Keeping the lockdown streaming options fresh is easy with the variety of different streaming platforms there are to choose from. Even better, our local ones are completely free to enjoy.
If you haven’t already, check out the slick new Māori+ app. It’s full of provocative docos, edgy drama and hard hitting current affairs. Plus TVNZ onDemand continues to showcase some of our best homegrown shows - The NYT just cited local drama Good Grief in its latest streaming recommendations (reviewed in Ponsonby News Feb 2020).
MĀORI TELEVISION - Māori+ App
Te Ao with Moana
Described by critics as the country’s best current affairs show, this multi award winning news program streams live on Māori TV every Monday night and is then available instantly to stream on Māori+. The stories are insightful, timely, provocative and well researched. Furthermore, the host Moana Maniapoto (often seen out of lockdown enjoying many favourite Ponsonby establishments) is a masterful interviewer. She balances probing questions and a decisive line of questioning with tension relieving humour, ensuring her guests are both at ease and willing to share. The Te Ao with Moana team are deserving of their award winning status and if you haven’t already, check out past episodes before you watch the latest.
4.5 stars
Ahikāroa
This is an edgy, gritty drama that provides an intimate glimpse into the complex lives of an ensemble of richly developed characters. On the one hand these are unmistakably Māori characters with reo Māori seamlessly normalised with the narrative, on the other hand they are contemporary voices that all youth can relate to.
Their personal dramas and concerns resonate across ethnic boundaries, their struggles are both timeless yet utterly current. Over the last four years this series has gone from strength to strength and it would be no surprise to see it amongst the NYT streaming recommendations in the future.
It’s a drama series that instantly resonates with its steadily growing audience and social media engagement skyrockets after each new episode batch drops. There’s nothing like the thrill of anticipation and being part of something special.
4 stars
DISNEY+
Only Murders in the Building
Every Tuesday a new episode of this satisfying and tantalising murder mystery drops on Disney+. It’s the ultimate intergenerational shared viewing experience, enabling the whole whānau to schedule something compelling and rewarding to watch together.
The star studded cast includes comedic geniuses Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez with guest appearances from big names like Sting and Tina Fey.
The beauty of this show is how each character’s story unfolds against the backdrop of a suspicious death in the building they all live in. It’s charming, funny and totally satisfying, whether you're 15 or 50.
4 stars
NETFLIX
Blindspot
High stakes from the very beginning make this compelling crime drama viewing. Both lead characters are instantly likeable and the way their personal stories unfold alongside a series of complex mysteries keeps things fast paced and intriguing.
It’s an interesting balance between adrenaline pumping action and very intimate human stories of good, bad and the shades in between..
4 stars
Published 1 October 2021