Dale completely dissolve their dining area altogether and why did Kyal and Kara make a living room that’s smaller than their kitchen? Even the twins, Alisa and Lysandra, who made the smart decision to move their kitchen to create a massive open space lower level managed to somehow get the sizing dimensions wrong for their living room (though I could be wrong here and this could be down to bad styling)
Yes, Steve and Chantelle had the win (their first) last night for the living/dining areas. I will put my hand up and say, despite some styling choices, it was the clear winner. Lucky they had that bonus point to snag them the win off the twins avoiding a draw!
Steve and Chantelle’s dining area. Picture: Supplied
Now, these are not small apartments. I’m pretty sure Brad and Dales winning main bathroom is actually twice the size of their living space while, as the judges pointed out, Kyal and Kara offer a luxurious 3 meter long hallway, only for it open out to a pretty measly living/dining area.
I can only hope, as Brad pointed out, that once the outer areas are completed, they are able to expand the space inside, combining the inner to the outer areas creating decent sized lower living quarters.
I originally had Kyal and Kara in my sights to take out this season of The Block. They entered strongly with an excellent elimination round room and have been consistent room after room, bringing top quality finishes, but I’m scared that the final layout of their lower level may actually cost them the win.
Channel 7 drama Criminal Minds will be back for another season
Just a day after American network CBS renewed The Big Bang Theory for another three years, the network went ahead and renewed a whole bunch of their other shows currently on air.
Nina Tassler, chairman of CBS Entertainment released a statement and said, “The best way to launch new shows in the fall and throughout the season is to surround them with a strong and stable lineup of successful series. The shows we’re picking up today cut across every night of the week and feature genre leaders, time period winners and the most-watched shows on broadcast television.”
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