TV2 announces Home and Away launch date

Home And Away will move to TV2, after TV3 lost the rights to the long-running soap.

TVNZ has annnounced a launch date for its newly acquired Summer Bay soap opera Home and Away.

The Australian show, which was lost by TV3 after owner Mediaworks went into receivership, will begin airing on TV2 weeknights at 5.30pm from August 19.

The channel will also screen next day repeats at 11am, as well as a two-and-a-half hour omnibus on Sunday afternoons.

TV3 lost the rights to screen Home and Away last week when the show's distributor cancelled its agreement and granted the licence to TVNZ.

The loss was understood to have been triggered by a clause nullifying the contract if the company goes into receivership.

A Mediaworks spokesman said the network was focused on providing "a top quality alternative to Home and Away that our loyal audience will enjoy just as much".

TVNZ chief Jeff Latch said episodes would also be available online via the network's Ondemand service.

"We're delighted to give Home and Away fans what they want with this fantastic weeknight timeslot. They won't miss an episode as the first-rate storylines continue on TV2 from August 19."

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- nzherald.co.nz