Warner Bros., TVNZ Renew Programming Pact

BURBANK: TVNZ has renewed its pact with Warner Bros. International Television Distribution for the free-TV rights to a slate of feature films and TV series, including this fall’s Person of Interest and 2 Broke Girls and the last two films in the Harry Potter franchise.

The new multi-year output deal extends TVNZ’s rights to shows such as The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, The Mentalist, The Middle, Mike & Molly, The Vampire Diaries and Nikita. It also includes J.J. Abrams’ new Person of Interest plus 2 Broke Girls and Secret Circle. Motion pictures covered under the pact include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts I & II, The Hangover and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The output deal also includes animation, mini-series and TV movies.

"TVNZ has been our long-time broadcast partner in New Zealand and we are glad they will continue to be," said Jeffrey Schlesinger, the president of Warner Bros. International Television. "This deal enables them to have access to successful, high-quality programming for many years to come while giving us a strong platform on which our programming can thrive."

Jeff Latch, head of TV ONE and TV2, added, "This announcement reinforces the strong relationship TVNZ and Warner Bros have long established. TVNZ is proud to continue to offer our viewers the chance to see Warner Bros.’ stellar portfolio of award-winning comedies, popular dramas and blockbuster movies across our entire network and online."