Happiness

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 stumbled across this when a friend recommended it, and thought "ugh sounds awful", but watched it and never looked back. I've watched the whole series multiple times now, because when I feel bad (and the state of the world feels very very heavy), I know an episode of this will make my heart sing. It's campy, hilarious and delightful all in one happy package. Also some globally familiar amateur theatre characters that make this a joy.

"32 Tata's" has entered my daily lexicon.

I sing "Troy Boy" to my dog. I know! But it makes me HAPPY! Even my husband chuckles and laughs all the way through an episode. I do feel like they would need at least another 10 episodes to really dig into some of the characters - if anything some of the episodes felt a bit short - I wanted to know more about their stories.

Come to laugh at small town New Zealand, stay for the wholesome good times, laughs a minute and stars in the making.

Honestly this show really warmed my cold dead heart. I cannot wait to see more and am VERY eagerly awaiting the cast album because the music (as you'd hope in a show about a musical) is terrific!

Obviously you can't make a show about theatre without a.. well theatre! And the Dolphin makes a beautiful Pizazz theatre, even if it is a little far from Tauranga!

The actors are delightful, but a true standout is Melody Lui-Webster as "Mia" Her performance across the first two episodes alone leaves no doubt she is destined to become a star!

Watch Happiness NOW.

Happiness is a gripping, intense thriller that masterfully blends horror, action, and emotional depth. The show's post-apocalyptic setting, combined with its well-developed characters, keeps viewers on edge. A standout is Mia, played by the incredibly talented Melody. She brings raw emotion, strength, and vulnerability to the role, making her one of the most compelling characters. Her performance adds depth to the narrative, making Happiness a must-watch masterpiece. With a gripping plot, stellar performances, and a hauntingly immersive atmosphere, Happiness is a must-watch. Melody's portrayal of Mia is one of the best aspects of the show, leaving a lasting impression and making it an unforgettable experience.

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.