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Breakfast TV show Sunrise is slowly rising in the ratings, with help from a sheepdog named Jack.
Latest ratings from AGB Nielsen show TV3's Sunrise is still well behind its competitor, TVNZ's Breakfast.
But ratings have slowly climbed since new co-host Oliver Driver - and his well-behaved sidekick Jack - settled into the presenter's couch alongside original host Carly Flynn.
Figures show Sunrise had an average audience of 19,600 in September, compared with Breakfast's 168,100.
By the time Sunrise went on holiday last week, it had climbed to an average of 29,300 viewers a day compared with Breakfast's 147,400. Ratings were for all viewers aged 5 or older.
Total Media chief executive Martin Gilman - who this year described Sunrise's ratings as "almost getting rigor mortis" - said the show had gathered viewers consistently since October, particularly in the last two weeks.
He credited a new-look set and the introduction of actor, director and Alt TV creative director Driver on October 6. However, Mr Gilman said the real point of difference was Jack, the pooch who joins owner Driver on telly each day.
"It would appear Oliver Driver's dog is the new star of the show. Nearly everyone I've spoken to really likes the dog."
Regan Cunliffe, of TV community website Throng, said Driver had been a positive addition, providing some interesting banter in what used to be a fairly dry show.
But both he and Mr Gilman said it would be a long time before TV3 made any serious inroads into Breakfast's audience.
Since Driver joined the show, commentary has focused on competition between the two male morning presenters, Driver and Paul Henry. Media commentators have said Henry's heavyweight reputation and established, loyal following will be tough for Sunrise to counter. Henry's Breakfast co-host is former TVNZ reporter Pippa Wetzell. Sunrise and Breakfast are now on a break.
