MasterChef NZ and the first local versions of The Bachelor and Grand Designs are heading to TV3 in the biggest investment in local programming in MediaWorks’ history.
They will sit alongside smash hits The Block NZ and The X Factor NZ, major drama series Gallipoli and Westside Story (the prequel to Outrageous Fortune), Paul Henry’s highly anticipated multi-platform breakfast show, a new TV3 daily serial drama, and the best of new and returning international programming.
MediaWorks poached Shine's MasterChef from TVNZ. MediaWorks Group CEO, Mark Weldon says: “The Bachelor, MasterChef, The X Factor, The Block and Grand Designs, plus outstanding local comedy, drama and news and current affairs represents a completely different level of investment in content, particularly local content. Projects like these and the innovative Paul Henry breakfast show are just some examples of the new way we are working across the Group to form deeper connections with our audience.”
MediaWorks tonight announced the addition of major international star power to The X Factor NZ judging line-up with Willy Moon and Natalia Kills joining Stan Walker and Melanie Blatt. Award-winning architect-urbanist Chris Moller was named as host of the highly anticipated Grand Designs New Zealand, and Block-a-holics can look forward to the return of familiar faces with the Fans vs Faves.
Group Entertainment Content Director, Andrew Szusterman says: “Tonight’s announcements are the first tangible realisation of MediaWorks’ new content strategy. Properties like The Bachelor, MasterChef, The X Factor, Jono and Ben and The Block will live across our platforms. The Bachelor NZ, for example, will start Monday morning with More FM leading the nationwide search for our bachelorettes.”
MediaWorks has also boosted its international television programming with a new NBCUniversal partnership that secures many of the most sought after content from this year’s LA screenings, including Katherine Heigl’s new series State of Affairs and the much anticipated reboot of the Heroes drama franchise, Heroes Reborn.
FOUR benefits from a renewed content deal with Twentieth Century Fox, and will screening its first local primetime series; series three of The GC, and brand new The Xtra Factor, which goes behind the scenes of The X Factor NZ.
MediaWorks TV CEO Paul Maher says: “We have never had more breadth and depth of content, from the local reality juggernauts that will give us a huge advantage at 7.30pm, to big local drama series like Westside Story and Gallipoli, and the best in international drama. This level of investment is a real game changer for the company, and will deliver fantastic value for our audience and our customers.”