SABC 3 has been going through viewership woes for almost a decade so this isn't surprising to most parties who are following the case. As to whether, The Estate is cancelled not sure but we don't anticipate that it will run longer than Muvhango or 7de Laan.
e.tv has axed most of their local dramas in a similar form to Mzansi Magic with Scandal remaining as their longest running soap on the channel. We assume The Estate will join the alley of Broken Vows and Isipho: The Gift series that will up and leave in a few years.
But considering this is SABC 3, maybe the public broadcaster should consolidate the content on SABC 1 & 2 to help boost the viewership. It's not like the channel is not profitable at the moment.
As for The Estate, if the plan is to keep it alive then the public broadcaster should get their affairs in order - ASAP. Considering that the show will undergo a never ending hiatus some of the crew will likely pursue other projects leaving less of an estate to work with.
The public broadcaster eyes load shedding and analogue for the halt of The Estate. We can only assume that more never ending changes are coming to SABC 3 perhaps they'll turn it into an SABC Encore type channel if not align it with SABC+.
Warner Bros. Discovery had halt original programming for TNT and TBS and have since then used both outlets to promote MAX and Discovery+ as well as licence content from various studios. It wouldn't seem far fetched if SABC 3 went through something similar.
Of course, most of SABC+ is basically another DStv Catch-Up which brings up my first point SABC Encore and just like the streamer they do licence content although not doing well viewership wise I mean premieres like Black Panther couldn't get a million views.
Press release from the affected party about The Estate:
The Estate, which debuted on S3 in 2021 tackling issues relating to land, politics, and the crisis of governance, keeping the viewers intrigued for three seasons regrettably comes to a season wrap.
The television drama series 'The Estate' will take a hiatus at the end of its third season, at the end of July 2023.
In line with the SABC’s content offering strategy of telling compelling and nuanced South African stories, the quality of production and storytelling on The Estate has been appreciated by South Africans audiences and the industry alike, with the show winning various awards including The Royalty Soapie Awards for The Outstanding Supporting Actor, Outstanding Lead Actor, Outstanding Wardrobe and Outstanding Writing Team amongst others.
Key market changes such as the impact of the analogue switch and loadshedding has forced a review on the channel’s strategy.
In addition, The Estate will be put on hold whilst it reviews its offering. This exercise is aimed at enabling the S3 to better compete within the environment.
Produced by Clive Morris Productions, The Estate will be in production until June 2023. S3 extends its gratitude to the producer, cast and crew of The Estate for a world class and award-winning production, and thanks the viewers for their support.
“It has been an immense privilege to work with the SABC in producing The Estate over the last three seasons.
"We are extremely grateful to our national broadcaster for the bravery and courage they have demonstrated in affording us the opportunity to tell authentic, hard hitting, and ground-breaking stories, which reflect the South Africa we live in today.
"Thank you to our incredible crew and cast for their unparalleled talent and commitment and most of all thank you to you the viewers who have walked the journey with us over the last two years.
"We look forward to sharing the next chapter of The Estate with the nation after our production hiatus.” – Khayelihle Dom Gumede, Chief Operating Officer, Clive Morris Productions.
Meanwhile, viewers can continue to enjoy the remaining episodes of season 3 as the storyline reaches a thrilling climax in July 2023.
No comments:
Post a Comment