The Mentalist Episode Guide as been updated with information on The Mentalist Season 1 up to Episode 23, the season finale to being broadcast on May 19th 2009.

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

Tags: S01E20, S01E21, S01E22, S01E23, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder: The Mentalist season 1 episode 18 will be broadcast on March 31st, 2009:

"Russet Potatoes" - Patrick Jane and the CBI team track down a mastermind who hypnotizes people into doing their bidding, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, March 31 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Complete episode description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

Tags: Schedule, S01E18, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Photo Gallery for Season one has been updated to include 2 new "Publicity" photos.

Tags: Photos, The Mentalist

Courtesy of a CBS press release:
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NCIS AND THE MENTALIST LEAD CBS TO TUESDAY WIN IN VIEWERS AND ADULTS 25-54
Time Period-Winning Dramas Are the Top Two Programs of the Night

NCIS and THE MENTALIST, delayed one-hour due to CBS News' coverage of President Obama's press conference, delivered Tuesday's two largest audiences for entertainment programming, leading CBS to a nightly win in viewers and adults 25-54 according to Nielsen updated live plus same day ratings for March 24.

At 9:00 PM, NCIS at 9:00 PM was first in households (11.2/17), viewers (17.83m), adults 25-54 (5.6/12) and adults 18-49 (4.0/10). This is NCIS's best delivery in households and viewers since February 24, 2009, best adults 25-54 and adults 18-49 performances since January 27, 2009.

At 10:00 PM, THE MENTALIST was first in households (11.2/18), viewers (17.62m), adults 25-54 (5.4/13) and second in adults 18-49 (3.9/10). This is THE MENTALIST's best delivery in households, viewers and adults 25-54 since February 17, 2009 and adults 18-49 since February 10, 2009.

From 9:00-11:00 PM, CBS was first in households (11.2/18), viewers (17.73m), adults 25-54 (5.5/13) and second in adults 18-49 (3.9/10, -0.2 behind NBC).

Tags: Ratings, S01E17, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode Guide has been updated with information on The Mentalist Season 1 up to Episode 19, to be broadcast in April 2009.

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

Tags: Episodes, S01E16, S01E17, S01E18, S01E19, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder: The Mentalist season 1 episode 17 will be broadcast on March 24th, 2009 at a special time:

"Carnelian Inc." - A story of greed and betrayal pits Patrick Jane against a group of financiers when the CBI investigates a series of murders at a corporate retreat in the wilds of the Sierra Nevada foothills, on THE MENTALIST, at a special time, Tuesday, March 24 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Complete episode description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

Tags: Schedule, S01E17, The Mentalist

Overnight/fast national ratings for March 17th's "Bloodshot":

The Mentalist was #2 in viewers (15.39 million), #2 in Households (9.8/15) and #3 in A18-49 (3.2/8).

Source: pifeedback.com, zap2it.com

Ratings catch up for recent reruns...

For the repeat of Red John's Friends on March 03rd, 09:
Viewers: #2, 12.76 million; A18-49: #3, 2.7/ 7

For the repeat of Red Handed on March 10th, 09:
Viewers: #2, 14.25 million; A18-49: #3, 2.8/ 7

For the special repeat broadcast The Thin Red Line on Saturday March 14th, 09:
Viewers: #1, 7.24 million; A18-49: #2t, 1.2/ 4

Source: pifeedback.com

Tags: Ratings, S01E16, S01E11, S01E06, S01E08, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder: The Mentalist season 1 episode 16, the first new episode in a month, will be broadcast on March 17th, 2009:

"Bloodshot" - Patrick Jane must rely on his other senses during the murder investigation of a financial advisor when he loses his sight as a result of an explosion, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, March 17 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Complete episode description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

Tags: Schedule, S01E16, The Mentalist

Cast and crew from The Mentalist will be appearing on a panel at The Paley Center For Media's "PaleyFest '09" on Friday April 17th, 2009.

7:00 pm PT
Cinerama Dome at ArcLight Hollywood

IN PERSON
Simon Baker, “Patrick Jane”
Bruno Heller, Creator/Executive Producer
Tim Kang, “Kimball Cho”
Chris Long, Coexecutive Producer/Director
Amanda Righetti, “Grace Van Pelt”
Robin Tunney, “Teresa Lisbon”
Owain Yeoman, “Wayne Rigsby”
Additional panelists to be announced.

Buy Tickets to this event:
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=1014394&pl=paley

Time permitting, questions asked online will be submitted to the panelists. If you have a question, post it here:
http://www.paleycenter.org/paleyfest09-the-mentalist

Tags: Appearances, Simon Baker, Tim Kang, Amanda Righetti, Robin Tunney, Owain Yeoman, The Mentalist

Chat with talented and fan favorite “The Mentalist” star Owain Yeoman (Wayne Rigsby) in the latest Fancast Forum this Tuesday March 17th - the day the smash hit show airs a brand new episode. “The Mentalist” airs Tuesdays at 9pm ET on CBS.

The chat will start on Tuesday at 12:00pm PT/3:00 pm ET. Bookmark this link or sign up for a reminder and join us to ask questions and chat about everything concerning “The Mentalist.”

http://www.fancast.com/blogs/live-chat/live-chat-the-mentalist-star-owain-yeoman/

Tags: Appearances, Owain Yeoman, The Mentalist

TV GUIDE MAGAZINE'S SEXIEST MAN
ET Online

"Patrick Dempsey had the distinction of being TV Guide magazine's sexiest man on TV two years in row. This year he has been replaced -- and ET knows by whom!
It must be in the hair because both Patrick and TV Guide magazine's new sexiest man on TV -- "The Mentalist" star Simon Baker -- share something in common -- a mop of unruly locks.
Also, neither man takes the title seriously. Simon says, "My wife said to me this morning, 'I could take a photo of you right now and they might take that title away from you.' I said, 'That is the kind of encouragement I need as I go off to do a photo shoot about having to be sexy.'""

Full Article:
http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/03/71850/


Tim Kang; From ART to CBS - with a hit
By Sarah Rodman
boston.com

"Q. You've done a lot of episodic guest-starring stuff but now you're a regular on the biggest, and pretty much only, hit of the new season. Of course you were hoping for success, but does the experience match what you were expecting?

A. I just looked at it one script at a time. And that's how I approach every script that comes our way: How can I do this specific thing this week the best I can? Beyond that, whatever comes our way is icing on the cake. I think we got some pretty decent notices for "Mother Courage," for example, and that was a blessing. We didn't expect anything. All we did was try to work together and come up with some good ideas and the reception we got was great. It's out in the world now and you can't control it anyway so why worry about it?"

Full Article:
http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2009/02/22/from_art_to_cbs___with_a_hit/


Ecollywood: Simon Baker’s mysterious use for newspaper
By Gerri Miller
Mother Nature Network

"Although he speaks with an American accent on The Mentalist, Simon Baker is from Australia, where he grew up green on the island of Tasmania. “In Australia we’re pretty conscious of it, always have been. It’s always surprised me, the amount of household rubbish that each house in my neighborhood puts out every week here, whereas in Australia you get one rubbish bin and one for recycling. There’s a bit more consumption in America.” Baker does his part in his adopted home by growing vegetables, driving a Prius and making use of yesterday’s news. “We wrap our Christmas presents in newspaper,” he says. “We’re a very conscious family.”"

Full Article:
http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/ecollywood/stories/ecollywood-simon-bakers-mysterious-use-for-newspaper


Head-to-head with ‘The Mentalist’
By Bill Brioux
TV Guide Canada

"Executive producer Bruno Heller, who previously worked on the big-budget HBO series Rome, says the beauty of Patrick Jane is that he’s “a dark character whose heroism is not in muscles or action but in being positive in life despite what he does and the tragedy that he’s faced with. He’s positive, so simply on that level, he’s a good role model.”

It takes a special actor to pull that off, says Heller. “What Simon brings to it,” he says, “is a combination of great, Cary Grant-ish charm, but underlying it is real steel and menace.” Keeping it light and dark at the same time is “really, really difficult to do as an actor,” says Heller. “It takes a lot of discipline and work and skill.”

Baker says that when he was developing the character, he often thought of “a very dear friend” who used to tell the actor when he was down, “Let your smile be your umbrella.” Baker says it was just “a little old adage that he had. And I thought about that a lot when I was playing around with the character.”"

Full Article:
http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/Headtohead+with+The+Mentalist/Interviews/Features/Articles/090209_the_mentalist_BB.htm?isfa=1


The Mentalist's Amanda Righetti Preps for Love Triangle
by Mickey O'Connor
TV Guide

"TVGuide.com: Did you have any idea that The Mentalist would be a hit?
Amanda Righetti: No, I don't think you ever know going in. I've done a lot of shows that didn't do well. You have to go in with a 50-50 take on it. If it goes well, fantastic. Hope for the best and plan for the worst. I thought [The Mentalist] was clever and different from other procedural shows. The wittiness was interesting. At the table read, when Simon and the whole cast were there, it really started to come together for me.

TVGuide.com: What did the producers tell you about Van Pelt going in? She had a juicy expository speech in the pilot.
Righetti: I actually had conversations with [co-executive producers] Bruno Heller and David Nutter. We spoke a lot about where she came from and her naivete playing into Jane's hands. She comes from a small town, and has a few brothers. She was a beat cop, so this reassignment is new and exciting for her. As the show goes on, a little bit of that backstory will be revealed."

Full Article:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mentalist-Amanda-Righetti-1002701.aspx


'THE MENTALIST''S ROBIN TUNNEY TALKS ABOUT HER SEXY CO-STAR
ET Online

""The Mentalist" is the No. 1 new series of the fall 2008 season, but series star Robin Tunney recalls that just days before the show premiered, she and Simon Baker were really worried about whether or not viewers would tune in.
"Simon and I were the most nervous because we had been through it before," she tells ET. "We were telling guest stars, 'You have to watch the show.' We were trying to do a grass roots thing. We were paranoid. What if we put it out there and nobody liked it? We really wanted it [to succeed] because we were having such a good time together.""

Full Article:
http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/01/70141/


Simon Baker and The Mentalist Try to Maintain Perfection
By Tim Molloy
TV Guide

"All is right in the perfect world of The Mentalist.

On the show's set, on a crisp, sunny day in Los Angeles, everyone is smiling. The stars are smiling, the public relations people are smiling, and the reporters shuttled in from their hotel to eat donuts and talk to the cast are smiling. But no one smiles brighter than Simon Baker.

The star of the CBS hit is about as handsome as a person can be. His hair is wavy but unfussy, his eyes seem kind, his teeth form perfect lines. When he smiles, you want to root for him because his smile contains such a mix of mischief and humility. "

Full Article:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mentalist-Simon-Baker-1002141.aspx


The Mentalist: We Visit The Set (And Simon Baker!)
By Susan Young
film.com

"On the Warner Bros. set of The Mentalist, Baker is relaxed and comfortable talking to the small group of reporters gathered on his home turf. It's quite a departure from a few years ago, when Baker starred in another CBS drama, The Guardian. Then, he came across as resentful and angry, much like the repressed and depressed character he played.

"[The Guardian] was a harder show emotionally; playing such a depressed character did rub off on me," Baker says in his native Aussie accent. "I never thought I'd be the kind of actor who would be affected by the role that I'm playing, but playing it day in and day out, it does, yeah. But [Patrick Jane] is such a fun character."

Baker says The Mentalist is all about entertainment."

Full Article:
http://www.film.com/tv/the-mentalist/story/mentalist-we-visit-set-simon/25586050


OK! Interview: Simon Baker
OK! Magazine

"OK!: Do you have a secret talent?

I’m pretty good at gardening. It consumes my time, and it feels like I’m doing something constructive.

OK!: Are you into male grooming?

No, I just clean my teeth!

OK!: What do you miss most about Australia?

The physical beauty of the area where I grew up. And I miss my close friends. I miss trivial things too... like meat pie!"

Full Article:
http://www.okmagazine.com/news/view/11274


Mystery of serial killer on "The Mentalist" won't be solved until the end
By Hal Boedeker
Orlando Sentinel

"Crime procedurals are booming for CBS. Baker attributed the trend to a desire in society.

"We are in a time where people sort of look for closure," the star said. "With a procedural show, you do get closure at the end of the episode."

Robin Tunney, who plays agent Teresa Lisbon, agreed. "Osama bin Laden, they didn't find him, whereas procedurals, we would have gotten him, right?" she said.

"Next season," Heller said.

I asked Heller how he describes the relationship between Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon.

"Jane is a rule-breaker, and Robin is playing someone who is all about the rules, has to be," Heller said. "So there's an underlying dramatic tension there that drives that side of their relationship. On the other hand, they respect and love each other."

What would Heller say to viewers who read more into that relationship or see more potential in it?

"That's nice," he said. "I think seeing it and reading it as opposed to having it is the fun bit."

Full Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2009/01/serial-killer-o.html

Tags: Articles, Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Amanda Righetti, Tim Kang, The Mentalist

Overnight/fast national ratings for February 17th's "Scarlett Fever":

The Mentalist was #2 in viewers (18.26 million), #2 in Households (11.4/17) and #3 in A18-49 (3.8/9). This episode of The Mentalist was the #1 scripted series of the night, besting stablemate NCIS.

The show was up against American Idol this week and it's performance was slightly stronger than the last time they went head to head on Jan 13th.

Source: pifeedback.com, zap2it.com

Tags: Ratings, S01E15, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder: The Mentalist season 1 episode 15 will be broadcast on February 17th, 2009:

"Scarlett Fever" - As Jane and the team investigate the poisoning death of the "queen bee" in a country club, they discover that the community is full of secrets, including love affairs and drug abuse, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Feb. 17 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Complete episode description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide.
Promotional photos from the episode are in The Mentalist Photo Gallery.

Note: This is the last new episode for the month of February. By CBS' current schedule we will see reruns until mid-March.

Tags: Schedule, S01E15, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Photo Gallery for Season one has been updated to include 3 new promotional photos from episode 15 "Scarlett Fever".

Tags: Photos, S01E15, The Mentalist

Courtesy of a CBS Press Release:

"THE MENTALIST" -- LARGEST AUDIENCE EVER AND CBS'S BEST VIEWER PERFORMANCE IN THE TIME PERIOD IN 14 YEARS
"The Mentalist" Tops "Fringe" in Adults 18-49

"Without a Trace" Hits Season High Deliveries in Key Demos

CBS's Most Competitive Position Ever in Viewers on an "American Idol" Tuesday

THE MENTALIST delivered its largest audience ever, 19.7 million viewers, leading CBS to its most competitive finish in viewers ever on an "American Idol" Tuesday, according to Nielsen updated live plus same day ratings for Feb. 10.

THE MENTALIST was first in households (12.0/18), viewers (19.70m), adults 25-54 (6.2/14) and second in adults 18-49 (4.2/10).

Compared to the last first run episode (on Jan. 13, 2009), THE MENTALIST was up +9% in households (from 11.0/16), +11% in both adults 25-54 (from 5.6/12) and adults 18-49 (from 3.8/09), +13% in adults 18-34 (2.6/07 from 2.3/06) and added +1.63m viewers (from 18.07m, +9%). This is THE MENTALIST's best delivery ever in viewers and adults 25-54, matches the show's best adults 18-49 and adults 18-34 performances. THE MENTALIST topped "Fringe" in adults 18-49 (4.2/10 vs. 4.1/10).

This is CBS's best viewer performance in this time slot with a regularly scheduled program at 9:00 PM since Feb. 28, 1995 (CBS TUESDAY MOVIE "Children of the Dust").

NCIS was second in households (11.3/17), viewers (18.03m), adults 25-54 (5.4/13) and adults 18-49 (3.7/10).

WITHOUT A TRACE was first in households (8.9/15), viewers (14.31m), tied for first in adults 25-54 (4.6/11, with NBC) and second in adults 18-49 (3.4/09). Compared to last week, WITHOUT A TRACE was up +14% in households (from 7.8/13), +24% in adults 25-54 (from 3.7/09), +26% in adults 18-49 (from 2.7/07) and added +2.15m viewers (from 12.16m, +18%). This is WITHOUT A TRACE's season high deliveries in adults 25-54 and adults 18-49.

For the night, CBS was first in households (10.7/17), second in viewers (17.35m, -0.29m behind FOX), adults 25-54 (5.4/13) and tied for second in adults 18-49 (3.8/10, with NBC).

This is the first time CBS beat FOX in household ratings on an "American Idol" Tuesday since Feb. 25, 2003 and the smallest difference in viewers ever.

---

Discuss the news in The Mentalist Forum!

Tags: Ratings, S01E14, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder: The Mentalist season 1 episode 14 will be broadcast on February 10th, 2009:

"Crimson Casanova" - With Patrick Jane's help, Cho goes undercover as a ladies' man with all the right moves in order to catch a killer who has his own set of pseudo-mentalist techniques, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Feb. 10 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Complete episode description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide.
Promotional photos from the episode are in The Mentalist Photo Gallery.

Tags: Schedule, S01E14, The Mentalist

For the February 3rd, 2009 rebroadcast of The Mentalist episode "Flame Red":

According to the final live+same day ratings for it's time slot, The Mentalist was FIRST in households (9.0/14), viewers (14.438m) and THIRD in adults 18-49 (2.9/7).

This repeat episode of The Mentalist was, once again up against a brand new episode of Fringe (with it's American Idol lead-in) and yet still attracted the most, overall viewers for it's time period. It was, also, the #1 scripted show of the evening.

(Source: pifeedback.com)

Tags: Ratings, S01E09, The Mentalist

Reminder: An encore presentation of The Mentalist episode 10 "Red Brick and Ivy is being broadcast on a special date and time - February 1st, 2009:

"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 a rebroadcast of THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Feb. 3 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Originally broadcast 12/2/08)

Full description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide. Join us in The Mentalist Fan Forum for friendly discussion of the episode!

Tags: Ratings, S01E09, The Mentalist

For the February 1st, 2009 rebroadcast of The Mentalist episode "Red Brick And Ivy":

According to the final live+same day ratings for it's time slot, The Mentalist was SECOND in households (4.5/7), viewers (6.791m) and THIRD in adults 18-49 (1.3/3).

This broadcast was up against the Super Bowl related broadcasts on NBC.

(Source: pifeedback.com)

Tags: Ratings, S01E10, The Mentalist

Sixteen photos taken at the The Mentalist Television Critics Association press tour session on Thursday, January 16, 2009 at the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA have been added to the "Misc" section of The Mentalist Photo Gallery. These include photos of Series star Owain Yeoman (Wayne Rigsby), series star Amanda Righetti (Grace Van Pelt), Executive Producer Bruno Heller, series star Simon Baker (Patrick Jane), series star Robin Tunney (Teresa Lisbon) and series star Tim Kang (Kimball Cho) among others.

Tags: Photos, Appearances, Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Owain Yeoman, Tim Kang, Amanda Righetti, CBS, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Photo Gallery for Season one has been updated to include 3 new promotional photos from episode 14 "Crimson Casanova".

Tags: Photos, S01E14, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode Guide as been updated with information on The Mentalist Season 1 Episodes 14 "Crimson Casanova" and 15 "Scarlett Fever" to be broadcast in February 2009.

"Crimson Casanova" - With Patrick Jane's help, Cho goes undercover as a ladies' man with all the right moves in order to catch a killer who has his own set of pseudo-mentalist techniques, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Feb. 10 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

"Scarlett Fever" - As Jane and the team investigate the poisoning death of the "queen bee" in a country club, they discover that the community is full of secrets, including love affairs and drug abuse, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Feb. 17 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.


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

Tags: Episodes, S01E14, S01E15, The Mentalist

Reminder: AN encore presentation of The Mentalist episode 10 "Red Brick and Ivy is being broadcast on a special date and time - February 1st, 2009:

"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 a rebroadcast of THE MENTALIST, on a special night and time, Sunday, Feb. 1 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Originally broadcast 12/16/08)

Full description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide. Join us in The Mentalist Fan Forum for friendly discussion of the episode!

Tags: Schedule, S01E10, The Mentalist

For the January 27th, 2009 rebroadcast of The Mentalist episode "Seeing Red":

According to the final live+same day ratings for it's time slot, The Mentalist was FIRST in households (9.6/14), viewers (15.226m) and THIRD in adults 18-49 (2.9/7).

It's worth noting that this repeat episode of The Mentalist was up against a brand new episode of Fringe (with it's American Idol lead-in) and yet still attracted the most, overall viewers.

(Source: pifeedback.com)

Tags: Ratings, S01E07, The Mentalist

The Janury 27th, 2009 episode of the Mentalist is a rebroadcast of:

"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 a rebroadcast of THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Jan. 27 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Originally broadcast 11/18/08)

Full description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide. Join us in The Mentalist Fan Forum for friendly discussion of the episode!

Tags: Schedule, S01E07, The Mentalist

For the January 20th, 2009 REPEAT broadcast of The Mentalist episode 5 "Redwood":

According to the final live+same day ratings for it's time slot, The Mentalist was FIRST in households (6.7/11), viewers (10.58m) and SECOND in adults 18-49 (2.6/7). These ratings are comparable to the previous repeat broadcast on December 23rd, 2008.


(Source: pifeedback.com & tvbythenumbers.com)

Tags: Ratings, S01E05, The Mentalist

The special broadcast of The Mentalist episode 13 "Paint It Red", whiched aired on January 18th, 2009, was #1 in viewers (16.38 M), Household (10.0/17) and in the A18-49 demo (4.6/12) for it's time period. In fact, it was the #1 scripted show of the evening! The A18-49 demo rating of 4.6/12 was, also, a series high.

Source: pifeedback.com, thrfeed.com

Tags: Ratings, S01E13, The Mentalist

The Janury 20th, 2009 episode of the Mentalist is:

"Redwood" - When a girl is found covered in blood and holding the murder weapon that killed her best friend, she becomes an obvious suspect, though she can't remember anything. But Jane, believing she's innocent, engineers a risky maneuver in which she must relive the terrifying events in order to spark her memory, on a rebroadcast of THE MENTALIST, at a special time, Tuesday, Jan. 20 (10:01-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Originally broadcast 10/28/08)

Full description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide. Join us in The Mentalist Fan Forum for friendly discussion of the episode!

Tags: Schedule, S01E05, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder: The Mentalist season 1 episode 13 has been rescheduled from it's original date of January 27th to now be broadcast, following the NFL's AFC Championship Game, on January 18th.

"Paint It Red" - While it appears obvious that a business tycoon's son-in-law was in on the robbery of a $50 million painting since his body is found where the painting once hung, Patrick Jane suspects others, including a Russian oil baron, an art forger and an art curator, on THE MENTALIST, on a special night and time, Sunday, Jan. 18 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET) on the CBS Television Network.

Complete episode description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide.


The Mentalist will return to it's normal night, airing at the special time of 10PM ET, on January 20th, 2009 with a repeat of episode 5 "Redwood".

Tags: Schedule, S01E13, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Season 1 Photo Gallery has been updated with a new page for episode 7 "Seeing Red" and an expanded selection of pictures for episode 8 "The Thin Red Line".

Tags: Photos, S01E07, S01E08, The Mentalist

According to Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly, CBS plans to order an additional hour of The Mentalist on top of it's prior full season one order!


http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/01/its-official-cb.html

Tags: Episodes, The Mentalist

In this corner: The Mentalist vs. Lie to Me
By Bob Sassone
TV Squad

"More TCA news: an actor from Lie to Me calls The Mentalist "a scam."

Reporters asked the panel from the new FOX drama about the possible similarities between the two shows (which a lot of people have been talking about), and Brendan Hines said "the difference between the two shows is that our show is based on actual science, while Mentalist is, I think, more of a scam." I'm not sure what the hell that is supposed to mean."

Full Article:
http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/01/14/in-this-corner-the-mentalist-vs-lie-to-me/


CBS says ratings success proves network TV viable
By Jill Serjeant
Reuters

"CBS ranks as the most-watched network at a time when commercial television is grappling with competition from the Internet and video games, changing viewer habits ushered in by digital video recorders and advertising declines precipitated by the recession.

CBS had nine of the top 20 top prime-time shows last week, including detective series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," the sitcom "Two and a Half Men" and the most popular new drama, "The Mentalist," according to Nielsen Media Research.

Tassler acknowledged that the next few months would be tougher for CBS, given the return of the ratings juggernaut "American Idol" to News Corp's Fox. But she noted that CBS retained 95 percent of its audience on Tuesday when "Idol" returned for its eighth season."

Full Article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSTRE50D6DK20090114


Quiet Leader: CBS' ratings success isn't getting much press
By Lisa de Moraes
The Washington Post

"CBS is having a good TV season. And yet no one is writing about it.
The network is once again the country's most-watched television network -- with nearly 2 million more viewers than its closest competitor, ABC.
It is ranked No. 1 among the younger viewers so sought after by advertisers. Five of its returning prime-time series are up from a year ago among those 18- to 49-year-olds. That's more than twice as many improved series as its closest competitor.
CBS' The Mentalist is the season's only new series that can be called a bona-fide hit. And it is the only newbie on any network performing better in its time slot than the show it replaced. The drama series, which stars Simon Baker, attracted more than 19 million viewers to its most recent original episode -- CBS' largest audience for a regularly scheduled program on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. in nearly 14 years.
Sadly, you're not reading or hearing much about CBS' Really Good Season. That's because, although CBS is now averaging the most young viewers of any broadcaster, it pulls in even more older viewers. That's called "broadcasting."
CBS' competitors are focusing on increasingly narrow, young audiences for which advertisers will pay a premium.
"Niche-cast" is the new broadcast. "Broadcast" is the new dirty word."

Full Article:
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/jan/14/quiet-leader-cbs-ratings-success-isnt-getting-much/

Tags: Articles, The Mentalist

CBS's freshman hit THE MENTALIST holds steady with over 18 million viewers, airing opposite season premiere of FOX juggernaut American Idol, according to Nielsen final live plus same day ratings for Tuesday, Jan. 13.

THE MENTALIST was second in households (11/16), viewers (18.06m) and adults 18-49 (3.8/9).


Source: pifeedback.com

Tags: Ratings, S01E12, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Photo Gallery for Season 1 has been updated with photos from episodes 11 "Red John's Friends" and 12 "Red Rum".

Tags: Photos, S01E11, S01E12, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder for The Mentalist Season 1, Episode 12:

"Red Rum" - Patrick Jane sets a mentalist trap to find out who is responsible for the murder of a high school boy who antagonized the local self-proclaimed witch by killing her cat, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Jan. 13 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Complete episode description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

Tags: Schedule, S01E12, The Mentalist

Simon Baker Arrival Interview At Golden Globes
TV Guide Broadband
Glamour arrives at the 2009 Golden Globes red carpet! Joey Fatone interviews Simon Baker from the hit show THE MENTALIST.



PCA Red Carpet Interview Robin Tunney
CBS



The Mentalist's Maxine Bahns Is Expecting
By Ulrica Wihlborg
People

"Maxine Bahns, who plays Simon Baker's wife on the CBS drama The Mentalist, is pregnant with her first child, the actress tells PEOPLE.

"I'm very excited," says Bahns, who is due with a girl at the end of February. "The whole pregnancy has been amazing and I can't wait to love this baby." "

Full Article:
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20251535,00.html


Seven Bizarre Moments That Made the People’s Choice Awards Worth Watching
By: Mark Graham
New York Entertainment

"Poor Robin Tunney. We always thought she had the chops and the looks to break out in movies, but things never quite worked out for her. Now she's forced to play second banana to Simon Baker's eyebrows on The Mentalist. Adding insult to injury, PCA producers fed her what might go down as the single worst setup line in awards-show history: "Whether you're getting a little 'Satisfaction,' enjoying a 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' or taking that 'Stairway to Heaven,' a great rock song can be a real trip. One you want to take over and over again." Total groansticks. Oh, and she forgot to wear a bra."

Full Article:
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2009/01/peoples_choice_awards_1.html


15 Hottest Guys at the Golden Globes
People

"SIMON BAKER
Before The Mentalist nominee took to the red carpet in a bold, black-trimmed blue jacket, his day was a little more ordinary: "I woke up and did the dishes," he tells PEOPLE."

Full Article:
http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/redcarpet/2009/gallery/0,,20249194_20251634,00.html


Spain welcomes 'Mentalist': Strong debut on La Sexta
By John Hopewell
Variety

"Hot fall freshman skein “The Mentalist” has hit strong out-of-the-gate numbers in Spain -- just as U.S. series appeared to be losing some of their shine on Spanish broadcast networks.
Bowing back-to-back Thursday primetime on terrestrial web La Sexta, the first two episodes of “Mentalist” took an 11.1% share and 2.2 million viewers for the first, and 13.1% and 2.3 million for the second.

Ratings broadly doubled Sexta’s average 6.1% January channel share. They also mark Sexta’s biggest bow ever, and its best result for a non-sports event."

Full Article:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117998258.html?categoryid=19&cs=1

Tags: Articles, The Mentalist

Heads up for those who plan ahead... The Mentalist season 1 episode 13 has been rescheduled from it's original date of January 27th to now be broadcast, following the NFL's AFC Championship Game, on January 18th, 2009 at 10:00 PM, ET; 7:00 PM, PT on CBS.

An encore of The Mentalist Season 1 Episode 7 "Seeing Red" will now air in the 9PM ET slot on January 27th.

Check The Mentalist Episode Guide for complete info on the show's first run schedule.

Tags: Schedule, S01E13, S01E06, The Mentalist

Congratulations to the cast and crew of "The Mentalist"! On January 7th, 2009 during a live presentation on CBS, the freshman series won the award in the category of "Favorite New TV Drama" in the People's Choice Awards. Winners were chosen based on votes cast online by fans of their favorite shows.

Complete list of current, and past, winners (plus video highlights): http://www.pcavote.com/pca/history.jsp

Tags: Awards, The Mentalist

"THE MENTALIST" SEES ANOTHER SERIES HIGH ?19.62 MILLION VIEWERS: "The Mentalist" Posts CBS's Largest Audience in the Time Period Since 1995

CBS's freshman hit THE MENTALIST delivered nearly 20 million viewers, the largest audience ever for the first year drama, while NCIS posted its second largest audience ever, according to Nielsen updated live plus same day ratings for Tuesday, Jan. 6.

THE MENTALIST was first in households (12.2/18), viewers (19.62m), adults 25-54 (5.9/13) and second in adults 18-49 (4.0/10). THE MENTALIST was up +5% in households (from 11.6/18) and added +310,000 viewers (from 19.31m, +2%) compared to the last first run episode (on Dec. 16, 2008). These are series highs in both households and viewers, the second best delivery ever in adults 25-54 (behind the Dec. 16, 2008 broadcast) and matches the second best delivery in adults 18-49.

This is the third consecutive first run broadcast of THE MENTALIST to score a series high in viewers. It is also CBS's largest audience for a first run regularly scheduled program in this time period since February 28, 1995 (CBS TUESDAY MOVIE: "Children of the Dust" Part 2).


Source: CBS Press Release

Tags: Ratings, S01E11, The Mentalist

The Mentalist's Simon Baker will make an appearance as a presenter during the Golden Globes awards ceremony, to take place on January 11th, 2009. The show will be broadcast on NBC.

Tags: Appearances, TV, Simon Baker, The Mentalist

Amanda Righetti: 'I am Skeptical of Psychics'
Posted by Jarett Wieselman
New York Post

"PopWrap: With all the procedurals out there, what was your initial attraction to "The Mentalist?"
Amanda Righetti: It was sort of like the anti-procedural, procedural. I think most of all it was the role because it was so unlike anything else I've ever done on television. Grace's completely opposite of what I'm usually cast for and to be able to have fun with something different is really attractive.

PW: And I love that in just a handful of episodes, you guys were able to create a real fun dynamic between the CBI team.
Amanda: I think it helps that we're like that when the cameras aren't rolling as well. We definitely have a lot of that dynamic off camera as well. It's a really fun working environment."

Full Article:
http://blogs.nypost.com/popwrap/archives/2009/01/amanda_righetti.html


The Mentalist: Owain Yeoman Teases New Episodes
By Mickey O'Connor
TV Guide

"Welsh actor Owain Yeoman is, surprisingly, not sick of answering "the accent" question. In fact, he loves it when people think he's American. As "jock cop" Wayne Rigsby on CBS' The Mentalist (Tuesdays, 9 pm/ET), Yeoman is responsible for a lot of the drama's lighter moments, as he gorges himself on whatever food is available and stumbles sweetly in his attempts to woo a fellow agent. Yeoman spoke to TVGuide.com about Rigsby's future romantic prospects, precisely which accent he's aiming for and why his answers to our questions will be way better than Tim Kang's."

Full Article:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mentalist-Owain-Yeoman-1001283.aspx


'Mentalist,' '24' star chats about hit shows
By Kathy Hanrahan
WRAL

"From Fox’s “24” to the new CBS hit “The Mentalist,” actor Gregory Itzin has a knack for butting heads with unique main characters. On “24,” Itzin’s President Charles Logan tried to frame lead character Jack Bauer for the death of former President David Palmer. His “Mentalist” character, Virgil Minelli, is engaged in a battle to get his employee California Bureau of Investigations Agent Teresa Lisbon to control consultant Patrick Jane, who has a habit of going rogue."

Full Article:
http://www.wral.com/entertainment/blogpost/4254451/


CBS Is First Advertiser To Run Ad On Front Page Of New York Times
By Claire Atkinson
Broadcasting & Cable

"Rather than touting a particular show, however, CBS chose to run a brand campaign promoting the network’s many successful series including: CSI, Two and A Half Men, The Mentalist, 60 Minutes, as well as its football coverage."

Full Article:
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6626347.html


Celebs (including Simon Baker) Call Obama 'Best Gift of 2008'
Webcastr




In Step With Simon Baker
By James Brady
Parade

"I first got to know Baker when he was doing the powerful legal drama The Guardian. Since then, he’s been busy appearing in films such as The Devil Wears Prada. “That was a happy experience,” he told me of the movie. “I came in, did a couple of takes here, a couple of takes there.”

That casual Aussie attitude carries over to his starring role on The Mentalist, in which Baker plays Patrick Jane, a onetime showbiz psychic turned nonconforming sleuth. So far, the show has been one of the standout successes of the past season. “It’s a good outlet for me,” he said. “In this economic climate, we’re lucky. I signed for five years.”

Baker’s been living in the United States for 13 years. Knowing how fiercely Aussies love their own country, I off-handedly asked him, “Any interest in becoming an American?” Simon stopped talking, stared at me, and said, “Funny you mention it.” Then he dropped this unexpected news: “The morning after your election in November, I said to my wife Rebecca, ‘You know, I’m thinking about becoming an American,’ and then she said that she felt the same way. "

Full Article:
http://www.parade.com/celebrity/2009/01/simon-baker.html


Old Perceptions Die Hard for Flourishing CBS
By Lisa de Moraes
The Washington Post

"CBS's "The Mentalist" is the season's only new series that can be called a bona fide hit. And it's the only newbie on any network performing better in its time slot than the show it replaced. The drama series, which stars Simon Baker as a former made-for-TV psychic who now uses his super powers of observation to help cops solve heinous murder cases, attracted more than 19 million viewers to its most recent original episode -- CBS's largest audience for a regularly scheduled program on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. in nearly 14 years."

Full Article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/28/AR2008122801876.html?hpid=topnews


Reading the minds of the men behind 'The Mentalist'
By Emily Yahr
Savannah Morning News

"BAKER SAYS: I love con-men characters in film. It's such a joy to be able to play one, when you don't necessarily know when you're telling the truth or lying, but at the same time you like the character.

The fact that Patrick Jane was a fraud and entertainer and showbiz man, that informs his whole outfit, the look. Initially, he was a little more razzle-dazzle. And we played against that because I wanted that to be more in his persona. So the suits are all worn, and my shoes are really worn out. The idea was to show he hadn't bought any suits since the tragic incident with his wife and child. At that moment, he gave up on the physical appearance."

Full Article:
http://savannahnow.com/node/643119


PSYCHIC FRIEND: HOW SIMON BAKER BECAME TV'S HOTTEST NEW STAR ON 'THE MENTALIST'
NY Post

""He's a very handsome man," admits Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment and the top programmer at the network. "What we've had the chance to observe over the years with him is extraordinary.""

Full Article:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/12212008/tv/psychic_friend_145014.htm


Tim Kang Teases New Mentalist Episodes
By Mickey O'Connor
TV Guide

"TVGuide.com: What did they tell you about Cho going in?
Kang: Bruno fleshed it out a little bit, but also gave me enough room to contribute my own ideas to imprint on the character. Just from reading the script or seeing what Cho says to his teammates or whatever, you get an idea of his demeanor or style, which is a testament to Bruno's writing. It was crystal clear to me from Day 1. I don't necessarily know where we're going to go from here, but at least I got something to sink my teeth into, which was great.

TVGuide.com: Do you personally believe in this form of heightened perception that Patrick Jane practices? Does Cho?
Kang: I believe there are people out there who have powers of observation that are greater than my own. To the extent that Patrick Jane does it, Simon has told me some stuff about his research, and it sounds amazing. I think Cho absolutely believes in this power or talent. I think that he likes to look at it as a talent for picking these things out when everyone else misses them. There's no resentment or animosity because Jane gets the job done."

Full Article:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mentalist-Tim-Kang-1000922.aspx


A cop show with a reformed fake psychic -- it was in the stars
Maria Kubacki
The Ottawa Citizen

"It's a psychic show and a police procedural, all in one convenient package. One-stop watching: who has the time to commit to both Ghost Whisperer and CSI, or Medium and Law & Order?
No wonder The Mentalist emerged as the one real success in a season littered with faltering favourites (Heroes) and promising new shows that just didn't manage to get off the ground (My Own Worst Enemy)."

Full Article:
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=f03432d6-7906-4034-b784-53c4610d4f49

Tags: Articles, Simon Baker, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder for the first new episode of The Mentalist to be broadcast in the US for 2009!

"Red John's Friends" - Patrick Jane, enticed by the promise from a convicted murder that he'll reveal information about Red John upon his release, becomes singularly focused and quits the CBI in order to prove the prisoner is innocent, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Jan. 6 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Complete episode description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

Tags: Schedule, S01E11, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode Guide as been updated with information on The Mentalist Season 1 Episode 13 to be broadcast in January 2009.

"Paint It Red" - While it appears obvious that a business tycoon's son-in-law was in on the robbery of a $50 million painting since his body is found where the painting once hung, Patrick Jane suspects others, including a Russian oil baron, an art forger and an art curator, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Jan. 18 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET) on the CBS Television Network.

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

Update: The Above broadast date/time has been changed due to rescheduling by CBS.

Tags: Episodes, S01E13, The Mentalist

According to Mansha Daswani of World Screen, The Mentalist will begin airing in Canada on CTV as of Sunday, January 5th 2009. It will occupy the 10 p.m. (local time) slot, immediately following Desperate Housewives.

Source: http://www.worldscreen.com/newscurrent.php?filename=mentalist12238.htm

Tags: Schedule, Canada, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode Guide as been updated with information on The Mentalist Season 1 Episode 12 to be broadcast in January 2009.

"Red Rum" - Patrick Jane sets a mentalist trap to find out who is responsible for the murder of a high school boy who antagonized the local self-proclaimed witch by killing her cat, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Jan. 13 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

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

Tags: Episodes, S01E12, The Mentalist

For the Dec. 23rd, 2008 REPEAT broadcast of The Mentalist episode 4 "Ladies In Red":

According to the final live+same day ratings for it's time slot, The Mentalist was FIRST in households (6.6/11), viewers (10.67m) and adults 18-49 (2.1/6). It was also the most viewed show for the entire evening, besting a repeat episode of stablemate NCIS (10.59m viewers).

(Source: pifeedback.com & tvbythenumbers.com)

As a side note: "According to Nielsen, the scripted show that averaged the highest percentage of U.S homes all year was ... CBS' new drama "The Mentalist.""

Source: http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/12/nielsens-year-e.html

Tags: Ratings, S01E04, The Mentalist

Who's TV's New King? (Hint: It Ain't Grey's or CSI)
By Joal Ryan
E! Online

"Question 1: So, can you think back to a time when the Usual Suspects (CSI, Housewives, Grey's) were not No. 1? (Answer: Don't think so hard. The answer is just last week, when The Mentalist blew up by about 3 million viewers, and blew straight to the top of the Nielsen rankings—the first time a freshman show has pulled off the latter feat since, CBS said, Housewives was but a wee, young thing back in 2005.)
Question 2: So, what was so special about last week's Mentalist? (Answer: Nothing. Just "more exceptional storytelling," a CBS rep said modestly. That, and Dancing With the Stars is dark on Tuesdays until the spring.)"

Full Article:
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b72466_whos_tvs_new_king_hint_it_aint_greys_csi.html


Best Of 2008: Top 5 New Series
By Emily Hochberg
Fancast

"1. The Mentalist

Entertainment Weekly deemed The Mentalist the only hit TV show of the 2008 fall slate. It’s witty, it’s smart, and it stars a hot Aussie. Well, he’s American on the show, but Simon Baker nails it as Patrick Jane, a former TV psychic who’s admitted to faking his visions of the future but is the real deal when it comes to solving crimes. His unconventional approach clashes with no-nonsense Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon, played by Robin Tunney and their fellow team of agents who dislike his narcissistic ways but can’t belittle his knack for cracking cases. Created by Bruno Heller, The Mentalist is a bonafide hit for CBS with stellar ratings, and is one TV show we look forward to following for seasons to come."

Full Article:
http://thebiz.fancast.com/2008/12/top_5_new_series_of_2008.html


Mr. TV: Best, Worst of ’08
By Marc Berman
MediaWeek

"SNL may be the toast of late night, but two shows in prime time that deserve to be touted are CBS Tuesday dramas NCIS and The Mentalist. While they may not be magnets for young viewers, NCIS is now the third-most-watched program in prime time and lead-out The Mentalist, the perfect counterpart, is the highest rated new series of the year."

Full Article:
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/community/programming-insider/column/e3if39d7edc6dfc96b5d3a829e6f4f4d99f


Reading 'The Mentalist's' Mind
by Emily Yahr
The Washington Post

"Jane, played by Simon Baker, is a detective/former faux-psychic in the new CBS drama "The Mentalist," the sole breakout hit of a dismal fall TV season. The series features the California Bureau of Investigation and Jane, its brilliant and most controversial employee. Haunted by the murder of his wife and daughter, Jane uses his keen sense of observation, dead-on instincts and frighteningly blinding smile to charm his way into solving any crime.
We talked to Baker and creator Bruno Heller about the idea for this unique character."

Full Article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/style/studio/122108.html


Zap2it's Year in Review: The least-watched shows of fall 2008
By Rick Porter
Zap2it

"This fall has not been a great one for television, as has been widely both here and elsewhere. Ratings are down across the board, and with the exception of CBS' The Mentalist, which started strong and has stayed that way, there are no new hits to be found anywhere. Including in this post."

Full Article:
http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2008/12/zap2its-2008-ye.html


The Mentalist Simon Baker voted US star of the year
The Herald Sun

""I am one actor in a bunch of people that work very hard and tirelessly to get this show on the air. I am incredibly blessed,"said Baker, 39, in a phone interview from Santa Monica, where he was Christmas shopping with his wife, Rebecca, with whom he has three children (fellow Australians Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts are godparents for two of them).

Baker was reacting to the news that The Post's TV Week had named him its star of the year. "I'm incredibly flattered," he said humbly. "I enjoy the flattery of it, understanding too well that I'm just one piece in a big machine. "

Full Article:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24833002-5006022,00.html

Tags: Articles, The Mentalist

The December 23rd, 2008 episode of The Mentalist is:

"Ladies in Red" - When the team learns that a wealthy investment banker found murdered inside his locked safe room was living a dual life and skimming millions from clients, Patrick Jane sets up a mental conundrum to see which of the suspects will show their true colors, on a rebroadcast of THE MENTALIST Tuesday, Dec. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Originally broadcast 10/21/08)

Full description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide. Join us in The Mentalist Fan Forum for friendly discussion of the episode!

Tags: Schedule, S01E04, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode 10 "Red Brick And Ivy" ratings for the night of December 16th, 2008:

A RECORD-SETTING NIGHT FOR CBS AS THE NETWORK DELIVERS ITS LARGEST TUESDAY AUDIENCE SINCE 1995

"The Mentalist," the Season's Number One New Show, Shatters Its Previous Highs in All Measures

" At 9:00 PM, THE MENTALIST won its time slot in households (11.6/18), viewers (19.31m), adults 25-54 (6.1/14) and second in adults 18-49 (4.2/11). This is the best delivery ever for THE MENTALIST in viewers, adults 25-54 and adults 18-49. This is the second consecutive first-run broadcast THE MENTALIST to hit series highs in viewers, adults 25-54 and adults 18-49. This is CBS's largest audience for a first-run regularly scheduled program in this time period since Feb. 28, 1995 (CBS TUESDAY MOVIE: "Children of the Dust" Part 2). "

(source: CBS Press Release)

Tags: Ratings, S01E10, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Photo Gallery for Season one has been re-organized and split into seperate sections for each episode. A huge number of new promotional photos have, also, been added.

Galleries for a couple of episodes are currently lacking but more updates are forthcoming shortly.

Tags: Photos, S01E01, S01E02, S01E03, S01E04, S01E05, S01E10, The Mentalist

Broadcast Reminder: "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. Complete episode description and cast info is available in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

Note: This is the last new episode of The Mentalist to be broadcast in 2008. An encore of episode 4 will run on December 23rd. The series will return with new episodes beginning on January 6th, 2009 in it's normal slot.

Tags: Schedule, S01E10, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode Guide as been updated with information on what will be the first new episode of The Mentalist in 2009.

"Red John's Friends" - Patrick Jane, enticed by the promise from a convicted murder that he'll reveal information about Red John upon his release, becomes singularly focused and quits the CBI in order to prove the prisoner is innocent, on THE MENTALIST, Tuesday, Jan. 6 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

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

Tags: Episodes, S01E11, The Mentalist

For it's time period on December 9th, 2008 The Mentalist's repeat broadcast of episode 3 "Red Tide" was first in households (9.0/14), viewers (13.65m), second in adults 25-54 (4.0/09) and adults 18-49 (2.8/07). Compared to the first run broadcast of this episode (on October 14, 2008), the rebroadcast delivered 96% of the first run household ratings, 91% of viewers, 85% of adults 25-54 and 82% of adults 18-49.

(Source: CBS Press Release)

In related news, for the period of December 1st to December 7th, The Mentalist was the #1 most watched show of the week! The Mentalist is the first freshman series to hit #1 since ABC's Desperate Housewives in 2005.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSTRE4B914120081210

Tags: Ratings, S01E03, The Mentalist

"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.

See full description and cast listing in The Mentalist Episode Guide.

Tags: Schedule, S01E10, The Mentalist

Tonight's episode of The Mentalist is an encore presentation of episode 3:

"Red Tide" - When a high school girl's body washes up on the beach, Patrick Jane sets a mentalist trap in order to get her surfing friends to turn on each other and reveal what really happened, on a rebroadcast of THE MENTALIST Tuesday, Dec. 09 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Tags: Schedule, S01E03, The Mentalist

Freshman hit THE MENTALIST delivered its largest audience of the season (18.74m) and beat "Fringe" in adults 18-49 for the third time in four weeks, according to Nielsen updated live plus same day ratings for Tuesday, Dec. 2.

THE MENTALIST won its time slot in households (11.6/18), viewers (18.74m), adults 25-54 (5.4/12) and was tied for first in adults 18-49 (3.8/09, with NBC). Compared to last week, THE MENTALIST was up +20% in households (from 9.7/15), +8% in adults 25-54 (from 5.0/11), +3% in adults 18-49 (from 3.7/09) and added +2.81m viewers (from 15.93m, +18%). This is THE MENTALIST's best delivery in households and viewers. This is also the first time this season THE MENTALIST outdelivered its NCIS lead-in in both households and viewers.

(Source: CBS Press Release)

UPDATE 12/12/08: In related news, for the period of December 1st to December 7th, The Mentalist was the #1 most watched show of the week! The Mentalist is the first freshman series to hit #1 since ABC's Desperate Housewives in 2005.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSTRE4B914120081210

Tags: Ratings, S01E09, The Mentalist

What celebrities are thankful for this year
American Entertainment Productions

""I'm thankful that America actually stood up and did something quite extraordinary (with the election). ... I've been over here for 12 years and I have a green card and I've been delaying becoming a citizen because I was really troubled by the politics in this country, and sort of befuddled by it." — Australian actor Simon Baker, "The Mentalist.""

Full Article:
http://www.amentinc.com/blogs/2008/11/26/WhatCelebritiesAreThankfulForThisYear.aspx


Mentalist an unpredicible hit
Alex Strachan Canwest News Service, CNS
Financial Post

""One of the basic skills mentalists learn is how to tap into their own prodigious memories," Heller said. "People don't expect you to literally memorize phone books, but good mentalists can do exactly that. What they're doing is far more extraordinary than simply talking to someone on ‘the other side.'

"It says something profound about how the mind works. The human mind is an amazing thing. And what Patrick Jane does with his natural abilities is more extraordinary than talking to ghosts, I feel.""

Full Article:
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1001981


Q&A: 'The Mentalist' creator Bruno Heller
James Hibbard
The Hollywood Reporter

"THR: Did you watch police procedurals before creating the show?

Heller: It gives me vertigo to watch TV dramas. Previously I did "Rome" and I couldn’t watch any Roman things. So my process was to get things back to basics and try to do the show as if no one had done it before. So I very deliberately avoided seeing what was out there.

THR: When you first wrote the script, who did you picture for the role? Simon Baker is great, but he’s unusual enough so that I wouldn’t think a writer would imagine him per se.

Heller: Yes, as it turned out, he brings whole other stuff to the role that I hadn’t imagined. It needed somebody with grace -- physical and spiritual grace. I imagined a Cary Grant type of role. Somebody who moves and looks graceful, because those guys -- mentalists and psychics -- they have to be people you’d want to get close to because that’s what they are trying to do with you. Simon has those things in spades."

Full Article:
http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/11/qa-the-mentalis.html


Simon Baker sees future in The Mentalist
By Lynn Elber
Providence Journal

"Asked to dissect the appeal of The Mentalist, however, Baker was far more cautious than flip.

“I don’t want to touch it. I’m really happy. Knock on wood. ... This day and age, it’s a very competitive world, the television world. If people want to turn the television on and watch The Mentalist, then I’m very, very happy.”"

Full Article:
http://www.projo.com/tv/content/lb_TV_Mentalist_12-01-08_T4CB99H_v6.2993833.html


‘Mentalist’ Is a Hit, but Who Can See Into Its Future?
By Lisa Bernhard
NY Times

"BRUNO HELLER, the soft-spoken, British-born creator of the CBS series “The Mentalist,” about a television psychic turned crime-solving sleuth, was having a good laugh. He had just been asked what it’s like swanning around Hollywood as the man responsible for the fall television season’s top-rated new show.

“You make that sound very exciting and glamorous,” he said in his dapper English accent, followed by more laughter. “Not much happens, really. No rose petals are scattered in my path. I haven’t been to any parties. And if I went to parties, they would say, ‘Well done.’ And then they would say, ‘Let’s see how he does in the back nine,’ when I walked away.”"

Full Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/arts/television/30bern.html


What's His Secret? Watch and Learn
By Becky Krystal
Washington Post

"Baker said he was undaunted by having to depict a hyper-aware character whose thinking process unfolds before the audience.

"I've had a bit more problem with the showmanship side of it, because I haven't really played roles like that," he said.

"The watchful stuff is easy for me. Easier for me. Easy," Baker paused, then added, laughing, "None of it's easy for me!""

Full Article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/20/AR2008112002166.html

Tags: Articles, The Mentalist

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

The Mentalist garnered series high ratings for episode 5, “Redwood”, according Nielsen overnight data for the evening of October 28th, 2008. Attracting 16.07 million Live+Same Day viewers, it came in #2 in it’s time period and tied for #1 in the coveted 18-49 demographic with a score of 3.9/9.

Previous ratings are as follows;

Episode 1 (09/23/08): 15.60 M Viewers(#2), 3.5/9 A18-49 Demo(#3)
Episode 2 (09/30/08): 15.48 M Viewers(#1), 3.6/9 A18-49 Demo(#3)
Episode 3 (10/14/08): 14.94 M Viewers(#1), 3.4/8 A18-49 Demo(#2)
Episode 4 (10/21/08): 15.28 M Viewers(#2), 3.4/9 A18-49 Demo(#3)

(Source: pifeedback.com)

Tags: Ratings, S01E01, S01E02, S01E03, S01E04, S01E05, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Photo Gallery has been updated and now includes official promo photos for Season 1 episodes 1 through 7.

Tags: Photos, S01E01, S01E02, S01E03, S01E04, S01E05, S01E06, S01E07, The Mentalist

The Mentalist Episode Guide as been updated. It now includes information and scheduling data on all episodes up to, and including, S01E07 “The Thin Red Line” which will air November 18th, 2008 on CBS.

Update on Novermber 8th, 2008: "The Thin Red Line" is now scheduled for November 25th.

Tags: Episodes, S01E01, S01E02, S01E03, S01E04, S01E05, S01E06, S01E07, The Mentalist

On October 16th, CBS issued the following press release:

The Mentalist" is the Season's #1 New Show

CBS has given a full season order to its new drama THE MENTALIST, the season's top new freshman series in viewers and adults 25-54.

THE MENTALIST is averaging 16.14 million viewers (No. 7 among all primetime programs), 5.3/12 in adults 25-54 and 3.8/09 in adults 18-49. THE MENTALIST is the #1 program in its Tuesday (9:00-10:00 PM) time period in viewers and adults 25-54.

THE MENTALIST stars Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, an independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation.

THE MENTALIST also stars Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman and Amanda Righetti.



Bruno Heller is executive producer for Warner Bros. Television.

Tags: Renewal, CBS, The Mentalist