February 17th 2025.
After a long absence from UK TV screens, one of the most beloved soap operas has finally returned with brand new episodes. Shortland Street, a medical drama set in the fictional suburb of Ferndale in Auckland, has been a national favorite in New Zealand since its debut in 1992 and is now the country's longest-running series.
The show, which first brought fame to Riverdale star KJ Apa, has had various homes on UK TV over the years, but after being dropped by multiple services, it was unavailable for over a decade. However, thanks to STV Player, UK viewers can now watch Shortland Street in real time, with three new episodes streaming every Monday.
STV Player is the first UK streaming service to offer new episodes of the show, following the same broadcast schedule as New Zealand. This is an exciting opportunity for both longtime fans and new viewers to enjoy all the drama that Shortland Street has to offer.
For those who may be new to the show, a recap video narrated by Madeline McCarthy, who plays Cleo Atwell, is available to catch up on everything that has happened in the series so far. With the show undergoing a revamp for its 2025 season, now is the perfect time for UK audiences to jump in and rediscover Shortland Street.
Michael Galvin, who has played Dr. Chris Warner since the first episode, expressed his excitement for the show's UK debut, stating that Shortland Street has become a huge part of New Zealand's culture and he is honored to see it join the ranks of iconic British soaps like Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
STV Player has also become a go-to for soap fans, as it also streams classic episodes of Brookside every Wednesday. The show, which was controversially axed in 2003, has been a huge hit on the service, reaching over 4 million streams since its debut in 2023.
In addition to Brookside, STV Player has also added Irish soap Red Rock to its lineup, giving viewers the chance to watch the series from the very beginning. With Shortland Street's arrival on the service, fans have even more reason to tune in and stay updated on all things soaps.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
