We’re over half-way through the year already and it seems a good time to take a quick look back over the past six months. So here are my 12 favourite shows of 2012 (so far). Share your favourites in the comments section, below!

Game of Thrones (SoHo): My favourite show of the year. But at what point do we start questioning how good Thrones is in a historical context? I think we need an inquest and a series of town-hall meetings to decide the order of Thrones, Mad Men, The Sopranos, The Wire, Homeland and Breaking Bad and make an official The Greatest Shows Ever list.

Boss (SoHo): The return of Kelsey Grammer as Chicago mayor Tom Kane went off the boil after a brilliant premiere, but managed to redeem itself with a stunning run of episodes to close out its first season. Martin Donovan also deserves recognition for his portrayal of Ezra Stone, Kane’s senior adviser. Look for Season 2 later this year (hopefully).

Justified (One): The second season of the antics of Raylan Givens was a lot more character-focused, and seemed a lot more serialised, than the first – and it absolutely worked:Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins are a great 1-2, whileMargo Martindale and Jeremy Davies were great in supporting roles.

Above Suspicion: Red Dahlia (One): Who said TVNZ don’t show quality British drama anymore?! It was only three episodes long, but this short British series – led by Kelly Reilly and Ciaran Hinds, and created by Lynda La Plante- was gripping, it was dramatic, and it told a helluva story. Plus, it’s the second of four Above Suspicion seasons. More please, TV One!

Homeland (TV3): Damien Lewis and Claire Danes turn in two of the best performances in a serial drama in a decade, while Howard Gordon & Alex Gansa create the first post-post-9/11 television show … umm, whatever that means.

Breaking Bad (Four): We’re just about finished Season 3, with Season 4 following right behind it (and starting with one of the best hours of television you’ll ever see). Though I have to say: Walter White had such noble intentions when he started cooking meth – its amazing that things have got this far out of hand, and it’s been amazing to watch.

The Almighty Johnsons (TV3): The second series gave us more fantasy, more spectacle, and more laughs, while expanding the show’s world beyond the Norse mythology on which it was founded last year. Oh, and for the record, I would totally take Johnsons’ Loki over Avengers’ Loki any day.

Mad Men (SoHo): Thanks to being a little lighter in tone, the fifth season of Mad Men was probably its most fun season to date, not so steeped in the ambiguity and subtext that made the first four seasons such an intense viewing experience. Also, Pete Campbell getting his butt kicked by Lane Pryce was one of the greatest scenes of the year, in any show.

Sherlock (One): Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as a modern-day Holmes and Watson is just too much fun – and when you factor in that I’m still wracking my brain over that final scene, you have to admit it’s at least one of the most memorable shows of the year (so far).

Hounds (TV3): Is Hounds the best Kiwi comedy ever? Yes. And I’m not just saying that because they quoted me asking that question in a trailer without telling anyone that I said yes, but because it is brilliantly written and shot, hilariously funny but poignant at times too, and has three great leads in Toby Sharpe, Mick Innes and Susana Tang.

Fringe (TV2): What’s not to love about a show that features multiple universes connected via an inter-universal bridge, a mysterious terrorist group known only as shape-shifters, and a former Dawson’s Creek cast member who may or may not actually exist?! When you talk about cleverly written shows, Fringe should be at (or near) the top of your list.

Parks & Recreation (Four): “‘Zerts’ are what I call deserts. ‘Tray-trays’ are what I call entrees. Sandwiches are ‘sammies’, ‘sandoozles’ or ‘Adam Sandlers’, air conditioners are ‘cool blaterz’ with a ‘z’- I don’t know where that came from. I call cakes ‘big ole cookies’; I call noodles ‘long-ass rice’; fried chicken is ‘fry fry chicky chick’; chicken parmesan is ‘chicky chicky parm parm’; chicken cacciatore is ‘chicky catch’; I call eggs ‘pre-birds’ or ‘future birds’; root beer is ‘super water’; tortillas are ‘bean blankets’; and I call forks ‘food rakes’.” – Tom Haverford.

The end of New Zealand-filmed TV show Spartacus will be a “major blow” to Kiwi actors, but industry insiders are hopeful other similar projects will be made here soon.

Creator-executive producer Steven S DeKnight told The Hollywood Reporter the hit swords-and-sandals epic would end on a “high note” after only three full series and a prequel season.

“That was part of the decision to wrap up the show: The idea of ending the show when you’re on top and the audience still wants more instead of dragging it out until it starts to wane and you kind of limp to the finish line,” DeKnight said.

New Zealand actors to star in the high-rating show include Lucy Lawless, Anna Hutchison from Go Girls and Craig Parker from Shortland Street and Lord of the Rings.

Anna Majavu of the New Zealand Actors Equity said the series had brought numerous benefits.

“Screen acting work on major series is the only form of stable income for professional actors and the end of Spartacus will be a major blow to New Zealand’s professional actors who have been cast in increasing numbers in core-cast roles.”

New Zealand film crews, extras, stunt people and equipment hire companies would also be affected.

Ms Majavu said appearing on Spartacus, which airs in 150 countries in more than 15 languages, was a great opportunity for Kiwi actors.

“It can catapult them into a big acting career overseas and definitely work in their favour if they want to go work in Australia or LA because it’s an international series.”

New Zealand actor Gareth Williams, who plays the villainous Vettius, said the opportunity to work on a large-scale production like Spartacus was a “helpful stepping stone”.

“It does create opportunities because you can say that you’ve been in an American TV series, which is usually something you have to go to the States to actually do. It’s definitely a big plus that you can do it in your backyard.”

Auckland Actors owner and agent Graham Dunster, who represents Lucy Lawless and other actors in the show, said the producers had been “very happy” with the results they got in New Zealand and was confident other projects would be brought here soon.

Filming for the final series of Spartacus wraps at the end of the year.

DeKnight promised a “stunningly epic” final season, which will be calledSpartacus: War of the Damned.

The series stars Liam McIntyre as the Thracian-slave-turned-revolutionary out to topple the Roman Empire.

McIntyre took over the role from Andy Whitfield, who starred in the first season then withdrew due to illness. He died of cancer in September, 2011.

- APNZ

Epic swords-and-sandals show Spartacus – which is filmed in New Zealand – will end after its third season, US television network Starz has announced.

In an unusual move, Starz said it would conclude the popular action-adventure series while it’s still a big hit, and after logging only three seasons (or four, counting a six-episode “prequel” season).

The second season drew six million viewers an episode in the US – an enormous number for a paid subscription channel. Spartacus screens on Sky TV in New Zealand.

Creator-executive producer Steven S DeKnight told The Hollywood Reporter he wanted the show to end when it was still at its best.

“How long do you run a show? Do you run it until you can squeeze every last bit of revenue out of it, or do you end it on a high note?” he said.

“That was part of the decision to wrap up the show: The idea of ending the show when you’re on top and the audience still wants more instead of dragging it out until it starts to wane and you kind of limp to the finish line.”

“It’s like The Princess Bride: Cut out all the boring bits and just make the best, most rip-roaring-est tale we can to wrap up the series.”

He promised a “stunningly epic” final season, which will be called Spartacus: War of the Damned.

That 10-episode cycle, which will kick off next January, is filming in New Zealand and will include Kiwi actress Anna Hutchison.

The series stars Liam McIntyre as the Thracian-slave-turned-revolutionary who’s out to topple the Roman Empire.

McIntyre took over the role from Andy Whitfield, who starred the first season, then withdrew due to illness. He died of cancer in September, 2011.

- AP

Our dogs are being watched in Liechtenstein and Russia. In Macedonia, they’re tuning in to our girls. And our Westies are now out east on TV screens in Slovenia and Croatia.

Scores of Kiwi-made TV shows are being watched overseas, enquiries by the Herald on Sunday have revealed.

And it’s a big bucks business – TV exports pumped $37 million into the country in 2010/11, according to Statistics New Zealand.

Among those taking the Kiwi accent and way of life to the world includeGo Girls – on screen in Macedonia, Bosnia and Ukraine and Outrageous Fortune, in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy.

TVNZ licensing general manager Leigh Wilson said demand for Kiwi shows was on the rise.

Canine agility show Wonder Dogs has been snapped up by broadcasters in Russia and Liechtenstein, said Wilson.

Demand in eastern Europe had become insatiable.

“The whole market has opened up, there’s more channels, they’ve got more money to spend. They’re absolutely hungry for it.”

South Pacific Pictures chief executive John Barnett said many Kiwi shows were bought for daytime and off-peak viewing in Europe, where they provided a point of difference to the “cops and docs” heavy offerings from the United States and Australia.

“You don’t find the likes of an Outrageous Fortune or Go Girls on offer anywhere else in the world.”

He agreed that sales were on the up.

“Ten years ago buyers would say, ‘I don’t want a programme from New Zealand’ … now it’s considered to be on par with Australian and Canadian product, ” said Barnett.

The increase in channels, particularly niche, equalled more opportunities for Kiwi shows.

“The Almighty Johnsons playing on a genre channel like SyFy in the UK and Sci Fi in Australia is an example of this.”

Eyeworks chief executive Julie Christie said “character driven shows” such as Matthew and Mark’s Rocky Road were hot.

“Networks are making a shift to male programming or broader humour genres.”

Anything house or food related also sold well as most countries had their own lifestyle pay channels, and both themes were universal so language was not a barrier.

Australian interest in Kiwi content had soared in the past five years, said Christie.

“Almost everything we make now sells into Australia.”

Greenstone TV general manager Bryan Hall said the The Zoo alone had been sold to 90 countries. “I had an email once from someone watchingThe Zoo in Patagonia.”

Where shows were going was not the real story, it was the impact those sales had on boosting New Zealand’s TV production industry, said Hall

“That income stream allows independent producers to stay afloat.

“The result was a better product, and more of it. As a little country we punch really hard for our weight, because we are good at what we do.”

By Cherie Howie

Returning for its highly anticipated second season, The Almighty Johnsons is a comedy-drama series about four brothers who just happen to be descended from Norse Gods.

Each of the Johnson boys has his own godlike power; it’s just that their powers aren’t all that powerful. The Almighty Johnsons premieres on Wednesday, February 29 th at 8:30pm on 3.

The Johnsons are typical Kiwi blokes who don’t much like to stand out from the crowd. And everyday gods have everyday struggles – striving to love stroppy women, overcoming sibling rivalry and fulfilling your God-like destiny, all while still finding the time to enjoy a few beerswith your mates.

In series one, the Johnson brothers were on a quest to find Frigg and fulfil the ancient prophesy so that they might get their full God powers…

Now the series’ second season sees this quest continuing, as well as expanding on the theme of what it involves to become a modern male in New Zealandsociety.

“[For me] the highlights of series two have been taking Ty to a different place; to somewhere not many people want to go, doing things that Ty normally wouldn’t do, stretching the boundaries and playing around with that,” series star Jared Turner explains about what the series holds for his character.

“Ty sits on a really high moral ground and so having the opportunity to do this has been a lot of fun,” Turner continues. “Also the clothes he wears are great – some of New Zealand’s best fashions labels are featured!” As well as this, this season will see several new and exciting variations explored and the youngest Johnson brother, Axl will find himself on a more personal quest – to become Odin.

Make sure not to miss all this when The Almighty Johnsons enters its second season on Wednesday, February 29 th at 8:30pm on 3.

8:30pm – Wednesday, February 29 on TV 3

Who would’ve thought that Shortland Street CEO Callum McKay’s son, Hunter, would prove to be so much trouble? He had so much potential. A good-looking young man, a qualified paramedic determined to make his way through med school and follow in his father’s footsteps as a doctor.

But the stress got to him, (along with the trauma of watching his father hook up with his ex-girlfriend, of course) and over the last months we’ve watched Hunter’s addictions spiral from ADHD medication to much harder drugs, and now P.

His actions have become increasingly more desperate and, somehow, few people have seemed to notice his erratic behaviour, violent outbursts and constant sweatiness – except for his old mate, Daniel, and the ex-girlfriend, Jill.

Tomorrow night, of course, it all comes to a head in the final episode for the year as a pharmacy burglary goes badly wrong.

It’s been quite a year for Shortland Street, with writers ramping up the drama on several occasions and tackling topical issues. Apart from getting a few All Blacks along during the World Cup, they worked on a couple of recession storylines, with the Cooper family struggling to make ends meet earlier in the year, and constant struggles between various departments for funding at the hospital.

Jill got to demonstrate the plight of many a young working woman as she struggled to balance her bills, rent, food and credit card payments. Fortunately, Callum came to the rescue and got her spending sorted out.

And they lightly touched on the “brain drain”, with conniving Aussie doctor, Bethany, trying to lure Maxwell across the ditch for a better life. She didn’t succeed, though.

Maxwell felt his family obligations too strongly. Can he work things out with Nicole after being unfaithful?

Brooke had her fair share of drama (and the most convoluted plot lines of the year) – first with Chris Warner’s devious younger brother, Isaac, drawing her into several crazy get-rich schemes (and manipulating poor Luke Durville and his taxidermy skills), and then with her oddly reverent assistant/stalker Winston going to some extreme lengths to protect her from her own bad behaviour.

And, now, her long-lost sister has turned up. But is Brooke a changed woman, and will it be happily ever after with her and funny-man-with-a-soft-centre, Vinnie?

Of course, we’ve had the requisite birth (Sarah brought Tilly into the world in a ditch) and wedding (TK and Roimata got there eventually), and teenager Jasmine had a near-death experience.

There have also been more love triangles than you’d need to build the pyramids. Chris and Rachel got back together and have been playing happy families, but surely that won’t last – especially now that resident genius with Aspergers, Gabrielle, has declared she’s still in love with him.

While there are no explosions, car crashes, or serial killers on the loose this year, it’s a typically tense Shorty cliffhanger and, along with Hunter’s exploits, there’s a few new plot twists (a certain teenage couple are about to get a lot of attention) to keep fans guessing until the show returns on January 16.
-TimeOut

We’re getting to that time of year when reviewers and critics start making lists and checking them twice, figuring out their Best Of and Worst Of lists for the year – and while I’ll probably do a proper Best/Worst list in a week or two, I thought I’d take a leaf from Mr Sweetman’s book* today and take a look at the best Kiwi-made television shows of the year.

It’s been a strong year for Kiwi drama. After the finale of Outrageous Fortune and the ratings-challenged This Is Not My Life in 2010, it seemed we were simply waiting for the next big local drama – enter The Almighty Johnsons and Nothing Trivial, two of the best shows of the year, local or otherwise. The former boasted a unique premise (Norse gods living in Auckland), whereas the latter was a more straightforward drama. Both boasted strong casts. I’m really looking forward to returning seasons of both in 2012.

New shows weren’t the only highlights: returning show Go Girls had a strong third series, and Underbelly: Land of the Long Green Cloud – the first Kiwi foray into the Underbelly franchise – was an engrossing, albeit short, series.

There wasn’t too much to be proud of in terms of reality television (I didn’t enjoy the latest seasons of Masterchef NZ or NZ’s Next Top Model), but two shows restored my faith in local reality shows: The Food Truck followed chef Michael Van De Elzen as he tried to create healthy alternatives to fast food and sell them out of a truck at public events, and Under the Grill followed celeb-chef Sean Connolly as he created a gourmet restaurant from scratch in the foyer of Skycity’s grand hotel. Interesting shows, even if I’m still in shock that Connolly can charge $100 for a single meal.

The Crowd Goes Wild is still a favourite at my place – I even got to hang out in the studio for a day back in February (and blogged about it here and here), which has made me appreciate the show even more. Sport was also the focus of Rocked the Nation 3: 100 NZ Sporting Moments, which was one of the most interesting shows I watched all year (even though I disagree that Sir Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Mt Everest counts as a sporting moment).

Local comedy also had a strong year: after moving to TV3, The Jono Project took a while to get going but hit its stride in the second half of the year, and the After Hours With specials (that filled in on Friday nights for a few weeks in the middle of the year) were hilarious. We’ve got a really strong batch of stand-up comedians working on television at the moment and it’s exciting to see guys like Ben Hurley and Jesse Mulligan going from strength to strength.

The big comedy show of the year was undoubtedly 7 Days – the show is recording its best ratings and the team are consistently delivering a hilarious half-hour of comedy on Friday nights. Again, it comes back to the state of stand-up comedy in this country: as our comedians have improved, so has 7 Days. Long may it continue!

Jane Campion is to make a TV mini series set in her native New Zealand.
Top of the Lake is due to be screened in early 2013 and is co-produced by BBC Two, UKTV in Australia and New Zealand and Sundance Channel in the United States.
Screen Australia, Screen NSW and Fulcrum Media Finance are funding the project.
The mini series is set in remote South Island high country and follows the disappearance of a five-month pregnant 12-year-old girl called Tui who was last seen standing in a frozen lake.
“I am in love with the intense beauty of southern-most New Zealand and am excited to be setting a story in this end of the world paradise,” says Sydney-based Campion, both the writer and director for the series.
“To be able to tell the story over six hours gives myself and my brilliant team a chance to make something truly absorbing and memorable.”
The series stars Holly Hunter, who won an Oscar for her performance in Campion’s The Piano, Elisabeth Moss, and David Wenham.
BBC Worldwide will distribute the television series internationally and also owns UKTV in Australia and New Zealand.

- www.3news.co.nz

A third season of hit swords-and-sandals drama Spartacus will be filmed in New Zealand, it has been confirmed.

American network Starz has announced the show’s third season, which follows Blood and Sand and recent prequel Gods of the Arena, will begin shooting in New Zealand early next year, said The Hollywood Reporter.

“There is no denying the impact Spartacus has had in the marketplace with fans across the globe thirsting for the continuation of the epic tale,” Starz Media managing director Carmi Zlotnik said.

A spin-off show, Spartacus: Vengeance, will begin airing in the new year.

Spartacus’ first two seasons were shot in New Zealand and featured many well known Kiwi actors including Manu Bennett and Lucy Lawless.

The future of the show was uncertain after the death of lead actor Andy Whitfield to cancer.

He was replaced by Liam McIntyre.

- Herald online

With 14,264 stream views to date for the first episode,Auckland Daze’s premiere is now the highest rankingshow on TVNZ Ondemand, ahead of Friday’s Shortland Street, which achieved  13,179 stream views over the same period.

Auckland Daze follows the success of TVNZ’s  Emmy Award-winning digital-only series    Reservoir Hill. The new series is a  spoof comedy that follows four hapless wannabes;  a model, a stuntman, a dwarf entertainer and a  stand-up comedian, who are all chasing fame  inAuckland’s ridiculously small entertainment  industry.

Auckland Daze takes the interactive experience that made Reservoir Hill a success to the next level. The show screens on TVNZ Ondemand and is also embedded into Facebook allowing viewers to watch, ‘like’ and share the episodes with their friends without having to leave their Facebook profile.

After each episode, the audience is prompted to say what they think. Filmed weekly, suggestions from viewers influence the next episode. The second episode of Auckland Daze will be available to view from 5pm tonight and features a viewer contributed pick up line for Millen. This second episode also guest stars Craig Parker.

With a growing Facebook fanbase and fan interaction rates running well above average, viewers are enjoying the chance to interact with and influence the show.

“In just one week, the success of Auckland Daze has demonstrated the growth in the digital audience’s appetite for high quality online video and interactive experiences. We are enjoying the positive viewer feedback and seeing that people appreciate the show’s humour as much as we do,” says Tom Cotter, TVNZ’s GM Digital Media.

- Throng