TVNZ 2 Nabs Norton from Three
June 26, 2025 
8 Comments
One of Three’s brightest lights, The Graham Norton Show, is soon to be a shiny new toy for TVNZ.
From season 33, the popular chat show will switch to TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.
While TVNZ 2 has done well with UK panel shows, a hit chat show has eluded the channel.
Norton used to be big drawcard on Three but the network botched its scheduling when it shifted the show from a TGIF slot to become the cornerstone of its Thursday comedy block.
Here’s the media release:
The Graham Norton Show Finds a Fabulous New Home on TVNZ |
Get ready for more laughs, outrageous celebrity interviews, and Graham Norton’s signature wit – The Graham Norton Show is officially joining the TVNZ family. The iconic UK talk show, renowned for its star-studded couch, infamous red chair moments and Graham’s unmistakeable charm, is coming to TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+. Whether it’s A-list guests, cheeky anecdotes, or Graham’s laugh-out-loud one-liners, the show’s new home on TVNZ promises unmissable weekly entertainment. TVNZ’s Interim Chief News & Content Officer Brent McAnulty, says “Graham Norton is a global entertainment icon, and we’re delighted to bring his hugely popular show to TVNZ. “With his blend of humour and celebrity mischief, The Graham Norton Show is the perfect addition to our entertainment line-up and we know our viewers will love every minute.” The Graham Norton Show (season 33) will be available on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ later this year. |
This probably explains why the Graham Norton FAST channel was removed from ThreeNow. I guess the cost cutting at WBD means no show is safe from the bean counters. — Leo.
The Graham Norton Show is not new to TVNZ because it used to air late night Fridays on TV One (now TVNZ 1) in 2009 before TV3 picked it up for a 15-year run on the network starting in 2010 till this year. — Sheldon.
Excellent recall, Sheldon: it did indeed run on TV One in 2008.
Quick update, The Graham Norton FAST channel is still available on ThreeNow despite my initial comments. I’m assuming it’s only the new season available to TVNZ rather than the old seasons airing on the FAST channel. Philip: does this new deal include a FAST channel on TVNZ+? — Leo.
Thanks, Leo. TVNZ’s rights don’t kick in until S33, which doesn’t go to air on the BBC until later this year. Like Three, I imagine TVNZ 2 will be running it as close as possible to the BBC broadcasts in the interests of topicality. I wouldn’t hold your breath for a FAST channel — TVNZ’s approach to FAST channels is to focus on content not available on its linear or streaming platforms. TVNZ’s Norton deal includes digital rights for TVNZ+.
Thanks, Leo. TVNZ’s rights don’t kick in until S33, which doesn’t go to air on the BBC until later this year. Like Three, I imagine TVNZ 2 will be running it as close as possible to the BBC broadcasts in the interests of topicality. I wouldn’t hold your breath for a FAST channel — TVNZ’s approach to FAST channels is to focus on content not available on its linear or streaming platforms. TVNZ’s Norton deal includes digital rights for TVNZ+.
Will be interesting to see what night they programme this for on linear. Three tampering it with and moving it away from Friday was a misstep. Feels like it could do well on Friday for TVNZ 2 with a block of the British panel shows or even on Sunday nights. — Clint.
I said earlier this year that if Three lost The Graham Norton Show I would riot. Then, I just found out it’s going to TV2 – Friday nights. But yup, Three botched that up. They’ve lost viewers. — Marsei.