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Could Netflix Become The Exclusive/Future Home Of Nickelodeon?

During the year, it was reported that WWE would be exiting linear television by 2025 with Raw, SmackDown and NXT alongside prem...

Friday, December 30, 2022

Boomerang Vs. Cartoonito: Warner Bros. Discovery's Attempt At Reinventing A Family Friendly Platform

Cartoonito was relaunched on Boomerang in April with shows like Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go!, Lucas The Spider and CoComelon with plans to add at least 50 preschool titles in the near future or at least before the recent cutbacks come into effect following the merger.

One thing I believe will happen is the 50 titles but what seems far-off would be the duration. As it is, Cartoon Network's (including Cartoonito) ratings continue to plummet overseas but the brand has seen success in other countries.

But the one brand I see Warner Bros. Discovery doesn't take to account is Boomerang. As it is, the channel appears to be autopilot relying on the few programs it acquired or aired during the year including Looney Tunes Cartoons, Ninja Express and Mr. Bean.

Insidus Games:
- Tom And Jerry: Infurnal Escape
- Tom And Jerry: The Magic Ring
- The Wild Thornberrys Movie
- The Wild Thornberrys: Chimp Chase

All in all it appears that all the attention once given to Boomerang is being reverted to Cartoonito as they've got a lineup of existing preschool shows like Masha And The Bear, Legends Of Spark and Grizzy And The Lemmings.

Boomerang has been considered a family channel for nearly a decade now that Warner Bros. Discovery wants to put that focus on Cartoon Network. It kind of makes sense for the channel to adopt a new identity and for that I'm referring to their preschool brand, Cartoonito.

Cartoonito exists as a mere block on the channel and there hasn't been a lot of new content that doesn't mean it's not impossible to convert Boomerang. As mentioned, they've already got a set of existing content that fit the preschool brand current offering internationally.

Regular Nick:
CBeebies picks up second season to Tish And Tash
Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang

On top of that there is the matter of upcoming productions such as Interstellar Ella, Batwheels and True And Rainbow Kingdom all of which being preschool were registered for Boomerang.

Although, I have yet to see them rebrand the channel there hasn't been any new content that caters to the demographic of Zig & Sharko, Looney Tunes Cartoons or Ninja Express likely having to do with the recent Redraw Your World taking to effect on Cartoon Network.

Prediction: From CBS Justice And Nicktoons Untimely Demise On The DStv Platform To The Launch Of Openview Ultra, Here's What We Anticipate For 2023

A prediction is a statement of what you think will happen in future.

Regular Nick:
- Boomerang rebrands into Cartoonito by the fall of 2023 with shows like Zig & Sharko and Looney Tunes phased out of the lineup.
- Nicktoons goes off air partially due to the launch of Paramount+ with further content on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.
- The Ethiopian feed of Nick Jr. is discontinued.
- Cartoon Network launches a new preschool block daily at 5am.
- SABC launches a brand new kids channel: SABC Children.
- Da Vinci app and BBC Kids both launch on the Explora Ultra.
- eToonz introduces an educational block.

Superhero:
- MultiChoice rolls out two AddSports feature similar to AddMovies both of which are priced at R499p/m and offer SuperSport Grandstand.
- SuperSport Variety 4 made available to Easyview customers while Access customers get SuperSport Football.

YouTube Premium:
- Paramount+ launches in the first quarter of 2023 and is also available on the Explora Ultra.
- VIU, another international streaming service goes off air.
- Jou Afrikaans another streaming service scrapped and acquired by MultiChoice and Media24.
- Disney+ and Netflix launch a freemium version of their streaming service.
- On top of a free alternative, streaming services give viewers the option of which section they'd rather not watch.

Warner Bros. Discovery:
- Expectations on the merger between HBO Max and Discovery+
- Max: Possible name for merged Discovery+ and HBO Max streaming service
- Boomerang continues to boost its preschool offering in CEE
- Inside Warner Bros. Discovery's EMEA kids content strategy

SABC:
- After 2 years, SABC FINALLY unveils the new channels most of the public forgot about: SABC Encore and SABC Children.
- SABC managed to launch SABC Parliament and SABC Sport 2 both of which are exclusive to SABC+ and their DTT platform. Expect more of this.
- SABC Education reviews their international offering to also include international content.
- SABC to charge MultiChoice's DStv and eMedia Investments' Openview TV licence.
- SABC forces other streaming services to supply their content.

Everyday Novelas:
- TLNovelas undergoes another schedule adjustment in order to increase the amount of content aired on primetime.
- Telemundo introduces another variety/reality show alongside two short series basically a block of some sorts.
- Glow TV becomes a digital exclusive platform.
- Zee TV alongside it's set of channels unveil a new look possible name change due to that pending merger between Culver Max Entertainment and Zee Entertainment Enterprises.

Openview:
- Openview Ultra a trial version to the upcoming pay-tv tier Openview+ launches in the first quarter of 2023 with two channels: BBC UKTV and an untitled news channel.
- Glow TV and SA Music cease to exist.
- New channels part of which for Openview+ range from factual entertainment, sports, news and doccies.
- eReality offers 24 hour entertainment.
- Openview launches somewhat of a catch-up section on their platform to paying consumers with certain titles free.

The Walt Disney Company:
- Star Channel to replace remaining feeds of defunct brand FOX
- Disney unveils new series Kiff
- FOX Turkey rumoured to close down by 2023
- DStv Streama now offers Disney+

Google:
- Mickey Mouse horror flick is in development
- From Dusk Till Dawn and Beverly Hills Ninja both recieve movie reboots.
- A+E Networks is acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery with Lifetime turning to more fictional content and History becoming Discovery History.
- Alvin And The Chipmunks is acquired by Moonbug Entertainment (Candle Media).

StarSat:
- Toonami is the next kids channel to exit the platform.
- National Geographic, Baby TV and ESPN go off air on the platform all of which are owned by The Walt Disney Company.
- New channels include BBC UKTV, DocuBox and People's Weather.

DStv:
- eExtra and eToonz remain on the DStv platform while eMovies and eMovies Extra go off air.
- CBS Justice and CBS Reality merge to form RealityXtra or at least what we're hoping for.
- TNT rebrands into Warner TV, not much change at this point except for the name.
- Discovery Family, Travel Channel and Real Time kick the bucket and are replaced with Discovery Max.
- Other terminations include Ginx TV, People's Weather, Tshwane TV, Boomerang, Channel O, MTV Base.
- New channels consists from newer brands while some like BBC UKTV come from existing suppliers genres range from lifestyle, news, kids and general entertainment.

Roundups #125: Avatar To Return With New Animated Series On Nickelodeon, Eternal Love Rebroadcast Coming Soon To Star Life And SABC Plans To Launch Indigenous News Channel In 2023

Third Avatar instalment in the works at Paramount

Get ready to show off your element-bending skills as Paramount+ is brewing a new Avatar animated series. The show is slated for a 2025 release and will feature an ‘earth Avatar’ after Aang and Korra. There is also a report that an animated movie will arrive in theaters after the series comes out and will have the same Avatar as the show.

Avatar Studios is building its own universe now, and with many projects booked and planned ahead, there is going to be no shortage of Avatar content for fans. An adult Aang movie is reportedly coming to theaters on October 10, 2025, as well as the much-anticipated on-demand series. Both will be released in the same year – a major launch for the studio.

The movie will be Avatar Studios’ first-ever project, hence this implies that it will come before the animated series, followed by the animated movie. Fans should also not forget that there is a live-action young Aang series coming in 2023.

Regular Nick:
CBeebies picks up second season to Tish And Tash
Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang

Eternal Love is back by popular demand on Star Life

Eternal Love revolves around the lives of Dr. Rohit Sippy and Sonakshi Rastogi, two completely different individuals belonging to completely different worlds unaware of the fact that their worlds, though poles apart, are meant to collide.

It is an Indian romantic drama television series that aired from 17 June 2019 to 14 March 2020 on StarPlus. Produced by Sandiip Sikcand under SOL Productions, it starred Karan Grover and Dipika Kakar as lead actors.

The series aired on the channel in 2021 and makes a comeback as part of The Best Of Star Life from January 9 replacing Forbidden Love.

Everyday Novelas:
Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?
Carmen And Razia Sultan coming soon to Zee One and Zee World

Second SABC News channel reportedly in development

SABC News has been exclusive to DTT and MultiChoice's DStv platform giving viewers insights on what's happening in South Africa and across the world. Despite having a bit of rivalry with eNCA remains as another valuable brand to the market.

As seen within their bulletins, it was revealed that the public broadcaster wants to launch its 7th TV channel by next year probably before March which serves as an expansion to the current SABC News Channel offering multilingual content and a possible replacement to SABC Parliament.

Of course, the public broadcaster fails to mention where they'll get the necessary funds to go on such a venture. My guess is the channel will serve as one of the upcoming channels for Openview (Openview Ultra, grain of salt) and DStv.

My guess seeing as this channel may not be tied down like the SABC News Channel is that it will be crawling with repeats from SABC 1-3 possibly dubbed and offer primetime news for about 2 hours.

SABC:
- Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
- TelkomOne's transition into SABC+
- SABC 1 title card registered for Openview
- SABC Children appears to have wrapped production

List: 2023 In Terms Of Animation

Netflix:

Make My Day
Tomb Raider
Onmyōji
Untitled Asterix Animated Series
Boons and Curses
Little Baby Bum: Music Time
Mech Cadets
Princess Power
Akuma-Kun
CoComelon Lane
My Dad the Bounty Hunter
Dew Drop Dairies
Not Quite Narwhal
Exploding Kittens

HBO Max, Cartoon Network and Cartoonito:

Jade Armor
Velma
Bugs Bunny Builders
Batwheels
Clone High
Bea's Block
Goat Girl
Tiny Toons Looniversity
S.M.A.S.H.
Bea's Block
Gremlins: Secrets Of Mogwai
Batman: Caped Crusader
Hurry Hurry Tom And Jerry
Young Love
Scavengers Reign
Tom And Jerry Time
Unlimited Squirrels!
Iyanu: Child Of Wonder
Spookies
My Adventures With Superman
Silly Sundays
The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe
Totally Spies!
Jessica's Big Little World

Insidus Games:
- Tom And Jerry: Infurnal Escape
- Tom And Jerry: The Magic Ring
- Captain America: Sentinel Of Liberty
- The Wild Thornberrys Movie
- The Wild Thornberrys: Chimp Chase

Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Junior:

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
Tiana
Win Or Lose
Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes
Duffy And Friends
Pretty Freekin Scary
Monsters At Work
SuperKitties
Primos
Hamster And Gretel
Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur
Hailey's On It
X-Men '97'
Kiff
Iwájú
Hailey's On It
Pupstruction

Paramount+, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr:

HexVet
Dora The Explorer
Bossy Bear
Two South Park Films
Rock, Paper, Scissors
Max & the Midknights
Rubble & Crew
Hamsterdale
Zokie Sparkleby

Insidus Games:
Johnny Bravo: Big Babe Adventure
Lego Star Wars
Trace On
The Lion King
Garfield 2: Royal Adventure
Legend Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

CBeebies, BBC Kids, CBBC and BritBox:

Dentist
Ginger and the Vegesaurs
Lellobee City Farm
Vida the Vet

PBS Kids:

Work It Out Wombats!
Mashopolis
Alma's Way
Rosie's Rules

Others including DreamWorks, Peacock and eToonz:

Calliou
Krapopolis
Lil' Stompers
Lego Monkie Kid
Grimsburg
Koala Man
Team Mekbots Animal Rescue
Abominable and the Invisible City
Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib
Pinecone & Pony
Team Zenko Go
DreamWorks Dragons: The Nine Realms
The Croods: Family Tree
She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power
Doug Unplugs
Trollstopia
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
Wizards: Tales of Arcadia

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

10 Turkish Shows eMedia Investments' Kuiertyd, SPI International's Timeless Dizi Channel And M-Net's kykNET & Kie Should Acquire For The Year 2023

In 2018, Kuiertyd launched in South Africa offering a variety of telenovelas which have proven to be favourable for viewers. Four years later, kykNET ramps up a competitive offering for the consumers resulting in double the drama.

Stuck in the middle of this battle is Timeless Dizi Channel owned by SPI International which is a company of Canal+ which has minority stake on MultiChoice.

Heard from sources about 1 or 3 new series coming to South Africa through these brands and instead of divulging further onto those shows I thought of looking at similar shows part of which I've managed to browse.

Based on my recommendations don't be surprised if some of this content pop-up on either one of them. In a random order, we present the 10 Turkish shows eMedia Investments' Kuiertyd, SPI International's Timeless Dizi Channel and M-Net's kykNET should acquire in 2023.

1. Dolunay (Full Moon)

Picked up by StarTimes during the year, the series follows Nazli Pinar a young culinary student who is hired as Ferit's private chef and must deal with his specific rules for preparing his meals. The two initially clash and form a beautiful friendship.  The series stars Can Yaman and Özge Gürel.

Openview Plus:
uMbali season 2 coming soon to eVOD
Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
The Game Of My Destiny a brand new Turkish drama unveiled by Global Agency
Soete Wraak coming soon to eExtra
A look at former NBC soap, Passions
Die Vertroueling coming soon to eExtra

2. Afili Asle (Stellar Love)

Slanderous accusations force Ayse to marry Kerem, a well-known, rich, handsome playboy. Caglar Ertugrul and Burcu Özberk take up the leading roles.

3. Her Yerde Sen (You Are Everywhere)

Demir and Selin stubbornly claim the same house and are forced to live together. The company will become inevitable when someone comes to the company he works for and the other as manager. The series stars Furkan Andic, Aybüke Pusat, Ali Yagci and Aslihan Malbora.

4. Hayat Sarkisi (Song Of Life)

Hulia, a poor girl who pretends to be strong, aims to make enough money to help her sibling pursue her studies and lead a decent life despite all the challenges they face. The series stars Burcu Biricik, Birkan Sokullu, Tayanç Ayaydin and Ecem Özkaya.

5. Fatih Harbiye (In Between)

The main character is a girl who lives in the suburbs of Istanbul. All her thoughts together about how to get out of poverty and miserable life and enter the socialite. Girl walking confidently towards the realization of its objectives, although a man of her class who loves her madly. The series stars Kadir Dogulu and Neslihan Atagül in the leading roles.

6. Fazilet Hanim ve Kizlari (Mrs. Fazilet And Her Daughters)

The story of Fazilet, mother of two Hazan and Ece, eager to gain money, using her younger daughter, Ece,modeling skills. While Hazan pursues a sport coach life, far from her mother ambitions and falls in love with a rich spoiled man. The series stars Nazan Kesal, Deniz Baysal and Caglar Ertugrul.

DStv Flex:
What to expect this January on Curiosity Channel?
What to expect this January on The Home Channel?
Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
What to expect this January on Qwest TV?
Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
What to expect this January on TNT?

7. Hercai (Folklore)

In the center of the story is the fate of a young man named Miran, whose parents died through the fault of a man who became his mortal enemy. In order to avenge their death, Miran decides on classic revenge: he seduces Reyyan to destroy the girl, thereby depriving his enemy of the only creature dear to him; his daughter. The series stars Akin Akinözü, Ebru Sahin, Ayda Aksel and Macit Sonkan.
 
8. Yeni Hayat (A New Life)

Adam is an ex-special forces solider who is hired to work as a bodyguard for Yasmine, Timur's wife. Serkan Çayoglu and Melisa Pamuk take up the lead roles.

9. Söz (The Oath)

Yavuz, a well-trained Turkish soldier, is in Istanbul with his fiance where a terrorist operation takes place. Bahar, who is not a surgeon, tries to save his fiance. After this incident, Yavuz goes back to Karabayir and Bahar follows him all the way to give him something that belongs to him. The series stars Tolga Saritas, Meric Aral and Nihat Altinkaya.

10. Ariza

Ali Riza is a taxi driver preparing to marry his sister Nihan off to his dear friend; Halide Gurkan attends Fuat Ersoylu's magnificent party given on the occasion of his father's birthday and during the party Fuat's son Burak proposes to Halide, who refuses, then leaves the party and gets into Ali Riza's taxi. The series stars Tolga Saritas, Ayça Aysin Turan, Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan and Olgun Toker.

Just Like That, Fearless Heart Enters 2023 With A Bang On Telemundo Africa

Telemundo an international channel owned by NBCUniversal which is home to various Spanish telenovelas all of which have been fully dubbed in English will be welcoming it's first popular demand of 2023 and to no one's surprise it's Fearless Heart.

Fearless Heart (Corazon Valiente) follows childhood friends Ángela and Samantha who were separated by fate for years reunite and become bodyguards for those who need protection. It's one of the longest projects Telemundo's produced in the previous decade outside super series.

Everyday Novelas:
Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?
Carmen And Razia Sultan coming soon to Zee One and Zee World
Laxmi and more content awaiting launch on Star Life
Daai Crazy Somer coming soon to e.tv

Adriana Fonseca and Ximena Duque are the leads alongside José Luis Reséndez and Fabián Ríos, with Aylin Mujica and Manuel Landeta starred as the main antagonists.

My Perfect Family (Mi Perfecta Familia) is set to come to a close by January and Fearless Heart will launch in its place and remain like that for about 4-6 months and isn't like before where it consumed the whole year's schedule.

Fearless Heart rebroadcast joins other reruns available on the channel including Lord Of The Skies and The Way To Paradise.

Nurses will also have a season finale within the next month with season 3 onboard only by February as the channel remains silent on the program occupying the timeslot of the medical drama.

DStv Flex:
What to expect this January on Curiosity Channel?
What to expect this January on The Home Channel?
Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
What to expect this January on Qwest TV?
Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
What to expect this January on TNT?

Trending Posts For The Week Dated 25 December

Most browsed articles on the site
1. Rumour: End Of An Era, Fox Home To Shows Like Wings Of Love, Dokter Ali And Doodsondes On e.tv Will Cease Transmission In 2023
2. What To Expect On TNT, Cartoon Network And Boomerang Africa In January 2023?
3. Conspiracy Theory: kykNET Lekker Has Been Made Available To More DStv Customers
4. Roundups #121: More Amazing World Of Gumball Coming Soon To Cartoon Network, Meet In Love Returning For A Second Season On Zee World And Also Returning For A Second Season Is The eVOD Original Production uMbali
5. New Series Alert: Soete Wraak Coming Soon To eVOD
6. New Development Alert: Ultraview Coming Soon To Openview And Here's What We've Seen So Far
7. Roundups #123: DreamWorks To Rollout New Local Production Inspiration Station, The Kelly Clarkson Show To Make It's Free-To-Air Debut On SABC 3 And Till Jail Do Us Apart Still Not Accessible In The African Market
8. What to expect in 2023 on TLNovelas Africa?
9. What to expect in 2023 on Star Life?
10. eAfrica Vs. BBC UKTV: Another Attempt At Auctioning Off Second Hand Goods

Most browsed games on the site
1. Johnny Bravo: Big Babe Adventure
2. Lego Star Wars
3. Trace On
3. The Lion King
4. Garfield 2: Royal Adventure
5. Legend Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Roundups #124: Cartoon Network Unveils New Look Amidst 30th Anniversary, Nurses Returns For Third And Possibly Fourth Season On Telemundo Africa And Jackie Chan Confirms Development Of Rush Hour 4

Cartoon Network gets yet another wardrobe change

Cartoon Network explained their big brand refresh this week. As more eyeballs hit the channel as a result of the larger Warner Bros. Discovery restructuring, the company has to forge a new path ahead. Senior Vice President of creative and design for Cartoon Network, Jacob Escobedo spoke to AdWeek's Mollie Cahillane about the changes. Traditionally, the channel has employed a CMYK color palette, but things are broadening out with this new refresh. In the comments, the sap took aim at those rumors of Cartoon Network's demise and singled out the new direction for the different programming blocks. Warner Bros. Discovery is targeting a wider family audience and girls with some of these decisions. It will be interesting to see how that proceeds. Check out some of the comments down below.

"We decided to peel back all the layers of our branding," Escobedo said. "We were up against a lot of strange press saying Cartoon Network was dying or that it was dead. With this new packaging and the content that we're rolling out in 2023, it shows that we're very much alive and that we're a vibrant, fun brand that has a lot going on."

While trying to expand all our content, it brings new challenges," Escobedo said. "How does Harry Potter fit with Teen Titans? How does this content live together? This split-screen was a fun device for us to mess around with… We're going after a wider audience. We're going after girls, we're going after family, a much broader fanbase."

"We wanted the palette to just feel inclusive," Escobedo said. "Signifying inclusivity."

Regular Nick:
CBeebies picks up second season to Tish And Tash
Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
January on Disney Channel
January on Da Vinci Kids

Nurses returning for season 3 immediately after season 2 on Telemundo Africa

Throughout the year, María Clara has been incharge of managing the main plot for Nurses which includes a complicated love story, a failed marriage, raising her two children, and falling in love again--with a younger man. Not to mention her vital work.

As reported a while back the channel acquired rights to the third scheduled for February 13th and quite frankly a fourth season to Nurses. Although, the initial one in Colombia consists solely of three seasons. Various other distributors opted to portion the episodes within seasons.

The season finale of Nurses will be broadcast on January 29 and from what I can recall My Perfect Family will also be ending within the month. The channel hasn't found a replacement yet but will announce close to the time what's happening with the schedule.

Everyday Novelas:
- Prediction: What to expect on Star Life by next year?
- Meet In Love returning for season 2 on Zee World
Televisa's Fall Into Temptation rolls out in Nigeria
Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?

Rush Hour 4 has been greenlit

Jackie Chan revealed he is in talks for a “Rush Hour 4.”

The legendary martial arts star made the announcement at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he spoke about his upcoming projects and 60-year film career in front of a a crowd of adoring fans who regularly interrupted the talks to shout out questions, congratulate him on his honorary Oscar and ask him to sing. (He was happy to oblige with a quick burst of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You,” explaining that he learned to sing so that he’d be able to do something for his fans that wouldn’t involve fight moves.)

What has become “the Jackie Chan style” is marked by its combination of action and comedy. He said, “You cannot create any more action because, what? Punching? Kicking? Those kinds of things… boring. So this is why I slowly use comedy with action and all the props around me, and after I cannot use any more, then I do dangerous stunts. High jumps. Believe it or not, this year is my 60th year in the film industry.”

Chan speaks with extraordinary enthusiasm and affability. He’s the king of the humblebrag: detailing how he dominated cinema in Hong Kong, then Japan and finally Hollywood with “Rush Hour,” which, pairing him with Chris Tucker, finally allowed him to use his own frenetic style. He originally thought the movie would flop, but, “I got a phone call. Brett Ratner and Chris Tucker call me from New York. They’re crazy. We were $70 million in the first weekend. For me, I don’t know how to count.” But he adds to cheers: “We’re talking about ‘Rush Hour 4’ right now.”

Prediction: What To Expect In 2023 On Star Life?

During the year, various sources shared posters to Star Life's upcoming show Laxmi and just like Family Secrets on S3, they mistook the show for the one produced by the SABC. So we composed a demo of what's to come on the channel.

As advised during the time, we had a list of content coming to the channel in the near future and unlike most of the upcoming attractions there wasn't a lot of downsizing involved to compile the list but readers shouldn't be worried as more content will be announced in due course.

Here it is a list of shows that are said to launch on Star Life in the coming year part of which come from previous years and others awaiting release:

Laxmi (Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki) - 26 December
Lakshmi, a middle-class young girl aims at earning money as her mom died of pneumonia and they failed to afford her treatment. Aged 9, she has a crush on and wishes to marry Arjun Agnihotri but he moves to London for 10 years to complete his studies.

New Beginnings (Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali)
The story revolves around a hardworking widowed woman named Pallavi who loves her law family very much and sacrifices everything to fulfill all their needs.

Everyday Novelas:
Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?
Carmen And Razia Sultan coming soon to Zee One and Zee World
Laxmi and more content awaiting launch on Star Life
Daai Crazy Somer coming soon to e.tv

Pandya Store
The Pandyas are a middle-class family residing in Somnath. Their daily life is dependent on their beloved store and only source to income, Pandya Store. Dhara is married to Gautam, the eldest brother of the Pandya family. Her young brothers-in-law consider her like their mother. After facing several tribulations, Dhara is finally accepted by her mother-in-law.

Stand By Me, My Beloved (Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 2)
The Modi family is seen to be heading their way to Surat, to visit Kokila Modi's long lost brother Praful Desai and his family. Gehna works there at the Desai house as a househelper. Gopi learns that her first husband Ahem, who died 5 years ago, was actually alive as Gehna saved him. The Modis retrieve and unite with Ahem, and head back to Rajkot.

Family Ties (Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai)
Akshara and Naitik, both from large Marwari joint families based in Udaipur get married. Initially, they struggle to know each other but slowly begin to understand, support and love each other. Soon, their son, Naksh is born. Naitik falls into a coma due to an accident.

Night Of Resurrection (Qayamat Ki Raat)
In the year 1993, a newly wed couple, Mahender and Suhasini were on their way to seek the blessings of the Lord in a temple situated in a small village, Ramnamgarh. Little were they aware that the temple was now the hub of black magic performed by the evil sorcerer, Kalasur, who had tamed the evil forces to become the most powerful man on earth.

The Story Of Suhani (Suhani Si Ek Ladki)
While he thinks that Soumya loves him, for the rest of the world, it appears as if, he loves Suhani. On his engagement day, he is in for a rude shock, When Suhani  walks down the asile. He tries to clarify the misunderstanding, but fails and is engaged to Suhani against his wishes.

DStv Flex:
What to expect this January on Curiosity Channel?
What to expect this January on The Home Channel?
Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
What to expect this January on Qwest TV?
Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
What to expect this January on TNT?

Banni Show, Home Delivery
Banni, a feisty young girl, with a heart of gold, stands up against the brutalities committed on a tender hearted, but mentally challenged Yuvaan by his own family. But when her family stabs her in the back, she realizes that selflessness is always misinterpreted as weak and trampled upon, so she does the unthinkable. She marries Yuvaan and becomes his shield for life.

Beloved (Channa Mereya)
Aditya and Ginni were so tightly wound around each other that their tense energies led to a dramatic turn of events and they wound up with each other for life. Acknowledging the fact that they were definitely not meant to be with each other, they decide to unwind their relationship. And in the process, fall hopelessly in love.

Sister Sister (Ji Ji Maa)
Uttara-Falguni is a star in lunar mansion as per Hindu astrology.While Falguni is the epitome of the good aspects of the star, Uttara is her stark opposite.

Happily Never After (Saubhagyavati Bhava)
With great hopes of a happy and fulfilled life, Jhanvi marries Viraj. But her hopes and dreams turn into nightmares, when it is revealed that Viraj had obsessive, compulsive disorder.

Soulmate (Saraswatichandra)
A man living in Dubai his life suddenly changes when it's decided that he should get married to his fathers childhood best friends daughter Kumud living in India. But at first Saraswatichandra sends a letter and says he can't get married.

Openview Plus:
- uMbali season 2 coming soon to eVOD
Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
The Game Of My Destiny a brand new Turkish drama unveiled by Global Agency
Soete Wraak coming soon to eExtra
A look at former NBC soap, Passions
Die Vertroueling coming soon to eExtra

This Is Love (Ye Hai Mohabbatein)
Follows the story of Raman and Ishita who are connected by their common love for Raman's little daughter Ruhi. Ishita is a Tamilian whereas Raman is a Punjabi.

The Accidental Mayor (Nimki Mukhiya)
Set in a small village in Bihar, the show deals with the life of Nimki, a carefree, materialistic girl who accidentally becomes the Mukhiya (chief) of the village. Nimki is mad about cinema, a dreamer and unaware of the darkness of the world.

Bold & Beautiful (Divya and Drishti)
Tells the story of two sisters Divya and Drishti who have divine powers of seeing and manipulating the future. But, they get separated by an evil witch, Pishachini. However, they vow to be reunited and destroy the witch.

Conspiracy Theory: The Introduction To Nick Jr. Global

Nick Jr. is an international preschool brand basically a division set by Paramount for audiences below Nickelodeon's demographic which serves to inspire, educate and offer safe content for kids and families alike.

I don't watch Nick Jr. probably because I'm no longer their target audience or my brain capacity has evolved to such a point where you can spot the PBS and FOX.

Anyways the shows I'm sure viewers would be familiar with include Dora The Explorer, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Corn & Peg, Santiago Of The Seas, Shimmer And Shine, Nella The Princess Knight and Blaze And The Monster Machines.

As seen in the past years, cable has seen a decline internationally with MultiChoice bleeding in not only Premium but Compact consumers as well following the continuous hikes in their subscription and cutback in premium channels.

Insidus Games:
- Johnny Bravo: Big Babe Adventure
Lego Star Wars
Trace On
The Lion King
Garfield 2: Royal Adventure
Legend Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

As seen with The Walt Disney Company, they have been shuttering several National Geographic, FOX and Disney Channels globally with plans to close 100 of them underway questions amount to when or if other players like Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount will follow.

Although there hasn't been much cord cutting on Paramount's side or at least like The House Of Mouse - a plaque. There has been a couple of hints which point to the demise of their offering and in this case, Nick Jr.

Despite the bloodbath of cable consumers, preschool content seems to be managing alright in this era where consumers instead of opting to Twitter or Instagram are more comfortable writing messages and watching news on the telly

Paramount is currently expanding their streaming service to more markets and fact is they're investing in more content from this platform most of these funds which went to the likes of Comedy Central and Nickelodeon are now joint with Paramount+.

As far as linear goes, Paramount has made several adjustments kind of like how MTV and several Nicktoons have been globalised even Nick Jr. seems to have adapted to the two brands. This may seem normal to some audiences but here are the setbacks.

Nick Jr. having to share a feed with several regions especially those with censorship means viewers will miss out on a content and continuing on there less money will be thrown into the fire. In this case, Nick Jr. as not much new content will be added as seen in previous years.

Regular Nick:
- CBeebies picks up second season to Tish And Tash
Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
January on Disney Channel
January on Da Vinci Kids

At the moment, Nick Jr. still remains as a go-to-destination for preschoolers but the moment it's started learning from its sister channel Nicktoons that's when you can actually countdown the days of its demise.

I mean hardly anyone views Nicktoons in the same manner as Nickelodeon if anything the brand is more relevant for nostalgia which might as well be the future for Nick Jr. as more consumers abandon their TV sets.

Roundups #123: DreamWorks To Rollout New Local Production Inspiration Station, The Kelly Clarkson Show To Make It's Free-To-Air Debut On SABC 3 And Till Jail Do Us Apart Still Not Accessible In The African Market

DreamWorks investing in its first local production for the market

INSPIRATION STATION
Bringing local youth talent to the screen​.
Opportunity for children to connect more deeply with DreamWorks on DSTV​.

Aimed at kids ages six to 12, the series (six x 22 minutes) is hosted by two boys, Tanaka and Aaron, who discuss topical issues with other children from Johannesburg and Cape Town. The hosts will also explore the stories behind award-winning DreamWorks Animation series and films. Inspiration Station Africa will premiere from 13 January 2023, with a new episode airing weekly on the Universal+ SVOD in Latin America and on the DreamWorks channel available via African broadcaster DStv.

Broadcast: Friday 13th of January 2023 to Sunday 19th of February
Times: Fridays at 5.05pm, Saturdays at 8.35am, 4.35pm, Sunday at 9.05am, 7.35pm

Regular Nick:
- CBeebies picks up second season to Tish And Tash
Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
January on Disney Channel
January on Da Vinci Kids

Kelly Clarkson is coming to S3

A few years ago, the public broadcaster cancelled The Real Talk With Anele since then S3 has been funneling the schedule with rebroadcasts. As seen in their showcase, the SABC transitioned to video entertainment and is looking to reinventing their offering.

As such the team acquired the talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show where the singer brings her gift of connection to a fun and funny hour each weekday, offering heartwarming stories, live musical performances, games and surprises.

M-Net acquired the show when it broadcast in 2018 and offered an open window to other consumers but didn't bother to give consumers a chance to view the Emmy Award winner now leaving consumers to flee to SABC 3 by January 2023.

DStv Flex:
What to expect this January on Curiosity Channel?
What to expect this January on The Home Channel?
Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
What to expect this January on Qwest TV?
Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
What to expect this January on TNT?

Kate Del Castillo stars in this female led drama

Ángela, Viri, Esme and Sofía hate each other. When their husbands wind up in jail for stealing millions from the biggest drug lord in Miami, the foursome ends up on the street at his mercy. As they adapt to their new lives, the wives must work together to survive.

The show is currently streaming on NBCUniversal's Peacock which still hasn't been made available in South Africa and the rest of Africa but the DStv friendly version of the service Universal+ launched a while back.

As seen with Paramount+ and HBO Max, several content have been made for available for linear viewing and questions amount to how Till Jail Do Us Apart would rollout on a brand like Telemundo or pass down to Universal since it's more short form.

Everyday Novelas:
- Televisa's Fall Into Temptation rolls out in Nigeria
Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?
Laxmi and more content awaiting launch on Star Life
Daai Crazy Somer coming soon to e.tv

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Conspiracy Theory: kykNET Lekker Has Been Made Available To More DStv Customers

Launched earlier in 2020, kykNET Lekker is a general entertainment channel operated by M-Net catered to DStv Access complied the best of kykNET programmes, including soaps, lifestyle shows, children’s entertainment and music shows.

Some notable shows include the soap operas Binnelanders and Suidooster alongside other shows like Jou Show Met Emo, Kry Daai Luf and Kom Ons Karaoke. Just like Mzansi Wethu, a children's block but more updated was added to the lineup of content.

As advised before around the time:

"kykNET Lekker joins other kykNET channels to showcase Afrikaans content on an affordable and accessible package for DStv subscribers. It will become the home of a variety of the best Afrikaans programs from the kykNET vault and will only be available on the DStv Access package," says Karen Meiring, director of kykNET channels.

DStv:
Could Russia Today be removed from the DStv platform?
Qwest TV coming soon to Showmax
fliekNET to make a comeback this festive season
Why DStv Premium customers might lose out on a certain new channel?
eMedia's 4 channels to go dark on the DStv platform
VH1 making a comeback on DStv

Two years later, even more DStv customers can have access to the bulk of repeats I'm aware of Compact, I'm certain Family customers have it not sure about Premium, Compact+ and Easyview. But from what was understood the only reason it wasn't found on these platforms had to do with repeats.

As the festive season kicks in, MultiChoice decides that now would be the perfect occasion to open up kykNET Lekker on top of returning fliekNET to its original state - pop up which kind of begs the question.

Why is kykNET Lekker even available on the necessary packages? Could it have something to do with viewership I mean only a certain hand of consumers would even watch anything similar to 7de Laan I mean ratings was never much of a hassle after all we have Magic Showcase on Easyview but one has to wonder why is it visible.

Is it possible that it could be permanent addition or an experimental open window seeing as brands like Disney Channel and Nickelodeon have open windows on certain packages with the DStv website updated to include these channels but not kykNET Lekker.

Expanding onto the experimental, is it possible that MultiChoice is looking at how consumers would view these low mass channel and if successful might keep it onboard full-time and possibly look into expanding the reach of other low mass channels e.g. BBC UKTV.

DStv Flex:
What to expect this January on Curiosity Channel?
What to expect this January on The Home Channel?
Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
What to expect this January on Qwest TV?
Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
What to expect this January on TNT?

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Roundups #122: CBeebies Picks Up Second Season To Tish And Tash, Soete Wraak Eyeing An Early 2023 Debut On eExtra And AIT Acquired Broadcasting Rights To Televisa's Falling Into Temptations

CBeebies renews this preschool series for another season

London-based distributor CAKE brokered the presale deal for co-producers Studio Gale (South Korea), August Media Holdings (Singapore) and Karrot Entertainment (UK). CBeebies is in for an additional 52 x five minutes of the series, bringing its total episode count up to 104.

Aimed at three-to five-year-olds, Tish Tash revolves around the adventures of a young bear, her imaginary friend and her family as they turn everyday experiences—like boring car rides and cheering up a baby—into fun problem-solving moments.

Tish Tash premiered on South Korean pubcaster EBS in 2020. CAKE picked up worldwide distribution rights in fall 2020 and sold season one to both CBeebies and ABC Australia.

Regular Nick:
Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
- January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
January on Disney Channel
January on Disney Junior
January on Da Vinci Kids

A brand new romcom is making its way to eExtra's Kuiertyd

eVOD is streaming services operated by eMedia Investments which is home to various current and upcoming local alongside international productions. As seen through various, Soete Wraak (Tatlı İntikam) will be making to eExtra by early 2023 possibly to replace Verdeelde Liefde.

Soete Wraak follows the story of two people who were together in college. Sinan has fallen in love with Pelin but he rejected his feelings and insulted her in front of all. They two meet each other again after many years and Pelin asks Sinan for help to change her fate and the situation brings them together. Pelin and Sinan both are in love, but faces many consequences.

Leyla Lydia Tuğutlu and Furkan Andıç take on the leading roles with the assistances of other actors such as İlker Kızmaz, Zeyno Günenç, Kerem Atabeyoğlu, Ayşenil Şamlıoğlu and Ayşenil Şamlıoğlu.

eExtra Updates:
Die Vertroueling coming soon to eExtra
Charlize Theron faces backlash over the Afrikaans language
eExtra alongside the 3 other channels to go dark on the DStv platform
Vierspel Vuurspel getting a Romanian adaptation
kykNET Vs. eExtra: MultiChoice purposed attempt at replacing Kuiertyd

TLNovelas is still lagging behind

TLNovelas launched in the African market by mid 2020 and since then the channel has been far behind with Las Estrellas and TLNovelas in Mexico alongside various African broadcasters in uploading fresh content so Nigerian broadcaster scoops up rights to Falling Into Temptation (Caer En Tentación).

Raquel and Damián are happily married with two children. Destiny leads Damián to meet Carolina and feels an undeniable attraction towards her. Until a fatal accident leads one to disappear on the scene. During the investigation by the police, their spouses learn that their spouses are lovers.

Silvia Navarro stars as Raquel, Carlos Ferro stars as Santiago, José Manuel Rincón stars as Nicholas, Gabriel Soto stars as Damián and Adriana Louvier stars as Adriana Louvier.

Everyday Novelas:
Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?
Carmen And Razia Sultan coming soon to Zee One and Zee World
Laxmi and more content awaiting launch on Star Life
Daai Crazy Somer coming soon to e.tv

Roundups #121: More Amazing World Of Gumball Coming Soon To Cartoon Network, Meet In Love Returning For A Second Season On Zee World And Also Returning For A Second Season Is The eVOD Original Production uMbali

The Amazing World might have been renewed for a season 7???

In September 2021, we learnt that Gumball was getting a movie and a series. Jump to present day and no details about these projects have been revealed. In fact, the movie's fate got worse as it was revealed to not be moving forward on HBO Max unless another streaming service picks it up.

Nothing had been stated about the series but there's now we have confirmation that new content is coming soon and it comes from an employee that works on Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe.

Here's what they say in a post on LinkedIn:

I'm excited and very proud to be series producing The Amazing World Of Gumball for a season 7 for Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. Watch out for job opportunities in 2023.

But it just leads to further questions is this season 7 related to the new series or is it just a continuation of the original series.

Regular Nick:
Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
- January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
January on Disney Channel
January on Disney Junior
January on Da Vinci Kids

Meet In Love 2 coming in 2023 to Zee World

During the month, we've unveiled a demo-sized version of what to expect on Zee World in the coming future and as advised we'd share more content soon with others only when the channel is willing to announce them beforehand. Now we turn to the B-sides of 2023 with Meet In Love 2.

Meet Hooda, a spirited young tomboyish girl from Haryana who is the sole breadwinner of her family but also breaks societal rule books of gender roles by serving as a delivery agent. Her father was a police officer who sacrificed his life while in service, due to which Meet takes up all the responsibilities of her house.

In the upcoming season which hails one year later Meet (now Manjari Desai) hails from Vadodara to find her baby. She is all set to take seek revenge from Manushi, Kunal and Masoom for taking away her family, husband and child.

Everyday Novelas:
Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?
Carmen And Razia Sultan coming soon to Zee One and Zee World
Laxmi and more content awaiting launch on Star Life
Daai Crazy Somer coming soon to e.tv

uMbali is making a comeback on eVOD

Season 1 of the eVOD local production launched later in the year and appears to be well recieved by the fans of eVOD. Although, no air date had been shared for e.tv ahead of its linear debut is the rollout the second season.

Starring Diana Maseko, Phumzile Kubeka and Sthandile Nkosi.

In the season 2 debut, Mbali's sugar daddy Robert in jail and facing financial ruin, is kicked out of the plush mansion and plunged back into desperate poverty, where she must move back home and live with her mother and conceited sister.

Openview Plus:
Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
The Game Of My Destiny a brand new Turkish drama unveiled by Global Agency
The Rebel Princess coming soon to eExtra
A look at former NBC soap, Passions
Die Vertroueling coming soon to eExtra
Barbie: It Takes Two and Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go! coming soon to eToonz

Insidus Games Presents One Of Childhoods Forgotten Classics Where's Waldo Now?

In Where’s Wally Now?, join the world’s most famous striped traveller as he journeys across time and space. Test your observational skills in a series of classic search-and-find levels that explore the Pyramids up to the Future in a game perfectly adapted to short gaming sessions. In each level, play mini-games with Wally’s friends and foes including Woof and Odlaw, and progress through the game to unlock bonus content and earn achievements. Stripe seekers, now is your chance, travel in time and find Wally!

Download Now