The Chase New Zealand

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The Chase New Zealand is a New Zealand television quiz show based on the British series The Chase . The show will debut on TVNZ 1 on 3 November 2025. It will be presented by Paul Henry, with Anne Hegerty and Issa Schultz as chasers.

Background

The Chase premiered on ITV in the United Kingdom in 2009. The British version is shown in New Zealand, and according to British chaser Paul Sinha, is more popular there than in its home country. [1] In 2021, the British series averaged audiences of 313,800 in New Zealand. [2] According to Brian McDonnell, an honorary research fellow at Massey University, New Zealand audiences like the British series because they support the underdog contestants and admire host Bradley Walsh, despite not being able to answer British-centred questions. [2] Speaking at a point when the British series had aired over 1,800 episodes, McDonnell said that New Zealand's population was too small to support The Chase format for itself. [2]

On 8 April 2025, a New Zealand version of The Chase was announced by TVNZ, to be filmed by ITV Studios Australia at the Australian version's set in Sydney and broadcast as a four-part series. [3] It is the 22nd territory for The Chase. [4]

Paul Henry was announced as presenter on 3 June. [5] On 8 October, the show's two chasers were announced as British chaser "The Governess" Anne Hegerty and Australian chaser "The Supernerd" Issa Schultz, both veterans of the Australian series. [6]

References

  1. Kilgallon, Steve (8 January 2018). "The Chase's Paul Sinha: famous in small towns". Stuff . Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 Jack, Amberleigh (18 July 2022). "Why are New Zealanders obsessed with The Chase?". Stuff . Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  3. "New Zealanders will get the chance to win The Chase with NZ series announced". Stuff . 8 April 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  4. Whittock, Jesse (12 October 2025). "ITV Studios Racks Up Host Of Deals For 'A Party To Die For', 'Come Dine With Me', 'The Chase' & 'My Mum Your Dad' & Revives Fox Reality Format 'Solitary'". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  5. Gallot, Eva (3 June 2025). "Paul Henry announced as the host of The Chase NZ". Stuff . Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  6. "The Governess and The Supernerd to join The Chase NZ". Stuff . 8 October 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.