"The show is really based on talkback hosts in general and the relentless pursuit of ratings." Hoyte, who hosted Radio Hauraki Drive with Leigh Hart for five years, says the OnDemand show is partly based on "some of our shenanigans during those years, and what goes on when the microphones are off".
White has some famous faces playing themselves in his studio, including Seven Sharp's Hilary Barry and singer Stan Walker.
"Hilary was magnificent and there's a reason she is so loved in this country," Hoyte said. "She was also really open to what we were doing and went in guns blazing. Stan was also brilliant. I was nervous about our scenes together but you'll have to watch to find out why."
Hoyte is looking forward to viewers seeing who really does the work behind the scenes.
"So much of the work for a show is done by people whom the public never see or hear. The presenter is the final piece of a collective effort and generally the most highly paid, which is why everyone tends to want their job."
The stellar cast are Mike Minogue, Ginette McDonald, Morgana O'Reilly, Olivia Tennet, Milo Cawthorne, Simon Prast, David De Lautour and Jeremy Randerson.
McDonald, a Kiwi media institution, made a lasting impression on Hoyte.
"Ginette was fantastic. I learned through her the essential history of New Zealand television in between takes. She's a very funny human being on and off air."
Hoyte said the show, which starts streaming at the end of this month, is one for our times.
"In this age of 'fake news' and misinformation, where it seems the more outrageous the comment, the more clicks you get, it's a lot of fun to not be shackled by the truth, or have to deal with facts."
