Big Three of reality TV upon us

International model Georgia Fowler, host of TVNZ's Project Runway.

It was easy to be a reality television snob, when the genre first birthed upon us, an unruly baby smacked on the bottom by pioneers like Dame Julie Christie.

We turned our noses up because it was crass, cheap and exploited ordinary people.

It made celebrities of sports stars endowed with excess testosterone and charisma, exuding minimal talent.

Like anything though, it has evolved.

Over an unprecedented 48 hours, reality television will dominate viewing statistics and social media in New Zealand.

On Sunday night, four homes built during TV3's The Block will go under the hammer, live on TV.

It's a simple concept - four homes are built by four pairs or couples, and at the end of the series, the homes are sold.

Anything over the agreed reserve price is pocketed by the pair or couple.

After The Block's final gavel falls on Sunday night, TV3 launches reality TV golden goose - Married at First Sight.

Couples who have never met are introduced at the altar.

If Block fans argue that they watch that programme because they get great renovation tips, then MAFS fans get free relationship counselling.

And dinner parties that verge on the bizarre and hilarious.

Famously, a recent Australian version featured two contestants who decided they didn't like the people chosen for them, but they liked each other.

They conspired to get together, (all of which was filmed) and then betrayed each other, and their partners when they found out, with lies, denial and deceit.

On Monday, TVNZ returns fire with the New Zealand version of Project Runway.

Designers are given weekly challenges, sometimes loosely based on themes, to produce a "look" based on restricted time frames and budgets.

Hawke's Bay is represented by two designers on a show that not only produces drama and bitchiness (just like the other two) but some amazing outfits.

Regardless of your taste in clothing, it is hard not marvel at the individual skill on display.

We used to call it car crash TV. No one would admit looking.

But it has grown up, the reality is it's no longer a brash baby. Although it still possesses the ability to be the weird uncle who makes everyone cringe at Christmas.