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A scene from HBO's adaptation of the bestselling book, My Brilliant Friend.

ENTERTAINMENT

My Brilliant Friend on TV: Did they get it right?

8 Dec, 2018 9:00am
3 minutes to read

It's brilliant, beautiful, a cut above almost every other recent TV show. Is that enough?

A new Netflix series, called Dogs, follows heartbreaking stories of pets and their owners.

ENTERTAINMENT

Why Netflix has gone to the Dogs

1 Dec, 2018 10:30am
3 minutes to read

Warning: These might seem like simple dog stories, but they'll break your heart.

Benecio Del Toro in Escape From Dannemora.

Prison break drama missing in action

24 Nov, 2018 11:50am
3 minutes to read

Prison escape drama lacks action but makes up for it with slow-build tension.

Little Drummer Girl is one of the best shows on TV right now.

ENTERTAINMENT

Here's a late contender for TV show of the year

17 Nov, 2018 9:30am
3 minutes to read

Should you watch another intensely stylish trans-European spy thriller? Yes, you should.

Julia Roberts in Homecoming, the movie star's first major TV role.

ENTERTAINMENT

How good is Julia Roberts in her first major TV role?

10 Nov, 2018 1:30pm
3 minutes to read

Julia Roberts is predictably outstanding. As for the rest of this podcast-turned TV show?

Flavor Flav from Public Enemy, a scene from Netflix show Hip Hop Evolution.

ENTERTAINMENT

How hip-hop is taking over TV too

3 Nov, 2018 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Scratch the record and forget about rock docs: hip hop documentaries are where it's at.

Mary Berry starts sampling the goods in Britain's Best Home Cook.

ENTERTAINMENT

Why Mary Berry's new show is tough to swallow

27 Oct, 2018 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Britain is in even more trouble than we thought, judging by Mary Berry's new cooking show.

The Romanoffs, Amazon Prime Video's new anthology series, can be brilliant and baffling.

ENTERTAINMENT

Can The Romanoffs reach the highs of Mad Men?

20 Oct, 2018 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

It's brilliant, tedious, cinematic and completely ridiculous, says Calum Henderson.

Hilz and Mary from Gogglebox, the show that lets you watch people watch TV.

ENTERTAINMENT

Should you stare at Gogglebox?

13 Oct, 2018 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Watching people watch TV - what's that like? Calum Henderson turns on the Gogglebox.

In its third season, The Good Place remains as clever as ever.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Good Place remains TV's best place

6 Oct, 2018 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Here's one of the funniest and most easily enjoyable shows on TV right now.

A scene from TVNZ 1's new show Vanity Fair.

ENTERTAINMENT

This TV show could go either way

29 Sep, 2018 9:00am
3 minutes to read

The tone takes a while to settle, but Vanity Fair turns out to be a slick period drama.

Fred Armisen and Maya Rudolph in Forever.

ENTERTAINMENT

Here's your new favourite TV show - watch out for twists

22 Sep, 2018 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

Forever is a series that skillfully wrong-foots its audience. The less you know the better

Melanie Lynskey as Molly Strand in Castle Rock.

ENTERTAINMENT

Melanie Lynskey as you've never seen her before

15 Sep, 2018 11:00am
3 minutes to read

A psychic real estate agent? What is Melanie Lynskey up to in Castle Rock?

ENTERTAINMENT

John Krasinski as Jack Ryan - does it work?

8 Sep, 2018 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Jim from The Office has abs now. A proper six-pack. What's going in Jack Ryan?

Kids and adults are hooked on Ask the Storybots.

ENTERTAINMENT

This TV show for kids is great for adults too

1 Sep, 2018 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Great music, in-jokes for adults and a cameo from Snoop Dogg. What's not to like?

Judy Davis as Emma and Aaron Pedersen as Jay in Mystery Road.

ENTERTAINMENT

It's time to take a trip down Mystery Road

25 Aug, 2018 11:00am
3 minutes to read

TV adaptation of popular film series is one of the more satisfying spin-offs you'll find.

Detective Tori Lustigman (Yael Stone) and Detective Nick Manning (Noah Taylor) investigate the brutal murder of a young gay man in Bondi.

ENTERTAINMENT

Why you should dive into Deep Water

18 Aug, 2018 10:00am
3 minutes to read

New Aussie-noir series examines the historical ineptitude of Sydney police.

Hannah Grant makes sure her team of cyclists are well fed.

ENTERTAINMENT

Hearts race, stomachs rumble in Eat. Race. Win.

11 Aug, 2018 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Welcome to a weird hybrid of sports documentary and cooking tour.

ENTERTAINMENT

The new Scandi-noir thriller you need to see

4 Aug, 2018 11:30am
3 minutes to read

No mucking about in this high-stakes European drama, writes Calum Henderson.

Gordon Ramsay's new show 24 Hours to Hell and Back.

ENTERTAINMENT

Gordon Ramsay's new show is pure hell

28 Jul, 2018 12:30pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: You've seen Gordon Ramsay before - but never as overcooked as this.

Dark Tourist captures the authentic anxieties and contradictions of everyday tourism.

ENTERTAINMENT

Kiwi's grim travel show most relatable ever?

21 Jul, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Dark Tourist is macabre, weird as hell but also...kind of wonderful.

ENTERTAINMENT

Calum Henderson: Amy Adams shines in Sharp Objects

14 Jul, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Sharp Objects is a compelling yet uncomfortable watch.

Mark Richardson and Shelley Ferguson are presenters for The Block NZ 2018.

ENTERTAINMENT

Could this be the end of The Block NZ?

7 Jul, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Stress, tension but all done in an hour.

Derren Brown: The Push for Netflix. Photo / Supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

Calum Henderson: The miracle is all in the mind

30 Jun, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Give Derren Brown this: he knows how to get attention.

TV chef and author Nigella Lawson. Photo / Supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

Calum Henderson: Nigella takes us gently to a good place

23 Jun, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The mistress of the kitchen has space at her table in a new series.

Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien plays Sarah Platt.

ENTERTAINMENT

Coro Streets ahead: What a week

16 Jun, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Tears, laughter, familiar faces still the essence of Coro.

Once you get over your initial disbelief, Knives Out is an absolutely cracking sports documentary.

ENTERTAINMENT

Knives Out: Cutting edge viewing

9 Jun, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: The stakes are high for the competing Sharp Blacks.

Jordan Mooney (centre) plays Dance Exponents lead sing Jordan Luck in Why Does Love? Photo / Supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

Who's next for film biopic: Lorde, Scribe?

2 Jun, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Make a musical biopic — you can't lose.

All Blacks during the national anthem. Photo / Getty Images

ENTERTAINMENT

Calum Henderson: A doco of two halves

26 May, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

All or Nothing divulges the inner workings of our rugby team.

ENTERTAINMENT

Calum Henderson: Have a good cry, pet

19 May, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Vet on the Hill and his furry friends tug at the heartstrings.

Samantha Hayes dances with Aaron Gilmore in Dancing With The Stars. Photo / Three

ENTERTAINMENT

Be a sport: Dancing with the Stars

12 May, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Dancing with the Stars: Light reality or serious sport?

TV show Design Junkies host Shane Hansen.

ENTERTAINMENT

A rubbish show that's worth watching

4 May, 2018 5:57pm
3 minutes to read

REVIEW: Design series better than most reality junk, says Calum Henderson.

ENTERTAINMENT

Calum Henderson: Danish edge lost in translation

14 Apr, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Comedy remake Splitting Up Together is weird, but there are encouraging signs.

New HBO series <i>Barry</i> is Bill Hader's biggest lead role to date.

ENTERTAINMENT

Class act in dark comedy Barry

7 Apr, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Calum Henderson on hitman and actor Barry.

ENTERTAINMENT

Easter TV treats: The best on the box this Easter

31 Mar, 2018 5:30am
4 minutes to read

Calum Henderson comes to the rescue - the best on the box this Easter.

ENTERTAINMENT

Terrace House is a gentle but compelling watch

24 Mar, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Terrace House, Japanese reality franchise is a surprisingly difficult show to describe.

Tim Roth stars as British serial killer John Christie in Rillington Place.

ENTERTAINMENT

The terrifying true story behind Rillington Place

14 Mar, 2018 8:00am
4 minutes to read

A three-part mini-series recaptures the terror of British serial killer John Christie.

The Wall is a 'heartless money scramble' that has taken over the world.

ENTERTAINMENT

Game show 'a weirdly heartless money scramble'

28 Feb, 2018 8:00am
4 minutes to read

'It's a show so simplistic it makes Tipping Point seem like Mastermind.'

Rachel Brosnahan as Miriam 'Midge' Maisel.

ENTERTAINMENT

Calum Henderson: Stand up for the Mrs

25 Feb, 2018 10:55am
3 minutes to read

It's another time, another place and has the feel of another show, writes Calum Henderson.

ENTERTAINMENT

90s-style Kiwi family game show to hit screens

18 Feb, 2018 1:10pm
4 minutes to read

The ultimate code-breaker returns with Simon Barnett, writes Calum Henderson.

ENTERTAINMENT

Is Jeremy Wells the Paul Holmes for millenials?

4 Feb, 2018 8:17am
4 minutes to read

Newsboy will put the edge back into New Zealand current affairs, writes Calum Henderson.

The third season of TVNZ 2's My Kitchen Rules NZ has been simmering away nicely on Monday nights. Photo / supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

MKR serving up a plate of Good vs Evil

26 Nov, 2017 10:50am
4 minutes to read

Good vs evil, darkness vs light — the MKRNZ bandwagon is leaving the station.

Jacinda Ardern's DNA reveals she is 54 per cent British & Irish, 29 per cent Northwestern European, 10 per cent French-German, 3.7 per cent Scandinavian and 1 per cent Eastern European. Photo / TVNZ

ENTERTAINMENT

The roots of our Prime Minister

8 Nov, 2017 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern traces her roots back to Greece and New York.

Bill English with the class from Ellerslie Primary featured in Face the Classroom.

ENTERTAINMENT

Must-see TV: Kiwi kids grill political leaders

20 Sep, 2017 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Move over Hosking and Gower, these are NZ's toughest political interviewers.

Homemade marks a return to property shows of old, before the days of The Block.

ENTERTAINMENT

TVNZ's Homemade delivers old school DIY

30 Aug, 2017 8:00am
3 minutes to read

homemade

A scene from HBO's Room 104. Photo / Supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

NZ television could learn from this show

2 Aug, 2017 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Hit and miss, inconsistent and all over the place - is exactly what makes it so exciting.

The real-life story of Kiwi band The Exponents made for gripping Sunday Theatre viewing.

ENTERTAINMENT

New Zealand needs more TV like this

19 Jul, 2017 8:00am
4 minutes to read

The story behind The Exponents made for electric Sunday Theatre viewing.

Wild horses, or mustangs, roam freely over much of the southwest United States. They live in herds of five to 20 horses, mainly breeding females and foals led by a dominant stallion.

ENTERTAINMENT

Attenborough delivers the year's best drama

12 Jul, 2017 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Sir David Attenborough and his team return with Planet Earth II.

Flight of the Conchords's HBO show debuted 10 years ago. Has it stood up to the test of time?

ENTERTAINMENT

What if the Conchords sucked?

21 Jun, 2017 9:00am
4 minutes to read

What if, in hindsight, Flight of the Conchords sucked? Let's go back and check.

Jamie Curry went to Antartica and learned it was cold and full of science.

ENTERTAINMENT

A millenial's view of Antarctica

19 May, 2017 8:00am
3 minutes to read

YouTube star Jamie Curry went to Antartica and found it was cold and full of science.

ENTERTAINMENT

TVNZ's Naked Choir fails to hit right note

5 May, 2017 8:00am
3 minutes to read

TVNZ's new series is more 'Praise Be' than a cappella X Factor.

Neil Oliver returns for the second season of Coast New Zealand on TVNZ.

ENTERTAINMENT

The secret to Coast New Zealand's appeal

26 Apr, 2017 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Neil Oliver returns with his poetic turn of phrase.

Screaming Reels is a fishing show like no other, starring Leigh Hart and Jason Hoyte.

ENTERTAINMENT

Leigh Hart's hilarious return to TV

19 Apr, 2017 9:00pm
3 minutes to read

Funnyman Leigh Hart is back - and more ridiculous than ever.

ENTERTAINMENT

Finished S-Town? Here's your next binge

10 Apr, 2017 11:07am
3 minutes to read

After finishing the series then you may be desperately searching for the next podcast hit.

Lanky, handlebar-moustached Kiwi bloke-out-of-time Darryl Walker from the web series, Darryl: An Outward Bound Story. Photo / TVNZ

ENTERTAINMENT

Darryl, the bloke skewering Kiwi blokes

31 Mar, 2017 8:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: 10-part web series about humiliated athlete's quest to regain form.

Dealing with Scientology is like being in a relationship with someone with a borderline personality disorder. Louis Theroux. Photo / FRPAP.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Cult fiction: Scientology

21 Mar, 2017 8:16pm
6 minutes to read

Scientology puts journalists on a par with perverts, writes Calum Henderson.

ylvester Stallone hosts the television series Ultimate Beastmaster. Photo / Netflix

ENTERTAINMENT

The brutal future of reality game shows

10 Mar, 2017 8:00am
3 minutes to read

This TV show offers a hint of what reality games could be like on global streaming.

Shailene Woodley, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman star in Big Little Lies.

ENTERTAINMENT

The addictive new thriller you need to watch

1 Mar, 2017 8:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The mini-series format is where the show's real strength lies, and why it promises addictive viewing.

A scene from the television series, Te Radar's Chequered History. Photo / TVNZ1

ENTERTAINMENT

A bizarre history of New Zealand

24 Feb, 2017 8:30am
3 minutes to read

Te Radar's new series offers an obscure but interesting patchwork of NZ history.

Last night I watched a live dress rehearsal of The Project. I saw the future. Now I have the answers. Photo / Three

ENTERTAINMENT

Has Three finally solved the 7pm problem?

17 Feb, 2017 8:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The Spinoff's Calum Henderson watched a live dress rehearsal for The Project, and predicts the 7pm curse will soon be broken.

Three's The AM Show hosts, Mark Richardson, Duncan Garner and Amanda Gillies. Photo / The Am Show Facebook

ENTERTAINMENT

Why Mark Richardson is the new Paul Henry

14 Feb, 2017 10:00pm
4 minutes to read

'The AM Show' may have a new name but it's still using Paul Henry's winning formula.

A young David Attenborough feeding Benjamin, the Zoo Quest bear in Borneo, 1956.

ENTERTAINMENT

Why Prime is screening a 60-year-old series

8 Feb, 2017 8:00am
4 minutes to read

David Attenborough's original BBC series Zoo Quest is back on our screens - 60 years after it premiered. But this time, it's different.