Australian Premiere of Jericho
Channel Ten’s new drama series, Jericho, premiered last night at 8.30pm. The pilot was enjoyable, if not a bit saccharine. What you may not realise, however, is that the show airs in Australia only hours after the US. This is, quite simply, phenomenal, considering how we often have to wait for years for foreign shows to appear on our screens (I’m looking at you, Channel Nine).
It’s about time the networks realised how irksome it is for viewers to have to wait for these programs to air. It’s no wonder that Australians download so many TV shows and buy DVDs from overseas – because we want to see them before we grow out of the demographic they cater for!
Apparently the decision to air Jericho has been made due to its tie-in with online content. Hopefully this tie-in will be worthwhile and not just a ploy for online advertising revenue. Nothing will turn your fan base against you faster than reminding them that they are just a commodity. I’m all for media integration – in fact, I think it will be essential in years to come – but it has to be done well and to benefit the audience. Contrary to popular belief, people are not stupid and online content with no real purpose just insults their intelligence. From the sounds of it, Jericho’s online content will be furthering another plotline- good luck to them dipping their toes into the online ocean when so many others are afraid to get wet.
As for Jericho’s future in Australia, it has made a good start with 1.2 million viewers tuning in. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will continue to rate well and won’t be flung into relative obscurity; dropped in a timeslot where only true fans dare to tread. However, if it is, then Jericho – tell Veronica Mars I said hi.
It’s about time the networks realised how irksome it is for viewers to have to wait for these programs to air. It’s no wonder that Australians download so many TV shows and buy DVDs from overseas – because we want to see them before we grow out of the demographic they cater for!
Apparently the decision to air Jericho has been made due to its tie-in with online content. Hopefully this tie-in will be worthwhile and not just a ploy for online advertising revenue. Nothing will turn your fan base against you faster than reminding them that they are just a commodity. I’m all for media integration – in fact, I think it will be essential in years to come – but it has to be done well and to benefit the audience. Contrary to popular belief, people are not stupid and online content with no real purpose just insults their intelligence. From the sounds of it, Jericho’s online content will be furthering another plotline- good luck to them dipping their toes into the online ocean when so many others are afraid to get wet.
As for Jericho’s future in Australia, it has made a good start with 1.2 million viewers tuning in. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will continue to rate well and won’t be flung into relative obscurity; dropped in a timeslot where only true fans dare to tread. However, if it is, then Jericho – tell Veronica Mars I said hi.
Film & TV on DVD
Ever since I read the premise, Ive been thinking about the very similar film, On The Beach which has Australia as the last place on earth thats inhabitable after a nuclear holocaust. If your interested I just posted a review on my blog.
I certainly know what you mean about feeling as if you had seen and heard it all before. I don't like to judge pilots too harshly because they usually have so much introductory information that has to be included. I'll certainly be checking out the next few episodes to see what direction they take the series.