TVNZ’s November 2026 lineup brings a packed schedule of free-to-air documentaries, election coverage, returning reality series, and live sport. Viewers can watch the Jonah Lomu documentary, Your Vote 2026 election specials anchored by Jack Tame and Tova O’Brien, season 2 of Love It or List It NZ, and live sporting fixtures like the Melbourne Cup and UFC 334.
The month begins on November 1 with the return of reality series Love It or List It NZ on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, featuring interior designer Alex Walls and real estate agent Paul Glover. Alongside property renovation, television lands on the platform with all eight seasons of Desperate Housewives arriving on November 8 and the cult classic Xena: Warrior Princess starring Lucy Lawless arriving on November 1.
The November Schedule At A Glance
- November 1: Love It or List It NZ Season 2 and Xena: Warrior Princess.
- November 3–8: Melbourne Cup on November 3, Dead Ahead returning to TVNZ+, the Q+A People’s Debate on November 5, Adultery, Your Vote 2026 Election Night Special on November 7, and post-election coverage on November 8.
- November 12–22: Jamie’s Feasts for Less, All Whites v India football fixtures, the Jonah Lomu documentary on November 15, UFC 334, and the T20 Cairns Gold Clash.
Political Coverage And Election Specials
Political programming dominates the first week of November as New Zealand heads toward election results. Jack Tame hosts the Q+A People’s Debate on November 5 at 7pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, putting viewer-submitted questions directly to main party representatives.
Following the vote, Jack Tame and Tova O’Brien lead the 1News Your Vote 2026 Election Night Special from 7pm on November 7. They are joined by political insiders Paul Henry and Willie Jackson alongside a panel of experts delivering real-time analysis.
The coverage continues on the morning of November 8. Tagata Pasifika initiates the political round-up at 7:30am, followed by a two-hour Q+A special at 8am where Tame interviews figures in line to form the next government. At 10am, Marae broadcasts an analysis of what the election outcomes mean for Māori.
Documentary Premieres And Drama Series
Documentary programming features an intimate character study of Jonah Lomu on November 15 on TVNZ 1. The film traces his Tongan upbringing, rise to fame, and health battles at the pinnacle of world rugby, utilizing archival footage and family access.
On November 7, Steve Irwin: A Wild Life marks 20 years since the loss of Steve Irwin with rare footage and exclusive interviews. Drama offerings include Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai starring in Adultery on November 5, and the six-part return of Dead Ahead on TVNZ+ starting November 3, following Kiri (Miriama Smith) and the Wharekoa whānau.
Jamie Oliver returns on November 12 with Jamie’s Feasts for Less on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, offering budget-friendly recipes. Later in the month, the crime thriller series The Cage arrives on November 21, centering on two casino employees stealing from a shared safe.
Live Sport And Racing Fixtures
Live sporting events anchor November’s broadcast calendar across television channels and streaming. The Melbourne Cup runs live on November 3 at 4:30pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ from Flemington.
The All Whites return home for a two-match international football series against India on November 12 and November 15, broadcast on the Duke channel and TVNZ+. Combat sports fans can access UFC 334 on TVNZ+ on November 15, featuring title bouts between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit for the heavyweight crown, alongside Kayla Harrison versus Amanda Nunes for the women’s bantamweight title. The sporting month concludes with the T20 Cairns Gold Clash on November 22 on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+, pitting cricket stars against footy legends.
