TV series

‘Australian Survivor’ returns to Samoa

Twelve former Survivor castaways and 12 new players have been confirmed for this season’s series, divided into two tribes based on a 'Heroes vs Villains' theme.

One of the former Survivor stars, Kristie Bennett who participated in the 2016 Australian season in Samoa, will be returning as a cast member again.

Samoa is known as the first chosen location for the first ever filming of the Survivor, reportedly chosen for its rugged beauty and remoteness.

The Simpsons: Tiananmen episode not found in Hong Kong

Customers noticed that episode 12 of season 16 is missing from Disney +, which launched in the city this month.

It comes as authorities in Hong Kong clamp down on the entertainment industry, banning films that violate a strict national security law.

Disney has not commented on the missing episode.

The episode, named "Goo Goo Gai Pan", sees the cartoon family visit China.

THE PANTHERS: Strongest ever opening week for a drama on TVNZ OnDemand

Inspired by true events THE PANTHERS was released in Aotearoa on 15th August and earned praise from critics for its bold storytelling, artful infusion of music and strong performances.

THE PANTHERS follows Will ‘Ilolahia (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), who along with a group of young street gangsters and university students, form The Polynesian Panthers in the 1970s; to fight a broken system and become the history-making revolutionaries that their community so desperately need them to be.

The Panthers: TV series re-enacts the journeys of the Polynesian Panthers

The Polynesian Panthers created their own revolutionary footprint in New Zealand in response to the dawn raids that saw their families hounded by police and tracker dogs then illegally deported.

Associate producer Jaunnie Ilolahia may have been a child at the time but this is a story close to her heart.

"I was born into the movement and I've definitely seen a lot of changes. My parents co-founded the movement and they were there right from the very beginning '71 and '72.

Chef Robert Oliver on steering a Pacific food revolution

Oliver is the creator of Pacific Island Food Revolution, a televised contest in which people compete to create the best dish with ingredients from countries such as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

He said the show aimed to encourage Pacific Island people to eat healthier, more traditional foods and to spice up the tourism industry by getting island restaurants offering tasty local dishes.

Many imported foods that have become popular among Pacific Island people are highly processed and contain large amounts of fat, sugar and salt.

'Friends' reunion special reportedly in the works for HBO Max

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer, along with the sitcom’s creators, David Crane and Marta Kauffman, are discussing a possible reunion project for HBO Max.

The “unscripted reunion special” is said to be a long way from being a done deal.

The report comes as the loved show continues to celebrate it's 25th anniversary and amid ongoing hopes from fans that the cast will one day reprise their iconic characters.

New TV show puts comic spin on South Auckland police stories

Written and directed by Damon Fepulea'i, Māngere Vice follows two detectives in their pursuit of a notorious South Auckland gang, Killer Whales.

The cast features a range of Pacific and Māori talent, including Kiwi actress Rachel House, who's starred in blockbuster films Moana and Taika Waititi's Thor:Ragnarok and Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

Pacific actors that feature in the film are Iaheto Ah Hi, Haanz Fa'avae-Jackson, Lauie Sila and Italia Hunt.

Down Syndrome Association upset by Shortland Street episode

In a recent episode, the baby's father Chris Warner suggested the mother abort the pregnancy after learning it might have Down syndrome.

That's angered the Down Syndrome Association who say they weren't consulted about the episode.

Down Syndrome Association spokesperson Kim Porthouse told Morning Report the storyline reflected outdated thinking and failed to represent an inclusive society.

Australian reboot of popular Survivor series set to be filmed on rugged Samoa

According to The Daily Telegraph, Network Ten scouted the Pacific Islands for possible locations before settling on idyllic Samoa.

Cast of Friends reunite for 2 hour special

It's hoped all six besties - Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross - will reunite for a tribute to legendary comedy director James Burrows, who also helmed series such as Taxi,The Bob Newhart Show and Cheers.

The special will focus on Burrows' career.