TV Pick of the week: Election night specials

Maori TV's Julian Wilcox, TV3's John Campbell and One's Mark Sainsbury will compete for the viewers' vote on election night. Photos / Supplied

Just like on X Factor or American Idol, all the tantrums, tears, and brain explosions in the lead-up to a general election are by far the most entertaining. But - also similar to those talent quests - when it comes down to it, everything hinges on the results show.

And as the vote-counting begins and the tallies start to trickle in from 7pm on Saturday, TV One, TV3 and Maori all have election specials lined up to keep you up to date on who's winning which seats and the party vote.

The problem with these sorts of long, results-driven specials - for example, Native Affairs - Kowhiri 11 on Maori TV is a six-hour epic - is how to make them entertaining and fun as well as informative.

The Julian Wilcox-led team at Native Affairs, who recently won best current affairs series at the Film and TV Awards up against the might of Sunday (TV One) and 60 Minutes (TV3), have roped in lippy comedian Mike King, perky radio host and entertainer Stacey Morrison and actor Rawiri Paratene to spice up its in-studio panel of commentators.

Joining them will be outspoken former MP Sandra Lee, broadcaster Derek Fox and politician (and current mayor of Carterton) Ron Mark. The coverage will also include live crosses to all Maori electorates.

On TV3, the John and Duncan show - that's jovial yet probing John Campbell and political editor-cum-interrogator Duncan Garner - should provide some provocative insight.

But while the pair are leading the network's Decision 2011 special, if past form is anything to go by the real entertainment should come from panelist Paul Henry, who is never one to shy away from a cheeky comment or two.

Also on the panel are fellow rebels Rodney Hide and John Tamihere, as well as the more level-headed trio of Linda Clark, Chris Trotter and Therese Arseneau.

Meanwhile, over on TV One's Election 2011, the serious stuff will be discussed by the big boys' club of Close Up's Mark Sainsbury, political editor Guyon Espiner, news anchor Simon Dallow and Breakfast host Corin Dann. They will be joined by a range of candidates, party strategists and ex-MPs.

The hard work, live from the field, will be done by Peter Williams, Greg Boyed and the network's political reporters, who will rub shoulders with the main party leaders and their supporters as the results come to hand.

Wendy Petrie presents regular One News updates throughout the night, while Petra Bagust and Tamati Coffey will be out partying with voters.

And if you're having an election party of your own and that lot don't rattle your political cage, just mute them, turn up the music and have a knees-up while keeping half an eye on the scorecard.

When: Saturday, 7pm
Where: Various channels
What: And the winner is ...

-TimeOut