Tuesday evenings on TV One have taken a turn for the better with the local game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? (8.30 pm) followed by Jamie Oliver's Big Food Fight.
Mike Hosking has definitely come into his own with the New Zealand version of the would-be millionaires' show.
Given his past appearances in various presentations I had expected a brash and pushy approach overlaid with a slightly aggressive and "I know best" air.
Such an attitude would have killed the quiz show right from the start but it is to his credit he has continued to sustain a polished and pleasing style.
It is always important to strike the balance between the authority of the presenter and the insecurity of many of the contestants.
Hosking has achieved that fine balance between authority and encouragement, appearing considerate and careful when he senses the participant's nervousness or discomfort, or when he needs to prod them gently to keep the show moving.
The Big Food Fight: Jamie's Ministry of Food records Jamie Oliver's efforts to raise the standard of cooking in his chosen local community.
The idea of neighbour teaching neighbour is certainly idealistic and probably doomed to failure, but it's certainly worth a try.
His efforts make interesting viewing and are a huge plea for a return to home cooking in this age of takeaways and instant dinners.
To offset the plethora of political comment and pre- and post-voting analysis, viewers have some outstanding programmes on Prime to look forward to this month.
Russia - a Journey with Jonathon Dimbleby, a show in which this outstanding veteran presenter will take us on an epic journey from one end of Russia to the other makes its appearance.
This series is the first to cover a complete excursion through this vast and diverse country.
It raises my expectations.
It will be followed by the acclaimed police drama, (ital on) Messiah (ital off), with detective Joseph Walker played by Marc Warren, whose familiarity with past series featuring brutality and violence will equip him for this role.
New to Prime is Judge John Deed, the lead role played by Martin Shaw, which opens with Deed's presence in the International Criminal Court in The Hague where he tries a young soldier for war crimes.
Shaw has a commanding presence and provided the script has impact and focus, it promises a stylish and powerful legal drama.
