Recap To The Week: SABC Unveils A Slate Of Content For Their Channels In The Coming Months Including Wheel Of Fortune SA And Winnie Mandela Doccie In Partnership With Netflix

Not long ago, it was reported that both BBC Studios and SABC had formed a content new deal which would see several content from the BBC fold under two hour block on SABC 3. Prior to this, SABC held a content showcase unveiling several content in the pipeline. 

For SABC 1, they'll be partnering up with Netflix SA on two doccies, The Trials of Winnie Mandela and Just call me Arch. These will be based on the lives of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu - no dates have been shared as yet.

Netflix also scooped up The Bold And The Beautiful after the public broadcaster couldn't afford to keep it on air and rivals such as Vodacom Video Play and EVA channel on DStv shuttered. 

Other projects in development for SABC 1 include Sjava's 1 Man Show (15 June), Breaking Down Borders (3 July) and Roxic (8 October). Returning shows include Hotspot Seli (formerly Selimathunzi, 4 July) and The Voice South Africa (28 September).

For SABC 2 and SABC 3, the public broadcaster will be expanding the reality lineup with Wheel Of Fortune SA, Raid The Cage (27 May), Crown Chasers (22 June), Big Day For 2K (June) and Wife Swap SA (1 July) and an untitled popular American game show. 

Returning shows on the channel include The Masked Singer SA (13 April), Taste Masters (23 April) and former e.tv program SA's Got Talent (5 June), Miss SA 2024 (11 August) and Tropika Island Of Treasure (21 September).

This comes after the SABC had axed 7de Laan after 23 years on air with the public broadcaster moving further Afrikaans programs such as 50/50 and Voetspore to SABC 3. This had caused a rift with consumers and the public broadcaster had addressed the matter.

David Makubyane, head of SABC channels, said changes like Skeem Saam moving to a later timeslot on SABC1 and Afrikaans content shunted from SABC2 to SABC3 is because of changing content consumption patterns and the entrance of multiple video streaming services like Showmax, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.

"We're not blind to the plethora of competitors and content providers that have come into the space, but we stand firm and believe that the new content offering that we are going to showcase and give to our viewers will really put us into a competitive edge."

New Series Alert: Showmax's Twende To Make Its Linear Debut On Play Room, SABC 2's Magic Cellar Also Added To The Lineup

Play Room, a South African based children's channel operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group that offers fun and learning through live-action and animated shows dubbed in Zulu will be expanding the local lineup during the school holidays with Twende and Magic Cellar.

After launching on Showmax in 2023, Twende will be making their linear debut on Play Room. It's not shocking cause after M-Net axed K-TV this content needed a platform and despite M-Net having no management of Play Room do provide funding through MultiChoice. 

SABC's influence on the channel is expanding with the inclusion of Magic Cellar. It would join other shows to have been offered by the public broadcaster including Akili And Me, Bino And Fino and Jabu's Jungle.

Twende follows a pangolin of the same name, the slowest moving animal in the savannah. He believes life is about the journey, not the destination’ and is constantly at odds with his job as a boda boda driver in the bustling, fictional East African city of Milima.

Produced by MultiChoice Studios, Twende is voiced by Junior Nyong’o, while June Gachui plays his best friend and navigator, Nuru – a smart bird who always looks out for Twende, even if his chilled-out vibe drives her crazy sometimes. 

Magic Cellar is a long-form 3D animated series based on African culture which focuses on folktales, partially collected via interviews with elders in villages. It featured a multicultural cast of characters, with the principal character being an African girl.

Since its inception, Magic Cellar won 42 international awards, including Gold and Silver World Medals at the New York Festivals, a Platinum REMI Award and First Prize at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF).

Twende will air on weekdays at 17:00 replacing Total Dramarama from 25 March and Magic Cellar likely dubbed in Zulu will replace Akili And Me on weekdays at 08:15 on Play Room. 

Recap To Last Month: Vetkoekpaleis Loses Another 100,000 Viewers As SABC 2 Becomes The Third Most Watched Channel In February

Since Vetkoekpaleis reentry onto SABC 2, the sitcom has been garnered a lot of backlash from consumers. Mainly from several fans of 7de Laan cause after its abrupt end consumers opted to boycott 18:00 and flee to eExtra's Kuiertyd and KykNET. 

As the after effects illustrate, Vetkoekpaleis lost another 100,000 viewers in the month of February with its current audience sitting at 400,000. Basically, half of 7de Laan's current audience are putting up with the repeats while others flee to rival broadcasters. 

With SABC 2 which for several years has been the leading brand behind SABC 1 has fallen short. This was after AFCON lured 2 million viewers on SABC 3 while SABC 2's most watched show Muvhango was only short of 500,000 viewers to retain its title.

During the month, the public broadcaster had made scheduling changes across their channels. None of which has proven to be "historical" with Nuus that was pulling around the same figure as Vetkoekpaleis sitting with 160,000 viewers on SABC 3.

Prior to this, the public broadcaster was warned that these changes will further alienate viewers and these figures prove it. With Vetkoekpaleis remaining as the last Afrikaans programs on SABC 2 the show will most likely continue to lose viewers at a rapid pace.

Unlike e.tv, the public broadcaster has nothing to sort of help compliment Vetkoekpaleis as Nuus and other Afrikaans programs move to SABC 3 with FOKUS cancelled.

Ratings Flop: Afrikaans News Loses Over 70% Of Its Viewers Following Its Move To SABC 3

Not long ago, it was reported that the public broadcaster had lost over 2 million viewers with Skeem Saam and Deal Or No Deal SA. Following the schedule changes across their 3 most viewed channels, the public broadcaster is now looking at the after effects.

Nuus becomes the latest victim in this massacre after debuting with 450,000 viewers in February is currently sitting with around 160,000 viewers. This due to strong competition coming from eExtra's Kuiertyd and KykNET with the other being the late timeslot.

With its dismal figures one has to wonder if Nuus will stick around for the foreseeable future or suffer the same fate as FOKUS and 7de Laan. Again, lots of speculation going around that the SABC had canned Afrikaans with the lack of new content.

Although, they've denied it time and time again it only comes to the amount of airtime this offering gets for which SABC 3 lacks. The only change on SABC 3 would be the addition of Nuus with everything else being normal viewing as if consumers got a peace prize. 

With the lack of Afrikaans content also seen on SABC 2, this might have some after effects for Vetkoekpaleis. It's currently sitting with 400,000 viewers after debuting in January with 500,000 viewers meaning at least half of 7de Laan viewers watch the repeat.

Ratings Flop: Deal Or No Deal Loses 1.5 Million Viewers Following Move To SABC 2

During the week, it was reported that Skeem Saam had lost 1.3 million viewers following its move from 18:30 to 19:30 on SABC 1. The public broadcaster regards it as "a massive historical ratings figure" after its viewership went from 4.3 million to 3.2 million.

This comes after repeats of Vetkoekpaleis caused SABC 2 to lose 300,000 viewers following the cancellation of 7de Laan. With eMedia Investments ramping up a rival offering with 90 Minutes Of Afrikaans that has lured almost 2 million viewers. 

According to sources, the newly relaunched game show Deal Or No Deal SA had lost 1.5 million viewers following its move to SABC 2. After pulling close to 2 million viewers on SABC 1 last month had dropped to just 400,000 viewers in March.

The SABC was warned prior to the move of Afrikaans programs from SABC 2 to SABC 3. That further changes to the lineup would lead to a decline in consumption for their channels as sources await details of the ratings of Nuus on SABC 3.

With the decline in consumption, it is evident here that consumers were accustomed to the previous setup of these programs. If the public broadcaster were hoping for that "historical figure" they could tried marketing these changes in between shows.

Recap To The Week: Akira Toriyama Creator Of DragonBall Z Alongside The Backyardigans Creator Janice Burgess Has Passed Away

DragonBall creator has died 

When it comes to the world of anime and Japanese pop culture, many will know and love the Dragon Ball franchise. The manga, which was first created by Toriyama in September 1985, won over the hearts of fans instantly. 

However, news has hit the Dragon Ball community as well as the manga and anime industries at large on March 7, 2024. Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama is confirmed to have died at age 68.

Statement from the official DBZ account:

“We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1 due to acute subdural hematoma. It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve.”

Backyardians creator had died

Janice Burgess, a longtime executive of the Nickelodeon channel who sought to promote children’s curiosity and sense of play for decades, overseeing popular television shows like “Blue’s Clues” and “Little Bill” and creating her own musical children’s show, “The Backyardigans,” died on Saturday in hospice care in Manhattan. She was 72.

Brown Johnson, a longtime friend and the creator of Nick Jr., the Nickelodeon channel for younger viewers, said the cause was breast cancer.

Recap To The Month: e.tv Reportedly Looking To Replace 7de Laan With New Afrikaans Drama, Could This Be The Final Nail In The Coffin For SABC?

As some readers are aware, SABC decided to cancel 7de Laan after 23 years on air with repeats of Snoozefest Vetkoekpaleis taking up its timeslot. Prior to this, there was a whole debate amongst viewers urging either DStv or e.tv to revive the soap.

Since 7de Laan is technically a product of SABC that makes its almost impossible to consider. Another theory shared by a viewer was the possibility of e.tv looking to ramp up a similar offering seeing as kykNET already has Suidooster and Binnelanders and not everyone has DStv.

According to insiders, e.tv is currently filming a new local drama of course details of a name or plot has yet to be revealed. This drama which will be in Afrikaans (not dubbed) is set for release sometime in the year most likely after Ouma Sarie seeing as it forms a block on e.tv.

Ouma Sarie launched on e.tv in 2023 and is said to be the most watched Afrikaans drama with 1.8 million viewers. This was basically half of 7de Laan's viewers and even shows like Droomvelore and Die Vreemdeling which serve as imported content had more viewers than 7de Laan.

During the week, it was reported the public broadcaster would be moving their Afrikaans programming on SABC 3 (excluding Vetkoekpaleis). With rumours swirling around that SABC would be cancelling further Afrikaans programs across their channels.

Although SABC denied such allegations the public broadcaster hasn't introduced any new content in that area. With the cancellation of FOKUS, the public broadcaster was warned that further alienation of Afrikaans programming would lead to a loss of viewers and advertisers.

Following the cancellation of 7de Laan, Nuus now serves as the most watched Afrikaans program on SABC 2 currently in the top 10 with 500,000 which is 300,000 less from 7de Laan. This move to SABC 3 would lead it to lose its ranking with audiences fleeing.

It's not just the channel but the timeslot to be direct 20:30 which is where consumers are probably tuning to their Turkish stories on eExtra or other local content on kykNET.

Vetkoekpaleis as mentioned is also being brutalized with its viewership sitting around 500,000 (300,000 drop) while 7de Laan bowed with 800,000 viewers. With e.tv rolling out this drama in the coming months consumers of Vetkoekpaleis will likely revert to e.tv once it launches.

Recap To Last Year: SABC 2 Has Lost 300,000 Viewers Following The Relaunch Of Snoozefest Vetkoek Paleis And Cancellation Of 7de Laan

Last year, the public broadcaster decided to end 7de Laan after its 23 year run with the last episode accumulating 800,000. It was since then replaced by a rebroadcast of 90s sitcom Vetkoekpaleis as the public broadcaster struggles to source income for more new content.

Following the series inception, Vetkoekpaleis was only able to pull 600,000 viewers in December making it 200,000 viewers short from 7de Laan. News of its re-entry was met with backlash from devoted SABC fans with most opting to rival stations like eExtra and kykNET.

This was proven as Vetkoekpaleis which was ranked in the top 5 viewed content on SABC 2 in December is now under the the top 10 from last month. Even more embarassing is how Nuus managed to accumulate more viewers than the actual repeat.

During the month, it was reported that the public broadcaster had cancelled FOKUS and will move remaining Afrikaans programs such as 50/50 and Nuus to SABC 3. While as other shows such as  Vetkoekpaleis will continue to air on SABC 2 most probably until it's ends.

This news similar to the induction of Vetkoekpaleis wasn't sitting well with some viewers. If anything, the move to SABC 3 will likely lead to a drop in consumption for shows to have stayed back on SABC 2 such as Vetkoekpaleis and probably lead more viewers to opt for rivals.

SABC hasn't been producing much content for this audience that some had only tuned into SABC 2 for 7de Laan. With less content hoping aboard SABC 3, this won't look good for their viewership and if anything probably endangers the possibility of a follow-up to 7de Laan.

Recap To Last Month: uMbali Makes History And Becomes The First Late Night Series Debuts In The Top 10 On e.tv, Vetkoekpaleis Continues To Be A Rating Disappointment On SABC 2

uMbali is garnering attention

After debuting on e.tv by October 2023, uMbali has proved to be a ratings success the first in the 22:00 timeslot as the series enters at the #11 spot from last month accumulating 1.8 million viewers. Other shows like Is'pindiselo crossed the 2 million when it aired on Sunday.

After eMedia Investments had opted to allocated these shows on weekdays neither Is'pindiselo or Housewives got the time of day after undergoing several timeslot changes as eMedia Investments continues to position e.tv in the leagues of SABC 1 and Mzansi Magic.

Viewers continue to boycott Vetkoekpaleis

After 7de Laan ended its run on SABC 2, the series was reported to have accumulated 800,000 viewers on its last episode. With the public broadcaster low on income substituted the drama with a 90s sitcom, Vetkoekpaleis.

Since it's inception, Vetkoekpaleis pulled 600,000 viewers following its reentry to primetime in December and after a month it currently sits with 500,000 viewers making it 100,000 viewers short as consumers migrate to eExtra's Kuiertyd and kykNET on DStv.

Why Yu-Gi-Oh Is Getting A Lot Of Backlash On SABC 2?

SABC 2 is the public broadcaster's second free-to-air channel which boasts a variety of content ranging from news, music, reality shows, movies and drama series. It had also garnered popularity for its 5pm timeslot which featured anime like Dragonball, Bleach and One Piece.

As seen in the past year, Yu-Gi-Oh had taken over the channel so much so that viewers aren't tuning into SABC 2 in that timeslot. When Dragonball debuted it formed one of the top 10 most watched shows on the channel while Yu-Gi-Oh Is not even seen in the Top 20.

As some readers are aware, SABC has been dealing with financial constraints that it's taken much longer to acquire new content. This only drives away viewers from the channel which is what "was" currently seen with Yu-Gi-Oh as SABC 2 had been repeating old seasons for almost a year.

This comes as a problem because some viewers would tune into the channel or keep tabs. Anime has a smaller market on cable TV and aside from SABC 2 there's also Toonami and Cartoon Network.

Unlike the latter, SABC 2 offered more mature content that would depict violence, strong language and other adult scenes. Other broadcasters would equip more family focused or kid friendly shows which is where Yu-Gi-Oh currently resides unfortunately.

SABC 2 for years on end would bring these type of shows to their audience and filter out the demographic of Yu-Gi-Oh. Despite once owning rights to Pokémon and Doraemon, SABC should have tried retaining offering of a similar stature while deploying shows like Bleach.

SABC Cancels Fokus And Shifts Afrikaans Programming Such As Voetspore And 50/50 From SABC 2 To SABC 3

Last year, it was reported that the SABC would be axing the Afrikaans soap 7de Laan after its 23 year run for repeats of Vetkoekpaleis. The public broadcaster had been struggling to acquire new content and update their brands due to financial constraints.

Since then, they have been cutting back on programming for their viewers with uBettina Wethu that was revived on e.tv for season 4. Then there's sort of rumours going around that Takalani Sesame had also been a subject for cancellation with rebroadcasts on e.tv.

Now it has been reported that Fokus, one of the last few Afrikaans shows to have aired on SABC 2 had been cancelled by the network. Not only that they're looking to transition SABC 3 into a multilingual channel by March 2024 with the addition of news, 50/50 and Voetspore.

Caroline Phalakatshela, SABC TV publicist, confirmed to Netwerk24 that the SABC has cancelled Fokus since it "no longer fits in" with SABC2 and the broadcaster's plan to move Afrikaans shows to SABC3 from March as part of a strategic decision.

When you look at it, I can kind of see where SABC was getting by moving Afrikaans to SABC 3. This portion of the channel had been ousted in favour of eExtra's Kuiertyd and kykNET so aligning it with SABC 3 is probably one way to help alleviate the viewership.

SABC has been trying to cater for all indigenous languages and for several years had burdened SABC 2 with 7 languages (including English) while SABC 3 would just cater to one with SABC 1 offering 2 languages.

SABC 3 similar with M-Net hasn't been dominant with the current demographic of SABC 1 and Mzansi Magic. While Uzalo is able to pull around 5 million viewers, Vetkoekpaleis was only able to obtain below 700,000 viewers which is almost half of SABC 3's current audience.

In general, most of the content like Noot Vir Noot and as mentioned Fokus had been pulling similar figures to SABC 3. The channel with a smaller number of viewers has a long journey ahead to try and retain the remaining viewers of Vetkoekpaleis and 50/50.

News Shorts: SABC 2 Acquired Rights To Football Themed Anime Series Inazuma Eleven, A Rebroadcast Of Queen Of Miami Launches On Telemundo Africa And KykNET & Kie Unveils New Afrikaans Drama Skemergrond

SABC 2 enters the football field

Following SABC's financial constraints, the public broadcaster had been struggling to obtain new content. As such anime on SABC 2 had been on limbo often featuring repeat broadcasts of Yu-Gi-Oh and now the channel is offering new content with Inazuma Eleven.

It follows a talented young goalkeeper tries to revive his school's lackluster team in this anime series based on the hit manga and video game. Currently streaming on Netflix and formerly seen on Nicktoons and Toonami, the series airs weekdays at 17:00 replacing Yu-Gi-Oh.

Another rebroadcast enters the month of romance

After launching rebroadcasts of My Heart Beats For Lola, The Chosen Granddaughter and A Woman Of Steel. Telemundo is set to be recruiting yet another series, Queen Of Miami ahead of the final season of Queen Of The South both of which star Kate Del Castillo as lead.

Synopsis for Queen Of Miami

Traumatized by the events of a difficult life and driven to avenge the betrayal of a husband, Anastasia Cardona will find, in the illicit business of her husband, the wealth which she has always desired. Her thirst for power overrides any limits when choosing her victims.

It replaces Prisoner Of Love from 26 February.

KykNET & Kie announces a new drama series

A new telenovela Skemergrond, set in a small Western Cape town will replace the popular Arendsvlei from July on kykNET&kie (DStv 145) with the new Afrikaans show also produced by Penguin Films and filled with characters "all carrying dark secrets".

Once the cancelled Arendsvlei ends, Skemergrond will also broadcast four episodes weekly from Mondays to Thursdays in the 19:30 timeslot on kykNET&kie. Casting that will include veteran actors as well as new faces is still to be announced.

The new telenovela is set in Gemoedsdrif, a small town in the Western Cape where the Louw family has a flower farm. 

Battle Of The Kaan'ers: kykNET & Kie's Newest Addition Moederhart Clashes With e.tv's Annekan Die Swa Kry While Repeat Telecasts Of e.tv's Ouma Sarie Airs In The Timeslot As SABC 2's Vetkoekpaleis

During the week, kykNET & Kie revived the 17:30 timeslot with Moederhart after quietly ripping away primetime from the channel when In Die Ysterhand Se Greep ended. There was a lot of commotion of a follow-up and surprisingly it had garnered popularity with our readers.

Moederhart tells the story of three sisters and their brother - Zeynep, Emre, Cemre and Aysun - who, together with their mother, Nefise, are left in poverty after the sudden death of their father. As a single mother, Nefise often feels powerless, but with the help of a family member, she starts working for a rich family in a mansion. 

The series airs Mondays to Thursdays at 17:30 on kykNET & Kie prior to that will be Annekan Die Swa Kry at 17:00 on e.tv. Similar to Skeem Saam on SABC 1 which is set to air in the same timeslot as Scandal consumers will have to juggle two shows.

Prior to that, eMedia Investments made a small adjustment to their line-up by slotting an extra 30 minutes to Ouma Sarie which will air weekdays at 18:00 to accompany Annekan Die Swa Kry in a segment known as 90 minutes of Afrikaans.

After 7de Laan was axed on SABC 2, the public broadcaster opted to air a telecast of the comedy Vetkoekpaleis in its timeslot in which eMedia acquired for eExtra. There was a lot of media debacle as to whether e.tv would look to ramp up a rival offering.

From January 15, Ouma Sarie will air in the same timeslot as Vetkoekpaleis on SABC 2 at 18:00. Considering that eExtra will be offering the drama Vetkoekpaleis it wouldn't surprise me if it were to resurface on e.tv once Ouma Sarie ends as both were exclusive to eExtra.

Battle Of The Oldies: SABC 2 Revisits The 90s With The Afrikaans Sitcom Vetkoekpaleis (Replacing 7de Laan) And eExtra's Kuiertyd Is Travelling To A Much Distant Time With Ballade Vir 'n Enkeling

7de Laan is being replaced by a rerun

During the day, it was learnt by news outlets that SABC had an outstanding debt with Danie Odendaal Productions for the last remaining episodes of 7de Laan so unless they try to try to pay the remaining amount. Danie Odendaal Productions will hold the remaining episodes.

SABC 2 will be forced to end it by yesterday and not 26 December as planned. My hunch if the money isn't allocated soon they could air a past episode(s) temporarily another would be by the grace of an intellectual being pay the outstanding amount on their behalf.

What is set to replace 7de Laan once it comes to an end?

It's simple, SABC will be digging up their archives further bolstering the amount of repeats on their channels with Vetkoek Paleis. A classic 90s sitcom follows Frikkadel Delport who starts a take-away business when he is retrenched. In the process of finding his feet in his new venture, he appoints two staff members without really meaning to.

The implications: 7de Laan had a huge following and due to the cancellation a majority of consumers are likely to flee the channel and divert their attention to rival broadcasters. Not saying that Vetkoekpaleis isn't better alternative but SABC 2 barely did reruns to the sitcom. 

The only other platform to had offered it on one occasion was the defunct brand, SABC Encore. Majority of households can't afford to pay a majority of monthly expenses and that includes DStv and this is where most of SABC 2's viewers were situated at the moment.

Kuiertyd is entering the golden era 

eExtra, a general entertainment channel operated by eMedia Investments that is home to telenovelas from India, Asia and Turkey might be undergoing some schedule adjustments in the coming year. This has to pertain to their only weekend primetime offering, Soete Wraak.

In an updated EPG, Ballade Vir 'n Enkeling is listed in the timeslot currently reserved by Soete Wraak on the 14th January 2024. From the programme guide implies this could be the 1980s drama another would be the 2015 film that was made accessible on eExtra.

Ballade Vir 'n Enkeling airs from 20:00 to 22:30 and the idea of eExtra airing another local drama particularly for Kuiertyd audiences wouldn't seem far fetched. They had acquired rights to the comedy drama Ouma Sarie which is also viewable on e.tv.

Synopsis for Ballade Vir'n Enkeling: 

When well-known writer Jacques Rynhardt disappears, it is up to a journalist to unravel the mystery. To do that, she needs to go back to his childhood and get to know Jacques for who he was.

News Shorts: Ted TV Series From Seth MacFarlane Based On Movie Rolls Out On Peacock, Highly-Anticipated New Original Series FX’s “Shōgun” Makes Global Debut On Disney+ And Lionsgate Is Working On A Live-Action Adaptation To Naruto

Ted is getting his own show

The streamer has dropped an official trailer for the seven-episode series that serves as a prequel to the film franchise. The fresh cast of characters include Max Burkholder (Parenthood), Alanna Ubach (Euphoria), Scott Grimes (The Orville) and Giorgia Whigham (13 Reasons Why) while MacFarlane will continue to voice Ted.

In this comedic prequel event series to the Ted films, it’s 1993, and Ted the bear’s (Seth MacFarlane) moment of fame has passed. He’s now living back home in Framingham, Massachusetts with his best friend, 16-year-old John Bennett (Max Burkholder), along with John’s parents, Matty and Susan (Scott Grimes and Alanna Ubach) and cousin Blaire (Giorgia Whigham). Ted may be a lousy influence on John, but at the end of the day, he’s a loyal pal who’s always willing to go out on a limb for friendship.

The series will stream on Peacock from January 11, 2024.

James Clavell's best seller is being reimagined

Disney+ revealed FX’s “Shōgun,” the much-anticipated global event series, will premiere on Tuesday, February 27 on Disney+. The premiere of the 10-episode limited series will include the first two episodes, followed by a new episode each week. 

“Shōgun,” an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel, is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Producer Hiroyuki Sanada stars as “Lord Yoshii Toranaga” who is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, “John Blackthorne” (Cosmo Jarvis), comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, “Toda Mariko” (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.

“Shōgun” is created for television by Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks, with Marks serving as Showrunner and Executive Producer alongside Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca, and Kondo. The series is produced by FX Productions.

Naruto is heading for the big screens

According to a Variety report, the beloved manga and anime series is set to head to big screens for its live-action adaptation under Lionsgate. It will be written by Tasha Hao, who also helmed Red Sonja and the animated version of Tomb Raider. 

This comes almost a decade since it was first reported, with Michael Gracey signed to direct the project. He will be joined by Avi Arad and Ari Arad who will serve as producers and Lionsgate’s Erik Feig, Geoff Shaveitz, and Kelly O’Malley. 

More details, including its cast and release date, are yet to be unveiled. 

Dragon Ball To Return With New Anime Series Dragon Ball: DAIMA To Commemorate 40th Anniversary

The first trailer for the upcoming Dragon Ball DAIMA anime premiere was shown at the franchise’s panel at the 2023 New York Comic Con on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Previously leaked with the subtitle Magic rather than DAIMA, the new anime series is set to premiere in Fall 2024 according to this latest and first teaser trailer.

One of the key differences between Dragon Ball DAIMA anime and the leaked Magic details seems to be exactly who is turned into a child via a wish with the Dragon Balls. Whereas the Magic leaks claimed that just Goku and Shin would be turned into children, it seems that the entire mainline cast of the series has suffered the same fate.

While information on the series is somewhat minimal at this time, Dragon Ball DAIMA seems to be a new canonical mainline anime set around the same time as when Super takes place. Fans also get a look at the apparent upcoming antagonists for the anime, who’ve seemingly been watching the Z Fighters and all their past struggles this entire time.

The Dragon Ball DAIMA teaser trailer first starts with a brief overview of the history of the series, stretching from its debut as a manga in 1984 and beyond. Scenes from the non-canonical GT are even included here, which is certainly an intriguing choice. In any case, this continues until the year 2023 appears on the screen, with nothing playing behind it.

The year then changes to 2024 as the teaser trailer truly begins. Fans are taken to a demonic-looking castle, where two unknown apparent antagonists are standing within. They are surrounded by events from the history of the series, which seem to only cover the events of the Z anime.

After some brief seemingly unimportant shots, Shenron is seen appearing and asking someone for their wish. This is followed by a scene that sees both Goku and Vegeta turned into children, a plight that is revealed to have affected Bulma, Chi Chi, and essentially everyone else in the main cast. 

The group is seen heading to the lookout and other various locations in the series, before once again showing the demonic castle and antagonists within.The trailer ends with a beam struggle between Goku and Vegeta as adults, before showing a young Goku preparing to fight someone and revealing the series logo. 

Given the Fall 2024 release window, the series’ premiere will most likely coincide with the 40th anniversary of the original series, set to take place in November 2024. However, this is wholly speculative, with no further information on the series beyond what’s described above.

Why 7de Laan Might Not Be Replaced With Another Afrikaans Soap On SABC 2?

A few months ago, the public broadcaster decided to part ways with 7de Laan after a 23 year run. It had since then left angry and disgruntled SABC viewers wondering how they'll spend the family nights as a petition had gone around in the hopes to save one of the broadcaster's golden classics.

Filming for the series ends in the coming weeks with the last episode set on Day Of Goodwill (26 December) leaving several crew members unemployed with others resurfacing on e.tv and kykNET. 

According to sources, the public broadcaster doesn't have a replacement put in place meaning similar to Isidingo consumers might have to wait before any word on a new soap. It had also been implied that it being "Afrikaans" hasn't sustained itself with SABC 2's current audience.

7de Laan is the best and most watch Afrikaans soapie in South Africa. 7de Laan has not just entertained but also...

Posted by 7delaan MyNou - Amptelik on Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Meaning 7de Laan will likely get replaced with another local drama similar to Muvhango as opposed to getting a timeslot or channel tailored to Afrikaans as seen with eExtra's Kuiertyd and kykNET. This could lead to a drop in viewership not only for 18:30 but the rest of SABC 2.

SABC 3 at one point had the edge over e.tv with shows like Top Billing and Isidingo. Now it's just a corps of its former glory, telecasting local shows from SABC 1 with international shows like Killing Eve pull less than 200000 viewers while Days Of Our Lives could triple it's viewers.

The fall of Afrikaans TV

Prior to the cancellation of 7de Laan, StarSat cancelled the only kykNET alternative in the market OnseTV and MyTV. This was due to low viewership as the brand looks to invest locally by dubbing various international dramas from Bollywood and Asia to local languages.

Could SABC 2 be going a similar route?

SABC 2 at one point was tailored to only Afrikaans before the airtime was halved to incorporate other South African languages. The cancellation of 7de Laan would further diminish the airtime as not everyone has access to shows like Binnelanders and Suidooster on kykNET.

How SABC Could Save 7de Laan From Complete Extinction

During the year, it was reported that the public broadcaster had axed 7de Laan after 24 years with the last episode set to be broadcast on Day Of Goodwill (26 December). Since news of its cancellation surfaced the SABC has faced severe backlash from fans.

As a petition is being drawn up for SABC at change.org to reconsider, several fans are looking to strike at Campus Square Auckland Park in Johannesburg this coming Thursday which is where the show had been filmed.

The public broadcaster view their current financial state as one of the reasons 7de Laan is being booted and another having to deal with the fact that the viewership of the Afrikaans soap has dropped in the past years with etv's Afrikaans offering at 5pm able to double it's audience.

It's unlikely that 7de Laan's viewership will get better overnight with Sentech cancelling several analogue feeds for their channels and also Eskom's blackouts. Striking is probably the only way consumers will ever get across to the public broadcaster and if possible find an outcome.

Despite having more viewers than M-Net and Mzansi Magic, SABC has seen their ratings drop in recent years with SABC 3 taking the most punches following the cancellation/removals of Days Of Our Lives and Isidingo SABC 2 likely to suffer the same fate with 7de Laan.

7de Laan ranks as the most watched Afrikaans soap and second watched soap on SABC 2 behind Muvhango. Overall, most of the public broadcaster's local productions can't surpass the viewership of Uzalo, Generations: The Legacy, Skeem Saam and Muvhango.

The only way SABC 2's viewership would probably remain intact would be if the public broadcaster was looking to replace 7de Laan with a follow-up show similar to Generations: The Legacy or if some if not majority of the cast were to be seen on the replacement soap.

Discussion: Could SABC Look Into Closing A Few Channels??? As Plans Are Underway To Cut Back On Costs + 7de Laan Could Go Dark By Next Month Abruptly As SABC Is Cash Strapped

Could SABC look into reducing their portfolio?

During the week, it was learnt that 7de Laan would pause production and this was after SABC had been piling up its debt for the soon-to-be-axed Afrikaans drama. The public broadcaster not struggling to obtain income through load shedding and the reduction of analogue is looking to axe more content.

Not long ago, it was discovered that uBettina Wethu would be next victim. Unlike 7de Laan, uBettina Wethu has seen a decline in viewership that eMedia Investments was able to rescue the drama with a fourth season awaiting release on their linear platforms.

Another would be sporting rights in which the public broadcaster failed to obtain rights to the T-20 and also couldn't come to an agreement with SuperSport for the Rugby World Cup.

With the public broadcaster relying on peanuts to get on by at this point perhaps a restructure to their local portfolio is needed. For several decades, they had been producing content for SABC 1-3 while as supplying SABC Sport and Education perhaps a reduction to their local offering would do them good.

Instead of prioritising 3 channels, maybe the public broadcaster could put all their money on SABC 1 and use SABC+ to substitute the other two channels. SABC 1 remains as the most watched free-to-view channel in the market while the other had seen major declines.

The public broadcaster is anticipated to lose viewers once 7de Laan departs on SABC 2. Perhaps a merger between SABC 2 and SABC 3 would do them good. One thing I've seen from their competitors is the growth in dubs you barely get that much with the SABC.

I'm not saying SABC 2 would be exactly like Telemundo/Zee World but something similar to eXposed/eExtra which too has its lineup of international dramas with local elements such as Die Kontrak, SterStatus and Ouma Sarie all of which are folded under the Kuiertyd block.

SABC 3 despite not getting as much viewers as SABC 1 or 2 has more viewers than most of the public broadcaster's DTT offering such as SABC Education, SABC eKhaya and SABC News. Maybe the channel could serve as an Encore station for their past programming.

Another could be exploring a potential sell of their channels, the idea would be similar to Disney that the public broadcaster maintains majority stake and this other party manage the content with the public broadcaster in charge of marketing this content to consumers.

7de Laan is under hot water

As mentioned earlier, SABC had decided to axe the longest running Afrikaans soap on SABC 2 as they can't afford the expenses supplied to the production crew for further episodes. With the last episode initially set for December 26, 2023 the series is likely to go off air much earlier.

According to sources, the SABC only contracted Danie Odendaal Productions to produce 7de Laan episodes until 24 October, although plans were to keep the show running until 26 December as mentioned. The soap faces a chance of being cancelled by next month and not December as advised.

That is unless SABC doesn't find the necessary funds to keep the show on air and crew involved in production of the show were informed about this and had since then gone on to film other projects so should the SABC find something it would be impossible to film these episodes.

Leading to further speculation that the SABC may not get the remaining 45 episodes of the show but something far less than that if none at all. Ideally, 7de Laan could as well end with a two part feature film which broadcast for an hour or two and not the usual 21 minutes as seen with the finale of Showtime's Ray Donovan.

News Shorts: Tom And Jerry Time No Longer Moving Forward On Cartoonito And Max, A Rebroadcast Of Nurses Surfaces On Telemundo Africa And A Petition Is Going Around To Save 7de Laan On SABC 2

Tom And Jerry Time has been cancelled on Cartoon Network and Max

In 2021, Warner Bros. Animation announced that production had begun on a new preschool series based on Tom And Jerry that would debut on Cartoon Network and Max. Sam Register would serve as executive producer while Will Finn and Denise Downer would serve as showrunner and story editor.

But in a recent conversation with one of the crew members, it was confirmed that Warner Bros. Animation had halted further production of Tom And Jerry Time and this doesn't come as a surprise as Warner had axed several productions last year and part of this was produced to its entirety.

Another being Cartoonito as it struggling to garner much traction in the United States as Warner had since then commissioned further preschool shows such as Hop! and Barney's World under Cartoon Network and Max as the brand remains operational in other countries.

In other developments, Cartoon Network Asia had greenlit a set of new shorts based on Tom And Jerry. Sources mention that are plans underway to distribute them on various Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and Boomerang channels across the world.

Nurses returns ahead of its supposed September debut on Telemundo

In June, Telemundo halted further production of Nurses following changing legislations in Uganda and Cameroon which prohibit the distribution of homosexual content and this caused the NBCUniversal to go on a complete lockdown with primetime filtered with rebroadcasts.

During the month, it was learnt by NBCUniversal that the medical drama would be returning to the channel for new episodes by September 11 at 21:00. But further details are still pending on the nature of its comeback, will Telemundo be offering censorship we won't have to wait a month to find out.

Apparently, they'll rebroadcast a month's worth of Nurses from August 8 in the same timeslot followed by a new series in October which was initially slated to have been released by now but with this changing legislation the channel had to delay a bunch of content which we'll probably get an update on soon.

A petition is going around to save 7de Laan from extinction

During the month, it was learnt by the public broadcaster that they would be axing 7de Laan after 26 seasons with the last episode slated for 26 December 2023. Although, a replacement has yet to be announced, the public broadcaster is looking for long form series for SABC 1-3.

Following the cancellation, another petition has been drawn up for the show with the hashtag #Save7deLaan/#7de Laan on change.org and garnered 26 thousands signatures and we're not sure if it's gonna garner much of an impact as seen with the last petition which revolved on the show's airtime being reduced.

From what is understood SABC can't afford the budget for 7de Laan so the replacement will likely be low budget with fans calling on kykNET and e.tv to revive the show as they've seen success with their Afrikaans offering and 7de Laan would compliment that offering and likely boost the viewership on their brands.

Along with 7de Laan, it was learnt by the public broadcaster that they're looking to cancel more shows and it's good to know that my idea of them possibly axing Uzalo or Generations: The Legacy even Skeem Saam didn't seem far fetched as they're not only looking to cancel low rated shows but even ones as popular as 7de Laan.