ScreenScribe

SoHo Highlight: Treme (Sky 10, 9.30, 5.1) Of all the outstanding series on SoHo, this newcomer from The Wire’s David Simon is the best — although it’s so painstakingly executed that it needs to screen in double-episodes to reward patience with momentum. As the New York Times observed: “This is an elliptically told tale, and it takes a few episodes for the [...]

SoHo Highlight: Treme (Sky 10, 9.30, 5.1) About the rebuilding of New Orleans three months after Hurricane Katrina, the title refers to a neighbourhood above the French Quarter that symbolises the city’s soul. As co-creator David Simon (The Wire, Homicide: Life on the Street) says on the comprehensive extras of the already-released Blu-ray, “It’s the place [...]

Friends (TV2, 6.30, R) While auditioning for a Broadway play, Joey discovers he is only a good actor when he needs to go to the bathroom. Jeff Goldblum guest stars. ✫✫✫ Shortland Street (TV2, 7.00) Maxwell is offered greener pastures; Jill and Callum struggle with fallout; Vinnie is just the ticket for Brooke. ✫✫✫ The X Factor USA (TV3, [...]

New Zealand’s definitive free-to-air guide to what’s airing nightly in 1080i    Saturday The Secret Lives of Dancers (TV3, 4.00, R) Rheem Outdoors With Geoff (TV3, 5.00) Trade Zone Gone Fishin’ (TV3, 5.30) Scared Shrekless (TV2, 6.30, R) Get Fresh With Al Brown (TV One, 7.00) Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space (TV2, 7.00, [...]

Is it any wonder free-to-air networks are gun shy of smart HD TV dramas, like those Sky will offer on SoHo, when they languish in the ratings? Witness TV2’s perseverance with Chuck. Midway through the fourth season, it finally acknowledged the sly spy romp was never going to build enough viewers to justify continued primetime [...]

Friends (TV2, 6.30, R) ✫✫✫ Joey overreacts at a daytime drama awards show; Ross sees Chandler leaving a male strip club. Shortland Street (TV2, 7.00) ✫✫✫ Bella puts herself out there for a friend; Phoenix’s woman troubles grow worse; Jill faces a scary adversary. Chuck (TV2, 8.30, F) ✫✫✫✫ Chuck’s spy life intersects with his home life [...]

 New Zealand’s definitive free-to-air guide to what’s airing nightly in 1080i Saturday Under the Grill (TV3, 4.00, R) Coasters (TV One, 4.55, R) Best of Carters’ Gone Fishin’ (TV3, 5.00, R) Annabel Langbein The Free Range Cook (TV One, 5.25, R) Rheem Outdoors With Geoff (TV3, 5.30) Hyundai Country Calendar (TV One, 7.00) ITM Fishing Show (TV3, 7.00) The Voice (TV2, 7.30) [...]

TV2’s struggling HD spy romp, Chuck, will air 8.30pm Thursday for the last time next week. After weeks of middling to low ratings, TV2 will pull the show mid-season and resume it late-night in November. The network is replacing it with reality newcomer, Embarrassing Fat Bodies, which, mercifully, won’t air in HD. The same week [...]

Friends (TV2, 6.30, R) ✫✫✫ When Phoebe takes a job as a telemarketer, her first call takes a disturbing turn; Rachel accidentally kills Joey’s favourite chair. Jason Alexander guest stars. Shortland Street (TV2, 7.00) ✫✫✫ Brooke demands her life back; Jasmine flags down trouble; Vasa puts her heart on the line. Chuck (TV2, 8.30) ✫✫✫✫ Chuck’s secrets [...]

Friends (TV2, 6.30, R) ✫✫✫✫ Chandler’s irrational fear causes problems when Phoebe brings home a cute dog; Rachel’s assistant gives her a Thanksgiving surprise. Shortland Street (TV2, 7.00) ✫✫✫ Callum takes Hunter under his wing; Gabrielle’s lie gets out of control; Sarah hides a dangerous secret. Chuck (TV2, 8.30) ✫✫✫✫ Chuck fears that a major loss may [...]