TVNZ on Demand
One Lane Bridge With a second season just confirmed, One Lane Bridge is a must see local series that will keep you guessing and have you on the edge of your seat at all the right times. Set in a pre-covid Queenstown, the shock death of the town’s beloved golden boy reveals secrets and unleashes a force the show’s hero detective, Ariki Davis, must confront as it is inextricably linked to his own destiny.
The Exceptional Squad This is a fun, highly watchable locally made animated series that follows the life of upbeat orphans, Kahu and Mania, as they navigate the challenges of starting a new school and making friends. While Mania wants in with the cool kids, her brother has different concerns. Luckily when faced with a problem or social dilemma, the siblings summon a talented real-life dance crew to help them make the right choices.
While the murderer is revealed by the end of the first season, there is little closure and many questions left open. With a range of unnerving possible answers you will be impatient for the arrival of the second season. It promises to be one filled with tension, thrills and revelations.
Disney+ There is so much incredible content for all ages on Disney+ that it’s certainly giving New Zealand’s incumbent favourite, Netflix, a run for its money. With an expanding local office, Disney+ could be well positioned to add some local content to its extensive library.
HEIHEI Now found on the TVNZ OnDemand platform.
Avatar With production of James Cameron’s Avatar 2 underway in New Zealand, now is a great time to go back and rewatch this blockbuster classic with a new lens. It can provide a great shared viewing experience for the family, opening discussions on racism, capitalism, colonialism and even environmentalism, all extremely relevant in the context of today. At its most simple, Avatar is exceptional visual storytelling with beauty and pace that transcend the storyline.
The Exceptional Squad
Young Riders Now in its second series, Young Riders continues to have a wide appeal. Whether you’re a kid who always wanted a pony or someone who enjoys the thrill and tension that goes hand and hand with competitive show jumping, this show is addictive. It follows a group of dedicated young people as they work, train and compete in a series of show jumping events up and down the country in a bid to become New Zealand’s Young Rider of the Year. They say you should never work with animals or children, but in this case it is the perfect combination for compelling watching.
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Artemis Fowl Based on the children’s classic, this movie by the same name was around twenty years in the making. The special effects and character make-up are exceptional, and the sets and the costuming are
complete works of art. With the talent of Dame Judy Dench and the ever smouldering Colin Farrell, there is much to redeem this visually extravagant film. NETFLIX
Unorthodox Utterly fresh, and enthralling to watch, this is the story of Esty, a young woman trapped in an unhappy arranged marriage, trying to escape the constraints of her conservative Hasidic life. Offering an almost observational documentary insight into a unique and vibrant culture, this fictional series is a beautiful examination of just how difficult it can be to navigate your way forward when you realise there is no room for you in the only world you have ever known. It is no wonder this four-part series has been nominated for an Emmy. NEON
Tin Star - Season 1 While receiving patchy reviews on release this series still provides tension thrills and surprises. The first few episodes are unpredictable enough to keep you intrigued and it has the offbeat nuance many Fargo fans will enjoy. The addition of self-deprecating British humour contrasts well against the setting of the picturesque stable Canadian Rockies, ensuring it lives up to its description as a modern film noir style western. With the fabulous acting skills of Tim Roth, Genevieve O’Reilly and Oliver Coopersmith as the delicious evil killer, the series is saved from being just another male anti-hero story.
Young Riders
One Lane Bridge, TVNZ On Demand
WINTER STREAMING GUIDE
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