Dead Ahead

202522m

Production

Logo for Television New Zealand

A high-powered Māori lawyer (Miriama Smith) accidentally unleashes her chaotic tūpuna (ancestors), forcing the living and the dead to navigate their shared legacy.

Seasons

6 Episodes • Premiered 2025

Still image for Dead Ahead season 1 episode 1: Coming Home

1. Coming Home

The Wharekoa whānau arrive in Aotearoa and Nate quickly makes a new friend that leads him down an unknown path that sends his whānau into a frenzy.

Still image for Dead Ahead season 1 episode 2: Who is John Boy

2. Who is John Boy

Tensions are high in the Wharekoa whare as Amiria is determined to prove she’s not lying, but her journey of discovery leads her and the whānau to an emotional reunion.

Still image for Dead Ahead season 1 episode 3: You’re Going to Kura

3. You’re Going to Kura

Amiria and Nate start Kura and much to their surprise so does Dad, while Kiri has a run in with a journalist that makes her nervous.

Still image for Dead Ahead season 1 episode 4: Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer

4. Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer

As the kids head off on a Kura haerenga, Kiri is led to tell Meremereana the truth, while Matiu brings home some unexpected whānau that floors Kiri.

Still image for Dead Ahead season 1 episode 5: Ki koe e Moko

5. Ki koe e Moko

In this flashback episode the whānau celebrate Nan’s 70th Birthday. Kiri must make one last sacrifice, but it is John Boy whose fate is decided.

Still image for Dead Ahead season 1 episode 6: Kua Kehi...

6. Kua Kehi...

In the season finale Kiri thinks she has it all figured out, not realising life as she knows it, is crumbling around her.

Cast

Photo of Miriama Smith

Miriama Smith

Kiri Wharekoa

Photo of Scotty Cotter

Scotty Cotter

Matua Kare

Photo of Xavier Horan

Xavier Horan

Matiu Wharekoa

Photo of Mia Van Oyen

Mia Van Oyen

Amiria Wharekoa

Photo of Kura Forrester

Kura Forrester

Meremereana

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