Karl Puschmann is the Culture Editor and an Entertainment Columnist for New Zealand’s Herald. His fascination lies in finding out what drives and inspires creative people.
Hello, there! I’m Karl Puschmann, Culture Editor and entertainment columnist for the New Zealand Herald and its stable of premium magazines. As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a writer. A misspent youth at art school and playing in bands saw me gravitate towards writing about the arts. After completing my Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism at AUT in 2004 I freelanced for every local pop culture, entertainment and lifestyle magazine worth a damn, before becoming editor of New Zealand’s iconic music magazine Rip It Up in 2005. In 2014 I started my weekly pop culture column in the Herald before joining the entertainment desk full-time in 2016. In 2021 I became the title's first Culture Editor. Most days I talk to inspiring and creative people who are making really cool stuff. I find it fascinating to find out what drives them, to hear the stories behind their art, and to get their thoughts and views on the big topics like life, death, love, loss and everything in between. I’ve spoken to a lot of amazing people over the years, but some of the most memorable include living legends Paul McCartney and Martin Scorsese, personal inspirations Jerry Seinfeld and Johnny Marr from The Smiths and artists I admire Aldous Harding and Taika Waititi. My personal philosophy is that entertainment writing should in itself, be entertaining. That mind-set is behind everything I write.
![Karl Puschmann: Crucial detail missing from Beverly Hills Cop](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Crucial detail missing from Beverly Hills Cop
Successful return for action-comedy classic almost derailed by major oversight.
![‘I wasn't sure if she was breathing': The making of the harrowing Celine Dion doco](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘I wasn't sure if she was breathing': The making of the harrowing Celine Dion doco
Irene Taylor, director of I Am: Celine Dion, reflects on filming one of Dion's seizures.
![Karl Puschmann: When it comes to MAFS 'Australia has us beat'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: When it comes to MAFS 'Australia has us beat'
‘We’re like the dowdy cousin invited to the wedding but seated right at the back.'
![Karl Puschmann: 'Remarkable' new Netflix show makes robbing banks look 'pretty easy'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: 'Remarkable' new Netflix show makes robbing banks look 'pretty easy'
It's wildly entertaining with a harsh lesson.
![Karl Puschmann: Does The Acolyte offer a new hope for Star Wars fans?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Does The Acolyte offer a new hope for Star Wars fans?
'It’s exhilarating. It’s terrifying.'
![Furiosa Review: Buckle up, George Miller's back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Furiosa Review: Buckle up, George Miller's back
Can his stars handle the high-octane prequel? We discuss.
![Karl Puschmann: ‘Genius and madcap’ as Te Radar turns back the clock](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: ‘Genius and madcap’ as Te Radar turns back the clock
Antarctica, alcohol and Kiwi cookbooks get the comedy treatment across five shows.
![Kings Of Leon's Kiwi inspiration](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kings Of Leon's Kiwi inspiration
The Grammy-winning band tell Karl Puschmann how Kiwi audiences lit a creative fuse.
![Karl Puschmann: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' effects are 'flawless'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' effects are 'flawless'
The apes are back, and Freya Allan and Owen Teague aren't monkeying around.
![Karl Puschmann: The Moon is Upside Down is an illuminating Kiwi dramedy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: The Moon is Upside Down is an illuminating Kiwi dramedy
There’s a lot to love about this local arthouse film, but it's not a rom-com.
![Why watching Fallout is even more fun than playing it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why watching Fallout is even more fun than playing it
Don't be put off by its origins - Fallout is well worth a watch, writes Karl Puschmann.
![Karl Puschmann: The verdict on Pearl Jam’s new record Dark Matter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: The verdict on Pearl Jam’s new record Dark Matter
And how will the grunge icons' new songs fit into their upcoming NZ shows?
![Chelsea Handler: ‘Why would I listen to men when I’m a woman?’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Chelsea Handler: ‘Why would I listen to men when I’m a woman?’
The outspoken comedian is on her way to NZ. Karl Puschmann caught up with her.
![Karl Puschmann: The verdict on the grand finale of Curb Your Enthusiasm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: The verdict on the grand finale of Curb Your Enthusiasm
After fumbling the Seinfeld finale, does Larry David get it right on his second go?
![Opinion: How I learned to stop worrying and love MAFS](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opinion: How I learned to stop worrying and love MAFS
A Reality TV hater says 'I Do' to Married at First Sight.
![Dark City: The Cleaner review -'Murder-y, gory and a little bit unhinged'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dark City: The Cleaner review -'Murder-y, gory and a little bit unhinged'
The Christchurch-set serial killer show feels uniquely Kiwi, writes Karl Puschmann.
![Karl Puschmann: Does Road House deliver a knockout blow?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Does Road House deliver a knockout blow?
Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this rowdy remake of Patrick Swayze’s action classic.
![Karl Puschmann: Christopher Nolan’s top six flicks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Christopher Nolan’s top six flicks
After Oppenheimer’s big Oscar wins, these are the best of the rest.
![Oscars 2024: Who will win big at this year’s Academy Awards?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Oscars 2024: Who will win big at this year’s Academy Awards?
The countdown to the 2024 Oscars is on. Here are our picks in the main categories.
![Karl Puschmann: Zac Effron and John Cena’s R-rated comedy is a limp effort](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Zac Effron and John Cena’s R-rated comedy is a limp effort
Does the raunchy new comedy fall flat?
![Back to Arrakis! Does Dune: Part Two eclipse its predecessor?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Back to Arrakis! Does Dune: Part Two eclipse its predecessor?
Karl Puschmann and Emma Gleason share their spicy takes on the blockbuster sequel.
![Karl Puschmann: Kate Winslet apes Putin and Trump in her new show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Kate Winslet apes Putin and Trump in her new show
Political satire takes potshots at all dictators.
![Karl Puschmann: Constellation is a psychological nightmare from Apple TV+](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Constellation is a psychological nightmare from Apple TV+
The new show is full of secrets and mysteries, but does the plot land?
![Karl Pushmann: ‘Miles from Nowhere deserves your attention’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Pushmann: ‘Miles from Nowhere deserves your attention’
Local dramedy shows a side of Aotearoa rarely seen on our screens.
![Karl Puschmann: Is there a more fiercely patriotic comedian than Guy Williams?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Is there a more fiercely patriotic comedian than Guy Williams?
He loves Kiwis. Even the ones that don’t love him back.
![Mr and Mrs Smith reboot is missing the original's kick](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mr and Mrs Smith reboot is missing the original's kick
The action-romcom returns with a heavy focus on the romance.
![Karl Puschmann: Nicole Kidman brings every parent’s nightmare to life in new drama Expats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Nicole Kidman brings every parent’s nightmare to life in new drama Expats
Review: Premium series relates best to those who will find it hardest to watch: Parents.
![Echo's director and star shake up the Marvel superhero formula](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Echo's director and star shake up the Marvel superhero formula
No matter how many hyphens in their description, they're still a person.
![Foo Fighters deliver an almightily powerful rock sermon in Melbourne](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Foo Fighters deliver an almightily powerful rock sermon in Melbourne
A sneak peek at the hard rock glory awaiting Foo fans in the upcoming NZ tour.
![Why a show about a teddy bear is 2024’s first TV surprise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why a show about a teddy bear is 2024’s first TV surprise
12 years after leaving cinemas Seth MacFarlane’s Ted returns in a new series.
![Karl Puschmann: True Detective returns with Jodie Foster, ghosts and severed tongues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: True Detective returns with Jodie Foster, ghosts and severed tongues
The show hasn’t been this spectacularly spooky since its triumphant first season.
![Karl Puschmann: The end of the world shouldn’t be so enjoyable](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: The end of the world shouldn’t be so enjoyable
Start the new year with this strange and humorous show about the end of it all.
![‘I can’t live off my YouTube money’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘I can’t live off my YouTube money’
Jordan Watson shares the reality of being an internet star.
![At home with Tiki Taane: ‘I’m worried if I take my foot off the accelerator things would fall apart’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
At home with Tiki Taane: ‘I’m worried if I take my foot off the accelerator things would fall apart’
The award-winning muso tells us about the passion project he’s been working on for years.
![That time Sarah Jessica Parker 'left people squirming' in a press conference](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
That time Sarah Jessica Parker 'left people squirming' in a press conference
'There were flashes of the mean girl portrayed by the gossip mongers'.
![Why Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant made Jake Gyllenhaal cry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant made Jake Gyllenhaal cry
The star tells Karl Puschmann about his deep personal connection to this "action parable".
![Opinion: Ricky Gervais’ new comedy special is an explosive dud](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opinion: Ricky Gervais’ new comedy special is an explosive dud
Titled Armageddon, it’s the equivalent of being trapped by your boomer uncle at Xmas.
![Hollie Fullbrook discusses Tiny Ruins’ album Ceremony - ‘I wanted to keep the songs to myself a bit longer”](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hollie Fullbrook discusses Tiny Ruins’ album Ceremony - ‘I wanted to keep the songs to myself a bit longer”
Hollie Fullbrook tells Karl Puschmann how she processed grief, loss and life on Ceremony.
![Art is life: Kimbra on why her 2023 album A Reckoning was 'cognitive therapy’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Art is life: Kimbra on why her 2023 album A Reckoning was 'cognitive therapy’
Our alt-pop star tells Karl Puschmann how searching for life's meaning changed her forever
![Karl Puschmann: The Curse pushes cringe-comedy to breaking point](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: The Curse pushes cringe-comedy to breaking point
In this new series Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone test how much you can stomach.
![Summer playlist sorted: The top 10 albums from artists in Aotearoa this year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Summer playlist sorted: The top 10 albums from artists in Aotearoa this year
From indie-folk to club hits - these are some of the best local albums of the year.
![Is the Scott Pilgrim animated series worth a shot?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is the Scott Pilgrim animated series worth a shot?
The movie bombed, but the frenetic action-rom-com has returned in animated form.
![Daddy issues: Does Robert De Niro’s new movie stack up?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Daddy issues: Does Robert De Niro’s new movie stack up?
About My Father is a deeply personal Italian comedy that’s simply not funny.
![Boh Runga's new chapter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Boh Runga's new chapter
The Stellar* frontwoman, jeweller and now author on life, death and happiness.
![Six bonkers things I learnt about Napoleon from the movie](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Six bonkers things I learnt about Napoleon from the movie
The historical epic is full of astounding trivia about the famed and feared French leader.
![Karl Puschmann: TikTok comedian Matt Rife’s leap to primetime an evolutionary misstep](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: TikTok comedian Matt Rife’s leap to primetime an evolutionary misstep
In Natural Selection he vents his anger at all of his 18 million followers.
![Review: Does Taika score again with his new film, or is it an own goal?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review: Does Taika score again with his new film, or is it an own goal?
Has Waititi's winning touch brought home the win for this underdog story?
![Tash Sultana gets real: ‘I’m as self-aware as I possibly could be’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tash Sultana gets real: ‘I’m as self-aware as I possibly could be’
The muso on brain chemistry, relying on no one and licking Guatemalan cave toads.
![Twin Flames Universe guaranteed true love but delivered real hell](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Twin Flames Universe guaranteed true love but delivered real hell
Escaping Twin Flames, a new three-part documentary, dives deep into the heart of the cult.
![This is who I am: Shorty’s Marianne Infante on finally being seen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
This is who I am: Shorty’s Marianne Infante on finally being seen
How the soap taught her to be Kiwi, and how she’s bringing Filipino culture to Kiwis.
![Karl Puschmann: I don’t know why you say hello, the Beatles say goodbye](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: I don’t know why you say hello, the Beatles say goodbye
The Fab Four reach the end of their long and winding road with Now and Then.
![Review: Why Marvel’s newest movie is a galaxy-sized win for women](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review: Why Marvel’s newest movie is a galaxy-sized win for women
With starring roles on both sides of the camera, change is afoot in the MCU.
![Karl Puschmann: Can Bill Burr’s Old Dads learn any new tricks in his woke-roasting comedy?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Can Bill Burr’s Old Dads learn any new tricks in his woke-roasting comedy?
It’s a coming-of-age film for men in their 50s who should know better.
![Tom Sainsbury on his debut horror film and being laughed at in his undies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tom Sainsbury on his debut horror film and being laughed at in his undies
The comedian's horror movie Loop Track could ruin tramping for generations.
![Karl Puschmann: After the Party, who will you believe?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: After the Party, who will you believe?
Robyn Malcolm created and stars in one of the year's best shows.
![Seven years in the making: The Streets on music, movies and life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Seven years in the making: The Streets on music, movies and life
After a long hiatus, Mike Skinner is back with his most ambitious project yet.
![Karl Puschmann: The diagnosis on the Frasier reboot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: The diagnosis on the Frasier reboot
After almost 20 years everybody’s favourite snooty psychiatrist returns to TV.
![Cabaret star Meow Meow on sex, danger and the theatre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cabaret star Meow Meow on sex, danger and the theatre
'My legs go everywhere. What’s a girl to do with such magnificent showbiz legs?'
![Karl Puschmann: What’s the deal with the Seinfeld reunion?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: What’s the deal with the Seinfeld reunion?
The man who made a career out of nothing has just teased… well, something.
![Karl Puschmann: Alone is tense, stressful and creepy. You should watch it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Alone is tense, stressful and creepy. You should watch it
The Netflix thriller does nothing new. This is why it’s so good.
![Review: Why Kiwi star's new Dunedin-based film is a must see](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review: Why Kiwi star's new Dunedin-based film is a must see
Julian Dennison tackles the big topics in this local coming-of-age dramedy.
![Karl Puschmann: The John Wick prequel series is action-packed and morally questionable](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: The John Wick prequel series is action-packed and morally questionable
A puzzling and problematic casting choice threatens to take out the series.
![‘I can’t live off my YouTube money’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘I can’t live off my YouTube money’
Jordan Watson shares the reality of being an internet star.
![Josh Fountain on Benee, Leisure and writing hits](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Josh Fountain on Benee, Leisure and writing hits
Josh Fountain on new album, success with Benee and writing hits
![Karl Puschmann: Doco series Telemarketers a wild ride of drugs, scams and charity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Doco series Telemarketers a wild ride of drugs, scams and charity
You don’t have to be mad to work for a telemarketer, but it helps …
![Agatha Christie and me: James Prichard on his great-grandmother and A Haunting in Venice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Agatha Christie and me: James Prichard on his great-grandmother and A Haunting in Venice
He’s in charge of Agatha Christie’s company, but for James Prichard, it’s more than a job.
![Is Netflix’s violent and weird 6ixtynin9 this year’s Squid Game?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is Netflix’s violent and weird 6ixtynin9 this year’s Squid Game?
OPINION: This crime-thriller from Thailand is violent, funny and extremely odd.
![The rules go out the unpainted window in Three’s new reno reality show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The rules go out the unpainted window in Three’s new reno reality show
House Rules NZ sees contestants leaving strangers to renovate their house.
![Kura Forrester on cancel culture and her biological clock: ‘I’m feeling that tick louder than ever.’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kura Forrester on cancel culture and her biological clock: ‘I’m feeling that tick louder than ever.’
The award-winning comedian and actor has a revelation talking about the big issues.
![Karl Puschmann: Strange Planet is quirky, cutesy and … just a little bit dull](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Strange Planet is quirky, cutesy and … just a little bit dull
The creator of Rick and Morty tones it right down in this gently amusing new series.
![Karl Puschmann: TVNZ’s killer comedy is a good time - unless you’re a snake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: TVNZ’s killer comedy is a good time - unless you’re a snake
Killing It is violently funny, and at times surprisingly heartfelt.
![DJ Vasan's love letter on wax](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
DJ Vasan's love letter on wax
Wellington DJ honours legacy of Red Astaire with a special red vinyl record.
![Karl Puschmann: The New Star Wars series is as gripping and exciting as a nice cup of tea](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: The New Star Wars series is as gripping and exciting as a nice cup of tea
Ahsoka is watchable but that doesn’t mean it’s any good.
![Karl Puschmann: Is Tem Morrison and Robyn Malcolm’s new drama Far North a hit or a meth?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Karl Puschmann: Is Tem Morrison and Robyn Malcolm’s new drama Far North a hit or a meth?
It's addictive viewing and one taste will be enough to get you hooked.
![Robyn Malcolm and Temuera Morrison tell all on 'dark' new drug TV thriller](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Robyn Malcolm and Temuera Morrison tell all on 'dark' new drug TV thriller
The former 'Shortland Street' stars have reunited for a fantastic new true crime thriller.
![At home with Tiki Taane: ‘I’m worried if I take my foot off the accelerator things would fall apart’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
At home with Tiki Taane: ‘I’m worried if I take my foot off the accelerator things would fall apart’
The award-winning muso tells us about the passion project he’s been working on for years.
![TV host's plus-size travel mission: 'I'm not here to promote obesity'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
TV host's plus-size travel mission: 'I'm not here to promote obesity'
The travel influencer on starting the plus-size travel movement and how NZ changed him.
![The unexpected return of Futurama](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The unexpected return of Futurama
Futurama must be getting close to holding the record for the most cancelled show ever.