Ratings hit Dancing with the Stars could be the next reality TV show on the chopping block.
MediaWorks announced on Thursday it would not renew the much-criticised local version of British cooking hit Come Dine With Me, just days after it confirmed X Factor and MasterChef NZ are off the TV3 rosters next year, too.
Dancing with the Stars is set to join them in the reality graveyard, a TV industry insider told the Herald on Sunday.
"Production staff have been told not to expect many programmes to be made next year," the source said. "Dancing with the Stars was popular but it is one of the reality shows facing the axe."
The broadcaster was reluctant to comment on its long-term future, saying a decision had not been made.
Dancing with the Stars, won by broadcaster Simon Barnett and dance partner Vanessa Cole, pulled 463,000 viewers for its July grand final and averaged 390,000 across the series. It was a hailed a success compared to a number of the station's other reality offerings.
The MasterChef NZ final got just 207,000 viewers , down 59 per cent from the fifth season when it was on TV One.
X Factor NZ averaged 333,500 viewers and drew 365,000 for its final in May. The ratings marked a significant drop from the 2013 final, which attracted 560,000 viewers.
It was also revealed this week TV3's leading current affairs show 3D is likely to go at the end of the year.
MediaWorks' other reality offerings Grand Designs, The Block and The Bachelor would return, it confirmed.