The programmes to watch this month across TVNZ channels and TVNZ+.
Kiwi homeowners’ daring designs test the limits of finances, patience and innovation as Grand Designs New Zealand returns to TVNZ in April.
Other highlights this month include retro spy romp New Zealand Spy, the return of Celebrity Treasure Island, Dawn French in a new black comedy Can You Keep a Secret? and Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville reprising an iconic role in Twenty Twenty Six.
From April 12 (TVNZ 1)
Host Tom Webster joins more audacious Kiwis boldly pushing the limits to create their ultimate dream homes. From a multi-generational home designed to bring an extended family back together, to the well-resourced couple restoring a rundown Central Otago “castle”, the daring designs will test finances, patience and the possibilities of innovation.
(Coming in April, TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+)
Bree Tomasel and Jayden Daniels return as hosts of the hit reality show, with a new cast of celebrities put through their paces, competing in physical and mental challenges to win money for charity.
New Zealand Spy
April 29 (TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2)
A retro espionage romp, blending high-stakes spy thrills with offbeat Kiwi humour and starring Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords), Paul Williams (Taskmaster NZ), Rose Matafeo (Starstruck) and Joe Thomas (The Inbetweeners).
Set in the 1960s/1970s, New Zealand Spy follows the New Zealand Intelligence Agency’s hunt for new recruits. The agency places a newspaper ad - but only three unlikely applicants show up. The trio is thrust into a chaotic world of espionage, stumbling through betrayal, romance and absurdity.
April 13 (TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1)
Meet the Fendons – an oddball family who happen to have committed massive fraud. Starring Dawn French and Mark Heap, this new series follows a family who spy a golden opportunity when husband William (Heap) is mistakenly declared dead - and the payout from his life insurance is sent to wife Debbie (French). With Debbie deciding to keep the money while William hides in their loft, the family must find a way to live with the lie and keep their new-found fortune a secret.
Twenty Twenty Six
From April 13 (TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1)
Hugh Bonneville returns as hapless sports administrator Ian Fletcher, who joins the 2026 FIFA World Cup team as “director of integrity”. The spoof mockumentary follows in the footsteps of previous shows Twenty Twelve and W1A.
The Capture
April 15 (TVNZ+)
The twisty crime thriller returns this month for its third season following Detective Rachel Carey (Holliday Grainger) as she investigates crimes involving AI-driven deepfake technology. Carey is now the acting head of Counter Terrorism Command and set on restoring trust in surveillance technology - but when a devastating terror attack strikes at the heart of a British establishment, she is once again drawn into a dangerous conspiracy that permeates deep into the government.
April 13 (TVNZ 1)
Besties Amanda Holden and Alan Carr arrive at the picturesque Ionian island of Corfu. However, it’s anything but idyllic as they discover a big fat Greek renovation lies ahead.
Twisted Sisters: Murder and Manslaughter
April 14 (TVNZ+)
In May 2008 Swedish twins Ursula and Sabina Eriksson travel to England and cause carnage by running repeatedly into traffic on a busy stretch of the freeway in an apparent suicide pact. Whilst Ursula remains in hospital, Sabina meets a stranger who invites her back to his home - only to later be found stabbed to death. This shocking two-part series explores one of the strangest crimes in modern British history.
Sex Before the Internet
April 16 (TVNZ+)
Remember the world before Pornhub and OnlyFans? Sex Before the Internet explores the era of X-rated magazines, VHS tapes and phone hotlines - and meets the people who built lives and careers in a world of analogue erotica.
Rites of Passage
April 16 (TVNZ+)
Throughout history, rituals have underpinned humanity - some more extreme than others. Rites of Passage explores these rituals - from seemingly traditional ones in other cultures, to the mainstream ones in which western culture participates.
Half Man
From April 24 (TVNZ+)
Award-winning Baby Reindeer creator, writer and star Richard Gadd returns with another show-stopping series. Following the fractured relationship between two men (Gadd and Jamie Bell) across three decades, Half Man charts a dark odyssey of masculine rage, brotherly love, and the intensity - and fragility - of male relationships
April 20 (TVNZ+)
Darkly addictive horror-mystery series FROM returns for its hotly anticipated fourth season, once again joining the trapped population of an eerie rural town, who are unable to leave and under attack from supernatural forces. But the closer the residents of town get to the answers they seek, the more terrifying their search becomes.
April 24 (TVNZ+)
James Blake enters the manosphere, a world where self-improvement coaches, 'red pill' preachers and social media influencers promise young men quick answers to all the challenges life throws at them. As James journeys through this world, he reflects on the various reasons for going online and examines his own experiences.
First Class Travel Show
April 22 (TVNZ 1)
Host Josie Gibson embarks on a journey inside the world of luxury travel, with an inside look at some of the most elite and exclusive hotels, resorts and excursions on the planet.
From April 11 (TVNZ 2)
Live coverage of the 2026 ANZ Premiership season begins, as the Central Pulse host the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic at TSB Arena and then the Mainland Tactix take on the Southern Steel. Games will air on weekends, featuring new rule innovations such as the captain’s timeout and two-point shot continuing.
For the kids
April 12 (TVNZ 2)
Buzz the Cuz is back at it again in another series of epic little missions. Join Buzz on more exciting and educational missions around rural Aotearoa as he shares his love of adventure, whānau and the whenua. (Made with the support of NZ On Air.)
Mr Hugo's Little Library
April 12 (TVNZ 2)
When three friends meet an enthusiastic librarian, Mr Hugo, and discover a magical library where books quite literally come to life, the magic of storytelling comes to life through music, dance, imaginative play and theatrical performance, in this enchanting new kids' series. (Made with the support of NZ On Air.)
April movie highlights: Coming to TVNZ+
My Girl (April 1)
Crossroads (April 1)
Knight’s Tale (April 1)
The Jane Austen Book Club (April 1)
Her (April14)
Superbad (April 14)
Layer Cake (April 14)
Rent (April 21)
White Chicks (April 21)
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