Netflix announces “Queenstown,” its first New Zealand series, an eight-episode drama created by Chloe Stearns

Netflix has unveiled “Queenstown,” its first New Zealand series, a new eight-episode drama created by Chloe Stearns and built around the high-gloss reputation of Queenstown’s luxury ski-town culture, The Hollywood Reporter reported on July 16, 2026.

The series is described by Netflix as a drama that taps into the mix of celebrity appeal and community dynamics associated with the destination, with Stearns credited as creator. The project’s format will be delivered as eight episodes, marking a full-season commitment rather than a shorter limited run, according to the report.

Casting for the new Netflix drama includes Rufus Sewell, Frances O’Connor, Alycia Debnam-Carey, and Te Kohe Tuhaka. The four actors are listed as part of the main ensemble in The Hollywood Reporter’s overview of the series announcement.

The show’s premise centers on Queenstown’s glamour, with the story set against the backdrop of the tourism-driven ski region, where seasonal crowds and high-end hospitality shape daily life. Netflix’s announcement frames the setting as an essential element of the narrative, rather than a neutral location, as described in the publication’s write-up.

“Queenstown” is positioned as a key expansion of Netflix’s scripted footprint in New Zealand. By describing the series as its first New Zealand original, Netflix is indicating that it intends to sustain local production and talent in the region through a mainstream streaming pipeline, not only as a one-off collaboration.

The company’s announcement also underscores the breadth of Stearns’ creative work and the studio’s willingness to build a new franchise around a recognizable destination. While the reported package centers on creator and casting, additional details such as episode titles, specific storylines, and premiere dates were not included in the information provided for this report.

The production and release timeline will be followed through subsequent Netflix communications and industry coverage, as with other platform releases. For audiences, the main near-term change is the arrival of a new Netflix scripted series tied to New Zealand’s entertainment ecosystem, with the show’s ensemble and destination setting serving as the initial draw.