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
ARGs & Campaigns Flynn Lives: End of Line For The “TRON: Legacy” Viral Campaign December 8, 2010October 18, 2011So you might be aware of this thing called TRON: Legacy that has been steamrolling its way through entertainment culture with resounding hype heard ‘round the world. You may not know just how deep the hype rabbit-hole goes, though. Today is the proof in the electroluminescent pudding: hundreds of people… Read More
“Green Lantern” Viral Responds to Readers May 11, 2011May 11, 2011As the release date for Green Lantern draws near, advertisements for the film are starting to appear. With trailers, tv spots, and toys being the usual go to ads, WB has not forgot to reach out to the Internet audiences. Their virals have led up to an ARG and a… Read More
The Dharma Initiative Wins an Emmy! September 21, 2009September 21, 2009As most of you know, the Emmys aired live last night, and the show hogged the ratings as usual. Usually, this year included, I just skip the awards and check out the big winners later that night or the next day. However, there was one category that caught my eye… 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.