Blindspot Sheds Light on TV1’s New Season

TV1 will be the first of the HD networks to roll out its new-season programmes en masse.

By the fourth week of January, most of its primetime slots will be filled with new or returning fare while TV2 and TV3’s schedules will still be movie-driven.

A handful of new series, including Doctor Foster, Cuffs and The John Bishop Show, go to air next week but the premiere of Blindspot on January 24 marks the start of the season proper.

It will screen 8.30 Sundays in a slot traditionally reserved for premium British or NZ fare, on the back of the premiere of David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef.

Mondays will look the same, with the latest season of Criminal Minds leading into new episodes of Castle. The twist is TV1’s playing both series early in the year rather than later.

Another HD drama will also start on January 25, Allegiance, in the post-One News Tonight slot.

Tuesdays looks like being documentary-driven while Wednesday will offer another drama double-bill, with the January 27 premiere of medical drama Code Black leading into Unforgettable.

HD lifestyle/light end will characterise Thursday night from January 28, with property show Kirstie and Phil’s Love It Or List It preceding The John Bishop Show and, at 11.15, the premiere of HD comedy Uncle.

Expect Friday and Saturday to largely stay the same, with three hours of Coronation Street complemented by reality fare, docos and drama re-runs or movies.

The return of Seven Sharp in February will see MasterChef Australia switch to 7.30 while still in the wings are Our First Home, Coast New Zealand, New Zealand Home and Mastermind.