Kevin & Co Announces New Zealand Spy Comedy Series

Kevin & Co (Taskmaster NZ, Homebound 3.0, Double Parked) has announced a new six-part comedy spy series commissioned by TVNZ.

The executive producers are Cam Bakker and Bronwyn Bakker for Kevin & Co, Greg Sitch and Paul Williams. The leading cast includes Paul Williams, Rose Matafeo, Joe Thomas and Bret McKenzie, who also all wrote on the show. The director is Tim van Dammen.

Set in the 1960s/1970s, New Zealand Spy follows the New Zealand Intelligence Agency’s hunt for new recruits. The agency places a newspaper ad—but only three unlikely applicants show up. The trio is thrust into a chaotic world of espionage, stumbling through betrayal, romance and absurdity.

BBC Studios is handling global sales.

“Since I was a boy, my dream was to play James Bond,” said Williams. “It obviously hasn’t happened for me, but Michael Riviera is similar in a lot of ways. He’s a spy, and he likes to wear suits. Who’s to say which character is more iconic?”

“There’s only one person I would come back to Aotearoa for, and that is Sam Neill,” said Matafeo. “When I got here, I found out Paul had lied to me, and Sam Neill is not in this show. I have decided to stay because I think New Zealand Spy is going to be very good.”

“I have been working on New Zealand Spy and living in New Zealand throughout the shoot,” said Thomas. “People keep telling me to travel around and see the natural wonders of the landscape. Though they are doubtless beautiful, the best thing about New Zealand is the people. So smart, modest, and thoughtful. It’s no surprise this country produces such good comedy and, in my opinion (obviously I’m appallingly biased), they have another brilliant one here.”