TV
Loving the island, hating the behaviour: Reality TV's Achilles heel
This just-finished season of reality TV show Love Island UK kicked off with misogyny and bullying - and soaring viewership.
Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin
Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile to review Riviera Revenge (in cinemas), The Friend (in cinemas) and The Pickup (Prime Video). Audio
Kiwi chef Ben would like to win MasterChef, 'but not at all costs'
Ben MacDonald said he would never do MasterChef again, especially if he had children. Eleven years and two kids later he tied up the apron strings and headed back to the esteemed Melbourne kitchen.
Film Review: Dominic Corry shares his NZIFF picks.
Dominic Corry joins Jesse with his latest picks. Courtesy of the New Zealand International Film Festival, The Weed Eaters; Toitu: Visual Sovereignty and Eddington. Weapons - opening in cinemas today.
…NZ on Air fund reality TV - did they put their money in the right place?
NZ On Air has announced close to $2.8 million of taxpayer money is slated for local productions Celebrity Treasure Island and The Traitors NZ - a first for the competitive reality series.
What to Watch: 'Invincible' superhero animation with emotional centre
When animated series Invincible flips the Superman story on its head, planet-shaking melodrama and mayhem ensues.
Bluey has life lessons - for real life
A new study reveals the popular animated Aussie pup isn't just entertaining kids, she's modelling how to to deal with life's ups and downs.
Netball NZ thought to be paying TVNZ over $500,000 for air time
Domestic netball may be returning to free-to-air television, but it's come at a huge cost to Netball New Zealand Audio
Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin
Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review The Life of Chuck (Flanagan, 2025), Sunday Best: the Untold Story of Ed Sullivan (Jenkins, 2025) and 60 Years of Fantastic Four in 90… Audio
What to watch: Korean cooking show serves up feast of fun
Korean TV show Chef & My Fridge is good 'couch potato' weekend fodder and it might inspire you to get creative with those leftover ingredients lurking in the fridge.
‘Don’t tell me!’ Why some people love spoilers - and others run a mile
Why do some of us crave surprise and suspense, while others find comfort in instant resolution? (This article contains spoilers!)
Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin
Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review The Fantastic Four: First Steps (in cinemas), Giri/Haji (Netflix) and The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (Tubi).
…How Ozzy Osbourne went from aging rocker to reality star
He'll be remembered differently by several different generations, and that's almost the definition of a pop cultural icon.
Mediawatch: Another $1 deal changes the media landscape
Analysis - For the second time in five years, a major media company has been offloaded by overseas owners for a dollar.
The Stolen Children of Aotearoa: a chilling history uncovered
A new documentary looks into the systematic dehumanisation of children by the state.
Netflix profits surge off ads, higher subscription prices
Profit spiked as the streaming giant benefited from subscription price increases and a growing advertising business.
Does violence on the screen really lead to violence in real life?
Violence in movies and video games normalises a culture of cruelty says Dr Henry Giroux, a leading voice on education, media, and democracy.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 16th July 2025
In today's episode, the Waikato District Council is investigating a road that locals call the "rollercoaster" after a woman and two children were killed in a crash on Tuesday; New Zealanders are once… Audio
Wētā VFX receive two Emmy nominations
New Zealanders are once again among TV's most famous, with two nominations in the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards - television's top honour. Wētā VFX Supervisor Wayne Stables spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Lena Dunham is back with a new series. Here's why she's so divisive
The controversial creator behind the 2012 millennial satire is back making semi-autobiographical comedy. Do we finally understand her?