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Channel Closure: WildEarth Will Stop Airing On DStv By The End Of April, Freeview And ROKU Might Follow Soon
WildEarth is an interactive wildlife channel which brings viewers closer to nature with live safaris within the hotspot of Africa. Founded i...
Thursday, March 28, 2024
New Series Alert: New English/Afrikaans Dubbed Telenovela "Innocence" Debuts This April On SABC 3
Friday, March 22, 2024
Recap To The Week: BBC Prime Returning As A Programming Block On SABC 3 After TV Channel Was Shuttered On DStv And Other Parts Of The World In 2009
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
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
Development Alert: BBC Studios Extends Its Reach To The Openview Platform With New Primetime Slot On SABC 3
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Saved Again: Netflix Acquires Rights To The 2019 Season Of The Bold And The Beautiful For Fans Across South Africa
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Ratings Flop: Afrikaans News Loses Over 70% Of Its Viewers Following Its Move To SABC 3
Friday, March 8, 2024
Recap To Last Month: SABC 3 Reaches 2 Million Households Becoming The Second Most Watched Channel By The Public Broadcaster By February 2024 Behind SABC 1
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Openview Shorts: uBettina Wethu Cancelled On e.tv After 4 Seasons With New Episodes On eSeries, SABC 3 Adds Afrikaans News And Other Content To Its Line-up This March And Chrysalis To Return With A Season 2 This April On eExtra
Friday, February 16, 2024
SABC Cancels Fokus And Shifts Afrikaans Programming Such As Voetspore And 50/50 From SABC 2 To SABC 3
Thursday, September 28, 2023
News Shorts: An HD Feed To The Disney Channel Is Rumoured To Be In Development For DStv, Motor Mythbusters Make Their African Debut On Ignition TV And SABC 3 Scoops Up Doccie Series The Elon Musk Show Formerly Seen On M-Net
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
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
Monday, July 17, 2023
Recap To The Year: SABC Is Looking For Long-Form Dramas To Replace 7de Laan And Likely Cancelled The Estate And Possible Skeem Saam, Generations: The Legacy Or Uzalo
During the week, it was learnt by staff and crew that the SABC had cancelled 7de Laan after its 23 year run on SABC 2 with the last episode set to be broadcast on 26 December 2023. No reason was given for the cancellation but sources believe it could be financial constraints.
7de Laan was first broadcast on 4 April 2000 - initially with only one episode a week before it grew to five days a week - making household names of numerous actors and their characters who inhabited the fictional Hillside suburb in Johannesburg.
Created as a stand-in for the eclectic real-life Melville in Johannesburg, the show spawned roadshows and cookbooks over the past two decades as South Africans started quoting some of the characters' sayings, like Oubaas' malapropisms.
Lala Tuku, SABC head of content for video entertainment, says, "The SABC is proud to have worked with Danie Odendaal Productions and been part of the journey leading and producing the best Afrikaans soapie on local television for SABC 2. 7de Laan has penetrated the hearts of millions of South Africans.
"After more than two decades on air, the award-winning 7de Laan leaves a lasting imprint on the SA television landscape. SABC wishes all the dedicated and talented cast and crew of 7de Laan all the best in their future endeavours".
Few months ago, it was reported that The Estate another local program by the public broadcaster currently seen on SABC 3 would go on production break with sources believing it will be likely cancelled as they source out long form series for all three channels.
SABC 1 is looking for a youth oriented show likely under SABC Education and similar to MTV Shuga, Skeem Saam and Degrassi will focus on female characters, gay characters and disabled characters. If anything could it be possible that Skeem Saam and Uzalo will get the boot if not Generations: The Legacy.
Despite Uzalo and Skeem Saam garnering traction as seen with 7de Laan, the public broadcaster has been slow on commissions likely due to financial constraints. In 2021, Uzalo was renewed for another two years (through 2023) with Skeem Saam and Generations to be carried through 2024.
Another thing would be scheduling conflicts, with e.tv and Mzansi Magic ramping up a similar offering and also the existing Generations: The Legacy, Skeem Saam and Uzalo. This series wouldn't have much exposure so it would make sense to scrap one of three in order to make space for this series.
SABC 2 is looking for a new family drama centred around hope of course not much details is shared about the type of show except they're looking at concepts and ideas that broaden and celebrate the South African family in the context of home, society, and workplace. This could be the series that is set to replace 7de Laan but for all we know it cater to audiences of Muvhango.
SABC 3 is looking for high end drama series similar to Backstage or Isidingo might be replacing The Estate. The series should explore the impact of this seismic shift in society on the individual, the family, community, and institutions at large.
The teams are working tirelessly and diligently to finalise the process and provide feedback to all producers as soon as possible," says the SABC". The video entertainment team has already begun the pitching and look forward to engaging with more producers as the process unfolds.
Saturday, May 13, 2023
SABC 3 Is Set To Undergo Changes Following The Possible Cancellation Of The Estate
SABC 3 has been going through viewership woes for almost a decade so this isn't surprising to most parties who are following the case. As to whether, The Estate is cancelled not sure but we don't anticipate that it will run longer than Muvhango or 7de Laan.
e.tv has axed most of their local dramas in a similar form to Mzansi Magic with Scandal remaining as their longest running soap on the channel. We assume The Estate will join the alley of Broken Vows and Isipho: The Gift series that will up and leave in a few years.
But considering this is SABC 3, maybe the public broadcaster should consolidate the content on SABC 1 & 2 to help boost the viewership. It's not like the channel is not profitable at the moment.
As for The Estate, if the plan is to keep it alive then the public broadcaster should get their affairs in order - ASAP. Considering that the show will undergo a never ending hiatus some of the crew will likely pursue other projects leaving less of an estate to work with.
The public broadcaster eyes load shedding and analogue for the halt of The Estate. We can only assume that more never ending changes are coming to SABC 3 perhaps they'll turn it into an SABC Encore type channel if not align it with SABC+.
Warner Bros. Discovery had halt original programming for TNT and TBS and have since then used both outlets to promote MAX and Discovery+ as well as licence content from various studios. It wouldn't seem far fetched if SABC 3 went through something similar.
Of course, most of SABC+ is basically another DStv Catch-Up which brings up my first point SABC Encore and just like the streamer they do licence content although not doing well viewership wise I mean premieres like Black Panther couldn't get a million views.
Press release from the affected party about The Estate:
The Estate, which debuted on S3 in 2021 tackling issues relating to land, politics, and the crisis of governance, keeping the viewers intrigued for three seasons regrettably comes to a season wrap.
The television drama series 'The Estate' will take a hiatus at the end of its third season, at the end of July 2023.
In line with the SABC’s content offering strategy of telling compelling and nuanced South African stories, the quality of production and storytelling on The Estate has been appreciated by South Africans audiences and the industry alike, with the show winning various awards including The Royalty Soapie Awards for The Outstanding Supporting Actor, Outstanding Lead Actor, Outstanding Wardrobe and Outstanding Writing Team amongst others.
Key market changes such as the impact of the analogue switch and loadshedding has forced a review on the channel’s strategy.
In addition, The Estate will be put on hold whilst it reviews its offering. This exercise is aimed at enabling the S3 to better compete within the environment.
Produced by Clive Morris Productions, The Estate will be in production until June 2023. S3 extends its gratitude to the producer, cast and crew of The Estate for a world class and award-winning production, and thanks the viewers for their support.
“It has been an immense privilege to work with the SABC in producing The Estate over the last three seasons.
"We are extremely grateful to our national broadcaster for the bravery and courage they have demonstrated in affording us the opportunity to tell authentic, hard hitting, and ground-breaking stories, which reflect the South Africa we live in today.
"Thank you to our incredible crew and cast for their unparalleled talent and commitment and most of all thank you to you the viewers who have walked the journey with us over the last two years.
"We look forward to sharing the next chapter of The Estate with the nation after our production hiatus.” – Khayelihle Dom Gumede, Chief Operating Officer, Clive Morris Productions.
Meanwhile, viewers can continue to enjoy the remaining episodes of season 3 as the storyline reaches a thrilling climax in July 2023.
Friday, April 28, 2023
Important Notice: Muvhango Rebroadcasts Stop Airing On SABC 1, To Be Replaced By The Estate
During the month, SABC 2 became the first channel which saw an adjustment to their daytime offering which included the axing of daytime rebroadcasts of Skeem Saam and Generations: The Legacy as the public broadcaster is looking to restructure rebroadcasts.
Interesting to note, 7de Laan was silently removed from the daytime schedule of SABC 3 but Generations: The Legacy remains onboard. No clue if that will be phased out in the process considering the upcoming schedule adjustment awaiting viewers on SABC 1.
Unlike SABC 2, the only adjustment coming to SABC 1 is for the daytime repeat of Muvhango. From the 1st of May, rebroadcasts of SABC 3's The Estate will replace Muvhango when the public broadcaster clearly stated these content would be seen on their respective brand.
Similar to SABC eKhaya's failed launch in April, could it be possible that the public broadcaster got cold feet on the idea of scrapping all these repeats so they're just opting to minimise the offering which include explain the induction of The Estate and demise of Muvhango.
There's chances that The Estate is just a placeholder for another show but why replace Muvhango with another repeat if plans were underway to get another program onboard it would make more sense to keep the current show onboard.
If I had to guess The Estate was brought back due to low viewership for which Muvhango had no trouble with while broadcasting on SABC 2 as it remains the channel's most watched show and who can blame the public broadcaster for going back on their word.
When rebroadcasts of The Estate rolled out on the channel in 2021 it managed to pull close to 2 million households and became the top 10 show on SABC 1. If anything, SABC 1 helped consumers express a bit of interest in SABC 3 especially with the star attraction.
SABC 1-3, e.tv And DStv TV Ratings For April 2023
SABC 1
Notes:
- Deal Or No Deal and Zahara: As I Rise are currently sitting in the top 20.
- Uzalo rebroadcasts occupy the top 10 section of the channel.
- News occupies the top 5 section of the channel.
SABC 2
Notes:
- 7de Laan rebroadcasts debut in the Top 20.
- The Estate rebroadcasts debut in the Top 10.
- Monk debuts in the Top 20.
SABC 3
Notes:
- Sports occupies the top 10 section of the channel including top spot.
- The Estate rebroadcasts are currently the top 10 section of the channel.
- The Great Elephant Tale is the only documentary charting in March.
e.tv
Notes:
- Durban Gen dethroned by eVOD original Abafana Ababi and repeats like Mr. Bones.
- eKasi: Our Stories debuts in the top 20.
- The Goldbergs reenters the top 20.
DStv
Notes:
- Moja Love occupies the top 10 section.
- Big Brother Titans: Daily Shows debut in the top 30.
- Mzansi Bioskop is the only brand sitting outside the top 10.
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Recap To The Decade: SABC Looking To Launch A Second Sports Channel And Reduce Sports Offering On SABC 1-3
eMedia Investments in partnership with the public broadcaster expanded their agreement in 2021 to include more content from the SABC on the Openview platform. SABC Sport serves as the only additional channel currently ranks as the top 10 watched channels.
Amidst that success, SABC had suggested the idea of launching a second sports channel which too would carry it's own content. As of this moment, it only remains a dream but considering they're launching another news channel - anything goes at this point.
From what was mentioned decades ago by the public broadcaster when implementing DTT. The idea for SABC Sport was not only to give consumers a strong competitor to SuperSport but to also lessen the blows of SABC 1-3's primetime offering.
In a briefing, they blamed the government's failed attempts at eradicating analogue signals that the SABC had to stay behind while eMedia Investments launched their own DTT platform which currently serves 3 million households in South Africa.
SuperSport limits some of their sporting rights to DStv, SABC's DTT and SABC+ thus causing some conflict amongst SABC 1-3 with the current SABC Sport channel as they have to exclude certain programs in order to cater for the consumers who can view them.
Analogue TV is said to be phased out in the coming future not putting my hopes on March 2023 and the public broadcaster will be undergoing even more changes particularly with SABC 1-3 which will have their primary shows airing on their respective brands.
Sports in this case hasn't been discussed in terms of phasing out I mean it's still in talks but no timeframe was given which kind of begs the question as to what happens the day SABC 1-3 limit the access.
Several DStv particularly Access and Easyview alongside StarSat rely on these channels and not much alternatives are available. As for Openview, SABC Sport is a wreck on top of limited alternatives there's repeats hovered inbetween.
Getting back to the topic of the second sports channel, is it possible they'll use this channel perhaps to remove the burden of primetime on SABC 1-3 and seeing as SuperSport controls part of their lineup. What if this sports channel didn't cater to the likes of Openview.
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Major Development Alert (Not April Fools): Takalani Sesame + uBettina Wethu + Housewives + Nikiwe + Ebumnyameni (RUMOUR) Coming Soon To e.tv
In 2021, SABC and eMedia Investments expanded their partnership to include SABC's 19 radio stations and the addition of SABC Sport which currently serves as the top 10 channels on Openview. It's clear now that the red brand had more up their sleeves aside from channels.
As noted, eMedia Investments on top of serving as an arch rival to the SABC will also be distributing selected content from the public broadcaster, Takalani Sesame and uBettina Wethu. They've been doing that with M-Net but it's more shocking in these circumstances.
Out of all shows, why did it have to be uBettina Wethu which is currently on SABC 1 with the channel set to rebroadcast the first season as if consumers haven't seen it already. Takalani Sesame is still present on SABC why play second fiddle to competition.
Most of the channel is local at this point and these shows are probably one way to improve the local quota particularly on the kiddies section following the demise of Craze's local youth offering Shiz Niz, Sistahood, Craze World Live and Frenzy.
uBettina Wethu follows the story of a naïve rural girl who gets a job working for one of Johannesburg's most eligible bachelors. As mentioned, SABC is currently on its third season with e.tv serving as the SABC Encore of the SABC with a first season.
Takalani Sesame is an educational show for preschoolers or local version of Sesame Street where viewers can learn about words, numbers and embrace their creative spirit. It features muppet based characters such as Neno, Grover, Kupukeji, Moshe, Zikwe, and Zuzu.
Both shows make their highly anticipated premiere on Monday 10 April. Isono is ending next month so uBettina Wethu takes up it's timeslot 20:30 while Takalani Sesame comes up 6 hours early being 14:30.
In other developments, Housewives is set to a make a comeback weekly at 10pm after its sudden disappearance from the short-lived Sunday Night Series slot. Nikiwe is set to replace Durban Gen later in the month.
As for Imbewu, I'm told that a new show possibly titled Ebumnyameni will replace the telenovela later in that month as well - nothing is confirmed as yet. Of course, this could be the project starring Zuko Nodada as she's filming an unknown project for the brand.
Friday, March 17, 2023
February 2023 Ratings For SABC 1-3, e.tv And DStv
SABC 1:
Notes
• Zahara's new reality show debuts this month in the top 10.
• Sgudi Snaysi despite being outdated for its time remains in the top 10.
• Sports is currently sitting below the top 10.
• Skeem Saam has the most repeat slots.
SABC 2:
Notes
• The President's address continues to overshadow everything else on the channel.
• Afrikaans News is currently the most watched bulletin.
• Shrek is currently the only film on the channel this month.
• Monk is currently the only international series from this month.
SABC 3:
Notes
• Enemy Of The State is currently the most watched film.
• The Estate without primetime is currently one of the top 5 shows on the channel.
• Premier League occupies the most slots on the channel particularly top 10.
• Movies and documentaries occupy an evenly amount of slots within the top 10.
e.tv:
Notes
• All 3 instalments of The Expandables are currently in the top 10.
• Imbewu has the most slots on the channel.
• All 5 of e.tv's local dramas are currently occupying the top 5 this month.
• Date My Family is the only reality show on the channel.
DStv:
Notes
• Mzansi Magic and Moja Love occupy an event amount of slots in the top 10.
• Mzansi Bioskop is sitting below the top 15 section this month.
• The River occupies the most slots this month.
• Showmax original The Wife is also sitting below the top 15.
Monday, February 27, 2023
SABC 1-3, e.tv And DStv TV Ratings For January 2023
SABC 1:
- Aka's final project The Braai Show debuts in the Top 5
- The channel continues to dominate the youth viewership with Matric Results alongside the ongoing Uzalo and Skeem Saam.
- Skeem Saam rebroadcasts has more viewers than Uzalo with the most popular show on the channel occupying more slots.
SABC 2:
- Afrikaans news bulletins has more viewers than Sespedi, Xhosa and Setswana news.
- Muvhango occupies the most slots this month.
- On top of Muvhango, repeats dominate their top 20 portfolio featuring Skeem Saam and The Estate.
SABC 3:
- On Point is currently the most watched program on the channel.
- Marvel's Spider-Man occupies the most slots on the channel.
- Despite being repeats, The Estate occupies the top spot as the most watched soap on the channel ahead of 7de Laan and Generations.
e.tv:
- Mr Bones and Just For Laughs Fillers has more viewers than The Black Door and Durban Gen.
- Imbewu is the most watched repeat on the channel.
- Inhlawulo: Damages despite being a limited run series on the channel debuts in the Top 20.
DStv:
- Epk of Spy Kids 2 The Island Of Lost Dreams is currently most watched documentary and international offering this month.
- Moja Love occupies the most spots within the Top 5.
- The Wife and The River has more viewers on Mzansi Wethu.
Other developments:
- Big Brother Titans is nowhere to be seen.
- Gomora's viewership is down by 130000 viewers.
Friday, February 10, 2023
Roundups #140: Lego Monkie Kid Returning For A New Season On Cartoon Network, Borderline To Make Its Free-To-Air Debut On SABC 3 And Discovery+ To Remain Onboard While As HBO Max Gets Renamed Possibly WBD+
More Lego Monkie Kid for DStv customers this April
Inspired by the classic Chinese story Journey to the West, Lego Monkie Kid serves as one of many trilogies which follows the adventures of a young teenager, MK, as he comes into terms of his mission to save the world.
It is led by Jack De Sena, Dave B. Mitchell, Stephanie Sheh, David Chen, Patrick Seitz, Sean Schemmel, Victoria Grace, Steve Blum, Gwendoline Yeo, Kyle McCarley, Kimberly Brooks and Kimberly Brooks.
Sean Schemmel who currently voices The Monkey King is also known for voicing Goku in the Funimation Dub of Dragon Ball, which much like the show, is also inspired by Journey to the West.
Regular Nick:
- Cartoonito to get a dedicated channel in France
- Da Vinci Kids plans co-viewing future
- PBS Kids has yet to rollout the new logo in other countries
- Disney renews 3 adult animated series through 2025
Love is also in the air with SABC 3
It seems like eExtra won't be the only thing sharing the love this Valentine's Day, SABC 3, South African free-to-air channel owned by the SABC home to various local and mostly international productions had acquired rights to the British drama, Borderline.
This mockumentary follows an incompetent UK border control department based in the fictional Northend Airport. Inspired by immigration issues in Britain at the time of filming, this comedy touches on the topic with light-hearted humour. In charge of the unit is Chief Inspector Proctor who leads the In charge of the unit is Chief Inspector Proctor who leads the team of border agents and baggage handlers who all seemingly hate their job.
Trouble brews as the motley crew deal with everything from new derivatives to unruly travellers. It stars David Avery, Jackie Clune, David Elms, Liz Kingsman, Jamie Michie, Ralf Little and Guz Khan.
Openview Plus:
- Ratings for SABC 1-3 and e.tv for December 2022
- e.tv to rollout a rebroadcast of Die Put
- eExtra scrapped the launch of 4 telenovelas
- Verdeelde Liefde to return with a second season on eExtra
Warner Bros. Discovery starts off 2023 with more confusion
According to the Journal’s sources, Warner Bros. Discovery is still planning to launch a “supersize streaming service” in the near future. The service will feature all of the HBO Max content and most of the content that can currently be found on Discovery Plus. Nevertheless, Discovery Plus will still be available as a standalone option for consumers.
The sources claim that WBD doesn’t want to risk losing the 20 million Discovery Plus subscribers that may not be interested in paying more for a combined offering. Therefore, the new service and Discovery Plus will share some content, including Discovery Channel’s Shark Week block and TV shows from Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network.
During the week, Twitter users recently discovered a private account they suspect might be connected to the company. The account is named WBD+ (@wbdplus) and its bio reads: “All in one.” The account has zero followers and its tweets are protected, but there’s a chance that this could be the name of the upcoming streaming service.
Or it could be a troll with too much time on their hands.