Insidus : June 2021

Saturday, June 26, 2021

July 2021 On WarnerMedia Africa | TNT ORIGINAL MOVIE: The Racer | New African Series: My Cartoon Friend | Stunts, Movies And More

TNT:
ALTERED IDENTITY
They say, don’t judge a book by its cover – but for this month’s TNT special, let’s add, don’t judge a character until you’ve watched the entire movie. This July, TNT is bringing you all those movies with characters that you will get to understand as you delve deep into the flm. Who am I really? Where do I come from? Who should I trust? are the main questions the characters constantly ask themselves because no one is who you think they are. TNT brings four whopping channel premieres. In Avengement, Scott Adkins plays an escaped convict out for revenge. Guy Pearce plays a professor who may be a killer in Spinning Man. In The Boondock Saints, two Irish Catholic brothers become vigilantes and wipe out Boston’s criminal underworld in the name of God, and Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead ofers a classy, classic heist-gone-wrong drama.

Saturday, 3 July
18:05 – I, Robot (2004)
20:00 – Avengement (2019) channel premiere
Saturday, 10 July
18:30 – Lucy (2014)
20:00 – Spinning Man (2009) channel premiere
Saturday, 17 July
18:15 – Death Becomes Her (1992)
20:00 – The Boondock Saints (1999) channel premiere
Saturday, 24 July
18:00 – Ronin (2013)
20:00 – Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2017) channel premiere
Saturday, 31 July
18:25 – Hitman: Agent 47 (1993)
20:00 – Hannibal (2001)

BETTER TOGETHER
A particular African idiom says if you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together. This July, TNT will shine the spotlight on teamwork, and no matter how tough it may be at times, and even though it may be unpleasant for many, it is the best way to get the job done. To what lengths will you go to prove that you are worthy of marrying the girl of your dreams? In Ride Along, Ben Barber (Kevin Hart) must do tag along with his law enforcement brother-in-law, James Payton (Ice Cube), in the hopes of winning his approval to marry his sister. Lines are blurred in Bulletproof as undercover detective Jack Carter (Damon Wayans) starts to develop a genuine friendship with Archie Moses (Adam Sandler), the man he has been tasked to annihilate. Catch these titles and more on TNT this July.

Friday, 2 July
18:00 - Stuck on You (2003)
20:00 – Safe House (2012)
Friday, 9 July
18:15 – Twin (1998)
20:00 – The A Team (2010)
Friday, 16 July
18:35 – Bulletproof (1996)
20:00 – Backdraft (1991)
Friday, 23 July
18:10 – Life (1999)
20:00 – Ride Along (2014)
Friday, 30 July
18:00 – The Best Man (1999)
20:00 – The Best Man Holiday (2013)

NO PAIN, NO GAIN
There’s nothing like a good sports movie, whether it’s boxing, cycling, American football, or racing, comedy, drama or documentary. This July, TNT brings sports enthusiasts a great list of the best sports movies to enjoy from the comfort of your couch. Kicking of with the TNT Original Movie exclusive premiere on Thursday, 1 July, the 2020 sports drama, The Racer, follows a seasoned cyclist while he experiences the most dramatic three days of his life. Based on a true story, The Hurricane introduces fans to Rubin Carter, the New Jersey boxer sentenced to life imprisonment in 1967 for murders he didn’t commit. There are plenty more great sports flms where the characters take us along to enjoy their achievements and successes and help us see how sport can change everything. Game, set, watch!

Thursday, 1 July
20:00 – The Racer (2020) TNT Original Movie exclusive channel premiere
Sunday, 4 July
18:30 – The Waterboy (1998)
20:00 – The Hurricane (1999)
Sunday, 11 July
18:20 – Drunken Master II (1994)
20:00 – Cinderella Man (2005)
Sunday, 18 July
18:05 – Remember the Titans (2000) 20:00 – Back in the Day (2016)
Sunday, 25 July
18:20 – The Racer (2020)
20:00 – Dreamer (2005)

Cartoon Network:
MY CARTOON FRIEND
PREMIERE: MONDAY, 12/07/2021
TUNE IN: MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS @ 16:15 CAT
KEEP CALM…YOUR BEST FRIEND IS HERE!
Cartoons are cool, and friends are essential, so having a cartoon character as a friend should be super-cool, right? Errr … not always! After experimenting with some new and unknown animation software, a young African animator, Lwazi, mistakenly exports his animated character into the real world. With no knowledge of how to reverse the whole thing, Lwazi fnds himself stuck with a new and unusual friend, Themba. Themba is witty, sharp with his tongue, quick on his feet, and almost certainly has an answer to everything – even if he’s wildly inaccurate. The two have an entertaining and adventurous everyday life together as Themba tries to learn how to ft into the real world. Created especially for Cartoon Network Africa, Lwazi Msipha wrote, animated, and guided the production without a big established studio. The 2019 CN Creative Lab competition winner is also a self-taught designer, and school taught 3D animator. You don’t want to miss this exhilarating mix of real, live-action and animation comedy, only on Cartoon Network this July!

POWER PLAYERS
PREMIERE: MONDAY, 05/07/2021
TUNE IN: MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS @ 06:45 CAT
THE ‘TOY WARS’ CONTINUE…
Just when you thought it was over, Axel and his team of super-powered toys are back to kick butt and put the nefarious MadCap back in his place. Axel is your average 9-year-old boy – until he discovers an extraordinary power - he can transform into a real-life action fgure! Together with his other toys that can also come to life, he gets up to all sorts of big little adventures. This July, on Cartoon Network, join Axel and his friends Sarge Charge, Bearbarian and the other Power Players as they continue their fght to stop MadCap and the evil toys from taking over the world!

BRICK FLICK WEEK
TUNE-IN: MONDAY, 19/7/2021 – SUNDAY, 25/7/2021 @ 09:15 CAT
ALL THE LEGO YOU COULD EVER WANT!
It’s like being on the playground surrounded with all the LEGO pieces you have always dreamt of, or it’s like walking into a candy store but flled with LEGO; some would even say it’s like when it rains but in LEGO. Cartoon Network is bringing you all the LEGO you want this July, that’s right – an entire week of your favourite LEGO movies. We kick things of on Monday the 19th of June with the channel premiere of LEGO DC COMICS SUPER HEROES: AQUAMAN: RAGE OF ATLANTIS. Aquaman battles foes in the air, on land and in the depths of the Seven Seas, along with some help from The Justice League, to save the day. But, it doesn’t stop there. Catch a new LEGO movie every day, for the rest of the week, only on Cartoon Network!

Boomerang:

NINJA EXPRESS - New Series

THE TOM AND JERRY SHOW
NEW EPISODES

Everyone's favourite cat and mouse duo are back with new adventures on July 21st.

Friday, June 25, 2021

MultiChoice Is Working On A New Unbundled Package, DStv Flex

Channel24 has learnt that MultiChoice is testing the waters in regards to possibly unbundling its channels in the future.

After 25 years, the paid-TV service is conducting a test that entails breaking up its combined entertainment and sports channel offering and unbundling it.

The move aims to offer DStv subscribers a much cheaper, yet still premium, collection of entertainment channels in a so-called "skinny bundle", alongside an optional add-on package of sports channels.

Through a drafted plan below you can see how DStv Flex will be arranged. Everyone gets the entertainment pack and has an option to Add-Movies or Sports.

Media Brokerage Africa Selected To Lead Pan-African Distribution, Content Sales And Advertising For Dancestar Television

Dancestar Television has announced that an exclusive distribution, content sales and advertising partnership for Africa has been formed with Media Brokerage Africa.

Dancestar TV (DSTV) is the world’s first Over-the-Top (OTT) live stream channel that features Electronic Dance Music culture 24/7. It’s your ticket to the world’s best nightclubs, festivals, and new music from the best DJ’s, producers, and artists worldwide, capturing the true spirit of the EDM lifestyle.

Targeted at 12-54-year-old male and females, Dancestar TV is an exciting mix of News, Interviews, Festival Features, and Music Videos. The channel’s original programming includes: ‘THE DROP’, ‘ELECTROLITE’, ‘FESTIVITIES’, ‘ANTISOCIAL’, ‘PREVIOUS’, ‘TALKTRONIC’, ‘AQUAPARTY’ and ‘AURAL PLEASURES’. All complemented by recap videos from the world’s nightclub capitals, Miami, Las Vegas, New York, London and Ibiza. Fans also get to stream the top 10 reports from all the key EDM genres like House, Techno and Dub Step.

Andy Ruffell, CEO of Dancestar Ventures LLC, says: “As part of our 2021 expansion strategy, we are extending our reach to over 60+ OTT Platforms Worldwide, including Africa. Media Brokerage Africa provides unrivalled expertise in pan-African distribution, content sales, and advertising, so they are the obvious choice to help Dancestar TV penetrate the African market. Media Brokerage Africa will enable us to deliver a measurable platform for major brands to engage with the EDM Culture in Africa.”

Colman Murray, founder and Managing Director of Media Brokerage Africa, concludes: “The EDM genre is all-inclusive, pervading all areas of the globe and opening its arms to all walks of life. EDM is growing substantially across Africa, and helping Dancestar drive a range of commercial opportunities from partnerships through to broadcast and content distribution is an exciting prospect.”

Notes:

Dancestar Television’s original programming includes:

THE DROP – Music, Clubbing and event news

ELECTROLITE – The latest club recap videos featuring the world’s best DJ’s

FESTIVITIES – A 30-minute recap of the world’s biggest EDM festivals, including DJ set highlights and behind-the-scenes interviews and Fan input

ANTISOCIAL – A weekly hosted recap of everything EDM on social media

PREVIOUS – The best Clubbing and Music videos from the past 15 years

TALKTRONIC – In-depth interviews with superstar DJ’s including Tiesto, Avicii and Deadmau5

AQUAPARTY – Sexy Pool Party videos from Miami and Las Vegas

AURAL PLEASURES – The latest EDM music videos from around the world

SABC "Officially" Launches Its 24 Hour Sports Channel, Could More Platforms Add It Soon?

On Thursday night, the South African Broadcasting Corporation, hosted a live broadcast of the official launch of its Sports Channel, following the successful soft launch of its 24 Hour Sports Channel on the SABC DTT service, the Openview set-top-box and the TelkomONE mobile streaming platform in April 2021. This launch will also feature Team SAs announcement of the second team squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games on the Sports Channel.

The event was live yesterday on SABC Sport Channel on Openview 124, the SABC’s DTT service and TelkomONE’s mobile platform from 19:00. In addition, the public can view the launch live on Youtube on SABC Sport Channel.

The live broadcast of Team SA’s announcement of the second team squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games will be carried on the public broadcaster’s free to air channel SABC 2 at 20h00.

Mr. Gary Rathbone – GM: SABC Sport stated that “SABC Sport has always been the ultimate sporting home to the nation and has brought to South Africa unforgettable sporting events over the years. We are excited that as SABC Sport we will be part of the historic moment of unveiling the athletes who will be proudly representing the nation at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. For the public broadcaster, we are aware of the role we also play in touching the hearts and minds of the public. Through the events we showcase on the SABC platforms, we want to inspire up-and-coming athletes in the various sporting disciplines to reach for their dreams”.

Mr. Rathbone further commented “Our newly launched Sports channel on the DTT, Openview and TelkomONE platforms, must also be commended. Since the Channel became operational in April this year, its audience figures have been positive, with latest TAMS figure showing a total reach of over 2 million, a 5% share of the National Television Market. On Openview alone, the channel has established itself amongst the top 10 on the bouquet, with a total reach of over 1.4 million, representing a 24% share of the Openview market. This is really positive start for an exciting new Sport Channel that South Africans will be able to access without needing to pay a subscription”.

The SABC Sport Channel is committed to providing compelling and exciting local and international sporting content for all sports loving South Africans.

SABC Sport is notably absent from MultiChoice's DStv and from StarTimes' StarSat satellite pay-TV services, with the SABC that wants to create and build its own televised sports channel brand similar to MultiChoice's long-running SuperSport brand.

Read Also:
- Could Openview be the reason for SABC Education's delay on both DStv and StarSat (updated 25 June)
- SABC and e.tv's ratings for May
- Is SABC reviving the encore channel for OpenView?
- Is e.tv becoming another SABC?
- e.tv is filming a new boxing drama
- SABC to launch a streaming service
- House Of Zwide replaces Rhythm City
- eVOD launches in July, could this be the reason for the lineup changes?
- Analogue TV is going off air soon, be sure to get a decoder when purchasing a TV set
- Linear channels switch to 7 day viewing, Will SABC and e.tv viewers be able to cope
- Is an SABC 4 and SABC 5 channel on the way?
- Details on SABC's kids brand (not SABC Education)
- Current status of TV licence
- SABC planning to reduce Muvhango

July 2021 On Da Vinci Kids Africa | 2 New Series | 1 Returning Series | Olympic Games Special | Continuing Programmes

Kids Programmes – Premieres
A Week to Beat the World – BRAND-NEW
From July 19th
Monday to Friday 17:30
Six super sporty kids are on an adventure around the world to see if they can compete in some of the toughest, most unusual sports on the planet.

Family Programmes – Premieres
Xploration Awesome Planet – NEW SEASON
From July 19th
Monday to Friday 21:00
In Xploration Awesome Planet, Phillippe Cousteau Jr., grandson of the legendary Jacques Cousteau, explores the most spectacular places - on the earth, inside the earth, and above the earth. Why are pollinators so important and how do horseshoe crabs migrate?

Adult Programmes – Premieres
The Truth About Sugar – BRAND-NEW
Sunday, July 11th at 22:00
Fiona Phillips and four volunteers investigate what sugar does to our bodies and what the health benefits of cutting back actually are. Fascinating science and human drama combine as the truth about sugar turns out to be quite surprising!

The Truth About Carbs – BRAND-NEW
Sunday, July 18th at 22:00
Packed full of handy tips and enriched with cutting-edge science, self-professed carbohydrate-lover Dr. Xand Van Tulleken examines whether it’s still possible to eat carbs, but in a way that’s much healthier for us.

The Truth About Stress – BRAND-NEW
Sunday, July 25th at 22:00
In this hour long film, Fiona Phillips, no stranger to stress herself, and three stressed out volunteers, embark on a unique experiment to put stress to the test and understand it as never before.

Special Highlight
Olympic Games 2021 Special
Saturday, July 24th
From 16:45 to 21:00
16:45 Odd Squad – O Games
17:05 That’s Cool! - Why Does Your Heart Beat Faster When You Do Sports?
17:10 When I Grow Up - Sports Statistician
17:20 World Ahoy - The Olympic Games
17:25 Did I Mention Invention? - Ski Jump Slip n Slide
17:45 Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch - The US Sportsday
18:00 Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch - The Number One Sport
18:15 Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch - The Coolest Sport in LA
18:35 Horrible Histories – Outrageous Olympics
19:05 Horrible Histories - Strange Sports and Roman Emperors
19:35 Horrible Histories - The Horrible Histories Sports Special
20:05 Xploration Awesome Planet - Sports & The Environment
20:30 Did You Know? - The Incredible Impact of Sport

Continuing Programmes
Do You Know? – NEW EPISODES
Saturdays & Sundays 14:30
Xploration DIY SCI – NEW EPISODES
Fridays 16:00
Operation Ouch! - Do Try This at Home – NEW EPISODES
Saturdays & Sundays 14:00

Early Morning with Da Vinci
Every day from 06:00
06:00 Art with Mati and Dada
06:15 Mily Miss Questions
06:30 Siesta Z
06:45 The Treehouse Stories
07:00 PinCode
08:00 The Fixies
08:15 Darwin & Newts
08:45 Gastroblast

Da Vinci Kids is available on DStv, GOtv and StarTimes (Starsat)

Could Warner Bros. Discovery Form A New Kids Brand?

Warner Bros. Discovery is the name of Discovery Inc. and WarnerMedia's joint company which is set to take into effect mid 2022.

This new company will see the likes of Cartoon Network, Toonami, Cartoonito and Boomerang clash with Discovery Family (the international counterpart of Discovery Kids).

Discovery Inc. hosts a bunch of brands such as Discovery Channel, Food Network and Discovery Science. These brands provide shows such as Mythbusters, Chopped and Battlebots. Some of these shows even got spinoffs targeted towards children.

Now this merge could see the launch of another block or channel which carries the best in factual, lifestyle and educational programming known as Discovery Kids.

Discovery Kids would also offers shows such as How It's Made, Bear Grylls' Ultimate Survival School, Kids Do The Craziest Things, Mythbusters Jr and many more. Perhaps even conjure up series under Discovery's other brands like TLC and HGTV.

WarnerMedia talked about adding more variety in the kids area what better way to do it then with Discovery Kids. Some countries could supply it through Cartoon Network, Boing and Cartoonito while others could add the brand as a standalone channel perhaps in the place of Discovery Family.

The Final Season Of Deur Dik En Dun Airs On e.tv In July

After 4 month holiday, e.tv decided to air the final season of Dr. Gülseren Budayıcıoğlu’s TV adaptation with a different name, Deur Dik En Dun starring Özcan Deniz and Aslı Enver.

Deur Dik En Dun follows Süreyya, a young and beautiful singer, involves to the life of rooted Boran family of Bursa as a wife of the oldest son Faruk and all the family's secrets begins to uncover. Faruk is the owner of a bus company and the leader of a powerful family in Bursa which is a metro-pol in Turkey. In season 3, they are going to face Adem and takes back what's theirs.

Don't miss the third and final season of Deur Dik En Dun weekdays at 17:30 on e.tv and four hours later on eExtra from 12 July.

- Dizi might return to DStv
- MacGyver returns to e.tv
- e.tv is filming a new boxing drama
- House Of Zwide replaces Rhythm City
- eVOD launches in July, could this be the reason for the lineup changes?
- Nickelodeon returns to e.tv (updated)
- Analogue TV is going off air soon, be sure to get a decoder when purchasing a TV set
- Linear channels switch to 7 day viewing, Will SABC and e.tv viewers be able to cope
- Judge Judy seen on e.tv ending after 25 seasons
- Is an SABC 4 and SABC 5 channel on the way?
- Details on SABC's kids brand (not SABC Education)
- Other shows coming soon to eToonz?
- SABC to launch a streaming service
- Current status of TV licence
- SABC planning to reduce Muvhango

The Red Room Returns To SABC 3 Alongside The Second Season Of The Longest Date

SABC 3 will be launching the second season of the reality show, The Longest Date and relaunching the Turkish drama, The Red Room which was unexpectedly pulled from the channel after a few episodes.

For those who've forgotten, The Red Room revolve around a psychological clinic, and the stories and attitudes of a group of psychiatric patients who frequent it, and who lived different events between pain and joy, narrated by one of the psychiatrists who own the clinic, supervising their follow-up and trying to treat them while the second season of The Longest Date, 16 contestants compete to find love and win 100 000.

The Red Room replaces The Bay weekdays at 19:30 after The Estate from 2nd July while the second season of The Longest Date airs at 21:00 from 26th July.

- Dizi might return to DStv
- MacGyver returns to e.tv
- Is e.tv becoming another SABC?
- e.tv is filming a new boxing drama
- SABC to launch a streaming service
- House Of Zwide replaces Rhythm City
- eVOD launches in July, could this be the reason for the lineup changes?
- Nickelodeon returns to e.tv (updated)
- Analogue TV is going off air soon, be sure to get a decoder when purchasing a TV set
- Linear channels switch to 7 day viewing, Will SABC and e.tv viewers be able to cope
- Is an SABC 4 and SABC 5 channel on the way?
- Details on SABC's kids brand (not SABC Education)
- Other shows coming soon to eToonz?
- Current status of TV licence
- SABC planning to reduce Muvhango

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Update On The 3 Pop-Up Channels On DStv

MultiChoice currently has 3 pop-up channels operating on the platform with the 4th which is on StarTimes being disqualified earlier in the year. These remaining channels could be permanent additions at the same time it could be the end.

ZooMoo is calling it quits on DStv as the channel is scheduled to close by the end of June after its 3 month extension. MultiChoice has sent a channel termination notice onto viewer's screens. If they reconsider its best to place it on a much cheaper package so that it can gain more awareness.

tvN is the now the second pop-up channel to recieve an extension on DStv unlike ZooMoo it's staying for only a month. They've unveiled a bunch of shows coming to the channel the one I'd look out for next month is Memorist, Tomorrow With You, Mr. Queen and The Sixth Sense.

TLNovelas is currently the longest pop-up channel on DStv launching in September of last year with its demise scheduled for August. There's a bunch of titles to look forward to on the channel including Secrets At The Hotel and Single Dad's Club. To be honest I wouldn't be surprised if they kept it. There hasn't been a lot of new channels this year.

Dizi is safely tucked on StarTimes after its dramatic removal from DStv. The feed currently seen on StarTimes somehow got the DStv feed meaning all shows are repeats until the end of August or September giving MultiChoice enough time to pick it up. (Note that I updated the info on the link about Dizi's termination on DStv)

Friday, June 18, 2021

WarnerMedia Is Rebranding The TNT Channels In Germany Into Warner TV, TNT Africa Might Follow Soon

WarnerMedia is giving its pay-TV channels in German-speaking countries new names. TNT Serie will become Warner TV Serie, TNT Film will become Warner TV Film and TNT Comedy will become Warner TV Comedy.

With the name change, which will take place on September 25, 2021, the channels will be clearly visible under the umbrella of the well-known US media brand Warner Bros. and should thus be perceived more strongly by subscribers, partners and advertisers as premium offerings, according to WarnerMedia.

The rebranding brings us closer to the hundred-year legacy of the Warner Bros. brand, which unmistakably stands for creative and authentic storytelling like no other in the world. Overall, it leads to a significant increase in brand awareness beyond the pay-TV sector, which in turn helps with marketing, “says Heyelmann in an interview. The Warner TV brand is already established in France, "and the TNT channels will gradually also be renamed in other European countries."

The current rebranding in Warner is a consequence of the realignment of WarnerMedia in the USA and possibly the merge of Discovery Inc. and WarnerMedia. They recently divested Great American Country to GAC Media some of its content can be seen on Real Time.

Besides that, they were rumours around the time Turner Broadcasting System rebranded into WarnerMedia that the company had plans to do away with the Turner name so far TNT, TCM and TBS all have that name through an interview TCM was considered a valuable property.

So TCM will likely join Boomerang as a brand for nostalgia while other brands like Cartoonito and Warner TV take over. There's no details on whether this will affect the United States.

Could Discovery Science Replace Discovery Family On DStv?

Earlier in the year, Discovery Family was abruptly removed after two years on StarTimes (Starsat) alongside another Discovery Channel known as Fine Living.

According to StarSat, when a content provider decides to make changes in the production of content they cannot prevent it. Since then the channel remained exclusive to DStv.

Before Discovery Family came to Starsat, there was another channel before it known as Discovery Science that featured programming focusing on the fields of wilderness survival, ufology, manufacturing, construction, technology, space, prehistory and animal science.

Basically, most of Discovery Family's current programming is available under there such as Battlebots, Food Factory, Mythbusters, Mega Machines, The Unexplained Files and Strange Evidence.

In 2018, StarTimes decided to trade a useful channel such as Discovery Science with a mass produced Discovery Family for no apparent reason now they're both gone platform is still sourcing out a possible replacement channel.

Discovery Science is currently available on TelkomOne in South Africa with Zuku TV (Kenya).

Starsat's story over the removals kind of checked out. Zuku TV also had Fine Living and it was swapped for another Discovery brand known as Real Time. So the question remains how long will Discovery Family last on DStv.

This change could have something to do with Discovery+ perhaps they're following Disney in realigning their channels so instead of having Discovery Family serving as a family friendly channel internationally and kids channel in the U.S. it will be the oldest relative that keeps the house which is the U.S. counterpart. Perhaps even Travel Channel will join it soon.

If Discovery Family got canned, Discovery Science would make a worthy replacement perhaps Real Time could reposition itself to include programs in the motor and science area and Discovery Channel opens it doors to more homes on DStv.

What If A Modernized SABC Encore Launched As The Two Channels On OpenView?

SABC and eMedia Investments reached an agreement back in March that would grant OpenView customers access to SABC's 19 radio stations alongside 3 additional channels one of which being a sports channel.

It was stated at the time that SABC Sport alongside the 19 radio stations would roll out in the month of April with the other two being carrying content from SABC archives alongside new programming being unveiled within the next 3 months being April to June likely to crossover onto July.

SABC Education was suspected to be the first one but it was stated the two would be entertainment channels besides that OpenView already has 2 other educational channels that often air the same programs.

The second rumored channel was the Encore channel formerly available on DStv but the idea from SABC was to also give these new channels some fresh content so I derived it into SABC 4 and SABC 5 channels the broadcaster initially plotted to launch before downsizing to just three channels.

Perhaps, SABC Encore a channel SABC hoped to continue on another platform could be the mysterious brand for OpenView except it won't actually return but split into two parts.

The name SABC 4 and 5 could be a better way to "label' these Encore channels.

SABC 4 would be home to all the local dramas and soapies currently seen on SABC 1-3 such as Yizo Yizo, Soul Buddy, Velaphi and Intersections while as SABC 5 will bring in factual, religious and lifestyle entertainment such as Motswako, 50/50, Voetspore and Psalted.

SABC is currently in a TV licence brawl with MultiChoice and is scheduled to also launch a streaming service later in the year with eMedia Investments launching theirs in the month of July.

Read Also:
- SABC Education's status on both DStv and StarSat
- House Of Zwide coming soon to e.tv
- e.tv to become another SABC
- Nickelodeon returns to e.tv
- Analogue TV is going off air soon, be sure to get a decoder when purchasing a TV set
- BritBox to launch in South Africa
- Is an SABC 4 and SABC 5 channel on the way?
- Details on SABC's kids brand (not SABC Education)
- Current status of TV licence
- Linear channels switch to 7 day viewing, Will SABC and e.tv viewers be able to cope

New Season Alert: MacGyver Is Back In The Third Season On e.tv

MacGyver returns on e.tv following its 2 year hiatus on the channel with the season finale of Magnum Pi scheduled to air on Friday, 25 June.

In the third season premiere of MacGyver, the character is happily taken on a new life helping a village in Nigeria, he is met by his father, who tells him Jack is in trouble. Video has surfaced of Jack working with the former leader of Belarus, whom he helped to depose and who is now trying to assemble an army to reclaim his position.

The third season debuted back in 2018 with a total number of 22 episodes on M-Net and M-Net City. Now e.tv viewers will be able to catch it weekdays at 20:30 from Monday, 28 June.

Read Also:
- e.tv is filming a new boxing drama
- eVOD launches in July, could this be the reason for the lineup changes?
- Nickelodeon returns to e.tv (updated)
- Analogue TV is going off air soon, be sure to get a decoder when purchasing a TV set
- Linear channels switch to 7 day viewing, Will SABC and e.tv viewers be able to cope
- Judge Judy seen on e.tv ending after 25 seasons
- Is an SABC 4 and SABC 5 channel on the way?
- Details on SABC's kids brand (not SABC Education)
- Other shows coming soon to eToonz?
- SABC to launch a streaming service
- Current status of TV licence
- SABC planning to reduce Muvhango

July 2021 On Curiosity Channel Africa | Super Science Mondays | Wildlife Wednesdays | Travel & Adventure Fridays | Human Story Saturdays | Best Of Curiosity Sundays

SUPER SCIENCE MONDAYS

METEORITE MEN
Brand New Episodes - premieres 05 July 2021 at 22:00 CAT
Episodes: 10 x 60 mins – ends 06 September 2021
For thousands of years, meteorites have slammed into the Earth's surface carrying an invaluable record of the origins of our solar system. But finding meteorites on Earth, some buried over centuries by thick layers of dirt and sediment, is no easy task.
Meteorite hunters Steve Arnold and Geoff Notkintravel to some of the most remote locations around the world to explore the scientific and financial value of meteorites. Featuring treks in Chile, Sweden, Australia, the US, Mexico, and more, these meteorite men meet with top scientists, geologists, astronomers, and meteorite experts to reveal a deeper understanding of how meteorites have helped to build our solar system and shape our planet.

WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYS

NATURE THROUGH HER EYES
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 07 July 2021 at 20:00 CAT
Episodes: 1x 60 mins
Perspective is everything, and through the eyes and words of some of the greatest female cinematographers and photographers, we see a dazzling vision of the natural world. How did these remarkable women discover their passion for wildlife? Do women tell stories differently than men? What obstacles did our principals have to overcome, and what partnerships have they formed to bring their enduring vision to us? This CuriosityStream original series features exclusive interviews with the women behind the images combined with spectacular wildlife footage to illuminate our relationship with the natural world as never before. From Anne Innis Dagg, 86 years old and the 'Jane Goodall' of Giraffes and to the young filmmaker EshikaFyzee, who is just starting out with a film about Himalayan bears, these remarkable artists come from a diverse range of backgrounds and visual experiences. They speak candidly about their work, the different ways they photograph, write and film, and the hurdles they have had to overcome.

MY WILD BACKYARD
Brand New Episode - premieres 14 July 2021 at 20:00 CAT
Episodes: 1x 60 mins
Journey around the globe as some of the best up-and-coming wildlife filmmakers take you on a locals-only tour of their home countries.

DOUG TO THE RESCUE
Brand New Series - premieres 21 July 2021 at 20:00 CAT
Episodes: 6 x 30 mins –ends 25 August 2021
A team of animal rescuers, led by aerial cinematographer Doug Thron, travel into the devastation left by natural disasters to rescue lost animals and reunite them with their owners. From hurricanes to wildfires, they go into the hardest hit areas - relying on nothing but each other and the supplies they carry on their backs –to conduct a search-and-rescue mission to find animals that are lost or left behind. The team’s secret weapon is a specialized drone carrying a sophisticated array of cameras equipped with infrared technology that detects the heat signatures of warm-blooded animals. Once safely retrieved, Doug and team use social media to help find the pet’s grateful owners.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE FRIDAYS

ANTHONY BOURDAIN, PARTS UNKNOWN
Brand New Series – premieres 09 July 2021 at 21:00 CAT
Episodes: 8x 60mins – ends 27 August 2021
Anthony Bourdain travels the world uncovering lesser-known places and exploring their cultures and cuisine.

TRAVEL MAN
Brand New Series – premieres 23 July 2021 at 19:00 CAT
Episodes: 26x 30mins – ends 01 October 2021
Travel Man is Richard Ayoade's chance to show us where we're going wrong by having the most culturally efficient holiday possible.

HUMAN STORY SATURDAYS

HIGHWAY TO THE ARCTIC: CANADA’S ICE ROADS
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 24 July 2021 at 19:00 CAT
Episodes: 1x 60 mins
Every winter, ice roads are built across hundreds of miles in Canada's far north, connecting frozen rivers and lakes, and stretching up to the very northern tip of the country by the Arctic Ocean. For the people living in secluded villages these “ice highways” are vital for the transport of goods.

BEST OF CURIOSITY SUNDAYS

HEAVY LIFT
Brand New Series - premieres 11 July 2021 at 19:00 CAT
Episodes: 3x 60 mins (stacked back-to-back premieres)
The story of the engineers and mechanics behind some of the largest lifting and moving equipment in the world.

- Upcoming developments for FOX, Disney, National Geographic and ESPN

Disney Channel, Disney Junior And Disney+ Greenlight Three African Productions + Other Developments

Disney EMEA Animation Studio this morning unveiled a group of new and returning animated kids projects out of Europe and Africa. Among the new titles is Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, a 10-part sci-fi anthology executive produced by Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse co-director Peter Ramsey.

The short films, to be made by talent hailing from such places as Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria, will seek to answer the question “What does Africa’s future look like from an African perspective?” and tap into the Afrofuturism that was turbocharged by Marvel’s Black Panther, said Orion Ross, VP Animation for Disney Europe, Middle East & Africa. Triggerfish is the lead production house for a late 2022 global launch on Disney Plus.

Disney Junior and Disney Plus have also picked up Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes , a pre-school series created by South African duo Kelly Dillon and Marc Dey and produced by eOne and Frog Box. It centers on a 7-year-old African girl who loves ballet and martial arts and when she and her two best friends put on their magical crystal headbands they become superheroes ready to defend their community. The series will incorporate the philosophy of Ubuntu, the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. A global launch is set for 2023.

Disney Channel has also ordered Kiff, an animated series about an optimistic squirrel and her best friend bunny, Barry. South African creators and executive producers are Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal. Kent Osborne serves as co-producer and story editor.

The announcements were made as part of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival where the first episode of Xilam’s Chip ’N’ Dale: Park Life is premiering. The update on the classic series bows July 23 on Disney Plus.

In other news, Disney Channel has ordered more Miraculous, Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir as well as Ghost Force which are both due this year. Coming in 2022 are Viking Skool and The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti. Disney Junior is further adding more PJ Masks and Gigantosaurus.

July 2021 On Nickelodeon, Nick Jr And Nicktoons Africa | 2 New Series Alert For Preschoolers | 5 Returning Shows Including Blaze And The Monster Machines | Stunts Across All The Channels | More

Nickelodeon:

HAPPINESS LAB - STUNT
WEEKDAYS 05 JULY TO 30 AUG
FROM 08:30 WAT / 09:30 CAT / 10:30 EAT
Join Nickelodeon’s factory of fun this July when we bring you the very best in animation from some familiar favourites! From the tallest skyscraper in Lego City to the depths of Bikini Bottom, July promises to bring the smiles!

GOLDIE'S OLDIES SEASON 1
NEW EPISODES | #111-120
14 year old Goldie’s life is turned upside down when her family moves in with her Grandpa Maury and his three 70 something, totally bonkers housemates. Goldie’s landed herself the ultimate insta-family!... If she can keep everyone together.
WEEKDAYS FROM 05 –16 JULY AT 17:30 WAT / 18:30 CAT / 19:30 EAT

SIDE HUSTLE SEASON 1
NEW EPISODES | 107 -113
Side Hustle follows best friends, smart and sarcastic Lex and confident and tough Presley, as they devise a plan to make money when fireworks accidentally destroy a boat belonging to the dad of their quirky friend and neighbour, Munchy.
SUNDAYS 18 JULY TO 29 AUG AT 17:30 WAT / 18:30 CAT / 19:30 EAT

44 CATS SEASON 2
NEW EPISODES | #240 -252
44 Cats is about how cats see our world and how they live when we’re not around. Cats look at the adult human world like kids do, with a unique, innocent, and comically honest view.
WEEKDAYS FROM 26 JULY –11 AUG AT 11:00 WAT / 12:00 CAT / 13:00 EAT

Nick Jr:

SPORTS WEEKEND
MARATHON PREMIERE EP: #723 Moto Pups: Pups Save a Moto Mayor
EPS: #720, 722, 723, 724, 996
MotoPups:PupsSaveaMotoMayor:
Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue: Pups Save the Opening Ceremonies / Ultimate Rescue:PupsSavetheAdventureBayGames:Marshall leads the pups when an underground fire threatens the Opening Ceremonies in this Ultimate Fire Rescue. // Chase and his police-pups must find the missing medals to save the Adventure BayGames in this Ultimate PoliceRescue.
Paw Patrol Mighty Pups, Charged Up: Pups Stop a Big Bad Bot / Mighty Pups, Charged Up: Every week a different character stunt to support the season 5 launch.
SATURDAY 5 & SUNDAY 6 JUNE
FROM 10:00 WAT / 11:00 CAT / 12:00 EAT

DORA THE EXPLORER
WEEKEND MARATHON
EPS: #327,423-426, 518, 519, 622,721, 821
Enjoy all the 44min special episodes of Dora in our 4 hour weekend marathon!
SATURDAY 10 & SUNDAY 11 JULY
FROM 10:00 WAT / 11:00 CAT/ 12:00 EAT

ABBY HATCHER
BRAND NEW EPISODES!
SEASON 1: #221-226
Abby Hatcher is an animated preschool series that follows Abby and her friends the Fuzzlies, amazing and quirky creatures that live in her family's hotel!
MON -SAT FROM 12 -17 JULY
AT 08:00 WAT/ 09:00 CAT / 10:00 EAT

KID-E-CATS
BRAND NEW SHOW!
PREMIERE: #153-204
Cookie, Pudding and their kid sister Candy are forever ready to jump into action with endless enthusiasm and energy. Their imagination also knows no bounds, and these kitties are capable of the most absurdly funny problem- solving suggestions.
MON -SUN FROM 27 JUN -20 AUG 08:10 WAT / 09:10 CAT / 10:10 EAT

BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES
BRAND NEW EPISODES!
EPS:#601-602, 604-605
Blaze and the Monster Machines is a CG interactive preschool series about Blaze, the world's greatest monster truck, and his best buddy and driver, a boy named AJ.
WEEKENDS 31 JULY -14 AUGUST 2021
AT 14:15 WAT / 15:15 CAT / 16:15 EAT

Nicktoons:

RICKY ZOOM
SEASON 1
NEW TO NICKTOONS!
#101-110, 112, 114-117, 119-126
SEASON 1
WEEKDAYS 12 JUL TO 11 AUG AT 10:00 WAT / 11:00 CAT / 12:00 EAT
Meet Ricky! Built for speed, he's a little red rescue bike who shares his experiences with his loyal Bike Buddies Loop, Scootio and DJ. Together they race around the sports track, try new stunts at the park, and zoom into every adventure!

HORRID HENRY
NEW EPISODES | #209-250
SEASON 5
WEEKDAYS 19 JUL TO 18 AUG AT 13:45 WAT / 14:45 CAT / 15:45 EAT
Meet Henry. They don't call him Horrid Henry for nothing. He really is quite horrid. Because when someone gets tricked, when rules are being broken, when trouble's around... it's usually Henry.

SPECIAL DAYS IN JULY
Line-up consists of several shows
Sunday 18 July: Nelson Mandela International Day
Times: 16:20 WAT/17:20 CAT/18:20 EAT
Tuesday 20 and Sunday 21 July: ID El Kabir
Times: 09:15 WAT / 10:15 CAT / 11:15 EAT
Friday 30 July: International Day Of Friendship
Times: 08:45 WAT / 09:45 CAT / 10:45 EAT

TECHNO CHARGE
Technology, you either embrace it or run from it. it can make life so much easier or wreak total havoc. Either way, enjoy this fully techno charged Nicktoons stunt!
WEEKDAYS 5 TO 16 JUL AT 13:25 WAT / 14:25CAT / 15:25 EAT

PARTY BLOWOUT
Get jolly this june with our favourite Nicktoons characters, who will bring all the laughs, non-stop fun and complete absurdity needed to make it a Nicktoons celebration! let’s go have some fun!
WEEKENDS 17 JUL TO 01 AUG AT 06:00 WAT / 07:00 CAT / 08:00 EAT

SUNDAY MARATHONS
EVERY SUNDAY
AT 15:00 WAT / 16:00 CAT / 17:00 EAT
We’ve packaged your Sunday laughs into neat mini-marathons! Enjoy the very best in comedy animation handpicked just for you, right here on NickToons!
4 July - Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered: S1
11 July - Ollie’s Pack: S1
18 July - Ricky Zoom: S1
25 July - Horrid Henry: S2
1 August - Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered: S1

July 2021 On Comedy Central Africa | 2 New Series Alert Starring Jeff Ross | Returning Shows Including Impractical Jokers

BRAND NEW SEASON
THE CARBONARO EFFECT SEASON 2
WEEKDAYS FROM 1 JULY @ 21:30
The Carbonaro Effect features Michael Carbonaro; magician by trade and prankster at heart. Michael performs ingenious tricks on unsuspecting members of the public, all caught on hidden camera. Whether posing as a barista, museum curator or a store clerk, Carbonaro's Effect on people will have you laughing out loud.

NEW AT NINE
NEIGHBORHOOD SEASON 2
WEEKDAYS FROM 19 JULY @ 21:00
It's been a year since the Johnsons moved next door to the Butlers and while the families have grown closer, Dave is eager to take on a bigger role in the festivities – and prove how much a part of the community he’s become. But Calvin’s eye-opening reaction makes it clear that while the relationship between the two families has grown, the friendship between Calvin and Davestill has a wayto go.

BRAND NEW SEASON
IMPRACTICAL JOKERS SEASON 1, 2 & 3
WEEKDAYS FROM 26 JULY @ 21:30
Impractical Jokers follows Joseph "Joe" Gatto, James "Murr" Murray, Brian "Q" Quinn, and Salvatore "Sal" Vulcano, the four members of the comedy troupe, the tenderloins, as they coerce one another into doing public pranks while being filmed by hidden cameras. The stars of ''Impractical Jokers'' do not know the details of the prank until the moment they are performing iton strangers.

BRAND NEW SHOW
THE BURN WITH JEFF ROSS SEASON 1
SATURDAYS FROM 10 JULY @ 22:30
Don't get in the comedic crosshairs of Jeff Ross, or you'll likely get burned. That's the lesson delivered
-- with plenty of laughs -- in this half-hour series, which finds the veteran comic verbally incinerating the news of the week, pop-culture figures, and anyone or anything else that needs to be put in its proper place. He also hits the streets to take aim at "public enemies," such as meter maids and the paparazzi, and he welcomes fellow comics and celebrity pals in on the fun. Ross' skewing skills are legendary -- he's the longtime Roast master General of the New York Friars' Club. Season 2 Starts 31 July

BRAND NEW SHOW
THE NEW NEGROES SEASON 1
SATURDAYS STARTING 3 JULY @ 23:20
The New Negroes" is to showcase a collection of new and established comedians and musicians. It's the brainchild of actor/comic Baron Vaughn and rapper Open Mike Eagle, who took inspiration for the series and title from the Harlem Renaissance, a time when black people shared their lives and affirmed their various identities to dismantle outdated assumptions and beliefs.

BRAND NEW SEASON
THE DAILY SOCIAL DISTANCING SHOW SEASON 26
TUESDAY - FRIDAY 1 JULY @ 23:30
Brand new and exclusive. Join Trevor Noah and his team as they take a satirical sideswipe at the latest in news and current affairs. Emmy Award winning irreverence from Comedy Central.

Friday, June 11, 2021

New Series Alert: Isiphindiselo A Brand New Local Drama Produced By eMedia Investments

The new boxing drama is produced by eMedia Investments will see the return of two cast members from the cancelled soap Rhythm City such as Jamie Bartlett best known for his role as David Genaro alongside Zamani Mbatha (Suffocate's son).

Former The River and SAFTA award-winning actor, Warren Masemola has secured a supporting role on the upcoming show.

The exact date and time for Isiphindiselo hasn't been revealed as yet but according to sources the show MIGHT not be airing on e.tv but likely eExtra as mentioned earlier in the year.

The last time eExtra had a fresh local drama was back in 2017/8 with the short lived, Ambitions other than that it was either rejects or reruns of whatever was on the main channel.

My theory on eMedia Investments following MultiChoice in becoming another SABC could become a reality after all since international distributors are halting most new content for streaming services leaving less content for them to acquire.

A rerun of the Turkish drama, The Girl Named Feriha is taking up the Korean drama, Ice Adonis' timeslot in the afternoon with Two And A Half Men in the evening. Could this drama perhaps take up it's slot or better yet could Kuiertyd start an hour early.

Read Also:
- Magnum Pi airs weekdays on e.tv
- eVOD launches in July, could this be the reason for the lineup changes?
- Nickelodeon returns to e.tv (updated)
- Analogue TV is going off air soon, be sure to get a decoder when purchasing a TV set
- Linear channels switch to 7 day viewing, Will SABC and e.tv viewers be able to cope
- Judge Judy seen on e.tv ending after 25 seasons
- Is an SABC 4 and SABC 5 channel on the way?
- Details on SABC's kids brand (not SABC Education)
- Other shows coming soon to eToonz?
- SABC to launch a streaming service
- Current status of TV licence
- SABC planning to reduce Muvhango