ITV is known for producing captivating and diverse television shows that have garnered international acclaim. In New Zealand, viewers have access to an array of compelling series that span various genres, including crime dramas, comedies, and reality TV.
This article highlights the best shows on ITV in New Zealand, providing an overview of each series and their respective ratings. Whether you enjoy thrilling mysteries, heartwarming comedies, or intense reality TV, there is something for everyone to enjoy on ITV.
List of Best Shows on ITV In New Zealand
| TV Show | Years | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vera | 2011-2017 | 8.1/10 |
| Endeavour | 2012-2022 | 8.6/10 |
| The Durrells | 2016-2019 | 8.2/10 |
| The Widow | 2019 | 6.8/10 |
| Emmerdale | 1972 | 4.8/10 |
| Mr Selfridge | 2013-2016 | 7.6/10 |
| Bancroft | 2017-2020 | 6.8/10 |
| The Larkins | 2021 | 5.8/10 |
| Love Island | 2015 | 5.2/10 |
Vera (2011-2017)
Genre: Crime Film
Director: Paul Gay
Writer: Sally Abbott
Cast: Jon Morrison, Brenda Blethyn, Riley Jones
Seasons: 11
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Description: Deputy Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope takes the lead in this gripping crime drama. Driven by her own personal demons and an unwavering passion for her job, Vera exhibits sarcastic wit, cunning, and unwavering determination in her investigations.
With the support of her trusted colleague, Sergeant Joe Ashworth, they tackle each new case with enthusiasm and expertise.
Endeavour (2012-2022)
Genre: Television Drama
Director: Brady Hood
Writer: Russel Lewis
Cast: Roger Allam, Shaun Evans, James Bradshaw
Seasons: 8
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Description: Endeavour Morse, having left college without a degree, joins the Royal Signal Corps before finding himself in the Oxfordshire Police where he embarks on a career as a Detective Constable.
Set in 1965, the series follows Morse’s journey as he solves intriguing murder cases and navigates the complexities of the police department in Carshall-Newtown.
The Durrells (2016-2019)
Genre: Comedy Drama
Director: Roger Goldby
Writer: Gerald Durrell
Cast: Josh O’Connor, Keeley Hawes, Milo Parker
Seasons: 3
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Description: The Durrells is a heartwarming comedy-drama set in 1930s England. After Louisa Durrell’s life takes a downturn, she relocates her family from Bournemouth to the picturesque Greek island of Corfu.
The series follows their comedic and sometimes challenging adventures as they adjust to life in Corfu, including the absence of electricity. It is a delightful portrayal of family bonds and resilience.
The Widow (2019)
Directed by: Sam Donovan Olly
Written by: Harry Williams
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Matthew Le Nevez, Shalom Nandiko
Genre: Drama
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
No. of seasons: 1
Description: Georgia Wells, an estranged wife, retreats to the countryside after learning about her husband Will’s death in a plane crash. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she spots Will in the background of a news channel.
Determined to find her husband, Georgia teams up with Judith, Will’s business partner who also lost his wife in the crash. Unaware of the dangers she may face, she embarks on a journey to the crash site.
Emmerdale (1972)
Directed by: Ian Curtis
Written by: Lesley Clare O’Neill, Kevin Laffan, Tim Dynevor
Cast: Mark Charnock, Lucy Pargeter, Christopher Chittell
Genre: Soap opera
IMDb Rating: 4.8/10
No. of seasons: 33
Description: “Emmerdale” is a captivating soap opera that delves into the daily lives of people residing in the Yorkshire village of Emmerdale. This long-running series portrays the highs and lows experienced by several interconnected families.
As accidents and events unfold in the village, the residents stand united against adversity. Through the evolving storylines, viewers will grow fond of this beloved English village.
Mr Selfridge (2013-2016)
Director: Rob Evans (2016)
Writers: Kate O’Riordan (2016)
Cast: Ron Cook, Jeremy Piven, Tom Goodman-Hill, Amy Beth Hayes
Genre: Drama
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
No. of seasons: 4
Description: “Mr Selfridge” depicts the true story of the flamboyant and visionary American founder of Selfridges, London’s iconic department store. Beyond being labeled a dandy and showman, Harry Gordon Selfridge was a shrewd businessman who revolutionized retail by bringing imagination and expertise to create an entirely new kind of shopping experience.
Bancroft (2017-2020)
Director: Lawrence Gough (2020)
Writers: Kate Brooke, Ben Morris
Cast: Sarah Parish, Ryan McKen, Adam Long, Lee Boardman
Genre: Drama, Crime, Mystery
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
No. of seasons: 2
Description: Detective Elizabeth Bancroft’s world turns upside down when her former colleague and lover is found dead, suspected of suicide, while she leads the investigation into a ten-year-old missing person case.
As secrets from her past begin to surface, Elizabeth realizes that unraveling the truth behind events from a decade ago may hold the key to uncovering the circumstances of her colleague’s death. “Bancroft” is an enthralling series that combines drama, crime, and mystery.
The Larkins (2021)
Directors: Andy De Emmony, Robin Sheppard
Writers: H.E Bates (based on the novel “Darling Buds of May” by), Simon Nye, Abigail Wilson
Cast: Bradley Walsh, Joanna Scanlan, Sabrina Bartlett
Genre: Comedy, Drama
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
No. of seasons: 2
Description: “The Larkins” follows the unforgettable Larkin family led by patriarch Pop and his indomitable wife Ma. Set in post-war 1950s Kent, this comedy-drama showcases the daily life of the Larkin family, including their laughter, love, tears, trials, tribulations, and triumphs.
Surviving each day becomes their greatest storyline, as they navigate the ups and downs of a typical family in a bygone era.
Love Island (2015)
Directors: Hayley MacFarlane (2018), Paul Newton (2020-2021)
Writer: Mark Busk-Cowley
Cast: Iain Stirling, Caroline Flack, Laura Whitmore, Dani Dyer
Genre: Drama, Reality-TV, Romance
IMDb Rating: 5.2/10
No. of seasons: 8
Description: “Love Island” takes thousands of singletons to sun-kissed islands each year, offering them the opportunity to find love. Viewers can join in the excitement as contestants experience drama, games, and the chance to couple up, facing the risk of being voted out each week.
Set on a sunny beach, this reality TV series promises fun, despair, and unexpected twists, making it a must-watch for those seeking romance and entertainment.
Conclusion
ITV has brought some of the finest television shows to screens worldwide, and viewers in New Zealand have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of captivating series. From the gripping crime investigations in “Vera” and “Endeavour” to the heartwarming humor of “The Durrells,” there is something for every viewer’s taste.
Whether you enjoy dramatic mysteries, compelling dramas, or entertaining reality TV, ITV has you covered. Don’t miss out on these top shows that have captured the hearts of audiences globally. Grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the best shows on ITV in New Zealand.
