TVNZ 1
TVNZ 2
TVNZ DUKE
The Doctor is coming… Back to TVNZ
Doctor Who is returning to TVNZ after a 22-year absence.
The iconic BBC programme, which last appeared on TVNZ channels in 1996, is returning in time for the Thirteenth Doctor’s appearance.
The highly anticipated eleventh season casts Jodie Whittaker (Broadchurch, Trust Me) as the recently regenerated, time-travelling extra-terrestrial known as The Doctor – the first woman to occupy the legendary role.
TVNZ Director of Content, Cate Slater says “Doctor Who has a special place in popular culture. It’s a global juggernaut with a faithful following. This upcoming season marks the beginning of a new era for the extraordinary Time Lord, with the first ever female Doctor at the helm of the TARDIS”
“The time felt right to bring the series back to TVNZ. We can’t wait to share all the action, adventure and humour the show is known and loved for with our viewers, as well as the exciting new twists and turns that are coming their way.”
The announcement of the programme’s return to TVNZ was teased to viewers with a new 40 second promo released earlier today in the UK appearing simultaneously across TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2 and DUKE in the lead in to the evening’s 6pm programming.
The new season of Doctor Who features ten 50-minute episodes including a feature length opening episode.
TVNZ will stream episodes on TVNZ OnDemand immediately following the UK broadcast (at the same time episodes appear on BBC iPlayer), allowing New Zealand fans to engage in worldwide discussions on the show without the fear of spoilers.
Episodes will also play on broadcast TV the same week as the UK. Further details confirming the channel, day and date will be released closer to the season’s premiere.
Irene Read, Director of Content Sales for BBC Studios in Australia and New Zealand, says: ‘We’re delighted that Doctor Who is returning to its original New Zealand home, with TVNZ being an excellent partner to join us for the new era of The Doctor.’
Doctor Who is a BBC Studios production.
