Since its launch in NZ, Hayu built a dedicated subscriber base by serving up a pure, unadulterated feed of reality television, supplying viewers with the glamorous drama of The Real Housewives and the nautical chaos of Below Deck. But after years of keeping things strictly unscripted, the platform is flipping the script on its Kiwi audience.
NBCUniversal announced that from 12 May its direct-to-consumer streaming service, Hayu, will expand its product proposition for New Zealand subscribers.
The platform moves beyond its reality roots to become a broader general entertainment destination. The streamer will now roll out blockbuster movies, iconic television series, and exclusive premium scripted titles.
The scripted content injection
Seasons four and five of Hacks lead the charge for exclusive first-run scripted dramas, alongside Prisoner, The Five Star Weekend, and Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy.
To flesh out the new offering, the platform also opens its extensive vault of Universal Television properties.
Subscribers looking for a laugh can now binge classic comedies like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Will and Grace, and 30 Rock.
For those who prefer high stakes and drama, the streamer brings beloved NBCUniversal series such as Suits, House, and Downton Abbey to the daily lineup.
Beyond television, Hayu now secures Pay-1 window access to recent Universal blockbusters.
This means viewers get early access to major theatrical releases immediately following their cinema run, including Jurassic World Rebirth, How to Train Your Dragon, Wicked: For Good, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, and Prime Minister.
Hayu NZ expands into scripted entertainment. Image: supplied
The cinematic expansion continues with iconic franchise films from the Fast & Furious, Bourne, Mamma Mia, Fifty Shades of Grey, and Pitch Perfect universes, alongside timeless classics such as Back to the Future, Jaws, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.
Executive insight
Hendrik McDermott, managing director of international direct-to-consumer at NBCUniversal, noted that amping up the content proposition creates a must-have destination for local fans of both unscripted and scripted content.
“Hayu’s evolution in New Zealand marks an important milestone for NBCUniversal’s direct-to-consumer portfolio. It builds upon our unrivalled streaming destination for lovers of reality TV, bringing them into the general entertainment space,” McDermott said.
Chris Taylor, managing director of NBCUniversal international networks, direct-to-consumer and distribution for APAC, and executive chairman of Bravo New Zealand, added that the company loves offering both genres to Kiwi audiences. Taylor explained this evolution demonstrates a commitment to building upon their strong portfolio of brands in the market.
Reality fans remain covered
Despite the shiny new scripted additions, Hayu reassures its core audience that it continues catering heavily to reality fans. The platform promises every episode and season of major franchises in one place, completely ad-free and ready for download.
The majority of shows, including global heavyweights The Real Housewives, Below Deck, and Vanderpump Rules, will continue streaming on the same day as their United States broadcast.
Hayu also retains exclusive access in New Zealand to fan-favourite reality shows such as Made in Chelsea, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
New subscribers can access the service for $10.99 per month, while existing subscribers receive a limited-time rate of $9.99 a month. The platform currently operates across 45 markets globally.
Feature image- Hayu Key Art: supplied.