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.
How can I watch Happiness (2025) in the US on ThreeNow
Here’s the answer with 5 easy steps:
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.
Happiness Release Date:
The first season of Happiness is set to air on December 14, 2025, airing on PBS in the United States.
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 six episodes, each rich in music, mishaps, and heartfelt moments.
Where to watch Happiness in the US
Starting December 14, 2025, Happiness will be available to stream on PBS in the United States, giving viewers official access to the series from its premiere date. The show can be watched online through PBS.org and the PBS App, alongside its scheduled television broadcast. Streaming on PBS allows audiences to enjoy Happiness on multiple devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and web browsers, making it convenient to watch anytime after release.
Happiness Trailer
FAQs
- 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.
You May Also Check This Out
When you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about how this works.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings