NZ reality shows snapped up in US

Two popular New Zealand reality television shows will enjoy a second life on American screens this year.

The Fox Reality channel recently bought the rights to Treasure Island and Treasure Island Extreme, according to Variety magazine.

Fox Reality snapped up the local shows as part of efforts to spice up its around-the-clock reality offerings with international fare, the magazine reported.

The deal is believed to be the channel's first purchase of a New Zealand show.

Fox Reality, launched in May, is part of Rupert Murdoch's Fox Network. It broadcasts to 18 million homes across the United States.

Treasure Island and Treasure Island Extreme were both produced by Touchdown Productions and will join a lineup that includes Joe Millionaire and Temptation Island.

The local stars of the Treasure Island shows won't be the only New Zealand faces beaming into American living rooms this year.

Insect specialist Ruud Kleinpaste currently fronts Buggin' with Ruud, a popular show on the Discovery Channel.

- NZPA