According to the final live+same day ratings, at 9:00 PM on November 25th 2008, The Mentalist episode 8 "The Thin Red Line" was #2 in households (9.7/15), viewers (15.9m) and adults 18-49 (3.7/9). The first place slot went to ABC's Dancing With The Stars while FOX's Fringe held a very distant 3rd.

Tags: Ratings, S01E08, The Mentalist

The Mentalist's Simon Baker made a brief appearance on the David Letterman show November 24th, 2008.

Tags: Appearances, TV, Simon Baker, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder: "The Thin Red Line" - While the police suspect a drug dealer on trial is behind the murders of the State's witness in his case, as well as his girlfriend, Patrick Jane sees a different motive for the crime, as well as a different suspect, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Nov. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Tags: Schedule, S01E08, The Mentalist

The Mentalist's Simon Baker made a TV appearance on "The View" November 24th, 2008.

Tags: Appearances, TV, Simon Baker, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode Guide as been updated. CBS has announced a new episode for December 16th, titled "Red Brick and Ivy".

"Red Brick and Ivy" - When a leading scientific researcher is killed by poisoning, Patrick Jane takes a personal interest in the case when he learns the prime suspect is the victim's wife, and Jane's former psychiatrist, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Dec. 16 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

You can read the full description and information in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

As a side note: A rebroadcast of The Mentalist episode 3 "Red Tide" has been scheduled for December 9th, 2008.

Tags: Episodes, S01E10, The Mentalist

`Mentalist' performs real trick: it's a TV hit
By Lynn Elber
San Francisco Chronicle

"In a ho-hum TV season in which most new shows have been greeted with a collective shrug and a click of the remote control, CBS' freshman "The Mentalist" has managed to deduce what viewers want."

Full Article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/11/19/entertainment/e045329S07.DTL


‘Mentalist’ follows CBS formula, with a twist
By Andy Dehnart
MSNBC

"Playing the main character on CBS' "The Mentalist," Simon Baker smiles. A lot. He grins and smirks and looks as charming as possible, frequently while he's delivering lines that demonstrate his character's acute and surprisingly prophetic powers of observation, which help a team of law enforcement agents solve crimes.

But really, 90 percent of his time on the CBS show, he's smiling, grinning wryly whether he is confronting someone or is completely alone.

Why he's smiling so much isn't clear, especially since his character is supposed to have experienced significant tragedy. Perhaps he's just smiling because he's on fall's most popular new show."

Full Article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27829441/


A Chat With Robin Tunney Of The Mentalist
By Will Harris
Bullz-Eye.com

"BE: When you first heard that the hook of the show was going to be on Simon’s character, Patrick Jane, did you need a certain amount of assurance that Teresa wasn’t just going to be spending every episode apologizing for Patrick’s methods, only to have him save the day in the end?

RT: It was more a fear of mine that -- in the pilot, I felt the relationship was coming off as a power struggle, and it was about me getting angry at him. And I had a conversation with Bruno that I didn’t really feel that that was going to work, and he agreed with me that I had to have a three-dimensional relationship with the guy. Like, at times, to find what he’s doing entertaining and funny and useful, because he’s right, and not just sort of be, “No, I’m By-The-Book Girl!” I think that would get dull. And I also think that, with all of your relationships in your life, you have different reactions to people. Depending on your mood and depending on the situation, somebody around you can be annoying or be entertaining or make you mad. And he seemed to be on the same page about that. So that was a bit of a worry, and also how the writing would come off, so I wouldn’t seem like an idiot for having arguments with him about the other side of the case. You know, it’s based on a formula, and The Mentalist is always going to be right, and people are going to want that, but to make my dialogue strong enough to prove the other point, where I don’t just look like an idiot. And I think they’ve been really good with that. It’s not, like, “Oh, my God, she’s not making any sense,” or, “Come on, we know!” What’s trying about the show is that I don’t think people tune in to see who did it; I think they tune in to see how we’re going to find out who did it."

Ful Article:
http://www.bullz-eye.com/television/interviews/2008/robin_tunney.htm


Simon Baker Has His Head In The Game
CBS News

"Baker's character's strength is that he is very perceptive.

"Well, you know, when I signed up for this job, people always ask me 'OK, well what is his skill, what is his power?' And the interesting thing is he doesn't have a power. Psychics have powers, alleged powers. He's a mentalist so he has honed skills and techniques -- acute observation, apparently, awareness. So, he reads people. A lot of rapport building and mirroring and suggestion. So, he uses those skills to that and a lot of good old fashioned guesswork to help solve crimes," Baker said."

Full Article:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/24/earlyshow/main4630144.shtml


Also, be sure to check out Simon Baker as the cover boy for the November 24th, 2008 issue of the TV Guide and as "Sexiest Blond" in the December 1st issue of People magazine

Tags: Articles, The Mentalist

The November 21st, 2008 9:00PM ET rebroadcast of The Mentalist episode 2 "Red Hair And Silver Tape" brought in impressive numbers!

According to the preliminary live+same day ratings for it's time slot, The Mentalist was FIRST in households (7.5/13), viewers (11.62m) and adults 18-49 (2.4/7). It was also the most viewed show for the entire evening, besting first run episodes of stablemates Ghost Whisperer and Numb3rs.

(Source: pifeedback.com, Zap2It.com)

Tags: Ratings, S01E02, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode Guide as been updated. CBS has announced a new episode for December 2nd, titled "Flame Red".

The official description for episode 9 "Flame Red":
"Flame Red" - Patrick Jane suspects the only surviving member of a National Guard unit of murdering his friends, and goes undercover to prove it, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Dec. 2 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

You can read the full description and information in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

As a side note: A rebroadcast of The Mentalist episode 3 "Red Tide" has been scheduled for December 9th, 2008.

Tags: Episodes, S01E09, The Mentalist

JANE GOES BEHIND LISBON'S BACK TO ORCHESTRATE HIS OWN UNORTHODOX UNDERCOVER OPERATION AS THE TEAM TRIES TO CATCH A MURDERER IN THE NAPA VALLEY, ON A REBROADCAST OF "THE MENTALIST," ON A SPECIAL NIGHT, FRIDAY, NOV. 21

"Red Hair and Silver Tape" - While Lisbon and her team investigate the murder of a young waitress in the Napa Valley, Jane goes behind Lisbon's back to orchestrate his own undercover operation using Van Pelt as bait, on a rebroadcast of THE MENTALIST, on a special night, Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Originally broadcast 9/30/08)

Note: To clarify, this is not a schedule move for the series itself. The Mentalist will stick to it's current Tuesday spot for first-run episodes.

Tags: Schedule, S01E02, The Mentalist

According to the final live+same day ratings, at 9:00 PM on November 18th 2008, The Mentalist episode 7 "Seeing Red" was second in households (9.8/15), viewers (15.84m) and adults 25-54 (5.1/11, -0.2 behind ABC) while averaging a 3.5/09 in adults 18-49.

The Mentalist continues to be the only bona fide new hit of the season.

(Source: CBS press release)

Tags: Ratings, S01E07, The Mentalist

Hollywood 411's Madison Michele hangs with THE MENTALIST co-star Owain Yeoman for a behind-the-scenes look at what life is really like on this year's breakout TV hit!

Tags: Appearances, TV, Owain Yeoman, The Mentalist

SIMON BAKER IS 'THE MENTALIST'
ET Online

"Despite the fact that "The Mentalist" is the No. 1 new series of the 2008 season, the controversy continues to swirl around its leading character Patrick Jane (Baker). Is he really psychic but pretending not to be since the death of his family and the ensuing threats by their murderer, Red John? Or is he really the fraud he says he was?
"My favorite thing about the character is everybody has a different interpretation of that," Simon tells ET. "What I find interesting is some people say, 'I think he is Red John.'"
For those not in the loop, it was the brutal slaying of Patrick's wife and daughter that led him to give up his career as a psychic and volunteer his services to the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to help them solve crimes. And, whether he is or he isn't clairvoyant, the end result is another hit series for CBS."

Full Article:
http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/11/67845/


SCIENCE PROJECTS
by Kelefa Sanneh
The New Yorker

"“The Mentalist” is cheerfully familiar: it’s an old-fashioned procedural starring Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, a fake psychic turned raffish consultant to the California Bureau of Investigation. Perhaps you have observed that there is already a TV show about a crime-solving fake psychic (“Pysch,” on USA). And perhaps you have noticed that “C.B.I.” sounds a lot like “C.S.I.” Happily, California has no law against sincere flattery.
The show is essentially a support system for Baker, a thirty-nine-year-old Australian actor with tousled blond hair, a sly but kind smile, a rumpled silk vest, and eyes like apostrophes. He’s so charming that his charm is itself a running joke. In his first scene, he surprises a grieving mother in her kitchen and says, softly, “My name is Patrick Jane. I’m here to help you. Would you like a cup of tea?” Of course she would."

Full Article:
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/television/2008/11/24/081124crte_television_sanneh?currentPage=2


Critic's Corner Tuesday
By Robert Bianco
USA Today

"One of the fall's most interesting time-slot battles is the ongoing clash between the season's two best new shows: CBS' The Mentalist and Fox's Fringe (both 9 ET/PT). Fine individually, together they represent an excellent argument for putting a DVR on your Christmas list."

Full Article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/criticscorner/2008-11-17-critics-corner_N.htm


Ask Matt: Nov 17, 2008
By Matt Roush
TV Guide

"Question: I read your column all the time and have not seen The Mentalist mentioned lately. Do you still like the show and where it's going creatively? I really enjoy it but vow not to use the "L" word in relation to it until at least Season 2. Simon Baker's portrayal of Patrick Jane is amazing in the way he is able to keep an impassive look on his face while convincing someone to do something. The character is written with flaws, but he is witty and likable as well. Robin Tunney does a good job making Agent Lisbon seem like a real person, too. I look forward to seeing where this show progresses and hope we get to see Jane finally catch his wife and daughter's killer a couple of years from now. — Susan

Matt Roush: The Mentalist is a keeper, and I look forward to seeing it every Tuesday. It's good escapist fun, and Simon Baker is a mischievous joy. I've gotten some negative mail about Robin Tunney, but I don't mind her (especially when you compare how annoying she was on Prison Break before getting killed). It's pretty much all about Patrick Jane at this point, anyway. If we don't make a constant fuss about this show, which will soon be featured on the TV Guide cover, it's probably because it tends to get lumped into CBS's glut of crime-drama procedurals, and while I enjoy the show, it is rather formulaic, though clever about it. All told, it deserves to be a hit."

Full Article:
http://www.tvguide.com/Roush/Shield-Heroes-Mentalist-67052.aspx


'The Mentalist': Two more reasons to love it!
By Michael Slezak
Entertainment Weekly

"There are a lot of reasons I'm hooked on CBS' jaunty hit procedural The Mentalist. Simon Baker's Patrick Jane sports the most dapper duds (and most magical hair) in primetime. Robin Tunney's hard-boiled Teresa Lisbon is a sour delight, crabbily in charge of her team without ever devolving into shrewish bossy-lady caricature. Supporting players Tim Kang and Owain Yeoman have a breezy chemistry that makes me kind of wish I worked for the California Bureau of Investigations. Heck, I even like the way murder victims' families actually weep for their lost loved ones, as opposed to most procedurals where they're either totally composed or blithely uncooperative."

Full Article:
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/11/mentalist-lance.html


What's the best new show of the season?
By Bob Sassone
TV Squad

"A lot of people would say FOX's Fringe. A lot of people would say CBS's The Mentalist (it's also the #1 new show ratings-wise). Some might even say CBS's Worst Week..."

Visit The Full Article To Vote:
http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/11/11/whats-the-best-new-show-of-the-season/

Tags: Articles, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder for The Mentalist Episode 107: "Seeing Red" - Intent on proving a so-called psychic is a fraud - as well as a killer - Patrick arranges a séance to expose the murderer, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Nov. 18 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Tags: Schedule, S01E07, The Mentalist

"Freshman hit THE MENTALIST won its time slot in adults 25-54 (5.5/12), adults 18-49 (4.0/10) and tied for first in viewers (16.52m, with ABC). This is the first time THE MENTALIST topped a first-run episode of "Fringe" in adults 18-49 (vs. 3.8/09, +5%). Compared to the last episode (October 28, 2008), THE MENTALIST was up +2% in adults 25-54 (from 5.4/12), +3% in adults 18-49 (from 3.9/09) and added +450,000 viewers (from 16.07m, +3%).

THE MENTALIST has finished first in its time slot in adults 25-54 for the fifth consecutive broadcast, first in adults 18-49 for the second broadcast in a row. THE MENTALIST posted series highs for the second consecutive broadcast in viewers, adults 25-54 and adults 18-49."

(Source: CBS press release)

Tags: Ratings, S01E06, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder for The Mentalist Episode 106: "Red Handed" — While investigating the case of a murdered casino owner, Patrick Jane uses his mentalist skills to ultimately entrap the killer, and win big at the card tables, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Nov. 11 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.



Join our forum for friendly episode discussion!

Tags: Schedule, S01E06, The Mentalist

'The Mentalist' again shows that crime pays for CBS
By Chuck Barney
Contra Costa Times

"It's a blast to watch him gaze upon a crime scene and, like a fluffy-haired Sherlock Holmes, see and sense things that somehow elude his skeptical co-workers, including no-nonsense senior agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney of "Prison Break").
There's an I'm-so-cool cockiness to Jane, who regularly utters smart-alecky dialogue and takes obvious pride in being the smartest guy in the room. But he also brandishes a killer smile and has the kind of unassuming, aw-shucks charm that can throw suspects off guard, a la Columbo."

Full Article:
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_10930040


Simon Baker concentrates on having fun on 'The Mentalist'
By Kelley L. Carter
USA Today

"The 39-year-old actor who signed on for the role of Patrick Jane on CBS' The Mentalist (Tuesdays, 9 ET/PT) says he has spent too many years taking himself too seriously — a nod, he says, to the sharp critical tongues of Sydney. "I used to want to move people and let people identify with me as an actor, you know? But with this show, I just want to entertain people," Baker says. "I just want to have a good time."

Until recently, Baker's television success has been mixed, with a 2002 Golden Globe nomination for his work in the dour legal drama The Guardian and a blink-and-you-miss-it stint on the quickly axed 2006 heist caper Smith. But now he has a certified hit in The Mentalist, this season's top-rated new series with an average 16.2 million viewers and a full-season order from CBS."

Full Article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-11-10-simon-baker_N.htm


The fabulous Baker boy: Not even its star could have predicted success of CBS’ ‘Mentalist’
By Amy Amatangelo
Boston Herald

"Simon Baker wasn’t sure his new CBS series “The Mentalist” (Tuesday night at 9 on WBZ, Ch. 4) would be a success until he showed it to his wife, actress Rebecca Rigg.

“She’s my litmus test,” Baker said. “She just said, ‘I think this show really has a shot.’ Usually she says, ‘Yeah, that was all right.’ ”

His wife was correct. “The Mentalist” already has been picked up for a full season and is the only new series to consistently make Nielsen’s Top 10 household rankings."

Full Article:
http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view.bg?articleid=1131455


New TV characters who’ve made an impression
By Stuart Levine
MSNBC

Visit the link below and vote for your favorite new TV Character. Patrick Jane of The Mentalist is currently in the lead. You want to keep him there, don't you?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27647201/

Tags: Articles, The Mentalist

The Mentalist has been nominated under the category of "Favorite New TV Drama" in the 2009 People's Choice Awards. Log into the site at http://www.pcavote.com and cast your vote for The Mentalist!

Winners will be revealed during the live broadcast of THE 35TH ANNUAL PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS which will be hosted by Queen Latifah from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The first awards show of 2009, THE 35TH ANNUAL PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS honors fan favorites in television, movies and music.

Tags: Awards, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode Guide as been updated. “The Thin Red Line”, previously intended to air as episode 7 on November 18th, will now air as episode 8 on November 25th, 2008. CBS has announced a new episode for November 18th, titled "Seeing Red".

The official description for episode 7 "Seeing Red":
"Intent on proving a so-called psychic is a fraud - as well as a killer - Patrick arranges a séance to expose the murderer, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Nov. 18 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

You can read the full description and information in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

Tags: Episodes, S01E07, S01E08, The Mentalist

It'd Be A Crime To Ax The Mentalist
By Jennifer Nixon
nwanews.com

"The one new show (within the defined limits ) that deserves protection from the network’s arbitrary ax is The Mentalist on CBS. What a breath of fresh air. The story line involves a former psychic impersonator who is simply very aware of his surroundings and helps solve crimes. In addition to his intriguing background as a psychic charlatan whose life was destroyed when a serial killer butchered his wife and child in revenge for a slight of ego, the Mentalist’s Sherlock Holmes ‘elementary’ style of solving mysteries is absolutely delightful."

Full Article:
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Style/242496/


Young Viewers Flocking to CBS in a Season of Disappointments
By Bill Carter
nytimes.com

"The secret, at least as the chairman of CBS, Leslie Moonves, sees it: “comfort food.”

While other networks sit and watch their glossy serial dramas featuring expensive casts crash CBS has added yet another successful crime show, “The Mentalist.” It has also added a couple more “funny comedies that probably won’t win any Emmy Awards” as Mr. Moonves described them: “Gary Unmarried” and “Worst Week.”

Apparently, what is good for CBS is a bad economy. CBS’s lineup of police procedurals, where the criminals always get caught, and sitcoms that are reliably funny in unchallenging ways, seems to be becoming a safe haven for viewers worried about jobs and mortgages.

“When the road gets rocky, the center is the best place to be,” said Kelly Kahl, the chief scheduler for CBS. “It’s kind of a cliché,” Mr. Moonves said, “on CBS the good guys win.” "

Full Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/business/media/03ratings.html


Simon Baker on The Mentalist and working with Scorsese
By Deanna Barnert
sheknows.com

""It may be called The Mentalist, but what sets it apart from other procedural shows is that you could see the other characters already there too, from the pilot, and they've had room to develop as we've gone on," raves Baker in his natural Aussie accent.

"Bruno (Heller, the writer also responsible for HBOs Rome) is great at that and shooting the pilot, I was so excited to see the other actors do stuff with what he gave them. I said to my wife, 'I'd rather go to work with upstart actors who have the balls to try things, which is risky and difficult.' A lot of people accept the job as 'just background characters', but not here.""

Full Article:
http://www.sheknows.com/articles/806417.htm


Rating the new shows: How you voted
usatoday.com

"Last week we asked you to tell us what you thought of the new fall series. More than 2,100 of you weighed in.It?s totally nonscientific, of course.
Nonetheless, you told us which shows you watched every week – and which ones never appealed to you.

Topping the list of favorites: CBS' The Mentalist and Fox's Fringe fared best, with 34% and 32% of respondents saying they watch the show each week, respectively."

Full Article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-11-04-fall-tv-survey-response-data_N.htm


Closet dramas: Some TV fashionistas need a wardrobe re-write
By Jill Radsken
bostonherald.com

"Mental-vest

Patrick Jane keeps his unique police-solving powers close to the vest. Preferably of the buttoned, European-cut variety.

The sleeveless garment appears to be Jane’s signature style piece from episode one of CBS’ hit new show “The Mentalist.” Jane visits a crime scene sporting a vest. Grills a witness in a vest. Chases a suspect in . . . a vest.

Jaded fashion plates might pooh-pooh actor Simon Baker for being a one-note Nancy. But Baker’s not having a mental block. He knows he’s good-looking enough to get a pass. But viewers hope he’ll do more.

Nothing as radical as a pocket square, but crocodile loafers wouldn’t hurt."

Full Article:
http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/fashion/view/2008_11_05_Closet_dramas


Also, be sure to check out the November 10th, 2008 issue of TV Guide for a behind the Scenes peek n the set of The Mentalist.

Tags: Articles, The Mentalist

Amanda Righetti, who plays Grace Van Pelt on The Mentalist, appeared in the Hollywood 411 studio to talk about the show and other upcoming projects, like Friday The 13th.

Tags: Appearances, TV, Amanda Righetti, The Mentalist

“The Mentalist” Appears Unstoppable
By Sam Sloan
sliceofscifi.com

"The new CBS series “The Mentalist” is this new season of shows first bonafide consistent ratings hit. While all other new shows, including the successful Fox venture called “Fringe,” are fluctutaing week to week or downright tanking, the Simon Baker starrer has seen nothing but a steady climb in its ratings with each new episode.
Its sixth episode since premiere night was its best to date clocking in with an astounding 16.1 million viewers which equates to around a 3.9 rating — or — 9 share in TV-exec-speak. That’s an 8% rise over its showing just last week, which in itself was a head-turner."

Full Article:
http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2008/10/30/the-mentalist-appears-unstoppable/


The Best New Fall Shows Come Down To Casting
By Jeff Simon
Buffalonews.com

““The Mentalist,” at long last, is the perfect role for Simon Baker after many years of trying to find one in movies and TV shows. He’s the kind of handsome, blond hunk that almost anyone would assume would flutter female hearts and be big star material, and yet there’s always been something just a wee bit off about him that keeps him from becoming the common council president of George Clooneyville. To his credit, he can do creepy exceedingly well and has often had enough edge and performing feistiness to want to.

Casting him as the star on “The Mentalist” was an act of off-hand network genius. He plays a refugee from the slimier realms of show business — a sort of matinee-idol Kreskin — who now employs all of his slipperier talents to help the cops, which hits everything that might have been dubious about Simon Baker dead center and turns it into extremely witty and canny casting in prime time TV.”

Full Article:
http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/story/481515.html


Baker Likes What He Sees in 'Mentalist'
By David Kronke
la.com

“One hardly needed psychic abilities to predict the success of "The Mentalist," CBS' newest crime procedural. Simon Baker has popped as the season's hottest new star: the droll and dashing Patrick Jane, who once posed as a TV psychic but left such chicanery behind when his bravado triggered a personal tragedy.

Jane now works as a consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation, in a unit led by Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney), where his unorthodox skills at perception and playing mind games help him crack open cases.

Patrick Jane joins a group of eccentric TV detectives, including Jim Rockford, Theo Kojak and Columbo.

"Popular TV characters are defined by the signature choices that they make, knowing how a situation will arise in the procedure of the show, and knowing how he's going to react," Baker notes on the set of the series the day after CBS announced it had been picked up for the entire season.”

Full Article:
http://www.la.com/tv/Baker_Likes_What_He_Sees_in_Mentalist.html

'The Mentalist': Crime Pays for CBS
By Alynda Wheat
ew.com

“The temple of harmony is a sham. It's just the shell of a house on a studio lot, with a sign promising ''wellness through clairvoyance'' (whatever that means). The Mentalist's Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) knows it's bunk, as he's about to insinuate to the woman who runs the joint (Leslie Hope). But first, Baker has to stop yammering. The director has called for sound, the cameras are rolling, but there Baker goes, chatting away with Hope in his Australian cadence, right up until ''Action!'' Instantly, the American accent kicks in, lines roll off his tongue perfectly, and he nails his take.

The star's comfort on set is understandable — this is his third CBS series, after all. The difference between The Mentalist and Baker's other two shows (Smith and The Guardian), however, is a big one. CBS' freshman drama about a man with extraordinary powers of perception who consults for the California Bureau of Investigation has done something no other new entry this season has been able to do: become a bona fide top 10 hit. Averaging 15.6 million viewers, The Mentalist not only holds its own against the Tuesday-night Dancing With the Stars results show on ABC, it also easily trounces Fox's much more heavily hyped Fringe in total viewers.”

Full Article:
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20234178,00.html?xid=rss-feed-todayslatest-20081021-%27The+Mentalist%27%3A+Crime+pays+for+CBS

Tags: Articles, The Mentalist

Simon Baker appeared on The Bonnie Hunt Show october 14th, 2008 to promote The Mentalist.

Video of his segment of the show:


(Source: kelsrealm/YouTube)

Tags: Appearances, TV, Simon Baker, The Mentalist

As part of the promotion for the series premiere of The Mentlist, Simon Baker appeared on The Ellen Show September 23rd, 2008.

Here’s a video of that segment of the show:



(source: bigellenfan1/YouTube)

Tags: Appearances, TV, Simon Baker, The Mentalist