At the start of July, NZ streaming services Lightbox and Neon merged to become “the biggest 100% New Zealand-owned paid entertainment platform”. Together they boast a huge range of TV and movies that is sure to keep you entertained no matter what genre you feel like watching.
Succession
Taking home the Golden Globe for best TV series this year, you can see why it’s high on our list. Loosely based on media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his family, Succession follows the Logans who control the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. Ask anyone who has watched this series and they will say it had them absolutely hooked from start to finish.
Grey’s Anatomy
As far as medical dramas go, Grey’s Anatomy has cemented itself as a classic. Still a fan favourite, there’s a reason why this show has run for 16 seasons and counting! And with doctors who go by names like McDreamy and McSteamy, who wouldn’t want to tune in?
Devils
Once you’ve made your way through Grey’s and find that you need another fix of Patrick Dempsey, you might want to give Devils a go. This newly-released, sophisticated thriller about global financiers has us gripped.
Watchmen
This superhero drama is powerful, dynamic and groundbreaking… not to mention Regina King is an absolute boss. It’s even been hailed as a masterpiece by some critics – so it’s clearly not to be missed!
Game Of Thrones
It’s never too late to get on the Game of Thrones bandwagon – and by now you’ll know that it’s one you really ought to hitch a ride on. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or for the fifth, this series is incredible.
Sex and the City
Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte… ICONIC! Gathering your gal pals and deciding who is which character is compulsory when viewing Sex and the City.
True Detective
There’s nothing quite like a murder mystery, and True Detective is dark and addictive with its thrilling plotlines and remarkable cast.
Downton Abbey
An award winning series with a stellar cast, Downton Abbey is a period drama that should be on everyone’s watch list.
Younger
From the creator of Sex and the City comes a show about lying about your age that is truly binge-worthy!
The Wire
It debuted more than 18 years ago but The Wire has stood the test of time. With some critics saying it’s the best TV series ever made, why wouldn’t you be keen to check it out?
Big Little Lies
Thrilling, twisty, and extremely entertaining. The female led, first-rate cast is outstanding – choosing your favourite performance from the series is rather challenging.
Chernobyl
This incredible mini-series follows the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion in 1986, considered the worst nuclear disaster in the history of mankind. Once you get started, you’ll never want it to end.
Dave
If you’re looking for a comedy that will have you laughing out loud, Dave is it. Created by and starring rapper/comedian Lil Dicky, Dave follows a neurotic man in his late 20s who thinks he’s destined to be one of the world’s greatest rappers.
Breaking Bad
Given it’s one of the most awarded television series in history, Breaking Bad is a must watch. Bryan Cranston won four Best Actor Emmys for his lead role as chemistry teacher-turned-drug manufacturer Walter White.
We’re Here
A reality show that takes huge strides to increasing queer visibility in small communities across America. If you’re a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’re bound to love We’re Here – it’s hosted by former contestants Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara and Shangela.
The Hills
A reality series from the 2000s that has reached iconic status. If you love scandal-filled reality television, The Hills will never get old no matter how many times you watch!
Gangs of London
“Some might think it’s brutal, I say it’s glorious.” – They’re the words of Gangs of London character Finn Wallace, but they could well be referring to this action-packed and violent drama.
Euphoria
A Gen Z drama following the lives of teenagers dealing with sex, parties and drug abuse. Despite revolving around adolescents, Euphoria will have you hooked at any age.
Flight of the Conchords
It’s a Kiwi comedy classic and now it’s right at your fingertips on Neon. Rediscover all your favourite tunes by Bret and Jemaine, as well as the best one-liners from agent Murray.
Taboo
If Tom Hardy wasn’t enough to get you watching, the riveting storyline of this crime drama set in the 1800s is sure to pull you in.
Westworld
Set at the intersection of the near future and the re-imagined past, this sci-fi drama is like nothing we’ve ever seen before.
Entourage
Another show from the 2000s that has turned out to be timeless, this comedic drama follows the lavish life of a rising star, and his mates who come along for the ride.
Frozen Planet
This docu-series narrated by Sir David Attenborough showcases incredible imagery of wildlife and scenery both above and below the ice.
Black Monday
Dive into this comedic drama which takes us back to October 19, 1987 — the date of the severe stock market crash known as Black Monday.
I Know This Much Is True
Based on the 1998 bestselling novel by Wally Lamb, this limited series follows the parallel lives of identical twin brothers, played by Mark Ruffalo.
Sharp Objects
This series follows Camille Preaker, as she returns to her hometown to look into a string of unsolved child murders. Sharp Objects is an adaptation of the novel by Gillian Flynn, the best-selling author who also wrote thriller Gone Girl.
The Handmaid’s Tale
Another novel adaptation that is a must-watch! This dystopian series based on Margaret Atwood’s classic story features incredible performances from Elisabeth Moss and Yvonne Strahovski.
High Fidelity
Twenty years after the High Fidelity film was released comes a gender-swapping TV remake starring Zoë Kravitz, whose mother Lisa Bonet starred in the original.
The Office (U.S)
While American adaptations of classic comedies so often miss the mark, this one has undeniably turned out to be a huge success.
Billions
Buckle up – this drama about the world of high finance will have you hitting ‘next episode’ time and time again. You’ll have binge-watched all five seasons before you know it.
Better Call Saul
A Breaking Bad spinoff, this series follows small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill as he transforms into the persona of Saul Goodman.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
This one’s for the Seinfeld fans. Starring the hit 90s sitcom’s creator Larry David as a fictionalised version himself, Curb Your Enthusiasm follows the many misadventures of the comedian.
I May Destroy You
A fearless and provocative show about modern relationships that explores the question of sexual consent.
