TV Channel Overview
Three is a New Zealand free-to-air television channel with a general-entertainment
format. It began transmission on 26 November 1989 as TV3, becoming the
country’s first privately owned television channel. The channel adopted
the name Three in 2017. In August 2025, Three became part of Sky New Zealand
after Sky acquired Discovery New Zealand’s free-to-air television business.
The schedule combines New Zealand and international programs, with a strong emphasis on entertainment. Freeview describes the channel’s output as including drama, news and current affairs, and local comedy. Three also carries reality, factual, and other general-interest programming, giving the channel a broad national television profile.
Three has been part of New Zealand’s commercial television landscape since 1989. Its launch introduced a privately owned national competitor to the established state television services, and the channel has continued through several changes in ownership and branding. Under Sky New Zealand, Three remains one of the country’s principal free-to-air television channels.
Basic Information
- Genre
- General (Entertainment, News, Drama, Comedy)
- Language
- English
- Country / Location
- Home > Oceania > New Zealand
- Headquarters
- Auckland, Auckland Region
