Isabella Thornton
With mismatched costumes, homemade lamingtons, and teacups rattling during rehearsals, Happiness captures the quirky soul of New Zealand’s grassroots theatre. It’s not just a laugh riot but a showcase of original songs that parody and pay tribute to beloved musical styles—from Les Misérables drama to Chicago’s razzle-dazzle. The charm is unmistakably Kiwi, with jokes about the accent and Number Eight Wire ingenuity giving it a local flavor. Want to enjoy this joyous theatrical ride outside of New Zealand? I highly recommend using a VPN, which lets you unlock the series on platforms like ThreeNow, wherever you are in the world.
Happiness Plot
Happiness is a bold and bubbly musical comedy series set in the New Zealand town of Tauranga. It centers on Charlie Summers, a disgraced Kiwi director booted off Broadway, who’s forced to regroup at home. Pressured by his mother Gaye, Charlie ends up directing a community theatre musical—an original work based on the Iliad, hilariously titled The Trojan Horse. As rehearsals unfold, creative clashes, eccentric cast members, and backstage mishaps take center stage. The series brilliantly weaves original musical numbers that parody iconic theatre tropes while maintaining emotional depth. Audiences are treated to both heartwarming drama and slapstick comedy. With a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces, Happiness proves that even small-town theatre can deliver big entertainment.
When does Happiness premiere?
Happiness premiered in New Zealand on April 3, 2025, with its first episode airing on Three and available for streaming on ThreeNow. New episodes are released every Thursday, making it a weekly treat for musical comedy lovers.
Happiness Cast
- Rebecca Gibney as Gaye Summers
A doting mother with big dreams for her community theatre—and her son. - Harry McNaughton as Charlie Summers
A fallen Broadway director searching for redemption and purpose back in his hometown. - Jessie Lawrence as Jacqui James
A local star cast as Helen of Troy, whose Kiwi accent brings unintentional comedy. - Peter Hambleton as Adrian Templeton
The pompous stage director who clashes with nearly everyone, especially Gloria. - Joel Granger as Adam Whitford
A passionate performer navigating the chaos of Pizazz’s production. - Maaka Pohatu as Mikaere Dean
Brings a grounded yet vibrant energy to the ensemble. - Marshayla Christie as Gloria
The composer fighting for her vision amidst a tangle of opinions. - Bronwyn Bradley as Nicky
Adds comedic relief with her offbeat presence backstage. - Yvette Parsons as June the Tea Lady
Offers wisdom (and hot drinks) when everything else goes wrong. - Melody Lui-Webster as Mia
A young performer finding her voice among seasoned amateurs. - Henry Auva’a as Connor
Balances charisma and vulnerability on and off stage.
How many episodes does Happiness have?
Season 1 of Happiness currently features two episodes, each rich in music, mishaps, and heartfelt moments.
- Episode 1: Backstreet’s Back in Tauranga
Charlie returns home and is immediately roped into the world of Pizazz. Gaye orchestrates a flash mob to welcome him with a Backstreet Boys number, setting off the tone of mismatched expectations and mother-son tension. - Episode 2: Clash of Visions
Charlie’s attempts to take charge collide with Adrian’s old-school approach and Gloria’s artistic vision. Rehearsals go off-key as creative disagreements erupt, but the passion behind the project starts to shine through.
Can I watch Happiness in the US?
You can stream Happiness on ThreeNow in the US by using a VPN, Smart DNS, or proxy service. These tools effectively bypass geo-restrictions, ensuring a seamless connection to the right servers for an uninterrupted and hassle-free streaming experience.
On what device can I watch ThreeNow?
- Smartphones and Tablets: iOS and Android devices via the ThreeNow app
- Computers: Through web browsers on Mac and Windows
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Panasonic, and Sony smart TVs
- Streaming Devices: Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Android TV: Via the Google Play Store
Happiness Trailer
Happiness FAQ
- Can I watch ThreeNow abroad?
Yes, but only with a VPN. This tool allows you to connect to a New Zealand server and access ThreeNow from anywhere in the world. - Can I stream Happiness on Netflix?
No, Happiness is not available on Netflix. To watch it, you’ll need to access ThreeNow. - Is Happiness worth watching if I don’t usually like musicals?
Absolutely. Its mix of humor, heart, and clever storytelling makes it enjoyable even for non-musical fans. - Are there more episodes of Happiness coming soon?
Yes, Happiness is a weekly series with new episodes dropping every Thursday on ThreeNow.
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