TV Series

The Doctor returns to TVNZ

Doctor Who, which last appeared on TVNZ channels in 1996, is returning in time for the Thirteenth Doctor’s first outing.

The highly anticipated eleventh series stars Jodie Whittaker 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 appearing simultaneously across TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2 and DUKE in the lead in to the evening’s 6pm programming. The promo is now available to stream at TVNZ OnDemand. The upcoming series of Doctor Who features a 60 minute opening episode followed by nine 50 minute episodes. TVNZ will stream episodes on TVNZ OnDemand immediately following the UK broadcast (at the same time episodes appear on BBC iPlayer in the UK), 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 series premiere.

More on TV Series

Sorry there is no content available for your region.

more from the whoniverse

Explore

Show Info

Explore

Stories

Explore

Play

More From Read and Watch

Jo Martin on her return as the Fugitive Doctor

25 Jun 2026

Doctor Who Magazine discusses all things CIRCUIT BREAKER ahead of Jo Martin's triumphant return...

Circuit Breaker
Features

The Ultimate Guide to a Doctor Who Watch Party

11 Jun 2026

Lock the TARDIS doors, lower the astro-blinds, and fire up the time machine - let’s have a Doctor Who watch party!

Army of Ghosts
Features

An update on the future of Doctor Who

10 Jun 2026

Today we’re announcing an update on plans for the future of Doctor Who.

TARDIS
TV Series

A Brief History of the Eighth Doctor

6 Jun 2026

With Doctor Who: The Movie now available on Blu-ray, here's the story of the Eighth Doctor – from his television appearances to his adventures beyond the screen…

Eighth Doctor
Features

Alex Kingston and Arthur Darvill reunite for new River Song audio series

4 Jun 2026

Alex Kingston and Arthur Darvill star in 'The Death and Life of River Song: River and Rory', a box set of full-cast audio drama, due for release January 2027.

River and Rory
Product