New shows: TVNZ reveals what viewers can expect to see soon.
It has been a tough year for most people so it’s good to have something to look forward to. Melenie Parkes checks out some of the top local and international shows which TVNZ will be bringing to viewers.
New local shows on TVNZ 1
Moving Houses
They say that moving house is one of the most stressful experiences of your life, but what about moving an actual house? Clarke Gayford is about to find out in this new series. New Zealand’s First Bloke puts down his fishing rod and pops on the high-vis vest to follow house relocations across the country.
“Relocating a home really is the greatest form of recycling we have in New Zealand,” says Gayford. “Homes previously destined for the wrecking ball are given not only a second chance, but complete makeovers, in brand-new dream locations.
“As host of Moving Houses, I can’t wait to follow this crazy process through, watching as passionate innovative Kiwis create new places to call home.”
The Panthers
This six-part series tells the story of the founding of the Polynesian Panthers, the Auckland street gang turned political activists. It dramatises an important chapter in New Zealand history as the Panthers became political revolutionaries fighting racial discrimination in the 1970s.
National Treasures
Husband-and-wife Scotty and Stacey Morrison (left) are almost national treasures themselves so it seems only fitting that they should present this search for New Zealand’s most prized possessions. In the series, the couple travel the country, meeting people and learning about those items they hold so dear, which could be anything from a Bob Marley concert ticket to a bus ticket from the day of the Christchurch earthquakes. These riches, big and small, will be gathered and curated at Te Papa. “The stories that National Treasures uncovered were emotional, funny, and sometimes shocking,” says Stacey. “It’s so good to hear our own stories of significant moments in the past 100 years of New Zealand’s history, told in such
a personal way ... This series filled me with pride at the vibrant fabric of Aotearoa.”
The Apprentice Aotearoa
“You’re fired!” Those are words no one wants to hear and yet the lure of a leg up on the business ladder will surely tempt the corporate hopefuls on The Apprentice Aotearoa. After a decade off air, the local version of the reality series roars back to life. Contestants will compete in a series of challenges for the chance to win a prestigious job opportunity.
Returning local shows on TVNZ 1
The Casketeers, One Lane Bridge, Eat Well For Less NZ, The Great Kiwi Bake Off and The Brokenwood Mysteries (both moving to TVNZ 1).
New international shows on TVNZ 1
Life
From the creators of Doctor Foster comes this new British drama. It follows four people at different stages of life living in adjacent flats. Their stories interweave as we learn about what goes on behind each of their closed doors.
Us
Based on the novel by David Nicholls, Us is a comedy starring Tom Hollander (Rev) and Saskia Reeves (Shetland) as married couple Douglas and Connie. After Connie tells Douglas she wants to leave, he tries to win her back over the course of a European holiday.
Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet
Sir David Attenborough (left) presents this five-part series which explores how nature works in harmony to create a perfect world.
New local shows on TVNZ 2
Popstars
More than 20 years and many international imitations later, Popstars, the first reality show designed to find singing talent, is making a comeback. As with the original iteration which birthed True Bliss, Popstars 2021 will give talented young New Zealanders the chance to find fame, auditioning as solo artists, duos or groups.
Travel Guides NZ
In the local version of this popular Australian show, New Zealand families will test drive the rest-and-recreation options this country has to offer. As with the Aussie version, expect drama and laughter in equal measure.
Carlos’ Reno Rescue
Carlos Spencer is trading in the toffee pops for a tool belt. The former All Black is surprising deserving New Zealanders with a room renovation. Carlos and his team will make over a space for someone who has been nominated as worthy of a special treat.
The Walkers
While it might sound like a show about professional pedestrians, this new reality series shines a spotlight on our very own soon-to-be celebrity family. The Walkers follows Stan Walker (left) and his family on both sides of the Tasman, promising a no-holds-barred look at the singer and his wh nau.
Vegas
Based on the novel Inside The Black Horse, this drama tells the story of a drug deal gone awry and the rippling effects it has throughout a small community. A local tavern owner, who is a solo mother, is pulled into a gang war when rival factions use her bar for a methamphetamine deal. But the operation doesn’t quite go as planned.
Patriot Brains
It is time to put the age-old trans-Tasman rivalry to the test. From the creators of 7 Days comes this new quiz show which pits New Zealanders against Australians. Two teams of comedians will battle to prove they know the most about their respective country, answering big questions like, ‘Who has the best road movie?’ and ‘Who has the most confusing and outdated
law?’.
Returning local shows on TVNZ 2
Celebrity Treasure Island
Following the international trend of keeping it local in our new pandemic normal, Celebrity Treasure Island will be held on home turf next year. Instead of a Fijian sunset, the celebrities will be battling it out under crisp Kiwi skies and instead of worrying about tropical critters in their sleeping bags, they need stress only about an errant w t or two.
Local: The Bachelorette New Zealand, Wellington Paranormal, Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Bachelor NZ. International: MasterChef Australia, Junior MasterChef.
New local shows on TVNZ OnDemand
Good Grief
When sisters Ellie and Gwen Goode inherit a funeral home from their koro, they also inherit its three employees, who aren’t exactly thrilled with their new employers in this comedy series (above).
Scribe: The Return Of The Crusader
He is one of New Zealand’s most successful recording artists but Scribe has also struggled with drug addiction. This documentary follows him as he works on his new album and reflects
on the highs and lows in his life.
Young And...
A series of documentaries telling the stories
of young people and the issues that matter to them, from sexuality and gender to culture and social identity.
Waiata/Anthems
In 2019, New Zealand musicians including Bic Runga, Tiki Taane, Tami Neilson, Stan Walker and Six60 recorded te reo versions of their songs for a compilation album called Waiata/Anthems which proved to be a critical and commercial success. This series follows a new group of artists, including Don McGlashan, Hollie Smith, Annie Crummer and Katchafire as they contribute to the next album of waiata.
Creamerie