Iconic Aotearoa sports quiz show returns, launching on Sky in September - Sky
The popular sports quiz show, Game of 2 Halves is making a fresh return to screens around New Zealand. Sky has partnered with NZME sport entertainment brand, The Alternative Commentary Collective to create a new version of the iconic show for passionate and opinionated lovers of sport – re-invented for today as The ACC does Game of 2 Halves.
Jonny Errington, Chief Content and Commercial Officer, Sky, says, “We’re excited to partner with the ACC to create a fun new version of the iconic Aotearoa sports entertainment format, Game of 2 Halves. The show will lean on some of the popular segments from its previous incarnation, while introducing some new elements to the game, plus an all-new line up of the country’s best sports and comedy personalities. New Zealanders love to debate and celebrate sporting moments together – something this show, which aired for eleven years and won ‘People’s Choice’ for Best Entertainment four times at the TV Guide awards – has always excelled at.”
The Alternative Commentary Collective’s Matt Heath, who will be one of the team captains on the show, says: “Everyone at The ACC just loves getting into the weeds of everything vaguely sports related. The ACC does Game of 2 Halves is the ideal opportunity for us to put forward our expertise in sports adjacent content both from the past and present. We’re also excited to be using this show as an opportunity for our newest members, Waimate age group representative Manaia Stewart and former New Zealand netballer Erena Mikaere, both of whom will bring a whole new level of comedy to The ACC team.”
Sky Sport presenter Laura McGoldrick will be quiz master, corralling a multi-talented rotating team of sports-mad comedians, broadcasters and athletes, representing a mix of established and up-and-coming talent. This will include ACC fan favourites, including Matt Heath, Dai Henwood, Manaia Stewart and new ACC member Erena Mikaere – and sports presenting talent, such as Sky’s Angus Ta'avao and the talented Brodie Kane. Athletes confirmed for season one include Michaela Blyde, Shiray Kaka, and former cricketer, Katey Martin – with more names to announce in due course.
The ACC Does Game of 2 Halves – which aims to deliver the ultimate New Zealand sports quiz show for a family audience through a blend of Kiwi sporting humour and pub quiz trivia – should become appointment viewing for sports and entertainment fans in its 7.30pm Thursday evening timeslot.
The show has been commissioned for an initial season of 10 half-hour episodes. These will air free to air on Sky Open and on Sky Sport from 12 September.
The show is funded and produced by Sky, with the support of NZME, and production and broadcast sponsor TAB, with options for other partners to support. The show is based off a format licensed by Warner Bros. International Television Production New Zealand Limited.