00:00
/
00:00
The Pretender - Series Two, Episode One
Television (Full Length Episode) – 2008
In the 2000s mockumentary realism (led by The Office) was making its mark in television comedy. Series The Pretender gave Kiwi politics the embedded camera treatment, with expat comedian Bob Maclaren playing overconfident property developer-turned-MP Dennis Plant. The first episode of the second series sees Plant cause political chaos, with the launch of his Future New Zealand party. This season was nominated for three Qantas TV Awards in 2009, including Best Comedy. The Pretender was created by Peter Cox (Insider’s Guide to Happiness) and Great Southern TV boss Philip Smith.
There are real shades of The Office in here. If you happened on to it you would almost think it was real.– Radio New Zealand review
Key Cast & Crew
See all 32 credits
Acknowledgements
Made with funding from NZ On Air
Categories
If you liked this, you might also like...
The Pretender
In this mockumentary series, hapless property...
Politics
Our representatives in Parliament have had some of their...
Spin Doctors - Series Four, Final Episode
Another satirical series about media and politics
Bob Jones - Doing God's Work?
Another new political party on the campaign trial
Choice! 2002: Havoc and Newsboy's Election Special
More comical election coverage
Seven Sharp - Laura Daniel on Zoom
More political comedy
Joe Bennett's Guide to the Corridors of Power
A 2001 real-life look at NZ corridors of power
Wayne Anderson - Singer of Songs (First Episode)
Another show which is easy to believe
Eating Media Lunch - The Worst of EML
More satire from company Great Southern TV
The Insiders Guide to Happiness - Does Happiness Grow Up? (Chapter Eleven)
Also created by Peter Cox
The Unauthorised History of New Zealand - Visitors (Episode One)
Also directed by Jonathan Brough
Eyewitness News - Bob Jones punches reporter Rod Vaughan
Another property developer turned politician
The Family - First Episode
Another property developer on TV
AotearoHA
Stand-up comedy from Pretender co-star Andre King
Love Mussel
Another mock documentary
Forgotten Silver
More dubiously factual TV
McPhail & Gadsby - First Episode
Earlier political satire
The Best of The Billy T James Collection
Includes more political satire
Find Me a Māori Bride - First Episode
Another Kiwi mockumentary series
Neighbourhood - Hornby (with Pearl Runga)
Jonathan Brough also directed this documentary series