The Block New Zealand gets the chop following sad ‘restructure’ announcement
Fans of The Block NZ have been left to pick up the pieces after the popular home renovation show was axed by Warner Bros. Discovery ANZ.
Following its postponement in 2023 due to poor market conditions, the decision to shut the door on the once-thriving show came as part of a disappointing restructure.
Warner Bros. International Television Production NZ co-managing director Mike Molloy told Daily Mail the company is no longer making local shows that require full funding.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We’re living in very tough times with the cut backs to the NZ Local production market as the networks no longer fund local shows,” he said.
“This is having a devastating impact on hundreds if not thousands of workers, and a lot will be lost to the industry — which is frustrating and sad as we’ve built up an amazingly talented resource in this country.
Amid the cancellation, four properties that were in the final stages of construction for the 2024 season based in Auckland’s North Shore will be finished and sold.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Discovery told Newshub that sponsors were made aware the show could be scrapped at any moment.
“When we announced our business restructure earlier this year, we indicated that WBD would no longer make fully funded local shows, which includes The Block NZ.
“Existing sponsors had been told that we would contact them if the show was going ahead, and they would have first right of renewal.”
The show initially informed fans via Facebook in November 2022 that unforeseen changes were on the way.
One person said at the time, “the show is well and truly past it’s use by date,” while another another cited the all-terrain successes across the pond, arguing, “Well if they can venture afield in Australia why don’t you guys do that here”.
An indicator the show’s days were numbered was the record-low profit achieved by the 2023 winning team.
A highlight for fans has always been the delight on the couples’ faces when their homes sell, yet months of hard work yielded little financial gain for winners Chloe Hes and Ben Speedy.
Difficult market conditions saw the victorious contestants earn a little more than $3000 profit — a result which led producers to postpone the show last year.
Closer to home, rumours in 2022 that The Block Australia was experiencing similar struggles were silenced when the network cited its record ratings as evidence of prosperous conditions.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year, the Aussie iteration — headed by long-time host Scott Cam — is reportedly set for a special edition located on Philip Island.
