800 Words
40 x 1 hour comedy drama series

For a multitude of reasons, primary schools can be a hotbed of comedy. For screenwriter Amanda Alison, it provided inspiration for her local comedy series Mean Mums. Sarah Nealon

TV3 offers sitcoms with staying power Hayden Donnell

Mean Mums is New Zealand's next great sitcom. Sam Brooks

Mean Mums star's comedy on point Malcolm Hopewood

Mean Mum's Anna Jullienne on comic timing and raising boys Emma Clifton

Joe Naufahu's own life mimics the stories of Head High  Monika Barton

Craig Hall talks all things Head High  Mike Hosking

"This Town is a clever, likeable, well-written and played, and occasionally inspired film. In a year in which buying local matters more than ever, I reckon you'll be happy you bought into it." Graeme Tuckett

"A classic kiwi movie, up there with Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople"  Ali Ventura

"Brilliant! I loved this movie so much, it's an instant kiwi classic" Otago Daily Times

"This Town is a frustratingly problematic, clever, gloriously sly and darkly quirky little work of art and I would recommend it to everyone. See you at the cinema, New Zealand." Amanda Thompson

"But, credit where it's due. The Sounds has probably done enough in its opening salvo to get me back for a second-look." Graeme Tuckett

"I’ve only seen one episode, but I’ll definitely be coming back for more. It makes a strong case for the maturation of local drama and sets up several layers of mystery that I am going to need to see." Dominic Corry

"Beautiful people doing stupid things in breathtaking locations is the stuff TV dreams are made of. “The Sounds” checks all the boxes." John Anderson

800 Words shows our hunger for good drama. It is a ray of sunshine. Debi Enker

NZ drama smashes Aussie ratings Russell Baillie

There's a verdant, expansive look to the series that's refreshing. I'm in for the kill.  Diana Wichtel

It's great to see a whodunit on NZ television that owes it's inspiration to creativity rather than carnage Malcolm Hopwood

Brokenwood impressed me with it's freshness of tone and willingness to let the viewers work things out from the dialogue....a high quality production. Trevor Agnew

The story impressed with a few unsuspecting twists and whodunit intrigue Rebecca Barry

The Bad Seed's Madeleine Sami talks about her dark new role George Fenwick

In the end, Snack Masters NZ offers fun, but forgettable entertainment, a great opportunity for prime time exposure for the participating companies, a little bit of a sociology lesson and the chance for the reputations of a few top chefs to founder on failing to “recreate” a mid-level meat pie or fried chicken. James Croot

“My family loves it… my kids are so into this they’re talking about it already, when’s the next episode? What food are they going to choose? I’d love to see them do a jar of Vegemite I hope that’s coming up!” Chris Schulz

Dariush was the winner, and Ganesh was gracious in defeat. “When they cut yours open, I felt it,” he told Dariush. We all felt it, Ganesh, all the way to our soggy chocolate bottoms. Next week on Snack Masters NZ is the Big Mac. There’s nothing New Zealand about it, but when did snacks ever make sense? I’m lovin’ it. Tara Ward

Antonia Pebble on life with the Wests RNZ

New Zealand acting legend, Temuera Morrison (Star Wars, The Book of Boba Fett, Once Were Warriors) and international multi-award winning actress, Robyn Malcolm (Top of the Lake, The Outpost, Outrageous Fortune) have today been announced to star in the major new drama series FAR NORTH. Patrick Frater

New Zealand's wholesome murder mystery series The Brokenwood Mysteries has gone on to become one of the most engaging TV puzzles of the decade. Rose McQuirter

You bet Shortland Street is the best we can do. For nigh on 28 years, it’s churned out 110 minutes of drama, romance and medical misadventure every single week, and its progressive, dynamic storylines have gripped the nation. Tara Ward

Brokenwood season eight still delivers on the comfy crime-solving goodness and endearing oddball characters that make the show what it is. Amelia Berry

"If you’re wanting to learn more about the way of life for Pasifika families living in Auckland in the 80s, you should definitely give Duckrockers a watch. It illustrates the complexities the community had during that time so accurately." Sela Jane Hopgood

"It’s unscripted, it’s brutally funny and it’s one of the best New Zealand comedies in years." Tara Ward

For better or worse, Shortland Street does that kind of thing all the time. If it's not dishing up zeitgeist-defining insta-classics like the Warner Family Penis Panic of 2017 say, or poor Dawn's spewy proposal response and poor Drew's Poo-nami nightmare, it's tackling deeply disturbing issues like rape, suicide, violent crime and domestic violence head on, without hesitation or fear. Kylie Klein Nixon

Each episode lasted only a few minutes, but the content they packed into those precious seconds was incredible. Tara Ward

Miriama McDowell on the industry, representation and mentoring Maori talent  Siena Yates

Ne Zealand breaking new ground with crime drama The Bad Seed. Kerry Harvey

The second season of TVNZ on Demand satire Educators continues to skewer New Zealand’s school system, brilliantly and brutally. Sam Brooks

Antonia Prebble farewells Rita West Kerry Harvey

Robbie Magasiva comes home. Kate Rodger

The Bad Seed's star-studded cast line up Ricardo Simich

Its final grade is an easy A. And while it needs to improve its bad attitude I sincerely hope it doesn't. Karl Puschmann

Rita West: The Accidental Feminist  Antonia Prebble

Head High star Lionel Wellington talk about his Taonga Dione Joseph

How acting helped turn Bad Seed star's life around. James Croot

Educators 'the funniest local show in ages' Calum Henderson

David de Lautour says goodbye to the Wests. Kerry Harvey

'When You’re Born Into Nothing, You Learn To Find Happiness In Nothing' Meet Rising Star Te Ao o Hinepehinga Rauna Emma Clifton

Bad Seed part of April's 'Must See' TV James Croot

Jessica Grace Smith talks about life growing up the Hawkes Bay  Sue Emeny

But owing to its golden assortment of comedic talents - Jackie Van Beek, Kura Forrester and Jonny Brugh to name a few - Educators turned out to be one of New Zealand's best new comedy shows in recent years. Chris Schulz

Current and former All Blacks to make guest appearance on Head High  Ricardo Simich

Unscripted comedy goes to school  James Croot

Westside cast look back at their favourite moments ahead of final season  Monika Barton

Robbie Magasiva tackles new role on Head High Kerry Harvey

Educators is a dark and hilarious tale on the brutal existence of a teacher  Sam Brooks

Sex on Screen: Why Kiwi actors need intimacy coach in #metoo era Carolyne Meng-Yee

Head High star is singing his own tune. Kerry Harvey

Comedy series without script comes to TVNZ OnDemand  Ricardo Simich

How Bromantic: Westside boys get matching tattoos  Ricardo Simich

Review: Head High asks us to consider how our young men are shaped by rugby | The Spinoff Alice Soper

Jackie van Beek's crazy new comedy  Amy Prebble

It’s 1990 and while Auckland hosts the Commonwealth Games, the West family members are pursuing different goals as the finish-line looms for local drama Westside. Kerry Harvey

Head High a taonga for New Zealand, says actor Miriama McDowell  Kerry Harvey

Westside to resume filming under level 2.  Ricardo Simich

Head High Season 2 welcomes new stars. Ricardo Simich

Westside actress Jessica Grace Smith's refreshing approach to playing iconic character Cheryl West Fleur Mealing

Meet the new crime family taking on the Wests Sarah Nealon

Miriama McDowell wins Best Actress, Jayden Daniels wins Best Supporting Actor for their roles on Head High at the NZTV Awards, 2020 NZTV Awards

Head High's teen trauma close to home for young actor Kerry Harvey

Meet the new Cheryl West Sarah Nealon

The Truth About Us. The Wisdom From a New Local Show and its Leading Lady. Nicola Dewe

Cocaine and cleavage: The iconic TV series Westside returns Fiona Rae

NZ's notorious TV bad guy Mike Edward on being abused in public and his new role in Head High Monika Barton

Westside's Antonia Prebble talks about the irony of playing a grandmother... Sarah Nealon

Trying times for family at center of rugby drama. Kerry Harvey

Westside picked up Best Drama at the Huawei Mate20 NZTV Awards at the annual ceremony which recognises excellence in local television. Antonia Prebble also won the Best Actress category for her role as the show's matriarch, Rita West NZTV Awards

Rugby has featured heavily in New Zealand's legend - from Greg McGee's Foreskin's lament and Lloyd Jones' Book of Fame to feature films about Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, and TV docudramas Jonah and The Kick. Now, it's the subject of that rare thing, a prime-time TV family drama series. Head High is about to hit the screen on TV 3. Lynn Freeman talks with writer and director Tim Worrall about the dramatic possibilities of our national game. Lynn Freeman

Westside has picked up a smashing five award nominations at the 2018 NZTV Awards, including a nod to leading lady, Antonia Prebble for Best Actress for the second year running. NZTV Awards

Shane Cortese talks Outrageous Fortune and Westside with the Bay of Plenty Times. NZ Herald

Review: Head High is the best and most complex NZ drama in years Duncan Grieve

NZ On Air has confirmed funding for a fifth series of Westside! Filming will kick off in January of next year. NZ On Air

Joe Naufahu on how rugby keeps cropping up in his life.  Siobhan Downes

‘I know these people’: Miriama McDowell on leading the pack in Head High Sam Brooks

Ashleigh Cummings talks babies and weddings on the new series of Westside. TV Guide

How Miriama McDowell's new drama Head High tackles poverty, privilege and rugby Karl Puschmann

Westside co-creator James Griffin writes about the legacy of Outrageous Fortune and Westside. Sunday Star Times

Theresa Healey on life and acting.  Elisabeth Easther

Leading lady Antonia Prebble talks of the challenges of playing Rita. NZ Herald

There’s never been a shortage of Māori stories. But it’s no easy path for them to make it on to mainstream television in prime time. That’s what’s happening, though, with Head High. Dale Husband

Actor Reef Ireland Snapchats with Time Out Magazine NZ Herald

Budding Northland actor lands role in new TV drama series.  Jenny Ling

Leading lady Antonia Prebble talks about the return of hit series Westside. TV Guide

Westside has been nominated for two awards at the 2017 NZTV Craft Awards. Award winners will be announced on November 8th. NZTV Craft Awards

Te Ao o Hinepehinga Rauna has been cast as Aria O'Kane in the upcoming TV series, Head High. Mark Peters

Westside's Ashleigh Cummings and Reef Ireland dish on playing an iconic couple Woman's Day

Two former Shortland Street favourites are kicking goals in the new rugby drama Head High. Kerry Harvey

Sophie Hambleton talks holiday hits and misses. NZ Herald

Cast as 17-year-old rugby star Mana Roberts in the new Three drama series, Head High, Daniels realised he was going to have to remember what it was like to be a teenager all over again.  New Zealand Herald

Next magazine give Sophie Hambleton (aka Carol O'Driscoll) the five minute snap chat. nowtolove.co.nz

The talented women of Westside talk about their off-screen friendship. Woman's Day

"Step Dave is definitely worth a second date." Jane Clifton, The Dominion Post

Ashleigh Cummings takes on the role of Westside's Cheryl. TV Guide

Actor Reef Ireland talks living a life of crime on Westside. Stuff.co.nz

Young Cheryl West has been revealed! Weekend Magazine

NZ On Screen's Nicky Harrop highlights some of the Kiwi classics heard on Westside. NZ Herald

Jack van Beynen goes back in time to a 1980s Nightclub in Westside. Sunday Star Times

Westside star Todd Emerson talks about the two 1980's characters he's currently playing. New Zealand Women's Weekly

Will Hall (Detective Inspector Mike McCarthy) and Esther Stephens (Ngaire Munroe) talk big hair, tight jeans and criminal behaviour in the third season of spin-off drama Westside. Sunday Star Times

Antonia Prebble talks about Rita's stance on feminism in the new series of Westside. TV Guide

In the latest Westside, launching on July 10, Shane Cortese plays Danny, the father of his original Outrageous Fortune character, Hayden. NZ Herald

Westside's back and naughtier than ever! NZ Herald

Shane Cortese looks back to the 1980s Stuff.co.nz

The Spinoff apologise profusely for doubting the authenticity of Will Hall's moustache. The #WestsideTV star says “If it wasn’t for knowing the moustache intimately, I too would have called it a fake." The Spinoff.co.nz

Westside producers are still on the hunt for the teenage Cheryl West as filming for series 3 kicks off. NZ Herald

Westside Series 3 gets set to film. Stuff.co.nz

NZ Herald speculates on who might play a young Cheryl West in series 3 of Westside. NZ Herald

Director Murray Keane talks about the use of real protest footage in the final episode of Westside, series 2. Sunday Star Times

NZ On Air confirms funding for a third series of Westside. NZ Herald

Kiwi stars take a nostalgic look back at the 80s in celebration of Westside. NZ Women's Weekly

The Spinoff takes a look at the lessons in New Zealand history that Westside explores. The Spinoff.co.nz

Jordan Mauger talks about the return of Rod Nugent to Westside. NZ Herald

Antonia Prebble talks about what's in store for Rita in the next episode. Newshub

Westside stars talk about what they don't miss from the 1980s. Stuff.co.nz

Reef Ireland talks about playing Westside's Wolf TV3 Newshub

Nicky Harrop checks out the fantastic music from Westside season 2. NZ Herald

Westside celebrates 80s fashion. Fashionz.co.nz

The official podcast for the hit New Zealand TV series, Westside is now available! Westside Podcasat

Antonia Prebble (Rita West) gives us a rundown of Westside season 2. TV3.co.nz

Dean O'Gorman on Westside and getting acting advice from Kirk Douglas Stuff.co.nz

David de Lautour 'stoked' to be back playing career-criminal Ted West Stuff.co.nz

Sarah Daniell does a flashback to the 80s: Westside stars look back on the decade of change NZ Herald

Yahoo talked to David de Lautour, aka Ted West, about what the West family has up their sneaky sleeves for season two of Westside. Yahoo.co.nz

Westside's Xavier Horan on playing dumb and training with the SAS. Stuff.co.nz

Westside romps its way down nostalgia lane. NZ Herald

Story journalist Sarah Stewart goes back to the 80s with Westside. Story

The cub has grown up: Lydia Jenkin talks to the new star of Westside. NZ Herald

It's 1981, a year of big hair, shoulder pads, a royal wedding, political turmoil and, for Rita West, freedom.Westside is back and Rita (Antonia Prebble) is out of jail. She served time after taking the rap for son Wolf, who shot Horseman gang member Cannonball. A lot has happened in the two years that Rita has been locked up. TV Guide

Westside's Todd Emerson (Bilkey van Heeder) is set to perform the award-winning play Daffodils at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Daffodils team will put on a Benefit Gala on Friday 3 June at Auckland's Town Hall's Great Hall. The aim of the Gala is to help raise the funds needed to make the Edinburgh season of this critically claimed kiwi hit a reality.The evening will feature a performance of Daffodils by the original cast (Colleen Davis and Todd Emerson), with special guest performances by Tami Neilson, Julia Deans, Anika Moa, Trip Pony and LIPS. Press Release

Westside wins Gold at New York Festival NZ Herald

Newsworthy's Lachlan Forsyth joins the Westside crew TV3

Tackling a younger version of Outrageous Fortune's notorious Wolf West character was a daunting task for Liam Ferguson. Stuff.co.nz

We're hooked on TV3's Outrageous Fortune prequel Westside, and while the show is great, yes, we'd watch it for Rita West's styling alone. With big lashes, bigger hair and sharp black winged eyeliner, her whole vibe is a bogan 1970s dream. Personally, we want to look like this every day, if you do too, here's how. Stuff.co.nz

Locations specialist Benny Tatton and longtime SPP production designer Clayton Ercolano looked back to the 70s with the Wests. Making the old new again was one of the challenges... ScreeNZ

Glen Levy was a familiar figure on Outrageous Fortune but you may not have seen his face. Working as a stuntman on the series meant it was only the back of his head that appeared on screen. TV Guide

Sausage rolls and cheese and pineapple hedgehogs: these are the armaments of a long, dirty and hopelessly addictive crime war in TV3's witty and plot-twisty new local drama, Westside, Sunday. Jane Clifton

Expectations are a weird thing. They can transform a mediocre show into an acceptable one if they're low enough. Conversely, they can turn a fantastic show into an okay one by being too high. I've watched no new show in the last decade with higher expectations than the ones I sat down with to watch the debut of Outrageous Fortune prequel Westside at the weekend - and I'm delighted to say nearly every one was met. Stuff.co.nz

Host Paul Henry talks with Antonia Prebble. Radiolive

Westside, the new prequel to the beloved Outrageous Fortune, takes us back to a bygone era... Viva, NZ Herald

Today on the Glory Days Magazine telegram, we preview the new Outrageous Fortune prequel Westside which is set firmly in the decade that taste forgot - the 1970s! Glory Days

Recreating a Westie paradise - especially one from the 70s - hasn’t been easy. Michelle Duff finds out how it was pulled off... Culture

Is there anything Esther Stephens can't do? The gifted actress-singer is on our screens in the final of TV One drama When We Go to War and next Sunday she'll be back in TV3's Outrageous Fortune prequel, Westside. Spy

Antonia Prebble: on fame, nudity and ugg boots... Your Weekend

They've wound the clock back on Outrageous Fortune all the way to the 1970s for a new show. Lydia Jenkin reports... Time Out

David de Lautour stars in prequel to Outrageous Fortune... Western Leader

One of New Zealand's most legendary bands has landed the theme song for the highly anticipated prequel to Outrageous Fortune... Taranaki Daily News

Antonia Prebble (Outrageous Fortune, White Lies, The Blue Rose) and David de Lautour (The Kick, NCIS, Once Upon a Time) will headline the cast of South Pacific Pictures’ new comedy drama series WESTSIDE STORY, the six-part Outrageous Fortune prequel which is coming next year to TV3. TV3