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 Last Exorcism Brings Scares On Chatroulette August 19, 2010May 12, 2011The Eli Roth-produced The Last Exorcism has had a small viral presence this summer leading up to its August 27th national release. Now, however, Lionsgate looks to be pushing the viral even more, this time on Chatroulette, the website that allows you to meet and talk to strangers. If you… Read More
Christoph Waltz Is DJesus on SNL February 17, 2013Last night, Django Unchained star Christoph Waltz hosted Saturday Night Live. While there were several skits that were hilarious, the best was clearly the fake trailer where Waltz takes on Quentin Tarantino films. Watch that sketch, as well as the entire episode, after the break. Read More
Puss In Boots is the Most Interesting Cat In The World September 12, 2011September 12, 2011Dreamworks Animation went meme on us with a video for Puss In Boots that parodies the popular Dos Equis commercial starring the Most Interesting Man In The World. Check out the video after the break. He doesn’t always drink milk, but when he does… 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.