Relationship repair shop

Psychotherapist Amanda Cox explains why she agreed to counsel couples on TV.

- RUSSELL BROWN

COUPLES THERAPY NZ, Three, Wednesday, May 17, 8.30pm and ThreeNow

After Couples Therapy debuted on the US Showtime network in 2019, it was hailed as "authentic", "raw", "delicious" and "addictive". The idea of putting real people on TV to discuss their problems with a real relationship therapist and not stitching up anyone afterwards in the edit suite was an unexpected global hit.

And yet, there's still an element of performance in the American show. They're Americans. What would the same format look like with New Zealanders on the couch? A bit more down to earth? The answer, it turns out, is yes.

The first crop of couples presented on Couples Therapy New Zealand very much appear to be there because they want some help, rather than because they want to be on TV. There's less drama.