May 2024 On Discovery Family And Investigation Discovery Across Africa | New Series Alert: Michigan's Hell House And Bail Jumpers | Returning Shows Including Salvage Hunters | More

Discovery Family 

Salvage Hunters S6

NEW TO CHANNEL

Drew Pritchard makes money from bits of

buildings others don't want. Whether it's a historic chimney from a medieval manor or a glass conservatory dome from a Victorian folly, he spends life on the road searching for architectural treasures.

First TX: 6 May

TX Day: Mon - Fri

TX Time: 15:10

Last TX: 17 May

Investigation Discovery

Playboy Murders S2

New Season

These stories investigate murders that intersect with Playboy, exposing the pitfalls of fame for those appearing on their pages and forcing

audiences to question everything they thought they knew about one of America’s most recognizable publications.

First TX: 10 May

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 14 June

Bail Jumpers S1

Brand New

Across Bail Jumpers embeds with America’s most personable bounty hunters as they engage in unexpected and unforgettable conversations with their captives on the drive back to jail. Once the fugitive is secured in the back seat, it’s no-holds-barred dialogue that runs from petty squabbles and beefs with significant others, to rap sheets and stories of life on the lam.

First TX: 15 May

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 19 June

Dead Files S10

New Season

Physical medium Amy Allan and retired homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi combine their unique skills to solve unexplained paranormal phenomena in haunted locations across America.

First TX: 18 May

TX Day: Saturday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: TBC

Michigan Hell House

*New to Channel*

It's the most terrifying story you've never heard: In 1974, the Pomeraning family was tortured by "humanly impossible" poltergeist activity. Using newly uncovered recordings, Steve Shippy and Cindy Kaza try to identify the evil that rocked a small town.

First TX: 11 May

TX Day: Saturday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 11 May

April 2024 On Discovery Family, Real Time And Travel Channel Across Africa | New Series Alert: Spooked Scotland | Returning Shows Including Homicide City And Salvage Hunters | More

Discovery Family 

Salvage Hunters S5

NEW TO CHANNEL 

Drew Pritchard makes money from bits of buildings others don't want. Whether it's a historic chimney from a medieval manor or a glass conservatory dome from a Victorian folly, he spends life on the road searching for architectural treasures

First TX: 17 April

TX Day: Mon - Fri

TX Time: 15:10

Last TX: 30 April

Travel Channel 

Spooked Scotland S1

Brand New

Gail Porter, Chris Fleming and an expert paranormal team investigate supernatural

sightings and terrifying stories across Scotland.

First TX: 17 April

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: 29 May

The Dead Files S15

New Season

Physical medium Amy Allan and retired homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi combine their unique skills to solve unexplained paranormal phenomena in haunted locations across America. Each investigator's findings remain hidden from

the other, and from the property's occupants, until the shocking results are revealed in a riveting conclusion.

First TX: 1 April

TX Day: Monday

TX Time: 22:10

Last TX: 27 May

Real Time

Guy's Grocery Games S15

NEW TO CHANNEL

Guy Fieri sends talented chefs running through the aisles of Flavortown Market for the chance to make some serious dough. They face real-world

challenges as they compete to be the last chef

standing in this high-stakes cooking competition.

First TX: 9 April

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 12:05

Last TX: 22 April

Animal Cops Houston S17

NEW TO CHANNEL

Discover how the Houston Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals races to save

40,000 animals in distress every year.

First TX: 18 April

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 15:50

Last TX: 30 April

Homicide City S2

NEW TO CHANNEL

Veteran detectives who have seen it all take a deep dive into the stories of unforgettable murders from major American cities, revealing why these are the cases they will never forget.

First TX: 1 April

TX Day: Everyday

TX Time: 22:30

Last TX: 8 April

News Shorts: SuperSport Motorsport Opens Up To DStv Compact And Compact Plus Customers In Time For The F1 Season, Undercover Billionaire Returns On Discovery Family For Season 2 And PBS Kids Loads Up On Civics And Media Literacy With New Shorts

Undercover Billionaire returns for season 2

With just $100 in their pockets, three business titans are dropped in unfamiliar cities, stripped of their names, money and contacts and given a simple challenge: Build a $1 million business in just 90 days.

First TX: 13 March 

TX Day: Weekdays 

TX Time: 19:40

SuperSport Motorsport opening up to more DStv customers

The 2024 Formula 1 season will be the longest campaign on record with 24 races and six Sprint events from March 2nd to December 8th. There were 24 races planned for 2023, but the cancellation of the Chinese GP due to COVID-travel restrictions and Emilia Romagna due to floods reduced the number to 22.

MultiChoice will be making the F1 on SuperSport Motorsport accessible to DStv Compact+ and Compact from 28 February to 11 March.

PBS KIDS enters the classroom

PBS KIDS has commissioned a collection of themed content touching on civics and media literacy in order to address a learning gap that isn’t being well-served by the US school system.

On the greenlit list is Sesame Workshop’s new series of 20 Together We Can music videos for four-to-eight-year-olds, exploring topics such as rights, voting and what it means to be part of a community. 

PBS KIDS is also reupping its civics-focused City Island series of three-minute shorts for a second season, plus working on a City Island Sings spinoff (10 music videos). The next batch of 20 City Island episodes will tackle media literacy topics like news, advertising and fact-based reporting for six to 10s in an expanded 2D-animated story world.

February 2024 On Discovery Family And Food Network Across Africa | New Series Alert: Undercover Billionaire And Big Sky Kitchen With Eduardo Garcia | Returning Shows Including Girl Meets Farm | More

Discovery Family

Undercover Billionaire S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Self-made billionaire Glenn Stearns grew up poor in the sticks of Maryland and was only 14 years old when he became a father. A few years ago, however, he sold his company for $2.2 billion and is ready to put his money where his mouth is by making another million in only 90 days with just $100 in his pocket. If he succeeds, he'll give that money back to the people that helped him along the way.

First TX: 13 Feb

TX Day: Mon - Fri

TX Time: 20:35

Last TX: TBC

Food Network

Girl Meets Farm S13

NEW SEASON

Cookbook author, food blogger and Midwest

transplant Molly Yeh embraces her country life

and makes dishes inspired by her Jewish and

Chinese heritage -- with a taste of the Midwest,

too.

First TX: 1 Feb

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 14 Mar

Big Sky Kitchen With Eduardo Garcia S1 & S2

BRAND NEW

Montana-based chef, outdoorsman and wild food

forager Eduardo Garcia hosts this cooking series

inspired by his love for nature. His fun and

delicious meals become food celebrations for

family and friends under the big sky.

First TX: 4 Feb

TX Day: Saturday & Sundays

TX Time: 16:05

Last TX: 25 Feb

BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Burrell V. Tila S3

NEW SEASON

Undefeated champion Bobby Flay is joined by

Anne Burrell and Jet Tila, who both want a crack

at leading Food Network's next Master of 'Cue to

victory and a featured role on Food Network

Digital.

First TX: 26 Feb

TX Day: Monday

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: 15 Apr

BBQ USA S1

BRAND NEW

It's the most competitive game in food -- BBQ!

Chef and restaurateur Michael Symon heads to

the biggest BBQ competitions across America to

showcase the talented pitmasters, die-hard

devotees and, of course, the most

mouthwatering 'que around.

First TX: 18 Feb

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: 24 Mar

January 2024 On Investigation Discovery, Discovery Family, Travel Channel And Real Time Across Africa | New Series Alert: High Speed Case | Returning Shows Including The Haunted Museum And Dead Files | More

Investigation Discovery

American Monster S9

NEW SEASON

The stereotypical image of the ciriminal psychopath as a loner, anti-social and unable to maintain any

relations is a myth until they're Letcaught, murderers who kill for pleasure seem like the nicest guys in

Knthe world. After all, it's thrvperfect cover.

First TX: 29 Jan

TX Day: Monday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: TBC

The Curious Case Of Natalia Grace S2: Natalia Speaks

NEW SEASON

Season two of Curious Case of Natalia Grace will explore the Barnetts story from the side of Natalia's experience for the first time.

First TX: 28 Jan

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: TBC

High Speed Chase

BRAND NEW

Get in the driver's seat for some of the most extraordinary police chases ever captured on camera -- with never-before-seen footage, it’s a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled window into a world where criminals will do anything to escape.

First TX: 24 Jan

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 21:55

Last TX: TBC

Tell Us Your Secrets

Murders at the Burger Joint: A fast-food robbery turns into a night of terror for four employees. 

What happened at Fells Acres: The town of Malden, Massachusetts, erupts with outrage after a child attending a family-run daycare makes sexual abuse claims.

Murder at Carter County Mines: Mystery grips a town when a beloved couple goes missing from their home. 

What happened to Valentino Dixon?: A young man's shooting on a hot summer night isn't the only life destroyed.

Matriarch at Murder?: The brutal stabbing of a woman found dead on train tracks rocks her town.

Devil In The Ozarks: A brazen sexual assault shocks a small town, but goes unsolved for 20 years, until a nearby murder produces a suspect with matching DNA.

First TX: 7 Jan

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 21 Jan

Discovery Family

Dirty Jobs S5

NEW TO CHANNEL

An unflinching look at the unsung American worker, and the unusual but vital vocations that must be done. There's a lot to learn as host Mike Rowe introduces us to an elite assortment of men and women who make their living doing the most unthinkable jobs.

First TX: 12 Jan

TX Day: Mon - Fri

TX Time: 16:00

Last TX: TBC

Travel Channel

Dead Files S14

New Season

Physical medium Amy Allan and retired homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi combine their unique skills to solve unexplained paranormal phenomena in haunted locations across America. Each investigator's findings remain hidden from the other, and from the property's occupants, until the shocking results are revealed in a riveting conclusion.

First TX: 1 Jan

TX Day: Mon

TX Time: 22:10

Last TX: 25 March

The Haunted Museum S2

New Season

Paranormal investigator and host of Ghost Adventures Zak Bagans joins forces with filmmaker Eli Roth, the modern master of horror, to present a terrifying film anthology inspired by pieces found in Zak’s personal collection of haunted artifacts.

First TX: 9 Jan

TX Day: Tues

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: 27 Feb

Real Time

Guy's Grocery Games S13

NEW TO CHANNEL

Guy Fieri sends talented chefs running through the aisles of Flavortown Market for the chance to make some serious dough. They face real-world challenges as they compete to be the last chef standing in this high-stakes cooking competition.

First TX: 1 Jan

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 12:05

Last TX: TBC

I'd Kill For You S3

NEW TO CHANNEL

How far would you go for the person you love? 

Would you lie for them, die for them...or even kill 

for them? I'D KILL FOR YOU lifts the lid on 

unbelievable crimes in which one human's love, 

loyalty or devotion is chosen over another's life. 

These pre-meditated, highly calculated killings 

were all orchestrated by a twisted manipulator, 

who uses their love and power as the ultimate 

murder weapon.

First TX: 23 Jan

TX Day: Everyday

TX Time: 22:30

Last TX: TBC

What To Expect On Discovery Family, HGTV And Travel Channel In December 2023 Across Africa?

Discovery Family

Wheeler Dealers S11

NEW TO CHANNEL

Viewers join host Mike Brewster and mechanic Edd China on their quest to transform automobiles back into mint condition. From completing major overhauls to tackling tricky detailing jobs, Mike and Edd teach all aspects of automotive restoration.

HGTV

Windy City Rehab: Alison's Dream Home

BRAND NEW (SPIN-OFF)

Alison puts it all on the line when she jumps into an

ambitious personal renovation without the cash to

pay for it. Her 6,000 square foot office could be the

perfect place to call home, or it might be a giant

money pit.

First TX: 14 Dec

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 28 Dec

Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation S2

NEW SEASON

What happens after families purchase affordable vacation homes that need a little work? With a bit of

imagination and a lot of muscle, they'll transform their new properties into the relaxing getaways they had always envisioned.

First TX: 20 Dec

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 13:55

Last TX: TBC

Christmas with HGTV

There’s no place like an HGTV home for the holidays! HGTV stars know a thing or two about decorating and when it comes to decorating for the holidays, they pull out all the stops. This festive season, get inspired at how your favourites have decorate for the holidays!

First TX: 4 Dec

TX Day: Monday-Sunday

TX Time: 18:15

Last TX: 26 Dec

Home Town: Ben’s Workshop S2

NEW SPECIAL

Episode: Home Town: Ben’s Holiday Workshop

Ben Napier dons the big red suit as he and Erin are joined by their celebrity friends to complete holiday projects that bring Christmas cheer to Laurel, Mississippi.

First TX: 22 Dec

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 18:15

Last TX: 22 Dec

Travel Channel

Fright Club S1

New Show

Jack Osbourne and the Ghost Brothers -- Dalen Spratt, Marcus Harvey and Juwan Mass -- compete to freak each other out with creepy paranormal footage.

First TX: 14 December

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: TBC

Help! My House is Haunted S4 

New Season

The UK's leading paranormal experts stop at nothing to help terrified homeowners plagued by supernatural forces.

First TX: 9 December

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: TBC

Part 2: What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery Across Africa In November 2023?

Food Network

HOLIDAY WARS S4

New Season

Host Jeff Mauro joins judges Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeria as they challenge nine teams of cake and sugar artists to create mind-blowing holiday cakes. In the end, only one team will win the championship title and a trip to see Iceland's northern lights.

First TX: 10 November 

TX Day: Friday 

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 29 December

CHRISTMAS COOKIE CHALLENGE S6

New Season

Eddie Jackson and Ree Drummond invite the most-talented cookie makers to craft stunning holiday creations like rotating carousels, oversized ornaments and heavenly angels. In the end, the winners take home the coveted golden ornament and a $10,000 prize.

First TX: 19 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 24 December

FESTIVE CHRISTMAS

Stunt

Titles included:

Christmas Cookie Challenge S3-4

Santa’s Baking Blizzard

Holiday Wars S3

First TX: 20 November 

TX Day: Monday-Friday 

TX Time: 14:20

Last TX: 25 December

HBC: GINGERBREAD SHOWDOWN S2

New Season

It's a festive competition of sugar and spice as three teams of gingerbreaders build huge, themed gingerbread displays. Host Carla Hall joins judges Stephanie Boswell and Kalen Allen to decide which team of cookie artists will win the $10,000 grand prize.

First TX: 11 November 

TX Day: Saturday 

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: TBC

HOLIDAY BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP S9

New Season

Jesse Palmer welcomes 12 holiday bakers to bring festive cheer to judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Carla Hall. One competitor will take home all the gifts under the tree, including $25,000, a spot in Food Network Magazine and the championship title.

First TX: 3 November 

TX Day: Friday 

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: TBC

BEAT BOBBY FLAY: HOLIDAY THROWDOWN S1

Brand New

The Food Network family is challenging Bobby Flay to face his worst holiday nightmares. In each supersized hour, familiar faces battle it out to choose the final challenge and pick the teams in this epic Beat Bobby Flay Holiday Throwdown!

First TX: 27 November 

TX Day: Monday 

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 25 December

ZOE BAKES S1

Brand New

Zoë François bakes and cooks her

favorite recipes, from easy main dishes

to delicious desserts, with a little help

from her friends and family.

First TX: 18 November TX Day: Sat-Sun TX Time: 16:05

Last TX: 3 December

MAGNOLIA TABLE WITH JOANNA GAINES S4&5

New Season

Joanna Gaines shares more of her favorite

recipes in Season 4 & 5 including

raspberry chipotle pork tenderloin, basil

pesto chicken pizza, strawberry and

candied pecan salad, sopapillas, chicken

dumplings, chocolate hazelnut bread

pudding and chicken Florentine.

First TX: 2 November 

TX Day: Thursday TX 

Time: 17:00

Last TX: TBC

Investigation Discovery

ID SPECIAL REPORT: THE LONG ISLAND SERIAL KILLER

Brand New

The astonishing arrest of NYC architect and suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann sends shockwaves across the U.S. Now experts break down the latest in the case -- Who are the victims, who is Rex Heuermann, and how did he hide in plain sight?

First TX: 5 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:00

DOOMSDAY: THE TRIAL OF LORI VALLOW DAYBELL

Brand New

Follow the arrest and trial of Lori Vallow Daybell after the mysterious 2019 disappearance and murder of her children, 7- year-old JJ Vallow, and his older step-sister, 17-year-old Tylee Ryan, in Rexburg, Idaho.

First TX: 12 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:00

HOW TO CREATE A SEX SCANDAL

Brand New

With more twists and turns than a Hollywood thriller, this mind- blowing documentary exposes a devastating and scarcely believable true crime story that all begins in a swingers club in a small town in East Texas.

First TX: 26 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:00

A BODY IN THE BASEMENT S1

Brand New

These chilling stories of murder hit terrifyingly close to home -- each a real-life tale about the last thing anyone wants to find in their basement, a dead body. Every episode will make one think twice before ever stepping foot in the basement again.

First TX: 7 November 

TX Day: Tuesday 

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 12 December

THE MURDER TAPES S6A

Brand New

Homicide investigations unfold through dramatic real footage in this groundbreaking series. Viewers get an up-close perspective of each case using raw, unfiltered footage from body cams at the crime scene, surveillance cameras and interrogation rooms.

First TX: 15 November 

TX Day: Wednesday 

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 13 December

Discovery Family

WHEELER DEALERS S10

New Season

Viewers join host Mike Brewster and mechanic Edd China on their quest to transform automobiles back into mint condition. From completing major overhauls to tackling tricky detailing jobs, Mike and Edd teach all aspects of automotive restoration.

First TX: 8 November 

TX Day: Monday-Friday 

TX Time: 15:10

Last TX: 23 November

Travel Channel

GHOST HUNTERS S14

New Season

Renowned TAPS team members Jason Hawes, Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango, along with Shari DeBenedetti, reunite to revisit their most chilling cases and investigate disturbing new hauntings.

First TX: 10 November 

TX Day: Friday 

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: TBC

EXPEDITION BIGFOOT S3

New Season

An elite team of Sasquatch specialists journey into the unforgiving North American wilderness to prove once and for all that the elusive beast known as Bigfoot is real.

First TX: 26 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: TBC

SCREAM: THE TRUE STORY

One-Off

Paranormal investigator Steve Shippy and psychic medium Cindy Kaza investigate the demonic forces that allegedly drove Danny Rolling, aka The Gainesville Ripper, to murder. The duo attempts to contact Rolling's spirit to uncover the truth behind the gruesome crime spree that inspired a blockbuster film.

TX: 12 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:10

THE CURSE OF LIZZIE BORDEN

One-Off

Dave Schrader assembles a team of paranormal experts to investigate whether a dark family curse led to the most infamous ax murders of all time. With new evidence that Lizzie Borden's ghost resides in the murder house, they conduct a seance to unearth the truth and finally close the portal of evil forever.

TX: 19 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:10

MICHIGAN HELL HOUSE

One-Off

It's the most terrifying story you've never heard: In 1974, the Pomeraning family was tortured by relentless, "humanly impossible" poltergeist activity. Using newly uncovered recordings, paranormal investigator Steve Shippy and psychic medium Cindy Kaza attempt to identify the evil that rocked a small Michigan town.

TX: 5 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:10

Real Time

Forbidden: Dying For Love S2&3

New Seasons

This series tells jaw-dropping stories of forbidden love: relationships that break taboos, cross boundaries, shock communities, and lead to extraordinary and shocking crimes.

First TX: 13 November 

TX Day: Monday-Sunday 

TX Time: 22:30

Last TX: 30 Nov

HOME AGAIN WITH THE FORDS S1

Brand New

Siblings Leanne and Steve Ford help people move back to where they grew up. These houses have a lot of love and history in their walls, and Steve and Leanne's challenge is to respect their past while updating the homes for the new generation.

First TX: 6 November 

TX Day: Monday-Friday 

TX Time: 15:50

Last TX: TBC

Could Discovery Family And Real Time Also Be Going Dark Following The Termination Of Discovery Science And Discovery Turbo Xtra?

During the week, it was reported that Warner Bros. Discovery would be ending Discovery Science and also Discovery Turbo Xtra across various international markets (including Africa) meaning similar to the remaining Disney Channels in Asia they won't live through 2024.

Prior to these Discovery channels demise, Warner Bros. Discovery had quietly removed any mentions of "Brand New" from their promos with Discovery Family and Real Time both of which are residing on Zuku and MultiChoice's DStv across Africa had undergone a similar route.

Unlike Discovery Science, Discovery Family and Real Time continue to update their offering. I would be lying if I didn't say Warner had made changes to the channel that would question their very existence.

Few years back, Warner would licence content exclusively for these channels particularly The Carbonaro Effect and The Marilyn Denis Show but now both channels exist to rehash content from Discovery Channel, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery and HGTV.

On top of that, there's no marketing going towards these brands particularly content viewed on them. Considering these channels are a priority to both Warner and the viewers, you'd expect consistency. Although the latter is just repeats they are consumers actually viewing the content.

Some of these viewers may get attached to some of the content and would want to keep tabs. Warner's failure to just promote these shows would further distance viewers from the channel or better yet affect the performance as mentioning these shows would keep viewers onboard.

As to whether Real Time and Discovery Family could be going dark in the region as seen with Disney's offering in Asia and Warner's offering in Europe - that's kind of quo.

After what happened to Boomerang, Warner may look at ways of trying to keep the content intact without negatively impacting the viewers. Perhaps a merger/rebranding of the channels is what awaits for them in future or if a closure is inevitable perhaps a substitute like Discovery Channel and TLC.

In all honesty, Real Time looks more lively and upbeat than Discovery Family (with its large chunk of Discovery Channel) as it inherits content from Food Network, HGTV and Investigation Discovery with very little investment coming from TLC and Animal Planet.

Drafted Version: What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery Africa In July 2023?

Discovery Channel:

Expedition Unknown: An archaeologist travels across the world in search of lost artefacts and investigates unsolved mysteries like the creation of the Nazca lines.
Outback Opal Hunters: Six teams of opal miners from Australia embark on a risky mission to hunt for the most fascinating gemstone in harsh and remote landscapes.

TLC:

Me Or The Menu: Four couples put their relationship to the test as they try to overcome the difficulties of opening their first restaurant together.
Outdaughtered: American married couple Adam and Danielle, parents to a set of all-female quintuplets, share details about the joys and struggles of taking care of multiple children.
90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days: The series about couples who unite in America under a special U.S. visa -- tells of how the couples first became acquainted.

Discovery Family:

Street Outlaws Fastest In America: Eight of the fastest teams in the U.S. descend on Memphis to compete for the biggest street race yet, for a prize of $100,000. Handpicked by JJ Da Boss, street racing bosses from South Carolina, St. Louis, Kentucky, Mississippi, Detroit, NOLA, Texas and the Northeast, each claiming to be king of the streets, have assembled their teams in Memphis for the chance to prove their racing chops.

Real Time:

Spring Baking Championship: America's finest pastry chefs and professional bakers battle it out in a series of challenges based on springtime treats that test their culinary skills.
Still A Mystery: Reexaminations of cases in which unanswered questions still remain; includes interviews with law enforcement personnel, family members and private investigators as well as news footage and social media posts.
NASA's Unexplained Files: Various theories offer insight into the work NASA does and has been doing.
Buddy's Big Bakedown: Amateur and professional bakers from the USA create and bake different cakes and compete against each other to emerge victorious.
The Demon Files: Ralph Sarchie and his team help people under attack from demons and Satan.
Secret Space Escapes: Astronauts and scientists recall their terrifying and near-death experiences during space missions.
Lakefront Bargain Hunt: The spotlight is on water lovers who dream of weekends or summers living by the dock of the bay.

Investigation Discovery:

Homicide Hunter: The Man With No Face: 1988: In Colorado Springs, Mary Lynn Vialpando, age 24, was raped and murdered. 30 years later, detectives link the crime scene DNA to James Papol. In May 2021, now age 48, Papol pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Aaron Hernandez: An ID Murder Mystery: Football, fame and murder. In this special, we examine the rise and fall of football star, Aaron Hernandez.
Susan Powell: An ID Murder Mystery: After 28-year-old Susan Powell disappears from her home in West Valley City, Utah, her husband, Josh, unsettles police with his odd behavior, leading them to suspect he knows what really happened to his wife and the mother of his two young sons.
Pamela Smart: An American Mystery: This three part special explores the story of Gregg Smart, whose wife Pamela Smart plotted his murder at the hands of four teenage boys in 1990.

Food Network:

Guy's Ranch Kitchen: Guy Fieri challenges his friends in a cooking showdown to prepare some of the most healthy dishes that are packed with flavour.
Supermarket Stakeout: The host invites aspiring chefs from different parts of the country to purchase ingredients from grocery shoppers and compete in a series of culinary rounds to win.

HGTV:

100 Day Dream Home: A custom home designer couple takes up assignments wherein they build a perfect house from scratch in less than 100 days.
Holmes Family Rescue: Contractor Mike Holmes teams up with his kids, Michael Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes, to rescue clients who have nowhere else to turn after living through botched construction jobs.
Holmes Of

Travel Channel:

The Haunted Museum: Paranormal investigator and host of Ghost Adventures Zak Bagans joins forces with filmmaker Eli Roth, the modern master of horror, to present a terrifying film anthology inspired by pieces found in Zak’s personal collection of haunted artifacts.
Kindred Spirits: Paranormal investigators, Amy Bruni and Adam Berry, help families troubled by supernatural activities in their homes and help them find peace.

Cartoon Network:

Craig Of The Creek: Following the adventures of Craig Williams and his two friends, Kelsey Pokoly and John Paul `JP' Mercer, as they explore the untamed wilderness of the Creek, which is dominated by tribes of children.
Jellystone: Yogi Bear, Cindy Bear, Huckleberry Hound, and other residents of Jellystone cross paths in fun and ridiculous ways, turning everyday activities into hilarious pandemonium.
Justice League Vs. Buzzard League: It's up to the Justice League to team up with their bizarre counterparts to stop Darkseid and save the galaxy!
Garbage Boy And Trash Can (New Show): About a boy who believes he has superpowers and fights for justice with his sidekick, Trash Can.
Justice League Gotham City Breakout: about a boy who believes he has superpowers and fights for justice with his sidekick, Trash Can.

Cartoonito:

The Adventures Of Bernie (New Show): After failing to help Zig, Bernie is lost at the bottom of the ocean. In this hostile environment, this handyman will do everything he can to get back to his island and find Zig, but his clumsy new neighbours won't make his task any easier.
Bugs Bunny Builders: Bugs Bunny and Lola Bunny manage an inept crew of builders at ACME Construction Company. Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, and others use their tools and wild vehicles to pull off some loony construction jobs.
Toads And Friends: The series celebrates the countryside and children’s simple joy of being outdoors as they follow their favorite characters on brand new humorous adventures in which they discover moral courage, respect and the value of friendship.
Silly Sundays (New Show): Everything centers around Sonia, Hugo, Mel, Mom, Dad and Granny as they create unforgettable memories together during their weekend gatherings.

Boing:

My Little Pony: Pony Life (New Show): The series explores comedic, slice of life stories that Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy experience, primarily while hanging out at Sugarcube Corner.

Drafted Version: What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery Africa In June 2023?

Discovery Channel (DStv channel 121):

Hoffman Family Gold
Gold Rush: Parker's Trail
Naked And Afraid: Alone
Salvage Hunters
Alaskan Bush People

TLC (DStv channel 135):

Generation Drag - New Show
Love In Paradise
1000lb Best Friends
Awake Surgery - New Show
The Book Of Queer - New Show
Love Of The Grid - New Show
Our2Moms - New Show

Discovery Family (DStv channel 136):

Street Outlaws: Fastest In America
Alaskan Bush People

TNT (DStv channel 137):

Dating & New York - TNT Original Movie
Monsterpieces stunt featuring Godzilla
Forever Young stunt

Real Time (DStv channel 155):

Still A Mystery
I'd Kill For You

Investigation Discovery (DStv channel 171):

Undercover Underage
Murder In The Heartland
Body Cam

Food Network (DStv channel 175):

Spring Baking Championship
Kitchen Crash
Alex Vs. America
Guy's Ultimate Game Night - New Show

HGTV (DStv channel 177):

Fix My Flip
The Nate & Jeremiah: Home Project
Rock The Block
Hometown Takeover

Travel Channel (DStv channel 179):

Conjuring Kesha - New Show
Ghosts Of Devil's Perch - New Show
Mountain Monsters

Cartoon Network (DStv channel 301):

Ninjago: Dragon's Riding - New Show
Jade Armor
Lego & DC Justice League
Lego & DC's Shazam: Magic And Monsters

Cartoonito (DStv channel 302):

Interstellar Ella - New Show
Masha And The Bear
Cheese Day stunt featuring Tom And Jerry

What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery's Africa Bouquet Of Channels In May 2023?

Discovery Channel (DStv 121):

* Deadliest Catch: Fishermen experience deadly dangers, uncertainty and discomfiture in the Bering Sea aboard fishing vessels during the Alaskan king crab, snow crab and bairdi crab fishing seasons.
* Salvage Hunters: Treasure hunter Drew Pritchard travels the length and breadth of the country in search of elusive gems and other magnificent objects.

TLC (DStv 135):

* 7 Little Johnsons: The Johnstons are an average of seven American families pursuing the American dream. Papa Trent and Mama Amber have five children under the age of 16, all with achondroplasia dwarfism.
* Dr. Pimple Popper: Sandra Siew Pin Lee Rebish, also known as Dr. Pimple Popper, is an American dermatologist and YouTuber based in Upland, California. She is known for her online videos and her TV series Dr. Pimple Popper.
* Introducing Selma Blair: A deeply intimate and raw portrait of Selma Blair after she is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and tries to slow the progression of her disease.
* You, Me And My Ex: Matt's ex moves in, upsetting his current girlfriend. Alex's ex wants to be godfather to Alex and Caroline's baby. De'Andre plans a trip with his ex, Rowan.
* Seeking Brother Husband: Documenting the ups, downs and everything in between as polyandrous relationships navigate boundaries and life-changing decisions while working to add additional husbands to their families.

Discovery Family (DStv 136):

* Street Racing Fastest In America: Eight of the fastest teams in America fight for a winner-takes-all purse of $100,000 – the highest payout in street racing history.

Real Time (DStv 155):

* The Great Food Truck Race: Seven teams of mobile chefs are put through a gruelling test where they travel to cities and sell their food items from their truck. The team that sells the most food items wins the competition.

Investigation Discovery (DStv 171):

* Uprooted: Follows Sherri, as she tries to find the truth behind the unsolved death of his brother Keith Warren in 1986.
* The Real Death In Paradise: British residents love to escape Britain's miserable weather for sunny skies and sandy beaches. However, occasionally these trips to paradise turn into a murderous bloody nightmare.
* The Tetris Murders: A look at the unsolved murders of Vladimir Pokhilko, who was involved in the development of the puzzle-based video game Tetris, and his wife and their young son in their Palo Alto, California home on September 22, 1998.

Food Network (DStv 175):

* Outchef'd: Confident home cooks who think they are arriving for an audition get the surprise of their lives when they find out they're actually about to begin a head-to-head competition against a world-class chef.
* Grudge Match: Tournament of Champions sideline commentators Chef Justin Warner and Chef Simon Majumdar are going head-to-head in this second grudge match.
* Pioneer Woman: Ree Drummond prepares delicious down-home dishes that can be cooked by beginners and shares shortcut tips for saving time while cooking.
* Restaurant Impossible: Chef Robert Irvine sets out to salvage restaurants on the verge of shutting down with just USD 10,000 and two days to help the owners get back into business.
* Girl Meets Farm: Food blogger Molly Yeh shares her love for cooking by preparing a variety of delicious dishes. Simultaneously, she shares insights into her life in the countryside.
* Beat Bobby Flay: A talented chef hosts a cooking showdown wherein culinary experts battle it out to win the ultimate culinary duel. The winner gets a chance to compete with Bobby Flay.

HGTV (DStv 177):

* Build It Forward: Improvements With Impact. This five-part series introduces HGTV viewers to individuals across the US — five local heroes who were part of special projects in their communities — and who were selected for a surprise home renovation of their dreams.
* Houses With History: A trio of Massachusetts natives comb Plymouth County and the surrounding wooded areas south of Boston to transform 18th and 19th-century homes into brand new ones, all while preserving their history.
* Home Town: Ben and Erin Napier work with each other to change old homes into dream homes.
* Extreme RVs: Extreme RVs features rolling mansions with incredible amenities and designs that put most homes to shame.
* The Flipping El Moussas: Follows couple Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa during their personal and professional journey of newlyweds and real estate experts.
* Married To Real Estate: Real estate broker and designer Egypt Sherrod, alongside her husband, builder Mike Jackson, juggle their busy professional and personal lives while helping clients land their perfect home in a dream neighbourhood.
* Rico To The Rescue: Rico León steps in to help Denver homeowners salvage renovations that have gone off the rails; driven by his parents' past experience with a crooked contractor, Rico advocates for families who need an expert to fix their stressful situations.

Travel Channel (DStv 179):

* Beyond The Unknown: Take strange occurrences, weird events, and unexplained happenings and put them all together. That is what you get with Beyond the Unknown. Each episode shows you something different.
* Ghost Brothers Lights Out: Three brothers with different personalities visit various haunted locations across the United States to debunk supernatural lore and phenomena.
* Kindred Spirits: Paranormal investigators, Amy Bruni and Adam Berry, help families troubled by supernatural activities in their homes and help them find peace.

Cartoon Network (DStv 301):

* Ivandoe (New Show): The series follows the adventures of Ivandoe, the young prince of the forest whose father, The Mighty Stag, sends him on a quest for the magical Golden Feather of the fearsome Eagle King.
* Teen Titans GO!: The superheroes Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Raven and Beast Boy love saving the world. But after they decide to stop fighting crime, things do not go as planned.
* Ben Gen 10: When Ben meets a young Generator Rex on the run from a hostile Providence, he must work through a series of misunderstandings, and defeat the dark wizard Hex in order to save the world.
* Ben 10 AlienXtinction: After the Tennysons are attacked by a villainous, dimension-hopping Omni-alien known only as Alien X, they meet a parallel universe version of Max, who opens the door to hosting multiple Bens and Gwens, forming an army to combat this threat.

Cartoonito (DStv 302):

* Toads And Friends (New Show): The story of two friends, a frog and a toad, based on the popular children's books by Arnold Lobel.
* Looney Tunes Cartoons: Cartoon shorts featuring cherished characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Sylvester, Tweety, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Taz, Marvin the Martian, and Beaky Buzzard.
* The Adventures Of Little Penguin: Follows the hectic and exciting adventures of Oscar, a young penguin who is setting out to explore the world.
* Sing With Cartoonito: learn about rhyming and numbers with CoComelon, Dino Ranch, Masha And The Bear and Thomas And Friends.

Could Cartoonito Channel Rollout In The United States Before 2025 Perhaps As A Replacement To Discovery Family?

In 2022, WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. formalised their formation into Warner Bros. Discovery which led to a lot of outrage from consumers following the cutback of staff and content and 2023 is where they look to start a new chapter.

We have shows like Tiny Toons Looniversity and Gremlins: The Secret Of Mowgai on Cartoon Network with My Adventures With Superman and Unicorn Warriors Eternal on Adult Swim all of which will be available to the revamped Max streaming service.

With questions surrounding the future of Cartoonito USA after garnering popularity internationally and on HBO Max. It was reported that some of Warner Bros. content such as Baby Looney Tunes and Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries would be made available to Discovery Family.

Although, this doesn't mean much at this point there's a lot of speculation amongst consumers that Discovery Family would unfold on Cartoonito as Hasbro is looking to sell their stake on the channel with the latter expected to continue until March 2025.

Now the idea of Cartoonito replacing Discovery Family doesn't seem like a completely bad idea as seen with Boomerang in the affected region as the content kind of aligns itself to the current demographic being preschoolers or as seen in the EMEA region, family.

Following this merger, I presume Discovery would want to work on factual and lifestyle oriented programming which is what Discovery Family lacks in the United States leaving the door open for a potential takeover for Cartoonito as Warner handles the kids offering.

What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery Africa's Bouquet Of Channels In April 2023?

Discovery Channel:

• The Bond - tells remarkable, moving and surprising stories of men, women and children bonding deeply with animals that we might think of as wild.
• Shorty Dream Shop - Everyone knows the American Dream wouldn't be complete without a great ride, but restoring classic cars is more than just a job for Shorty and his crew.
• Salvage Hunters Classic Cars - Salvage aficionado, Drew Pritchard teams up with Turbo Pickers' Paul Cowland for an epic motoring mission. They scour the UK, buying, restoring and selling classic cars.
• Brother Vs. Brother - Brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott go head-to-head as they mentor home improvement experts in order to refurbish properties. The teams will work hard to build the best property and secure the final prize.

TLC:

• Return To Amish S7 - Tell the stories of young people raised in the Amish and Mennonite communities. Some are wrestling with whether to continue to live according to their traditional beliefs or break away and embrace the modern world.
• 90 Day Fiance The Other Way - Several people from different walks of life set out on a journey across the globe to marry their soulmates. However, they must overcome a number of challenges in order to achieve success.
• 1000-lb Sisters - The Slaton sisters, tipping the scales at over 1,000 pounds combined, have always depended on each other for support. Now in their 30s, Amy wants to have children, but cannot due to her weight, while her elder sister Tammy is nearly bedridden.

Discovery Family:

• Street Outlaws Memphis - JJ Da Boss, from Memphis, USA, alongside his family and friends who have a decade-long history in street racing, welcomes the challengers who are tyring to beat them in a race.

Real Time:

• Restoring Galveston - Michael and Ashley Cordray are on a mission to save centuries-old homes on the island of Galveston, Texas. The home renovation specialists have a passion for preserving the island's history and won't let these architectural gems get wiped off the map.

Investigation Discovery:

• The Playboy Murders - is a limited anthology series of 6 episodes that give first-person insight into the world of obsession and murder that tragically affected the lives six young women involved with the Playboy lifestyle.

Food Network:

• Spring Baking Championship - America's finest pastry chefs and professional bakers battle it out in a series of challenges based on springtime treats that test their culinary skills.
• Beat Bobby Flay - A talented chef hosts a cooking showdown wherein culinary experts battle it out to win the ultimate culinary duel. The winner gets a chance to compete with Bobby Flay.
• Bake It Til You Make It - An inside look into the unique world of competitive baking and the extremely enthusiastic, over-the-top personalities who pursue their dreams of sweet victory in some of the toughest baking competitions in the country.

Travel Channel:

• The Ghost Town Terror - Follows a team of investigators as they try to uncover and solve mysterious paranormal events.
• Ghost Brothers Lights Out - Three brothers with different personalities visit various haunted locations across the United States to debunk supernatural lore and phenomena.
• UFO Witness: With unprecedented access to the archive of famed ufologist Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Ben Hansen seeks to unlock the secrets of the past to shed light on today's UFO encounters.
• Destination Fear S4 - Maverick paranormal explorer Dakota Laden takes his sister, Chelsea, and best friend, Tanner, across the country in an RV to spend the night in the most haunted locations in America, testing the limits of human fear.

Cartoon Network:

• Junior - Mikako, Africa, is home to Junior, an amazingly resourceful 10-year-old boy who always has a thousand and one ideas for solving everyday problems. Struggling to find the show, type Junior Hats Off To A Bright Idea.
• Craig Of The Creek - Young Craig and his two friends, Kelsey and John, live in Herkleston, Maryland. They experience a series of misadventures in and around their neighbourhood's creek.
• Summer Camp Island - Two best friends go to a magic sleep-away camp where nothing is what it seems.

Cartoonito:

• Bugs Bunny Builders - Bugs Bunny and Lola Bunny manage an inept crew of builders at ACME Construction Company. Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, and others use their tools and wild vehicles to pull off some loony construction jobs.
• Looney Tunes: On The Run - Lola Bunny invents a perfume with the adverse effect of turning people invisible, sending her and cab driver Bugs Bunny on the run from the FBI, while another shady group seeks the formula.
• Rabbids Invasion: Mission To Mars - Rabbids are on the mission of a lifetime to Mars. It's up to them to come together and stop the galaxy's newest threat.

* WEIRD: Boomerang Movie Stars becomes Cartoonito Movie Stars

What To Expect On Warner Bros Discovery In February 2023? (Drafted Version) PART 1

Discovery Channel (DStv channel 121):

- Outpack Opal Hunters: Six teams of opal miners from Australia embark on a risky mission to hunt for the most fascinating gemstone in harsh and remote landscapes.
- Wheeler Dealers: Automobile enthusiasts embark on a mission to restore various cars to their original condition and sell them to a new owner.
- Homestead Rescue: Raney Ranch: The Raneys take on the most ambitious project the family has ever attempted as they build a multi-generational homestead on their own 40 acres.
- Sewer Divers: An up-close look at the heroes that keep America's sewer systems running.
- Roadworthy Rescues: Follow Derek Bieri as he seeks out abandoned cars from America's past and gets them running and back on the road where they belong.

TLC (DStv channel 135):

- Mild Manor: TLC's new dating series follows crew of 'hot moms' vying for a chance at love with men half their age.
- Extreme Sisters: Sets of sisters share details of the unique bond they share with each other, some of which may seem extreme and intense by conventional standards.
- House Of Hammer: The definitive inside story of the rise and fall of the notorious Hammer family.
- Say Yes To The Dress: Sales associates, managers and fitters at various stores across Manhattan help nervous brides choose the perfect dress for their wedding.
- 90 Days Fiance UK: Dating across borders becomes possible as several non-American women get a visa to meet their fiances for a short duration. Later, they must decide whether to get married or return straight home.
- Darcey & Stacey: Twin sisters Darcey and Stacey, who have been with each other through major life events, grapple with demanding relationships and family crises.
- Helicopter ER: Documentary series following the life-saving work of the flying doctors and paramedics of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service.

DStv Flex:
- NCIS: Los Angeles cancelled after 14 seasons on M-Net
- Brand new seasons of your favourite shows coming to History
- February on The Home Channel
- February on HONEY

Discovery Family (DStv channel 136):

- Street Outlaws: Oklahoma City's street racers participate in a contest to showcase their driving skills and compete against each other to win the title.

TNT (DStv channel 137):

- Dark Night Comedy (Stunt)
- TNT Hit: Edge Of Tomorrow
- Valentine's Day Bromance: White House Down and Rush Hour

Real Time (DStv channel 155):

- Reasonable Doubt: Retired homicide detective Chris Anderson and criminal defense attorney Fatima Silva help desperate families, convinced a loved one has been wrongfully convicted of murder. Each week Chris and Fatima investigate a new case. And each week they are forced to decide whether there's really been a wrongful conviction or whether the family needs to face the bitter truth that their loved one is guilty as charged . "Reasonable Doubt" is a hard-hitting, balanced and emotional look at the US criminal justice system.

DStv:
- MultiChoice might be adding two new catch-up channels
- 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?

Prediction: DMAX Expands To Africa, To Launch On MultiChoice's DStv And eMedia Investments' Openview

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

In October, Warner Bros. Discovery and SMRG announced the launch of a new free-to-air channel, Asharq Discovery. The channel is set to feature a ray of original content while as supplying archived material from the company's portfolio.

The channel will span across pop science and engineering, motoring and turbo, wildlife and nature, adventure and travel, reality and lifestyle, and crime mystery documentaries which kind of gave me an idea for another channel, DMAX.

DMAX is a well established entertainment channel by Warner Bros. Discovery which skews toward the male audience and serves as a Real Time to Discovery Channel.

eMedia Investments:
- Prediction: eToonz to get an additional channel
- Could Openview+ lead to 24 hour capability of these channels?
- eToonz schedule explained
- Housewives has been scrapped from e.tv's lineup
- eMedia's 4 channels to go dark on DStv
- Charlize Theron opinion over the Afrikaans language

Ever since Real Time was repositioned to not lurk so much in the shadow of TLC I kind of feel comfortable with its presence. If you don't have access to Food Network, HGTV and Investigation Discovery there's not much to complain about from my point of view.

Trust me when I say, TLC has got a lot of potential but ever since it found its Kardashian with Say Yes To Dress and 90 Days Of Everything it can be a nuisance at times.

Discovery Channel "to some extent" has learnt a lot from its female counterpart with those motor and Hill Billy shows. It's not like TLC where they can air the same show with a new coat of paint but rent a backyard and do extreme demolitions with trucks followed by Moto GP.

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

DMAX introduces you to another version of Discovery Channel one which isn't obsessed with motors as they offer shows like Life Below Zero, American Chopper, Man Vs. Food, Animal Cops and Ghost Hunters.

Just like Real Time, I read this channel was repositioned in certain territories as they have some reality lows like Toddlers and Tiaras and My Big Fat Fabulous Life basically combining the format of Discovery Family and Real Time which has got me thinking.

Is it possible that channels like Discovery Family and Real Time have become obsolete to MultiChoice just think.

Openview:
- MultiChoice to rollout delayed Openview channel
- Openview to come with monthly fees by next year
- Could Openview be losing more channels in future?
- SABC 1 title card has been registered for customers
- MultiChoice attempting to replicate eExtra's Kuiertyd with kykNET
- eMovies and eMovies Extra receive their first competitors on DStv Easyview

When they launched CineMagic and Magic Showcase earlier this month. They mentioned trying to limit the amount of rebroadcasts seen on various packages that's why Novela Magic is being axed in South Africa and it's no secret that Discovery Family to some extent and Real Time lurk around the corner.

Discovery Family's content has been reshuffled several times and DMAX seems to have everything figured out. The only issue with Real Time is availability as there's plenty of customers who've already seen Chopped Junior and My Cat From Hell.

Which has got me thinking what if Real Time and Discovery Family were to fold under this tile DMAX with Travel Channel tagging along with some of its content on Discovery Channel as the channel has gone off unnoticed by both MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery.

The scenario goes as follows
1. Discovery Family and Real Time (including Travel Channel) form DMAX which is also regarded as free-to-air and allocated on the Openview platform.
2. Several content on Travel Channel moves over to Discovery Channel such as House Hunters International and Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
3. Discovery Channel moves over to Compact as MultiChoice has been bleeding DStv customers so why not. The only loser here is Family as they lost three channels and gain one with two on Compact.

DStv Updates: New Channels Ranging From Pop-Ups To Permanent, Terminations And Other Rumours

MultiChoice has lost several channels over the years with more closures expected in the near future. The pay-tv company has been exploring other means of entertainment by strengthening the bond with third parties and increasing local investment.

They've also experienced a decline in consumers particularly on top tier packages. Point being made even if there's a growth in the lower masses the costs won't be able to cover the premium entertainment on M-Net and SuperSport.

Evidently, I can see them lose consumers in that smaller area which kind of brings the new channels into the mix.

As some have noticed, there hasn't been much international on DStv as most of their suppliers like Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, NBCUniversal and Disney+ are saving them for their streaming service which they plan to introduce in the market.

 

 

MultiChoice is trying to build their programming slate with local content and sports. They're trying to be niche Disney+ is family and Discovery+ is factual so their only options are the reasons anyone would stay onboard at this point which brings us to the new channels.

Pop-Up Channels:

1. Woordfees
Unlike Afrocinema, the theatrical pop-up repeats the same content for the third time but to more DStv customers. The brand is expected to host some live event later in the year with the pop-up possibly fortunate to get the content in 2023.

2. Afrocinema
The channel gained massive success for its local movies when it was introduced last year in Africa Day so the brand is expected to make a return with a new movie titled Dark September.

Terminations:

1. Lifetime
As seen in other parts of Europe, Lifetime will cease transmission on DStv across Africa leaving A+E Networks to operate History for the time being. The channel closes by the end of May which coincides with the possible fate of the e.tv channels.

 

2. Discovery Family (rumour)
Its counterpart in France closed down earlier in the year as part of a decision made by the newly formed Warner Bros. Discovery and although not much reasons were shared with the sudden closure the feed on DStv has been on autopilot.

3. Boomerang (rumour)
Cartoonito launched as a programming block on the channel with plans to get content under this new branding and Cartoon Network shifting their focus to families and girls there's not much purpose for Boomerang.

4. eMedia channels - eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz (pending)
eMedia Investments and MultiChoice are currently battling out the potential outcome for these channels which were scheduled to close in March only for it to be extended through June.

New Channels:

1. Upcoming movie channel
Interpreted as a replacement to eMovies, MultiChoice plans to add another movie channel later in the year not only to South Africans but the rest of Africa. The channel is speculated to be a mashup of the two eMovies kind of like how DreamWorks became eToonz+.

 

2. Untitled Via duplicate
The norm for most local channels or at least the ones on top tier brands. The channel will exist to rehash programs seen on the main channel and will likely be exclusive to Access customers as the content is currently available on the main channel.

3. Existing channels (partially rumoured)
MultiChoice was set to add KIX as a replacement to eMovies on Access as they prep another movie channel with PBS Kids added to Easyview as a suitor for eToonz all of which are pending due to the e.tv channels. On another rumoured note, Access customers are said to get the African lifestyle channel, HONEY.

 

 

4. tvN (rumour)
The #1 Korean entertainment channel offering drama series and reality shows ran as a pop-up on DStv. After its closure, its social platforms remain active as they seek a platform to continue their operations.

5. SABC Education
Launched in 2020, the channel was created amidst a pandemic and negotiations were underway for the past two years to package it on DStv. The reason for the long wait may have to do with the other 2 channels.

6. Two untitled SABC channels
The channels were said to replace the 4 e.tv channels currently seen on DStv. Not much details were mentioned about the two but SABC did register 3 channels 2 of which might be the same ones eMedia Investments and the SABC failed to launch on Openview in 2021.

Travel Channel Could Be On The Chopping Block On DStv Following The Major Decline In Europe

Travel Channel is currently on autopilot through DStv as international markets have started aligning themselves with the main counterpart while others have pulled the rug under the channel.

One of the longest running brands on Discovery offered leisure, lifestyle and other travel related programs is transitioning to horror which is probably part of a phase in rolling out Discovery+.

As mentioned, several Travel Channels have closed down amidst the transition to horror and it wouldn't surprise me if the same fate awaited the brand in Africa.

The channel has heavily been disregarded by the media including Discovery Inc which held a celebration for much younger brands TLC and ID this month. On top of that ignorance is usually the first signs in terminations at Discovery.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Discovery Family might end as a linear channel in Africa following its termination on StarSat of course details surrounding the termination remain a mystery.

Either Discovery is consolidating the entertainment seen on Discovery Family and Travel Channel to male focused DMAX as seen in Europe or they are launching an accessory to HGTV, Magnolia Network.

You can find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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