BBC UKTV Vs. ITV Choice: Another Attempt At Boosting The BBC On DStv

ITV Choice was an international entertainment channel operated by ITV PLC was home to shows such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, The Jonathan Ross Show, Doc Martin, Tipping Point among others.

Two years ago, MultiChoice decided to scrap the channel as it faced an uphill with the Brit channels from BBC Studios and opted to distribute selected content amongst various channels as part of their never ending streamlining attempts which led to a bloodbath of DStv customers.

Sure audiences get to see Tipping Point on BBC Brit and Coronation Street on M-Net. But one out of the two aren't even a full-time option while the other funnels their schedule with the same 2-4 shows on a daily basis.

Now comes BBC UKTV, a channel from the forever dominating BBC Studios which seeks to show the advantage they have over DStv with content from BBC Brit and other Brit channels among them include Casualty, Deadly 60, The Great British Bake Off and Yakka Dee.

Taking to account that if this channel happens to be another Mzansi Wethu or Me channel and is accessible to audiences on the premium package perhaps on channel 123. Viewers would be under the impression that the pay-tv reason for removing ITV had to with BBC.

Several others would have another reason to avoid BBC Brit although UKTV kind of play second fiddle in terms of rebroadcasts. Adding another channel to increase the amount of Top Gears would just put a dent in their money bin.

Acorn TV Closing Down By The End Of The Year In South Africa, Still No Clue If AMC+ Will Launch In The Market

A few months ago, AMC International unveiled plans to rollout AMC+ in Central Eastern Europe by the coming year with the brand joining the likes of NBCUniversal's Peacock and Warner Bros Discovery's soon to be merged HBO Max and Discovery+ that have yet to launch in the market.

AMC International already supply various channels in the market including CBS Reality and CBS Justice in partnership with Paramount Global which are said to be up for renewal by early 2023 on MultiChoice's DStv alongside JimJam.

Now their AMC+ streaming service kind of like Peacock's effect on the NBCUniversal's channels, there's not much clashing going between them as both are one of the few companies to balance their portfolio as the streamer comes with content from AMC, Sundance Now, IFC and Shudder.

Just recently, Acorn TV announced on all their platforms that they would be inactive by the end of the year which leads me to wonder as to why this may be taking effect. I mean my guess has to do with BritBox offering most of their content.

On the other, could AMC+ have some involvement I mean the little original offering would make a perfect fit for the brand's existing offering.

As of right now, Acorn TV is scheduled to close by the end of the year which joins another streaming service TelkomOne which was acquired and rebranded into SABC+ during the month of November.

MultiChoice: "Why Premium Customers Might Lose Out On A Certain New Channel?"

Earlier in the month, Insidus was able to confirm the addition of BBC UKTV to the DStv platform. eMedia Investments alongside BBC Studios were scheduled to launch the channel last month but just like MultiChoice we're all awaiting a release date.

BBC UKTV is regarded as a free-to-air channel offering reality shows, drama series, wildlife and kids shows or in other terms leveraging content from existing brands such as CBeebies, BBC Brit, BBC Earth and BBC Lifestyle from DStv and BBC Kids on MTN.

Some of the programming announced for the channel include Live At The Apollo and Top Gear from BBC Brit, Yakka Dee and Andy's Wild Adventures from CBeebies and My World Kitchen and The Great British Bake Off from BBC Lifestyle.

Later this month, MultiChoice launched two channels Magic Showcase and CineMagic and some viewers may not have noticed these channels as the pay-tv brand had been trying to keep it on the down low by making them accessible to only their Easyview customers.

But if you take your TV remote and press the option button and turn My DStv Channels into All DStv Channels you'd see the load of repeats so who could blame them for the lack of publicity.

As it is, BBC UKTV is seen in the same manner by media outlets as all the mentioned shows have a dedicated channel on the Premium package. All but BBC Kids which is confined to a mobile network and I doubt they'd give them that channel solely for that reason.

As much as it would make sense to phase out BBC Brit with this channel, BBC UKTV has a lot of catching up to do. If I had to turn to availability here are the benefits of the channel:

Compact and Compact+ - BBC Earth
Family - BBC Brit and BBC Earth
Access - BBC Brit, BBC Earth, BBC Lifestyle
Easyview - Everything

Conspiracy Theory: BBC Brit To Be Replaced With BBC UKTV On The DStv Platform, Will Be Made Available To Openview Customers

Last month, eMedia Investments and BBC Studios were meant to launch BBC UKTV on the Openview platform but was postponed as they finalise various details with some speculating that MultiChoice may have a hand in the matter.

I mean MultiChoice already supplies various linear channels from BBC Studios including BBC Brit, BBC Lifestyle, BBC Earth, BBC World News and CBeebies and now there's reports that BBC UKTV will also be added onto the pay-tv platform.

BBC UKTV will be basically lending their lineup from the bulk of DStv channels joining another channel BBC Brit which too has seen itself borrow content from the current offering.

For several years, the channel has been going through an identity crisis as BBC Studios had tried finding ways to reinvent the channel and make it look more redeemable as if Strictly Come Dancing could distract anyone from Top Gear repeats.

The only reason anyone has to keep wasting their time on there has to do with the bulk of BBC First as MultiChoice thought it would be awesome to keep BBC Brit instead of shelving it and perhaps move shows like The Graham Norton Show and The Weakest Link to BBC First.

Other content such as Top Gear would fit well on BBC Lifestyle. But look where we are are now we're stuck with a channel that is glued to 3 shows and honestly I feel BBC UKTV will be 100 times better.

The channel hasn't even launched yet but the more you hear about it the more interesting it gets. As mentioned, it combines the concepts seen in the BBC channels on the DStv platform with BBC Brit inheriting about 10% of Earth and Lifestyle.

MultiChoice has been keeping the finer details about the channel under wraps but questions amount to what capacity the channel will be distributed to various consumers.

My guess is that BBC UKTV will likely be added as a replacement to BBC Brit I mean look at the brand names Brit and UK aren't they one and the same and the other is the love both of them share for repeats.

My Family is currently on season 10 and this new channel will air it from season 1 and BBC Entertainment had aired several seasons to some shows that BBC Brit opted to air from scratch.

Remember what eMedia and BBC said in regards to the delay they were finalising details what if those details concerned BBC Brit on DStv. What if UKTV was opting to air content from 2016 and with the axing of Brit wanted to align some with the timeframe of the DStv channel.

What To Expect On DStv And Openview's Newest Addition To The Platform, BBC UKTV?

Last month, eMedia Investments and BBC Studios were expected to launch BBC UKTV to the Openview platform none of which came to pass as they were finalising some details with the channel's launch date in very much of a limbo.

Thanks to our sources, we got confirmation that MultiChoice will also be adding BBC UKTV to the DStv platform but don't reveal at what capacity. As it is they've been shying away repeats from certain packages with the channel holding more value for those between the Family to Easyview bouquet.

Although we do have channels like Real Time and Me available on the Premium bouquet so I can see it go either way at this point. The only thing I'm more curious about is which channel is being discontinued as most new channels usually come when one door closes or is on the stage of closure.

My guess the WWE Channel as SuperSport doesn't give credit were due, Spice TV as that channel is hanging on eggshells or Travel Channel as it remains the last talked about channel on the planet.

As for the shows, BBC UKTV is said to air the following:

• Yakka Dee
• Africa With Adepitan
• Amazing Hotels
• Andy's Aquatic Adventures
• Andy's Safari Adventures
• Casualty
• Chronicles Of Nadiya
• Deadly 60
• Doctors
• Dog Loves Books
• Father Brown
• George Clarke's Old House
• Live At The Apollo
• Million Dollar Car Hunters

Mentioned in previous press release

• The Great British Bake Off
• Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook
• Mary Berry Cooks
• Top Gear
• Wild Africa
• Go Getters
• My World Kitchen
• My Pet & Me

Openview Postpones The Launch Of BBC UKTV

Openview planned to launch the BBC UKTV channel on its platform on Tuesday, 18 October 2022. However, over a week later, the channel still isn’t available.

The eMedia-owned broadcaster said the much-anticipated launch had to be postponed saying that it still has to finalise details for the channel.

“We confirm that we planned to launch the BBC UKTV channel on Openview on 18 October,” Openview told sources.

“We are disappointed to announce that the much-anticipated launch had to be postponed. We are working on finalising details for the channel.”

Openview said it cannot provide a launch date for the channel on its platform for now.

On 29 September 2022, Openview and BBC Studios announced its partnership with the free-to-view satellite TV provider that would see the launch of BBC UKTV on channel 114.

It said the new channel would provide a range of programming, including natural history series, soaps, and children’s shows.

“From British soaps, fascinating documentaries and children’s shows, BBC UKTV has been carefully crafted to match the viewing habits of the whole family,” BBC Studios commercial director for Africa, Pierre Cloete, said.

It also promises to broadcast various cooking and motoring shows, such as The Great British Bake Off, Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook, Mary Berry Cooks, Top Gear, and Million Dollar Car Hunters.

BBC UKTV’s soap content will include Casualty, which will air every Thursday at 18:20, and Doctors will broadcast on weekdays at 19:00.

It will also air the long-running sitcom, My Family at 06:00 and 19:30 daily.

The channel’s natural history shows include Wild Africa, Africa with Ade Adepitan, and a selection of Sir David Attenborough’s docuseries.

It will also broadcast various children’s programming between 06:00 and 09:00 every morning.

Openview group executive for programming Marlon Davids said the move would help the broadcaster appeal to a wider audience.

“Openview is a growing platform and constantly adding new channels and genres to appeal to a broad audience,” Davids stated.

“We are pleased and excited to give our audiences even more choice, and more of the best in world-class entertainment with the addition of BBC UKTV.”

Further Seasons Of Doctor Who To Stream Exclusively On Disney+ By Late 2023

Under the landmark deal Disney+ will exclusively stream all upcoming seasons of the show outside of the U.K. and Ireland, where they will remain with the BBC. The announcement, which had been rumored for months, was made by incoming Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan, with the first episodes from the new partnership expected in November 2023 to coincide with its 60th anniversary.

“I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds – with the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK,” said Russell T. Davies, the returning showrunner who succeeded Chris Chibnall.

“For Doctor Who to have the backing of two of the most innovative and respected media organizations in the world is a testament to the unique drive and vision at the heart of this show,” said Jane Tranter & Julie Gardner, executive producers and co-founders at Bad Wolf, who are co-producing with the BBC. “Bad Wolf are beyond delighted to be once again working with the genius that is Russell T Davies and, with the exciting new partnership between the BBC and Disney, we can together reach to even greater heights, producing from Wolf Studios Wales ambitious stories through time and space for audiences across the globe.”

Added Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+: “We’re excited by the opportunity to bring new seasons of this beloved franchise exclusively to Disney+ and introduce the show to the next generation of audiencesin more than 150 markets around the world. The series is a perfect addition to our ever-growing catalog of global content that continues to make Disney+ the home for exceptional storytelling.”

Although Gatwa official run as the 15th Doctor will kick of in late 2023, before then David Tennant will return to the TARDIS for three specials.

“We’re delighted to join forces with a partner who shares our vision and ambition for one of the most iconic shows in British TV history,” said Rebecca Glashow, CEO, Global Distribution, BBC Studios. “This is great news for everyone who loves Doctor Who, and for all the new fans we will reach through this powerful partnership.”

BBC Brit Vs. BBC UKTV: Recommendations And Major Improvements

Last month, BBC Studios and eMedia Investments unveiled a new free-to-air channel BBC UKTV which comes out of an existing brand which was later adapted to South Africa in order for more consumers to have access to the bouquet of content currently seen on DStv.

BBC UKTV is set to be a mashup of most other channels carried exclusively on DStv as it features reality shows like Top Gear and The Great British Cook Off, drama series like Doctor and Casualty and even a dedicated kids block so what's not to love about the channel.

While others may view it's seperate counterparts as repetitive but this one on the other hand comes with limitations as it means viewers would have to wait a while longer to view certain content. Of course, if there's one thing I guarantee makes it a winner is the quantity on the channel.

BBC UKTV had me thinking about the current linear offering on the DStv platform. As it is BBC Lifestyle, BBC Earth, CBeebies and BBC World News have been met with a lot of praise from families and kids alike but if there's one thing a lot of consumers would have mixed feelings for its BBC Brit.

BBC Brit has been active since 2015 following the termination of BBC Entertainment and offered several shows like The Graham Norton Show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Wipeout and Top Gear. Following the termination of BBC First, it's the exclusive home to dramas such as EastEnders and Downtown Abbey.

Point being made, BBC Brit was viewed more as a waste to DStv customers before inheriting the BBC First offering and even after welcoming that content viewer's interpretation of the channel hasn't seen much improvement and I mean the reasons are very much justified.

We all know certain channels have that mascot that takes most of the spotlight with BBC Brit it has to be Wipeout and Top Gear and I know these are popular franchises but is it really the version that got anyone excited.

And on to the drama slate, BBC First was able to offer at least 6 hours of entertainment with BBC Brit it's a mere two hours with 1 show getting more of the attention but anyone whose viewing the channel isn't a fan on how the channel chooses to rollout most of their content which is where I'm involving BBC UKTV.

Honestly, I feel it's high time that BBC Studios looks into perhaps merging or making BBC Brit adapt a similar form as it is not a lot of BBC Lifestyle and Earth is available on the channel just selected content unlike the one viewers will be getting from BBC UKTV.

New Channel Alert: BBC Studios To Launch Freemium Channel On The Openview Platform

BBC Studios and South Africa’s Openview have announced the launch of a multi-genre free to view channel, BBC UKTV (channel 114).

Entertaining shows
The BBC’s first free-to-view channel in South Africa will launch on its 100th birthday, Tuesday 18 October 2022 and offer a variety of entertainment, natural history series, soaps and children’s shows from BBC Studios’ catalogue. Scheduled to match the viewing habits of families in South Africa, BBC UKTV will offer a variety of entertainment across all genres:

Entertainment shows can be enjoyed on the channel every day ranging from the award-winning baking competition, The Great British Bake Off (Season 8) and cooking shows Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook and Mary Berry Cooks to thrilling motoring shows such as Million Dollar Car Hunters on Thursdays at 20:55 and classic Top Gear (Season 19) which will air weekdays at 20:00.

British hospital-based soap Casualty (season 36) will debut in South Africa every Thursday at 18:20 and Doctors (season 22) will premiere weekdays at 19:00.

Plus, the long-running sitcom My Family (Season 1) joins the channel launch line-up which follows the trials and tribulations of a British family, starring American-British actress Zoë Wanamaker CBE (Harry Potter) and British actor Kris Marshall (Death In Paradise; Sanditon; Love Actually), airing at 06:00 and 19:30 every day.

Viewers will be able to experience the BBC’s natural history collection every day at 09:00 and weekdays from 15:35 – from BBC Studios Natural History Unit’s nature documentary Wild Africa weekdays at 15:35 to unique local travelogue exploring Africa, Africa with Ade Adepitan, Tuesdays at 21:00. Plus a selection of Sir David Attenborough’s docuseries; Big Bird, Giant Dinosaur, Giant Egg, Fabulous Frogs and Natural Curiosities join the channel later this year.

The channel will also provide entertainment for children under twelve between 06:00 and 09:00 every morning including the first seasons of action-packed geographical adventure, Go Jetters, Children’s cookery show, My World Kitchen, wildlife show, Andy’s Safari Adventures and My Pet & Me which helps children appreciate what it really means to have a pet.

Proud partnership
Arran Tindall, senior vice president, EMEA Key Markets, BBC Studios said “We are proud to partner with Openview to launch our first ever free-to-view channel in South Africa. The launch will enable us to reach wider audiences utilising the richness of the BBC’s catalogue across multiple genres. I can’t wait for new families in South Africa to experience the very best of British content and discover their new favourite shows.”

Pierre Cloete, Commercial Director Africa BBC Studios, said, “I am so excited for even more families in South Africa to access BBC Studios’ incredible catalogue of Bold, British shows. From British soaps, fascinating documentaries and children’s shows, BBC UKTV has been carefully crafted to match the viewing habits of the whole family, providing all age groups entertainment at every moment of the day.”

“Openview is a growing platform and constantly adding new channels and genres to appeal to a broad audience. Earlier this year we added eXposed (a raw, unfiltered lifestyle and entertainment channel aimed at Gen Z), ePlesier (showcasing the most loved Turkish Telenovelas dubbed in Afrikaans), and The Home Channel+ (Homemakers and Gardeners delight). We are pleased and excited to give our audiences even more choice, and more of the best in world-class entertainment with the addition of BBC UKTV” says Marlon Davids, group executive for programming.

The launch of BBC UKTV joins BBC Studios’ existing channel offering in the market including BBC Earth, BBC Brit, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies and BBC World News on DStv and BBC Kids which is available to MTN customers on the Play Store.

Could BBC Kids Likely Be Bundled Under MultiChoice's DStv Explora Ultra And If Possible eMedia Investments' eVOD Streaming Service?

BBC Kids is an international kids channel owned by BBC Studios that supplies content to children aged 6-11. Just like it's British counterpart, it also comes in the form of a linear channel which is very much accessible in Australia and offers content from its preschool counterpart CBeebies.

During the year, BBC Studios unveiled plans to make CBBC a digital brand of course it hasn't been stated whether this will have an effect on the linear counterpart in Australia but as seen in various territories such as United States and South Africa they're very much viewable digitally.

This past week, MTN unveiled BBC Kids a mobile app carrying 100 hours of content featuring shows such as JoJo & Gran Gran (44 x 11 minutes) and Studio AKA’s Hey Duggee (142 x seven minutes), as well as older skewing shows such as 2D-animated comedy The Bagel and Becky Show and live-action sketch comedy Horrible Histories.

Of course, BBC Kids isn't available to the likes of MultiChoice's DStv Explora Ultra, or eMedia Investments' eVOD streaming service and might not be added to these platforms for the foreseeable future.

MTN already formed a partnership with eMedia Investments' eVOD streaming service when it rolled out within the market while as MultiChoice supplies a hand of channels from BBC Studios including BBC Brit, BBC Lifestyle, BBC World News, BBC Earth and CBeebies.

But as the deal stipulates BBC Kids can only be viewed on Switch Media through MTN but that could change at any given moment. Although, they have digital brands to BBC Kids that doesn't include the linear version of course chances of that seem highly unlikely with the pricing of the brand.

 

BBC Kids Is Currently Available In The United States With WildEarth Planning More International Expansions

BBC Kids is available in the United States

BBC Studios launched two ad-supported kids streaming platforms via Pluto TV in the US which saw the first-ever, child-focused ad-supported channels—BBC Kids and Spanish-language Ninos por BBC—stream more than 450 hours on Pluto TV.

Titles available include, Sarah & Duck, Andy’s Prehistoric Adventures, Andy’s Wild Adventures, Dinopaws, and Mr. Bloom’s Nursery.

Pluto TV has been stocking up on new content since its parent company ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) acquired a majority stake in Fox TeleColombia and Estudios TeleMéxico to grow the company’s Spanish-language content. VCNI has also been building Pluto’s distribution reach, teaming up and Nordic Entertainment Group to launch the platform across Sweden, Denmark and Norway this year.

Also read:
- Could Moonbug Kids replace Disney Junior on DStv and Baby TV on StarSat?
- Baby TV could be on the chopping block
- The last FOX Life available in the United States closes down in March
- National Geographic ending in the UK and several other markets
- Why VH1 Classic was terminated on DStv?
- tvN pushing to become a permanent linear channel in Africa
- As Africa await for their Disney Channels to close in 2024 Latin America starts with Star Life, National Geographic Wild, Disney XD and FX Movies
- Possible terminations and additions on DStv

WildEarth reaches new heights

WildEarth has been available in North America through XUMO from mid 2021 with key international territories rolling out in the future. The WildEarth channel will feature a variety of interactive, ‘front seat’ experiences from dozens of game reserves and parks, including a live safari from the comfort of the viewer’s living room, and more.

“WildEarth is all about sharing nature with everyone so we can all see why we must conserve our beautiful home. This partnership with a leading FAST operator in XUMO is a major step in achieving this as more people are relying on connected TVs and popular streaming devices as their primary sources of entertainment,” commented Graham Wallington, CEO and Co-Founder of WildEarth.

“WildEarth delivers compelling content that captures the beauty and appeal of nature in uniquely immersive ways,” noted Stefan Van Engen, SVP of programming and partnerships at XUMO. “XUMO audiences around the world will enjoy a variety of live and enthralling nature experiences as if they were actually there.”

Also read: 
- StarTimes added W-Sport to their app
- Cartoonito launches on Boomerang across Europe possibly as a trial run before scrapping the channel
- MultiChoice might launch an eLearning channel
- Lifetime could be on the chopping block on DStv
- Xtreme Football League founded by WWE's Vince McMahon returns in 2023, could SuperSport get it?
- A Pan-African tourism channel is currently available in Europe
- WWE Network might be getting discontinued globally
- TelkomOne reportedly adds two channels: Toonami and Boing
- Zee World becoming a Sony Channel could lead to a name change
- Discovery World revived for 6 seconds on DStv

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BritBox Launches In South Africa While Peacock TV Rolls Out Globally Likely Through Paramount+ In Some Territories

NEW BRITISH STREAMING SERVICE LAUNCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA

The British video streaming service BritBox, jointly run by ITV and the BBC, announced on Tuesday evening during a virtual press event that it will be launching in South Africa on 6 August.

SA is only the 5th global territory - after the US, UK, Canada, and Australia - where it will be available at a price of R99.99 per month, including a 7-day free trial.

BritBox will join South Africa's video streaming wars.where MultiChoice's Showmax, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ are competing with VIU, Vodacom Video Play and TelkomONE. Other international streaming services like HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock and Discovery+ are still to launch locally.

Then there is also Acorn TV, likely BritBox's biggest competitor that is already available in South Africa, also offering a 7-day free trial and costing R79 per month for access to its revolving catalogue of British TV content.

Britbox in South Africa will be accessible online, as well as on all mobile and tablet devices, while Apple TV set-top boxes, Samsung and LG smart TV sets are also included.

Reemah Sakaan, BritBox International CEO, at the virtual media launch on Tuesday evening, said that when BritBox launches in South Africa on 6 August, it will have "record-levels" of exclusive content.

ITV Choice and BBC First from were recently terminated on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service and saw the loss of a large chunk of British TV content.

"We chose South Africa as our next priority region because we know there's a massive loyal fanbase for British television and it's growing," she says.

"BritBox is perfectly placed to respond to the new shifting patterns of behaviours of the way people want to watch. We see new audiences discovering gems from the past to love and generational audiences finding hot new premieres to sink their teeth into - and that's the beauty of streaming."

"In the past few years, British content has moved firmly into streaming centre-stage while also maintaining its high-quality benchmark in character-driven storytelling. That's why we seized the opportunity to tap into that appetite and created BritBox."

What to expect?
Britbox series will include stars ranging from Idris Alba, Helen Mirren, Judi Densch, Martin Clunes and Dominic West. Some of the shows at the launch of BritBox will include Absolutely Fabulous, Blackadder, Broadchurch, Fawlty Towers, Inspector Morse, Line of Duty, Luther, Manhunt, Mr Bean, Unforgotten, Professor T, The Midwife, The Office, Wedding of the Century, Vera, as well as Victoria.

"In a sea of other streamers Britbox does exactly what it says on the tin. We pride ourselves in giving subscribers a highly curated and distinctive offering versus others. It's the largest selection of British box sets all in one place for all to discover, rediscover and to binge and enjoy."

"Due to the recent closure of some linear TV channels, BritBox in South Africa will have record-levels of exclusivity," Reemah said during the launch live from New York City.

"Premieres will regularly arrive within hours of their UK transmission, she said "making us the fastest from UK screen to BritBox stream.”

"Our research tells us that South African audiences have a really broad variety of tastes. We know for instance that they love British comedies, are passionate about crime series, and mad about period drama, and who doesn't love a classic Agatha Christie mystery?

"They're also adventurous and keen to try something new and edgy. So it's all of that finding a sweet spot for South African audiences as we hand-select
programmes."

Exec Neale Dennett, BritBox new markets launch director, said that BritBox South Africa will be bringing consumers several latest seasons of ongoing British series.

Customers who sign up for BritBox for a 1-year subscription will get two months added on for free.

-------------------------------------------

PEACOCK AND PARAMOUNT+ BOSSES IN TALKS FOR STREAMING TOGETHER

The heads of both Comcast and ViacomCBS have been meeting in recent weeks to discuss a possible streaming partnership, at least internationally, according to persons familiar with the situation.

According to the Wall Street Journal, at a New York meeting around the end of June, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and ViacomCBS Chair Shari Redstone, along with ViacomCBS CEO Robert Bakish, discussed a variety of possible partnership opportunities that would allow the two companies to enter markets outside the United States together.

The talks have come, according to the WDJ, as both Comcast and ViacomCBS are preparing to broaden their international streaming footprints.

In May, ViacomCBS said that Paramount+, which is set to launch next month in Australia, would be available in 45 markets by 2022.

According to Roberts, Comcast is looking at crafting partnerships with local programmers and distributors in overseas markets in an effort to expand Peacock, the service launched by its NBCUniversal division in the United States.

Comcast’s Sky unit in Europe also has a streaming division of its own.

Peacock is a subscription video streaming service from NBCUniversal that gives access to up to 15,000 hours of content including original shows, blockbuster movies, and classic television series.

While some Wall Street analysts said that ViacomCBS and Comcast have been potential merger candidates at some point, according to the Journal, Roberts has been eyeing potential acquisition targets for Comcast — including ViacomCBS. The Journal said that Roberts has told people that he does not feel the need to seek a merger.

The WSJ says both Comcast and ViacomCBS were relative latecomers to the streaming game in relation to their competitors and are trying to make up for lost ground both in the United States and internationally.

Peacock has built up a significant audience for ad-supported programming, but continues to grow its subscription business subtantially, according to sources close to the company. In late April, Comcast said Peacock had 42 million sign-ups.

According to the Journal, less than 10 million people had paid for the service as of late May.

Paramount+ is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 12,000+ TV show episodes including originals Star Trek: Discovery, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, and MTV’s Laguna Beach. Meet captivating characters, catch up on your favorite sport, explore new worlds in the growing collection of Paramount+.

The premium version of Peacock is free for Comcast pay-TV and broadband subscribers and is also available to Cox Cable subscribers.

A potential international partnership with ViacomCBS could involve both Peacock and Sky, according to the WSJ report.

ViacomCBS said in May the company has 35.9 to its subscripion-based streaming services — Paramount+, Showtime , and [BET+]. Its ad-supported Pluto TV streaming service has 49.5 million active users monthly with a total streaming revenue that reached $816 million (R11.8 billion) in the third quarter, according to the Journal.

The Journal said that before ViacomCBS launched Paramount+ earlier this year, Comcast proposed the idea of the two companies joining forces on streaming. ViacomCBS was not interested at the time.

Read Also:
- TNT Africa might rebrand into Warner TV Africa
- Discovery and WarnerMedia could launch a joint streaming service
- Is a new kids brand on the way through Warner Bros. Discovery?
- tvN working to become a permanent brand in Africa
- Disney Channel and Disney+ greenlit several African animations
- Boomerang might be discontinued
- Will Star Life and StarPlus rebrand into Utsav?
- FOX might be rebranding soon
- Africa might be losing more Disney Channels

The Scrapped Canadian Children's Brand BBC Kids Rolls Out In Australia, Will DStv Or Starsat Perhaps Get It?

BBC Kids is the international counterpart of the UK's CBBC channel owned by BBC Studios that launched in Canada as a partnership with Knowledge Network from 2001 until 2019.

BBC Kids is a sister channel of BBC Brit, BBC Earth, BBC Lifestyle and the preschool counterpart, CBeebies. The difference with this brand is BBC Studios is calling the shots.

The brand was revived 2 years later on Australia's Fetch TV as a placeholder for Cartoon Network and Boomerang in that platform only.

BBC Kids offers programming for 6 to 10-year-olds and broadcasts comedy, documentaries, drama, entertainment and nature shows such as The Sarah Jane Adventures, Jamie Johnson, Deadly 60 On A Mission and Project Parent. Shows which aren't viewable anywhere in Africa.

Telemundo and PBS Kids were in the same boat as this brand with their availability being limited to certain regions now they're both available in Africa through MultiChoice's DStv.

If BBC Kids launched in Africa it would compete with other brands such as PBS Kids and Da Vinci Kids while it's preschool counterpart CBeebies is taking on Nick Jr and Disney Junior.

Read Also:
- FOX might be rebranding soon
- Is Discovery Family the next channel to go off air on DStv?
- Moja 9.9. a repeats channel for Moja Love launches on DStv Access
- MultiChoice announce new shows for Nicktoons and Nick Jr
- Global Fashion Channel makes its African debut
- tvN might be permanent on DStv
- June on Cartoon Network and Boomerang (updated)
- DStv might be losing more Disney Channels
- June on Da Vinci Kids
- Upcoming programming for Disney Channel and Disney Junior
- June on Nicktoons and Nick Jr
- Details on SABC's kids brand (not SABC Education)
- Other shows coming soon to eToonz?
- Boomerang might be discontinued

Britbox Video Streamer To Launch In South Africa Later In The Year With Content From ITV And BBC

Another video streaming service will be launching in South Africa in the second half of 2021 with BritBox, the joint 50/50 streaming venture between BBC Studios and ITV, that announced that it will become accessible to South African consumers later this year.

BritBox, an ad-free subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming service will join the quickly getting crowded video streaming market in South Africa where Netflix SA fiercely compete with the likes of MultiChoice's Showmax, VIU, Vodacom Video Play, TelkomONE, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.

Meanwhile the South African public broadcaster is working on launching its own SABC streaming service, while Discovery+, Paramount+, HBO Max and Disney+ are still to launch in the territory and across the rest of Africa as well.

BritBox will serve as somewhat of a replacement for the ITV Choice channel and the BBC First channel that both shuttered on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform during 2020.

BritBox carries on-demand content in the form of British box sets, drama premieres and live events, as well as new and exclusive original commissions.

South Africa will be BritBox's 5th worldwide territory to launch in, following launches in the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

"The launch of BritBox in South Africa is yet another step in the platform’s trajectory towards international expansion. We’re delighted to bring the service to a brand new territory and continue towards establishing BritBox as a premium VOD brand across the world," says Martin Goswami, ITV group strategic partnership and distribution director, in a statement.

Paul Dempsey, president of global distribution at BBC Studios, says "We know that South African audiences have a real connection to British television and we can’t wait to bring them even more great shows, on-demand, that we know they will love".

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BBC Upfront + Other Rumored Developments For DStv

BBC held a virtual upfront today to discuss details relating to the new agreement they had with MultiChoice and also unveil a bunch of programming for their channels. Here's the scoop (part of it mentioned earlier):
- MultiChoice made the decision to remove BBC First (they didn't mention it but it gave it away) and BBC is trying to get viewers hooked onto BBC Brit which will be the new hub for content that was available on First.
- BBC Brit will broadcast the new anthology miniseries, Small Axe this summer in South Africa. The 5-episode Small Axe drama series revolves around stories focused on the experience of black people in Britain, with the cast that includes John Boyega.
- Production of the latest 6th season of Come Dine with Me South Africa produced by Rapid Blue TV on BBC Lifestyle shut down because of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic but will restart soon for the last few episodes of the season that will then be shown.
- BBC Earth will broadcast Perfect Planet, with Sir David Attenborough as the narrator. Two new series filmed in Africa, will be Work On the Wild Side, and Waterhole: Africa's Animal Oasis. Other upcoming series include: Age of Nature and Ades Climate Pioneers.
- CBeebies which was available only on Premium and Compact+ will now be available on DStv Compact, Family and Access presumably around the time Disney XD stops airing on the platform.
- BBC Lifestyle will be available in high definition.

Rumored developments that have nothing to do with BBC:
- More channels are rumored to get pulled off these include regional channels.
- Nickelodeon will be open for a limited time to celebrate the launch of Danger Force.
Packages: Access, Family and Compact
- fliekNET will be available for 3 days in October.
Packages: Compact+
- M-Net Movies 2 will be open from 6:00-18:00
Packages: All packages
- EVA and National Geographic will be opened for a limited time
Packages: Access
- Telemundo will be added onto DStv Easyview from 19 October (with the deduction of new telenovelas it wouldn't shock me if it dropped from three to just two current telenovelas)
- SABC Education will be added soon you just need to wait on SABC to provide those details.
Packages: All packages
- There's been rumours that MultiChoice changed the availability for the 4 remaining channels before you'd need Compact to watch all 5 new channels now that's been adjusted in some markets. There's also been talks of expanding current channels.

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New Details Emerge About MultiChoice Deal With BBC + October Highlights

Following all the cancellations and pop-up channels over the year with MultiChoice. There's new details regarding the deal formed with BBC Studios:

1.The first fact is that BBC First stops airing on DStv and several programs will move onto M-Net and BBC Brit.

2. CBeebies which was available only on Premium and Compact+ will now be available on Compact, Family and Access. This comes at a time where viewers are losing Disney XD.

3. BBC Lifestyle will soon be available in HD

4. The deal involves additional Catch Up rights so more shows will be available on Catch Up, some as seasonal box sets.

No dates have been confirmed for these yet.
This from their statement about it:
The agreement sees the continuation of a number of the BBC’s award-winning British shows, including Strictly Come Dancing, Top Gear, EastEnders, Peaky Blinders and much more.
There’s also fresh content in the form of a brand-new seasons of Our Girl, Come Dine with Me South Africa, The Mallorca Files, Jamie Oliver’s Keep Cooking and Carry On, and The Graham Norton Show.
Viewers who are wildlife and nature enthusiasts can look forward to more landmark titles such as A Perfect Planet and The Waterhole: Africa’s Animal Oasis on BBC Earth.
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OCTOBER 2020 WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

MasterChef series 16 (24 episodes)
Weekdays from Monday 5th October at 18:00 on BBC Lifestyle
More images available on request
One of BBC Lifestyle’s most popular cooking competitions is back with John and Greg ready to see who the next MasterChef will be…

Out of the thousands who applied, 60 hopeful amateur cooks have made it through to compete over five weeks of Heats. This year they will have to cook not only for their place in the competition but also the right to wear a coveted MasterChef apron. With six contestants in each Heat and only four aprons up for grabs, the battle is fierce from the offset.

The contestants get their first chance to win an apron by cooking their Signature Dish – a plate that tells John and Gregg about who they are as a cook and how good they can become. After tasting all six dishes, John and Gregg will pick their two favourites and those cooks will earn themselves not only a MasterChef apron, but also a place in the next round.

Return to the Wild series 2 (6 episodes)
From Monday 5th October at 19.00 on BBC Earth
Adventurer Ben Fogle revisits people who turned their backs on the rat-race to set up home in some of Earth’s most remote locations.

How have things panned out for the former war correspondent who became a grizzly bear guide in the Canadian wilderness? Or the former city fat cat turned jungle Tarzan in the swamplands of Georgia, USA? And what about the man whose tragic accident prompted a move to Australia’s notorious Tornado Alley? Ben finds out what’s changed for these compelling characters as he learns about the challenges they’ve faced since he first spent time with them. Is life in the wild still their ultimate dream?

Pointless series 23 (55 episodes)
Weekdays from Monday 5th October at 19.00 on BBC Brit
The brainy quiz returns for a twenty second series in which contestants try to score as few points as possible by plumbing the depths of their general knowledge to come up with the answers no-one else could think of. Presented by Alexander Armstrong and Co Host Richard Osman.

Eight Go Rallying (4 episodes)
From Wednesday 7th October at 20.00 on BBC Brit
Four celebrity duos are joining a group of intrepid classic car enthusiasts on the Endurance Rally Association’s ‘Road to Saigon’, travelling over 3000 km from Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand through Cambodia and Vietnam. The series follows them over three countries and over 3000 km as they endure crashes and break downs as well as experiencing the sights and sounds of three fascinating countries.

Each pair has been given their own rally-prepped classic car, with no sat nav, no air-conditioning and no in car entertainment. Together, they must take on some of the most challenging roads in the world, spending hours together in stifling 40 degree heat. What will they make of their first taste of endurance rallying? Will their relationships survive this formidable test?

Motoring enthusiast Noel Edmonds and wife make-up artist Liz Edmonds are in a classic MGB GT. Spandau Ballet pop star- turned-actor Martin Kemp and wife, Wham! backing singer Shirlie have a 1972 Mini. Mother-and-daughter team cookery expert Andi Oliver and TV presenting daughter Miquita Oliver have the oldest car - a 1959 Morris Minor, and grime star Tinchy Stryder and Rizzle Kicks rapper Jordan Stephens have been given a sky blue Hillman Imp.

Have they got what it takes to make it all the way to the finish line?

Crusades (3 episodes)
From Friday 9th October at 19:00 on BBC Earth
Bloody and brutal, the Crusades were meant to be the religious wars to end all others. Except they didn’t, and in modern times, their history has been hijacked by politics and religious fervour, with both Muslim and Western worlds misunderstanding the truth. This series sets out to shed new light on these legendary wars, and re-analyse the romanticised, idealised history to find out what really happened eight centuries ago, through detailed archaeology, and fresh scrutiny of ancient sites and long discarded eyewitness testimony.

The School That Tried End Racism (2 episodes)
From Tuesday 13th October at 19:00 on BBC Earth
This gripping documentary series follows a British school which helps its students uncover and eradicate racial biases. The two-part programme explores how these hidden differences can affect us all and as well as what we can do to tackle them. In the first episode, the students are tested for unconscious racial bias, with two best friends receiving surprising results. Elsewhere, the classmates explore white privilege and a white British student is shocked to hear her black classmates’ experiences of racism.

Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby series 3 set 1 (3 episodes)
From Thursday 15th October at 20:00 on BBC Lifestyle
Check into more of the world’s most awe-inspiring hotels as this fun, aspirational hit series returns. These fantastic locations represent the zenith of luxury and the ultimate in customer care.

Fancy a visit to a Macau hotel with one of the world’s largest indoor gardens? Or an opulent palace magically set in an Indian lake? Presenters Giles Coren and Monica Galetti roll up their sleeves and learn how hard the staff work in these incredible locations.

Jamie Oliver Keep Cooking and Carry On (20 episodes)
From Monday 19th October at 20:00 on BBC Lifestyle
In these unprecedented times, Jamie sets out to help, sharing some incredible recipes that make the most of your kitchen staples.  With ingenious ideas on what to do with those panicked pantry purchases and forgotten frozen food, he’ll offer us new ideas on what to cook with the simple ingredients you’ve got to hand and what to swap out if you haven’t.

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BBC First Gets The Boot On DStv

MultiChoice has announced that it will discontinue its BBC First channel on DStv, effective from 1 September.

The company said that this change is part of a “refresh of its British entertainment lineup”, with a selection of the British drama continuing on BBC Brit.

“Customers can continue to enjoy an increased range of British content on DStv’s suite of popular BBC channels as well as on M-Net, Catch Up, and Showmax,” the company said.

British shows that will continue include The Chase S13, Love Island UK S6, Britain’s Got Talent S14, The Bay S1, and The Capture.

“We are putting compelling drama and variety in one place and on one BBC channel and have increased acquisition of British content by adding titles to M-Net,” said MultiChoice Group CEO Yolisa Phahle.

“This will reduce the repeats on M-Net and strengthen our daytime schedule.”

In addition to this channel cut, MultiChoice also announced that M-Net’s first daily drama in more than 10 years – Legacy – would be screened from the end of September.

The new 13-part female-driven M-Net drama Inconceivable also launches in September, MultiChoice said.

“We would like to thank viewers for their support of BBC First over the past five years,” said BBC Studios EMEA executive vice president Nick Percy.

“BBC Brit will continue to offer some drama series as part of its schedule, and we will be looking for new opportunities that will allow us to continue to bring drama fans the full range of quality productions coming out of the UK.”

“We have operated BBC branded channels on the DStv platform for over 20 years and remain committed to bringing our viewers the very best programming from the BBC and leading UK production houses,” Percy said.

MultiChoice said it remains committed to maintaining its long-standing relationship with the BBC and will continue work with the broadcaster to ensure the best British entertainment for its customers.

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August 2020 On BBC Africa | Warrior Woman | We Hunt Together | Agatha Raisin | Flirting Dancing | More

As the UK's leading international television broadcaster, BBC Studios operates a diverse portfolio of channels around the world, bringing the best British factual, entertainment, children's and lifestyle programming this August.

·       Channels are as follows: BBC Brit 119, BBC Lifestyle 174, BBC Earth 184, BBC First 119

W/c 3rd August

Warrior Woman With Lupita Nyong'o

Monday 3rd August at 19:00 on BBC Earth (1 episode)

Lupita Nyong’o is about to discover the Warrior Women’s incredible secrets.

In this immersive and epic TV documentary, with extraordinary and unique access, Oscar®-winning actress, author, and producer Lupita Nyong’o journeys across Benin, West Africa to uncover the remarkable truth behind the women who helped to inspire the Dora Milaje of Marvel’s film Black Panther.

She discovers that an army of African female fighters actually existed in West Africa and are still remembered there as the ‘Agoji’—or as Europeans labelled them, the ‘Amazons’. As she exclusively reveals in a powerful, emotional, and epic road trip, these real-life warrior women, in armies 4,000 strong, fought African and European powers alike from the 17th to the 19th centuries in the Kingdom of Dahomey, centred in the modern-day country of Benin.

Beautifully shot, this is a searing story of both the past and the present.

We Hunt Together – not confirmed yet

From Wednesday 5th August at 20.00 on BBC First (6 episodes)

We Hunt Together is an audacious new drama about what happens when two profoundly damaged people collide and finally speak the unspoken, giving each other permission and reason to act out their most violent compulsions. A brave new take on a classic cat and mouse story, We Hunt Together explores the intoxication of sexual attraction, the dangerous power of emotional manipulation and how finding a volatile form of solace in another can have dire consequences for those who dare to get in the way.

Freddy (Hermione Corfield) is magnetic, highly intelligent, disarmingly charming…and she might just be a psychopath. Baba (Dipo Ola), on the other hand, is vulnerable, compassionate yet damaged former child soldier, whose chance encounter with Freddy turns his world upside down. He’s desperate to suppress his predisposition for extreme violence, but the pair’s lust for each other takes over and creates a truly deadly duo. Meanwhile, DS Lola Franks (Eve Myles) and DI Jackson Mendy (Babou Ceesay) face their own unconventional relationship, as the pair get thrown together to work on a high-profile murder case and try to catch the killers. Jackson and Lola’s differing opinions cause conflict during their investigation, as does Lola’s inability to deal with her own demons which have the potential to push them both to breaking point.

A psychological thriller and a romance, it explores the dangerous power of desire, what happens when two profoundly damaged people meet and reawaken their latent capacity for violence, and finally, what happens when the honeymoon period is over.

The Persians: A History of Iran

From Friday 7th August at 19.00 on BBC Earth (3 episodes)

Discover the complex and fascinating history of Persia, the world’s first empire.

This series reveals historical and cultural sites across Iran that few westerners have ever seen. Learn about the Shahnameh, one of the most important books in Iran’s history, used by kings as propaganda, but also modern-day Iranians as a way of connecting with their Persian heritage. And see the ancient Zoroastrian fire temple, home to a fire said to have been burning for over 1,500 years. Welcome to a world of kings and invaders, epic poets, and exceptional artists.

Agatha Raisin (Season 3)

From Friday 7th August at 20.00 on BBC First (8 episodes)

Starring Emmy®-nominated actress Ashley Jensen (Catastrophe, Extras, Ugly Betty) and based on MC Beaton’s best-selling novels, season three once again follows a London PR whizz turned amateur sleuth, who becomes entangled in mischief, mayhem, and murder when she opts for early retirement in a small village in the Cotswolds. Drawn into various mysteries, Agatha attempts to solve the crimes… often in rather unorthodox and amusing ways.

Flirty Dancing (Season 2)

From Sunday 9th August at 20.00 on BBC Lifestyle (6 episodes)

Ashley Banjo returns to front the innovative and feel-good hit that puts old school romance back into modern dating as he attempts to plays cupid with a raft of hopeless romantics looking to find love on the dancefloor. Each episode will see him match two couples and choreograph bespoke dance dates that allow them to get to know each other in a totally unique way. They won’t talk, they just dance, and when the music stops they’ll walk away without saying a word. Based purely on the chemistry they feel in the dance, they must then decide if there’s enough of a spark to want to see each other again.

W/c 10th August

Simon Reeve’s Sacred Rivers

From Monday 10th August at 20.00 on BBC Earth (3 episodes)

History, adventure and travelogue combine as Simon Reeve explores three of the world’s major rivers: the Nile, Yangtze and Ganges.

Through the stories of the people who live alongside these great waterways, he uncovers their vast influence, and reveals how they unite, and divide, some of the most extraordinary parts of the world. Travel from the twin temples of Abu Simbel to the Nile delta; down the Yangtze from the giant Buddha of Leshen to the Three Gorges Dam and on to Shanghai; and along the great mother Ganges in a world caught between ancient traditions and astonishing modernity. Full of wonder and breathtaking, magisterial landscapes, Simon Reeve’s Sacred Rivers is a potent mix of revelation and hands-on adventure - a riot of colour, extraordinary spectacle and unexpected encounters.

The Great Pottery Throw Down (Season 3)

From Monday 10th August at 20.00 on BBC Lifestyle (8 episodes)

Melanie Sykes is at the potter’s wheel as the new host, as 12 passionate home potters compete to be crowned the nation’s best.

Master potter Keith Brymer Jones returns as judge, alongside award-winning ceramicist Sue Pryke. Each week the potters face two potting challenges to impress the resident judging duo, as well as guest experts from the world of pottery. The potters tackle everything from homeware to toilets before the judges ultimately decide who becomes Potter of the Week, and who must be sent home. Inspired by and inspiring a new craze for creativity, The Great Pottery Throw Down delights in showing ordinary people creating extraordinary things.

Reggie Yates Meets World

From Thursday 13th August at 20:00 on BBC Brit (4 episodes)

Young people, facing uncertain futures, are being tempted with new ways to better their lives. In this series Reggie Yates enters these worlds to see if they deliver on their promises, or if they have a darker side.

Episode 1: Reggie meets SPAC Nation

With knife crime at all-time high, a new London church is offering young people in gangs a way out of crime. And they don’t hide from controversy, as Reggie Yates finds out during his week with SPAC Nation.

Episode 2: Reggie Meets Pro-Gamers

Playing computer games has moved out of teenage bedrooms and into vast arenas where gamers battle it out for fame and fortune. But with young players devoting their lives to gaming and so many hoping to go professional, Reggie heads to Dallas find out the reality of living and chasing the ESPORTS dream.

Episode 3: Reggie Meets Nollywood

Reggie Yates travels to Lagos, Nigeria to see for himself how the burgeoning film industry, Nollywood, is seen as a way out of poverty in a country with the biggest wealth divide in the world.

Episode 4: Reggie Meets The Influencers

Social media influencers are the new Celebrity and with this fame comes the pressure to keep up. Reggie Yates spends a week in LA to find out how willing influencers are to go under the knife in search of the beauty perfection.

Around the World by Train (season 2)

From Thursday 13 August at 19.00 on BBC Earth (6 episodes)

Tony Robinson is back for whole new epic railway adventure.

He is re-joining the rails and heading around the world again but this time in the opposite direction and through new counties for an eye opening experience. He’ll be heading off the beaten track to see cities and places around globe in his own style. Forget your typical tourist trail, Tony will be doing this his way and stopping to experience things that grab his attention.

He’ll be immersing himself in wonderful local cultures and getting to know the fascinating people he encounters, from French cowboys and Mexican wrestlers to Argentine tango dancers and American Hip Hop clowns. He’ll be doing all this while riding the most luxurious, unusual and spectacular rail routes on earth and stopping off at breath taking places like Machu Picchu. Whether it’s Europe like you’ve never seen it before or a fascinating journey through South America, he’ll be travelling the globe to bring Mexico, USA to Canada and Russia right to your living room.

Primates

From Sunday 16th August at 16.00 on BBC Earth (3 episodes)

From the makers of Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II…

Monkeys, lemurs, lorises, bush babies and, of course, the great apes. Countless faces, one remarkable animal family.

Captured with BBC Studios Natural History Unit’s signature style, with immersive cinematography, emotional storytelling and new insight into the animals we thought we knew, Primates combines celebration with revelation. We meet familiar primates with new stories and new species  rarely seen on screen.

Chris Packham narrates the definitive series about our closest relatives.

At the heart of this ground-breaking series is incredible animal behaviour. New technology has captured primates on their level and in their world, whether that’s in the treetops of a flooded forest, or the tangled undergrowth of the Sri Lankan night.

Semi-Detached

From Friday 21st August at 20.40 on BBC Brit (6 episodes)

Real-time sitcom following the hapless Stuart (Lee Mack) as he struggles through the worst half hour of his life.

When his new girlfriend April (Ellie White) goes into labour, Stuart quickly finds himself having to rely on his ex-wife Kate (Sam Spiro) to get her to hospital. As Stuart thinks he’s getting a handle on the situation, he is forced to deal with a sexually promiscuous father (Clive Russell), a daughter with a newly-shaved head (Sarah Hoare) and the surprise return of his errant brother (Neil Fitzmaurice), who is on the run from some very unsavoury types. And that’s before Stuart has to enlist the help of one tipsy neighbour (Geoff McGivern) to help with another neighbour (Patrick Baladi), who he finds naked and the victim of a DIY circular saw accident.