What to watch: Love It or List It NZ has chemistry that works
Alex Walls and Paul Glover have an easy-going, on screen chemistry reminiscent of Kirsty and Phil in the UK original of this real estate reality show.
First of all, you have to accept that Love it or list it NZ (TVNZ+) is a programme about houses, and lots of people don’t own one.
Even then, you need to be okay with watching people who not only own houses but they also have the ability to do up the one they have, or buy a new one.
Keeping that in mind, there’s really only one thing that really matters in a programme like this and that is the two presenters. They have to have a noticeable buzz between them.
Think Kirsty and Phil. For almost two decades he’s been looking at her like a puppy in love, and making attention seeking jokes, and laughing and smiling and she’s crisply but kindly putting him in his place. Sit, Phil. And stay. They are such good mates and there’s palpable (but not gross) affection.
Alex Walls (she won The Block, AND she’s Hilary Barry’s cousin) and Paul Glover (actor, real estate agent, presenter of Location, Location, Location) are pitch perfect.
It’s such a relief not to sit on the sofa with a pillow in front of my face when watching a programme about New Zealand real estate. Walls and Glover do seem to have learnt a lot from The UK originals. It’s all an act, but it’s a relatively polished one.
Glover is blokey and confident with just a hint of insecurity because Walls is SO good at what she does. When it comes down to it, it’s much easier not to move and he knows that. I love his mock confidence as he sets out to find houses.
He’s got a good eye, too – too often in this sort of programme people say what they would like to have, and the finder gets something totally different. And there is great apparent rapport between the two of them, a sort of easy friendship.
Listen to Linda Burgess discuss the merits of Love It Or List It NZ with Jesse Mulligan.
Love it or List it NZ, Thursday Murder Club
Walls performs miracles too – after all, alterations cost a fortune and then you have to go to the complaints tribunal when they cost twice as much as you’ve been quoted. So the episode when she redid the whole living area, including a new kitchen for $55k, was extraordinary.
A scene from Love It Or List It NZ.
TVNZ+
Don't watch Love It Or List It NZ... if your chances of owning a house feel as likely as the American president making a successful deal for world peace.
If you like Love It or List It NZ, what should you watch next?
The English version with Kirsty and her friendly puppy is back on Mondays, TV1.
Torture yourself still further with Rich house, poor house, or Help! We bought a village, also on TVNZ+.
