Bitter feuds and a beloved cartoon dog - the shows we watched in 2025

The 6pm news, country escapes, and a beloved cartoon Blue Heeler are among Kiwis' most-watched shows on TVNZ for 2025, the broadcaster says.

Among the top 10 across TVNZ's broadcast channels was The Chase New Zealand – a four-part spinoff of British game show The Chase. A whopping 1.29 million people tuned in to its final episode on TVNZ 1 last month, while 154,000 accounts streamed it on TVNZ+ across the series.

Bitter feuds and budding romances were also top of the agenda, with reality show Love Island keeping viewers glued to their screens on TVNZ+.

So, what were Kiwis watching this year?

News a ratings juggernaut

Simon Dallow signed off from 1News at Six in November. (Source: 1News)

The top show across all of the national broadcaster's channels was 1News at Six with 3.2 million viewers throughout the year, representing approximately 70% of all Kiwis. It was followed by firm favourite Hyundai Country Calendar, New Zealand's longest running television series. Both programmes have remained fixtures in the top three shows on all New Zealand television since 2017.

Coming in at a very fitting number seven was Seven Sharp, with hosts Hilary Barry and Jeremy Wells keeping Kiwis informed on everything Aotearoa has to offer.

Hot property

From finding the perfect luxurious escape to remodelling fixer-uppers, Kiwis love everything to do with property – and this year was no different.

Five property-focused shows secured spots in the TV top 10, with Moving Houses leading the charge at a coveted number three.

It was followed by New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer (4), Love It or List It New Zealand (5), Grand Designs New Zealand (6), and Find My Country House NZ (10).

While Kiwis loved the creature comforts of home, planning their next holiday was also on their minds, with Travel Guides at a lofty number 9.

Police procedurals and a cartoon dog

Bluey promotional image. (Source: Supplied)

US police procedural The Rookie led the squad on TVNZ+ in 2025, followed closely by 1News at Six. Rounding out the top three was Australian animated series Bluey with 41,065,265 streams over the year.

British and US dramas remained a staple for TVNZ+ viewers, with acclaimed series such as Rogue Heroes (4), Code of Silence (7), The Hunting Wives (9), and Tulsa King (10) all featuring prominently.

Spy thriller The Day of the Jackal maintained a strong presence at number eight, despite having no new episodes in 2025.

"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," TVNZ’s chief news and content officer Nadia Tolich said.

"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!"

Shows to watch out for

As we look to the year ahead, here's a sneak peek at some of the shows coming to TVNZ's broadcast channels and TVNZ+.

Among them is homegrown crime drama Blue Murder Motel, an eight-part series which sees Michala Banas reunite with her McLeod's Daughters co-star Brett Tucker as a pair of detectives solving crimes at a quirky hotel. The show will be airing on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ in 2026.

If baby animals and their exasperated parents are more your style, Attenborough's Parenthood is the show for you. The documentary series launches on TVNZ+ on December 28.

Fans of reality shows will also be spoiled for choice, with Destination X and The Piano coming soon to TVNZ+.