Cooking up a televisual treat

Everyone's gearing up to help the tsunami appeal, from a newly-announced gig to a special fundraising edition of Good Morning.

I have to admit I have no time for this show and normally switch over as soon as it comes on, but good on them for hosting this live event for a good cause.

David Tua, Savage, The Laughing Samoans, Scribe, Brotha D, Adeaze, the Yandall Sisters, MP Winnie Laban and Prime Minister John Key will all be joining the Good Morning hosts on Wednesday. And all money raised will go straight to the Samoan relief effort through the New Zealand Red Cross.

In other TV-related news, Maori TV has caused a stir by bidding for the rights to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The channel even has the backing of Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples, though they may have to build up its coverage pretty rapidly - it currently only broadcasts to 85 per cent of the country.

Bosses at the station claim the rest can get it on satellite... isn't that a bit like saying, 'Let them eat cake'? Not that I'm bothered - my Maori TV channel gets a far better reception than my Prime one.

Which is a bummer, because I'm definitely keen to check out their pro-wrestling later this year.

Oh, and some show called Top Gear is back on Prime soon too, starting on Sunday (October 11th at 7.30pm).

Episode one hits the road running with an extraordinary race as Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May set out to discover what Top Gear might have been like 60 years ago.

James grabs himself a gorgeous old Jaguar XK120 sports car, while Richard chooses to torture himself on the brutal but rather fantastically named Vincent Black Shadow motorbike. Meanwhile, in an almost unprecedented move, Jeremy decides to take the train.

I can't wait for Masterchef New Zealand, as I'm a total sucker for shows that combine my two favourite things, food and anything competitive. LOVE a competitive eat-off!

Celeb chefs Ray McVinnie, Ross Burden and Simon Gault have been announced as the judges for the local series coming soon to TV ONE.

I love this show as it gives amateur cooks the chance to really learn a thing or two about being a professional chef, plus it gives me the chance to be an armchair expert and critique or drool over their culinary creations.

And if you want to take part, TVNZ is calling for contestants from around the country to be on the show. To apply, go to tvnz.co.nz/masterchefnewzealand - applications close Friday 16 October at 5pm.

Also, over on Food TV, the search is on for NZ's best baker. If you think you can whip up a perfect pavlova or bake a flawless flan then fill out a form online at www.foodtv.co.nz.

Yum! I'd love to be a judge on that show!

Over on TV3 there's a cracking new show beginning next week (Tuesday, October 13th, at 9.30pm fact fans): Nurse Jackie.

It stars Sopranos lynchpin Edie Falco (who played the acrylic-nailed, hard-as-nails Carmela) as an unconventional nurse at a New York City hospital who works unauthorised double shifts, robs from the rich to give to the poor and has a complicated love life. Oh, and she's also a high-functioning pill popper.

So far, so slightly House, but those behind the show are promising to take it to the dark side. It's also become the highest rated show on Showtime in the US, so I'd say it's well worth a gander.

In online news, TVNZ has launched what it's claiming as a New Zealand first: a new online drama for the Twilight generation, where viewers can interact with the main character and become involved in her story.

Reservoir Hill is all about Beth Connolly, uprooted from her home life in rural Ruakowhai and forced to move to a strange new suburb when her parents separate. Starting in a new town, in a new school, is a daunting process - especially when the place is filled with freaks who keep inexplicably staring at her.

Send her a message on Bebo, and she talks back. Text her, and the message could pop up on her phone in the show - and the advice given then steers the story to its natural conclusion, good or bad.

A bit like those 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books for Gen-Y. Or Gen-Z.

Sounds waaaaay over my techno-phobic head but I'm sure it's, like, totally down with the kids and stuff.