THE BEST OF THE WEEK
SATURDAY
MasterChef Australia TVNZ 1, 8.35pm It is aprons at the ready as eight contestants face an elimination challenge. Judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan (above) and Matt Preston will be watching closely. Real Story Of... Choice, 8.30pm How accurate are Hollywood adaptations of real-life stories? Some might say ‘Not very’. Tonight’s episode of this documentary series looks at Navy seal Chris Kyle, who was the subject of the film American Sniper.
SUNDAY
The Block NZ Three, 7pm An apprentice builder, a graphic designer and a fireman are among the contestants in this year’s show where project management skills are just as important as deciding how to position the sofa cushions. The chosen site for painting, sanding and (no doubt) bickering is in Northcote on Auckland’s North Shore. Mark Richardson (above) returns as host and the teams include twin sisters and best friends.
MONDAY
Secret Cities Choice, 7.30pm Art historian Janina Ramirez (above) and art critic Alastair Sooke show off their favourite parts of cities including St Petersburg and Barcelona. Camp Twitch TVNZ 2, 8.35pm This local doco follows a group of young people, like Analise Twemlow, with Tourette’s syndrome who attend a Rotorua camp. We had a sneak peek of the doco and, if you don’t know much about Tourette’s, this is definitely worth a look.
TUESDAY
Native Affairs Maori TV, 8pm There are some excellent stories on this current affairs show hosted by Oriini Kaipara. The programme looks at a variety of issues concerning Maori as well as indigenous people overseas. Banter Duke, 8.30pm Comedian and self-confessed political junkie Tim Batt (above) hosts this local live panel discussion show about issues which are likely to pique the interest of young New Zealanders.
WEDNESDAY
The Demolition Teams Prime, 8.35pm Buildings, some of which have been affected by earthquakes, are deliberately destroyed in this local doco about demolition crews. One Born Every Minute TVNZ 1, 9.45pm Unlike many other TV programmes, this one shows what childbirth is really like. (Thankfully it is not too graphic.) On the plus side, there are doting parents and cute babies such as Arabella (above) with Yvonne, 41, and Gary, 48.
THURSDAY
The Kennedys: After Camelot Prime, 8.30pm Katie Holmes (above) and
Friends’ Matthew Perry play Jackie Kennedy and Ted Kennedy in a new drama about the famous American family. The series looks at life after the assassinations of JFK and his brother Robert. Oh I’m glad I’m not a Kennedy... Conviction Prime, 9.30pm In this new US legal drama, a lawyer and former first daughter is blackmailed into accepting a job from her nemesis.
FRIDAY
The Graham Norton Show Three, 8pm Alison Moyet, who shot to fame in the 80s (but has been almost
Invisible at times since), has a new album and a world tour to promote. She joins Mark Wahlberg, Tom Holland, Sienna Miller (above), Woody Harrelson and Andy Serkis on this episode. Mamma Mia Bravo, 8.30pm Set on a Greek island, this is a light romantic comedy with Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Abba songs aplenty. Thank you for the music.