The Spinoff writers share what they’re popping on their watchlist ahead of the long weekend.

Mānawatia a Matariki 2024 (TVNZ1, TVNZ+)

Stacey Morrison (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu) and Mātai Smith (Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri) return to present the live coverage of our national Matariki celebrations from 6am on Friday. They’ll be based at Kā Papa Toitoi (Treble Cone, Wānaka) as the dawn breaks for the traditional Hautapu ceremony, as well as featuring celebrations from across the motu and musical performances. If you haven’t seen Mānawatia a Matariki before, it’s worth a watch this Friday morning – it’s an entertaining and informative way to gain a deeper appreciation about the significance and traditions of the Māori new year. / Tara Ward

The Bear S3 ( Disney+)

I loved seasons one and two of The Bear first time round, but got so much more out of both seasons on a second binge. The heady drama of a family restaurant is so full of pith and heart. The show makes me weep as well as crave Italian beef sandwiches with onion and charred capsicum. What I got on a second watch was the care put into the character development between seasons one and two. The positive growth of every individual thumped me right in the heartstrings in a way the first viewing didn’t quite manage: the subtle generosity of Carmy and the way he sends his proteges off to get experience in the astonishing restaurants that made him so excellent. The chef/restaurant scenes (with delightful cameos by Olivia Coleman and Will Poulter) in season two are mesmerising with their insights into fine, fine dining and the showbiz of those efforts behind the scenes. The Berzatto family Christmas episode is even more blistering and painful and artful than I remembered (Jamie Lee Curtis’ and Jon Bernthal’s performances are astonishing. Those long red fingernails of Curtis’ – as they flash and scratch through the drunken cooking scenes, before tamping down her mascara smudged eyes – are a genius makeup/wardrobe decision). I’m cutting my morning kiwifruit with a meditative quality these days thanks to The Bear and what it teaches you about the quality of time and attention. Can’t wait to see how the restaurant and all of its hard-working crew go in season three. / Claire Mabey

Ahikāroa (Whakaata Māori)

Now into its sixth season, with 20 episodes in this season alone, Ahikāroa is binge-ready. It’s one of the country’s longest-running bilingual scripted reo Māori dramas and follows the trials and tribulations of urban, kura kaupapa raised rangatahi Māori living in Tāmaki Makaurau, particularly friends Hemi and Geo. The show addresses some pretty serious social issues, with this season dealing with the ongoing dilemma rangatahi face around the pull of returning home and staying true to your identity. There are also some historical kaupapa mixed into this season, but it’s not all serious, with heaps of laughs and typical Māori gags along the way. If you enjoy a bit of edgy drama, New Zealand comedy, and sass, Ahikāroa might be the show for you. / Liam Ratana

Taskmaster (TVNZ+)

I am the last person in the world to discover the light entertainment television phenomenon that is Taskmaster. That’s not really true – I’ve tried watching it several times before but never really “got” it, despite the fact that, on paper, it is a show that seems to have been made specifically for me. But recently I tried again with season 16 of Taskmaster UK and discovered that actually I do like it after all, and now it’s all I want to watch. This isn’t a recommendation for Taskmaster specifically (though if you want a good place to start – season 16 of Taskmaster UK), but for giving another chance to a show you thought you would like but didn’t. Maybe you just weren’t in the right mood the first time! / Calum Henderson

Only In Aotearoa (Whakaata Māori)

Now in its third season, Only In Aotearoa is a sharp and hilarious comedy sketch series written entirely by wāhine Māori. This season dives deep into te ao Māori, with real-time conversations and scenarios that both Māori and non-Māori will understand, all through a comedic and feel-good lens. Each episode mixes cultural insights with award-winning humour. The show explores issues and experiences unique to Māori life, making for a compelling watch that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Season three features standout sketches like “Tikanga Police”, “Reo Grammar Police” and “Māori Mastercookers”, tackling cultural issues with wit. Led by executive producers Quinton Hita and Whaea Viv, and directed by Maruia Jensen, the series has an uber-talented cast including Miriama McDowell and Roimata Fox. Produced by Kura Productions, known for their award-winning Māori content, this season promises even more laughter and insight. / LR

Fantasmas (Neon) 

Early reviews have called this new comedy series “an immersive journey into a singular mind”, an “absurdist triumph” and “like nothing else on TV”. Created by and starring Julio Torres (Problemista, Saturday Night Live), the series has a loose overarching plot about a man being evicted from his water tower, but appears to be about so much more – a critique of Hollywood, an exploration of immigrant identity, and… something… about hamsters. I started watching it while folding the washing this week and halfway through a trippy ALF-inspired sketch called MELF, I had to pause it to file it away in the “save for the long weekend” pile. Also featuring cameos from Emma Stone, Aidy Bryant and Steve Buscemi as an ageing rocker with a blue mohawk, this is one for people who don’t mind a spot of buzzy viewing. / Alex Casey

Mary and George (TVNZ+)

This week is a dream come true for fans of a royal corset and some big wigs, with both Mary and George and My Lady Jane (Prime Video’s colourful drama that reimagines the life of Lady Jane Gray) dropping this week. Mary and George is a historical royal drama that stars Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine, aka the internet’s boyfriend, and the rave reviews, especially of the raunchy bits, are rolling in. The Guardian gave it five stars and called it a “magnificent, audacious” series, Variety called it “irreverently erotic”, and CNN noted “a level of debauchery that makes Bridgerton look like a Sunday-school romp.” I’m watching it for the pretty frocks, I promise. / TW

C’mon C’mon (Beamafilm) 

Described by my friend as “the best dad film is actually about uncles”, C’mon C’mon is about an uncle, Johnny, and his nephew Jesse, travelling around the US as Johnny’s mum helps her partner get psychiatric help. It’s a road trip movie, and it’s very heartwarming. Also, it’s available on Beamafilm, a streaming service you can access for free through your library. It’s always worth remembering that your library card can let you watch heaps of stuff for free – and it’s a great excuse to do what I’m doing and turn it into a mini film club, with you and your friends all watching the same film and discussing afterwards. / Shanti Mathias

Tour de France: Unchained (Netflix)

Given the closest I get to riding a bike is hyperventilating whenever I set eyes on the exercycle at the gym, I look forward to unleashing my inner athlete on the new season of Tour de France: Unchained. If you like Drive to Survive, you’ll also love Unchained, which takes a behind the scenes look at the Tour de France cycle race. The doco series follows the cyclists, coaches and people riding behind the peloton (that’s a cycling term), delving into what makes these clowns (not a cycling term) get on a bike every day for several weeks with only a thin layer of lycra protecting them from some very nasty gravel rash. As for the footage of the race itself? It’s like you’re actually there. It’s exciting, it’s dramatic, it will make you fall in love with lycra – and all from the comfort of your couch. Bon appetit, as they say in the saddle. / TW