Viewers in New Zealand have noticed that imported TV episodes run shorter on local streaming services compared to their original durations overseas. This discrepancy stems from adjustments to match regional frame rate standards, resulting in a slight speedup without altering content. Platforms like TVNZ+ and Neon confirm no scenes are cut, preserving the full viewing experience.
An anonymous tipster alerted The Spinoff to a peculiar pattern on New Zealand's streaming platforms, where international TV shows play for less time than advertised abroad. For instance, the first episode of Matlock lasts 43-44 minutes on overseas services but clocks in at 41 minutes and 44 seconds on TVNZ+. Similar shortenings appear in other series: Superstore's premiere episode is 20 minutes and 37 seconds locally versus 22 minutes on US Prime Video, while Suits' opener runs one hour and 17 minutes on TVNZ+ against over one hour and 20 minutes on US Netflix.
TVNZ addressed concerns in a statement: "Rest assured, Kiwi viewers are not missing out on any storylines from their favourite international shows streaming on TVNZ+." The broadcaster explained that differences arise because international platforms often include 'next time' previews that extend runtimes, but core episodes remain identical across territories.
Further investigation revealed the issue extends beyond TVNZ+. On Neon, The White Lotus season 3 episode 1 measures one hour and one minute on HBO Max but just 58 minutes locally. Severance's season 2 opener is 50 minutes in the US yet 48 minutes on Apple TV+ in New Zealand. A Neon spokesperson clarified the cause: "The duration difference is due to the differing frame rates between the US and the rest of the world." They noted it's standard practice to accelerate playback slightly to align with local standards, reducing length by about 4% without content loss. Industry experts corroborated this, pointing to US mastering at 23.98 frames per second versus New Zealand's 25 frames per second.
This adjustment means binge-watchers save time overall. Watching all episodes of The Pitt would take 658 minutes (10.9 hours) in the US but only 638 minutes (10.6 hours) in New Zealand—a 20-minute gain. Even a single Friends episode shrinks from 23 minutes abroad to 21 minutes here, offering unintended efficiency for avid viewers.
