Television in Oz

September/October is the time of year when the new TV season starts in North America. It’s back to school and change of weather from hot to cold. But here in Oz it’s the start of spring. A lot of shows start in February and run till May/June. Other programs start mid year and finish up before the start of summer down under, December.

With the rise of Internet downloading of television program’s some shows that would normally start next February have started in October here. Also new shows have aired a week later as well. One station calls it Fast Tracked, another calls it Streamed Direct.

Because the world is becoming a smaller place because of the Internet. It has forced the networks down under to air television programs as soon as it is aired in North America.

But they have only done so for a few of the shows. The following shows are now showing a week after they air in North America:

• Heroes
• Bionic Woman (New)
• Prison Break
• Life (New)
• Californication (New)

Other shows like CSI, Desperate Housewives, How I Meet your Mother and Scrubs will air next year February. Along with all the other popular shows (NCIS, Numbers, Law & Order etc.)

I like the Australian model of airing the shows in one go of continuous showing. No repeats or breaks due to a 4-5 month showing, versus the 8 month period in North America with holidays or TV rating schedules (sweep months) also factoring when to air programs.

But it also means waiting and getting it after it is shown in North America. I can understand the downloading phenomena of instant gratification.

There is a segment of the population who like to watch shows in one go and will wait for the DVDs to come out and watch an entire season in a couple of days. No waiting for 8 months to know the outcome. But you have to be vigilant and wait for the DVD’s to come out after it has aired on television. That can be another 3 – 6 months wait. Many people say it is worth it for the pleasure to watch commercial free and an entire season at your leisure.