Rec Room

Jamie Fraser’s parents having a lovely time in 1714 (Photo: Neon)

Review: Is Outlander any good without Jamie Fraser?

Outlander has never been subtle, but I still hoovered this up in all its over-the top, far-fetched, historic hornbag glory.

By Tara Ward | 15th August, 2025

A scene from the 1984 final of A Dog’s Show (Photo: Te Ara / TVNZ)

A Dog’s Show is coming back – what classic NZ TV show should be next?

With news that A Dog’s Show is being made into a movie, we pick five more NZ TV classics to be reborn on the big screen.

By Tara Ward | 8th August, 2025

Luciane Buchanan and Jason Momoa in Chief of War (Photo: Apple TV+)

Nine-and-a-half minutes with Chief of War’s local star Luciane Buchanan

The NZ actor was watching baseball in an LA bar when her manager casually revealed she’d won a lead role in Apple TV's latest historical drama.

By Tara Ward | 1st August, 2025

The netball legends in Game On (Photo: Three)

Review: Netball docuseries Game On is a heartwarming gem

This sports series isn't just about winning – it’s about the power of community.

By Tara Ward | 26th July, 2025

Eat Well For Less hosts Michael Van de Elzen and Ganesh Raj (Photo: TVNZ)

Eat Well For Less NZ couldn’t have returned at a more appropriate time

The series that teaches us how to eat healthier while saving money isn’t here to rage against the machine – though sometimes I wish it would.

By Tara Ward | 18th July, 2025

Wolf (Grant Bowler) and Cheryl (Robyn Malcolm) in Outrageous Fortune (Photo: SPP)

Twenty years on, Outrageous Fortune remains as relevant as ever

Do yourself a favour and enjoy a West family reunion this weekend.

By Tara Ward | 11th July, 2025

Review: The SpongeBob SquarePants musical is more than nautical nonsense

Review: The SpongeBob SquarePants musical is more than nautical nonsense

The enduring power of the eternally optimistic sea sponge.

By Alex Casey | 4th July, 2025

Sir David Attenborough in Ocean (Photo: Disney+)

Review: Ocean with David Attenborough is brutal – it’s also a must-see

He's just a 99-year-old man, sitting on a beach, begging us to sort our shit out.

By Tara Ward | 27th June, 2025

Jarvis Cocker and Pulp (Photo: SPP)

Huge news: Chris Warner has made it to Brokenwood

Could Dr Love be about to become... Dr Death?

By Tara Ward | 13th June, 2025

Never stop, Scotty Morrison (Screengrab: TVNZ / Design: Alex Casey)

An ode to Scotty Morrison’s spontaneous Te Karere sign-offs

A few seconds of magic every afternoon.

By Tara Ward | 6th June, 2025

Gossip Girl, The Rehearsal, Don’t, Sirens: The choice is yours this long weekend

Ten great things to watch this long weekend

The most regal public holiday of the year is upon us. What better way to celebrate than blobbing out on the couch and watching a bit of telly?

By Group Think | 30th May, 2025

A bunch of people

Conan O’Brien and sheep in Conan O’Brien Must Go (Photo: Neon)

The trouble with all the celebrity travel shows in New Zealand

Are we destined to only see ourselves on screen through someone else’s lens?

By Tara Ward | 23rd May, 2025

Natasha Lyonne plays an unconventional amateur sleuth in Poker Face (Photo: TVNZ)

Review: Poker Face is back, and it’s better than ever

Natasha Lyonne’s murder mystery series is a guaranteed good time – no matter how deadly it gets.

By Tara Ward | 9th May, 2025

Grand Designs NZ host Tom Webster on Dale and Maria’s finished deck (Screengrab: TVNZ)

Grand Designs NZ shows how people’s dreams can come true – whatever the cost

If you dare to dream, you can pull it off. It also helps if you have six million bucks.

By Tara Ward | 5th May, 2025

Shay Williamson is one of ten people competing in the new season of Alone Australia (Photo: TVNZ)

Meet the brave New Zealander on the new season of Alone Australia

'You’ve got to be willing to eat what's available…You're not necessarily going to get a nice T-bone steak.'

By Tara Ward | 28th March, 2025

Owen Cooper as accused teenage murderer Jamie Miller and Adolescence co-creator Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller (Netflix)

Review: Adolescence is the best show you’ll watch this year

How do we really know what’s going on in our children’s lives – and how do we protect them?

By Tara Ward | 21st March, 2025

The Duchess of Sussex prepares to chop up some fruit (Photo: Netflix)

With Love, Meghan is terrible – I can’t stop watching it

Help, I am being held hostage by a rainbow fruit platter and some supermarket carnations.

By Tara Ward | 14th March, 2025

Country Calendar (Screengrab: TVNZ)

Country Calendar is back and as great as ever

Welcome back to the only show on TV that'll have you captivated watching grass grow.

By Tara Ward | 21st February, 2025

Brynley Stent and Kura Forrester (Photo: Todd Karehana)

Bryn & Ku’s Singles Club is about more than just love

These best mates are on a mission to find love somewhere – anywhere – in Aotearoa.

By Tara Ward | 14th February, 2025

Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand (Image: Sky)

Miriam Margolyes is in New Zealand, and her timing couldn’t be better

The 83-year-old performer arrives with an open mind and curious heart to find out what identity means in Aotearoa.

By Tara Ward | 7th February, 2025