New to TVNZ+: April 5-11

Suits LA already is following suit and taking a page out of its parent show’s playbook: using streaming to capture viewers who bypass it on broadcast TV.

The courtroom drama spin-off went to air on NBC a month ago to middling ratings — only to bounce back with boffo streaming numbers on the network’s streaming platform, Peacock.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the streaming gains helped to offset the modest on-air debut:

Suits LA had 2.61 million same-day viewers for its on-air premiere, according to Nielsen. After three days on Peacock and with other delayed viewing, it’s up to 4.7 million viewers (based on Nielsen and NBC’s internal data).

Of course, it was Netflix that gave USA Network’s Suits a life beyond cable TV and turned it into a pop culture sensation. Per Variety:

Suits LA was greenlit at NBC after the original Suits, which concluded in 2019, exploded back into popularity when it was added to Netflix during the summer of 2023. Per Nielsen, it was the most-streamed series of that year by a solid margin … Additionally, the show set new records for the longest winning streak on Nielsen’s weekly streaming rankings, charting at No. 1 for 12 weeks in a row, and the most appearances at No. 1 with 15 weeks on top in total.

As well as a slow start, Suits LA had to overcome mostly tepid reviews: “flat and joyless” (New York Times); “sabotages any genuine attempts to keep the franchise alive” (TV Guide); “the banter wilts more than it zings” (The Guardian).

The good news for fans is TVNZ+ is launching the show on April 7 with a triple-episode premiere, so subsequent instalments will stream closer to the US than TVNZ 2’s scheduling.

Belatedly returning for its second season, which was released in 2023, is Welsh drama The Museum (April 6).

The six-part sequel relocates corrupt museum director Dela and her young lover Caleb to a small museum in the country, where they risk their criminal past catching up with them.

The first season can still be streamed on TVNZ+.

Ahi Wānanga (April 7) is a new six-part series about  identity, belonging and resilience, as experienced through 12 people from NZ’s Muslim and Māori communities.

“Intimate exchanges reveal diverse experiences in this moving new local series,” promises the blurb.

Also new is a raft of linear debuts and live ODI cricket (NZ vs Pakistan, 10.30am Saturday).