News Shorts: WaterBear Extends Its To Da Vinci With A Slate Of New Content, Danger Force To End With 3 Seasons On Nickelodeon And OUTtv Greenlights New Reality Series Looking For A Third

Waterbear Network on Da Vinci

WaterBear Network, the eco-streamer. has announced a partnership with Da Vinci, the home of inspiring and educational TV for families and children. Effective immediately, WaterBear Original content will take the spotlight on Da Vinci’s FAST Channel, reaching audiences in the US, UK and Ireland.

This 12-month collaboration revolves around the theme of ‘Positive Solutions for our Changing World’, delving into narratives of sustainability, community action, conservation, and wildlife preservation. The programme lineup features WaterBear’s original documentaries and films, including Extract Destroy Repeat, an animation that delves into the depths of deep-sea mining, The Whale Who Saved Me, a story recounting whale biologist Nan Hauser’s extraordinary encounter, and Wildlife Warriors, an exploration of the lives of female conservationists.

The launch on this flagship channel, home to the popular Becoming Xtraordinary series with Bear Grylls, further cements WaterBear Network’s commitment to offering unlimited access to purpose-driven content to a growing ecosystem of consumers.

Danger Force cancelled on Nickelodeon

During the NFL NickMas Game, it was revealed by one of the commentators that Danger Force would end with after 3 seasons. With the remaining episodes to the current slated for January 2024 in the USA thus bringing the end of Schneiderverse on Nickelodeon.

Although, Danger Force had been scrapped on Nickelodeon the Dangerverse is currently in production of a Henry Danger film for Paramount+ with Jace Norman set to reprise his role. It is being developed under Nickelodeon and Norman's production company, Starlight.

In other developments, Netflix acquired distribution rights to the upcoming film for The Casagrandes. With the animated series ending on a cliffhanger, it had been confirmed that film would serve as the season finale of course Nickelodeon is depriving linear audiences from seeing it.

Tiffany ‘New York’ Pollard to host a new series

The LGBTQ+ network has ordered has the eight-part dating competition series, which is from Daddy TV, the producing team behind Stormy Daniels series For The Love of DILFs. Production will begin next summer and is slated for release in late 2024 on OUTtv.

Set in a modern villa, Looking For a Third will feature one gay couple and one lesbian couple, each searching for a third partner to add to their relationship among a group of singles.

Pollard, a seminal figure in Black reality TV, will host and is an executive producer. She was first seen in Flavor of Love back in 2006 on VH1 before landing her own spin-off, I Love New York. She also made a popular appearance on Big Brother in the UK, where she was at the center of an iconic moment in which she mistakenly told fellow housemates David Gest had died.

Could Da Vinci Kids Have Been Axed In Favor Of More Local Programming On DStv And GOtv?

Last month, it was reported that Da Vinci Kids would be exiting the DStv platform from 14 November and not only that but some parts of Africa lost the channel months prior. In place of these channels would be Teen Africa TV for consumers in West and Eastern parts of Africa with Play Room in Southern Africa.

Play Room is a children's channel which looks to combine fun and learning with live-action shows alongside popular animated shows in isiZulu. The channel is operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group who also manage Newzroom Afrika and Movie Room across Africa.

Teen Africa TV is Africa's first dedicated TV channel for teenagers "and their families" featuring locally produced shows and films. The channel was founded by Nigerian filmmaker Charles Novia and is also viewed on StarTimes under a separate agreement.

As outlined sometime ago, Play Room and Teen Africa TV are both looking to build the local offering for consumers in Africa. While Teen Africa TV is producing originals like Culture Connect and Listen, Play Room on the other hand is licencing animated content across Africa.

These include shows like Akili And Me and uBongo Kids which are based in Kenya with Bino And Fino residing within Nigeria.

As seen, MultiChoice doesn't outline a reason toward the cancellation of Operation Ouch and Pet Rescue from these consumers but if we had to guess it may have to do with the content. Prior to the introduction of Moonbug, Da Vinci Kids was set to be scrapped from the platform.

But due to overwhelming feedback from a majority of DStv customers about the content Da Vinci Kids remained onboard the platform for a forseeable future. After a year, history would repeat itself as MultiChoice plans to ripped away Da Vinci Kids from DStv and GOtv.

Consumers wishing to see more factual entertainment and wildlife would need to tune into National Geographic, BBC Earth and History for a similar offering.

#BoycottingTeenAfricaTV: Can Teen Africa TV Fill Up The Void Left By Da Vinci Kids On Both DStv And GOtv?

During the week, it was reported that Da Vinci Kids exited both DStv and GOtv platforms in some parts of Africa by August as the channel continues to be broadcast on StarSat. Prior to that, MultiChoice added Teen Africa TV as a new youth oriented channel on the platforms.

Teen Africa TV is Africa's first dedicated TV channel for teenagers and their families featuring locally produced shows such as the Nigerian adaptation to the UK game show The Voice Kids, live tween show Teen Breakfast Live and lifestyle shows Fashionista and Culture Connect.

Da Vinci Kids was a factual based children's channel which like carried animated shows like Wild Kratts, Mily Miss Questions and Pincode alongside live-action shows like Operation Ouch, Horrible Histories and Odd Squad. It was described as the Curiosity Channel of children's television.

The minor setback with Teen Africa TV would be the programming despite catering for the same demographic none of the content match to that of History, BBC Earth or National Geographic but to that of Africa Magic and Ebonylife seeing as other youth channels don't offer local content.

In short, if you wish to view the content from Da Vinci Kids then you need StarSat and a similar offering can be found on as mentioned National Geographic and BBC Earth. Teen Africa TV is just a random channel which basically competes against itself.

Important Notice: Curiosity Channel Might Scoop Up Content From Da Vinci Kids Once The Channel Goes Dark On DStv In November

During the week, it was reported that MultiChoice would be axing Da Vinci Kids from various DStv and GOtv platforms across Africa in November. With the future of Operation Ouch, Science Max and Horrible Histories residing within StarSat in South Africa and StarTimes across Africa.

Play Room is a children's channel operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group which offers fun and learning with popular animated shows dubbed in Zulu alongside live-action shows. The channel would replace Da Vinci Kids on channel 300 from November 6.

But from what we've analysed in regards to the content, Play Room's offering match that of Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network as opposed to Da Vinci Kids whose offering is similar to that of History and National Geographic so basically we're getting a random addition. 

Although Operation Ouch and Animal Rescue won't form part of the offering in the coming month. There's chances that some of this content may resurface on another TV channel or in this case, Curiosity Channel.

Curiosity Channel is a factual entertainment brand that was set up by Discovery founder John Hendricks. The brand offers a streaming service which bundles content from numerous brands like Tastemade, SOMM TV, One Day University and also Da Vinci Kids.

The only problem would be accessibility as MultiChoice regards this as premium channel and as such consumers would need to pay more in order to watch content from Da Vinci Kids or get StarSat which is very much affordable.

Questions & Answers Regarding The Closure Of Da Vinci Kids And The Launch Of Play Room On DStv

Channel line-up review is done to ensure we deliver unbeatable content and that our DStv services cater for the needs and viewing requirements of our customers. As part of this ongoing process, Da Vinci Kids (DStv channel 318 & GOtv channel 66/157/359) will no longer be available on DStv & GOtv from 14 November 2023 at 23:59 CAT.

Why has MultiChoice decided to terminate this channel?

The channel termination is in line with MultiChoice’s strategy to continuously review international and local content line-ups and optimise DStv channels. As such, the business has decided to bid farewell to Da Vinci Kids (DStv channel 318 & GOtv channel 66/157/359). This is done to ensure we deliver unbeatable content to our customers and that our DStv services continue to cater to the needs and viewing requirements of our customers.

Will there be channels with similar content that will replace the terminated Da Vinci Kids in South Africa?

DStv customers can look forward to Play Room (channel 300) from 6 November, Play Room offers a whole new world of fun and learning in a uniquely local package carrying original South African and popular international content, including favourite animated titles dubbed in isiZulu.

For now the channel will only be available in South Africa.

Will there be channels with similar content that will replace the terminated Da Vinci Kids in the rest of Africa?

Consumers can find similar content on Disney Junior, Nick Jr. and other children channels - that's what we're told in an enquiry. As mentioned, Play Room will "for now" be available to DStv customers in South Africa meaning it's likely to be duplicated in other regions perhaps with an independent feed as seen with Newzroom Afrika and Movie Room (Africa).

Why is MultiChoice cancelling so many channels?

This is done to ensure we deliver unbeatable content and that our DStv/GOtv services cater to the needs and viewing requirements of our customers. MultiChoice regularly reviews its channel line-up to ensure we offer customers the best in local and international content.

Are you removing these channels because of poor ratings?

As Africa’s most-loved storyteller, MultiChoice continues to engage and work with third party channel providers to leverage its technology and provide world-class entertainment to our customers.

What content can consumers look forward to on Play Room?

The plan with Play Room is to combine education and entertainment through a mix of South African and international content like Paw Patrol and Game Shakers, together with animated titles dubbed into isiZulu.

Morning programming on Play Room will be centred around educational material for 4 to 6-year-olds, including interactive shows that encourage physical movement, as well as values-based and creative content designed to stretch children's imaginations.

Afternoons will feature live action and a local live show with high entertainment value for tweens.

#BoycottingPlayRoom: Could Play Room Fill Up The Void Left By Da Vinci Kids When It Exits Both DStv And Possible GOtv In November?

During the day, it was reported that Da Vinci Kids would be exiting both DStv and GOtv platforms in November as the channel continues to be broadcast on StarSat. Prior to the termination, MultiChoice would be adding another kids channel to their platforms, Play Room.

Play Room is basically "an eToonz for Africa" featuring animated shows like CoComelon, Paw Patrol and Jabu's Jungle alongside live-action shows like Play Room Live and Game Shakers. It is operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group who manage Newzroom Afrika and Movie Room.

Da Vinci Kids was a factual based children's channel which like carried animated shows like Wild Kratts, Mily Miss Questions and Pincode alongside live-action shows like Operation Ouch, Horrible Histories and Odd Squad. It was described as the Curiosity Channel of children's television.

The minor setback with Play Room would be the programming despite catering for the same demographic none of the content match to that of History, BBC Earth or National Geographic but to the likes of brands like Cartoon Network, Disney Junior and JimJam.

In short, if you wish to view the content from Da Vinci Kids then you need StarSat and a similar offering can be found on as mentioned National Geographic and BBC Earth. Play Room competes with brands like Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and as mentioned Cartoon Network.

Channel Termination: Da Vinci Kids Will Stop Airing On DStv And GOtv From 14 November, Play Room Will Be Added Soon

After almost cutting the channel back in 2022 for Moonbug, MultiChoice has decided to end the carriage of the factual and kids entertainment channel, Da Vinci Kids. With the channel set to go dark across various DStv and GOtv platforms by 14 November 2023.

Da Vinci Kids featured various animated series such as Mily Miss Questions, The Deep and Superhero Galore alongside live-action shows like Operation Ouch, Treehouse Stories and Bajilionaires. The latter which would now only be viewable on StarSat as MultiChoice makes space for Play Room.

Following the on/off relationship with eMedia Investments, MultiChoice has been battling with transponder constraints that often when a new channel would roll out on their platforms it would result in the termination of an existing channel as seen with Novela Magic and Maisha Magic Movies.

Play Room is described as an "eToonz for Africa" type children's channel featuring locally produced and international shows. The channel will go live from November 6 carrying live-action shows like Game Shakers and Play Room Live alongside animated shows like Jabu's Jungle, CoComelon and Paw Patrol.

We're awaiting confirmation on Play Room for the rest of Africa particularly on GOtv. We believe the channel could be made available to these consumers we're not sure if it will be made available to the rest of Africa at the same time due to the local dubs to some animated shows.

Considering that Da Vinci catered to Access consumers, Play Room will most likely be made available to the consumers of Da Vinci. Of course, a lot of channels to have exited DStv during the year were local channels making Da Vinci the first international brand.

In other developments, HONEY is also scheduled to be exiting the DStv and GOtv platform by the end of October which would coincide with the expansion of TRACE Urban to DStv Access. MultiChoice is also rumoured to be rolling out a new general entertainment channel from Zambezi Magic.

What To Expect On Da Vinci Kids Across Africa In September 2023?

PREMIERE

Did I Mention Invention?          

SERIES PREMIERE (17 x 30’)

From September 7 I Wed, Thurs, Fri at 16:10

A robot snake that can help with surgery. A jet ski submarine that flies underwater. Stone sculptures created using physics. You’ll find them all on “Did I Mention Invention?” Host Alie Ward meets the inventors of the present and future and discovers how their ideas grew from a glimmer of inspiration to things that improve our world. Got an idea for an invention of your own? She’s got tips for budding inventors too! And some fun facts on everyday inventions that we take for granted now. Fascinating!

Genre: Science, Technology, Documentary 

Marvellous Makes Lab (S02)        

SEASON PREMIERE (16 x 10’)

From September 16 I Weekends at 9:00 

Welcome back to Season 2 of “Marvellous Makes Lab”, where science meets creativity! 

Join us as we explore fun experiments using everyday household items, unveiling the fascinating science behind each creation. Let the excitement begin!

Genre: Arts/Crafts, Science, How-to, Educational

CONTINUING SPECIAL

DIY SCI Marathon             

(44 x 30’)

Saturdays at 10:15 

Get your lab coats ready because Steve Spangler is coming to your screens with 4 seasons of a wild science adventure! Laugh, learn, and be amazed as he unleashes mind-blowing experiments using everyday items. Brace yourself for a journey full of fascinating connections to real-world innovations and a whole lot of fun.  You will definitely say to yourself that Science has never been this fun!

Genre: Science, Technology, How-to, Educational, Entertainment

Awards: Daytime Emmy Awards 2017 nominee; Daytime Emmy Awards 2018 nominee. 

What To Expect On Da Vinci Africa In April 2023?

SPECIALS
Earth Day Marathon
From April 8th, Saturdays at 10:55

FEATURED SHOWS:
Siyaya: Come Wild with Us
Saturdays at 10:55
Jump on the zebra bus with Oompie and the young adventurers who set off to explore the national parks around South Africa. From deserts to the deep blue sea, they discover how people, plants, and animals can learn to live in harmony - even in the harshest of environments.

Learning Focus: S.T.E.M. & Social Emotional Learning

Awards: Environmental Film & Screenplay Festival, Best Film 2021;
Golden Bee International Children’s Film Festival, Best Documentary 2021

Xploration Nature Knows Best
Saturdays at 12:55
What do you get if you cross a silkworm with a spider? A substance strong enough to stop a 747 jet! This is just one of the incredible inventions in this fascinating series that looks at the fun and clever ways today’s scientists, engineers, and innovators are using nature to create some of the world’s most exciting advancements.

Learning Focus: S.T.E.M. & Critical Thinking

Presenter: Danni Washington—marine biologist, conservationist and thrill-seeker! She is also a co-founder of The Big Blue & You, an organisation that uses the arts and media to educate young people about ocean conservation.

Xploration Awesome Planet
Saturdays at 14:35
In Xploration Awesome Planet, Phillippe Cousteau Jr., grandson of the legendary Jacques Cousteau, explores the most spectacular places - on the earth, inside the earth, and above the earth. Why are pollinators so important and how do horseshoe crabs migrate?

Learning Focus: S.T.E.M. & Critical Thinking

Awards: Daytime Emmy Nominee, 2017-2019
Presenter: Philippe Cousteau—Famous explorer, oceanographer, environmental activist and co-host of the popular YouTube channel “Xploration Station”

New Development Alert: Da Vinci Kids Shortens Its Name To Just Da Vinci, Planning Co-Viewing Future

In 2022, MultiChoice as part of an attempt in reviewing their offering was planning to remove the educational brand, Da Vinci Kids from both DStv and GOtv platforms across Africa but due to a growing demand for their content amongst parents the channel was reinstated.

Prior to that, the channel was formerly available on the South African based platform Openview currently owned by eMedia Investments as Da Vinci Learning before the switch to Da Vinci Kids offering shows such as History Hunters, When I Grow Up? and Operation Ouch.

During the week, Da Vinci Kids rebranded for the fourth time in a row within 11 years now known simply as Da Vinci. Interesting fact, this switch happened back in 2018 but their owners for some reason were on limbo when it came to an actual brand name.

The Da Vinci Kids brand name was the most used amongst all as Da Vinci was used for the night owl offering which consists mainly of documentaries and short films. Weird thing about this was how Da Vinci Learning was revived and thereafter buried again.

The likely reason for the switch had to do with an alignment strategy and also another way to reflect back on their offering. They wanted something that would look good on your tablet and the previous logo worked better on a newspaper.

As for the revised name Da Vinci, how is anyone sure this will be the last time cause all that makeup doesn't really convince me this is it. Despite the simplicity of the new logo and graphic designs.

Aside from brand name problems, Tinizine Limited has two kids brands, the first is Macademia a platform carrying educational and factual material for preschoolers with Da Vinci supplying selected content from Macademia and catering to older audiences.

Both brands also have an app and Macademia has more variety than the Da Vinci app supplying most if not all the content which leads to this question in fact. Could it be possible that Macamedia and Da Vinci will perhaps unify under one brand perhaps?

Macamedia has the programming as their app serves as a digital library with thousand hours of programming but lacks accessibility. As for Da Vinci, they got the audience in their back pocket I mean Macamedia's programming has grown popular after its arrival on Da Vinci.

Unifying both these brands could equal to another powerhouse in children and family entertainment joining other brands like JimJam and CBeebies which are all based in the UK/Europe.

Da Vinci Kids Plans Co-Viewing Future With A Slate Of Content

UK-based broadcaster Da Vinci Media had entered the FAST channel market as part of a broader move to grow its US audience, appeal to families, and hone in on the topics kids care about most. At launch, the channel’s offering boasts hundreds of hours of content, and the goal is to add another 400-plus hours in 2023.

Da Vinci is looking to commission and acquire animated and live-action content for its linear channel, OTT platform and now the new FAST channel. The company is particularly interested in concepts with a focus on financial and digital literacy, sustainability and female representation in engineering, says Estelle Lloyd, co-founder and COO of edtech company Macademia (formerly Azoomee), which owns and operates Da Vinci.

Insidus Games:
- Buzz Lightyear Star Command
- Pink Panther: Pinkadelic Pursuit
- Spider-Man Toxic City
- Baby Felix Halloween

The broadcaster’s major aim is to stretch beyond its current preschool focus and reach kids ages eight and up in a big way. It’s working to meet a demand for educational content for tweens, as well as providing programming that touches on kids’ interests and that appeals to a co-viewing audience, adds Luca Fiore, Macadamia’s head of content.

Da Vinci has made a start on this goal in recent months, inking a two-part deal with Seattle-based YouTube-first prodco HiHo Kids (5.1 million subscribers) for short-form shows Kids Meet (52 episodes), in which children talk to people with interesting backgrounds, such as a teen mom and a Holocaust survivor; and Kids Try (32 episodes), which is all about discovering foods from different cultures and eras.

Regular Nick:
- PBS Kids still hasn't rolled out new logo in other countries
- Disney renews 3 adult animated series through 2025
- CoComelon to get yet another spinoff
- Moonbug Kids To Distribute New STEAM Focused Series, Ocean Explorers

The partnership will also see the companies create a co-branded miniseries called For Our Planet, which gives both Kids Meet and Kids Try an environmental twist with segments like “For Our Planet: Kids Try Sustainable Foods”. 

For Our Planet is a good example of Da Vinci’s s new focus on reaching older kids by going beyond science- and math-focused content to address topics of interest to families, says Fiore.

“Personal development, wellbeing and mental health are what we’re hearing from families is important, and we’re looking for these new ways to engage the audiences and places we can grow,” he says. “During the pandemic, we almost doubled our traffic, and we aim to retain that by creating fun and educational content for co-viewing, because there isn’t enough of that for kids.”

What To Expect On Da Vinci Kids Africa In February 2023?

PREMIERES
Operation Ouch! (S10)
SEASON PREMIERE (13 x 30 mins)
From February 11th, Saturdays & Sundays at 17:05

Operation Ouch is turning 10! Join the birthday celebrations as the doctors look back at a decade of intriguing injuries, brilliant bodies, and jaw-dropping lab experiments. Then, get ready for an ouchtastic new season full of brand-new patients and tons of GROSS ALERTS!

Learning focus:S.T.E.M. & Critical thinking
Awards: BAFTA Children’s Award, Best Factual 2013 & 2014
BAFTA Children’s Award, Best Programme 2015
BAFTA Children’s Award Nominee, Best Presenter 2016 & 2017

Hosts: Chris and Xand van Tulleken both trained as doctors at Oxford University, specializing in
infectious diseases and tropical medicine. Chris now works at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London, and after travelling all over the world, Xand has settled in New York, where he does research.

Regular Nick:
- February on Disney Channel and Junior
- The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj to rollout on Nicktoons in Africa
- Moonbug Kids To Distribute New STEAM Focused Series, Ocean Explorers
- New Bear Grylls series is coming soon to Da Vinci Kids

SPECIALS
Safer Internet Day
Tuesday, February 7th at 17:00
Get ready to become a digital superhero! At Da Vinci, we’re on a mission to make the Internet a safer place. Join us for a journey through the online world with the amazing series all about digital literacy, Citizen Code!

FEATURED SHOWS :
Citizen Code
Packed with information, these short videos go behind the scenes of the digital world, showing how our current technology works and how it has developed over time. Each episode contains a different topic, covering everything from cloud computing to the latest video games.

NEW EPISODES
How to Do Stuff Good (S03)
Fridays at 16:05
Hosted by a zany bunch of school-aged kids, each with their own story to tell and lesson to share, this hilarious series demonstrates how to do all manner of amazing things, from arts and crafts to cooking and pranks.

The Pet Rescuers (S02)
Saturdays & Sundays at 18:00
The Pet Rescuers follows the adventures and challenges of a devoted team on a mission to give abandoned pets another chance at a happy life. This heart-warming series will take you on an extraordinary journey and restore your faith in humanity.

Insidus Games:
- Bugs Bunny & Lola Bunny: Operation Carrot Patch
- Buzz Lightyear Star Command
- Fix It Fun! Bob The Builder
- Daffy Duck: Fowl Play

Roundups #133: Da Vinci Media Commissions Three Seasons Of New Bear Grylls Series, NCIS: Los Angeles Cancelled After 14 Seasons On M-Net And CBS And Starsat To Rollout CBS Reality In Various International Territories

Bear Grylls is coming to Da Vinci Kids

Da Vinci Media has set its sights on creating more inspirational content for kids and families with some help from British adventurer Bear Grylls and his co-venture studio BecomingX. The streamer has ordered three seasons of Grylls’ unscripted series Becoming Xtraordinary (30 x 24 minutes), which features influential celebrities, athletes and professionals from around the world.

Each episode will contain two interview-driven success stories encouraging kids of all ages to chase their dreams and providing advice on how to realize these goals. Some of the first season’s interviewees include actors Julia Roberts and Channing Tatum; sports superstars Roger Federer and Dame Kelly Holmes; and British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. TV host Mwaka Mudenda (Blue Peter) will serve as one of the show’s in-studio presenters.

Da Vinci commissioned the series after identifying a lack of inspirational content that kids and families can co-view together, said COO Estelle Lloyd in a release.

Pre-production is set to begin later this month, and season one is slated to premiere on Da Vinci’s platforms this spring and summer. The Da Vinci Kids app and YouTube channel will also feature full-length versions of the interviews to extend the experience of the series.

Regular Nick:
- Could Universal Kids be the next channel to close down from NBCUniversal?
- Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
- The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon

NCIS: Los Angeles is the next show to get axed on M-Net

One of CBS’ longest-running scripted shows, NCIS: Los Angeles, will be coming to an end after 322 episodes. Its current 14th season will be the show’s last, with the series finale set for May 14, airing on the network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.

The NCIS spinoff, starring LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell, is tied as the fifth longest-running CBS primetime scripted series ever, only behind Gunsmoke, Lassie, CSI and Criminal Minds. Among the four, the two shows that have aired in the last 50 years, CSI and Criminal Minds, both have since been revived, which bodes well for NCIS: Los Angeles‘ future.

Additionally, NCIS: Los Angeles is a rare long-running procedural drama to have had its original leads, LL Cool J and O’Donnell, stay on for the entire run. Both have spoken publicly about their commitment to the series, which hit the 300 episode milestone last May, and their fellow cast members.

According to sources, the cast and crew of NCIS: Los Angeles are being told today about the series coming to an end. A cancellation of a long-running drama with big-name leads filming in L.A. should not come as a shock given the big price tag involved, especially at a time when networks across the board are looking to cut their spending. Still, I hear the cancellation news came as a surprise to many associated with the show as it follows the strong ratings for the three-way crossover with mothership NCIS and latest offshoot NCIS: Hawai’i.

DStv Flex:
- Brand new seasons of your favourite shows coming to History
- February on The Home Channel
- February on HONEY
- Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net

CBS Reality is launching on DStv competitor

After closing off 30+ channels in the last 5 years, StarSat is finally in the process of rolling out new channels with Kartoon Channel set to officially launch by the end of January with other brands like FilmBox Action, CBS Reality and CBS Justice awaiting release.

As seen during the month, FilmBox Action and CBS Justice were unveiled by the pay-tv platform in selected regions with CBS Reality supposedly being the last minute entry and from the looks of it I wouldn't be shocked if they were more last minute entries.

CBS Reality is factual entertainment channel owned by AMC International and Paramount Global which offers content like Dangerous Flights, Judge Judy, Dogs Behaving Very Badly, Cheaters, Shocking Emergency Calls, Hardcore Pawn, Paranormal Survivor etc.

If I had to guess, CBS Reality was likely added to replace Discovery Family. I mean both are educational and offer factual content if anything the target group is different as CBS Reality doesn't cater much to kids and family isn't something you'd find on such a channel.

DStv:
- BBC to close linear channels and move to an internet only digital future
- kykNET Lekker Opened To More DStv Customers For A Limited Time
- What Consumers Should Be Concerned About Regarding SABC's Yet To Be Launched Channels On DStv?

Roundups #118: Moonbug Kids Now Has A Dedicated Cameo Account, SpongeBob SquarePants To Rollout New Mobile Game In Nordic Region And Pet Rescuers And How To Do Stuff Good Return For New Episodes On Da Vinci Kids Africa This January

Moonbug found more ways to keep the little ones entertained

Cameo, the marketplace that connects global talent with fans and brands, has launched Cameo Kids — offering personalized videos for children from their family entertainment favorites. The product launched in partnership with Candle Media, which last year acquired Moonbug Entertainment. At launch, Cameo Kids features a host of animated characters including the stars of Moonbug’s most popular global kids’ franchises, Blippi and CoComelon.

Cameo Kids allows consumers to book personalized videos built around key moments — from birthdays and the holidays to daily routines like bedtime and general messages of love and encouragement. In the coming months, the product experience will expand to add even more seasonal holidays, daily routines and new milestones.

“We’ve seen jaw-dropping fan reactions to Cameo videos over the last few years including truly wowed children, so we’re excited to spread even more of that joy with this new offering,” said Steven Galanis, Cameo Co-Founder and CEO. “Candle Media and Moonbug helped bring this to life by partnering with us to launch some of the biggest names in children’s entertainment and create endless possibilities for new characters and creative product use cases. We’re building a platform where families can get their kid’s favorite star to not just know their name, but share support for every important moment in their child’s life – big and small.”

New mobile game for SpongeBob launching in 2023

It's that time of year where video game companies are hosting showcases, and the latest one was from THQ Nordic.

For Switch fans, THQ shared new trailers of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake and AEW: Fight Forever. The new SpongeBob game was originally revealed to the world last year. And AEW was more recently confirmed at the start of this month after a retailer leak.

THQ Nordic and All Elite Wrestling have joined forces with prolific wrestling-game developers YUKE's Co. Ltd. of Japan to bring you AEW: Fight Forever! The game combines nostalgic arcade wrestling with All Elite Wrestling finishers and moves. Featuring a big roster of AEW talent, multiple match types, a robust career mode, tons of customization options, more than 40 weapons, and so much more! Coming soon to PS4™, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and the Xbox Series S/X, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Regular Nick:
- Craig Of The Creek has been cancelled on Cartoon Network
- Barbie: It Takes Two and Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go! coming soon to eToonz
- 35 facts you didn't know about these Dragonball instalments
- A list of scrapped spinoffs for The Simpsons
- The concept of Cartoonito and Boomerang (review)
- Tom And Jerry In New York cancelled on HBO Max after one season

Da Vinci starts off the new year with these two lovable guys

NEW EPISODES
How to Do Stuff Good S3
Fridays 16:05
Ready to amaze your friends and baffle your parents with amazing tricks? Or do you prefer keeping your hands busy cooking or making fun things? How To Do Stuff Good has it all! Join the wacky kids as they demonstrate some amazing life hacks – printing your own t-shirt design, bird spotting, cooking a batch of yummy burger pancakes – you’ll love their crazy ideas.

The Pet Rescuers S2
Weekends 18:00
Each new day at Second Chance Animal Rescue brings new opportunities for our brave heroes to save and rehabilitate abandoned pets. And with a whole new season heading your way, expect to fall in love with even more adorable animals on The Pet Rescuers, as the team searches for their forever homes.

What To Expect On Da Vinci Kids Africa In December 2022?

PREMIERES
100 Ways to Draw (26 x 5 mins)
From December 5th – Mondays to Fridays 17:50
Learning framework: Creativity
Spark your creativity and imagination with 100 Ways to Draw. Each episode offers a theme, an idea, a game, and a technique that will inspire a drawing moment.

NEW EPISODES
The Pet Rescuers — SEASON 2 (20 x 30 mins)
From December 12th – Saturdays & Sundays 18:00
Learning framework: Critical Thinking & Social-emotional Learning
The Pet Rescuers follows the adventures and challenges of a devoted team on a mission to give abandoned pets another chance at a happy life. This heart-warming series will take you on an extraordinary journey and restore your faith in humanity.

How to Do Stuff Good
Fridays 16:05
Hosted by a zany bunch of school-aged kids, each with their own story to tell and lesson to share, this hilarious series demonstrates how to do all manner of amazing things, from arts and crafts to cooking and pranks.

SPECIALS
Da Vinci Christmas!
Saturdays & Sundays, December 3rd–25th from 14:00 to 15:30
‘Tis the season for warm cocoa, cosy sweaters, and your favourite festive shows! Our Da Vinci Christmas special has a holiday line-up that’s sure to make you jolly.
Crafty Christmas fun is just around the corner with a marathon of Box Christmas every Saturday. And on Sundays, make wintery creations straight from the North Pole with back-to-back episodes of the all-new Marvellous Makes Christmas Special!
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you can watch all the cheerful Christmas celebrations all month long on Da Vinci!

Roundups #111: Da Vinci Kids Acquired Broadcasting Rights To Educational Comedy Series Fantastic Antics, Whose Line Is It Anyway, Love And Pride Makes Its Way To Timeless Dizi Channel International

Da Vinci Kids set to air a new educational series by 2023

France Télévisions commissioned the 26 x three-minute series from Les Films Jack Fébus. Aimed at six- to 11-year-olds, the slapstick adventure follows a trio of explorers who travel through time to learn about different cultures and eras, such as ancient Greece and Egypt.

Da Vinci acquired global broadcast rights from French distributor Dandelooo, and will air the series on its linear channel, OTT platform and app. Da Vinci’s OTT channel is available globally on connected TV via Apple TV, Roku, Samsung and Amazon Fire TV.

The company has acquired a programming library of animated and live-action shows and films targeting viewers ranging from preschoolers to co-viewing families. Da Vinci offers a mix of historical, arts & crafts, nature and science content, including titles such as Giggle Garage’s Dr. Panda, Six Eleven Media’s Addison and Operation Ouch! from Maverick TV.

Whose Line Is It Anyway cancelled after 12 seasons

Season 12 of the improv comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway? will be its last, according to a tweet from Colin Mochrie, one of its lead performers.

“Hey everyone. Hope you are enjoying the current season of Whose Line ,” he wrote. “In January, we shoot our final season. Thank you all for the support over the years.”

The young-skewing CW network faces an uncertain fate: Local-TV giant Nexstar Media Group recently acquired a 75 percent ownership stake, with plans to target older viewers and add low-cost, unscripted programming. Longtime network head Mark Pedowitz departed The CW shortly after the acquisition was finalized.

Timeless Dizi Channel to air new romantic family drama

Timeless Dizi Channel, SPI International's most popular entertainment channel home to variety of Turkish shows dubbed in English while also supplying Turkish audio will be launching a new romantic family drama, Love And Pride.

Love and Pride is the story of the young and beautiful Zeynep who is one of the five children of the Esen family. They live in an old neighborhood of Istanbul. Zeynep is now at the crossroads of taking an important decision in her life: will she accept Murat´s marriage proposal or will she be with Kenan?

Damla Sönmez stars as Zeynep, Mert Firat star as Kenan, Tülin Özen stars as Turkan, Lila Gürmen stars as Sevval and Ayris Alptekin stars as Sükran.

What To Expect On Da Vinci Kids Africa In November 2022?

PREMIERES AND SPECIALS
Kids Programmes
Zoe & Milo — PREMIERE 
26 x 10 mins
From November 12th – Saturdays & Sundays 10:15
Zoe and Milo, two ten-year-old best friends, travel the world in a plane built and piloted by Alim, a hamster. Get ready for a series of thrilling adventures, enriching discoveries, and extraordinary encounters with children from around the globe.

MeteoHeroes — PREMIERE 
52 x 10 mins
From November 12th – Saturdays & Sundays 10:55
Looking for a solution to the climate issues, six kids are travelling around the world, using their superpowers to prevent environmental catastrophes while learning the importance of respecting nature.

The Deep — NEW SEASON 
13 x 30 mins
From November 12th – Saturdays 10:30
The Deep follows the adventures of the Nekton family, a brilliant team of underwater explorers, who live aboard a state-of-the-art submarine, the Aronnax, and explore unknown areas of the Earth's oceans to unravel the mysteries of the depths.

How to Do Stuff Good — NEW SEASON 
15 x 20 mins
From November 18th – Fridays 16:05
Hosted by a zany bunch of school-aged kids, each with their own story to tell and lesson to share, this hilarious series demonstrates how to do all manner of amazing things, from arts & crafts to cooking and pranks.

Continuing Kids Programmes
Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage) — NEW EPISODES
Wednesdays & Thursdays 16:05
Jesse, Julia, and Ian have turned their love for gaming into a popular gaming channel. Reviews, competitions, celebrity visits, along with a lot of fun, will show you that games aren’t just for kids.

The Deep — NEW EPISODES
Saturdays 10:30 
The Deep follows the adventures of the Nekton family, a brilliant team of underwater explorers, who live aboard a state-of-the-art submarine, the Aronnax, and explore unknown areas of the Earth's oceans to unravel the mysteries of the depths.

Bitz & Bob — PREMIERE
Saturdays & Sundays 09:15
Meet eight-year-old Bitz and her younger brother Bob as they go on imaginative adventures with their toy friends. Using creative thinking and engineering ideas, they always find a way to save the day!

Yoko — NEW EPISODES
Saturdays & Sundays 11:00
Oto, Mai and Vik meet in the Park to play games with the magical Yoko. His unpredictable nature turns the kids’ everyday games into a high-stakes adventure where playgrounds become spaceships, or the sun switches off because camping is just more fun in the dark.

Hogie the Globehopper — NEW EPISODES
Saturdays & Sundays 10:00
A curious tree frog named Hogie and his friends travel the world, meeting children of different cultures and exploring the lifestyle and the traditions of the countries they are visiting.

Monthly & Weekly Specials
International Day of Tolerance Marathon!
Wednesday, November 16th from 08:00 to 16:05
08:05 Yoko — Camp Out!
The kids learn that sometimes too many rules can ruin the fun when a spirited game gets a bit overly complicated.

08:17 Yoko — Don’t Touch
When Vik doesn’t want to share his brand-new ball, his friends use inventive “super-spy skills” to change his mind.
08:35 Yoko — Vik Plays with Others
When Mai and Oto get jealous of Vik’s other friends, they finally realise it’s possible to make new friends and keep the old ones too!
08:47 Yoko — All Together Now
When Vik and Mai want to start a band, Oto is reluctant to join. But with a little Yoko magic, Oto finds out that music is all around him!
08:59 Yoko — A Perfect Picnic
When the kids can’t agree on a perfect picnic location, they learn that compromise is important so everyone can have fun.
09:11 Yoko — Doppelgangers
The kids see themselves in a new light and discover the errors of their ways when Yoko creates magical doppelgangers of them!
09:25 Zoe & Milo — Trip to India
For hamsters' day, Zoe and Milo want to surprise Alim by making confetti to throw on their little friend. But Alim knows a place on earth where people celebrate by throwing something more interesting than confetti up in the air. Our heroes land in Rajasthan, India.
09:32 Zoe & Milo — Trip to South Korea
Zoe's mum doesn't like cakes, so Zoe isn't sure what to make for her birthday. Alim suggests visiting their penfriend Kachiko, who lives in South Korea. They meet up with her on the beach.
09:39 Zoe & Milo — Trip to Ecuador
Zoe's avocado tree is not in good shape, and she doesn't know how to revive it. Our friends travel to Ecuador, where they meet Idzi. He has a fabulous garden and a particular way to tend it.
09:46 Zoe & Milo — Trip to Japan - Part I
Zoe and Milo do not seem to know that there is a place on Earth where it is not at all polite to open a present in front of the person that gave it to you. Alim suggests bringing his friends to Japan, where they meet Kimiko.
09:55 Zoe & Milo — Trip to Morocco
Zoe is disgusted when she sees that Alim starts eating the chocolate mousse she prepared without a spoon. Soon after, they travel to Morocco and learn more about the eating customs there.
10:02 Zoe & Milo — Trip to Niger
Alim thinks that the criteria for being beautiful are not the same from country to country. To prove that beauty standards vary across cultures, he takes his friends to Nigeria, where, as they speak, a beauty contest is taking place.
10:09 Zoe & Milo — Trip to China
Zoe is writing a card to a friend but is afraid of making spelling mistakes. Is there a country in this world with no spelling rules at all? To find out, our friends travel to China, where people don't use letters but ideograms.
10:16 Zoe & Milo — Trip to Mexico
Alim knows a few countries where it is common to have insects as part of your menu. Our heroes are a bit taken aback. They decide to go to Taxco in Mexico, where Felipe is waiting for them to hunt some bugs! Grilled, they are a local delicacy.
10:25 Zoe & Milo — Trip to Senegal
Milo doesn't know what to do with his old broken skateboard. Zoe thinks it is useless, so it just needs to be thrown away, but Alim thinks otherwise. He knows that his friend Baidi can recycle anything and everything. Off they go to Senegal to meet Baidi!
10:32 Zoe & Milo — Trip to Papua New Guinea
Milo battles with mosquitoes using an insecticide spray but realises he can't win. Our heroes decide to pay a visit to their penfriend in Papua New Guinea and learn how to co-exist alongside mosquitoes.
10:39 Zoe & Milo — Trip to Netherlands
On which day in December should people receive their presents? Zoe and Milo are sure that it should be on Christmas, but Alim explains that in some countries, this happens on December 6th. They travel to the Netherlands and learn the story of St. Nicholas.
10:46 Zoe & Milo — Trip to Tibet
Zoe has started to make a mandala and she needs Milo's beautiful colouring pencils to finish it. That is not a problem for Milo, except that his pencil box is empty! How can Zoe finish her mandala without colouring pencils? A trip to Tibet soon appears to be necessary.
10:55 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to Kelantan
Hogie is on his way to Kuala Lumpur, but Floaty has a problem with his balloon, and the quick landing seems inevitable. Hogie meets Rosa, who takes them around her village and helps them find a way to fix Floaty’s balloon.
11:06 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to Machu Picchu
Hogie and his pals head to Machu Picchu with their new friend Tika and her mum. Hogie explores Incan food, and arts, and discovers that even though the Incas are an ancient civilisation, their customs and heritage are still very much alive.
11:25 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to Zermatt
Hogie and his friends travel to Zermatt, Switzerland. Their new friend Anna guides them down the mountain, and her brother - a ski instructor - teaches them all to ski.
11:36 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to Anchorage
The gang arrives in Anchorage, Alaska, on a very important day - the start of the big dogsled race! They meet Inny and her father who have had problems with their sled, but Hogie might just have an idea that means they can all take part in the snowy journey after all.
11:55 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to the Serengeti
Hogie and his friends travel to Serengeti. Hogie is excited to take some amazing photographs of the wildlife in the park, and their new friend Aliki tells them about the great migration.
12:06 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to Loch Ness
Floaty lands on the banks of Loch Ness, where Hogie and his friends meet Duncan, who is training to take part in the Highland Games. Can Hogie help Duncan prepare for the upcoming tournament, and will Lorna find that elusive Nessie?
12:25 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to Barcelona
It's a windy day in Barcelona and the gang’s new friend Andreu has to catch a windswept sash before his team of castellers attempts to break their own record later that day during the festival.
12:36 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to Amsterdam
Hogie and his pals enjoy National Tulip Day in Amsterdam, where they meet Anika, a little girl who is hoping to find some very special tulips for her grandma. But Bernie has a cold, and the tulips are all gone!
12:55 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to Istanbul
Hogie is on a mission to find some Turkish delight in Istanbul and discovers that they have landed on the best day for sweets and treats - it's the day of Sugar Feast! With their new friend Tarik, they try to get everything done in time for the upcoming party.
13:06 Hogie the Globehopper — Hogie Goes to London
The gang gets set for a Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery after landing at the Tower of London. With their new friend Ruby, they search high and low for some missing keys and use their detective skills to solve the case.
13:25 A Week to Beat the World — Mongolia Day 1
The girls’ team and presenter Camille Ucan are in Mongolia, being introduced to the nomadic way of life and seeing their legendary horseback skills for themselves.
13:39 A Week to Beat the World — Mongolia Day 2
The girls’ team and presenter Camille Ucan are in Mongolia learning the skills of the legendary Nomads.  Today, the girls face their first long horse ride and Camille gets a shock.
13:55 A Week to Beat the World — Mongolia Day 3
The girls’ team and presenter Camille Ucan are in Mongolia learning the skills of the legendary Nomads. Today they watch an amazing horse race and learn to use a bow and arrow.
14:10 A Week to Beat the World — Mongolia Day 4
The girls’ team and presenter Camille Ucan are in Mongolia learning the sports of the legendary Nomads. Today is all about animal skills - catching goats and learning to lasso.
14:25 A Week to Beat the World — Mongolia Day 5
It’s the final day of the girls’ team’s adventure in Mongolia where they’ve been learning the skills of Nomads. Today they take part in an epic relay race against the locals.
14:45 A Week to Beat the World — Malaysia Day 1
The girls’ team and presenter Camille Ucan are in Malaysia, being introduced to the sport of Lion Dancing and experiencing their first taste of local life.
15:00 A Week to Beat the World — Malaysia Day 2
It’s day 2 of the girls’ team adventure in Malaysia, learning to Lion Dance. Today is about leg strength, so presenter Camille Ucan challenges them to climb an epic set of stairs.
15:15 A Week to Beat the World — Malaysia Day 3
It’s day 3 of the girls’ team adventure in Malaysia, learning to Lion Dance. Today is about arm strength, and presenter Camille sets a challenge involving trays of full drinks.
15:30 A Week to Beat the World — Malaysia Day 4
It’s day 4 of the girls’ team adventure in Malaysia, learning to Lion Dance. Today is about teamwork, and presenter Camille brings out their competitiveness in a traditional game.
15:46 A Week to Beat the World — Malaysia Day 5
It’s competition day for the girls’ team in Malaysia, who have been learning how to Lion Dance. Can they put everything they have been taught into practice in front of the judges?

Wild Nature Weekend! 
Saturdays & Sundays from 16:15
Escape into the wild with our brand-new block of animal and nature-themed programming that is fun for the whole family! Every weekend, we’ll explore the natural world with shows that inspire an appreciation for our incredible planet. 
Baby Animals — Meet the world’s tiniest, cutest baby animals and see how they travel the road from birth to adolescence and adulthood. From building strong family ties to learning how to escape predators, these little creatures explore the world around them all day long.

Dogs with Extraordinary Jobs — Dogs never cease to amaze us. From Philadelphia, where a blind woman gets a new running mate, to Kenya, where a team of dogs is on daily patrol protecting endangered rhinos from poachers, we travel the world to meet some of these dogs with extraordinary jobs.  

The Pet Rescuers — The Pet Rescuers follows the adventures and challenges of a devoted team on a mission to give abandoned pets another chance at a happy life. This heart-warming series will take you on an extraordinary journey and restore your faith in humanity.

Animal Embassy — Entertaining and informative, this series will take you behind the scenes of Loro Parque - one of the world’s best zoos. Packed with engaging characters - both animal and human, Animal Embassy reveals the unshakeable devotion to conservation and animal welfare. 

Amazing Animal Friends — Discover some of the most incredible and unusual animal friendships. From the duck obsessed with a dog in France to the elephant that thinks she is a buffalo in Zimbabwe, we explore what brings these species together and how they form their extraordinary bonds.

Morning Brainiacs
Every day from 06:00 to 09:00
Early risers unite! Start the day off on the right foot with this collection of fun and educational programmes that will engage your kid’s brain and get them ready to take on the school day. 
06:00 Do You Know?
06:30 Siesta Z
06:45 Darwin & Newts 
07:00 PinCode 
07:20 Mily Miss Questions 
07:30 Marvellous Makes
07:35 Addison
07:50 Doki
08:05 Kosmix 
08:15 The Fixies 
08:25 Superhero Sprinter Galore
08:35 Wild Kratts 

 

Update: Da Vinci Kids To Remain Aboard The DStv And GOtv Platform

During the week, it was reported that MultiChoice was planning to remove Da Vinci Kids after placing a channel terminaton banner on all their platforms on top of providing a detailed statement with the channel that was initially slated to end on 15 October.

Now that won't be the case as MultiChoice confirmed to sources that after seeing feedback from several customers that they opted to keep the channel onboard meaning consumers will be able to view Operation Ouch and Xploration DIY SCI.

Moonbug Kids is still slated to launch on their platforms in the coming weeks as MultiChoice has shared several adverts regarding the brand. But questions amount to the positioning of the channel.

We all know now that Da Vinci Kids will stay put and Moonbug Kids won't be taking anyone's spotlight but how are we not sure that MultiChoice or any of their partners don't have another channel up their sleeve that is set to leave the platform.

As seen these past months, Paramount has further distanced themselves from Nicktoons only referencing them on the basis of NickMusic. Their partners, AMC International has been reviewing their linear offering which could spell trouble for consumers in Africa mostly for CBS Justice.

 

#BoycottMoonbugKids: The Possible Outcome To The Demise Of Da Vinci Kids On The DStv And GOtv Platform

With only a few days left on the DStv and GOtv platforms, MultiChoice has decided to axe the educational channel, Da Vinci Kids and this comes after unveiling a new preschool channel, Moonbug Kids. Thanks to our sources we were able to get an official statement.

MultiChoice constantly reviews its channel offering to ensure we continue to bring our customers the best quality local and international content that adds value to our customer's viewing experience. As such, Da Vinci (DStv channel 318 and GOtv channel 66/157/359) will no longer be available to DStv packages, effective 15 October 2022. We continue to look for fresh content that resonates with our viewers. Customers can look forward to more exciting content announcements such Moonbug Kids channel launching soon - and we've launched another kids channel, DreamWorks Channel earlier this year.

As mentioned in a previous post, Moonbug Kids will be added as a replacement to Da Vinci Kids and with MultiChoice battling transponder constraints it's led the brand to scrap a couple of channels in order to allocate more channels.

Unlike most replacements, Moonbug Kids is like when you slide BET with Travel Channel - random. As the two don't have much in common aside from the demographic with a bit of variation.

Da Vinci Kids audience range from 8-12 years with shows like Siesta Z, Operation Ouch, Horrible Histories and Wild Kratts. Accompanying the lineup is a dedicated family block filled with mostly documentaries and other factual content.

I mean after its acquisition the channel has become less of a Discovery Channel but more like a CBeebies and PBS Kids I mean there's more animation and the live-action puts it in a competitive spot with Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

But that's the thing, not a lot of people are familiar with this version of the channel as amazing as the improvements have been we have to face the facts. Not everyone is familiar with this version as opposed to the one from few years back.

The same can be said about its replacement Moonbug Kids as its audiences is further limited from Da Vinci Kids while the channel catered to 8-12 years then 6-12 years with Moonbug Kids it's like mixing Baby TV and JimJam to form this fresh smoothie.

Moonbug Kids has managed to redeem themselves and I have no doubt about that but the audience doesn't match up to Da Vinci Kids I mean the channel carried preschool just like Boomerang it doesn't come full-time as seen here.

Moonbug Kids is home to CoComelon a show featuring music, dance and nursery rhymes again something you'll typically see on Baby TV and the only thing that's less Baby TV about the channel is Supa Strikas and beside the point it's not something you'd expect on Da Vinci Kids.

But Supa Strikas being on a brand that is dedicated to preschoolers has me wondering how such a franchise can be reduced to preschool even that of Baby TV. I mean most of the company's property is preschool just kind of curious how Supa Strikas ended up in that predicament.

And even more curious on who still has the energy for this soccer legend I mean I believe everyone needs a break every now and then but Supa Strikas has been all over the place SABC, e.tv, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and now Moonbug Kids.

Da Vinci Kids doesn't have much alternatives aside from National Geographic and Curiosity but they aren't kid based and the channel kind of set up its offering in a way that would appease their target audience and those accompanying them and these brands cater for a much wider spectrum.

 

SHOCKER (MAYBE NOT)!!! Da Vinci Kids Is The Next Channel To Exit The DStv And Likely GOtv Platform Across Africa

From October 15th, MultiChoice will be breaking hearts of several children and family members as Da Vinci Kids is scheduled to exit their platforms after 3 years with the pay-tv operator failing to communicate with the media beforehand about the changes.

Da Vinci Kids was added in 2019 on the DStv platform in the midst of a carriage feud with A+E Networks for Lifetime and History with CuriosityStream (now Curiosity Channel) and CBS Justice added in the midst of that dispute.

The channel was once available on the Openview platform and was much repetitive but thanks to its acquisition in 2020. Da Vinci Kids managed to be an elite with shows like Odd Squad, Animal Rescue, Xploration DIY SCI, Bajillionaires and Detention Adventures.

Unfortunately all of that wasn't enough to retain the channel on their platforms as some sources mention that the channel didn't fit into their 5 year content strategy whatever that is but it's closure brings the total number of terminations on the platform to 9.

Last month, they unveiled a new preschool channel Moonbug Kids home to shows viewable on Cartoon Network and Boomerang like Supa Strikas and CoComelon alongside other content like Oddbods, Mia's Playground and Gecko's Garage.

I guess my hunch was right Moonbug Kids was coming to kill but I'm sure no one expected it to be Da Vinci Kids perhaps JimJam as the content seems out of style while others are duplicated on DreamWorks Channel and CBeebies.

Over whether MultiChoice will use channel 318 for anything similar to Da Vinci Kids that remains very much a mystery I mean there's a couple of channels I'd recommend BBC Kids or Kartoon Channel but as of right now you can view the channel on StarSat or through the app.