Opinion: TVNZ might cancel Shortland Street and I’m glad

The much-loved New Zealand TV series, Shortland Street, is on the chopping block, and I think it’s time it gets cut.  

TVNZ announced plans last month to cut 68 jobs, as well as shows like Fair Go, Sunday, 1 News Midday, 1 News Tonight, and potentially Shortland Street.  

The New Zealand hospital soap opera has been on TV since 1992 and had 32 seasons. It’s safe to say the show is past it’s due date – it's boring.  

I’ve caught myself falling into the show's traps before, my mouth dropping when Chris Warner got another woman pregnant and a very unlikely plot of someone shooting down the hospital.  

But I stopped watching when it became repetitive and predictable.  

A below average hospital drama about doctors and nurses having copious amounts of sex in the supply closet, many divorces and telling everyone the patients’ diagnoses in the hallway is only going to last so long.  

However, I’d be surprised if in the show actually gets cut. It’s stuck around for so long for a reason. It’s a show everyone hates but secretly loves. A guilty pleasure.  

It’s also a place where many Kiwis get their start in the industry. Pixie? The character who died of cancer and Chris spent 40 minutes doing CPR on? That was Thomasin McKenzie who went on to have a lead role in the blockbuster film JoJo Rabbit. KJ Apa? He went from Shortland Street to playing a lead role in Netflix’s hit show Riverdale.  

The Shortland Street to international success pipeline for young actors could be cut off. I might not be sad if the show gets cancelled, but the rookie actors trying to get their big break will be.