More on TVNZ’s New 2024 Shows

TVNZ has provided the following synopses for some of the local shows that will premiere next year on its broadcast channels or TVNZ+.

Four Go Flatting

This brand-new local series takes a classic rite of passage – leaving home – and gives it a twist. Four twenty-something guys who each live with an intellectual disability, move out from under their parents’ wings, and for six weeks experience living together in a real-life flatting situation. Whether it’s working out the shopping list, navigating public transport, cleaning up after their first party, drag bingo or learning the toilet doesn’t clean itself, the flatmates are on this journey together.

TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+

Made with the support of NZ On Air.

Testify 

This bold new Kiwi drama follows a family at the head of a mega-church and the lies that will tear them apart. When a charismatic young pastor clashes with his father’s rich and powerful evangelical church, he forms an unlikely alliance with a queer podcaster. With the help of his estranged brother, they uncover a conspiracy of historic abuse. As they get closer to the truth, they make powerful enemies and their father fights back – with explosive results. 

Starring Craig Hall, Vinnie Bennett, Kat Brown, Ari Boyland, Jessica Grace Smith and newcomers Stacey Hayes, Holly Pretorius and Molly Curnow. 

Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+

The Boy, The Queen, and Everything In Between

A six-part comedy series, filled with big heart, big drama and big hair. After a three-year stint in prison for aggravated assault, Jacob is forced to reconcile his relationship with his father Max, who just happens to be the most famous drag queen in the country. 

Starring Niwa Whatuira, Adam Dehar and Awa Puna.

Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

TVNZ+

The Hospital (working title)

A five-part docuseries chronicling the lives of a group of young doctors at Middlemore Hospital as they embark on their careers. This series reveals what it’s like to be part of a key workforce that our lives depend on.  Junior doctors are the future of the health service.  What happens to them affects all of us. The Hospital will shine a light on our unsung heroes at Aotearoa’s largest and busiest hospital.

Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+

James Must-a-pic his Mum a New Man

Successfully resolving his own abandonment issues and winning the Celebrity Treasure Island crown in 2023, James has decided to shift his focus to his beloved mum, Janet. Having been single for a number of undisclosed years, it’s time to cannonball her back into the dating pool and find the man of her dreams. From blind dates, clairvoyants and ice baths with the Bachelor Art Green, no stone is left unturned in the search for love and James plans on being cupid. After all, James might get himself the father figure he’s always wanted – but Janet doesn’t need to know the ulterior motive. 

TVNZ+

Love It or List It NZ

The popular international format is getting a Kiwi twist in 2024! Hosted by award-winning interior designer and The Block winner Alex Walls and actor turned real estate agent Paul Glover, we meet homeowners ready for a change with their current homes. Each episode, our new family meet with both Alex, to see what their place would look life with an upgrade (within their budget), and Paul, who shows them three houses available on the market to see if the grass is truly greener on the other side with a new property.  At the end of each episode our homeowners will decide if they want to upgrade or update their place.

TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+

Relentless 

Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the heart-pounding world of Kiwi fighters. Over a gruelling 12-week period, six up and coming warriors give their all, shedding blood, sweat, and tears for the chance to secure a spot on one of the world’s most esteemed MMA teams at the globally acclaimed City Kickboxing gym. City Kickboxing, recognised as one of the planet’s preeminent training grounds, sets the stage for this captivating journey. Under the formidable leadership of head trainer Eugene Bareman, this gym has earned its reputation for shaping world-class fighters. Among the stars of Relentless, you’ll witness the unwavering dedication of fighters like Dan Hooker, Israel Adesanya, and Carlos Ulberg as they push the 6 contestants vying for a spot on their team to their absolute limits.

Unveiling the inner workings of City Kickboxing, Relentless provides an exclusive ‘all-access’ pass into this iconic gym. It’s not just about the battles fought within the octagon; it’s a gripping narrative where the six contestant have to battle themselves, both physically and mentally as they strive for recognition in their homeland. Prepare to immerse yourself in the extraordinary spirit of these fighters. Relentless is an unmissable adventure that celebrates resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, all against the backdrop of a gym that has trained some of the world’s best fighters right here in Aotearoa.

TVNZ+

My Dream Green Home

Hosted by Rhiannon McCall, this brand-new local series follows Kiwi households with a desire to create a better, greener living environment at home and a better planet for all. Each week we’ll meet a different household where our experts offer advice on how to make green lifestyle changes. From building and gardening to sustainable food, this series offers insights to help those at home take action and help make a greener backyard.

TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+

New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer

Phil Spencer is one of Britain’s most accomplished property experts and co-host of popular property formats Location, Location, Location and Love it or List It. Now, Phil is bringing his expertise to Aotearoa in search of New Zealand’s most impressive and luxurious houses with the architects and homeowners that designed them. Every design detail, every magnificent finish, every quirk that captures something unique about a house, Phil will revel in the excellence and discover the touches that make the home personal. From palatial retreats, luxury beach hideaways, stunning vineyards and exclusive city pads, Phil explores what NZ has to offer and the stunning locations we’re lucky enough to call home. 

TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ 

My Family Mystery

Join Sonia Gray on another thrilling journey of discovery as she helps New Zealand families with a mystery to solve … starting with a single clue.  Seekers present Sonia with something that poses the fundamental question they want answered, and she then works with an ensemble cast of experts, from DNA experts to Internet Sleuths, to follow the clues, overcome red herrings and dead ends, travelling to wherever the story leads … all in the quest for the truth to give the family mystery closure. 

TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+

Enlightening Documentaries

Emotive and enlightening documentaries will captivate audiences in 2024. Written by one of the survivors, The Lost Boys of Dilworth* explores the issue of abuse at one of Auckland’s wealthiest schools from a deeply personal viewpoint.

Documentary New Zealand returns with six bold new titles, including Mana Kura*, following a grass-roots initiative pioneered by whānau in Papakura, providing wraparound community support for youth offenders and The 501s: Inside*, examines Australia’s deportation of New Zealanders through a decade-long lens. Other documentaries featured are Hyper, The Filters, Predict My Future and Trans And Pregnant.

*Made with the support of NZ On Air.