Kiwis to watch Wiggles on TVNZ

The Wiggles relaunched with a new line-up in 2013

TVNZ in New Zealand has acquired a variety of preschool programming featuring musical group The Wiggles from distributor ABC Commercial.

The free-to-air broadcaster will air the second season of The Wiggles’ latest series, Emma!, later this year, alongside a number of standalone specials featuring the group.

The Wiggles were formed in Sydney in 1991 and went on to release numerous albums, tour the world and star in multiple TV shows. They relaunched with a new line-up in 2013.

The specials include Dial E For Emma!, The Wiggles Meet the Orchestra, Apples & Bananas and The Emma & Lachy Show!.

All programming will also be available to stream on TVNZ’s AVoD platform TVNZ OnDemand following the deal with the distribution arm of Aussie pubcaster ABC.

“Educational and entertaining preschool content benefits our youngest viewers and it’s great to welcome these iconic entertainers to TVNZ,” said Cate Slater, director of content at TVNZ.

Since relaunching in 2016, The Wiggles’ YouTube channel has reached more than 550 million views globally, with New Zealand audiences accounting for over 63 million minutes of watch time, according to ABC Commercial.