Paramount Global Is Believed To Be Ending Their Partnership With AMC Networks International For CBS Reality And CBS Justice

Not long ago, it was reported that AMC Networks International will be axing one of the few CBS branded stations in Europe as part of a joint venture with Paramount Global, CBS Europa. Other channels part of this agreement include CBS Reality and CBS Justice. 

As we've mentioned sometime ago, we don't envision True Crime replacing the remaining feeds for CBS Reality but more likely the African feed for CBS Justice. Unlike the UK, CBS Reality was positioned as a factual channel so maybe something like Reality TV.

AMC Networks International had been phasing out the CBS trademark across their portfolio this started out in the UK by 2022 and will reach Poland in the coming months. Since then, it has been long speculated that Paramount Global is looking to exit this partnership.

This means channels like CBS Reality and CBS Justice will be phased out in these endeavors seeing as Paramount own the CBS trademark.  It also means AMC Networks International will have to find new names for these channels or close them altogether. 

Their other partner Paramount Global is going through financial constraints and had since auctioned themselves to several bidders. It attracted interest from Sony Pictures Television and Apollo with more advance talks reaching Skydance Media. 

However talks with Skydance Media fell through as Shari Redstone backed out of the deal at last minute. 

Shari Redstone who serves as majority shareholder has been trying to keep her family’s company together and under immense pressure. It will have to look at shedding costs either by getting out of all deals (including AMC) or selling BET and Showtime. 

New Series Alert: Secrets Of A Murder Detective Debuts This March On True Crime UK, To Rollout Internationally On CBS Reality And CBS Justice

True Crime, the #1 factual entertainment channel in the UK amongst women 16+, part of a joint venture owned by AMC Networks International – UK and Paramount Global, announces the premiere of a new, expert-led true crime original series offering an insight into recent murder investigations. “Secrets of a Murder Detective” (10×60’) was produced by Phoenix Television and will premiere on 20th March in the UK.

The series, presented by former Scotland Yard Homicide Detective Inspector Steve Keogh, invites viewers into the intriguing realm of crime solving. With 30 years of experience under his belt including twelve years of service as a murder detective at the Metropolitan Police, Steve is opening up his contact books for the first time to reveal the secrets of what it really takes to be a murder detective on the frontline.

Each episode unfolds as a gripping narrative, with Steve setting the scene and tone of each murder case. The series takes viewers on an immersive journey through the crime and  its investigation, from the beginning to the pivotal breakthrough leading to conviction. Steve provides unique and authentic insights into the intricate workings of investigations and the minds of detectives, bringing viewers into the heart of each case.

In the series, we’ll see Steve in conversation with leading officers on each case, as they share personal  memories of the investigations. Additionally, viewers will also hear from key experts and family members for each case, as the investigation’s timeline is followed. Another key focus of the series is the use of modern investigative techniques and tools and the innovative ways experts on each case use these to solve the murders.

Cases include the story of soap actress Sian Blake and her two sons, who were murdered by her partner in 2015 and how the investigation evolved from a mid-risk missing person case to a homicide one. The series also explores the 2013 murder of 17-years-old Champion Ganda, who was a victim of a knife crime in East London. The episode gives viewers first-hand insight by Steve and other investigators who worked on the case, into the difficulties of similar cases with lack of leads and suspects. In another episode, viewers will learn more about Dena Thompson, known in the British press as ‘The Black Widow’ and the investigation into the deaths of her previous partners.

“Secrets of a Murder Detective” offers a riveting blend of suspense, education and celebration of exceptional detective work, providing viewers with a unique behind-the-scenes look at recent cases.

Sam Rowden, Vice President of Content and Production, AMC Networks International – UK, said: “’Secrets of a Murder Detective’ opens up modern day policing and specifically, murder investigation, to our audiences. Phoenix have excelled themselves creatively with this series, and Steve Keogh’s Steve’s expertise and compassionate commentary will captivate and engage audiences with the kind of compelling stories our viewers have come to expect from TRUE CRIME.

Jaimi West, founding partner at Phoenix Television, said: “This new series has been a real collaboration with Steve Keogh. Together with TRUE CRIME, we’ve created a unique programme that offers a fresh insight into the work of murder detectives and the cases they’re determined to solve”.

“Secrets of a Murder Detective” is the third Phoenix Television commission by True Crime. Phoenix previously produced “Murder: Fight for the Truth” and “Murder: First on Scene” for the channel.

“Secrets of a Murder Detective” will premiere on True Crime on 20th March. It is expected to debut later in the year on various feeds of CBS Reality and in Africa on CBS Justice.

Recap To The Week: AMC Networks International Launches New Content Group Across UK & EMEA

AMC Networks International UK (AMCNI0UK) has forged a new Content Group across the UK and EMEA and promoted Sam Rowden to run it.

Rowden, who currently oversees the company’s programing strategy for the CBS channel portfolio, becomes VP of the Content Group.

She will oversee linear and content strategies across the UK and EMEA with oversight of joint venture channels CBS Justice, CBS Europa, CBS Reality, RealityXtra, Legend, HorrorXtra as well as channel brands AMC and SundanceTV.

The weighty new remit also includes AMCNI-UK’s AVoD and FAST portfolio consisting of the AVoD player CBS Catchup Channels UK and FAST channel True Crime from CBS Reality that has recently launched with Amazon Freevee and Rakuten TV, and which is also available via ITVX. Additionally, Rowden is now also responsible for content acquisition and content partnerships including the relationship with Paramount Global for both the UK and EMEA joint ventures as well as content management including compliance.

“Sam has been the driving force behind the continued success of AMCNI-UK’s joint ventures with Paramount Global, both in the UK and in EMEA, including the development of our highly successful true crime originals effort since the beginning,” said Kevin Dickie, EVP and MD for AMNCI UK.

“With her leadership skills and expertise developing brands that appeal to a wide range of audiences, she is perfectly placed to assume this key role as we further integrate our linear and streaming efforts.”

Rowden joined AMCNI around 15 years ago.

AMC International And Paramount Global Are Relaunching CBS Justice In United Kingdom As True Crime By The End Of 2023, Will The Same Be Happening For CBS Justice In Africa At Some Point?

AMC International and Paramount Global will be reviving CBS Justice in the UK later in the year as a streaming service under Amazon Freevee. This comes after the channel was shuttered last year as the parties were reviewing their offering for consumers in the region.

True Crime UK is set to launch on more major platforms later in the year, with a slate of shows currently seen on CBS Reality internationally (and CBS Justice in Africa) including Evidence of Evil, Murder Wall, Donal MacIntyre Unsolved and Medical Detectives.

Despite having resounding resemblance to to the defunct Sony Crime operated by Sony Pictures Television which too was known as True Crime. The channels are operated by different parties with AMC International opting to use "From CBS Reality" as to not avoid confusion.

Tanya Gugenheim, SVP, business development, AMC Networks International – UK said, “We’re thrilled to launch True Crime UK from CBS Reality on Amazon Freevee and Rakuten TV. Expanding our factual entertainment content into the FAST space underscores the demand for our acclaimed true crime programming and will enable us to share it with a huge new audience.”

During the year, CBS Justice expanded their footprint in the African market on StarTimes' StarSat platform alongside CBS Reality. Since spinning off CBS Reality into a second channel back in November 2019, CBS Justice has been garnering popularity to factual lovers.

As mentioned, CBS Justice's days in Africa could be numbered or at least the brand name as True Crime is just a digital duplicate. On top of that, AMC International UK manages brands like CBS Reality, JimJam and the already mentioned CBS Justice in Africa.

CBS Reality Commissions Original Series Hosted By Donal MacIntyre

CBS Reality, the factual entertainment channel, has commissioned Emporium Productions to produce a new Donal MacIntyre-fronted true crime original series, “Donal MacIntyre’s Killer Evidence”.

Renowned investigative journalist and criminologist MacIntyre returns and will host this 10×60’ series to demonstrate through 10 UK and US cases, that forensics will always uncover the ‘killer evidence’ which brings murderers to justice.

Each story is told first hand by the people who were there as the investigation unfolded, from the senior investigating police officers who were first on the crime scene, to the forensic experts whose scientific knowledge helped secure conviction. “Donal MacIntyre’s Killer Evidence” also features expert commentators including leading forensic scientists Tracy Alexander, Director of Forensic Services for the City of London Police, senior forensic scientist Jo Millington, forensic psychiatrist Dr Sohom Das, digital forensic expert Andrew Sheldon, and pathologist Brett Lockyer, who guide the viewer every step of the way, examining the key pieces of evidence and how they helped catch the murderer.

Cases include that of the Camden Ripper, Anthony Hardy who killed three women: Sally White, Bridgette MacClennan and Elizabeth Valad, Stephen Nicholson’s brutal murder of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh, and Mark Brown who killed Leah Ware and Alexandra Morgan in 2021.

Sam Rowden, Vice President of Content and Production, AMC Networks International – UK, said: “We’re excited to welcome back CBS Reality favourite, Donal MacIntyre, to host the 7th series we have commissioned from Emporium Productions. We always strive to find new and intriguing formats to showcase Donal MacIntyre’s vast knowledge of the true crime genre. In this series he adds his criminology expertise alongside other top experts to provide in-depth analysis of the killer evidence”.

Emma Read, Managing Director, Emporium Productions, added: “We are thrilled to be making such a fascinating and revealing series with leading crime expert, Donal MacIntyre and our partners Rainmaker Content for CBS Reality. Hearing first hand from the men and women whose diligence and scientific expertise led to the conviction of brutal murderers thanks to their killer evidence, helps us discover the intricate detail of how cases are built. It’s also clear that what makes an international hit is the focus on the fascinating developments in forensics and that’s exactly what this series is about.’

“Donal MacIntyre’s Killer Evidence” is produced by Emporium Productions and is co-funded and distributed internationally by Rainmaker Content. Executive producers are Sam Rowden and Jess Rampling from AMC Networks International – UK.

Previous series include “Donal MacIntyre’s Click For Murder”, “Donal MacIntyre: Murder Files” and “Donal Macintyre’s Released to Kill”. “A Life in Crime: Donal MacIntyre” documentary feature is currently in production and will air on CBS Reality later this year.

Why Oxygen's True Crime Channel Would Make The Perfect Replacement To CBS Justice Should It Exit The DStv Platform?

In 2022, AMC International and Paramount Global announced the halting of CBS tier in the UK within that year as they were reviewing their offering for viewers of that region and opted to retain CBS Reality while the others well don't wrap their finger around CBS.

Most if not all the entertainment remained the same from what we've all seen the only difference is there's less brands involved to manage the never ending lineup of repeats and old programming.

If you're reading this you're wondering how the news of CBS's demise within the UK affects the Middle East and Africa and it's very simple. AMC International UK handles the feeds for the affected regions and even arrange the content for these brands.

Another reason why this change also has an affect on us is that AMC International in some regions particularly the ones outside of the UK's jurisdiction have all had their offering reviewed I'm more curious as to why they couldn't use AMC but perhaps has to do with the Paramount side of things so CBS made sense.

As advised, CBS Reality is the only brand within their portfolio to retain the CBS branding alongside factual content viewed on the African feed of CBS Justice. Although, there hasn't been much said about its future I hear the channel was phased out of the Portuguese market.

No indicator on whether this will have an affect on the other CBS Reality channels I wouldn't be shocked if they kept it but opted to have the last remaining feed of CBS Justice removed.

CBS Justice launched in Africa by 2019 (it's more of a comeback considering it was CBS Action) and happens to be very popular with consumers. Some of the shows which are seen on CBS Reality in the remaining feeds include Forensic Files, Murder Couples and Finding A Serial Killer.

One of the reasons I feel CBS Justice could be removed has to do with the launches of Paramount+ and AMC+. As we know it, companies are starting to invest more time in these services than they are with their current offering on DStv.

All I'm saying is don't be surprised if most of the channels you see aren't around in the near future. That's why you have The Home Channel, Ignition, HONEY and Movie Room.

Besides that, there's not much variety on either CBS Reality and CBS Justice both are just hovered with repeats and scraping the barrel for whatever content is available. In other regions, despite the nonstop episodes of Judge Judy the repeats are at a minimum.

CBS Justice's demise would be the most tragic yes especially after that whole fiasco MultiChoice had with A+E Networks in 2019 when almost all their channels would have been removed from the platform and replacements found prior to the time.

There's no certainty on if a replacement would be available as if sources are accurate would have merged with CBS Reality. Now I know we have Investigation Discovery, Curiosity and it's not like CBS Justice is gone entirely but one is limited and the others completely opposite.

MultiChoice has been battling transponder constraints and if CBS Justice weren't replaced then the space could be used for yet another channel and should it be replaced I have one channel in mind not sure if they'd go for it but anyways here it is.

Oxygen (often referred to as Oxygen True Crime) is a factual entertainment owned by NBCUniversal since 2016 is home to real life stories after being mainly crime based content. It has become a strong competitor to Warner Bros. Discovery's Investigation Discovery.

In 2022, Investigation Discovery lost 12% of its audiences with Oxygen coming to the lead as the channel gained a further 10%.

Oxygen supplies several content part have been viewed on CBS Justice including Snapped, Cold Justice, Catching a Serial Killer: Sam Little, Kim Kardashian: The Justice Project and Aaron Hernandez Uncovered. Making them the ideal candidate for the brand.

Recap To The Month: Starsat Welcomes Replacement To FOX, DreamWorks, Investigation Discovery, Real Time And More

For several years, StarSat has lost out on a variety of channels including FOX, Discovery Family, Soul Music, TLNovelas, Tshwane TV and OnseTV. Not long ago, the pay-tv platform unveiled 4 channels: FilmBox Action, CBS Reality, CBS Justice and Kartoon Channel.

In 2021, The Walt Disney Company ceased distribution of the general entertainment brand, FOX. Home to shows now seen on Disney+ Star such as How I Met Your Mother, The Walking Dead which recently made its freemium debut on eXposed and The Simpsons.

FilmBox Action (channel 140) is a channel dedicated to the action genre basically catering to the same target audience and group as FOX with classic Hollywood films, spectacular series from the US, Europe, and Asia, and modern heart-pounding blockbusters.

Following FOX's demise is Warner Bros. Discovery's factual and lifestyle offering including Discovery Family, Fine Living, Discovery Science, Real Time and Investigation Discovery part of which still remain on DStv while others are viewed on other African platforms.

CBS Reality (channel 170) offers captivating television guaranteed to shock and entertain. It features one of the most beloved TV personalities, the queen of the courtroom herself: Judge Judy. Other great shows include the ever-popular Cheaters.

CBS Justice (channel 222) is for true-crime lovers. Nothing is scarier than a true story, and this channel has some of the best: from glamourous offences by the rich and famous to passion killings by the guy next door. Both CBS channels make up for these 5 brands.

Lastly, DreamWorks owned by NBCUniversal was scrapped from the platform after two years and at the time pay-tv platform was on a cutting spree. Of course, there's was no reason for the sudden dismal all that is known is it's existence through the DStv platform.

Kartoon Channel (channel 304) entertains kids aged two to ten. Wonderfully entertaining children’s shows are played daily, with family-friendly movies over the weekends. From Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten and Angry Birds to Peppa Pig.

Compared to the likes of DStv, StarSat implemented a price freeze meaning consumers will recieve more entertainment at the exact same price on top of a reward incentive for loyal Special Package subscribers wishing to upgrade to Super.

To help bolster the value of StarSat’s mid-tier offering, StarSat will be graduating four channels to the Super Package: Manchester United TV (channel 252), Real Madrid TV (channel 254), MSNBC (channel 263), and Fashion TV Africa (channel 282).

Despite the efforts, StarSat wasn't prepared to have their feed of Russia Today cut off joining another channel which went dark on the platform in 2023, Glow TV. The pay-tv platform hopes to welcome more channels in the current financial year.

Recap: CBS Reality Is The Only Brand From AMC International And Paramount To Retain Its Identity In The UK

In June 2022, AMC International and Paramount Global were reviewing their entertainment offering and it was announced that CBS Justice, CBS Drama and Horror Channel in the UK would be discontinued by the end of that month and supplemented by RealityXtra and Legend.

CBS Reality remains as the only prime jewel to carry the CBS brand while the above-mentioned brands were only able to retain their content. No one really knows why maybe it has to do with popularity or as other sources have seen the Really channel.

But what I'm more interested in is how Paramount and AMC International decided that brands like CBS Justice were of no use to that region. From what was highlighted AMC International had seen a loss in revenue with a slight increase in the coming years.

Sources estimated that the partnership with these two might as well be dissolved cause as it is CBS is not seen anywhere except for CBS Reality and others point to Paramount+ as they also licence content under the CBS brand but who knows really.

AMC International:
- Conspiracy Theory: The Real Reason CBS Reality remains in the market
- The twisted origin story of RealityXtra
- Acorn TV closed down in South Africa
- AMC+ rolling out across Europe later in the year

From what I've accessed about Horror and CBS Drama those channels carried a lot of old content and I'm not talking about The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family old but kind of the one you'd get from Walker, Texas Rangers and CSI so I'm guessing not a lot of viewers watched it like CBS Reality.

It could explain why the concept seen on CBS Justice and Horror Channel became Legend. Of course these changes appear very much rushed as you have The Mentalist on RealityXtra and a HorrorXtra without Horror Channel again this appears rushed.

RealityXtra 2 launched not so long ago and it got me thinking what if CBS Reality alongside its content were to fold and replace the feed of CBS Reality to kind of align it better with the other channels as they lack CBS in the name.

Paramount:
- Conspiracy Theory: The introduction to Nick Jr. Global
- The Smithsonian Channel is closing down in the UK
- VH1 is being redirected to BET
- MTV Hits no longer available in South Africa

Internationally, the only known feed to have CBS Justice is located in Africa which just divides the content with CBS Reality perhaps they could merge it as both are factual channels and supply Judge Judy, Killer Siblings and Border Patrol under the banner RealityXtra or offer it as two seperate channels.

RealityXtra looks more simple and recognisable compared to Legend which would make a better name for a movie channel. I feel RealityXtra could sell better and not disrupt the digital businesses for both AMC International and Paramount.

Roundups #136: CoComelon's Nina To Get A YouTube Spinoff, Ultimate Braai Master Returns For An 8th Season On e.tv And FilmRise & Blue Ant Int’l Producing True Crime Series With CBS Reality

CoComelon to recieve another spinoff

Moonbug Entertainment is showcasing Mexican culture with Nina (working title), a spinoff of its popular CoComelon franchise that features one of main character JJ’s best friends.

Mexican-American toddler Nina has been part of the CoComelon crew since 2019. In her own series for preschoolers, she and her family’s culture, traditions and daily lives will be showcased through three-minute nursery rhymes. Nina is set to launch on its own standalone YouTube channel later this year.

Moonbug was spurred to create a new Nina-centric extension of CoComelon by audience research showing that the CoComelon brand is popular with Black, Hispanic, Asian American and Pacific Islander families, says senior creative director Meghan Sheridan.

Regular Nick:
- Operation Ouch returns for a new season on Da Vinci Kids
- Several Cartoonito domains have been registered
- February on Disney Channel and Junior
- New Bear Grylls series is coming soon to Da Vinci Kids

Get ready to sink your taste buds this February on e.tv

Tapfuma Makina joins the Trace Studios produced series in which several teams of two will once again compete against each other - this season across venues in the Western Cape - to see who South Africa's latest braai champions are, in 13 episodes starting on e.tv on Saturday 5 February at 17:00.

Tapfuma Makina who has presented various TV series and is also known as a TV sports news anchor on e.tv and a radio host, has a B.Sc degree in biochemistry and microbiology, and says he's excited to be a part of Ultimate Braai Master as the new host.

This season plans to "showcase the wealth of produce celebrated in the region, from free-range dairy and grain-fed cattle, to fresh grown organic vegetables from farm to braai to table".

Openview Plus:
- eExtra scrapped the launch of 4 telenovelas
- Verdeelde Liefde to return with a second season on eExtra
- Imbewu has been cancelled on e.tv after 5 seasons
- A look at former NBC soap, Passions

More crime and investigation awaiting CBS Justice

Killers: Caught On Camera, which is being produced by back2back productions and CBS Reality, explores how detectives use footage from home secruity cameras, dashcams and CCTV to catch criminals.

The series was co-developed between Blue Ant’s sales arm and back2back, with FilmRise taking exclusive distribution rights in the North America and the Caribbean, and CBS Reality taking exclusive broadcast rights in the UK and Africa. Details of the rights acquired by Nordic-based streamer Viaplay and Germany’s Seven.One were not immediately available.

Ben Barrett, who joined Blue Ant after it acquired Drive, brokered all pre-sales and investment for the project, with additional financing from CBS Reality, Seven.One Entertainment Group and Viaplay Group.

DStv Flex:
- Trafficked With Mariana Van Zeller returns for a third season on National Geographic
- Brand new seasons of your favourite shows coming to History
- February on The Home Channel
- February on HONEY

New Channel Alert: CBS Justice Coming Soon To StarSat

In 2019, CBS Justice launched across Africa exclusively on MultiChoice's DStv and had proven to be a popular addition to the platform. Four years later, the channel expands outside of MultiChoice's reach and onto the pay-tv rival, StarTimes.

CBS Justice brings you authentic criminal cases and investigations expertly dissected using cutting edge forensic technologies, always factual, always true. Some of the shows include Cold Blood, Coastal Killers, Forensics, Evidence Of Evil and Homicide's Elite.

CBS Justice is currently occupying channel 222 on Super package in several outlets across Africa.

StarSat:
- The Smithsonian Channel closing down in the UK
- Delayed SABC channel launch on StarSat explained
- Russia Today to launch South African hub
- StarSat trying to be DStv friendly

The news of CBS Justice launch on the platform comes at the time where two other channels were already unveiled for the platform, Kartoon Channel and FilmBox Action.

Just like the above-mentioned two channels, CBS Justice will serve as a replacement to Investigation Discovery from Warner Bros. Discovery which was axed by the pay-tv platform in 2021 alongside Real Time and Discovery Science.

AMC International:
- Conspiracy Theory: The Real Reason CBS Reality remains in the market
- The twisted origin story of RealityXtra
- Acorn TV closed down in South Africa
- AMC+ rolling out across Europe later in the year

Interesting enough, CBS Justice was also used as collateral damage when MultiChoice got into a carriage fight with A+E Networks for Lifetime, History and Crime + Investigation of which only Lifetime and History walked out unscathed at the time.

Since last year, CBS Justice has been a subject of speculation following it's termination in the UK and this expansion proves that the channel has more value here than it ever did anywhere else.

The addition of new channels on StarSat just proves that the pay-tv platform remains committed in providing their audiences with the best entertainment but also proves that they're very slow in sourcing out replacements to the 30+ channels they discontinued.

Several consumers had already fled the platform and opted to DStv to enjoy some of the channels axed by the company including Discovery Family, DreamWorks and TLNovelas. While others refuse to give them any kind of attention.

Recap To 2022: AMC Networks, Paramount Global Push Through Major Layoffs Which Could Lead To Cutback Of Channels

It looks like The Walking Dead may not be the only thing that has come to an end at AMC Networks, which operates the AMC cable TV channel, IFC, We TV, and Sundance TV. According to The Wall Street Journal, a memo has been sent to staff warning them of major layoffs on the way.

“We of course realize that this will cause significant concern and anxiety for our employees and those who rely on AMC Networks for their livelihood,” AMC Chairman James Dolan wrote. “We do not take this lightly. We will take every step possible to minimize the impact of these actions on our community.”

All told, AMC Networks plans to lay off 20% of U.S. workers. Essentially, the reason is more people turning to streaming for their entertainment needs. AMC Networks also operates the AMC+ and Shudder streaming services, but as Dolan’s memo laid out, those services haven’t brought in enough to offset losses.

AMC International:
- Conspiracy Theory: The Real Reason CBS Reality remains in the market
- The twisted origin story of RealityXtra
- Acorn TV closed down in South Africa
- AMC+ rolling out across Europe later in the year

AMC operates streaming services, but they’re not successful enough to prevent layoffs

It’s tough to think that the network that has given us shows like The Walking Dead, Mad Men and Breaking Bad has been taking such a major hit this year; their stock has dipped 40%. At least The Walking Dead series finale gave AMC+ its biggest day of viewership since it began; that’s something!

According to sources, AMC Network isn’t the only one undergoing major layoffs. Paramount Global is laying off around 30 people as the company aligns CBS Studios, Paramount TV Studios, and the Paramount+ scripted originals team.

What’s happening at Paramount Global doesn’t sound as bad as what’s going on at AMC Networks. It’s more about organization and figuring out how to make things work more efficiently for the studios. Although that doesn’t mean the layoffs don’t hurt.

Credits: Ariba Bhuvad

Paramount:
- Conspiracy Theory: The introduction to Nick Jr. Global
- The Smithsonian Channel is closing down in the UK
- VH1 is being redirected to BET
- MTV Hits no longer available in South Africa

CBS Justice May Not Be The Only Channel Out For The Count On DStv Even These Two Channels Are Likely To Get Chopped Across Africa

During the past week, I shared my suggestions on CBS Justice as AMC International review their offering across various regions which has led to the reduction or discontinuation of several channels. As seen in these regions, these changes include several other brands namely CBS Reality and JimJam.

CBS Reality is a factual entertainment channel home to various unscripted content like Judge Judy, Cheaters, Animal Hoarding, Hardcore Pawn and Women On The Force and as seen in other regions crime shows like Forensic Files, Killer Siblings and The Real Prime Suspect.

The longest I've watched this channel practically anything with the CBS brand you notice the repetitive nature and I know this is common in most markets but the channel is funneled with too much old programming which is often the reason a channel's lifespan is cut short.

JimJam seems to be lurking in the shadows of these two as the preschool brand has seen themselves get a variety of content which date back to 4-8 years. Some notable series include Thomas And Friends, Guess With Jess, Olivia and Noddy In Toyland.

All of which can be viewed on DreamWorks Channel and CBeebies.

Although there hasn't been much confirmation about CBS Reality's future. There is a lot of signs pointing toward the phasing out of the brand as seen in Poland and the UK in which the current offering tries to limit any mention of CBS.

JimJam's availability has seen declines on various cable providers across the world not that it isn't available in many homes but when various platforms similar to DStv internationally pull the rug from down under then you know something is up.

Possible Outcome To The Demise Of CBS Justice And Nicktoons On DStv

During the year, MultiChoice had been monitoring stock which led to the cancellation of Tellytrack, fliekNET and ITV Networks and there's also been those unexpected developments from e.tv's 4 channels, RT and Lifetime with CBS Justice and Nicktoons likely joining the trio.

CBS Justice was shuttered in the UK in July by the same people that manage the one seen on the DStv platform which was subsequently supplemented by an action skewed channel Legend which appears to be applicable to viewers of that region.

After seeing a promo, it doesn't feel like something AMC International would want to build in other regions and the fact that these channels aren't seen with the CBS brand has led me to believe that maybe these channels will involve CBS Reality.

CBS Reality remains intact as sources believe it has to do with another channel almost resembling the "Reality" look and feel.

But seeing as CBS Reality and CBS Justice are factual it makes more sense to merge them perhaps under another brand name like RealityXtra I mean both channels have seen a high level in repetition and this merger would kind of help boost the offering.

Honestly, CBS Reality kind of seems out of touch that the idea of both channels likely exiting the region wouldn't be far fetched a stretch.

Onto their partners Paramount, I noticed that Nicktoons has become lifeless as the only current shows are NickMusic and something I can see Nickelodeon boot after a season 2/3 is Middlemost Post. I know the brand was always catered to Nickelodeon's scraps but this time it's different.

Paramount had always wanted to make Nicktoons feel independent and there's been less of that. I noticed they put up adverts for Kamp Koral and Rugrats on Nicktoons despite not airing as the channel might be aligned to the global Nicktoons feed to some extent.

On top of that, Nicktoons has an outdated programme guide if Horrid Henry ain't called Program To Be Confirmed then you get an old schedule which is usually updated the following day with the rest of the week remaining very much outdated.

This habit makes it seem as if Paramount is ready to retire the channel soon as they gear up for the rollout of Paramount+ which is scheduled to rollout in Africa by 2023 and would it be shocking if Nicktoons closed prior to its launch with Nickelodeon filling up its shoes.

Paramount often refers Nicktoons audiences to upcoming attractions from Nickelodeon which can be chaotic considering the geography. In South Africa, Nickelodeon is a premium channel and viewers should be compensated should Nicktoons be discontinued.

Honestly, the world is evolving and these channels in general are becoming a thing of the past I have some fond memories and I believe that's the only thing to keep a channel alive in spirit.

 

A Two Part Little People Special Coming Soon To CBS Reality Africa With New Series Murdered By Morning On CBS Justice Africa - September 2022 Highlights

CBS Justice:

MURDERED BY MORNING
Season 1.
Channel premiere.
Weeknights at 19:00 from 5th until 16th September.
"Murdered by Morning" recounts true stories of seemingly ordinary nights that ended with someone dead before dawn. For the unsuspecting victims, these nights began like any other, until a series of unforeseen events led to their deaths. Each standalone episode takes viewers through the twists and turns of a different case, examining numerous potential suspects before zeroing in on the actual killer. Riveting, chilling and unexpected, "Murdered by Morning" shines a light on the deadliest crimes taking place under the cover of darkness.

CBS Reality:

MY EXTREME STAMMER AND ME
1x60min
Channel Premiere
Saturday 3rd September at 07:05 and 20:40.
In this film we follow the lives of four extraordinary young people living with a stammer - because when you struggle to make yourself understood, everyday tasks can be a nightmare. In powerful honest first-hand accounts they reveal private battles and public challenges as they fight to make their voices heard. We meet 20-year-old Jordan who is trying to overcome his stutter and get his first job; we join 23-year-old Zain as he reflects with his Mum a time when he could barely get any words out; 24-year-old Namrah takes us to University College London where she is part of a study researching the causes of stammering; and 21-year-old Ishaq proves anything is possible as he triumphs over his stammer to take on a paediatric placement as part of his medical studies.

MY MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES AND ME
1x60min
Channel Premiere
Sunday 4th September at 07:05 and 20:40.
This film is a unique window into the worlds of four extraordinary young people – who all live with multiple personalities. Each with more than a dozen personalities - known as alters - fighting to be heard, in incredible accounts they reveal how they are never alone. As they try to live ordinary lives surrounded by a constant crowd, we uncover what it’s really like to live with Dissociative Identity Disorder - or DID - formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. We meet 24year old Jade, who has never been able to share with her family any of her alternative personalities; we join 27 year old Kai and her 26 year old partner Franz, who both have DID - and between them live with over 400 alters- as they show us that nothing in their lives is simple; and we hear from 27 year old Stacey who has a system of 16 different personalities.

MY LIFE WITH A DISFIGUREMENT
1x60min
Channel Premiere
Saturday 10th September at 07:05 and 20:40.
In this emotionally charged film we follow three extraordinary young people living with facial disfigurement - in emotional accounts they reveal their battles to overcome how others see them. Over a million people in the UK live with some type of disfigurement. Growing up in a world where image is everything, looking different can be a huge challenge, but these young people are determined not to let their disfigurement hold them back. We meet 25-year-old Yasmin, who suffers from a rare condition called Parry Romberg syndrome, which is a degenerative disease destroying the tissue on the left side of her face. Yasmin finds the courage to do something she loves more than anything – and sings at an open mic night. We join 24-year-old Raiche, who suffered 70% burns from a house fire when she was just 18 months old, as she has a new wig fitted and her eyebrows tattooed; and we hear from 22-year-old Chloe who has a port wine stain, as she battles her insecurities as she studies at University.

LITTLE PEOPLE - GIANT WORLD
2x60min
Channel Premiere
Sunday 11th September at 07:05 and 20:40.

Over 6000 people in the UK have dwarfism - we follow 3 extraordinary young people who have Achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, as they reach major milestones in their lives and find the determination to overcome daily obstacles. Often the simplest of tasks can be a huge challenge as they learn to live in a giant world. We meet 28-year-old Jack who is leaving home to take part in Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs pantomime; and we join 19-year-old Jess as she starts learning to drive; and 15-year-old Freya is shopping for a very special dress for her end of school prom.

INSIDE THE FORCE: 24/7
Season 2
Channel Premiere
Weekdays at 07:30, 12:45 and 21:35, from 21st to 30th September.
Based inside Lincolnshire’s busiest police station, this series goes behind the station doors from where everything is run. Inside The Force 24/7 shows what life is really like for the extraordinary officers and staff at South Park Police Station in Lincoln. The series follows the different layers of policing as in-the-moment decisions are made and the police react, from the custody suite and over stretched response officers, to the force control room and the investigation teams.  Filmed as the lockdown restrictions eased in Summer 2021 and crime rates surged, Lincolnshire Police, the country’s least funded force, is stretched like never before.

Journey Into The Unknown With CBS Reality And CBS Justice Africa - August 2022 Highlights

CBS Reality:

WOMEN ON THE FORCE
Season 1 & 2
Channel Premiere
Weekdays at 07:30,12:45, 21:35, from 1st to 22nd August.
With unprecedented access to West (Season 1) and North (S2) Yorkshire Police, from the Chief Constable to emergency response officers on the frontline, this landmark series reveals the realities of policing in Britain today and the everyday pressures and challenges which women officers at every level have to confront.
Each episode charts the unfolding stories of three women across a week long shift for the force. With frontline policing tougher than ever, every shift gives an insight into the demands the job can place on their lives – both while on duty and at home.
Over the past 20 years frontline policing in Britain has been transformed and the percentage of women on the force has almost doubled. But the dangers these officers face and the impact the job has on their private lives have also increased.

MY EXTREME OCD LIFE
2x60min
Channel Premiere
Saturday, August 20th and Sunday, August 21st, at 07:05 and 20:40.
In this powerful documentary mini-series we follow the lives of 8 young people as they attempt to live a normal life in the face of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. These extraordinary first-hand accounts reveal young people whose daily lives are consumed by routine and ritual. They fight an internal and often secret war with frightening intrusive thoughts, which compel them to complete endless rituals- convincing them that terrible things will happen if they don’t. We meet them as they take those first steps into adulthood battling to conquer their OCD demons.

 

EATING OURSELVES TO DEATH
1x60min
Channel Premiere
Saturday, August 27th at 07:05 and 20:40.
The obesity epidemic is becoming a crisis. It currently kills more people than road traffic accidents, terrorist attacks and Alzheimer’s disease combined.
And for Darren who is super morbidly obese his weight is now a matter of life and death. His fast food lifestyle has led to serious heart complications and the problem is, surgeons fear his huge weight will mean he won’t survive surgery. We follow Darren on his journey to lose weight as the clock is ticking.
Mum of two Alice now tipping the scales at 35 stone (over 220kg) is worried that she may not live to see her children grow up. But unable to change her ways, will an ultimatum from husband Mark give her the jolt she needs to turn her life around?
In Falkirk, Alex’s love life has been destroyed by his food addiction. Now a virtual recluse, he needs a cocktail of drugs every day just to keep himself alive. Ex-boyfriend Ben is worried that Alex is eating himself to death, can he step in in time to break his downward spiral?

MY OBESE LIFE
1x60min
Channel Premiere
Sunday, 28th August at 07:05 and 20:40.

In this film we follow three extraordinary young women who have all battled with their weight. As they fight perceptions, and their demons head on, we hear how the simplest things derailed their body image. They are learning to love their bodies and to overcome what others think. Nearly 3 million 16- 24 year olds and around half of all women of childbearing age tip the scales beyond their recommended BMI weight. We meet 20 year old Shannon, she is a size 22 and celebrates her curves by selling lingerie products to the larger ladies; we also hear from 24 year old Naomi, who has been a secret eater for most of her life and is desperate to stabilise her weight; and we join 24 year old Jess, who comfort eats to cope with stress, as she tries to shed some pounds.

 

CBS Justice:

KILLER SIBLINGS
Season 2.
Channel premiere.
Weeknights at 19:00 from 15th until 29th August.
"Killer Siblings" delves into the disturbing true stories of some of the deadliest
siblings of all time. Featuring exclusive interviews and firsthand accounts, the
series explores the minds, upbringings and motivations of family members
who were driven to kill. Each hour-long episode profiles a different set of
siblings and the brutal crimes they committed, offering insight into their
murderous bond and what led them down a path to murder.

THE REAL PRIME SUSPECT
Season 1 & 2.
ORIGINAL TRUE CRIME SERIES
CBS Justice celebrates Jackie Malton, host of “The Real Prime Suspect”
On weeknights at 20:00, from Monday August 2nd until August 22nd.
Jackie Malton is a former Scotland Yard detective and an inspiration for the character of DCI Jane Tennison, portrayed by Helen Mirren in the award winning drama series “Prime Suspect”.
Jackie joined the force in 1970 and spent most of her service in the Criminal Investigation Department, probing all aspects of crime including armed robberies, rape, murder, fraud, arson, and blackmail. She served on The Flying Squad as the only female amongst forty men at one point, and is a trained hostage negotiator.
A recovering alcoholic, Jackie has an MSc in Addiction Psychology. For the last thirteen years, she has voluntarily facilitated weekly addiction groups in a male prison, plus 1-1 therapy work. Jackie also continues to support the men in the community and recovery process after their release.
In “The Real Prime Suspect”, Malton gets access to case files and revisits investigations into infamous crimes with the police, detectives, and other professionals who experienced them first hand.

AMC International Giving Their Channels Weird Names Ahead Of Paramount+ Launch In Africa By 2023

Paramount+ is a streaming service owned by the company of the same name (without +) that is home to brands like Paramount Network, CBS (CBS Drama, CBS Justice and Horror Channel), Showtime, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, The Smithsonian Channel, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.

As some consumers are aware Paramount will be rolling out their streaming service by 2023 in the Middle East and Africa and question loomed in regard to the linear offering across the world.

Although the company had no intentions of ending their linear operations that doesn't exclude the possible reduction or restructure to their portfolio as seen in the UK with their CBS channels this past week.

 

AMC International formed a joint venture with the company for CBS Reality, CBS Justice, CBS Drama and Horror Channel since 2012 under the brand Chellomedia and even before and after becoming majority stakeholder the channels had a share of repeats.

After nearly a decade, the CBS channels would be laid to rest by the end of June as Paramount is scrapping the CBS branding since they'll be present on Paramount+ kind of like what they did with the Paramount Network and in doing so comes the new names.

Update: CBS Reality will remain the same for now but there's more to the story as there's a channel that goes by the name Reality in the UK. In other developments, CBS Reality will be getting an additional channel Reality Xtra.

 

Other channels like CBS Justice discontinued and merged onto Legend which serves as a replacement to Horror Channel which in turn becomes a part time channel Horror Xtra with the current CBS Reality getting a sister channel Reality Xtra.

If you've watched MTV, Travel Channel and TLC then you'll be able to realise that the brand names don't match with the offering and that's the case with these new channels.

Apparently, the content in question on these channels will remain the same Reality Xtra will air drama series although the name appears to make it a reruns or edgier version of CBS Reality and imagine they're instilling crime on horror.

Judging by the info available at the moment, its clear that these changes could have been last minute or organised in a short duration.

 

Taking that to account, is it possible another restructure is on the cards and perhaps with alternate names I mean Poland has the AMC brand and if not another name perhaps aligning the content with the brand names.

Last resort would include cord cutting as these channels are very much outdated even onto the new brands and the idea of AMC and Paramount operating less channels at this point doesn't seem far fetched.

If there's a brand I'd have to praise for its uniqueness then its CBS Reality I get this feed doesn't supply original content but the way this channel incorporates less repeats is astounding. Even more interesting is how their former brand name Reality (E)Xtra was revived.

CBS Justice Is Out For The Count While CBS Reality's Future Remains Up In The Air On DStv

During the week, it was announced that Paramount and AMC International the party in charge of CBS Justice and CBS Reality in Africa will be scrapping the CBS branding from their products by shortening (CBS) Reality and killing off CBS Justice for the male skewed channel, Legend.

As it was the first time this news was announced no one could expect what possible outcome awaited the CBS channels on DStv but through a promo for CBS Justice's replacement you can clearly get a clear perspective to the whole situation.

Legend is said to not only incorporate CBS Justice but offer content with sci-fi, horror and adventure and I won't go over the details with the programming as some viewers may not recognise anything from there but by looking at it you can clearly see where this channel stands in Africa.

 

CBS Justice in the UK offers drama series like Walker, NCIS: Los Angeles and CSI while the feed in Africa carries a lot of factual content some I might add are better than what's seen on Investigation Discovery like Forensic Files, Killer Couples and Snapped.

If anything I wouldn't be surprised if CBS Justice merged onto CBS Reality to form something else or for both of them to get discontinued to its entirety as seen in some regions but here's why I think merging would be the likely outcome.

Alternative names for the supposed channel: Zone Reality and Reality (E)Xtra.

Alternative names should it remain as two channels: Zone 1 & 2, Reality 1 & 2, Reality and Reality (E)Xtra.

 

Before CBS Justice was added in Africa, CBS Reality was the main home to all the content seen on there if anything the downside was the timeslots as most crime or detective stuff aired in the early hours of the day (5am or 6am) down to the night (8pm to 11pm).

The merging of these brands would bring more comfort to those on CBS Reality who once had access to this content and who knows it might even reduce amount of Judge Judys or escalate onto another program but who knows really as it was repetitive by then.

 

But if other channels can't fix that issue why burden that onto CBS Reality. The important thing is that there's plenty to watch outside Judy or Cheaters. The only burden at this point would have fallen onto DStv customers.

As seen in the last couple of months, MultiChoice has lost at least 8 channels and not much replacements are on the cards. If CBS Justice doesn't get replaced by the supplier (Paramount and AMC), will the distributor (MultiChoice) seek alternatives or continue leaving empty gaps.

DStv Is Set To Lose CBS Reality And CBS Justice In Revamped Channel Offering By Paramount Global And AMC International

2022 brought a whirlwind of changes for viewers on the DStv platform as MultiChoice scrapped e.tv's 5 channels, ITV Networks, fliekNET and Tellytrack. They where those brands that went out unexpectedly and beyond anyone's control like Russia Today and Lifetime.

As the world continues adapting viewers should expect more changes I mean not all changes are good (e.g. Me) but the point one would have for these changes is survival which is where CBS Reality and CBS Justice reside in.

 

By the end of June, the British counterpart of these channels which also manage the channels in Africa will be revising their channel offering by scrapping CBS Justice for Legend while as CBS Reality is shortened to Reality.

Due to the launch of Paramount+, AMC and Paramount are eliminating the CBS branding from all their products or at least on their linear channels and shocking turn for these two channels is the programming.

 

CBS Justice's replacement Legend will not only cover the crime but the supernatural section of their portfolio while the UK had CBS Horror viewers in Africa relied on CBS Reality for this offering. On top of paranormal, they'll offer thriller and sci-fi.

Reality will likely focus on softer programming such as Judge Judy, Animal Hoarding, Cheaters, Three Day Nanny and Shocking Emergency Calls, as consumers likely lose out on shows like Haunted Case Files and Scariest Night Of My Life to Legend which is technically a premium channel.

 

The change is expected to be completed by the end of June and it hasn't been stated exactly when this format will rollout in other regions or or look identical to the main feed.

As seen in Poland and several Portuguese speaking regions, the channels were given alternate brand names or shuttered down as there's rumours going around that Paramount Global and AMC International are disbanding due to the rollout of Paramount+.

CBS Reality Africa Dwells Into The Life Of A Police Officer In This Four Part Series While CBS Justice Africa Continues Their Investigation Into A Killer's Mind - July 2022 Highlights

CBS Reality:

INSIDE THE FORCE: 24/7
Season 1
Channel Premiere
Thursdays and Fridays at 21:35, from 7th to 15th July. Repeated weekends at 20:40 and 01:00, from 9th to 17th July.

This new four part series goes deep inside West Parade nick, Lincolnshire’s busiest police station.  The series follows the different layers of the force as in-the-moment decisions are made and the police react.  The station is home to over 180 officers who look after a city of nearly two hundred thousand but they are the country’s least funded force.  This series goes behind the station doors, from the custody suite and the over stretched response officers to the force control room and the investigation teams. 

RANDOM BREATH TEST
Season 14
Channel Premiere
Weekdays at 11:10, 14:50 and 00:10, from 18th July to 5th August. Repeated weekends, triple bill, at 06:00, from 21st August to 4th September.

 

 

RBT is a high velocity observational documentary series that takes viewers straight onto Police frontlines in their never ending battle to stop the dangers posed by drivers who continue to get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

We follow hard working and dedicated Police Officers across the length and breadth of Victoria as they come face to face with the often harrowing dangers posed by these drivers.
We’ll witness all the drama and frustration that our police deal with day in and day out as they confront drivers who’ve either had too much to drink or are under the influence of illicit drugs.
Will they be under .05, negative or under arrest?

CBS Justice:

DESCENT OF A SERIAL KILLER
Season 1 Episodes 1-5
Channel Premiere
Sundays at 20:00 from 3rd until 31st July.

“Descent of a Serial Killer” examines the killer’s path from childhood or early teens when worrying traits first come to the fore, the gradual pushing of boundaries and the disintegration of personal morality, and the culmination to murder or multiple murders.

The series is headed up by former FBI Agent, leading Psychological Criminologist, and specialist in evidence-based profiling, Dr Bryanna Fox. Fox will identify and explore behavioural red flags which are concerning when analysed individually, but when combined, they can potentially create a deadly path.

 

 

Throughout the series, Dr Bryanna Fox will be joined by a range of contributors who will provide the fascinating factual details and evidence from each case leading to the question: could these serial killers have been stopped earlier.

BLOODLINE DETECTIVES
Season 2
Channel Premiere
Weeknights at 19:00 from 4th until 29th July.

In the same way that DNA profiling fundamentally changed Forensic Science, Familial DNA testing is supercharging DNA Profiling. It is the forensic revolution that is seeing cold cases solved all over the world and Bloodline Detectives explores and tells the stories of some of the most extraordinary cases solved to date.

Using witness testimony, new interviews, archive footage and dramatic reconstructions, Bloodline Detectives is a compelling and highly watchable series which reveals a new and dynamic form of crime fighting.

 

SNAPPED: KILLER COUPLES
Season 13
Channel Premiere
Weeknights at 19:00 from 4th until 29th July.

“Snapped: Killer Couples” is a gripping series that features couples whose passion drove them to commit terrible criminal acts. Through re-creations and first-hand accounts, each episode delves into the stories behind the couples’ romance, how their relationship evolved once love transformed into manipulation and what ultimately drove them to commit crimes. From teenage couple who embark on a multi-state crime spree to lesbian lovers who stop at nothing to eliminate one of their husbands; viewers are given unprecedented access into these relationships.

Things Go Horribly Wrong On CBS Reality Africa And CBS Justice Africa Welcomes A New Series, Twisted Killers - June 2022 Highlights

CBS Reality:

WHEN LUXURY HOLIDAYS GO HORRIBLY WRONG
Channel Premiere
Saturday 4th June at 07:00 and 20:40. Repeated on Thursday 9th June at 18:55 and 23:20.

The holiday industry is worth a jaw-dropping 45 billion pounds a year. And for those choosing to spend big and go 5 star, only the best will do. From swanky hotels to luxurious cruises, when these holidays go right they're perfect paradises and much needed R&R in the lap of luxury. But when it goes horribly wrong, it can be catastrophic. Actress Glynis Barber narrates this one hour special.
There are first-hand interviews with the real-life people whose holidays ended in disaster. Highlights include chartered accountant Bill and his wife Tanya who shelled out a whopping £11,000 on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to the Bahamas only to end up trapped in the eye of a cyclone. The couple were left horrified as the ship listed at sea, with water leaking into their cabin and chaos all round.
 

Plus, we hear from Iain & Judie Cook whose luxury dream trip to Vegas turned into deadly nightmare. They’d gone to the city of lights to get hitched and celebrate their honeymoon only to get caught up in the now infamous shootings that saw 58 people killed and 851 others injured. Expert interviews include travel presenters Danni Menzies, Scarlette Douglas, Jean Johansson and journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder.

WHEN ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS GO
HORRIBLY WRONG
Channel Premiere
Sunday 5th June at 07:30 and 20:40. Repeated on Friday 10th June at 18:55 and 23:20.
Brits spend over 45 billion pounds travelling abroad for a well-earned break each year. For many the only way to holiday is to go all-inclusive. From endless food and drink, to hotels with kids’ clubs and water parks going all-inclusive is supposed to be all about a hassle-free guarantee of fun in the sun.
But for some, going all-inclusive is anything but relaxing. In this one hour special we meet the unlucky holidaymakers whose holidays went horribly wrong.
There are first-hand interviews with the real-life people whose all-inclusive holidays ended in disaster. Highlights include nurse, Julia Vaughan who shelled out over £5,5000 for a relaxing break in Crete for her and her family, only to be confronted by a giant construction site next to their hotel. With work going on from morning until night the family were bombarded by dust and constant construction noise.
 

Expert interviews include travel presenters Sabrina Chakici and Scarlette Douglas, travel journalists Lisa Minot and Cathy Adams, plus Travel Risk Expert Lloyd Figgins. Jan Ravens narrates.

WHEN COSMETIC SURGERY GOES
HORRIBLY WRONG
Channel Premiere
Sunday 19th June at 07:05 and 20:40. Repeated Friday 24th June at 18:55 and 23:20.
Plastic Surgery was once considered taboo, something for only the rich and famous, but with advances in medical technology making the odd nip and tuck more affordable, many people are going under the knife in the pursuit of perfection. It's bigger and more accessible than ever before.
However, as with all surgery, there are risks. In this 90 minute special, narrated by Jill Halfpenny, we have the first hand accounts of people who went under the knife whose lives were scarred by their experience.
 

Highlights include a young Liverpudlian, Delsha, whose routine visit to get her eyebrows tattooed resulted in her ending up 'looking like a clown' with four eyebrows. We have the story of a mother of two, Samantha, who suffered years of back trouble due to her large breasts who, upon undergoing a reduction from a J-Cup to a more comfortable C-cup, ended up in agonising pain and her nipple position far higher than she ever could have conceived.
Expert interviews include TV doctor Tijon Esho, Harley Street celebrity surgeon Dr Aamer Khan, psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud and celebrities Lizzie Cundy & Danielle Lloyd.

WHEN DIETS GO HORRIBLY WRONG
Channel Premiere
Saturday 25th June at 07:05 and 20:40. Repeated Thursday 30th June at 18:55 and 23:20.

We’ve all been on a diet at one point or other in our lives, and with the rise of social media, there’s no getting away from the fact that we’re all under more pressure than ever before.
 

When done right, diets can have positive health benefits as well as being life affirming. However, when done wrong they can end in disaster. In this 60 minute special, narrated by Claire Sweeney, we have first-hand accounts from real people whose diets ended up deeply affecting their lives. Highlights include a young juicer, Clare, whose body reacted badly to her liquid-only diet. There’s ripped thirtysomething Joe, a young fitness fanatic wound up with kidney stones after extreme ‘bulking up’.
Writer Eve opens up about the pressures of working in the fashion industry surrounded by “perfect” bodies. Her story involves her taking on-board so-called fad diets via social media.
 

Plus, there’s the tragic tale of Eloise Parry, well-documented in the press back in 2018, as she had been addicted to toxic slimming pills containing dinitrophenol (DNP). We have an exclusive interview with her sister Becky who opens up about her late sister’s obsession with her diet.
Expert interviews include GP Dr Ellie Cannon, workout queen Rosemary Conley, fitness expert Kris Boyson and celebrities Nadia Sawalha, Ampika Pickston and former Big Brother star, Josie Gibson.

CBS Justice:

TWISTED KILLERS
Season 1.
Channel premiere.
Weeknights at 19:00 from 6th until 17th June.
The most baffling cases. The most bizarre killers. What drives acts of evil? Twisted Killers tells the shocking stories of some of America's darkest, most unusual murderers. Along the way, a trio of criminal experts, including former NYC DA Beth Karas, retired LAPD Homicide Detective Tracey Benjamin and Forensic Psychologist Kate Termini, provide insight and expertise on how these twisted killers were brought to justice.

 

MARK OF A SERIAL KILLER
Season 3.
Channel premiere.
Weeknights at 19:00 from 20th June until 1st July.
The behaviours and patterns may differ, but some serial killers simply cannot resist leaving a personal mark on each of their heinous crimes. From post-mortem rituals to crime scene mementoes, these perverse trademarks are often meant to taunt law enforcement but can end up providing vital clues that help the investigators bring down the perpetrator. Each episode delves into a different case involving a serial killer's signature, featuring first-hand accounts from the detectives involved as well as interviews with criminal psychology experts and those close to the victims.