MultiChoice Will Be Adding Base Pulse As A Replacement To MTV Base On DStv

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Not long ago, it was reported that MultiChoice was testing out another music channel which had since been using the same frequency as MTV Base. This came after MTV Base and Paramount's 3 other channels had exited the platform earlier in the year. 

MTV Base served as one of the longest running channels within Paramount's stable offering a variety of African music. It was ranked the #1 music channel in West Africa which led to the rollout of MTV Base West - a localised feed.

After it's closure, a DStv viewer had started to notice a test card for MTV Base leading fueling speculation of a revival. 

Now word has spread on across social media that MultiChoice will be adding Base Pulse as a replacement to MTV Base. From what we can see this almost looks like a rebrand notice how both channels use Base and have the same presenters.

It's likely that when Paramount decided to close MTV Base and it's operations in Africa. Another brand swooped in and opted to takeover it's operations leading to the removal of the MTV name with Base taking center stage.

Base Pulse is being positioned as a next-generation hub blending music, storytelling, youth trends, and culture (with vibes like "drip" and "umswenko" as part of the lifestyle). The official tagline: "Rooted in youth. Powered by Africa’s pulse. Amplified beyond the screen."

It will not only take up MTV Base's channel number but also be available on the same package being DStv Access on channel 322.

Is MTV Base Making A Comeback To DStv?

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Last month, MTV Base and BET went dark on DStv after Paramount decided to shutter it's operations in Africa. Other channels to exit the platform include CBS Reality and CBS Justice in which the company operate alongside AMC Networks International.

These closures were part of a corporate restructure at Paramount following it's acquisition by Skydance Media who are currently in pursuit of Cartoon Network's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Paramount had stated that the decision to oust MTV Base and various of its music channels around the world was part of streamlining efforts. They wanted to put more emphasis on reinventing MTV even if that meant making it rival with Spotify.

Now it appears as if Paramount took a U-turn on the matter as DStv consumers have now spotted what appears to be MTV Base. Some of the signature shows are on the lineup like Bangers Only, Big Base Beats and 5@Five.

Then again this could as well be a placeholder for another TV channel but it seems very unlikely as most placeholders don't have this much content already prepped up. Besides MTV Base was the top rated music channel across West Africa.

If it is making a comeback, several questions would come to mind as MTV Base had presenters and other talent. Is this part of the revival or is this version almost like Mzansi Music or Trace Urban where songs are randomised.

"Regular Show: Lost Tapes" Is Set To Premiere In May On Cartoon Network Across Europe And Possible Africa

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We're getting closer and closer to returning to the beloved Park alongside Mordecai, Rigby, and the rest of the gang. Although there's still little concrete information about the mysterious revival of Regular Show—known in Latin America as Un show más and in Spain as Historias corrientes—we finally know that Cartoon Network is planning for its premiere to take place in May of this year.

The news came via the Hungarian outlet Mentrum, which specializes in cable television. In an article reviewing upcoming premieres on channels like Nickelodeon and Disney Channel, the site also included Cartoon Network, detailing that the new series Regular Show: Lost Tapes will arrive in May. Later, it reaffirmed the information on its Facebook page."

For now, the information corresponds to the CEE feed (Central and Eastern Europe), the signal broadcast in Hungary. However, if we take as precedent the recent international launch of the The Amazing World of Gumball revival—titled in Spanish El maravillosamente extraño mundo de Gumball—, which debuted in multiple territories on the same day, it wouldn't be surprising if we're looking at another globally coordinated premiere for the various Cartoon Network feeds, including Boing in Spain. This would also entail the global streaming launch of the series on HBO Max.

The exception could be Canada, where it was previously reported that Regular Show: Lost Tapes would premiere on Adult Swim. This is because the signals there are operated by Corus Entertainment and not directly by Warner Bros. Discovery. In fact, in that territory, the Gumball return airs on YTV instead of Cartoon Network.

It's speculated that the chosen date could be Friday, May 1st, coinciding with International Workers' Day—a not insignificant nod for a series centered around two rather particular employees—, though this has not yet been officially confirmed."

What still raises doubts is its broadcast in the United States. In recent years, Cartoon Network has significantly reduced its original production in that market, sharing time slots with Adult Swim and relying more and more on classic catalog titles and external acquisitions. In that context, the Gumball return premiered exclusively on the Hulu platform, without appearing on HBO Max or the linear channel.

Even so, it's worth noting that Regular Show has regained presence in Cartoon Network's linear programming globally, including the United States, Europe, and Latin America. In some markets, it even occupies more space in the schedule than more recent productions like Craig of the Creek, Teen Titans Go!, and We Baby Bears.

It should be clarified that, so far, the information has not been officially confirmed by Cartoon Network, HBO Max, or Warner Bros. Discovery. Therefore, these are preliminary data subject to possible changes in scheduling. As is usual in these cases, it will be necessary to wait for a formal announcement from the company to have certainties about the date and scope of the premiere.

Created by J. G. Quintel, the original series aired for eight seasons between 2010 and 2017 and had a television movie in 2015. The story follows Mordecai and Rigby, two gardeners expert at dodging responsibilities who turn the simplest tasks into monumental chaos. In the process, they drag their coworkers—Skips, Pops, Muscle Man, High Five Ghost—and their boss Benson into situations that escalate absurdly quickly: what starts as a regular shift can end in a zombie apocalypse, an interdimensional showdown, or outright the end of the world.

The franchise has also shown signs of revitalization outside of television. It recently had a collaboration with Fortnite, which incorporated playable skins of Mordecai and Skips, Rigby as a pet, and various cosmetics designed for fans. Additionally, the collectible brand Youtooz launched a series of figures of Mordecai, Rigby, and Skips inspired by iconic moments from the series. Likewise, Cartoon Network UK, the international arm of Cartoon Network, created an official Instagram account for the series.

Regular Show: Lost Tapes was announced in June 2024 during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival as a project in the early stages of development, though already greenlit. The subtitle “Lost Tapes” could allude to “lost” episodes or new stories set in the early years of the series. And there's a detail that fuels that theory: in the series finale, it's revealed that the entire show was contained on a VHS tape that Pops watches in the sky, a metanarrative device that today seems more relevant than ever. Like its predecessor, it is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

It is not the only revival of a beloved Cartoon Network series on the way, as this year should also see the premieres of Adventure Time: Side Quests and Foster's Funtime for Imaginary Friends, inspired by Adventure Time and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.

Marianne, eExtra's Brand New French Crime Drama Launches In March

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eExtra, a general entertainment channel that offers telenovelas and drama series from Turkey, India and Asia launches a new series, Marianne. It is a french crime drama that is scheduled to launch on the channel from 1st March at 7PM.

Synopsis for Marianne 

Known as Marianne, One of a Kind! or Judge Marianne) follows Marianne Vauban, a highly unconventional and outspoken investigating judge based in Toulon. Marianne solves complex, often bizarre crimes alongside Captain Raphaël Pastor and her loyal court clerk, Yves Marguet.

A decade-old cold case involving the murder of a prostitute is central to the plot. Marianne promised the victim's son, Zacharie, that she would find the killer. In Season 1, she takes the gifted teenager under her wing while working to re-open the officially closed investigation.

The series first aired in Switzerland in August 2022, followed by Belgium and on France 2 in September 2022. It stars Marilou Berry as Marianne Vauban, Alexandre Steiger as Raphaël Pastor, Stéphane Pezerat as Yves and Alka Balbir as Selma.

The first season consists of 6 episodes each with a 52 minute duration. A second season was also produced with filming shifting to Marseille.

In other developments, eMedia Investments had announced that they'll be cancelling Kelders Van Geheime after 2 seasons with it to conclude in August 2026. Other shows also ending soon include House Of Zwide, Smoke & Mirrors and Scandal!.

Canal+ Confirms That Major Changes Are Coming Soon For Showmax, No Word On DStv Stream

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Since Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice in late 2025, the French broadcaster has been slashing costs aiming for R7.5 billion in 2030. Most of these cuts will be coming out of M-Net, SuperSport, Showmax and DStv. 

David Mignot who served as the CEO for the merged group has admitted that it is a commercial failure. Despite MultiChoice attempts at revamping the service, trading losses for Showmax almost doubled in the last two years to R4.9 billion.

Talks were underway with Comcast in regards to the future of Showmax with the company that confirmed major changes are rolling out soon. From the looks of things, it appears as if they plan to either replace or close Showmax.

In an interview, Canal+ had stated that the company “can’t continue” operating the streaming platform as it is today. They're also exploring launching the self titled OTT service to the market but delays have occured due to Showmax.

Although the company has remained hush on what those changes for Showmax could as well be for consumers. One of which occured last month when The Gilded Age and Peacemaker exited the streamer as MultiChoice opted to scrap its HBO deal.

They had mentioned that further reductions are coming to Showmax and you can only assume this would have to do originals like Die Kantoor, Youngins and Outlaws.

It's possible that Canal+ decided to no longer produce original content for the platform and are letting these shows run its course. Let's remember, Canal+ has delayed contractual agreement for local content on M-Net's channels.

Prior to the delays, Canal+ had been widening the windows for these shows between Showmax and DStv. Post the takeover, DStv consumers had to wait several months for these shows and under Canal+ it only takes a couple of days.

Then there's the Premier League package which I can assume is also going away with further efforts being redirected to whatever comes of DStv Stream.

One thing that hasn't quite as yet been addressed by Canal+ is how DStv Stream would come into affect once it's streaming service enters the market. This yet to be launched service is just DStv Stream with additional enhancements.

For all we know, Canal+ could close DStv Stream and redirect viewers to its own streaming service and the same outcome could await Showmax.

Again maybe it's not all over for Showmax and Comcast opts to unburden MultiChoice of its duties. But the reality is this won't save "Showmax Originals" and Comcast could opt for a licensing agreement which is mainly for archived content.