Happiness

Did not know this show was coming out and thought i would just watch a few minutes. I was hooked from the opening scene. This show was so good. It was highly entertaining and uplifting. I really loved it. Is the music going to be on Spotify? Would love to see a 2nd or 3rd or even 4th season!. Would be great to see the actual musical Troy being toured around NZ. The music was catchy. Really great singing and dancing. It left me wanting more. I will need to re-watch. Great cast and finally a really good kiwi show. We need more of this! It's a shame it was only 6 episodes. Seemed over too quickly.

The first episode of Happiness was fantastic--smart, funny, and full of great musical numbers. Unfortunately, every episode since then has been a huge disappointment. None of the humour or spark of that first episode is anywhere to be found in the subsequent episodes and the plot is absolutely non-existent. I mistakenly watched the fourth episode before episodes two and three and didn't even realize because so little of importance happened in those two episodes (which, yes, I did go back and watch). I'm also not clear on why this show is called Happiness other than it's another word for Glee? Sadly, the lack of originality in the title is emblematic of the rest of the show.

I am the biggest fan of New Zealand tv shows, at least the ones we can stream in the US. Whenever I see a new one, I can't wait to watch and enjoy, but honestly, this is the most inane one I've ever seen. And to think Rebecca Gibney signed on to this is beyond stunning. She is one of the finest actresses to ever grace the screen and has led many of the finest series ever made, but I had to do a double take when I thought I recognized her in the first scene. This show is pointless drivel. I don't know if it's trying to be a mix of Glee and Benny Hill or what. I finally turned it off near the end of the third episode when I asked myself, why on earth are you wasting time watching this?!!! Do yourself a favor and skip it. If you want to delight in a New Zealand series, try 800 Words or Brokenwood. If you want to delight in the spectacular work of Rebecca Gibney, try Packed to the Rafters, Under the Vines, Winter or Halifax Retribution.

I don't usually watch NZ tv but this was honestly hilarious. I laughed within the first 20 seconds and then throughout the entire first few episodes. The acting is great, the cast is clearly quite talented. The singing is amaaazing, definitely no dubbing on the vocals which is impressive. It doesn't really matter if you're into musicals or not as it's not overbearing. It has a nice balance of being utterly ridiculous and making fun of that same fact. I also love that it's well suited to all demographics as both myself (20's) and my mum (60's) are both watching and enjoying it. It's definitely worth a watch!

Happiness is the kind of show you didn't know you needed until you press play-and then you can't stop watching. This NZ-made musical comedy is an absolute triumph, blending sharp humor, fantastic original music, and a cast so talented they make every scene sparkle. From the very first number, I was hooked-the songs are insanely catchy (seriously, when's the soundtrack dropping on Spotify?), the jokes land perfectly, and the whole thing radiates so much charm you can't help but smile. What makes Happiness special is how it nails the balance between satire and sincerity. It pokes fun at amateur theater with razor-sharp wit, yet you can tell it's made with real love for the world it's mocking. The musical numbers are the real standout, though-cleverly written, brilliantly performed, and staged with just the right mix of polish and playful chaos.

My only complaint? Six episodes is not enough. I need at least three more seasons. Happiness proves that NZ comedy and musical theater can be world-class-it's fresh, funny, and full of heart. More like this, please!