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Times Square billboard

STEAMING up Times Square… billboard advertisement promoting the second US season of McLeod's Daughters suggests there's more raunch than romance on the farm Down Under.

US network sells Aussie farm girls as hot on horseplay

THE New York Times describes McLeod's Daughters as "Dallas Down Under and Bonanza with better hair", but Americans might soon know it better as Pashion in the Paddock.

A risque new billboard near Times Square shows a sexy young model astride a half-naked farmhand, and beside it the slogan: "A ride in the saddle has a whole new meaning."

The hit Australian show was an unexpected ratings success last year for US cable network Women's Entertainment. McLeod's Daughters and a reality show called Bridezillas were the network's two top-rating programs.

The network is promoting the second season of McLeod's Daughters by suggesting it is raunchier than its G-rating indicates.

Australian fans might be surprised at the image being presented in the US ­ romance has given way to raunch.

At a recent McLeod's Daughters publicity stunt in mid-town New York, Women's Entertainment cowgirls armed with lassos stalked and captured some spirited young male models.

"The advertising is kind of between what McLeod's Daughters is and what Women's Entertainment is about," network spokeswoman Kimberley McDade said.

And what is the network about? "We love men," Ms McDade said.

The network's promotion promises a "hot" actor for every night this month. Mel Gibson is one of the featured actors, but Russell Crowe did not make the cut.

That may have been an oversight, Ms McDade said. "Russell Crowe is hot," she confirmed.

US critics have given McLeod's Daughters some decent reviews.

The Washington Times described it as a "western series showcasing a ranch run by cowgirls", and the New York Times congratulated the scriptwriters for "empowering" the women on the "ranch".

The Times noted that most of the villains were men, and approved of the concept of slow-burn romances.

"To the show's credit," wrote the Times, "it takes its own sweet time to let sexual tensions build and simmer."

The newly won US audience may now expect a faster pace.

By Adam Harvey
April 09, 2005
The Courier Mail