RocKwiz saved with new TV reboot on Foxtel

Aussie TV show RocKwiz has been saved by another network, which will give it a makeover with its host Julia Zemiro.

In the Australian tradition of rebooting television fan favourites, the long-running music trivia show RocKwiz has been resurrected by Foxtel for a new season in 2023.

The comedy game show, hosted by much-loved personalities Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis, debuted on SBS in 2005 and was officially cancelled in 2019.

But its popularity has endured as a live event, with RocKwiz Live! one of the regular highlights of Bluesfest and a fixture in Australian theatres each year.

Zemiro joked she preferred to look at the Foxtel reboot of the show as the “new Heartbreak High” rather than Neighbours, The Voice, Australian Idol, Big Brother or Farmer Wants A Wife which have all found new homes on rival networks after being canned by their original channels.

“This is an original Australian idea, the little train that could, and it’s coming back for a reboot,” she said.

“I know there are a lot of other rebooty things that exist – maybe we’re the new Heartbreak High.

“We all look at each other and know we wouldn’t keep doing it if we weren’t making a quality product.”

Show regulars including human scoreboard Dugald and RocKwiz Orkestra veterans Peter Luscombe and Bill McDonald will be joined by newcomers Clio Renner on keyboards and indie pop star Olympia on lead guitar and backing vocals.

Australia’s original music trivia show RocKwiz will return to television in 2023 on Foxtel featuring multi-talented host Julia Zemiro, supreme music aficionado and, comedian Brian Nankervis. Picture: FOXTEL / Sarah Enticknap.

The series has always been wildly popular among Australian artists, with its honour roll of guest stars ranging from Jimmy Barnes and Paul Kelly to Julia Stone and Courtney Barnett.

Musicians have gravitated to the show not only to show off their trivia skills but because it is one of just a few programs on Australian television to feature live music.

“It’s one of the few times that a musician can be on TV, get their face out there and you can get to know them,” Zemiro said.

“They remind people they’re around, and we get them to do one of their own songs and then a duet which will surprise you and that’s always the real cherry on the cake for me.”

Foxtel’s Executive Director of Entertainment Marshall Heald said the network was thrilled to be bringing the “beloved format” back to television screens as part of its 2023 programming, with the full slate of new shows to be unveiled on Thursday.

“RockWiz offers a clever combination of music trivia, comedy and live music that is inherent to its broad and long-lasting appeal,” he said.

An eight episode season will screen on Fox8 and Foxtel on Demand in 2023.