New Zealand reality fans are set to get a mid-winter Christmas present this year. MediaWorks’ owned channel FOUR will transform into Bravo, a new reality TV-based offering, in July and a local show about rich and influential housewives is leading the line-up.
Bravo New Zealand is described as focusing on the “glam, design, food and pop culture”, and the channel is a joint venture between MediaWorks’ and NBCUniversal International Networks.
Spearheading the new channel will be the local production, The Real Housewives of Auckland.
Scroll down for video
The series, which has already followed rich and fashionable housewives in New York, New Jersey and Melbourne, is currently around the city of sails and will premier in August.
The cast features actress Louise Wallace, stylist and fashion consultant Julia Sloane, socialite Gilda Kirkpatrick, designer Angela Stone, former model Michelle Blanchard and former ballroom dancing champion Anne Batley Burton.
The Real Housewives of Auckland is being described as “an exclusive look into the glamourous galas, scintillating scandals, and enormous egos of this group of luxury-loving ladies as they navigate the social scene of the city’s elite, all while juggling their husbands, boyfriends, careers and families”, with added talk of backstabbing, old-money and social-suicide.
International shows already lined up to screen on Bravo New Zealand include Million Dollar Listing, Top Chef, and The Real Housewives franchise. Vanderpump Rules, Flipping Out and Made in Chelsea will also screen on the new channel.
Mark Weldon, group CEO of MediaWorks commented: “MediaWorks is thrilled to be entering into a partnership with NBCUniversal International Networks for a new free- to-air channel in New Zealand. NBCUniversal is one of the most famous of all entertainment brands and a deep, genuine relationship beyond simply purchasing content is of high value to MediaWorks.”
MediaWorks have recently come under fire for the loss of a handful of experienced new journalists – most recently the resignation of Newshub presenter, Hilary Barry.
