1980s NZ quiz show Mastermind being revived

NZONSCREEN
Mastermind is returning to Kiwi TVs after being taken off the air in the early 90s.

Quiz show Mastermind is on its way back to Kiwi TVs, along with a new history show and documentary on New Zealand country music.

NZ On Air's latest batch of local arts and culture programmes have just been announced.

FROM THE ARCHIVES:
What's your specialist Mastermind subject?
Game shows get dumber

New Zealand's Mastermind host of the 1980s, Peter Sinclair.
NZ On Air
New Zealand's Mastermind host of the 1980s, Peter Sinclair.

A revival of quiz show Mastermind is in the works for primetime on TV One. Contestants on Mastermind are experts, not novices.

Mastermind originated as a British show, but a Kiwi version was produced in the 1980s. Thirteen episodes will be produced by Warner Bros, with NZ on Air covering $685,360 of costs.

The 1980s version was hosted by Peter Sinclair, who also hosted University Challenge. The new host is yet to be named.

Alongside Mastermind comes Heritage Rescue, which will screen on the 'Choice' free-to-air channel. The eight-episode show will see a team of experts explore and explain New Zealand museums and heritage sites.

NZ On Air contributed $484,039 for the show.

Kiwi country music is also getting a turn in the spotlight, with one-hour doco The New Sound Of Country focusing on Kiwi artists at the forefront of the genre. Tami Neilson, Marlon Williams, Delaney Davidson, and Barry Saunders will feature.

"These programmes add real diversity to the mix on local free-to-air television and will all be available online," said chief executive Jane Wrightson in a release. "We look forward to seeing the audience response to all of these projects."

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