True Blood (2008)
English · Sci-Fi & Fantasy / Drama · 60 min · 18
★ 7.6 Solid 2,145 ratings
▸ Must watch
Released 7 Sept 2008
Page updated 26 Sept 2026
True Blood is streaming in New Zealand on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
The verdict
True Blood stood out as one of the better-rated English series of its release window. It holds a 7.6/10 on TMDB from 2,145 ratings, well above the typical run of new releases. Episodes run about 60 minutes. In New Zealand you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
Is it worth starting?
This is 7 seasons deep — English sci-fi & fantasy with a drama streak, adults only. Several seasons in, so it's a commitment to start rather than a one-night sampler.
Don't watch this if…
- you're not starting a 7-season show this week
- you need something everyone can sit through. Rated 18
- Why
- It rates 7.6/10 on 2,145 ratings so far — a strong early showing.
- Skip if
- you don't want to start something several seasons deep
- Best for
- A long run rather than a single sitting
Story
Thanks to a Japanese scientist's invention of synthetic blood, vampires have progressed overnight from legendary monsters to fellow citizens. And while humans have been safely removed from the menu, many remain apprehensive about these creatures "coming out of the coffin." Religious leaders, government officials, and vampire fundamentalists around the world have chosen their sides. But in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, the jury is still out.
Good to know
| Runtime | ~60 min per episode |
| Watch with family? | 18 · Adults only |
| Genre | Sci-Fi & Fantasy / Drama |
| Language | English |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Alan Ball
Cast

Anna Paquin
Sookie Stackhouse

Stephen Moyer
Bill Compton

Alexander Skarsgård
Eric Northman

Sam Trammell
Sam Merlotte

Ryan Kwanten
Jason Stackhouse

Nelsan Ellis
Lafayette Reynolds
Where to watch in New Zealand
Amazon Prime VideoHBO Max Amazon ChannelHBO Max
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Availability as of 26 Sept 2026 — platforms may change over time.
More: Everything new on Prime Video
Trailer
If you liked this
Frequently asked
Is True Blood worth watching?
Must watch. It rates 7.6/10 on audience ratings. This is 7 seasons deep — English sci-fi & fantasy with a drama streak, adults only. Several seasons in, so it's a commitment to start rather than a one-night sampler.
Where can I watch True Blood?
You can stream True Blood in New Zealand on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
Is True Blood family friendly?
True Blood is rated 18 — aimed at adult audiences.
What language is True Blood in?
True Blood is an English series (Sci-Fi & Fantasy / Drama).
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