News

DCD Rights sells North American rights of original musical comedy series Happiness to PBS Distribution

30 September 2025

Leading UK-based distributor DCD Rights has sold the North American broadcast and digital rights to the first season of musical comedy series Happiness (6 x 30’) to PBS Distribution which has also pre-bought season two.  Produced in New Zealand, upbeat Happiness, which tells the hilarious story of the ups and downs of an amateur theatrical group, is set to air on PBS later this year.  The second season is currently in pre-production and will deliver in 2026.

A Greenstone TV Production for Three/Sky Free, made with the support of NZ On Air, sees Broadway director and Tauranga golden boy Charlie Summers return home. And he’s devastated. After 20 years working his way up to the top of the musical theatre world, he has found himself back in his childhood bedroom, helping his Mum, Gaye, at the local community musical theatre society, Pizazz. There he meets the eclectic cast and crew who may lack professional skills but certainly don’t lack passion.

Germaine Deagan Sweet, Managing Director Content Acquisitions at PBS Distribution comments, “We’re drawn to content that feels fresh and uplifting, and Happiness delivers exactly that. Its mix of humour, music and heartfelt storytelling makes it a natural fit for our audience, who value meaningful entertainment with real warmth as its core.”

Nicky Davies Williams, CEO, DCD Rights, adds, “Happiness delivers six hours of joyous comedy, music and entertainment that is warm and fun for all.  We’re delighted to have another antipodean hit series, charmingly crafted by leading creatives and acting talent, to share with the world.”

For the first time ever, Pizazz is putting on a brand-new musical for the good people of Tauranga – The Trojan Horse.   Directed by the legendary and feared Adrian Templeton, the show will have it all – dancing soldiers, special effects, amazing singing (mostly) and of course a spectacular wooden horse. Charlie can’t help but try to make the show better and inadvertently finds himself challenging the leadership and upsetting almost everyone. As the show hurtles towards opening night Charlie has to find a way to make the best show possible without destroying everyone’s Happiness.

Starring: Harry McNaughton as CHARLIE (Under The Vines, Madam, The Pact) and Rebecca Gibney as GAYE (A Remarkable Place To Die, The Brokenwood Mysteries, Under The Vines).