McDonald's Young Entertainers

McDonald's Young Entertainers
GenreTalent show
Presented byJason Gunn
StarringAinslie Allen
Michelle Ang
Tianna Areaiiti
Ronald Karaitiana
Drew Neemia
Holly Odgers
Jamie Rolton
Adrian Stevanon
Michael Walmsley
Danielle White
Narrated byPhil Darkins
ComposerTerry Gray
Country of originNew Zealand
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes45
Production
Executive producersDenis Spencer
Erika Steen
ProducerBeau Hancock
Production locationsAvalon Studios, Lower Hutt (1997-1998)
Various (1999)
Running time48 minutes (1997-1998)
30 minutes (1999)
Production companiesDenis Spencer Productions
New Zealand on Air
Original release
NetworkTV2
Release30 March 1997 (1997-03-30) –
18 September 1999 (1999-09-18)
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

McDonald's Young Entertainers was a New Zealand talent show that aired on TV2 at 6:30pm on Sundays. It was hosted by Jason Gunn,[1] and endorsed by the McDonald's franchise. The show was inspired by The Mickey Mouse Club.[2] Leigh Evans was a choreographer.[3]

The series was broadcast from 30 March 1997 to 18 September 1999. Many episodes ended with a live cover of "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" by Diana Ross. The show aired with high ratings among young audiences, but was cancelled within two years in late 1999.[1] Independent country artist Ainslie Allen appeared on the show.[4]

  1. ^ a b Yates, Siena (24 October 2012). "'Big Dane': big heart - and dreams". Stuff.
  2. ^ "Drew Neemia returns to his musical past". Stuff.
  3. ^ "Here we go again". Stuff.
  4. ^ "The Third Annual Aotearoa Country Music Awards in Palmerston". Pacific Scoop. 12 August 2019.