The GC

The show was originally pitched as an observational documentary series called Golden Mozzies, described as "looking at seven Māori families living on Australia's Gold Coast". In August 2011, the producers of Golden Mozzies received $419,408 from broadcast funding agency NZ On Air for the production of eight 30 minute episodes. However, the format and title of the series was changed with NZ On Air's knowledge.[3]

In 2013, a second season of The GC was funded by Maori broadcast funding agency Te Māngai Pāho with stricter requirements for Maori language and cultural content. $419,384 was granted for eight 30 minute episodes.[4]

In 2015, it was announced via the shows Facebook page that the show was renewed for a third season, along with new cast members and the show being moved to Four.

The third season premiered in July 2015.[5]

The show revolves around Tylah Jones Wharehinga, Rosanna Arkle, Zane Houia, Elyse Minhinnick, Braydon McMahon, Holly Subritzky, Cole Smith, Alby Waititi, Nuz Ngatai, Matai Smith, and Matatia Brell. Former cast members include Tame Noema, Jade Louise, Jessie Nugent, Nathan Waikato, Brooke James, and Jade Ruwhiu.

Following the screening of the pilot episode viewers branded the show as "fake" and "pathetic" and within hours a Facebook page called "Cancel the GC TV Show" was started.[6] According to a New Zealand Herald article the Facebook page had over 2100 "likes" within 12 hours of the show's airing.

There have also been questions about the show's funding. Following the screening of the pilot episode it was revealed that NZ on Air gave NZ$419,408 to fund the first series of The GC. According to news website Scoop Independent News, NZ on Air thought they were funding a series about seven Māori families living on the Gold Coast of Australia with the working title Golden Mozzies.[7] The same website published a press release from NZ on Air in August 2011 outlining that NZ on Air had approved funding for Golden Mozzies, which was then labeled as a documentary series.[8]