New to TVNZ+: January 25-31

The Moonflower Murders (January 27) is a full-season release of the sequel to Magpie Murders, which reunites Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan as sleuths in different eras.

“Like its predecessor, this adaptation of Anthony Horowitz’s second Ryeland novel offers parallel plotlines — Susan on one track, Atticus on another — with various performers playing vaguely corresponding characters in each,” the Wall Street Journal said.

“Other than Ms. Manville and Mr. McMullan, few actors here have only one part … Moonflower is highly amusing for all the usual reasons a murder mystery entertains.

“But it is also making terrific use of the same genre conventions that it takes great glee in blowing up.”

The Telegraph wasn’t quite as enamoured: “Fun and sprightly but the dual plotting is a mystery … There is nothing to dislike, it just over-eggs the pudding.

“Having watched six episodes in the series, I can’t decide whether the denouement is satisfying or silly.”

If you want to view Trackside Premier – TAB Karaka Million in HD, you’ll have to stream the live horse-racing event on TVNZ+ (4.00, January 25) as the only broadcast coverage will be in SD on Duke +1 because Duke’s Saturday schedule is blocked out with Supersmash cricket.

This commitment also is why NFL – Conference Championship Round will air on TVNZ 2 (8.55am, January 27).

Also new is a raft of linear debuts and, from January 29, the movies The Girl Next Door, The Outsiders and Our Kind of Traitor.