Best on the Box
Stuff’s James Croot‘s top TV picks for the week ahead.
The Naughty Bits, 10.30pm, Saturday, Prime
Welcome repeat of this terrific 2015 documentary which explores the history of censorship in New Zealand and the way our tastes and concepts of what is acceptable have changed over the years. The three-part series contains interviews with key players, such as past censorship officers, and historical information and footage to paint a picture of censorship from the early days of New Zealand to now. Episode one traces how the law has dealt with the portrayal of sex in literature, art and film.
The Miniaturist, 7.30pm, Monday, SoHo
Romola Garai, Anya Taylor-Joy and Alex Hassell star in this new BBC period thriller based on the popular 2014 book by Jessie Burton. Set in 1686, it’s the story of Nella Oortman (Taylor-Joy) who, after an arranged marriage, arrives in Amsterdam to begin her new life as the wife of wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt. However, when her husband presents her with a wedding gift of a cabinet that is a miniature replica of their home, she slowly realises the tiny creations mirror what is happening within the
The Summit, 8.30pm, Monday, Maori TV
Nick Ryan’s 2012 tale recounts the deadliest day on the world’s most dangerous mountain, when 11 climbers mysteriously perished on K2. ‘‘Tells a multifaceted story that deals with more than the expected peril and exhilaration of adventure tales,’’ wrote Los Angeles Times’ Kenneth Turan.
Would I Lie to You, 7.30pm, Thursday, UKTV
Rob Brydon is back to host the 11th season of this award-winning British comedy panel show. David Mitchell and Lee Mack once again captain the teams, with the celebrities including comedian Jo Brand, Bob Mortimer, Ade Edmondson, Richard Osman and Katherine Ryan scheduled to appear.
Hotel Coolgardie, 8.30pm, Thursday, Rialto
A cross between Kiwi rugby doco The Ground We Won and an Aussie Outback horror film, Peter Gleeson’s 2016 documentary is a compelling yet chilling watch. Set in the Western Australian Romola Garai and Anya Taylor-Joy star in The Miniaturist. township’s Denver City Hotel, it focuses on the misadventures of two Finnish backpackers employed as barmaids there. While Gleeson tries to get us to look beyond the troubling attitudes of the town’s populace, it’s hard not to feel somewhat unclean after spending 80 minutes in their company.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, 9.30pm, Thursday, SoHo
For the second season of his American Crime Story anthology series, Ryan Murphy turns his attention to the murder of the flamboyant Italian fashion designer, focusing in particular on the life of his killer Andrew Cunanan and the fallout from Versace’s very public execution. Penelope Cruz, Edgar Ramirez and Ricky Martin star.