Barking or normal? TV show tells all

Is it normal to shower three times a day, to have 20 sexual partners before you "settle down" or to sleep for only four hours a night?

TVOne's latest audience interaction show aims to sort out the normal New Zealanders from the not-so-normal.

The Touchdown production How Normal Are you? is based on an online survey that covered topics ranging from sex and personal hygiene habits to whether fish and chips is really the national dish.

Executive producer Julian Glazier said the survey painted a picture of the New Zealander right down to the time respondents went to bed.

"For example, we now know New Zealanders sleep longer than anyone else in the Pacific Rim," he said.

The survey from which the findings were taken was done online over the past month with Massey University.

The initial idea came from Touchdown chief Julie Christie.

Each week, viewers can find out where they fit in the "normalcy" pattern by pen and paper, the internet or Woman's Day.

A panel of experts discusses the results and international comparisons with host Kate Hawkesby.

Tonight's episode looks at social aspects. Hawkesby said viewers could use their own answers to find out whether they were normal, nearly normal, nearly not normal or not normal.

As the show goes on, the studio audience will be whittled down to select a Mr and Ms Normal.

"But there's no right or wrong answer," Hawkesby said.

"There are no prizes for being 'normal'. "

On the other hand, a result indicating that a person was not normal was not an indication that he or she was mad.

"Not at all," Hawkesby said. "In fact, a lot of people are annoyed that they are normal or nearly normal."

Upcoming episodes will focus on finances, working life and relationships.

Sampling NZ

* What: How Normal Are You?
* When: TVOne, 9.35pm on Wednesdays from tonight.
* How to take part: Click on the How Normal Are You? link at the TVNZ website (www.tvnz.co.nz).