At some point in Call of Duty: Black Ops III, you'll ask yourself the question: "What's it all for?" Maybe it's while you're machine-gunning your way through a horde of nameless minions.

This spectacular cirque cabaret, starring the stylish acrobats of The Dust Palace, imagines The Odyssey as Star Trek.

Somehow, this next generation Rocky spin-off delivers a fresh, exciting boxing drama all its own.

Mental health warning: The Block will make you hear voices in your head, writes Steve Braunias.

You don't have to like cycling to find yourself leaning into the corners on The Program.

The eight-year-old me would hate the 33-year-old me right now. I just killed Luke Skywalker and about an hour ago I shot down the Millennium Falcon. And it felt so good.

Ernest Rutherford started a chain reaction that has changed the world. It has powered millions, killed a few hundred thousand and provides the background for two of the year's best shows, writes +Plus screen critic Paul Casserly

There's more bad news ahead for the sisters on The Block - but what is the cause of this fresh devastation? Steve Braunias continues his Block-watching marathon.

In an ideal world, for premium enjoyment you'd see Perth psychedelic rockers Tame Impala in the wild and free surrounds of a crazy outdoor festival like Splore.

Yes, you wait decades for a female superhero to headline their own series and two come along at once.

The final concert of Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's New Zealand Herald Premier series was a night to remember.

Adele sticks with mostly conventional ballads of heartbreak on her third album, but still creates songs of lasting appeal.

Chris Schulz ventures into the wasteland, and likes what he sees.

Put down your Pip-Boy and pick up Rise - you'll like what you see, writes Chris Schulz.

The two most awful people on television were looking a bit green around the gills last night, writes Steve Braunias.

The Block's Brooke and Mitch revealed their unsporting colours when they scored their fellow contestants zeroes, leading Braunias to ask 'are they Australians?'

Reality show Who's Doing the Dishes features contestants that were "too dull and idiotic" to make it onto Come Dine With Me, writes Calum Henderson.

Smart series tackles big issues but never forgets it's a comedy, writes Karl Puschmann.

British band Mumford and Sons returned to Vector Arena last night with a very different show to their last visit.

87-year-old songwriter Burt Bacharach makes his last visit to Downunder.

Why are couples dressing up in animal costumes and fighting in a forest? Calum Henderson investigates.

A night of telling tales lay ahead when Eckehard Stier took the podium on Thursday for his penultimate appearance as Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's music director.

The first episode of the Kiwi-made designed-for-Oz dramedy about a Sydneysider shifting to smalltown New Zealand was enjoyably forgettable.

Black Grace founder and director Neil Ieremia has created a new work from sections of what has gone before.

Assassin's Creed has had a terrible year. Unity, the series' much-heralded entry into the next generation console market was an unmitigated disaster.

With his long dark hair tied back into a bun and a casual nature about him, Hozier took to the stage of Auckland's Vector arena last night.

The camera makes these puppets seem strangely more human than ever before. Kermit even makes some squirmy allusions to his sex life, writes Alex Casey.