Mixed early reviews for Paul Henry's new show

The new morning news team on TV3: Jim Kayes, Hilary Barry, Paul Henry and Perlina Lau.

Paul Henry's new show kicked off with much fanfare this morning, but reviews have been mixed.

The controversial host is fronting The Paul Henry Show on TV3, with Hilary Barry reading news, Jim Kayes fronting sport and Perlina Lau fronting social media coverage.

It is a new format for TV3, with the 6-9am show being simulcast on Radio Live.

Today's debut featured interviews with John Key, with Henry practically begging the Prime Minister to give him a story.

Henry also interviewed pregnant Kiwi singer Brooke Fraser, questioning her about morning sickness and gluten intolerance.

Though the show's early moments were patchy, some people took to Twitter to say it would get better and they'd keep watching.

Paul Henry will get better fast but so far looks as though the crew have slept in and it's just three static cameras and a vision mixer.

— Jesse Mulligan (@JesseMulligan) April 6, 2015

Others called the show's format "awkward".

Some took aim at the show's odd camera angles and studio set-up, which features the presenters sitting around an oddly shaped desk in front of giant microphones.

Paul Henry's news desk appears to have been modelled on a pair of y-front underpants. #paulhenry pic.twitter.com/kszErW9h0F

— Melenie Parkes (@MelenieNZ) April 6, 2015

#PaulHenry needs 180degrees less set. Feel like I'm sitting in the backseat of this morning news car.

— Alessandra Rachael (@AlessandraRach) April 6, 2015

Great having #paulhenry back on TV & radio in the mornings, not sure about camera angles though.

— KTBFFH (@scottiemcintosh) April 6, 2015

Perlina’s social media cave looks so lonely hahaha #PaulHenry

— Luke (@vanhudge) April 6, 2015

#PaulHenry has @JonoAndBen's old spot in the TV3 garage. It's where we put everyone that we don't want to give keys to the main building

— Alessandra Rachael (@AlessandraRach) April 6, 2015

It took me a while to understand why the presenters were being shot in close up. Then I saw how tiny the set is !!!! #rathercheap #PaulHenry

— Russell Whale (@RussellWhale) April 6, 2015

My husband just said he felt like he was watching telethon.. 😂😂😂 #paulhenry

— Clare Hilsz (@clarehil) April 6, 2015

Several commentators were more critical.

But many were glad to have Henry back on their TV screens.

That infectious giggle is back #PaulHenry welcome to my mornings

— Donna Kelling (@KellingDonna) April 6, 2015

There's a devious cackle coming from my TV, phone, radio, computer... everywhere... Must be the @PaulHenryShow #PaulHenry

— Chris Willemse (@SayingThings13) April 6, 2015

#paulhenry good to see you back. looking at all the studio gadgets are fun!

— katy bang (@katybang11) April 6, 2015

Other TV3 personalities used the show as a platform to make jokes.

* nzherald.co.nz will have a full review of The Paul Henry Show later in the day. Check back for updated reports.

- nzherald.co.nz