What Was Tops on TVNZ This Year
December 16, 2025 
3 Comments
1News at Six, Country Calendar and property shows dominated TVNZ’s linear top 10 in 2025 while newcomer The Chase NZ finished eighth.
But a lighthearted crime drama that originally aired on Three was the TVNZ+ frontrunner.
Whereas all the broadcast hits aired on TVNZ 1, most of the TVNZ+ top 10 had TVNZ 2 and Duke runs.
Here’s the media release:
TVNZ REVEALS THE TOP PERFORMING SHOWS OF 2025 |
So, what are we watching? TVNZ is thrilled to unveil the most-watched titles across its broadcast channels and the highest-reaching shows on TVNZ+ for 2025, highlighting an impressive mix of local and international content that continues to resonate with Kiwi audiences. New Zealand’s most trusted news source, 1News at Six maintains its dominance as the overall number one show of the year across all TVNZ’s broadcast channels, reaching a remarkable 3.2 million viewers throughout the year – representing approximately 70% of all Kiwis. Firm in the number two spot is Hyundai Country Calendar, proudly the country’s longest running television series. Both 1News at Six and Hyundai Country Calendar have remained fixtures in the Top 3 shows on all New Zealand television since 2017, cementing their status as appointment viewing. The popularity of property-focused programming is also evident, with Moving Houses, New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer, Love It or List It New Zealand, Grand Designs New Zealand, and Find My Country House NZ all securing spots in the Top 10 across TVNZ channels. Reflecting its global appeal, The Rookie leads the squad on TVNZ+ in 2025, closely followed by 1News at Six. At number three, the beloved animated series Bluey hit a whopping 41,065,265 streams over the year, proving its continued popularity with families. British and US dramas remain a staple for TVNZ+ viewers, with acclaimed series such as Rogue Heroes, Code of Silence, The Hunting Wives, and Tulsa King all featuring prominently. The cinematic series The Day of the Jackal also stands out, maintaining a strong presence at number eight despite no new episodes in 2025, a testament to its enduring appeal. “I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible content we’re delivering to Kiwi audiences, and it’s especially rewarding to see how strongly our local shows connect with viewers across the motu,” says Nadia Tolich, TVNZ’s Chief News & Content Officer. “The rich variety of programming we offer truly caters to every mood and interest. It’s fantastic to see homegrown productions striking a chord alongside outstanding international hits, solidifying TVNZ as the destination for the very best in television – perfect timing for everyone to find their new favourite show this summer!” TOP 10* SHOWS ACROSS TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2, AND DUKE IN 2025 1. 1News at Six 2. Hyundai Country Calendar** 3. Moving Houses 4. New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer 5. Love It or List It New Zealand 6. Grand Designs New Zealand 7. Seven Sharp 8. The Chase New Zealand 9. Travel Guides 10. Find My Country House NZ *SOURCE: Nielsen TAM; Consolidated to 1/12/25; 1/1/25-8/12/25; TVNZ 1*/2*/DUKE* only; AP05+; AUD 000s/RCH 000s/RCH% **Made with the Support of NZ On Air TOP 10* SHOWS ON TVNZ+ IN 2025 1. The Rookie 2. 1News at Six 3. Bluey 4. Rogue Heroes 5. Love Island (UK) 6. Hyundai Country Calendar** 7. Code of Silence 8. The Day of the Jackal 9. The Hunting Wives 10. Tulsa King *SOURCE: Internal Data; all activity; 1/1/25-8/12/25; TVNZ+ only; AP13+; RCH 000s/STR 000s **Made with the Support of NZ On Air |
I don’t understand why TVNZ doesn’t leverage the 1NEWS brand more, especially with its continued success. They need to expand it back to Midday and late at night. 1News still brings in an audience that otherwise would have been lost to the streaming behemoths. — Leo.
Couldn’t agree more, Leo. 1News is a unique masthead for TVNZ and news continues to drive its ratings. TVNZ 1’s authority as NZ’s flagship network has been terribly undermined by not only the loss of its signature news bulletins but also replacing the likes of Tonight with a re-run of a garish Aussie game show.
You have to wonder what’s their strategy and whether they are deliberately undermining their news division. I hope sense prevails and we get more investment in a brand that’s actually driving their ratings. — Leo.