Following the success of Country House Hunters Season 1, TVNZ has re-ordered the 30-part property series, produced by Abode Entertainment, to air in 2024 on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.
The sale to TVNZ was made by the format distributor Parade Media.
Country House Hunters is a primetime series that helps couples as they embark on their journey to find their perfect country home.
The House Hunters format has been a hit in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It is one of the growing slate of formats at Abode Entertainment. Another spin-off in the works is Beach House Hunters.
The Country House Hunters New Zealand series is hosted by Matt Gibb. The Australian series is hosted by Catriona Rountree and screens on Nine.
Other Abode success stories include Million Dollar House Hunters (60×30’ for Direct TV USA), Find Me A Beach House (10×30’), Find Your Dream Home (10×30’ for Foxtel), and Luxury Homes Revealed (Nine).
In Country House Hunters, homeowners are looking to change from an urban to a rural setting, from the mountains to farmland, or from inland to the coast. All are shown three houses by the host, each of which is as unique as the buyers themselves and aim to meet their specific briefs – be that for a cozy hideaway bolt-hole, or a grand architectural masterpiece.
International broadcasters who have acquired Season 1 of the New Zealand series include Nine Network Australia, CTV Canada, Talpa Netherlands, AMC Hungary, Canal Plus Poland.
See also: How Parade Media is helping take Country House Hunters around the world
TVNZ’s acting director of content Nevak Rogers said: “We’re pleased to bring a local adaptation of this successful series to New Zealand audiences. We know our viewers are going to love seeing their fellow Kiwis chasing their lifestyle dreams.”
Parade’s founder and CEO Matthew Ashcroft said: “We are beyond excited to partner with TVNZ and Abode Entertainment on the second season of Country House Hunters New Zealand and look forward to seeing the primetime series delight and inspire viewers across New Zealand in 2024.”
Gary Takle, founder CEO of Abode Entertainment, said: “We are so thrilled with the overwhelming success and positive reception of the show’s first season. It has reaffirmed our belief in the power of engaging storytelling and unique formats. With the upcoming season, we are excited to take audiences on another thrilling journey as we continue to challenge conventional house-hunting norms. Our dedicated team is eager to bring more captivating stories and incredible scenery to the screen.”
Parade Media
Parade Media Group (PMG) is a content distribution and FAST channel business with an international sales team that specialises in the syndication of premium lifestyle and factual programming. PMG develops, funds, and acquires premium IP for global distribution including its owned and operated channels.