Learn the Math Behind CBS Show Numb3rs Dan Koelsch, February 21, 2010 There are a lot of procedural shows on right now, shows in which a problem is introduced, investigated and solved all within the same episode (think CSI, Bones, almost every one hour show other than LOST). Many have gimmicks to try to separate them from the bunch (his partner is a psychic!), and one of my favorite gimmick procedurals is Numb3rs on CBS. There’s a nifty website created to supplement the show. The show centers on the Los Angeles branch of the FBI, where agent Eppes (rob Morrow) has a brother who is a math genius and professor at Cal Tech. Each episode has Professor Eppes (David Krumholtz) using advanced mathematics to help solve a case. For us regular folk, this stuff goes over our head, but if you are interested in the math, Wolfram (makers of software Mathematica) have teamed up with the show to help you out. Wolfram’s Numb3rs website goes through each episode and explains the mathematical principals the characters are using or talking about. The well designed site is meant to look like a case file being opened, and you can watch videos that show the math. For a much more detailed look at the science, each concept has a link to it’s own Wolfram page. It’s nice to know that the characters aren’t talking gibberish, and this kind of stuff can actually work. Numb3rs airs Fridays at 10/9c on CBS. Viral Marketing CBSNumb3rsNumbers
The Underworld Hacks “Real Steel” Press Kits September 8, 2011September 7, 2011Our friends over at FusedFilm got a pretty cool Real Steel press kit on Wednesday that actually involves the World Robot Boxing viral campaign we have been covering. It looks like an anti-WRB group called “The Underworld” has found a way to make its presence known. Read More
American Idol Audition Clip Goes Viral, Gets Parodied January 15, 2010January 15, 2010Since there has been a YouTube, there has always been an outlet for television clips that would otherwise go unnoticed and wash away into the abyss. Sometimes it can be hurtful to a television show to have clips leak online, but usually it’s a great way to get more eyes… Read More
Justin Bieber Heats Up SNL For Valentine’s Day February 10, 2013Justin Bieber hosted a The Valentine’s Day themed Saturday Night Live last night, and the episode was full of parodies on television shows and even Grease. Check out the entire episode after the break. Read More
The show’s “Chain Factor” ARG is still my favorite example of integrating the viral with the tv show. Took the premise from the Primacy and extended it seamlessly (which is pretty difficult, after watching the episode’s resolution) onto the web and into the real world.