TVNZ unveils 2026 lineup: 10 shows to watch out for

TVNZ has unveiled its 2026 lineup, including the return of Celebrity Treasure Island, a new spy saga comedy starring Bret McKenzie and the 60th anniversary of Hyundai Country Calendar.

The broadcaster’s homegrown favourites returning this year include Celebrity Treaure Island, with hosts Bree Tomasel and Jayden Daniels confirmed for the seventh season as 16 celebrity castaways battle the elements and each other to win $100,000 for their chosen charities.

Other local highlights include the return of Jeremy Wells’ Taskmaster NZ, renowned chefs Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge hit the road again in Off the Grid with Colin and Manu and hospital drama Shortland Street.

This year Hyundai Country Calendar celebrates 60 years with a special collection of classic episodes on TVNZ+, alongside new episodes every Sunday. Grand Designs NZ, Love It or List It NZ, Eat Well for Less NZ, and Moving Houses also return.

The broadcaster has also unveiled its star-studded international titles including the return of The Rookie - TVNZ+’s number one show last year.

New attractions include Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen in dark comedy The Miniature Wife, Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey starring Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen, and a TV adaption of William Golding’s classic novel Lord of the Flies.

Sports fans are also in for a treat in 2026 with TVNZ securing the rights to the FIFA World Cup in June and July, ANZ Premiership Netball and select coverage of rugby’s National Provincial Championship (NPC), Farah Palmer Cup and the Heartland Championship finals.

TVNZ is also the home of football’s new OFC Pro League, which kicks off this weekend.

TVNZ Chief News & Content Officer Nadia Tolich said the broadcaster was home to New Zealand’s most-watched content. TVNZ+ had a standout 2025 with a weekly reach of more than 1.54 million viewers, while TVNZ’s broadcast channels were watched by 4.35 million Kiwis.

“It’s fantastic to see how consistently our shows connect with viewers across the motu - from homegrown stories that reflect life in New Zealand to trusted news and must-see local and international sport - and I’m excited to unveil our new programming lineup for the coming year, with plenty more to come."

(TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+)

A bold and hilarious take on the spy genre, New Zealand Spy brings together a powerhouse lineup of talent from New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Paul Williams (Taskmaster NZ, Kid Sister), Rose Matafeo (Starstruck, Junior Taskmaster), Joe Thomas (The Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat) and Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords) lead the cast as members of the New Zealand Intelligence Agency in this retro espionage romp, which blends high-stakes spy thrills with offbeat Kiwi humour.

The series features a stellar ensemble cast of internationally acclaimed actors and comedians, including Andy Lee (Hamish & Andy), Claudia O’Doherty (Love, Extraordinary), Sam Campbell (Taskmaster UK), and Tim Key (The Ballad of Wallis Island, The Paper). The series also stars some of NZ’s best comedic talent, including Abby Howells, Guy Williams, Joe Daymond, Jackie van Beek, Jesse Griffin, Jay Ryan, Rhys Matthewson, Shavaughan Ruakere, Pax Assadi, Scotty Cotter and James Mustapic.

(TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+)

This brand-new local series follows married ex-homicide detectives Vinny and Cole Coleman as they trade the chaos of Sydney’s police force for the serenity of Mōwai Bay, only to discover that murder never truly retires. Their peaceful new life as owners of Blue Motel is shattered when a body turns up in Unit 3, pulling them back into investigation alongside the town’s easygoing surfer cop, Jamie Haira. With help from Saffron, the world's worst cleaner, and Maxine, the glamorous permanent guest, Vinny and Cole navigate quirky locals, unexpected twists, and fresh mysteries in every episode. Retirement might have been the dream, but solving crimes is what they do best – especially when murder checks in just next door.

Starring Michala Banas, Brett Tucker, Jayden Daniels, Stephanie Tauevihi and Jaime McDermott.

(TVNZ+)

Marriage gets hilariously complicated in The Miniature Wife, when Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect, The Hunger Games) is unexpectedly shrunk in a technological mishap, much to the surprise of her husband, played by Matthew Macfadyen (Succession). Domestic life takes a turn for the perfectly mismatched pair, as their day-to-day turns into a razor-sharp battle for power as they vie for control in their marriage.

The series is based on author Manuel Gonzales’ short story and was created by Jennifer Ames and Steve Turner (Boardwalk Empire, Goliath), who are showrunners and executive producers.

(TVNZ+)

Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen star as Patsy and John Ramsey, the parents of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, whose tragic death in 1996 became one the of the most famous cases in American history - a story that shocked the world.

Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey follows the Ramsey family, before and after the tragedy as they go through the painful loss of a child while facing intense public scrutiny and a media frenzy. At the heart of the series is the story of Patsy and John – exploring their unbreakable partnership and the complex dynamics of their marriage and parenting. It delves into how they crafted a narrative of a perfect, privileged life for themselves and their children — a facade shattered by tragedy one Christmas night in 1996.

(TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+)

One of the most popular books of the last 70 years is headed to television for the first time, adapted by multi-BAFTA award winner, writer Jack Thorne (Adolescence). Lord of the Flies follows a group of young schoolchildren who find themselves stranded on a tropical island with no adults, following a deadly plane crash. In an attempt to remain civil, the boys organise themselves with a leader, Ralph and a plan for rescue. But chaos ensues with a tussle for leadership, turning hope to tragedy.

(TVNZ 1 & TVNZ+)

Hyundai Country Calendar is back, celebrating an extraordinary 60 years as New Zealand’s most beloved television series. Since its debut in March 1966, the show has captured the spirit of rural Kiwi life, sharing the stories of hard-working New Zealanders and the breathtaking landscapes they call home. Now entering its diamond anniversary, the latest season launches on February 8, with new episodes airing every Sunday evening, alongside a special collection of classic episodes available on TVNZ+ for fans to enjoy. Supported by NZ on Air, this iconic series remains a source of pride, reflecting the values, resilience, and beauty of our people, making it essential family viewing.

(TVNZ 2 & TVNZ+)

Hosted by Tegan Yorwarth, new reality format Ready Gamer Mum puts 10 of New Zealand’s most elite young gamers to the test - but there’s a twist. Under strict time pressure, each gamer must train their mum to play some of the world’s biggest online games – without ever touching the controller themselves. Pairing competitive online gaming with genuine family moments, delivering a mix of heart, humour and high-skill gameplay, Ready Gamer Mum sees the gamer and their mum flip the script on the parent-child dynamic as they compete to win a cash prize of $50,000.

(TVNZ+)

New US comedy series set in the place everyone dreads going most – the Department of Motor Vehicles – where employees are making minimum wage dealing with customers who are annoyed before they even walk in the door. Working at the East Hollywood DMV office are Colette (Harriet Dyer), a driving examiner with a big heart and bad boundaries; Gregg (Tim Meadows), a misanthropic former English teacher; Vic (Tony Cavalero), a former bouncer who loves putting difficult drivers in their places; Barbara (Molly Kearney), a newly-promoted manager who tries hard but often misses the mark; Noa (Kiwi star Alex Tarrant), a charming surfer who seems destined for much greater things; and Ceci (Gigi Zumbado), a scrappy photographer who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Fortunately, this quirky crew has each other to navigate the twists and turns of the DMV together.

(TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+)

New Zealand’s ultimate treasure hunt is back - bigger, bolder and more dramatic than ever.

Now in its seventh season, Celebrity Treasure Island promises high-stakes challenges, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable entertainment, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s Northland.

Bree Tomasel and Jayden Daniels return to helm the reality juggernaut, guiding a brand-new crew of 16 celebrity castaways as they battle the elements - and each other. Get ready for surprise alliances, heartfelt tears, and hilarious antics as our celebs compete for glory and the chance to win $100,000 for their chosen charities.

(TVNZ’s broadcast channels and TVNZ+)

Football fever is set to sweep across Aotearoa in 2026 on TVNZ. FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest competition to date with 48 teams playing over 39 action-packed days, across three host countries: USA, Canada and Mexico.

Every All Whites match will be available live and free on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, as well as any further fixtures they reach. Including our homegrown talent, viewers can enjoy a minimum of 22 matches free. The opening match between Mexico and South Africa, two group stage matches, two round of 16 clashes, one quarter-final, one semi-final and the final will be available free on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.

An additional 11 matches across the group stage and round of 32 will stream live and free exclusively on TVNZ+. Replays, as well as 2-minute highlight packages of all the free-to-view coverage will also be available on the platform.

For fans wanting to catch every moment of the action with 104 games, highlights and exclusive premium content, a one-off event pass on TVNZ+ will be available for purchase.