The pre-launch average of 15,000 to 20,000 viewers is now up to over 60,000 viewers weekly. The average streams before launch which were 40,000 to 60,000 streams are now up over 180,000 streams each week

Director of MediaWorks Interactive, Siobhan McKenna says:  “We’ve seen fantastic growth of audience since the launch two months (May 24) ago as well as an increase in the shows available to view.”

“TV3 and C4 viewers can now enjoy a much higher quality On Demand viewing experience - with a shared TV3 & C4 channel player, clean design, easy to use search function, show alerts and a nifty clock that counts down the adbreak so viewers know when their show will return.”

The major growth can in part be linked to the phenomenal launch of the final season of Outrageous Fortune. It kicked-off with an outstanding performance and is now considered to be the second most popular On Demand show of any type in the country with 58,509 streams.

The new look player has had a significant impact in the market with both the audience and advertisers.  A recent survey of 13,760 respondents showed that 90% of MediaWorks’ On Demand audience is watching the show for the very first time.

The service is proving to be a viable channel for advertisers to improve their national reach and a popular alternative to home recording devices with consumers.

Available to view On Demand are both popular local and international shows including Glee, Outrageous Fortune, 7 Days, CSI: NY, Balls of Steel, NCIS, Nurse Jackie, Home & Away, Misfits, and America’s Next Top Model.

And this list continues to grow with upcoming shows this month including New Zealand’s Next Top Model, Lie to Me, Reel Late with Kate, How I Met your Mother and Daisy of Love.

- TV3

“A couple months ago, I let FOX and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” she said in a statement. “I told them I wouldn’t leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next. It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for.”

The Fox Network has yet to announce a replacement for Simon Cowell, who left at the end of last season.

The big hitters in the nomination stakes include Glee, 30 Rock, Modern Family, The Good Wife, Nurse Jackie and Breaking Bad.

Proving that the fun of Glee Club is infectious, Glee has notched up an astounding 19 nominations including “Outstanding Comedy Series”, “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series” – Matthew Morrison and “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series” – Lea Michele.

Three time Emmy® Award winner Edie Falco has been nominated for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series” for her portrayal of Jackie Peyton in Nurse Jackie. Commenting on her nomination, Falco said:

“Working on NJ has been a joy from the get-go. I’m beyond thrilled that people are enjoying it and noticing it as well. It’s an embarrassment of riches”.

Returning to TV3 on Tuesday 13 July at 9.30pm, other nominations for Nurse Jackie include “Outstanding Comedy Series” and “Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series”.

The Office and How I Met Your Mother also received nominations and will be returning to C4 shortly. Coming soon to TV3 is season 7 of Project Runway which is up for two awards including “Outstanding Reality – Competition Programme”

- MediaWorks

Entertainment reporter Kate Rodger has a passion for film and so she is thrilled to have her own half hour show all about the movies.

It will feature reviews of new release films with special guests, the first is Karl Urban.

The show will go behind the scenes of major international movies, interview A list actors and directors, update viewers with what’s on around the country and count down the top 10 movies.

Find out more here.

Fans of the phenomenally popular television series, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ will now have the chance to see their favourite show come to life with New Zealand’s first-ever stage extravaganza, Dancing with the Stars Live, hosted by Jason Gunn and Candy Lane.

A-list stars from the five-year television series will come together for ONE stage show at Auckland’s Vector Arena on Friday 27 August 2010. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fans will see all their favourite celebrities and professional dancers LIVE, up close and personal, competing to win the coveted glitter ball trophy.

Celebrity dancers include former winners and runners up Lorraine Downes, Tamati Coffey, Beatrice Faumuina, Suzanne Paul, Shane Cortese and Norm Hewitt with two new wildcard celebrity dancers to be announced soon. Celebrities will be joined by their original dance partners Carol-Ann Hickmore, Nerida Cortese, Aaron Gilmore, Brian Jones, Stefano Olivieri and Samantha Hitchcock.

The original line-up of judges return for the live show with Brendan Cole, Paul Mercurio and Alison Leonard providing comments and scores for the celebrities and their partners on the night. Just like the television series, the audience still have a say. Text voting runs throughout the show with guests voting for their favourite couple after each performance. All profits from the text votes will go to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Audiences will be dazzled by the stunning show where celebrities will be dancing brand new routines performed to live music courtesy of Carl Doy and the Dancing with the Stars Big Band. A breathtaking set by acclaimed set designer, Robin Rawstone, will set the scene, alongside two giant screens, positioned either side of the stage.

To top off a spectacular evening of sparkles and sequins, the audience will be treated to an awe-inspiring opening and closing extravaganza. Featuring a selection of NZ’s top ballroom dancers, audiences will be astounded with never-seen-before performances.

Following the success of tours in the UK and the USA, New Zealand is just the third country in the world to host a live stage version of the show. The slick and entertaining production is tightly based on the format of the hit television show, using eight celebrity and professional dance couples who compete to become the evening’s winner.

Dancing with the Stars is BBC Worldwide’s most successful entertainment format, and has been seen in more than 75 countries around the world.

“This is a brilliant opportunity to take the Dancing with the Stars brand to another level in New Zealand,” said Richard Halliwell, BBC Worldwide’s Commercial Director, Dancing with the Stars. “I know that New Zealanders of all ages are going to enjoy seeing the show in its latest incarnation.”

Dancing with the Stars Live is a global phenomenon and is the must-see event this winter. New Zealand audiences are in for a treat with this star-studded night of glitz, glamour, and stunning choreography.

Dancing with the Stars LIVE
Friday 27 August
Vector Arena

Tickets on sale from Monday 28 June at 9am
www.ticketmaster.co.nz
(09) 970 9700

Corporate VIP tables lining the dance floor will also be available for purchase at www.dancingwiththestarslive.co.nz

Thanks to Matt for this one.

Cheers Bradley Ambrose.