The Block makes its resounding return in the 2023 season. In this latest installment, The Blockheads take on the challenge of transforming houses built and designed in the 1950s. They will preserve the original furnishings and structures while infusing modern touches to create stunning makeovers. Here, we’ve everything you need to know about how to watch The Block 2023 in NZ for free.
Quick steps: How to watch The Block 2023 in New Zealand for free using a VPN
- Select a VPN service that is optimized for streaming. We recommend ExpressVPN
- Download the VPN and connect to the Australian server.
- Log in to 9Now.
- Find The Block 2023 and stream it no matter where you are!
Why is 9Now not available in NZ?
9Now is restricted to Australia due to licensing agreements, and if you want to watch its content from New Zealand, you can use a VPN with Australian servers to bypass the limitations.
The Block 2023 release date
The Block Australia 2023 is set to premiere on 9Now at 7 pm local time on Sunday, August 6, 2023.
Where to watch The Block 2023 in New Zealand for free?
The Block 2023 will be available for streaming only on 9Now in Australia, and viewers in NZ might face geo-restrictions preventing access to the content. However, using a reliable VPN service will allow viewers to bypass these limitations and access the show in New Zealand.
The Block 2023 plot
The Block Season 19 pits five couples against each other, representing their home states of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, in a competition filled with intense state rivalry. In addition to their main renovation projects, all teams are given the challenging task of creating secondary accommodation on their properties, adding both value and complexity to their projects. The contestants will face a journey full of trials and challenges as they strive to excel in this demanding season.
The Block 2023 – what is the show based on?
In the 2023 edition of The Block, hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft are back with big promises as Season 19 takes on the challenge of renovating 1950s brick houses in Melbourne’s Hampton East. The Blockheads will face tight timelines, late-night work sessions, and innovative design tasks, all while aiming for inspiring transformations that breathe new life into these historic properties.
This season brings exciting changes to The Block, including the 48-hour House Decider Challenge, where contestants must finalize their house designs on Day 1 and receive their entire budgets upfront.
Renovating original 1950s homes poses unique challenges, such as potential structural issues, dealing with extreme weather events, and the task of extensive demolition. The Blockheads can expect unexpected twists and turns, testing their creativity and problem-solving skills throughout the renovation process.
Will there be a theme?
This season of The Block will have a 1950s theme as the contestants renovate five authentic ’50s dream homes from a time when the suburbs were seen as perfect. While there were rumors of an All-Stars season due to the presence of previous competitors Tom Calleja and Duncan Miller during filming, the cast has been released, confirming it is not an All-Stars season. Instead, Tom Calleja will appear as the official plumber for the series, and both he and Duncan will be part of the show as a ‘hipages‘ lever, providing extra support to the teams.
The Block 2023 teaser
EXCLUSIVE: We've got your first look at The Block 2023! 👀#TheBlock | Starts Sunday 7o'BLOCK on @Channel9 and @9Now pic.twitter.com/tqtcXvIXl4
— The Block (@TheBlock) August 5, 2023
Who is going to judge The Block 2023?
Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer, and Neale Whitaker will reunite as judges on the show, joined by a new addition, real estate tycoon Marty Fox. In July 2023, Neale shared on his Instagram that he would be taking a step back from judging to prioritize spending more time with his family.
Apart from the judges’ familiar faces, Shelley Craft and Scotty Cam will also be returning as co-hosts of the show. The audience can anticipate an exciting season with a mix of experienced judges and the addition of Marty Fox, along with the continued presence of the beloved hosts, Shelley and Scotty, bringing their charm and expertise to The Block once again.
The Block 2023 Contestants
In The Block 2023, five couples step into the spotlight, poised to take on the challenge for Block glory. Are these fresh faces ready to conquer the task ahead? Let’s meet the contenders and see how they fare.
Eliza and Liberty
Sisters Liberty and Eliza Paschke form the purple team and come from Victoria. Liberty works as an integration producer, while Eliza is known for her role as a radio producer and assistant to on-air duo Hamish Blake and Andy Lee. She also co-hosts the dating-centered podcast “Finding A Unicorn” with Married At First Sight alum Carly Bowyer.
Gianpietro and Steph
Husband and wife duo Gianpietro and Steph Ottavio comprise the blue team. Originally from New South Wales, Steph is an architect with expertise in the renovating field. Gianpietro, on the other hand, is a start-up worker who prefers avoiding conflicts.
Kristy and Brett
The red team consists of married couple Kristy and Brett Beams from Adelaide. Kristy works as a project manager, and Brett is a safety officer. They will be renovating house number three, which is the smallest property this year.
Leah and Ash
Queenslanders Leah and Ash Milton form the yellow team. Leah is a safety officer, and Ash is a builder. They are well-equipped for the challenge, being parents to three kids and owners of a family-run building company called The Milton Project.
Leslie and Kyle
The green team is represented by Leslie and Kyle Cottone from Western Australia. This young couple, who are parents to two sons, have Leslie working as a teacher’s aide and Kyle as a firefighter.
Where is The Block 2023 being filmed?
The Block 2023 is being filmed in Hampton East, Melbourne, where the network acquired five classic 50s-style brick homes on Charming Street for a total sum of $14.3 million in 2022. The properties at numbers 14 through 22 Charming Street are situated on blocks ranging from 575sqm to 703sqm. The previous season of The Block was filmed in the neighboring suburb of Bayside in 2021.
The Block 2023 episode release schedule
- Season 19 Episode 1: House Decider Challenge (August 6, 2023)
At The Block’s HQ, five enthusiastic teams meet Scotty Cam to take on the challenge of transforming charming little blonde brick post-war houses into two-story mansions within a tight 12-week timeline.
- Season 19 Episode 2: Studio Bathroom Week 1 (August 7, 2023)
After the house decider challenge, the contestants select their new houses. Scotty shocks the teams with significant changes to The Block this season, leaving them in surprise.
- Season 19 Episode 3: Studio Bathroom Week 2 (August 8, 2023)
In their houses, the Blockheads begin building the first rooms, which are the bathrooms. Despite it being only the second day on The Block, secrets and lies start to create tension among the contestants.
- Season 19 Episode 4: Studio Bathroom Week 3 (August 9, 2023)
The Blockheads find themselves under stress as they work on their bathrooms. Shelley pays them a visit, providing much-needed encouragement during this challenging phase of the competition.
What is The Block’s IMDb rating?
The Block holds an IMDb rating of 6.3, based on over 630 votes.
Who Won The Block in 2022?
Omar and Oz, the best friends from Western Sydney, emerged victorious on The Block in 2022, setting a new record for the show with an astounding $1,686,666 in winnings—the highest amount ever awarded in the history of the series! Their triumph must have been an awe-inspiring moment for everyone involved.
How are the fans reacting to The Block 2023 on social media?
Yeah Yeah Yeah!!!! Where's everybody in Australia??
— pacific101 (@pacific101) August 5, 2023
How are the critics reviewing The Block?
In a review on The Guardian, Amanda Meade praises Nine’s renovation TV series, The Block, for being a lucrative venture. The show consistently garners high ratings and premium advertising prices for the network, while contestants are walking away with record-breaking sums. During one episode, four couples won a total of $3.165 million as their renovated and furnished apartments sold in Melbourne’s thriving property market. This amount surpasses the previous world record of $2.522 million given away on the US game show Jeopardy. The success of The Block is evident, with contestants like Darren and Deanne Jolly, Josh Terrett, Charlotte Ekas, Tim and Anastasia Ielasi, and Jess and Ayden Hogan earning significant amounts, making it a goldmine for all involved.
Where else can I watch this show?
The Block 2023 is exclusively available on 9Now.
What else can I watch on 9Now?
FAQs
Is The Block 2023 available on Netflix?
No, currently The Block 2023 is not available on Netflix.
Is The Block 2023 the TV series worth watching?
If you have an interest in renovation and interior design, The Block 2023 might be worth watching to see the creative challenges and transformations the contestants undertake in the 1950s-style brick houses in Melbourne’s Hampton East.
The best VPN for streaming The Block 2023 in NZ
ExpressVPN
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NordVPN
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